EASY TO LEARN ASTROLOGY

EASY TO LEARN ASTROLOGY

BACK TO HOME PAGE

The Planets Let's start by briefing you on what each planet does (the corresponding glyph or symbol is shown below the name). Planets are traditionally called the 'rulers' of the sign. Each sign is affiliated with one or two planets - whose function corresponds to the energy of the sign. The planets represent functions, inclinations, motivations and tendencies. [Planets are 'Grahas' in Vedic Astrology and there are 7 of them — the other two Grahas are shadow planets viz: Rahu and Ketu and they do not rule any particular Rasi (Zodiac sign). The Vedic equivalent for each planet is given in brackets.]. Sun (Surya) The Sun represents your 'sign'. It represents your real meaning, the factors that elevate your mood and all the positive energies in you. Self, ego, projection of one's self onto the outside world, ambitions. It forms a very large part of your astrological make-up. If well-placed, the Sun radiates joy, confidence and wards off evil. It relates to vitality, determination, principles, dignity, self reliacne and magnanimity. It corresponds to the sign Leo, which has the same attributes. Urge - Power, Vitality, Ego | Meaning - Will | Keywords - integrate, express, project Moon (Chandra) The Moon reveals the other side of your character, which you might keep hidden from the rest of the world. It reveals your conditioned response to situations. It represents subconscious, emotional disposition, creative energies and reception of other people's moods. Mind, emotions, general well-being, general public, growth in early childhood. It relates to instinct, emotions, memory, protectiveness, domesticity and patriotism. It is associated with the sign Cancer. Urge - Security, Emotions | Meaning - Feelings | Keywords - respond, react, regulate Mercury (Budha) Represents intellect , business sense, common sense, wit and how we communicate. Intelligence, speech, education, matters relating to communication such as speech and writing, analytical ability, humour, maths, astrology, mobility, adaptability, reason, self expression. As a morning star it is associated with the sign Gemini and with Virgo as an evening star. Urge - Communication, Intellect, Perception | Meaning - Communication | Keywords - communicate, concentrate, transmit Venus (Shukra) The planet of Love. It reveals your needs in love and how you attract love. It stands for everything that we find beautiful and desirable. Spouse, romance, marriage, comforts, luxuries, happiness, wealth, beauty, sense of form, fine arts, passion, sensuality, magnetism. As an evening star it is associated with the sign Libra and with Taurus in the morning. Urge - Sociability, Beauty, Mildness | Meaning - Personal Magnetism | Keywords - relate, unite, connect Mars (Kucha) Represents your inner warrior. It tells how you take action, your competitiveness and your combativeness. Initiative, motivation, courage, technical or mechanical ability, sports, war, passion, desire. It rules the sign Aries and together with Pluto, rules Scorpio. Urge - Aggressive, Energy | Meaning - Personal Drive | Keywords - initiate, activate, move Jupiter (Brihaspathi) Associated with things which sustain your faith and optimism in life. They include religion, philosophy, ethical knowledge and education. Expansion, creativity, children, spiritual growth, meditation, compassion, morals, legal affairs, fortune, speculation, gambling, foreign matters, enthusiasm, generosity. It rules both Pisces and Sagittarius. Urge - Expansion, Learning, Joviality | Meaning - Expansion | Keywords - expand, mature, experience Saturn (Shani) The planet of self-discipline is also considered the karmic planet. It represents how you chase your goals, face reality and the urge to establish a secure life structure. Longevity, loss, misery, restriction, delays, denials, accidents, authority figures, leadership abilities, spiritual growth, non-attachment, asceticism, perfection, endurance, perseverence, stability, integrity. It makes sure that we are confronted with the consequences of our actions. It rules the sign Capricorn.. Urge - Restriction, Focus, Crystallization | Meaning - Consolidation | Keywords - limit, control, discipline Uranus The planet of freedom. It is associated with your need to progress, experiment and liberate yourself. It denotes a break with tradition. Relates to originality, independence, eccentricity. It rules the sign Aquarius. Urge - Individualistic, Eccentricity, Disruption | Meaning - Intuition | Keywords - deviate, invent, reform Neptune Represents spiritual wisdom, compassion, mysticism, imagination, extrasensory capabilities and visualization. The sign Pisces is assigned to the planet. Urge - Illusions, Visions | Meaning - Illumination | Keywords - refine, detect, transcend Pluto Gives power to regenerate, heal and transform. It controls your personal power, your skills and awareness. It symbolises the masses and stands for sudden change and destruction. Relates to new beginnings, group power, death. Together with Mars, it rules the sign Scorpio. Urge - Universal Welfare, Cooperation, Coercion | Meaning - Regeneration | Keywords - eliminate, transform, regenerate Rahu:-Extrovert tendencies, showy, sense gratification, ability to attract the masses, sudden events or changes. Ketu:-Introvert tendencies, spirituality, asceticism, natural healing methods, psychic abilities, wisdom, high knowledge, astral forces, tendency to be unnoticed Retrograde Planets & RESULTS:-Retrograde planets are the planets that APPEAR to move backwards in the sky. All the planets have fixed direction for revolution. Therefore, Moving back and forth is simply out of question. It is only because of the relative motion of the earth that the planets seem to move backwards at certain times. Out of all planets, Sun and Moon at no time are retrograde. They are always in direct motion. On the other hands, the two imaginary planets or lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu are always in retrograde motion. Pluto, Neptune and Uranus (not considered in Vedic astrology) also go through the retrograde motion along with Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn. In astrology, a planet in retrograde motion has special significance. The effects that the planets produces when in retrograde motion are far different than the ones they exert while moving directly. In the horoscopes, retrograde planets acquire special power and effects while in retrograde motion at the time of birth. Theses are known as `Vakri` planets in Hindu astrology. Usually the retrograde planets in our horoscope are depicted with R in front of its position in chart. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn turn retrograde at regular intervals. They generally move direct, then for a time period they (appear to) slow down and seem stationary for a long time (Stationary retrograde). At this time their powers are at their highest. Then they move retrograde, giving erratic and more prominent effects. After a particular time span, they again seem to slow down and seem to be stationary (stationary direct). Then they once again acquire a direct motion. Whenever a planet starts in a motion other than the normal course, it yields unusual effects as well. In general, the fields ruled by these planets suffer the major influence. For example, communication hazards will be more during Mercury retrograde. Accidents due to rashness will be enhanced during Mars retrograde and so on…. Hence, each planetary retrogression should be considered as a time to be cautious, and to consider things from a different viewpoint. Mercury Retrogression Mercury is the planet that rules communication and thinking. Mercury goes in retrograde motion about three times a year for three weeks of time period each. Whenever this phenomenon takes place, all Lines of communication seems to go haywire. Things are misunderstood and information is misapplied. Thinking (in general) leaves the Course of "normal". Although some brilliant projects may be sketched out during this period, chances are that more people suffer from anxiety and nervous breakdown at this time time. While the planet is vakri, it is often advised to not to sign any contracts, to look before putting an idea in action, even if it means a verbal commitment. Don't rely on every information passing through. Think, watch, analyzes because the information presented in front of you might be a false one if not totally unnecessary. Its time to process all the learning acquired till now to take decisions. If Mercury is retrograde in the horoscope itself, it can indicate mental sufferings and anxieties in the case it`s negatively placed. If mercury is well placed, it bestows a brilliant mind. Whatever the case, the result is not `Usual`. All the aspects have to be taken in consideration before deriving any conclusion. But most of all, cashing on the negative or positive influence of the planet is much dependent on a person`s Free will. Venus Retrogression Venus retrogression is related to luxuries in life, as well as our relationships with near and dear ones. If the transit of Venus is in retrograde motion, we should be thoughtful about all the relationships we are living, and the way we relate to others. It is also the time we should reconsider our material gains in life. The extent or type of influence of Venus retrogression depends upon its position in our charts. But nevertheless, it is the time to be watchful, as it is a period for strong emotional ups and downs. If Venus is retrograde in the natal chart, it can indicate emotional and material difficulties (in case its badly placed). If it`s well placed, it indicates extreme emotional attractions and repulsions. The result will always be a far cry from normal. Mars Retrogression Retrogression of Mars is a high time to control and channelise our energy and drive, and prevent it from getting out of hand. We have to be thoughtful about our actions and cautious about getting rash and scattered. It`s the right time to reconsider the Agenda on hand, and to be firmly rooted in ground reality. Its also the time to reenergize ourselves, rather than burning our energies in fruitless persuits. If Mars is Retrograde in the horoscope itself, the person can be accident prone, or inclined to illness, in case of a wrongly placed Mars. If the Mars is well placed, the native has an unusual way of handling his affairs and actions. Whatever the case, effects are far from Normal. Again its dependent on an individual`s own free will to control the final outcome. Jupiter Retrogression When this planet of growth and expansion is in retrogression, a lot many projects that were due for expansion and launch may get delayed, or stop altogether. This is the time when a person needs to think about his / her own inner resources, and use that knowledge to get the work done. Most probably, the person might come up with the conclusion that the stopped work was actually not necessary, and there are other better resources available. This is the ideal time for us to `expand` within ourselves. When Jupiter is retrograde in the natal chart, either it makes the person too fickle or vain (if badly placed). Or it gives unusual heights of knowledge and wisdom to the native. Saturn Retrogression This retrogression period can cause unexpected delays and interruptions. Obstacles unthought can spring up taking your priority. The period usually lasts for 4 and half months, during which many feel frustrated and unable to handle hurdles. This is the right time to sit back and reconsider all that one is doing. Its not a proper time to make new starts, but rather learn from the failures in the past and the ones in hand. In individual horoscope, the house that occupied by Saturn will see the effect of retrogression, i.e. that aspect of the life will get affected, along with the general malefic effect. Although Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not considered in conventional Vedic astrology, a brief description of their effects is given due to increase in awareness about their influences. Uranus Retrogression When this planet of creativity and freedom is in retrograde motion, its time to channelise one`s creative and artistic thoughts in a practical plan. One might feel over anxious and restless during this period. Few breakthrough ideas may also come up suddenly. Its time to materialize them. But plan very carefully before doing so. Neptune Retrogression This is the period, when dreams, intuitions and psychic insights become so very prominent in our lives. It`s not the time to miss this unique chance, but rather we should enjoy and listen to all those vibrations coming to us. It`s also the time we should not forget to be grounded in reality. Pluto Retrogression Pluto retrogression touches our very inner core. It can also orient us to great pain through some loss. Its time we should look within ourselves and assert our good points. It can also be the turn when we can actually rise again from our losses like a phoenix, with renewed vigour for life. Houses Now let's relate the Planets to the Houses. Houses The natal chart is divided into twelve houses. Each 'house' has a meaning that defines its interpretation and they point toward worldly activities. In the natal chart, the house always remains in the same position. It's the planets in signs that move among the various houses. (House is 'Bhava' in Vedic Astrology - the equivalent for each house is given in brackets) It represents a different part of your life and the planets within these make an impact on the different elements in your life. Listed below are the most prevalent characteristics of each 'house'. 1st HOUSE The Sun represents your 'sign'. It represents your real meaning, the factors that elevate your mood and all the positive energies in you. Self, ego, projection of one's self onto the outside world, ambitions. It forms a very large part of your astrological make-up. If well-placed, the Sun radiates joy, confidence and wards off evil. It relates to vitality, determination, principles, dignity, self reliacne and magnanimity. It corresponds to the sign Leo, which has the same attributes. Ruled by - Mars | Sign - Aries | Keywords - Personal and self-related concerns 2nd HOUSE The house of material possessions, it reflects your attitude towards money, acquistions, appreciation of luxury, satisfaction with the material and security. Ruled by - Venus | Sign - Taurus | Keywords - Personal possessions and security 3rd HOUSE It rules communication, short distance travel, early education and how you adapt to new ideas. They indicate your interaction with siblings and neighbours. Success through own efforts, courage, adventures, initiative, motivation, fine arts, voice, matters relating to communication. Ruled by - Mercury | Sign - Gemini | Keywords - Relationship to the immediate environment 4th HOUSE Relates to private life and home. Involved with childhood and parents. Fixed assets, conveyances, general happiness, comforts, academic degree, endings, close of life, passions, emotions, matters of the heart, family unity. Ruled by - Moon | Sign - Cancer | Keywords - Personal home and private life 5th HOUSE Relates to things that give us pleasure and creativity. Children, intelligence, sense of destiny, morals, pleasure, romances, charity, sports, personal creations. Ruled by - Sun | Sign - Leo | Keywords - Instinctive affections and re-creation 6th HOUSE Involves with interaction with superiors, health, hygiene and habits. Challenges from competitors or enemies, disease (which can be thought of as challenges from biological enemies), medical profession, debts, subordinates such as workers or tenants, service work, food, police, military, interdependence. Ruled by - Mercury | Sign - Virgo | Keywords - Services given and received and health 7th HOUSE Relates to marriage, business partners and enemies. Spouse, sexual passions, courts, residence in foreign lands, desire, generosity. Ruled by - Venus Sign - Libra 8th HOUSE Besides life, transformations, money and possessions, it also relates to inheritance and loans. Life force, longevity, spiritual practices, intuition, psychic abilities, gains from wills and insurance policies, chronic and long-term sickness, monetary gains from partner, secrets, misfortunes, accidents, self sacrifice. Ruled by - Pluto | Sign - Scorpio | Keywords - Partnership relationships at a personal level 9th HOUSE Concerned with deep thinking, philosophical views, higher education and long distance travel. Fortune , father or preceptor, virtuousness, religion, faith, morals, law, long journeys, higher knowledge. Ruled by - Jupiter | Sign - Sagittarius | Keywords - Mental and physical explorations 10th HOUSE Concerned with ambition, responsibilities and people with authority. Profession, respectability, fame, honors, activities that benefit society, authority, government work, pilgrimages, practicality. Ruled by - Saturn | Sign - Capricorn | Keywords - Place in society and standing in the world 11th HOUSE Rules our social life and what we do in the larger social context. Gains through profession, ambitions, friendships, societies. Ruled by - Uranus | Sign - Aquarius | Keywords - Hopes, wishes and impermanent attachment 12th HOUSE Concerned with all things hidden. Loss, expenditures, misfortunes, confinement, secret enemies, connections with foreign countries, spiritual liberation. Ruled by - Neptune | Sign - Pisces | Keywords - Freedom from restrictions Misconceptions and blind beliefs in Astrology It is highly unfortunate that in the land where Vedic astrology was born, most people, even a lot of astrologers, have a lot of misconceptions and blind beliefs about several basic facts of astrology. An astrologer propagates a wrong theory and a dozen people believe it . They tell a dozen more and soon it becomes an accepted norm! Misconceptions about Mangal dosha, Rakshasa Gana, Kalasarpa dosha and Sadesati have a lot of far reaching effects in our society full of superstitions, especially in marriage matters.  Click on each item below to learn what the Shastras of astrology really say about them and how the ignorant or "matlabi" pundits take people for a ride by inducing a fear psychosis! Mangal/Kuja dosha        Rakshasa Gana Sadesati Kalasarpa dosha Mangala/Kuja Dosha: One of the biggest misconceptions and fears in the Hindu society with respect to marriage is the presence of Mangala Dosha or Kuja Dosha in the chart of a boy or a girl. I have seen a countless number of good matches being rejected by people just because the boy or the girl has Mangala Dosha present in the chart. Even the various Shastras of astrology differ as to in which houses it is present, what the exceptions are and what the effects and remedies are. According to some authorities Mars is placed in the 1,2,4,7,8,12, from lagna causes Kuja Dosha. Some authorities omit the 1st house and some others omit the 2nd house.  Some astrologers thump the table and quote Parashara and Varahamihira to prove their point. To start with most of the astrologers only have a very hazy idea of the sastras. On top of that, let me tell you that the existing shastras and their translations are not very pure! Take for example the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra of Rishi Parashara. In chapter 2 verse 5-7 we have the following: "Rama is the incarnation of the Sun, Krishna of the moon, Narasimha that of Mars, Buddha that of Mercury, Vamana that of Jupiter, Parashurama that of Venus, Koorma that of Saturn, Varaha that of Rahu and Matsya that of Ketu". Sounds great. However, according to astrology Parashara was the father of Vedavyasa who wrote the Mahabharata. According to our calculations the Mahabharata period was 2500 BC to 3200 BC., or around 1200BC. according to the western historians. Buddha belonged to the much later and fairly authentically recorded period. He died in 544BC. Then how did Parashara say that Buddha is the Avatara of Mercury more than a millennium before? If he were forecasting then he would have clearly stated that "Buddha avatara will be born". Obviously some of the people who wrote the shastras added a few things of their own!  Rishi Parashara, in his Brihat Parasara Horasastra, chapter 81, verse 47 said the following: "If Mars is placed in the Lagna, 12th, 4th, 7th and 8th houses, without any aspect or conjunction of the benefic planets, the husband of such a woman will certainly have an early death." So it is clear that if Mars has the aspect or association of a benefic, there is no dosha. It must be noted that in the very next verse, verse 48, he gave the other important exception as follows: "The yoga in which a woman takes birth and becomes a widow, if a male takes birth, he also becomes a widower. If a woman with the widowhood yoga marries a man with similar yoga, such yoga will be cancelled." So the 2nd exception given by him is that this feared dosha is cancelled if both the girl and the boy have mangal dosha. However by and large the majority of the astrologers include the 2nd house also in the mangala dosha and accept the 6 houses. As there are 12 houses in a horoscope and as Mars in 6 houses causes Mangala Dosha, it simply means that 50% of the people born have Kuja Dosha of some level. Hence it goes without saying that this Mangala Dosha is not something which will ruin a person, because it is not the intention of God to condemn half of mankind. The prevalent misconceptions are that, if a person has Martian affliction it will either ruin the marriage or will cause one's death or the death of the partner. Especially if a girl has Kuja or Mangala Dosha, called "Mangali", she is looked upon as a devil by the mother-in-law. Nothing can be farther than the truth. First let us examine what the Kuja Dosha is all about and how it affects marriage. The planet Mars symbolizes courage, aggression, vitality, confidence, fighting spirit and warrior qualities. If Mars is placed in any of these 6 houses, it gives aggressive tendencies to either the person or the spouse. In certain cases if Mars is malefic to the native, it also gives danger to life, provided that other bad combinations are also present. These two are the main negative qualities. Hence the first reason for the "Dosha Complex" is that - in the olden days the ideal wife was regarded as one who is meek, obedient and submissive. Hence a girl with the so called Martian afflictions, who is likely to have courage and fighting spirit, was considered by our MCP society as a girl with "Dosha". The second possible reason for the "Dosha Complex" is that during the war torn middle ages when a lot of the sastras were written, a "Martian person", who is normally well built, courageous, aggressive and has fighting qualities, was a prime candidate to be recruited by the king for his army and hence the chances of his death or serious injury were quite strong. In the present changed circumstances it is foolishness of the highest order to be scared simply because one has Mangal Dosha.  However, Mangala Dosha is not something that can be ignored. It does cause marital discord. Before marriage it is very essential to match horoscopes for Kuja Dosha. If a person has Kuja Dosha in the horoscope the spouse must also have Kuja Dosha. This way the Dosha is cancelled. Otherwise both should be without any Dosha. Various "authorities and experts" have given a lot of exceptions and cancellations for the Dosha. They are so many that almost everything is cancelled! The truth is that in majority of the cases the so called exceptions and cancellations do not work. P.S.Iyer's tips: In 1991 the late Sri P.S.Iyer, one of the acknowledged giants of Indian astrology and an authority on the marriage aspects, gave a discourse to several budding aspirants of astrology in Mr. K.N.Rao's house and I was one of the fortunate ones to attend it. He was quite clear in stating that Mangala dosha is present in 6 houses. This Kuja Dosha or Mangala Dosha must be examined from the Moon, Venus and Saturn also. He even gave the details of the percentage of Mangala dosha in each house. In 8th house the dosha is full, in lagna 1/2, in 7th 1/4, in 4th 1/8 and in 12th and 2nd houses 1/16. As per the exceptions and cancellations, he was very specific about the following:  No dosha if mars is in its its own house or exaltation house. No dosha if aspected by a benefic.  If a strong benefic is placed in the 9th house then the dosha of Mars in the 7th and 8th is cancelled. However he also advised that apart from the Mars, the planets Saturn, Sun and Rahu also cause similar dosha! From the point of view of causing dosha, if Mars causes 100% dosha, Saturn causes 75% dosha, Sun causes 50% dosha and rahu causes 25% dosha. These doshas must also be evaluated similarly! As per the koota matching his advise was to give more importance to dina, gana, rasi, yoni and rajju and less to the others. So much so for the nadi dosha fear! The matching of horoscopes and especially the extent of Mangala Dosha is the job of an experienced astrologer and must be done after carefully analyzing both the horoscopes.   Rakshasagana The second major misconception while matching horoscopes of marriage is Rakshasagana. Once again this becomes a highly objectionable thing in case of a girl.  While matching horoscopes for a marriage under the Koota matching system, the birth stars in which the Moon is placed at the time of birth, called Janma Nakshatra, in which the bride and bridegroom are born, are analyzed and matched for various compatibility factors. One of them is the Ganas of the nakshatra. All the 27 Nakshatras come under 3 groups. They are Deva Gana, Manushyagana and Rakshasagana. If both bride and bridegroom are born in the same Gana then the matching is supposed to be the best. So the best combination is Deva-Deva, Manushya - Manushya and Rakshasa-Rakshasa. In the Gana matching this combination gets 4 out of 4 points. The next best is between Deva-Manushya and Manushya-Rakshasa. This gets a score of 2 out of 4 points. The last and worst combination is Deva-Rakshasa which gets a score of 0 out of 4 points. This is as per the detailed South Indian Dasha Koota matching system. In the North Indian Ashtakoota Matching system the Gana matching is allotted 6 points and you get either 6, 3 or 0.  Unfortunately too much importance is given to this Gana matching because of two reasons. Firstly as in case of Mangala Dosha, the person born under Rakshasagana has more confident and aggressive tendencies and hence this becomes a major taboo for a girl. Secondly a good Gana matching enhances prosperity. However, what the average public and even a lot of astrologers fail to take into account is the fact that, out of the total 35 point Koota matching, the Gana matching carries only 3 points. What is even more important is the fact that out of the 9 planets we are only taking into account the Ganas of the stars in which the Moon is placed at birth and totally ignoring the Ganas of the stars in which the balanced 8 planets are placed.  Hence it is foolhardy to attach too much importance to Gana dosha. Sadesati One of the most terrible periods, according to the believers in astrology, is the dreaded 7-1/2 years of Saturn transit called "Sadesati" in North India and "Elinatishani" in South India. When the transiting Saturn transits the 12th, 1st and 2nd houses from one's Rasi, i.e., where one's Moon is placed in the birth chart, it is called Sadesati. ( Saturn takes 30 years to make one round of the zodiac hence 2-1/2 years in each sign multiplied by 3 = 7-1/2 years).  While it is true that during this 7-1/2 years Saturn transit period people do experience some tensions and troubles, it is nothing to be scared about. On an average every man has to go through at least 2 sadesatis during his life time. The results of the sadesati transit vary considerably from person to person depending on the planetary configurations in one's birth chart. Even while giving some troubles and tensions, it does not deny you success. For example when Mrs. Indira Gandhi became a Cabinet Minister for Information and Broadcasting in 1964, she was going through her Sadesati! In January 1966 when she became Prime Minister she was still going through her Sadesati!! There are thousands of people who not only got away scot-free during sadesati, but actually prospered during it.  All kinds of dreadful results are forecast by the astrologers to scare the people and apart from living under fear, people spend a lot of money quite unnecessarily on all kinds of remedies. Actually the pundits love Saturn, Mangal, Rahu and Ketu, the fearsome four names in Indian astrology, as they have given more money to them by way of remedies than the benefic like jupiter or sun! There are plenty of remedies for sadesati, the most effective being the daily reciting of Hanuman Chalisa or the Dasaratha Shani stotra. Saturn, which according to Hindu mythology is the son of Sun God, is an excellent planet. No other planet can give what Saturn can. In fact having a well placed saturn in ones chart is one of the best things to hope for! When Mrs. Indira Gandhi re-elected PM, she was going through the mahadasa of Saturn. When Amitab Bacchan was at his peak, he was also going through Saturn mahadasa. Unfortunately people and the pundits ignore the positive side of Saturn and project it only as an evil planet. Kalasarpa dosha: This is another highly feared combination. You will be surprised to know that the ancient classics of astrology have not even mentioned it! Yet it has become one of the most feared doshas, because Kal means death and Sarpa means snake. When all planets are to one side of Rahu and Ketu Kalasarpa Dosha is supposed to be caused. This is considered a very bad yoga which gives rise to misfortunes and is supposed to be a major obstruction to ones progress. This dosha is said to be severe when all planets are within the arc from Rahu to Ketu in their natural motion direction.  There are supposed to be 12 types of Kalasarpa doshas, based on the placement of rahu from the lagna to the 12th house. These 12 have been named after 12 fearful sounding snakes: Anant, Kulik, Vasuki, Shankhapal, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Karkataka, Shankhanaad, Patak, Vishakata and Sheshanag. It is not known who cooked up this nonsense, but rest assured that it is none of the Rishis from Parashara to Varahamihira. Obviously some new 20th century "Rishis" of Delhi and U.P!! The latest astro-stunt by the "Pundits" is the introduction of "partial kalasarpa dosha". The basics parameters of this are undefined, so anyone may have it!! A lot of unscrupulous astrologers are scaring people about this dosha and extracting money for the so called remedies. The remedy of course depends and varies

according to the financial status of the innocent man! From practical point of view this is not found to be a hindrance to progress. I have the horoscopes of a lot of people who have this so called dosha and are doing quite well in life. One of the most notable exceptions is the horoscope of Jawaharlal Nehru, the late prime minister of India. If someone can rise to that level with kalasarpa yoga, then its not a bad one really!! Astrology Relationship of Planets