This article is directed to vedic astrologers or jyotish students who are

familiar with the basic Jyotish concepts and terminology, and it can be too
difficult for beginners to understand.

Part 1

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah!

Astrology can be a very helpful tool to assess health matters on a individual, and a great help for
doctors and medical practitioners to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases.
Since diseases are related to Karma, and the Grahas are the instruments trough which the law of
Karma operates, we can asses the general health of a person, the organs-areas of the body which can
be prone to diseases, injuries or weaknesses, the different periods of time when those diseases or
injuries are more likely to occur, the time they may last and the prescription of the best medical
treatment and astrological remedies.
There are many factors in a birth chart that can indicate weakness of a particular organ or area of
the body.
There are also protective factors which help or counteract the negative effects.
Therefore, the jyotishi’s job is to look at the different signs and determine the weight of them on the
overall situation.
Just a single affliction to one part of the body can show some inconvenient situation regarding that
organ. If there are benefic influences on that organ, the problem could show only occasionally or
with only little repercussions, or the problem can be healed, whereas when we see many indications
showing a weakness on a particular organ of the body and without protective influences, then a
more difficult or incurable disease or injury of that part of the body will occur.

Let’s analyze the more important health significations to look for on a chart:

Significations of the planets:

Each planet is a "Karaka" o "significator" meaning, it represents certain body parts and functions.
Its condition, placement, dignity, aspects and strength will be one of the factors to determine the
health situation.
(The following underlined significations are the ones mention by B. Parashara Hora Sastra or
Phaladeepika)

The Sun
The Sun is a general significator for health, strength and vitality on a chart.
More specifically, it relates to the bones, right eye, sight, heart and stomach.
Afflictions of the Sun can cause headaches, fever, Pitta diseases (which can manifest in the liver
and gall bladder), bone problems, baldness, deficient blood circulation, heart problems, eye disease
or stomach disease.

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 On a psychological level the Sun rules the Self and personality and its affliction can cause low self-
esteem, weak personality, ego conflicts or irritability.

The Moon
The Moon is also an important significator for health and vitality and general strength of a chart.
It is considered the most important Graha in vedic astrology.
The moon represents the mind and emotions, it is related with Kapha dosha (and Vata) and is very
much related with the fluids of the body, the mucus and phlegm, the blood, the left eye, the sense of
taste, the female reproductive organs, the breast and milk, the chest area, the longs.
Afflictions to the Moon can be cause mental, psychological and emotional problems, psychiatric
diseases, excess or lack of sleep, dullness or laziness.

Mars
Mars represents the muscles, head, testicles, virility, bone marrow, sight, bile, blood pressure,
hemoglobin, injuries, accidents, violence, as well as general vigor and vitality.
The afflictions and influences of Mars on other organs can cause cuts, wounds, surgery, injury by
weapons, itching of the skin, bone fractures, hemorrhoids, miscarriages and abortions.
It rules the Pitta constitution, aggravation and type of diseases.
In the psychological level it can create an aggressive or violent nature and even crime.

Mercury
Mercury has a combination of the 3 ayurvedic doshas: vata, pitta and kapha.
It rules over the skin, sense of smell, memory, intelligence, speech, consciousness, respiratory
canal, intestines, throat.
Its afflictions can be a cause for mental aberrations, defective speech, nervous breakdown, lack of
discrimination, skin diseases, impotence, ear diseases, deafness, and bad dreams.

Jupiter
Jupiter is a Kapha or phlegmatic planet.
It rules over fat of the body, the liver, gall bladder, spleen, sense of sound, ears.
Its afflictions can cause liver disorder, diabetes, obesity, ear disorders, laziness, feet and hips
problems.
Being Jupiter a great natural benefic planet, if it is well placed and strong it can be a great
protection against diseases. Jupiter strong in an angle house is said to protect from a great number
of afflictions.
Being it a slow moving planet, its related diseases tend to last for long time or may become chronic.

Venus
Venus is a Vata and Kapha planet (wind and phlegm)
It rules semen and seminal fluid, sense of taste, sexual organs, reproductive system, sexuality, face.
Its afflictions can be related with sexual problems or aberrations, diseases of the sexual- generative-
urinary organs, venereal disease, eye disease, kidney stones and ailments, laziness and endocrinal
diseases.

Saturn
Saturn governs mainly the Vata or airy humor.
It rules over the muscles, sense of touch, nerves, joints, legs, knees, ankles.
Being the slowest moving planet and naturaly related with suffering and pain, it rules over chronic,
incurable and long lasting diseases.
Its related afflictions can be: Vata disorders, cancer, tumors, stomach troubles, excess of gas, joint
problems, paralysis, exhaustion and fatigue, and mental disorders like depression, melancholy, fears
or even suicidal tendencies.

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 Rahu
The scripture says “Shani vat Rahu” meaning that Rahu acts like Saturn, and can be related to the
same kind of afflictions. Rahu afflicting the Moon can create several mental and physical disorders
Rahu in particularly rules over poison, intoxication, addictions, compulsive behavior, worries, fears,
phobias, most psychological and psychiatric disorders, intestinal worms and snake bites.

Ketu
“Kuj vat Ketu” means that Ketu behaves like Mars, and it can cause injuries, accidents, cuts,
wounds, surgery, fevers, viral infections, intestinal worms, and mysterious or hard to diagnose
diseases.
He is also a general significator for disease.

Afflictions of the planets:

Affliction to the planets can cause weakness, disease or injury of the respective organ or body area.
A planet can be consider as afflicted when:

• Placed in its debilitation sign

• Placed in the dushtana houses: 6th, 8th or 12th (unless in its own house or exaltation sign)
• Aspected or conjoined by malefic planets or planets ruling the dushtana houses or the 3rd
or11th lords
• Hemmed in between two malefic planets.
• Weak or badly placed in the Vargas (divisional charts)
• Combusted (too close to the Sun)
• Defeated in planetary war
• In close conjunction with Rahu or Ketu
• Being “sandhi” with less than one degree of the beginning or end of a sign.

The aspect or conjunction of a benefic planet or the lord of the trikona houses on the afflicted
planet can help a great deal to neutralize or reduce its damage and indicates a possibility of
healing.

Significations of the Rashis (signs)

and Bhavas (Houses)
The Vedas and other ancient scriptures describe the sky as the “Kala Purusha” the “Divine cosmic
being”, personification of time, being the zodiac a representation of his different body parts.
There is a correlation between the houses with the same concept. The 1st house represents Aries,
the second house represents Taurus, and so on with the other houses and signs, being Aries the first
house of the Zodiac, Taurus the second and so on.
The following underlined significations are the ones mentioned in Parashara H.S and
Mantreshwara’s Phala Deepika.

Aries and the 1st house represent the head

Taurus and the 2nd house represent the face, neck, throat, and mouth
Gemini and the 3rd house represent the upper limbs, arms and hands (Parashara) chest(upper)
(phaladeepika), shoulders,
Cancer and the 4th house represent the heart (ph.d.), chest (bphs)and breast
Leo and the 5th house represent the stomach (bphs), the belly (ph.d.), upper abdomen and liver
Virgo and the 6th house represent the Hips, (Bphs.), the loin (ph.d.), umbilical region, intestines,
and lower back
Libra and the 7th house represent the waist (ph.d), the space below the navel(bphs.) lower
abdomen, reproductive and urinary organs, kidneys

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 Scorpio and the 8th house represent the private parts, external genitals, anus and rectum
Sagittarius and the 9th house represent the thighs and hips
Capricorn and the 10th house represent the knees
Aquarius and the 11th house represent the calves(ph.d.) and ankles(bphs)
Pisces and the 12th house represent the feet and sleep

More detailed meaning of the houses:

1st house: head, brain, hair, body appearance, birth, infancy
The 1st house represents the body and its strenght, and it is one of the most important houses to
analize in order to determine the general strength and health of a person.
2nd house: face, right eye, neck throat, teeth, tongue, mouth, eating habits, nose, speech, nails
3rd house: ears, right ear, lungs, shoulders, arms, hands, esophagus (upper part), clavicles, physical
fitness
4th house: Chest, lungs, heart, breast, milk, diaphragm emotional wellbeing.
5th house: the upper abdomen, stomach, liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas, duodenum, mind,
thinking, learning process, pregnancy.
6th house: intestines, digestion, absorption, appendix, lower back
The 6th house is the house of diseases and health in general, and rules over injuries, wounds,
accidents, surgery, ulcers, and mental suffering and struggle.
7th house: urinary tract, kidneys, sexual organs, sexuality, uterus, ovaries, testicles, semen, prostate
gland, lower intestine
8th house: external genital organs, anus, perineum, chronic or incurable diseases, pain,
mental pain or disease, form of death.
The 8th house is also very important in medical astrology as it is the house of longevity and death.
9th house: Hips, thighs
10th house: Knees, joints in general, legs.
11th house: left ear, calves, ankles, lower legs. Alternate house for disease (6th from the 6th )
12th house: feet, sleeping disorders, sexual pleasure, mental imbalances, hospitalization, losses.

Afflictions to the houses

A house can be considered as afflicted and the corresponding body parts will suffer when:

• There is a debilitated planet on that house.

• The ruler of a dushtana house or the 3rd or 11th lords is placed on that house. (some
exceptions occur when the a dushtana lord is placed in another dushtana house creating a
vipareet yoga, which tends to destroy the negative implications. Anyway, the native may
have to undergo some pain or disease related to those houses but it is usually overcome and
turned into something good)
• The house is hemmed in between two malefic planets.
• The ruler of the house is placed in its debilitation sign, weak in the vargas combusted or
defeated in planetary war
• There is a combustion or planetary war on that house
• The ruler of the house is placed in a dushtana house (with the same exceptions of vipareet
yoga)
• The ruler of the house is aspected by a malefic or a dushtana lord.
• The ruler of the house is hemmed in between two malefic planets
• The ruler of the house is in close conjunction with Rahu or Ketu
• The house is aspected by malefic planets or dushtana lords.
• A retrograde planet is placed on that house. Retrograde planets are not necessary malefic to
all the significations of the house, they are actually strong, but they seem to have a malefic
influence on the house they are located.

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 The aspect or conjunction of a benefic planet or the lord of the trikona houses on the afflicted house
can help a great deal to neutralize or reduce its damage and indicates a possibility of healing.

Signification of the Nakshatras

The 27 stars or constellations are used by vedic astrology since the ancient times and they are very
relavent to many aspects of life including health and each Nakshatra can be related with certain part
or organ of the physical body.

There is a mention in the Vamana Purana about this signification:

1. Aswini The knee

2. Bharani Head
3. Krittika Waist
4. Rohini Legs
5. Mrgashira the two eyes
6. Aridra Hair
7. Punarvasu fingers
8. Pushyami mouth
9. Aslesha nails
10. Magha nose
11. Purvaphalguni sexual organs
12. Uttaraphalguni sexual organs
13. Hasta the hands
14. Chittra forehead
15. Swati teeth
16. Vishakha the upper limbs
17. Anuradha heart
18. Jyeshta tongue
19. Moola both feet
20. Purvashada both thighs
21. Uttarashada both thighs
22. Sravana the ears
23. Dhanishta back
24. Satabisha both sides of the chin
25. Purvabhadra the two sides of the body
26. Uttarabhadra the two sides of the body
27. Revati The armpits

Jyotish and ayurveda

Ayurveda is the Vedic healing method or medical system, also originated from the ancient Rishis,
who taught the science of Jyotish. Ayur means life and Veda means knowledge or science, therefore
Ayurveda can be translated as “The science of life” or the science of health.
Most traditional ayurvedic doctors in India work together with Jyotish as a tool for diagnose and for
determine the most suitable treatment for diseases.
The principle of ayurveda is based on the 3 “Dhatus” humors, also called “Doshas” literally
meaning “faults” which constitute the body and must be kept in balance for perfect health. It is their
imbalance or aggravation that causes the diseases.

The 3 Doshas are:

Vata The Air element (and ether)

It is seated on the low intestines and is related with the gases in the body.

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 Vata imbalances tend to create excessive gas and disturbed digestion, rheumatic and joint problems,
mental agitation and nervousness.

Pitta The fire element

Fire is the element that allows the processes of digestion and assimilation, transformation and
chemical reactions in the body.
Its imbalances can create excessive gastric acids and bile, which can create ulcers, liver and gall
bladder disorders, skin rashes, infections, irritation and an aggressive temperament.

Kapha is a combination of earth and water elements

It is the phlegm element which lubricates and protects the body and provides stability and strength.
Phlegm is produce on the respiratory system but it gets seated mainly on the stomach.
Its imbalances can cause excessive phlegm and mucus, respiratory ailments, asthma, sinusitis,
obesity, excessive fat, laziness or lethargy.

Every person has a different combination and proportion of the 3 doshas which forms his or her
inherent nature what is called the ayurvedic constitution or Prakruti.
The first thing an ayurvedic practitioner will do is to determine that proportion of the doshas in the
individual constitution by several means. Some of them are:
Observation of the body shape, size, height, form of the eyes, nails, tongue.
Observation of the pulse and temperature of the body.
Observation of the eating preferences, sleeping, defecating, and other daily habits as well as mental
trends, behavior and personality.
The ayurvedic constitution can be seen on the birth chart.
Astrology can also help to determinate which of the doshas is more likely to become aggravated,
and when, in which periods of life, and what organs it can affect.
The nature of the doshas will be related with the cause of a particular disease and that will be very
important to determine the appropriate treatment.
For example, a few people may suffer from head aches, but the cause of them could be very
different in each of them depending on which dosha is the culprit.

Each planet has an ayurvedic constitution or dosha associated. According to Parashara:

Sun is Pitta
Moon is Vata and Kapha
Mars is Pitta
Mercury has a blend of the 3 humors
Jupiter is Kapha
Venus is Kapha and Vata
Saturn is Vata
Rahu is Vata
Ketu is Vata. (since Ketu behaves like Mars it also has a Pitta component)

The signs
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius (fire signs) and Capricorn are Pitta signs (Capricorn has a mix of Pitta
and Kapha because its an earth sign, but being ruled by Saturn is likely to aggravate Vata as well)
Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are Kapha signs (Scorpio has a mix of Kapha and Pitta
because it is ruled by Mars)
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius (air signs) and Virgo are Vata signs (Virgo has a Kapha component
too)

How to determine the ayurvedic constitution

by the birth chart.

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 • The most important place to see the body and its nature is the 1st house or ascendant. The
Sign of the ascendant, the strength of its ruling planet and the nature of a planet placed on
the ascendant will be an important influence on the constitution. Strong planes aspecting the
ascendant can also be a strong influence.
• Next to the ascendant, the Sun is the Karaka or significator of the 1st house and an important
influence on the constitution. Look at the Sign it is placed, the strength of its lord, as well as
planets in conjunction with the Sun or aspecting the Sun.
• The Moon is the next important factor, more so in the case of woman, but also in man,
especially if the Moon is strong on the chart. Again we have to consider the Moon sign,
conjunctions or aspects to the Moon.
• The 6th house is the house of health and disease and its Sign, planets located here or
aspecting or conjoining its lord are also important factors for determine the dosha and part
of the body which is more likely to become aggravated and create disease.
• The 8th house is related to severe or chronic diseases and its Sign and planets located here
can indicate the dosha and body parts likely to cause troubles.
• Any Planet which is very strong and tends to dominate the chart can be the giver of the main
constitution, more so if it is aspecting or related with the houses mentioned before. This will
be easier to determine when there are more than one planet showing the same ayurvedic
dosha.

Example 1 is a case of a typical

Vata Type. She is very thin,
never gain weight, always cold,
with a lot of intestinal gas and
digestive problems. Mind is
very agitated.
We can see the strong influence
of a very strong retrograde
Saturn on the ascendant (Saturn
is also the highest in shad bala
strength)
Rahu, another Vata planet is
conjunct the exact degree of the
ascendant.
The lagna lord Jupiter is
conjunct Ketu(vata) and
mercury in Virgo (a vata sign)
She lost al lot of weight and
was physically very weak
during the moon Maha dasha,
which is aspected by Saturn and
Rahu
The influence of Mars on the
6th house and the Moon in
Sagittarius show her secondary
nature as Pitta, but only in a
smaller percentage.

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 Example 2 case of Kapha
constitution.
The native has a big body, big
bones with a tendency to
obesity, excess mucus and
sinusitis. During the Jupiter
Dasha she started to gain a lot
of weight.
We can se the strong Full Moon
on the ascendant.
Venus and Jupiter are the
strongest planets in shad bala.
The Sun is in Pisces, ruled by
Jupiter who is aspecting the
Sun.
Venus is on the 6th house.
She gains weight easily and has
a difficulty to control the eating
habit
(the lord of the 2nd house of
eating is on the 6th house)
The ruler of the 6th house is
debilitated and aspecting the
2nd house)
She has some Vata
derangements too, due to the
position of Saturn debilitated on
the 8th house.

Example 3 is a typical Pitta

type. He is physically strong,
competitive and very fond of
physical exercises. He is prone
to anger, frustration and
irritability.
The Sun is conjunct the lagna
degree in Sagittarius.
Mars is aspecting the Sun, the
lagna and the lagna lord Jupiter,
plus the fiery energy of Ketu.
He suffered from knee injuries,
which can be seen on the
affliction to the lagna lord in
the 10th house by Mars and
Ketu and aspected by Saturn
and Rahu

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 Example 4 is another typical
Pitta type, strong body, white
hair, fond of physical exercise,
competitive, aggressive, likes to
impose his personality and
desires, likes to eat but doesn’t
put on weight.

Mars is the lagna lord, strongly

placed in Aries, the 6th house,
aspecting the lagna in tight orb.
Mars and Sun are the strongest
planets in shad bala, dominating
the whole chart.

Benefic and malefic planets

Health and disease are caused by the effect of benefic or malefic planets.
Some planets are naturally benefic in their inherent nature of expansion,
vitality and blessings but they can become malefic and give negative effects
for health and other areas of life when the rule difficult houses or even when
they are conjunct by malefic planets.
Therefore, it is important to determine which planets behave as benefic or
malefic for each ascendant and actually for each individual chart.
There are general rules set by Parashara and other classical authors, but
those rules need to be applied carefully and without dogmatism, as there are
always exceptions and multiple factors working at the same time.

Natural malefic planets:

• The natural malefic planets are:

Saturn, Mars, Sun, Rahu, Ketu, the waning Moon and Mercury when
associated with another malefic.

According to some authors and researchers, and in my own experience in

observation of charts, the mere presence of any of those natural malefic
planets on a house can be enough to harm somehow the body part related to
that house or sign. If the planet is strong or exalted it helps the house it rules
but it actually damages more the house it is located. This is not always truth
in some other significations of the houses, where an exalted malefic planet
can still bring success in certain areas of life, but it shows malefic effects
from the medical point of view, always afflicting somehow the body organs
involved.
If that malefic planet is a functional benefic by ruling a benefic house like
trikonas, its malefic influence will be diminish very much, and there may
not be a disease related, but it will still cause at least some minor discomfort
or injuries, especially during its Mahadasha or bhuktis.

Functional malefic planets

Besides their inherent benefic or malefic nature, the planets can behave as
benefic or malefic according to which houses they rule.

• As a general rule, the lords of the 3rd, 6th and 11th houses act as
malefics, harming the organs indicated by the houses they are

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 located, unless their moolatrikona house is a “good” house, like the
trines
• The lords of the 2nd 8th and 12th houses are considered neutral by
Parashara, but still they are great malefics from the medical
astrology point of view, they always tend to harm the organs related
to the houses they are located
• The ruler of the ascendant is consider as always benefic, even if it
rules another malefic house, but experience has shown that in case of
Taurus ascendant, Venus being the moolatrikona lord of the 8th
house, has shown malefic health effect on the houses it is placed.
The same situation has been observed in Scorpio lagna, where Mars
rules also the 6th house being that the moolatrikona house. That
view is supported and documented by Prof. V.K Choudury and his
“system’s approach”
• Rahu and Ketu are always malefic from the health point of view and
will tend to harm the organs of the houses they are placed or they
aspect. That may not be always truth from the more material life
point of view, where they can bring certain amount of success, but
they are definitely harmful for the health. Their Dashas and transit
usually weakens or afflicts the part of the body related to the house
they are placed or transiting.

Natural benefics:

• Jupiter, Venus, waxing Moon, and un-afflicted Mercury

This planets tend to bless and protect the houses they are located or
they aspect, unless they become functional malefics by ruling
difficult houses.

Functional benefics

• As a general rule, the rulers of the trikona houses (1,5,and 9) are

benefic and bring protection from disease, but if they rule another
malefic house like 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th or 12th and if those are their
moolatrikona houses, they tend to give malefic results.
• The lord of the lagna is always a benefic (with some exceptions
mentioned before, like for Taurus and Scorpio lagnas)
• Jupiter or Venus strongly placed on an angle to the lagna tend to
protect the native in general.

Planets ruling angles

• As a general rule set by Parashara, the natural benefics when they

rule the angles, they loose some of the benefic effect, and the
malefics ruling angles loose part of their malefic effect.

The yoga Karaka planets

• When a planet is the ruler of a Kendra (angle) house and a trikona

(trine) house at the same time it is call a “yoga Karaka” planet and is
capable of producing very good Yogas and auspicious results.
This is the case of Saturn for Libra and Taurus lagnas and Mars for
Cancer and Leo lagnas and Venus for Capricorn and Aquarius

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 lagnas.
• That can apply to many areas of life but when talking about health,
Saturn and Mars, even as Yoga Karakas, they can still harm the body
organs related to the house they occupy or aspect, but their affliction
tends to be milder than if they were ruling bad houses.

The Jaimini Chara Karakas

• The planet which has the highest degree on the chart is called the
Atma Karaka, significator of the self, and is also an important
significator for the 1st house and 1st house lord and very important
for health. If it is afflicted it can weaken the overall health and the
house it is located.
• The Gnati Karaka is the planet second from the lowest in degree and
it is a significator for diseases and 6th house matters. It is capable of
harming the houses and planets it is located or aspects. The Dashas
of the Gnati Karaka can be bad for health.

The importance of the dushtana houses

Houses 6th , 8th and 12th are called the "dushtana: houses and they are very
important for determine the health situation or propensities of a person.

The 6 th house
The 6 th is the house of diseases in general, and it is also related with
accidents, violence, cuts, wounds or surgery. It is mostly related with acute
diseases (whereas the 8 th house relates mostly with chronic kind of
diseases)
If this house and its lord are strong, it indicates a good resistance to disease,
a good strength to "fight back" diseases, enemies and obstacles in general.
This is so when the 6 th lord is in it's own house or exaltation sign, or when
the 6 th house or 6 th lord are conjunct or aspected by benefic planets.
But a strong 6 th house lord can be good for resisting diseases in general, it
can still affect and damage the body parts represented by the house it is
located.
In my observation and according to some modern authors and researchers,
the 6 th lord always produce affliction or, in the best case, at least some
weakness and discomfort in the house it is located and the houses it
aspects.
The ruler of the 6 th house placed in the ascendant or conjunct the lagna
lord, is usually an indicator of health problems, accidents or wounds.
The dashas of the 6 th lord or planets occupying the 6 th house can be
difficult in term of health and manifest injuries wound or accidents, as well
as fights and aggression.

The 8 th house
The 8 th is the house of death (or longevity), obstructions, chronic diseases,
pain and suffering, and it is the most malefic house in terms of disease.
Planets occupying the 8 th house or conjoined or aspected by the 8 th house
lord will tend to suffer and create disease.
Even though the 8 th house can be good for some spiritual, esoterical and
other areas of life, it is definitely an adverse house for health.
The 8 th house is also the house of longevity and its situation can tell about

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 the life span of a person, even thou, there are other factors to be considered
as well
The Maha Dasha and Bhukti Dashas of the planet ruling the 8 th house or
planets occupying the 8 th house, or conjunct or aspected by it can be
difficult times for health, even causing death, and afflicting other areas of
life as well.

Factors which benefit longevity:

• The 8 th lord on its own house

• Saturn in the 8 th house (Saturn is a karaka for longevity)
• Saturn aspecting the 8 th house or the 8 th lord
• Benefic aspects on the 8 th house or 8 th lord.
• 8 th lord on the 11 th house strong and well aspected
• Saturn in its own house
• Benefic planets in the lagna (better if they rule good houses)
• Strong and well aspected lagna and lagna lord
• Un-afflicted moon and Sun
• Angle houses occupied by benefics
• Benefics in Kendra (angular) houses or trikona (trines) houses
• Malefics in 3 rd , 6 th or 11 th houses

Factors which reduce the life span

• The 8 th house and 8 th house lord afflicted or debilitated

• Malefics in the lagna or aspecting the lagna or lagna lord
• Lagna lord afflicted or debilitated
• Afflicted Saturn
• Afflicted Moon and Sun
• Empty Kendra houses
• Malefics occupying the angles or trines and benefics occupying the
dushtanas

The12th house
The 12 th is the house of loss, separation and detachment.
Even though this house can be positive for spiritual realization and search
for Moksha, it is an adverse house for health, signifying the "loss of health".
The parts of the body related to the houses where the 12 th lord is placed or
the houses whose lord is placed on the 12 th house tend to suffer affliction.
The Maha Dasha and Bhukti Dashas of the 12 th lord or planets placed on
the 12 th house can cause disease, hospitalization, and even death.

Vipareet Yogas
When the ruler of a dushtana house is placed on another dushtana house,
this is called Vipareet Yoga and it is consider a good placement with
destroys evils, diseases and troubles in general.
Anyways this is not absolutely truth all the times, and it can show some
problems (see charts 5 and 6)

• The ruler of the 8 th on the 6 th ar the ruler of the 6 th on the 8 th is

seen again and again to cause problems related with the genital
organs or anus (hemorrhoids, piles) or bring chronic type of
diseases. It can also cause accidents.

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 • The ruler of the 6 th house in the 12 th house or the ruler of the 12 th
on the 6 th is seen to cause insomnia or other sleep disorders,
addictions or sexual difficulties.

The "Maraka" planets

The ruler of the 2 nd and 7 th houses as well as planets located on those
houses or conjunct their lord are call "Maraka" or "killer" planets and can
cause death or disease during their Dashas and Bhuktis.
The 7 th house is the 12 th house from the 8 th house, showing the "loss of
longevity" therefore acquiring killing capabilities.
The 8 th and 12 th house lords and planets associated with them ca become
Maraka or Killers during their periods and transits.

The divisional charts or Vargas:

In order to have a better view of the situation of a chart is important to
analyze de divisional charts or "Vargas" to get further information that can
confirm whatever is indicated on the rashi chart
The use of the Navamsha is always very important to see the benefic or
malefic placement and influence of a planet, and it can be read as a normal
chart to see the general indicators.
Sometimes a planet seems strong and benefic on the Rashi chart but if it is
afflicted on the Navamsha or other several Vargas it can bring adverse
results.
The beginning of the 8 th house from the Moon in the Rashi chart is called
the 64 th navamsha and has a malefic significance. Whan the Navamsha
chart is cast, the 64 th navamsha corresponds to the 4 th house from the
Moon in the navamsha. The ruler of the 64 th navamsha or the planets
located on the 64 th navamsha or tha planets aspected by those are specially
adverse for health. The 8 th house from the navamsha lagna is also a very
adverse place.

The Drekkana Chart

The Drekkana, 1/3 rd division or decanate division is also considered very
important for medical astrology.
The Drekkana is basically related with the strong desires of a person, and
desire is the cause of all sufferings according to the yogis and ayurveda.
Weak or ill disposed planets in the Drekkana chart can also show potentials
for diseases.
The 8 th house from the ascendant of the Drekkana chart is called the 22 nd
Drekkana and, like the 64 th navamsha, has special malefic signification.
We should watch carefully its ruler planet, planets placed there of planets
aspected by those, who can cause disease during their Dashas and bhuktis.

The shashtamsa chart

Even though the shashtamsa chart is not mention by Parashara and is not
part of the shodasavarga, (it comes from the tajika astrology), many modern
authors and researchers are using it and I have seen in my experience and
research that it is a very important chart for health issues.
Planets that may be strong and well placed in the rashi, Navamsha and
others, if afflicted, debilitated on badly placed in the shashtamsa can bring
adverse results for health in general or on their dashas and transits.

The trimsamsa chart

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 This is the divisional chart related with affliction misfortune and disease.
Focus is on the planets related to the dushtana houses and their connection
to the rashi chart.
Planets badly placed on the Rashi and on the trimsamsa can cause problems
and difficult dashas.

How to analyze the divisional charts:

• Analyze de Navamsha and shashtamsa chart like a normal chart,

looking in particularly to the lagna, lagna lord, the 6 th house and its
ruler.
• Analyze the rashi lagna lord and see how it is placed on the
Navamsa , shashtamsa or other vargas.
• Analyze the karakas, significators of the body organs and see their
situation on the Vargas.
• Analyze the dasha and bhukti lord and its placement in the Vargas
• Analyze the Moon and its placement or affliction in the Vargas

Timing of the diseases or difficult periods

One of the important uses of astrology in medicine is to be able to predict
difficult periods for health, which can be somehow improved or at least
reduce the difficulties by taking preventive healthy habits, appropriate diet,
proper medicine and astrological remedies.
Vedic astrology offers a tremendously effective and reliable system of
prediction which is the Dasha systems.
The most praised, widely used and recognized Dasha system is the
Vimshottari Dasha.
Besides the Vimshottari Dasha, it is very helpful to use a second or more
Dasha systems to double check the indications and have better predictions.
Personally I have been researching with the Yogini Dasha and getting very
good results with it.
That is also very much recommended by Dr Charak in his medical astrology
books.

Dasha analysis
The Maha dashas of the afflicting or afflicted planets in the sub-dasha of
another afflicting or afflicted planet tend to trigger the onset of the disease
indicated on the chart. The transits are used to fine tune the time and
prediction.

Difficult Dashas or sub Dashas

• Dashas or sub-dashas of debilitated planets are usually bad for health

manifesting a disease related to the organ the planet signifies, or the
houses the planet rules or is located.
• Dasha of an afflicted lagna lord can trigger diseases
• Dashas of malefic planets aspecting the lagna or lagna lord can
create disease.
• Dasha of the ruler of the 6 th house tends to create diseases,
accidents, wounds or surgery.
• This is specially truth if Mars or Ketu are involved, either by
conjunction, aspect or being themselves the dasha- bhukti lords.
• Dasha of the Gnati Karaka can behave as the 6 th house lord.

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 • Dasha of the 8 th house lord or planet located on the 8 th house or
aspected by the 8 th lord tend to trigger the onset of chronic and
painful diseases, which can last for long time, unless there are
alleviating factors like favorable aspects.
• Dasha of the 12 th house lord can create disease, hospitalization, loss
and expenses.
• Dashas of planets which are combusted or defeated in planetary war.
• Dashas of planets placed in the dushtana houses or conjunct or
aspected by their lords.
• Dashas of any planet conjunct or aspected by malefic planets can
create disease.

The effect of transits (Gochara)

The manifestation of a disease is usually a combination of an adverse Dasha
and an adverse transit happening at the same time.
It is important to watch the transits of the lagna ruler over bad houses, low
ashtakavarga houses, or when it is aspected by malefic planets
The transit of Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, the 8 th lord, the 6 th lord or the
Dasha lord over or aspecting sensitive places of the chart can be the
triggering factor that manifests the affliction.

Those sensitive points can be:

• The lagna
• The lagna lord
• The Moon
• The Sun
• A debilitated or afflicted planet
• The Dasha lord
• The sub-dasha lord
• A debilitated or afflicted planet.
• An afflicted or weak house or a house with low ashtakavarga points

The adverse transits of Mars or Ketu can bring sudden or acute diseases,
accidents, wounds, injuries by fire, Pitta aggravation or surgery.
The adverse transits of Saturn or Rahu can bring pain, start a long lasting or
chronic disease, stagnation, cold, joint pain, Vata aggravation, worries, fall
from grace.

The Sudharshana chakra, the Moon lagna and Sun lagna

This system, recommended by Parashara Maharishi, is very reliable and
difficult to fail.
One way to make an unmistakable prediction is to look at the chart from the
lagna and then look at the same indications from the Moon and from the
Sun.
If we find that a particular planet or house is afflicted in the 3 of them, then
the result will be very clear and difficult to change and a prediction can be
made with certainty.

Application of astrological remedies

Jyotish astrology can not only help to understand the cause of the problems
on the chart and predict their manifestation, but it also offers some ways to
help to diminish, neutralize or overcome the obstacles or diseases.

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 This is truth only to a certain extent, since some karmas are not possible to
change. Whenever we see on the chart many significations showing the
same affliction, with all sorts of negative aspects and without benefic
aspects, the situation may be too difficult to prevent, avoid or change.
But many times, usually when we see some benefic aspect over the
problem, it can be a sign that the situation can be alleviated or prevented by
several means.
The different diseases and problems in life are seen in the chart in the form
of weak benefic planets and the influence of malefic planets.

Use of Gemstones:
One way to apply astrological remedies is through the use of appropriate
gemstones.
Gemstones can be wore in the body to strength the important benefic planets
like the ruler of the ascendant, the ruler of the trines houses or benefics
throwing good aspects on the afflicted planets.
The planetary energies affect us in our astral bodies. Certain gemstones
have a particular energy wavelength, which correspond to the planetary
energies and when they are worn, they create an influence on our astral
body, strengthening, amplifying and harmonizing the weak or distorted
energy of those corresponding planets.
That power of the Gemstones has been acknowledged and used since
immemorial times by different spiritual traditions, healers, shamans, and
astrologers, for their spiritual, psychic and healing properties.

There are different categories of gemstones used in Jyotish

The Maha Ratnas , they are mentioned in the classical scriptures and are
consider as the best and more powerful stones, that even with a relatively
small size and weight can have notorious effects.
Some of those gems are very precious and rare, therefore they can be very
expensive.
The Upa-Ratnas are also powerful stones, but not as much as the first type,
therefore they usually require a bigger size to be as effective, but they are
more abundant and therefore their prize is more affordable by most people.

The gems for each planet are as follows:

Maha Ratna Upa Ratna

Minimum Minimum
Planet (principal (alternative
carats carats
gem) gem)

Sun Ruby 2 Red Garnet 3

Cultured pearl,
Moon Ocean Pearl 2 Moonstone, 5
Quarts crystal

Mars Red coral 3

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 Jade, Green
Mercury Esmerald 2 tourmaline, 5
Aquamarine

Yellow Yellow topaz,

Jupiter 2 5
Sapphire citrine

White sapphire,
Venus Diamond 1,5 Quartz crystal, 3 -5
Natural zircon

Amethyst,
Saturn Blue Sapphire 2 5
Lapis lazuli

Rahu Hessonite 2 Agate 5

Tiger's eye,
Ketu Cat's eye 2 5
turquoise

It is very important to say that the gemstones used for astrological and
healing purposes should be flawless, and of the best possible and affordable
quality.

• Gemstones with defects should not be used, as they distort the

energy and can cause the opposite, adverse effect.

They must have the following requisites:

• They must be natural stones, not synthetic ones.

• They should not be irradiated neither chemically treated or stained
• (most gemstones used in modern jewelry go through some of this
processes to improve their color, unfortunately)
• They must not have any fissures, ridges, cavities, holes, cracks,
bubbles, spots or dirt.
• They must not have impurities, rests of foreign materials or other
minerals
• They must be of a bright and homogeneous color and have a good
luster. Avoid dull, foggy or smoky kind of gems.

Even though all the gems have a healing potential, they may not all be good
for everyone.
Using the wrong gemstones can amplify the adverse or afflicting energies
on the chart, causing more harm than good, and the whole individual chart
has to be analyzed carefully.
There are several criteria to choose astrological healing gems, the subject
has not been exposed in enough detail in the classical scriptures, but some
points are important.
Gemstones corresponding to the planets which rule the inauspicious houses,
6 th , 8 th and 12 th should be avoided as a general rule, as they tend to
bring adverse effects.

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 9 th and planets forming auspicious Yogas are usually the best to be used.
(Unless their moolatrikona sign belongs to a malefic house)
The ascendant Lord's gem will strength the health and expression of the
person as well as the Moon's ruling planet gem will strength the mind and
emotions.
It is also important to choose an astrologically auspicious date and time
(Muhurtha) to start wearing the gem, when the energy of the planet is strong
and favorable.

Use of Kavach and Yantras:

Another way to help to strength the auspicious planetary energies,
originated from the Tantric tradition, is by wearing of an amulet (kavach)
which contains either a geometrical Yantra, mystical diagram, specific for
each planet, or the numerological Yantra, of the corresponding planet or
planets.

Use of Mantras, Pujas, offerings and rituals:

Besides strengthening the benefic planets by means of gems or yantras,
vedic astrology applies the propitiation of the malefic planets by spiritual
practices and offerings.
The malefic or disease causing planets should not be strengthened trough
gems, but we can attune to their more positive aspects trough the use of
Mantras and pujas.
The whole universe is manifested through sound vibrations. Mantra Sastra is
an exact science by which one can tune to a particular mental or psychic
wavelength.
The regular practice of Mantra creates a very powerful protective energy on
the astral body and mind, which can protect from the influence of negative
astral energies.
There are specific mantras for each Planet, but the most recommended and
effective way is to repeat the Moksha Mantras of the presiding deity.
Since the planets are manifestations of God for the purpose of providing
with the effects of previous Karmas, each planet has a presiding Deity
which can be invoked by mantra to protect the astral body from negative
influences. It also works as an invocation and surrender of the ego to God
aspiring to the Divine Grace to help us to overcome our difficulties.
There are different references on the scriptures about the presiding deities of
the planets. Some of them are:

Sun: Agni, Siva, Rama

Moon: Varuna, the Divine Mother, Parvati, Siva, Krishna
Mars: lord Kartikeya, (Subramanya, Skanda), Durga, Narashimha
Mercury: Vishnu, Krishna, Budha
Jupiter: Brihaspati, Indra, Ganesha
Venus: Sachi, Lakshmi, Saraswati
Saturn: Brahma, Siva, Yama, Kali
Rahu: Adishesha (sneak), Durga, Siva
Ketu: Ganesha, Advaita Brahman

Whenever a planet is causing suffering by its malefic effect it can be

propitiated by a ritual ceremony or Puja, a fire ceremony or Homa or a
sacrificial worship or Yagnas done in honor of the presiding deities.

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 Yoga and spiritual practices:
Since all diseases and sufferings are caused by previous Papas or negative
karmas, the only real way of changing its result is by changing the mental
patterns that caused the karma and learning the corresponding spiritual or
evolutionary lesson needed at our level.
Jyotish is a tool used to comprehend personal karma and the "samskaras",
which are the tendencies of thought and behavior deep- rooted in the
subconscious mind. Samskaras create conditioning thought patterns, acting
as some sort of mental program. This mental program tends to continually
repeat the same attitudes. The total of these attitudes and samskaras form
what we call personality, and that is what creates our karma, destiny and
diseases.
Understanding and recognition of the samskaras is the key to understand
past, present, predict the future and apply the appropriate changes in life.
Samskaras can be changed. This is the essence of Yoga. Yoga is considered
by the Rishis themselves as the method for transcending and liberating one
from the effects of karma.
"Prarabda" is that part of the karma that we cannot change. It is like an
arrow that has been released and it is too late to change its direction. It is the
karma which is flourishing in this life, even if part of it has not yet shown
itself. Therefore, we need to understand, accept, and work out that situation
in the best possible way.
There are different Yogic Disciplines like Raja Yoga, hatha yoga, bhakti
Yoga, Karma Yoga, Gnana yoga, but they are all based on the developing of
self-discipline of the mind and emotions to bring them from a gross level
into a tune with the Divine mind and Dharma or cosmic order.
Each afflicted or afflicting Planet is showing a need to learn certain lesson
or to strength certain aspect of the mind and personality.
Understanding that is the key to the use of astrology as a healing path.
Of course each chart has to be analyzed as a whole, but the main
relationship between the planets and the needed lessons to learn are:

Sun:
Working out some Ego issues. Understanding who we really are. Meditate
on the Atman, finding the peace and light within the Self. Learning how to
use and relate with power position and authority in a Dharmic way.
Learning to respect the Father and elders.

Moon:
Learning to control and purify the mind and emotions. Develop mental
peace. Respect mother, motherhood and woman. Uplift and channel the
emotions trough Bhakti, pure love and devotion to God.

Mars:
Develop courage and initiative without a selfish purpose; learn and practice
non violence, and use of energy, physical and mental strength for defense of
dharmic principles alone. Protect righteousness and justice. Destroy and
detach from unnecessary possessions or negative patterns. Separate from the
wicked and ignorant. Develop a one-pointed mind.

Mercury:
Learn discrimination and proper use of intellect. Apply intelligence for

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 spiritual and selfless purposes.

Sublimate the intellect into intuition. Learn to deal honestly on business.

Speak the truth alone. Aspire for knowledge and impart knowledge to others
selflessly.

Jupiter:
Develop a mature faith, philosophy and believe system, being practical at
the same time. Learn proper relationship with teachers. Respect and support
religious people and values. Follow dharma, righteousness and justice in
daily life. Accept a honest, mature and wise person as Guru and learn about
spiritual knowledge.

Venus:
Learn to enjoy life in a healthy and sattvic way.
Sublimate the sexual energy, avoiding attachment to sensual pleasures.
Transform the need of love from a physical level into a spiritual and divine
compassion.
Recognize the beauty of the creation as a manifestation of the divine
presence and grace.
Recognize the beauty of woman and the female qualities as a manifestation
of the divine mother or cosmic Shakti.

Saturn:
Saturn indicates areas that we have to focus and develop responsibility.
Develop inner strength and capacity to bear the hardships of life.
Develop strict inner discipline but without repression of the human love and
compassion.
Practice of concentration, austerities, fasting and seclusion for spiritual
practice.
Work hard for the benefit of others without expectations, as an offering to
God. Serve the Sick, afflicted and poor people.

Rahu:
Rahu's afflictions can be related with negative astral entities and
subconscious turmoil coming from unresolved situations from previous
lives.
It indicated a need to understand the unconscious and subconscious mind
and bring the unresolved issues into a conscious state. Beware of wrong
type of spiritual practices which can damage or open too much the astral
body. Avoid negative places and people and any kind of intoxication. Be
aware and sublimate the strong inner desires.
Channel and express your personal ambitions and desires toward a higher
and spiritual goal, without becoming obsessed and without expecting
powers or astral experiences.
Overcome fear by developing spiritual strength, faith devotion and
detachment.

Ketu:
Ketu shows a need to detach and renounce from the lower Ego and
materialistic attachments.
Ketu shows something we may have done too much on the past and now
there is a need to compensate that. Ketu feels guilty about the personal ego

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 and mistakes done in the past.
The best way to manage the Ketu energy is by spiritual practices like
seclusion, meditation, study of ancient spiritual disciplines and Vedanta
philosophy, following the intuition understand death and the ephemeral
nature of the material and sensual world.
Both Rahu and Ketu show the play of Raga and Dwesha, the desires and
repulsions that swing the mind and steal the inner peace.
Understanding their patterns is most important for solving and working out
the karmas.

Finally, only Devotion and total surrender to God, removal of the

ignorance of Ego and realization of the Self as Atman can be the real
remedy for disease and any karmic suffering.

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