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Planetary Yogas

June 2011

By Christina Collins for Jyotish Star June 2011

A �yoga,� in Jyotish, is a �union,� of planets. How they combine by aspect or interchange, increasing a good (or a bad) influence in the horoscope. Yoga means union or the connecting or combination of two or more planets or factors.

They amplify the results of the house in which they are posited or aspecting. (in both positive and negative ways)

How they form:

Planets aspecting other planets.
Planetary rulers of houses aspecting each other in a house or houses.
Planets exchanging signs, in each other�s houses.
Planets situated in certain positions in relationship to each other.

Good Yogas and Difficult Yogas:

Yogas become good, by virtue of whether or not the rulers of the planets forming the yoga are friendly to each other and whether other planets also influence in a negative or positive way.

Good planets aspecting a yoga improve the yoga
Challenging planets aspecting a yoga decrease the results of the yoga

Results vary depending upon the benefic or malefic quality of the planets forming the yoga, and which houses in the horoscope are involved in the yoga, along with the overall view of the chart as a whole.

Yogas have a lifetime influence but are more likely to powerfully activate in their Dasa time period

Hundreds of possible combinations of yogas between planets exist.

Some Main Types of Yogas:

Pancha Maha Purusha Power Yogas � the yogas of Greatness
Raja Yogas � the yogas of �Kings� (Success)
Dhana Yogas � the yogas of Financial prosperity
Arista Yogas � the yogas of difficulty and suffering
Lunar Yogas
Solar Yogas
Parivartana Yogas (exchanging signs)
Vipreet Raja Yogas
Papa Ketari and Shubra Ketari Yogas (Scissors Yogas)

RAJA YOGAS (Fame & Wealth)
In earlier times a land owner was considered a �Raja� or King. This is when the ruler of an angle (1,4,7 or 10) and a trine (1,5,9) connect in some way.

A powerful combination example could be when the ruler of the 5^th house (a trine) and the ruler of the 9^th house (another trine) combine by conjunction in the 1^st house (an angle and a trine). The effect of this can range from having a very powerful dharma (9^th house) due to purva punya or past life influence (5^th house) to having a career focused on children or sports in some way. (also house 9 and 5) . Particularly potent when the ascendant, and/or its ruler are involved in the yoga, and when other benefics are involved. Even so, if there are also malefics involved then a great beneficial yoga can bring great harm. Here is a quick example created for illustration.

On September 11, 2013 in our future chart:

Capricorn rises
First house or rising sign ruler Saturn is exalted in Libra
First house (a trine) ruler is in Libra in the 10^th (the most powerful angle.)
This is a raja yoga, and a Sasa yoga, one of the 5 great maha purusha yogas.
Ruler of the 5^th , Venus is also in the 10^th, Libra

So, the rising sign ruler is exalted in an angle, the ruler of the 5^th, Venus is in its own sign of Libra, in an angle, the ruler of the 9^th house of dharma (Mercury in Virgo) is also exalted.

Now the downside. Some of the elements that can detract from a great yoga(s).

Powerful Sun is in its own sign of Leo (but lowered in strength by residing in and being 8^th house Lord or ruler) and while also 10^th from the Moon.

Mars, ruler of another angle, the 4^th is in Cancer its sign of debilitation. Its dispositor, the Moon, is also debilitated in Scorpio in the 11^th house. (where all planets are purported to be good, however in the system of �derived� houses, the 11^th is 6^th from the 6th which can mean accidents, accident prone, litigation or friends become enemies.)

So now we are looking at a debilitated Mars (though some would say this is neecha banga as it resides in an angle from the rising sign, cancelling debilitation) though it does improve by being in a Scorpio navamsha. This Cancer Mars aspects the Ascendant, Saturn, Venus, Rahu � and is the dispositor of the Ketu residing in Aries! Venus, of course is yog karaka for this chart � as ruler of an angle and a trine, and disposits the Rahu.

So you see what initially appears as a stellar chart, Yogkaraka, Venus in own sign, Saturn exalted, Sun in its own sign, Mercury exalted receives some what I call rain on its parade influence � from the influence of the nodes, the aspect of Mars, the parivartana yoga between Moon and Mars (they exchange houses and both become debilitated) and the Secata Yoga between Moon and Jupiter (in 6/8 axis) this particular yoga generally means some major financial loss in the lifetime. Just this yoga subtracts from the Laxshmi yogas in this chart.

The Laxshmi yoga for wealth forms when the 1^st and 2^nd house connect in some way, and the other dhana (wealth) house rulers also influence � that would be houses 5 and 9.
Here ruler of the 1^st is Saturn = exalted
Ruler of the 2^nd is also Saturn = exalted
Ruler of the 5^th is Venus = in own sign
Ruler of the 9^th is Mercury = exalted in own sign Virgo

So you see how very important it is, to not just judge a horoscope by first glance � but also to look with more depth. Major Laxshmi yogas will likely occur in periods of Venus, Mercury and Saturn � the natural benefics of the chart � Jupiter�s Secata with the debilitated Moon will subtract from this financial promise of greatness.

A lunar yoga called Anapha yoga also resides in this chart. (planets residing in the 12^th house from the Moon) Anapha gives spiritual and reclusive tendencies. So the eventual native of this horoscope may have great potential for financial gains and success, with more of an interest in philanthropic flair than for personal gain. Add to this, the Adhi yoga (benefic in the 8^th from the Moon, in this case Jupiter) giving health and affluence. Jupiter aspects houses 2, 10 and 12 from the rising � the other benefics, Mercury or Venus in this same Adhi yoga would not be as great of an influence, as they both only aspect 1/7 axis. From the Moon, this Jupiter in the 8^th aspects 2^nd house from the Moon (which is 12^th from the Lagna) meaning gains from spiritual sources. This can mean enlightenment gold rather than metal gold. Jupiter also aspects the 12^th from the Moon and the Anapha yoga! Reinforcing that ideation. Additionally Jupiter aspects the Saturn, which we know brings a spiritual outlook in a life. Jupiter expands, and Saturn constricts � when they come together a kind of balance occurs. Lord of the 12^th from the Lagna, Jupiter aspects Venus, Lord of the 12^th from the Moon � bringing additional spiritual focus.

Now, before we go crazy and pronounce Ah, the chart of a reclusive saint! Keep in mind the Chart as a Whole! In ashtakavarga there are merely 20 points in the 12^th house from the Lagna, and only 23 points in the 12^th house from the Moon (you need at least 25 for strength and very high points to renounce and live life in an ashram) � plus a Leo Sun � stuck in the 8th house always struggling to get out and Shine!

Knowing your yogas, and their potential gives insights into the expression of your personal life, career, and spiritual interests. There are hundreds of different yogas. Below you will find some of them listed, to give you a start in your exploration.

So know your yogas! Either research and learn them yourself, or ask your astrologer for a �Yoga� consultation.

For our Students, study the charts of the rich, successful and famous (either self achieved or born to it). You will see very strong and multiple yogas in their charts � which you might not see so much in the average chart. If anyone can really be called �average.�

Lunar (Moon) Yogas
Sunapha, Anapha Dhrudhura & Adhi

Sunapha Yoga:

Planets residing in the 2^nd house from the Moon.

Gives financial gains, prosperity & wealth.

Anapha Yoga:

Planets residing in the 12^th house from the Moon. Gives spiritual inclination.

A benefic planet can bestow prosperity & wealth

A malefic planet can bring challenge & difficulty along with spiritual attributes

Dhrudhura Yoga:

Moon surrounded by benefics (House 2 and 12), power & influence result.

Adhi Yoga:

Benefics in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th from the Moon (Mercury, Jupiter & Venus).

Planets can be in each of these houses or all in one of these houses. Can act like a Raja Yoga. Gives affluence & health.

Solar Yogas
Vesi,Vasi & Ubhayachari

Vesi Yoga � planets residing in the 2^nd house from the Sun

Confers prosperity & wealth

Vasi Yoga � planets residing in the 12^th house from the Sun

A benefic planet can bestow prosperity & wealth

A malefic planet can bring challenge & difficulty along with bestowing spiritual attributes

Natural benefics indicate gains, Natural Malefics indicate challenges

When both a benefic and a malefic reside in 2^nd or 12^th, the results are mixed, neutralized (watered down).

The planetary time period (Dasa) in operation will indicate which planet gives stronger effect.

Ubhayachari Yoga
also spelled Obhayachara

When planets reside both in the 2^nd and 12^th house from the Sun.

Benefics bring gain
Malefics bring challenge
Both Benefics & Malefics bring mixed, or neutral results.
The planetary time period (Dasa / Bhukti) in operation will indicate which planet gives a stronger effect.

Papa Ketari and Shubra Ketari Yogas -- (Scissors Yogas)
Papaketari Yoga
When malefics surround a (benefic or malefic) planet or house.

Either in the same house, or in houses on either side of the planet.
The Lagna or an empty house can also be in Papa Ketari. This yoga is sometimes referred to as �scissors� yoga and has the influence of weakening.

Shubha Ketari Yoga
When benefics surround a house or planet, the planet can be good or bad. This yoga has the influence of strengthening.
This is especially good if the planet is already a benefic.

Parivartana Yoga: Mutual Exchange

Where planets exchange houses they rule with each other.

For example:

Mars in Libra and Venus in Aries or Scorpio.
Venus in Gemini and Mercury in Taurus

Three Parivartana �mutual exchange� yogas
using a total of six planets can be ever be found in a given chart.

This is said to raise the planets up, to act like they are in their own sign, even exalted, or their influence for power and strength increases.

Gaja Keseri Yoga

This is a yoga of strength and power.

Gaja means �elephant�
Keseri means �lion�

When the Moon resides in an angle (kendra) from Jupiter:

This happens about 12 days in any given month. (Fairly common)
The different types of Gaja Keseri do not always contain the same attributes to do well.

If the rulers of the Moon and Jupiter are enemies � then challenges can occur to the individual instead of benefit.
For example, the Moon in Gemini, with Jupiter in Pisces (ME and JU are enemies) has challenge.

Dhana Yogas
Rulers of 1, 2, 5, 9 or 11 connecting

Parivartana Yoga: Mutual Exchange
Where planets exchange houses they rule with each other.
For example:

Mars in Libra and Venus in Aries or Scorpio.
Venus in Gemini and Mercury in Taurus

Three Parivartana �mutual exchange� yogas
using a total of six planets can be ever be found in a given chart. (for example Mars and Venus can exchange in both their signs of Aries, Scorpio, Taurus and Libra. However, because Mercury and Venus travel within 45 and 60 degrees of the Sun respectively, you can never have a parivartana with Mercury in Libra and Venus in Gemini � only with Venus in Gemini and Mercury in Taurus.)

Parivartana yogas tend to raise the planets up, to act similar to the power they have when transiting in their own sign, or even exalted, their influence for power and strength increases.

If the rulers of the exchanging planets, take the Moon in our example chart in Scorpio, and the Mars in Cancer, are neutrals (Moon has no enemies) then the effect can give power and gain, but not necessarily sweetness and niceness. This gives a hint as to why Chandra Mangala yoga, when Mars aspects the Moon has challenges in a chart (unless a woman has this, then she gets presents from men!).

Chandra Mangala means �thorn in the side of Mother,� and this can happen to the Moon, a weakening, even though she has no enemies. Mars and Moon debilitate in each other�s signs. I know very powerful people with this parivartana. They are famous. They are not very �nice,�

If natural planetary enemies exchange � then challenges can occur to the individual instead of benefit.

For example, the Jupiter in Gemini, with Mercury in Pisces or Sagittarius (ME and JU are enemies) has challenge, especially if the debilitation of Mercury is not neecha banga or cancelled..

Lakshmi Yoga
Yoga of Wealth, Nobility (Name), Reputation and Learning �If the lord of Lagna is powerful and the lord of the 9^th occupies its own or its exaltation sign identical with a Kendra or Trikona�

Needs Strong Lagna, Venus and Ruler of 9^th House to be a really strong yoga. There are lesser versions:

Mutual association of lord of Lagna and the 9^th
By lord of 9^th occupying Kendra, Trikona, or exaltation and lord of Lagna powerfully disposed
By lord of 9^th and Venus being posited in own or exaltation places which should be Kendra�s or Trikonas
Also ruler of the 1^st, 2^nd, 5^th connecting in some way, along with ruler of the 9^th.

The Five Great Planetary Yogas (Pancha Maha Purusha Yogas)
When a planet is in own sign (swakshetra) or exalted (uucha) in an angle (kendra) from the Rising sign (Lagna) or Moon (Chandra Lagna)

Hamsa Yoga (formed by Jupiter)

Ruchaka Yoga (formed by Mars)

Bhadra Yoga (formed by Mercury)

Malavya Yoga (formed by Venus)

Sasa Yoga (formed by Saturn)

Christina Collins Biography:

Christina Collins, Jyotish Visharada, CVA, Jyotish Kovid, ICAS and CVA, Jyotish Vachaspati, ICAS is a third generation Astrologer specializing in the Vedic system. She received her honorary titles from the late Dr. B.V. Raman, former President of the ICAS (Indian Center for Astrological Sciences) in New Delhi and Bangalore, India and from CVA (Council for Vedic Astrology, Seattle, WA USA). She is the first and sole American woman to be honored by this highly held title of Jyotish Vachaspati (Jyotish - the light bearer and Vachaspati - the one who speaks the truth and whose predictions come true. (In Sanskrit, Vac = speech and Brihaspati is a name of Jupiter the planet of wisdom and truth. She serves as faculty and on the Board of Directors of the American College for Vedic Astrology

(ACVA online), as former Editor of the ACVA News. President of Celestial Resource (The Timing Coach) where she serves corporate and private clients from celebrities to students. You can reach her in Boulder CO at [email protected]:

Christina's consultation contact information:

Christina Collins, J.K., J.V.
Editor in Chief The Jyotish Star
Lafayette, (Boulder County) CO, USA
web site: http://www.vedicastrologer.cc
email: [email protected]
phone: 303-665-9996



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