ASTROLOGY4 NATION 2 Sunday December 26, 2010 5NATION 2 Sunday December 26, 2010

BY A.S.FERNANDOBy now, our readers

should be familiar with the terms, benefi cs and ma-lefi cs.

The Sun, Mars, Rahu, and Ketu, are considered natural malefi cs. The weak Moon and the badly asso-ciated Mercury (in the com-pany of malefi cs) are also looked on as malefi cs. The ancient Maharishis in India enunciated the principles of Vedic Astrology based on the existence of only nine planets - the Sun, Mars, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, Ve-nus, Saturn and the two shadow planets Rahu and Ketu exerting their infl uence on man and envi-ronment on earth.

In recent times, astrologers, both Western and Oriental, acknowl-edged the infl uence of the recently discovered planets Neptune, Ura-nus and Pluto and the validity of taking them for astrological cal-culations. Of these three planets, Uranus and Pluto are considered malefi cs and Neptune a benefi c.

Jupiter, Venus, Mercury (free from malefi c infl uence), and the strong Moon are considered natu-ral benefi cs.

All planets, be they benefi c or malefi c, can turn Marakas due to conjunctions or associations with other planets in certain Bhavas or Houses in the horoscope with in certain instances the evil nature

further strengthened by bad as-pects.

Therefore, it should be borne in mind that Marakas are planets who come to possess death infl icting powers under specifi c conditions.

Death generally occurs during the Maha Dasa or Antar Dasa of death infl icting planets.

In determining the Ayurdaya or longevity (whether Balrishta, Ala-payu, Madyayu or Purnayu), you have to fi rst ascertain to which Ayu-category that the horoscope under study belongs and thereafter determine the Maraka planets and the periods when their infl uence comes into operation.

The 8th and 3rd Houses from the Lagna are considered Houses of Life. The 2nd and 7th houses are called Houses of Death.

The 2nd House is more effec-tive in infl icting death that the 7th House. Planets occupying the 2nd House are stronger in causing Ma-raka than the planet who owns it.

Planets who are conjunct with the lord of the 2nd House are the most powerful in infl icting death.

Therefore, the lords of the 2nd and 7th Houses, plan-ets occupying them and the planets in conjunction with them are the maraka plan-ets.

`Marakas – death infl ict-ing planets’ is a vast sub-ject which cannot be fully

dealt with in a brief article like this. However, for the information of our readers the planets that can cause death under varying conditions are given in a nutshell below.

• The occupants of the 2nd and 7th Houses

• Planets governing the 2nd and 7th Houses

• Planets who join the lords of the 2nd and 7th Houses

• Planets other than yogakaraks who become evil due to the Hous-es they occupy and who conjoin the lords of the Houses of Death.

• Lords of the 3rd and 8th hous-es cause death if death does not occur in the Dasas of non- yogaka-raks.

• If the Dasa of a death infl ict-ing planet does not come into op-eration, the most evil planet in the horoscope would cause death.

• Saturn would cause death dur-ing his 2nd or 3rd Jamma Ershtaka period.

January 4 partial solar eclipse to precipitate planetary effects

The movements of planets in January 2011

Hand tells tales, but does not lie

BY SUDARSHI

Aries (Mesha)The advent of Mars to the 10th House of

Capricorn will produce Amala yoga assur-ing the native of fame and high position. You will inherit wealth and make big profi ts from business if you are running the major period of Venus. Happiness in the family and acquisition of wealth are also indicated. High recognition for your skills or efforts in the fi eld of science or mathematics is indicated. You are likely to

undertake foreign travel.

Taurus (Vrushabha)Mars moving over to the 9th House on Jan-

uary 8 is very auspicious and this removes threat to life of your spouse and there will be an increase in your income. Marital happiness or a love affair leading to marriage is in the off-ing. If you are employed, you might get a job

requiring intellect and intelligence in a high degree. You will receive honours if your career is singing or act-ing in fi lms and teledramas.

Gemini (Mithuna)A strongly posited Jupiter in the 10th

House is capable of nullifying malefi c in-fl uences. Saturn and the 4th house receiv-ing the direct aspect of Jupiter in the 10th House is very auspicious. There would be order in your domestic affairs which you would manage with utmost care. The lord of your Lagna Mercury’s movement over to the 7th House of Sagittarius to be conjunct with Rahu and Ravi (the Sun) would stimulate your interests in science and mathematics.

Cancer (Kataka)Jupiter is occupying the powerful trine

9th House commanding special aspect over the Lagna and the other powerful trine 5th House assuring you of enhanced stature and status. You will stand out where you are and many would look up to you for leader-ship and guidance. An exalted Mars in the

7th House would hasten the marriage of unmarried and eligible natives. Teachings of great men would infl uence your thinking and you would devote time to intellectual pursuits.

Leo (Simha)Mars exalted in the 6th House of Cap-

ricorn endows you with resourcefulness to overcome enemies and also obstacles in your way. The Sun and Rahu in the 5th House are not auspicious for your children. You are advised to keep your children under your strict supervision after January 14. Those, who are unem-ployed, may secure a job in the fi eld of fi ne arts or journalism.

Virgo (Kanya)You would successfully utilise your

intellectual and oratorical skills to gain the upper hand over your rivals and opponents. Jupiter strongly posited in the 7th House, Venus in the 3rd House receiving the special aspect of both Ju-piter and Saturn and the 11th House of Gemini receiving the direct aspect of

the Sun (Ravi) have placed you in a strong position enabling you to gain your objectives.

Libra (Thula)Mars exalted in the 4th House of Cap-

ricorn and Jupiter strongly posited in the 6th House,Venus in the 2nd House receiving the special aspect of Jupiter and Saturn and the 10th House fortifi ed with the special aspect of Jupiter have assured you of homely comforts, hap-piness in the family and career success. The malefi c infl uence of Saturn now in the 12th House is being mellowed by the direct as-pect of Jupiter posited in the 8th House. Jupiter in the 6th House also assures you of justice.

Scorpio (Vrushika)You are assured of fame, wealth and

fortune in the New Year after January 8. Venus entering the Lagna on January 1 boosts your personality and assures you of marital happiness. Mars enter-ing Capricorn on January 8 to gain ex-altation will endow you with drive and motivation to pursue your goals in life.

Rahu in the 2nd house is not auspicious for he could mess up your married life. However, Rahu under check as the 2nd House is Sagittarius governed by Jupiter.

Sagittarius (Dhanu)Mercury’s advent to your Lagna on Janu-

ary 8 when the Sun (Ravi) is already posited there will produce a Dhana-yoga for you. You should develop a philanthropic disposition with Venus moving over to your 12th house on January 1. The lord of the 9th House, the Sun (Ravi) occupying the 5th House would certain-ly bring you luck. Saturn would endow you with endurance to hold on to your career amidst diffi culties.

Capricorn (Makara)The advent of Mars to Capricorn on Janu-

ary 8,where he is exalted, should mark the end of an inauspicious period you have been going through. You will fi nd yourself pursu-ing goals in life with a new vigour. The Sun moving over to your Lagna on January 14 will

further strengthen your social standing, fi nancial position and your stature. Venus in the 11th House of Scorpio will bring you an increase in income.

Aquarius (Kumbha)Advent of Venus to the 10th House holds

out the promise of a career as an artiste, possibly as a singer or an actor/actress. Rahu and the Sun (Ravi) in the 11th House is very auspicious. However, Mars in the 12th House though exalted can still cause harm if you are running his Maha Dasa or Antar Dasa. Venus being the lord of the 9th House would bring you both fame and wealth.

Pisces (Meena)Jupiter occupying the Lagna as its lord

produces Chamara-yoga thus bringing you wealth, fame and high status. Mars being exalted with his entry into the 11th House of Capricorn on January 8, 2nd House of Aries receiving the special aspect of the exalted Mars, the Sun (Ravi) being posited in the 10th

House commanding Dig-bala and Venus moving over to the 9th House of fortune are planetary positions which have placed you in a very strong position fi nancially and status wise.

What the stars foretell for your Lagna(For the 1st quarter of January 2011)

BY SUDARSHI

From Singhe in Boralesgamuwa

Question: I am enclosing my horo-scope and a palm imprint. Regarding my horoscope, I like to mention that some say my Lagna is Aquarius and some Pisces. Please clarify this point.

Secondly, on November 23, 2008 I dreamed somebody asking me to look at my right palm lines. I was surprised to fi nd my Head Line ending with a fi sh tail and also line on the (Mount of) Moon with a fi sh tail.

Finally I was told that my fortunes would improve from October, but (it was) just the opposite. I trusted a close relative by lending him 12 lakhs, but he let me down badly. Please verify these points for me.

Answer: Your Lagna is Pisces if the birth time given by you is correct.

I cannot say anything defi nite about what you call the `fi sh tail’ without examining it. However, any line that branches off and goes upwards from the Head Line signifi es fame and high recognition.

I am not surprised that you are going through a diffi cult period. Your bad patch should have begun with your coming under the Shani Maha Dasa in November 2005. Saturn, no doubt, as the occupant of the Karmasthana 10th House of Sagittarius owned by Jupiter would have initially con-ferred on you wealth, fame and high po-sition and Saturn true to his nature has started taking back what he had given you.

You have been born ‘great’ with Cha-mara Yoga and Anapa Yoga fortifying you at birth. Jupiter who was exalted in Can-cer at birth is posited in your Lagna now. Therefore, your situation cannot be as bad as you make it out. You are now running the Antar Dasa of Mercury in the Maha Dasa of Saturn. There will be a change for

the better in your fortunes after January 8 next year.

From ‘Distressed’ in Moratuwa

Question: I am a very keen follower of the Astrology page in the Nation paper.

At present I am undergoing severe mental stress and hardships. For so many years nothing has succeeded in my life.

Please let me know the following:(1) Any chance of a marriage?(2) Will I ever own a house?(3) Career success?(4) Any foreign travel or will I reside

abroad?Answer: We welcome you as a regular

reader of the Nation Zodiac. I have to an-swer your queries as follows:

(1) You are likely to marry before June 2011. However, planetary positions indi-cate you have had several love affairs. The direct aspect of Rahu on the Moon and the superior planets occupying the 9th House have deprived you of marital happiness so far.

(2) Rahu in the 4th House has denied you a permanent residence or living in one place continuously for a long period of time. You may succeed in acquiring a permanent residence after June next year.

(3) You have a natural tendency to con-stantly look for a greener pasture not being satisfi ed with your employment in hand. Stick to one job with singleness of purpose for career success.

(4) There are several indications signify-ing foreign travel for you. You may migrate to another country after May 2013.

Please remember that your horoscope refl ects the Kamma you accumulated in your previous birth. Perseverance, self-confi dence and a righteous living will serve you as a shield against the infl uences of malefi c planets to a great extent.

Readers’ queries answered

Marakas – Death infl icting planets

What the Mounts on the palm say - Mount of Jupiter

We are pleased that it has now become possible to make space available for a Readers’ Column in the Astrology section, `The Nation Zodiac’.

We invite readers to participate in the `The Nation Zodiac’ by sending their views and suggestions relating to its contents as well as by seeking answers to their Astrology-related queries.

Readers also may make their queries in Sinhala as well.Please address all your communications to:

The Nation Zodiac, The Nation Editorial,

RIVIRA Media Corporation (Pvt)Ltd, 742, Maradana Road,

Colombo 10 email: astrology@nation.lk

Readers’ Column

Pluto, Ravi Mars (Till Jan 8)Mercury (Jan 8

JupiterNeptune

Moon

Natal Chart of Sri LankaThe chart showing the longitudes of planets in transit

(From January 1 - 15)

Moon Jan 0720.36

MoonJan 0510.13

Jan 01 16.46

MoonJan 2521.38

MoonJan 2319.43

Jan 2118.59

Uranus

The MoonJan 1917.47

MoonJan 1714.25

Moon Jan 15

7.37

The MoonDec: 1112.14

VenusAquarius

Jan 108.48

Jan 0812.08

Moon Mars

0.34)(Retrograde

Moon Jan 281.46

Neptune

The Moon

The Chart showing Planetary Positions(From January 1 to 15)

Moon Jan 32.12

Rahu SunMars (till Jan 08)

MercuryJan 08 0.34

Venus(Jan 01 16.46)MoonJan 281.46 Moon

Jan 25 21.38

Moon

Jan 23Saturn

Moon

Jan 2118.59

MoonJan 1917.47

Jan 1714.25Ketu Moon

Jan 157.37

MoonJan 1221.13

MoonJan 10

8.48JupiterUrenus

The MoonDec: 1112.14

MoonJan 5 10.13

Mars Jan 812.08

Solar monthSagittarius

Stability of the Executive and the Legislature

Continuing public agitation

Ava-atawaka from 10.54 pm on Monday 27 to 08.51

pm on Tuesday - Sil on Tuesday

Unduvap Poya

BY A.S.FERNANDOMounts, the slight elevations

on the palm assumes great sig-nifi cance in the study of Palm-istry, because they cause the formation and development of the main lines on the palm. Be-sides, the Mounts account for the main divisions that makes up the palm.

According to ancient Indian palmists, there are seven mounts on the palm named after the seven main planets in the Solar system excluding the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu who too fi gure in Astrological calculations. However, modern Palmistry ex-perts have divided the palm into 12 Mounts, sub-dividing certain areas on the palm assigned to the main planets earlier.

The planets after whom the fi ve additional Mounts are named are Harshal, Neptune, Rahu (Dragon’s Head), Ketu (Dragon’s Tail), and Pluto.

Following are the 12 Mounts:1) The mount of Jupiter2) The mount of Saturn3) The Mount of Apollo or Sun4) The Mount of mercury5) The Mount of Harshal6) The Mount of Neptune7) The Mount of Moon or Luna8) The Mount of Venus9) The Mount of Mars10) The Mount of Dragon’s

Head11) The mount of Dragon’s

Tail12) The Mount of PlutoThe exact locations of these

Mounts are fi xed in palmistry and they can be easily identifi ed.

The Mount of Jupiter: This Mount is located at the base of

the fi rst or Index Finger. It ex-tends downwards up to the Head Line and sidewise up to the per-cussion of the hand.

The Mount of Jupiter repre-sents power, leadership, author-ity and wisdom and godly quali-ties. Such persons have a keen sense of self-respect and would not do anything considered be-low their dignity.

They are learned and benevo-lent and are highly respected in society. They do not get ruffl ed or disconcerted even under try-ing conditions.

If the Mount is less prominent or under-developed, the owner of the hand would be defi cient in above mentioned qualities.

Persons with a prominent Mount of Jupiter are of medium h e i g h t a n d a r e

healthy. They have a smiling face. They are kind-hearted phi-lanthropists. They are more in-terested in earning a good name and a good reputation than earn-ing wealth.

If the Mount of Jupiter of a per-son is leaning towards the Mount of Saturn, he would be self-cen-tered. Though they concentrate on efforts aimed at their own good, they would end as failures. Therefore, these subjects are often frustrated and disgruntled people. If the Mount is located in a lower position, the person would face slander and defame several times in his life. But he would make a success in literary pursuits.

If the Mount of Jupiter is ab-sent, on the palm of a person, he would have no regard for self-respect. He would not receive proper parental care and would prefer the company of uncouth persons.

If the fi ngers are pointed and the Mount of Jupiter is well devel-oped, the owner is superstitious. If he fi ngers are conical and the mount is normal, he would dem-onstrate pride in actions in eve-ryday life. If the fi nger tips are

square and the mount of Jupiter is very

prominent, the owner would be

full of vanity.If the Mount of Jupi-

ter and that of Saturn are well-developed and are intermingled, the

owner is very fortunate and would gain great suc-

cess in life.(The next article will be on the

Mount of Saturn)

Success in efforts to preserve nation’s dignity

PART 9

PART 59

READYOUR OWN

HOROSCOPE

JUPITERSATURNMERCURY

UPPERMARS

SUN

VENUSMOON

LOWERMARS

The Sun Jan: 14 18.44 hours CapricornMars Jan: 08 12.08 Capricorn Mercury Jan: 08 00.34 Sagittarius Mercury Jan: 31 05.54 Capricorn Venus Jan: 01 16.46 ScorpioVenus Jan: 30 03.51 Sagittarius

Were you born between January 15 and February 14?

APR 14 - MAY 15 MAY15 - JUN 15 JUN

15 - JUL16 JU

L16 - AU

G 17 AUG 17 - SEP 17 SEP17 - OCT 17 OCT 17 - NOV 17

NOV 17 - DEC 1

6

DEC

16

- JA

N 1

4

J

AN

14

- FEB

14

FEB 1

4 - MAR 15

MAR 15 - APR13

SOLAR

CALENDAR

BY A.S.FERNANDOThe Sun, during his annual journey

round the Zodiac, moves in the Capri-corn sign from January 15 to February 14.

Those born during the Solar month of Capricorn are endowed with certain characteristics peculiar to the Cap-ricorn even if their Lagna (the sign rising from the horizon at the time of birth) is different. Persons born during the Solar month of Capricorn possess sagacity, foresight and circumspect. They are cautious and hard working.

They have a strong sense of duty and therefore, always place service before self. Their humility is clearly seen even when they hold high offi ce or po-sitions of authority.

Initiative and hard work bring suc-cess to them. Conscientious and loyal workers, Capricorn people are also pragmatic and frugal-minded.

They prefer to marry home lovers

who can provide them with home com-forts and companionship. Capricorn people are generally self-made people. Wealth usually comes to them after the age of 42. Their youth is they have to face many challenges during their ca-reer.

They serve their superiors loyally. Capricorn subjects with favourable planets at birth would rise to high of-fi ce in politics.

Capricorn people sometimes take to alcohol and drugs as an escape from mental depression and melancholia, thereby run the risk of getting hooked on them. Therefore, they advised to practise temperance.

They succeed in occupations which demand commitment and hard work.

Capricorn people are prone to rheu-matism and diseases affecting liver.

Capricorn people are assured of marital happiness and general success in life if they marry subjects of the same sign or of Taurus or Virgo.

KNOW THYSELF BY NATAL SOLAR MONTH - PART 9

‘Rahu Kaala’ for January 1 to January 15Date Duration Day Night From To From To01 Satur: 09:18 10:46 21: 10 22:4202 Sun: 16:38 18:06 04:51 06: 2303 Mon: 07:51 09:18 19: 39 21:1104 Tues: 15:11 16:39 03: 19 04:5105 Wed: 12:16 13:14 00:16 01:1806 Thur: 13:44 15:12 01: 48 03:2007 Fri: 10:48 12:16 22:44 00:1608 Satur: 09:20 10:18 21:13 22: 45 09 Sun: 16:42 18:10 04:53 06:2510 Mon: 07:54 09:22 19:42 21:1411 Tues: 15:15 16: 43 03:22 04:5412 Wed: 12:19 13:47 00:18 01:5013 Thurs: 13:47 15:15 01:51 03:22 14 Fri: 10:51 12:19 22:47 00:1915 Satur: 09:23 10: 52 21: 16 22:47 Auspicious days in January 2011Jan: 6 Thursday up to 15:05 hoursJan: 7 Friday from 15:13 to 18:19Jan: 8 Saturday up to 15:40 Jan: 9 Sunday after 16:22Jan: 17 Monday The entire dayJan: 18 Tuesday from 02:08 to 15:51Jan: 20 Thursday after 06:40Jan: 23 Sunday from 14:49 to 15:51

ZODIAC

BY SUDARSHIOn the heels of the total Lunar

Eclipse that occurred on December 21 that caused freak weather con-ditions the world over, not sparing our country, comes another eclipse - a partial Solar eclipse shortly af-ter the dawn of the New Year.

This eclipse due to occur in the 2nd quarter of Puvasala asterism of the fi ery Zodiac sign of Sagit-tarius too will certainly make a marked impact on man and envi-ronment on earth as usual.

This eclipse will be visible in most of Europe, Northern part of Africa, Middle East and Western Asia. The eclipse is due to begin at 12.10 pm over North Algeria. The greatest eclipse is to occur at 2.20 pm over North Eastern Sweden.

Direct and ripple effects of the eclipse

Although our country is not in the path of this eclipse, its direct and ripple effects will certainly visit on our people and our envi-ronment. According to principles of Mundane Astrology, celestial events like Lunar and Solar eclips-es intensify the cosmic rays strik-ing our earth and precipitate the effects produced by planets. Signifi cantly Venus who had been transiting in the sign of Libra moves over to Scorpio on January 1 (shortly before the eclipse) and Mars enters the Capricorn sign and Mercury the Sagittarius sign on January 8.

Death of cattle and camelsThe eclipse is to occur in the

second decanate of the Sagittarius sign which foreshadows the death of cattle, camels and other `cud chewing’ animals. Dairy farming is being carried out on a large scale in most European countries and camels are found in large numbers in Saharan and sub-Saharan coun-tries which lie in the path of the coming eclipse.

Six planets in SagittariusThe Lagna or the Ascendant of

Sri Lanka’s natal chart is Aquarius and the partial Solar eclipse is to oc-cur in the 11th House of country’s natal chart where six planets The Sun (Ravi), Mars, Mercury, Pluto, Rahu and the Moon will be in tran-sit at the time of the eclipse. This is a rare combination of planets to be found in a House togeth-er at a time of an eclipse.

The Sun dignifi es the House he occupies. However, the 11th House where he is moving now is affl icted by Rahu, Mars and Pluto who are capable of nullifying the good ef-fects produced by the Sun.

11th House afflictedThe affl icted 11th House signi-

fi es the loss of gains from other nations, a sharp decrease in our national income and deterioration in international relations. The 5th House of the country’s natal chart is affl icted by the aspect of Mars and Pluto and this foreshadows an increase in crime against children. Meanwhile, the cases of ill treat-ment and abuse of children will be brought to light.

Neptune in the 1st House who re-ceives no benefi cial aspect foretells continuing agitation by people over

issues causing them concern.

Increase in government expenditure

The 2nd House affl icted by the special aspect of Mars indicates an increase in government expen-diture and a chaotic situation in fi nancial affairs. Mars’ aspect over the 6th House could cause accidents in warships and in naval exercises.

Venus’ aspect over the 4th House points to marked improvement in the agricultural sector and strengthening of the opposition in Parliament. The Executive and the Legislature will continue to enjoy stability.

Success in efforts in foreign affairs

Jupiter’s special aspect over the 9th House indicates success in ef-

forts being made to adjust foreign affairs and to preserve

the security, dignity and peace of

the nation.

An increase in national expenditure