GURU CHANDALA YOGA AND PROSPECTS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

DR. E.S. NEELAKANTAN

The movements of slow moving planets have a major impact on the events which are to unfold in the upcoming years. When I say slow moving planets, I mean Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. In this article we will discuss about the implications of the Jupiter - Rahu conjunction in Aries, which is a yoga involving two show moving planets. The yoga, if were to occur in a natal chart would be known as Guru - Chandala Yoga, which makes the person a dual personality, Covert and Overt.

Jupiter in Aries, in an individual chart makes a person an Army chief, rich, enjoying with wife and children, charitable, capable of withstanding any evil, brilliant, compassionate, and of good health.
When we discuss about a yoga, what we need to understand is that the effects of a yoga may differ from the effects of individual planets. In other words, the total may not be equal to the sum of the parts. In Ayurveda, they say honey is good for health. So is ghee. But in equal quantities, if we mix honey with ghee, it turns into poison. Similarly Jupiter is a benefic and Rahu is a malefic. How does this yoga function? When a malefic conjoins Jupiter, the dosha attributable to the malefic is reduced if not neutralised completely. But in the case of Guru - Chandala Yoga the case is different. Here due to Rahu, Jupiter loses its power to do good. When a sinner takes bath in the river Ganges, we say sins are erased. Same is the case with a malefic joining Jupiter. When poison is added to milk, milk itself becomes poisonous. That is the case with Jupiter in conjunction with Rahu.

As we look at the significations of Jupiter and Rahu, we find they are totally dissimilar if not opposed to each other. What are the significations of Rahu and Jupiter? For this let us look at the karakatwas mentioned by Dr. N. E. Muthuswamy in his “Dictionary of Astrology”.

Raahu and Kaethu (The Nodes):-

Raahu and Kaethu are two definite sensitive points of the zodiac. They are the points of intersection of the orbits of Moon and Sun, around the earth. They are called the ascending node (Raahu) and the descending node (Kaethu) and astronomically must be diametrically opposite to each other. So also the motion of these points along the zodiac must be in the direction opposite to the motion of Sun and Moon. For the ease of calculation we consider relative movements with earth as static. This is equivalent to the actual motions and is simpler to conceive. The occurrence of eclipses are definitely related to the nodes, that is the longitude of the two points of intersection coming to relative separations. The ancient sages have given very accurate calculations of eclipses and they have not considered any folktale or legend in their calculations. It must be emphasized that they could calculate and predict eclipses and their exact duration which may be verified even today. Astronomically exact information about eclipses are given in Bruhathsamhita (chap V) of Varaahamihira. In the strict sense Raahu cannot be called a planet as it is only a node or sensitive point where the orbiting path of earth and that of Moon join together But since it also influences the human experiences, it is termed graha in Indian astrology and the word planet is applicable to Raahu also. It is considered as cosmic planet and so influences the human experiences to a great extent. In a sign it stays for 1 1/2 years. Though Raahu and Kaethu are distinct points, they have also been assigned certain significations and characteristics, of course. In the same symbolic and poetical way peculiar to Astrology,such assignments are quite useful in predictions. For instance instead of stating that Venus in favourable positions would make the native handsome, it has been stated that Venus is handsome, with curly hair and nice eyes etc. Venus is also called kavi (poet) to show the significations of poetic tendencies. The planet is not the poet, but it causes the native to be a poet. So the influences of each planet on the native are collected and personified to postulate the characteristics of the planet. So it is not the real characteristic of the planets, but the characteristics which that planet would confer on the native. It is an age old custom in India to personify several agencies of nature and to consider them as the daevatha. Thus we have a daevatha for each village, for rain, for fire, for air, for space, for disease, for forest, for water, for the ocean etc. The same method is adopted in astrology too. So it would be realised that though we have described each planet and each sign by which the planet or sign confers on the native, it really describes the quality the native gets on account of the particular position of the planet. As in the case of the other celestial bodies there are several legends about Raahu and Kaethu. The hidden secrets of science would be sometimes irrational when we add some fiction to them. Though alien to the science of astrology, there are some mythological legends associated with most of the astrological objects and concepts. In course of time, these legends and similies caused astrology to be branded as fiction. Similies are almost always absurd, but sometimes scientists too take frequent resort to similies. The legend of Raahu and Kaethu described as the head and trunk of a serpent and also the folk tale that eclipse occurs on account of the Sun or Moon being swallowed by Raahu have become tools to brand astrology as superstition. This argument is clearly baseless because it is founded on folk tale. There is no such reference in Astrological treatises. Raahu and Kaethu are perhaps not so important as the other planets. This is why they do not have place of their own in the zodiac. But they have been assigned 3 asterisms each as for other planets. It is possible that Raahu and Kaethu would have been introduced in astrology at a latter stage of development In dasaa allotment also in some systems Raahu and Kaethu are omitted. So also in assigning week days each major planet including the Sun has been given one day but Raahu and Kaethu are omitted. These two are called chaahyaa grahas meaning shadow planets or thamo grahas probably meaning points of darkness. Raahu and Kaethu also have been assigned definite significations as well as charateristics, swaroopa. Though generally Raahu and Kaethu have not been given any lordship, certain signs have been considered by a section of scholars as their own house moolakshethra and exaltation. However this allotment is described with slight variations by different authorities and it is advisable to follow one's own favourite authority. According to Paraasara, the following allotments are made for purposes of judgement of Dasaaphala. (Bruhathparaasarahoara, Hoarasaasthram, chap 48 verses 35, 36). According to these verses Raahu has Kumbha, Mithuna and Vrishabha as Swakshaethra, Moolakshethra and exaltation sign while Kaethu has Vrischika, Dhanu and Vrischika as the corresponding signs. According to another view Kanya and Meena have been described as the signs owned by Raahu and Kaethu. In the same book at another context Paraasara writes thus: When Raahu is posited in Kataka Vrischika, Kanya or Dhanus. royal honour and gifts of dress and ornaments are conferred during the period of Raahu. According to this Raahu is strong in the signs Mesha, Vrischika, Kumbha, Kanya, Vrishabha and Kataka, while Kaethu is strong in the sign Kanya, Meena Vrishabha and Dhanus. According to Bhaavakuthoohalam of Jeevanaatha, Raahu has Mithuna as the sign of exaltation and Kaethu has exaltation in Dhanus, the first degree in each being the respective points of exaltation in the signs. According to one commentator Raahu and Kaethu have Kanya and Meena as swakshaethras and Mithuna and Meena as the respective moolakshethras. In his commentary to Hoarasaara of Prithuyas (son of Varahamihira) the well known commentator R.Santhanam has discussed about these varied views. In Vriddhasamhita and Jyotishaamrita Kumbha is owned by Raahu and Vrischika by Kaethu. According to a Tamil work Raahu owns Kumbha but no house is allotted to Kaethu.

According to Tamil authors both Raahu and Kaethu are exalted in Vrischika and debilitated in Vrishabha. Raahu . Jaathakachinthamani agrees with the allotment for Raahunbut for Kaethu Gemini is the sign of exaltation and Dhanus debilitation. According to Svamasangraham. Gemini is the exaltation sign of Raahu and Dhanu the debilitation sign, the reverse being true for Kaethu, Sarvaarthachinthamani considers Vrishabha as the exaltation sign and Vrischika as the debilitation sign of Raahu and the reverse allotment for Kaethu. So to conclude, the authorities are divided in their opinions regarding the allotment of signs to the shadow planets. Also it is an important point, which suggests that Raahu and Kaethu would have been introduced in astrology at a later stage of development. It is advisable to form one's own conclusions regarding this matter after analysing several known horoscopes. It is also advisable to follow any experienced astrologer. It has also been stated in the works of Tamil authors that when Raahu is in Makara and Kaethu is in Kataka, the native would become extremely learned, even though he didn't have even school education. Both Raahu and Kaethu are first rate malefics forbidding everything desirable.

In this respect Rahu is treated as similar to Saturn, while Kaethu to Mars "Sanivad Raahu, Kujavath Kaethu." Kaethu is a fiery planet like Mars and Sun. However in spite of maleficity Raahu and Kaethu confer excellent characteristics, if properly disposed. Strong Raahu confers prosperity as well as sharp intellect and a strong Kaethu induces spiritual throughts. According to Paraasara, as they do not own any house, the different allotments described earlier are for purposes of Daasaphala etc. Raahu and Kaethu give the results of the house of occupation modified by their associations with other planets. Raahu is the Significator of pitha-maha, father's father, while Koethu is the signi-ficator of mathamaha, mother's father, in nativities. Raahu confers a mean, low class and wicked mind and signifies cruelty and animal character. On the whole Kaethu would not go to such a low level, though it is also as malefic as its counterpart. Both induce tendencies of intoxication and drugging.

Guru - the planet Jupiter:-

In Indian astrology Jupiter is described by the terms Guru and Bruhaspathi which signify the large size of the planet and also the benefic nature inherent in it. Jupiter mostly confers benefic effects on natives, while Saturn represents malefic effects, though under certain conditions and positions these planets may behave in the opposite way also. Jupiter has very important significations such as wisdom. prosperity, wealth, optimism, success, happiness, fortune, contentment, fame, and physical well- being. Saturn controls hindrances, deterioration, disappointment, sorrows, defeat, discontentment, misfortunes etc. Thus the influence of these two planets which are very slow in their movement along the zodiac deserve very great attention. In fact a favourable Jupiter signifies progeny, wealth, elder brother etc. It represents Saathwik qualities like godliness. The famous work Maadhaveyam on electional astrology, narrates the significations. The compassionate Brahma created the floats, Jupiter and Venus, in order to cross the sea of maleficity. Using these floats, people cross the sea of doashas and reach the opposite coast of auspicious Karmas. This gives clearly the importance of Jupiter and Venus in astrology. Mythologically it is Jupiter, Bruhaspathy, who is the Guru of the Daevaas. Astrologically it is the Gnaana and Buddhi (wisdom and intellect) of the Kaalapurusha. Jupiter is also depicted as the profound teacher and adviser as well as the puroahitha. Sarvaites picture Jupiter as Dakshinaamorthy while Vaishavaites consider him as Vishnu. Jupiter is also capable of warding off all evils in nativities. Among all planets Jupiter has the maximum ability to remove all doashas,(malificities) and to increase the auspiciousness. Jupiter, being the significator of saathwik qualities, natives with strong Jupiter would be helpful to others. Contented, optimistic and of decent behaviour, common sense, sense of justice, broad-mindedness and self-confidence would be evident in them. Natives with favourable Jupiter would also have interest in learning, respectable, knowledge of laws, religious and virtuous thinking, philosophic thoughts, leadership of institutions, governing capacities, interest in Vaedaas and mythology, respect to elders and teachers and maturity in thought and actions. Jupiter being the lord of the sign Dhanus, which is symbolised by a bowman with the lower half of a horse, it is said that a strong Jupiter favourable in Dhanus sign would make the native capable of achieving the target in life and interest in sports and adventures. Being the lord of the ninth sign of the zodiac, Jupiter confers on the native qualities liked by all. Being the lord of the Pisces (Meena) sign, Jupiter makes a native peaceful, of steady nature and not easily influenced by bad advisors. Jupiter signifies law also and this makes the native with favourable Jupiter, law - abiding, dutiful and sincere. At the times when Jupiter is favourable, medical treatments are known to be more effective than at other times. Similarly periods of beneficial Jupiter would make the native enjoy all kinds of successes, fortunes, fame honour and general co-operation. He might turn out to be a philosophic thinker and socially important. Prosperity and mental happiness due to children will be experienced. When Jupiter is unfavourable due to lordship and due to positions in the horoscope, the native would be of undesirable behaviour and character, with a tendency to waste his wealth due to carelessness, too much of confidence, borrowing, quarrels, loss, defeat in gambling and stock exchange, daring actions, troubles from debtors, sorrows through children, false prestige, inability to keep ones' word and promises, being deceived by others, loss of money due to standing surety to others, difficulty to repay loan-instalment, too much of eating, miscalculations etc. are all experienced In short all those significations of Jupiter would be offset by an unfavourable Jupiter.

Significations: A partial list of things signified by Jupiter are Golden colour Yellow Fat (of the body), Phlegmatic disorders, Duties (Dharma), Actions (Karma), Gods, Brahmin, House, Son Relations, Grandson, Grandfather, Sathwagun, Friend, Minister, Adviser, Treasury, Cash-box, Learning, Stomach, Wisdom, Intellect, Priesthood, Yellowish eyes, Not-so-dark- hair, Broad chest, Bulky body, Lion's voice, Financial thinking, Charitable nature, Good health Vaedantha, Calm conduct, Devotion to God, Truth fullness, Belief in truth, Trustworthiness, Social service, Helping others, Royal honour, Affectionate nature, Soft behaviour, Sweet words, Social honour, Compassion, Opposition to injustice, Family and clean Character Behaviour, Learning Vaedas, Science, Smruthi, Prosperity, Thapas, Sense of Knowledge, Controlled sense, Devotion to husband, Happiness from husband Sacrifice, VIP's, Jack tree, Swan Horse, Saving, Astrology, Elder brother, Haemantha Season, Thighs, Praise, Tall buildings, Honey, Oil, Silk, Clear voice, Banyan tree, Peepul tree, Temple Church, North-east, Almirah, Yoaga exercise, Pushparag, Diamond, Sanskrit, Contract, Meditation, Coconut tree, Tubes, Sacred thread, Ornaments worn around the neck, Beauty, Yaaga, Jaggery, Coin, Pilgrimage, Camphor, Bonus, Dharma, Law-books, Festival, News from distance, Foreign country, Customs department, Charity, Higher education, Leave, Waist, License, Literature, Liver, Loan, Security, Honorarium, Passport, Patron, Prayer, Religion, Rain, Race horse, Religious books, ship, swelling, Code of conduct, Thursday, Thunder, Status, University, Pooja, Ministership, Good manners, Preaching, Learnedness, Turmeric, Salt, Umbrella, Certificate of honour, Multi-coloured cloth.
It is Jupiter which represents the happiness of life. Ultimate wisdom, Good qualities, Ministership, One's traditions, Guru (aachaaryas), Greatness, Vaedas, Saasthraas, Memory, Intellect, Status of being the greatest, Most desirable goal, Devotion to the daevaas and the learned, Concentration and perfection treasury, Learnedness, Total control over the senses, Happiness in marriage, Gifts and compassion are all signified by Jupiter.
This conjunction occurs on April 22, 2023 when Jupiter enters Aries. On this date Jupiter is at Zero degrees in Aries, while Rahu is at a degrees. On 01.06.2023, Jupiter enters into a rapt conjunction with Rahu, while on 02.06.2023, Jupiter is ahead of Rahu and Rahu is behind Jupiter. This means that on 02.06.2023, Jupiter in its clockwise motion would be overtaking Rahu, while Rahu in its counter clockwise motion would be at 9*24 while Jupiter would have crossed Rahu and be at 9*35.

In my view, this is a highly critical moment for the world at large since Saturn from Aquarius would aspect this sinister pair at that moment in time and Mars too would be forming a square from Cancer. This is a highly dangerous period for Iran as tensions with Saudi Arabia would run high. The ties between Israel and Palestine would be at its lowest ebb and the probability of a Palestinian attack on Israel in the month of June looks possible.
The civil war in Syria reaches great heights. There will also be skirmishes between Iran and Syria. This will be a very difficult year for the government in power in Syria. Now we will see some of the effects in Mundane Astrology due to the advent of Shobakrith year and the impact of Guru Chandala Yoga. The Lord of Winter crops for the year (Sasyadipathi) being Saturn will result in an increase in the prices of wheat and barley. There will be heavy rain during the year and three cities in Tamilnadu are lively to get flooded.
The lord of the year happens to be Mercury. An excellent year is in store for Chartered Accountants, Musicians and Painters. People will be keen on studying the Vedas despite the occurrence of Guru Chandala Yoga. For spiritual stalwarts pursuing Moksha as their goal in life, this is an excellent year to follow the Vedic tenets and recognise the oneness of the Jivatma with Paramatma.

This yoga can spell doom for Pakistan. The Pakistani soil will become the battleground for the clash between militants and the military forces. A natural calamity will affect Pakistan at about the time of this yoga. There could be a threat to the leadership. Gold prices will tend to appreciate in April due to the 4 - planets conjunction in Aries.
War like situation will prevail in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. A chance of a full fledged war on the borders between the Indian Armed forces and Pakistan is likely. A very difficult year is there ahead of Pakistan. Gilgit may once again become part of Indian Union.
The eastern parts of India will face challenges in Agriculture. Diseases spread by dogs such as rabies may occur. Cardiac issues and Omicron related diseases may be more in occurrence during the year.
India's graph will go up by leaps and bonds. The Indian rupee may become the trading currency for several countries.

Thanks to diplomacy and foreign trade, India's clout will go up in the years to come. Train services will register all round improvement. Water related natural calamities will occur more in the upcoming year. By this I mean, floods, tsunamis, cyclones and hurricanes will occur more frequently. The vagaries of the weather will result in both extreme cold and extreme heat. Europe will see a blazing summer around the time of the Guru Chandala Yoga.
A full fledged war could break out between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Uneasy calm will prevail in Lebanon and Israel.
Religious fundamentalism will raise its ugly head. Afghanistan will see a year of deterioration in Law and Order and issues in relations to women's rights.
There will a major outbreak of an epidemic in China around the time of Guru Chandala Yoga.
There will be internal disturbances in Egypt. There will be clashes amongst various religious groups.
Iran is also susceptible to an earthquake. During the third week of April, a major earthquake could jolt Indonesia.

There will be more of male births during the year. Mutual funds see records inflows. While the USA stock market looks steady, the Indian stock market will record phenomenal growth. There will be more of psychosomatic diseases during the year. In India, inflation will be under check throughout the year. Divorce rates will come down, while family ties improve. Crime rates and suicide rates come down. There is a looming threat of accidents to old Air Force planes. They need to be modernized or completely replaced. India will defy the orders of the super powers thereby making its advent on the world stage as a super power. Mood of anti incumbency will prevail in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, while a close contest is on the cards in Karnataka.

There will be heavy influx of Foreign Funds into the Indian stock market.
For USA the major reasons to worry will be debt and inflation. However the dollar would continue to hold its value against other currencies. There will be tremendous growth in Science, robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Women scientists will be in the limelight Hurricanes and tornadoes would hit the central parts of America.
Ukraine would be at the receiving end of Russia's belligerence. Russia would resort to sanctions against NATO countries in Europe. Overall this would be a difficult year for Europe in general and United Kingdom in particular.