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Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda, born as Narendra Nath Datta, was a monk, philosopher, and spiritual leader in 19th century India. He was a disciple of the great saint and mystic Sri Ramakrishna. Swami Vivekananda's teachings and ideas continue to inspire people worldwide. One of the most famous stories about Swami Vivekananda is his address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. He began his speech with the words "Sisters and Brothers of America," which immediately captivated the audience. In his speech, he spoke about the unity of religions and emphasized the importance of tolerance and universal brotherhood. He received a standing ovation and became an overnight sensation in America. Here are the 12 quotes I like from him: "Arise, awake and stop not until the goal is reached." "You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul." "Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea." "The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves!" "All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark." "Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way." "The only way to come out of suffering is to go through it." "Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success, and above all, love." "We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think." "The only true teacher is he who can immediately come down to the level of the student." "Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true." "The greatest sin is to think yourself weak." Sri Aurobindo Sri Aurobindo was an Indian philosopher, poet, and spiritual leader. He was a prolific writer and his teachings emphasized the evolution of human consciousness and the pursuit of a higher spiritual consciousness. Sri Aurobindo's philosophy integrated Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, and his vision of a divine life on Earth has influenced many modern spiritual movements. He was also a political leader and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Here are the 12 quotes I like from him: "All life is yoga." "To be fully conscious is to be alive." "The first principle of true teaching is that nothing can be taught." "The power of thought can produce almost any result man wants or needs." "The first and most essential thing for a sadhaka is to get a settled peace and a one-pointed concentration." "The true aim of yoga is to prepare us to enter into the divine consciousness." "True knowledge is not attained by thinking. It is what you are; it is what you become." "The secret of life is to be found in living for a purpose that is larger than oneself." "To be divine is not a special state, it is the true nature of man." "The world is not a prison-house, but a kind of spiritual kindergarten where millions of kindergarten children are trying to spell God with the wrong blocks." "The Divine does not evolve; it is always the same, but its manifestation in the universe is progressive." "The Divine is not only timeless and spaceless, but also actionless." Sri Ramanuja Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE) was an Indian philosopher and theologian, considered one of the most important figures in the Bhakti movement of Hinduism. He was born in modern-day Tamilnadu and is known for his interpretation of the Vedas and Upanishads, as well as his emphasis on devotion (bhakti) as the path to salvation. He is also famous for his teachings on Vishishtadvaita, a school of Vedanta philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the Supreme Being (Brahman), while acknowledging the existence of individual souls and the material world. Ramanuja's philosophy had a major impact on the development of Hinduism, especially in South India. Here are the 12 quotes I like from him: "Love and compassion are the essence of spiritual practice." "The path of righteousness is the path to God." "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection." "True wisdom lies not in seeing things as they are, but in seeing them as they truly are." "The highest form of spiritual practice is to see the Lord in all beings and serve them with love." "A true seeker must have a great humility, a heart full of faith and an unflinching devotion to God." "Self-control and detachment lead to spiritual growth." "The ultimate goal of human life is to achieve union with God." "The true nature of the self is eternal and divine." "All living beings are the children of the Supreme Lord and must be treated with love and respect."

What is Navratri? Why is it celebrated? Navratri is a festival spanning nine nights to honour the Goddess Durga (Embodiment of Goddess Shakti) in her nine different avatars as Navdurga, meaning "nine Durgas." Shailaputri Brahmacharini Chandraghanta Kushmanda Skandamata Katyayani Kalaratri Mahagauri Siddhidatri The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, as it celebrates the defeat of the demon (asura) Mahishasura by the Navdurgas. Navratri is celebrated four times a year with each of the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped every night with a special puja. The first Navratri is celebrated in springtime (Chaitra Navratri) between March and April, followed by the autumn Navratri (Shardiya Navratri) between September and October. The other two are Gupta Navratri, one is celebrated in January and the other is in June. The Shardiya aka Sharad Navratri, begins the day after Mahalaya Amavasya in the lunar month of Ashwina, is the most renowned and widely celebrated among the four Navratris. It is the largest Goddess festival in the world and is commemorated as Durga Puja in the eastern and northeastern regions of India, particularly in West Bengal. It is also observed by Hindus, Buddhists, and various other indigenous cultures across the world. Solstice and Human Tendency The worship of the Goddess during the night time is significant because she is regarded as the ruler of the night, while the God Shiva is the ruler of the day. According to astrology, the Sun is identified as Shiva and the Moon as Shakti, the two luminaries. The Sharad Navratri festival is the most renowned as it occurs during the Dakshinayana phase of the Sun, from summer to winter solstice. The Sun will move towards southern hemisphere from July to January causing winter in the norther hemisphere. Hence, this phase is tamassic, that creates more tamassic guna or tamassic attitude in the human tendencies. Tamas is responsible for the attachment to blind beliefs and delusions. The prevalence of crimes and hatred in today's world can be attributed to the blind beliefs and attachments that delude people's minds and create distorted ideologies. This phase is also equivalent to the evening twilight (dusk) of the gods, for whom our one year passes like a single day based on their time scale. The time after sunset to the time before brahmamuhurta is tamassic time, so devas pray to Goddess Shakti every evening to protect themselves from the asuric forces. Since humans tend to reflect the tendencies of gods and demons, it is believed that during this time, humans tendencies will also become more tamassic if they did not spend time for prayers and services. Purana The story behind the festival is that when Mahishasura (an asura) tried to destroy the many worlds, the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and the Devas accumulated all their energy (Shakti) and created Goddess Durga to destroy the asura. Then, Mother Durga created nine different avatars from her to assist her in the battle with each of them having their own special powers. The Navdurgas emerged victorious in their battle on the ninth day of Navratri, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. According to Puranas, Shakti, the feminine principle representing energy in all forms, is highly revered. And thus, Tuesday is dedicated to the worship of Shakti because Mars, the significator of energy and action, rules Tuesday. Eventhough Mars is a male planet, it is still signifying the feminine principle i.e., Shakti. Remedies Goddess Shakti is also associated with tantra vidya (mystical knowledge). Therefore, Navratri is an auspicious time for individuals interested in pursuing the path of mysticism and super science. It is also a favorable time to begin any educational endeavors. It is believed that Maa Durga is the presiding deity of Rahu, making her worship a powerful remedy for doshas related to Rahu. Fasting and worshiping during Navratri not only helps to eradicate doshas and bad karma, but also prevents the individual from committing any further bad deeds. Traditional Practices Different cultures have their own set of rules and practices to celebrate Navratri festival. Generally, worshippers observe daily puja both during the day and night, with a decorated kalash (a sacred water vessel) kept nearby. In the southern state of Tamilnadu, people create Golu, an arrangement of dolls and idols, to depict the story of Navratri through songs and bhajans. In eastern and northeastern states, especially in West Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Durga Puja. Here, a specially made Durga idol is worshipped with daily pujas until the end of Navratri, after which it is immersed in a water body as a part of the visarjan ritual. The tenth day of the festival is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, signifying the victory of Navdurgas over the demon Mahishasura. Day/Night-1: Pratipada (प्रतिपदा/பிரதமை) The festival commences on the first day/night of the waxing lunar phase, known as Pratipada/பிரதமை. This day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shailaputri (शैलपुत्री/சைலபுத்திரி), also known as Parvati Devi. Shaila, meaning mountain, and Putri, meaning daughter, depict her as a daughter of the mountains. She is portrayed holding a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left, with a crescent moon adorning her forehead. She is often depicted riding a bull or Nandi. Puja rules: Keep a kalash and offer jasmine flowers, pure ghee, and bananas to Goddess Shailaputri while reciting her mantra at the auspicious muhurta time according to your location. Simple puja rules: In case you are unable to perform the puja, observing a fast can be an alternative. You can refrain from eating any solid food from sunrise until sunset and also abstain from indulging in smoking, drinking or any physical pleasures like sex as they're tamassic activities. However, you can consume liquid foods such as tea, coffee, and fruit juice. Recite the mantra for 108 times during sunset and conclude the fast by eating solid food. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/65fdQvg3HIw Note: While there are various mantras available, the most crucial aspect is your dedication while chanting. Day/Night-2: Dwitiya (द्वितिया/துவிதியை) Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Brahmacharini (ब्रह्मचारिणी/பிரம்மச்சாரிணி), also known as Tapascharini. This form of Maa Durga represents the power of devotion and dedication towards penance. Brahma means penance (tapasya) and Charini means ardent female devotee. After being born as the daughter of Parvat Raj (king of mountains), Maa Parvati underwent severe penance to reunite with God Shiva, which earned her the name Brahmacharini. She spent many millennia undergoing intense penance, during which she lived only on fruits and flowers for a thousand years, then on vegetables for a hundred years, and on Bilva leaves (Aegle marmelos/வில்வம்) for another 3000 years. Finally, she even stopped taking Bilva leaves and continued her penance without food or water for many millennia. Her other names are “Aparna and Uma”. The name “Aparna” was given to her because she lived without leaves, with "parna" meaning leaves in Sanskrit. After her mother Maina witnessed her daughter's intense penance, she cried out “O Maa”, which resulted in Parvati being known as “Uma”. Note: If you are confused as to who is Parvati and who is Durga, please understand that they are one and the same. The names are different due to their various forms and aspects. Puja Rules: Keep a kalash and offer jasmine flowers, sugar, fruits, and unsalted butter to the Goddess while reciting the mantra at the specific muhurta time based on your location. Simple puja rules: In case you are unable to perform the puja, observing a fast can be an alternative. You can refrain from eating any solid food from sunrise until sunset and also abstain from indulging in smoking, drinking or any physical pleasures like sex as they're tamassic activities. However, you can consume liquid foods such as tea, coffee, and fruit juice. Recite the mantra for 108 times during sunset and conclude the fast by eating solid food. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/O5d9eh5K_LE Day/Night-3: Tritiya (तृतिया/திருதியை) Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Chandraghanta (चंद्रघंटा/சந்திரகாந்தா), who represents bravery, courage, and love. After completing her intense penance, Lord Shiva agreed to marry her. On the day of their wedding, Lord Shiva arrived at the palace with ash smeared on his body, snakes around his neck, and unkempt hair, accompanied by Nandi, Devganas, sages, ascetics, aghoris, and ghosts. Parvati's family members were frightened by this sight. To prevent further embarrassment to her family and Lord Shiva, Parvati transformed herself into the terrifying form of Chandraghanta. Chandraghanta's depiction includes a half-moon on her forehead that resembles a bell, hence her name. She has five pairs of arms and is mounted on a tigress. She carries a trident (trishul), mace (gada), bow, arrow, sword, lotus, japamala (rosary), and kamandal (water pot), while her tenth pair of hands displays the Varad Abhay Mudra (as depicted in the picture). Puja rules: Keep a kalash and offer jasmine flowers, milk, and milk sweets to the Goddess while reciting the mantra during the specific muhurta time based on your location. Simple puja rules are mentioned as above. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/Sk8vZPBzgKQ Day/Night-4: Chaturthi (चतुर्थी/சதுர்த்தி) Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kushmanda (कुष्मांडा/குஷ்மாந்தா), also known as Adishakti. The name Kushmanda refers to the "little cosmic egg", also known as the universe itself. It is said that her divine smile gave birth to the first light of the universe, which did not exist before. She resides inside the Sun (Surya) as the source of power. She is called "Kushmanda" due to her ability to bless her devotees with her divine smile aka the universal smile, the other meaning of her name. After creating the Universe, Maa Kushmanda created three supreme goddesses. Mahakali was born from her left eye, Mahasaraswati from her right eye, and Mahalakshmi from her third eye. Shiva and Saraswati were born to Mahakali, Brahma and Lakshmi to Mahalakshmi, and Vishnu and Shakti to Mahasaraswati. Maa Kushmanda then offered Shakti to Shiva, Lakshmi to Vishnu, and Saraswati to Brahma as consorts. Finally, Maa Kushmanda and all three goddesses merged into Shakti, becoming an orb of divine and unending energy. Depicted with a crescent moon on her head and three eyes, the goddess is known as Ashtabhuja Devi, meaning the eight-handed goddess. She is portrayed holding a kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus, gold pitcher filled with elixir, disc (chakra), gada, and japamala. She is often depicted riding a tiger. Puja rules: Setup a kalash and offer jasmine flowers, milk, and milk sweets to the Goddess while chanting the mantra during the specific muhurat time according to your location. Simple puja rules are mentioned as above. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/d3krTkqz_2U Day/Night-5: Panchami (पंचमी/பஞ்சமி) Dedicated to Goddess Skandamata (स्कंदमाता/ஸ்கந்தமாதா), also known as Padmasana Devi, which means "the mother of Lord Murugan". Skanda refers to Lord Murugan (brother of Lord Ganesha), and Mata means mother. Read the interesting story about the birth of Lord Murugan Maa Skandamata is worshipped as a mother who loves her child. Worshipping her in this form is believed to bring the same benefits as worshipping Lord Murugan, as he is depicted as sitting in her mother's lap. Goddess Skandamata is depicted as three-eyed, with a crescent moon on her head. She has four hands, holding lotuses in two of them, her beloved baby Skanda in the third, and blessing devotees with her fourth hand through the Abhay Mudra. She is seated on a lotus and rides on a lion. Puja rules: Setup a kalash and offer a combination of flowers such as lotus, hibiscus, red rose, and kurinji, along with yellow banana and milk to the Goddess. During this offering, you must recite the mantra at the specific muhurta time according to your location. Simple puja rules are mentioned as above. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/NtKo2aLx6jA Day/Night-6: Shashti (षष्टी/சஷ்டி) Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Katyayani (कात्यायनी/காத்யாயனி), also known as Mahishasura Mardini, one of the most venerated forms of Maa Durga and the destroyer of evil. Katyayani is the sixth manifestation of Maa Durga and was born as the daughter of Sage Katyayan, who renounced his Dynasty of Katya to perform austere penance to propitiate Maa Durga. According to Vedic texts, the Gopis of Vrindavan worshipped Katyayani on the banks of Yamuna to get Lord Krishna as their husband. It is also said that Maa Sita, Radha, and Rukmini worshipped Katyayani for a good husband. Thus, it is believed that young girls who worship Maa Katyayani will get a good husband. Goddess Katyayani is depicted with three eyes, four arms, and riding on a mighty lion. She carries a lotus and sword in her left hands, while blessing the devotees with Varada and Abhaya Mudra with her right hands. Puja rules: Keep a kalash and offer rose, red flowers, sandal, honey and kheer to the Goddess while reciting the mantra at the specific muhurta time based on your location. Simple puja rules are mentioned as above. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/-yyfaRHXcG0 Day/Night-7: Saptami (सप्तमी/சப்தமி) Dedicated to the terrifying form of Maa Durga known as Kalaratri (कालरात्रि/காளராத்திரி) or Shubhankari. She appeared in this form to vanquish the asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha. This manifestation represents the dark aspect of existence, similar to Goddess Kali. The word "kala" can mean time and darkness, signifying the early stages of the universe when everything was engulfed in darkness, including time. "Ratri" means night itself, symbolizing darkness and fear. Although terrifying, she bestows her devotees with auspicious results, hence her name, Shubhankari. Kalaratri is depicted as completely dark and fearsome, with wild and abundant hair. She has large eyes and ears with fire-breathing nostrils. She has four hands, wielding a scimitar and thunderbolt in her left hands while blessing devotees with Varada and Abhaya Mudra with her right hands. She wears a necklace that shines like the moon at night. Her mount is a donkey. Puja rules: Setup a kalash, decorate with night blooming jasmine and offer jaggery, milk and molasses to the Goddess while reciting the mantra at the specific muhurta time based on your location. Simple puja rules are mentioned as above. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/PPUzJGTsXPE Day/Night-8: Ashtami (अष्टमी/அஷ்டமி) Durga Ashtami is the most significant night among the nine auspicious nights of Navratri. This night is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri (महागौरी/மகாகவுரி) also known as Shwetambardhara, which means "extremely fair/glowing". Mahagauri, an incarnation of Maa Durga, has various stories associated with her, with the popular ones being that after destroying the demons, Goddess Kalaratri (7th form of Durga) regained her beautiful appearance by performing penance (tapas). Another version is that Goddess Brahmacharini (2nd form of Durga), covered with dirt, soil, leaves, and insects from the forest due to the austere penance to marry God Shiva. Impressed by her devotion, Shiva accepted her proposal, and after taking a bath in the Ganga that emanated from his matted hair, she regained her beauty back. Puja rules: Keep a kalash, decorate with night blooming jasmine (or jasmine) and offer coconut and banana to the Goddess while reciting the mantra at the specific muhurta time based on your location. According to an unknown source, Goddess Mahagauri is believed to be 9 years old. As a result, some individuals perform Kanya/Kumari puja, which involves worshipping girls aged between 8 and 11 years. Simple puja rules are mentioned as above. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/ncoz_QM-UKY Day/Night-9: Navami (नवमी/நவமி) Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri (सिद्धिदात्री/சித்திதாத்ரி) also known as Ardhnarishwari. Siddhidatri is the bestower of the Ashta Maha Siddhis (eight supernatural powers) such as Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakambya, Ishitva and Vashitva. Siddhi means supernatural powers and Datri means the bestower. She’s the moola roopa (base form), the Adishakti (the primordial power) who granted these siddhis to the Trimurtis. According to legend, when Lord Brahma faced challenges during his creation process, he prayed to Siddhidatri, who appeared before him in the form of Ardhnarishwari, representing both male and female aspects. Siddhidatri is depicted seated on a lotus with four arms, carrying a conch, discus, mace, and lotus. She is surrounded by a retinue of worshippers, including Siddhars, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Devas, and Asuras. Puja rules: Keep a kalash, decorate with night blooming jasmine (or jasmine) and offer til, coconut, banana and puffed rice to the Goddess while reciting the mantra at the specific muhurta time based on your location. Simple puja rules are mentioned as above. For clarification on how to pronounce the mantra https://youtu.be/ncoz_QM-UKY

Graha Shanti Mantras are Vedic hymns recited to seek the blessings of the planets in order to mitigate their negative effects and promote their positive influence in one's life. It is an easily accessible and cost-free method that can be performed by anyone at any time. However, to achieve the desired results, the practice requires concentration and devotion, as absent-minded and insincere chanting may not be effective. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra recommends each Mantra should be recited a specific number of times to appease the respective planet: Sun (7000 times), Moon (11000 times), Mars (11000 times), Mercury (9000 times), Jupiter (19000 times), Venus (16000 times), Saturn (23000 times), Rahu (18000 times), and Ketu (17000 times). BPHS doesn't provide a fixed timeline for completing the chant, so you can choose to finish it in a day, two days, or spread it out over a maximum of 48 days. The Beej Mantras for all nine planets are Chanting these Beej Mantras with devotion and sincerity can bring peace and harmony to your life. It is recommended to recite them during Sunrise or immediately after Sunrise on the corresponding planetary day. Pronunciation is key, so here is a playlist of videos with Beej Mantras to guide you. However, it is important to note that reciting alone may not be sufficient and one should also make an effort to live a virtuous life and practice good deeds. Tips & Tricks The most commonly recommended number is 108 times for any mantra. Reciting the mantras for 108 times is known as a "Mala". Some people also prefer to chant the mantras 27 or 54 times, which are known as "quarter" or "half Mala" respectively. You have the suggested number of recitations acc. to BPHS, but you can break it down to one Mala (108 times) per sitting. For example, to complete 7000 recitations of the Sun Mantra, you can chant one Mala at a time, which brings 64 Malas of 6912 times, leaving 88 more to go. It is helpful to use prayer beads or a digital counter to keep track of the number of recitations. While digital counters can be worn on a finger and pressed after each recitation, prayer beads are considered auspicious and recommended by the ancient seers.

Samvatsara is a Sanskrit term refers to a "year" in the Vedic calendar system, the cycle of time that repeats itself. The Vedic calendar system is a lunar-solar or solar based system, which means that it takes into account both the phases of the Moon and the movement of the Sun to determine the timing of festivals, rituals and other important events. There are 60 Samvatsaras with each of them has its unique characteristics and attributes that influence the events and activities take place during that year. The names are given below in an order and they are named after the combination of movement of Jupiter and Saturn around the zodiac belt. The Samvatsara (year) is divided into twelve months named after the signs of the zodiac. It is used primarily in India and other parts of South Asia, and it is an important part of Vedic culture and tradition. In the lunar-solar based system, some communities observe the Amanta New Year based on the new Moon, while others follow the Purnimanta New Year based on the full Moon. In the Solar based system, the New Year is based on the Sun's annual entry into Aries. Vedic Solar Year This Samvatsara begins when the Sun enters the Aries zodiac and concludes when it exits the Pisces zodiac. Its duration is approximately 365.25 days, making it easier to follow and more accurate than lunar-solar based calendars. It typically starts on the 15th of April and marks one complete cycle of the Sun from Aries to Pisces. While it is similar to the Gregorian year with 365.25 days, it differs in that it begins in the mid of April instead of January. Solar calendar is mainly used in South India and in Srilanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Burma, Cambodia, Mauritius etc. Similarly, there is a distinction between solar months and lunar months. A solar month is defined by the time it takes for the Sun to transit through a zodiac sign, which is approximately 30 days. The Sun typically enters a new zodiac sign in the middle of each Gregorian month. For example, the Sun enters Aries on the 15th of April, followed by Taurus on the 15th of May, and so on for the rest of the signs. Whereas, lunar months are based on Moon's cycle through new Moon to new Moon (Amanta) or full Moon to full Moon (Purnimanta), which is tough in general practices. The entry of the Sun into every zodiac is called "Sankranti". Sankranti comes from the combination of "Sankar " which means Sun and "Anti" which means entry. Each time the Sun enters a new zodiac sign, it is given a unique name such as Mesha Sankranti for Aries, Rishabha Sankranti for Taurus, Makara Sankranti for Capricorn, and so on. Names of Samvatsara It takes approximately 12 years for Jupiter to complete one full cycle of all 12 zodiac signs, from Aries to Pisces. This means that one Jupiter cycle is equivalent to 12 years on Earth. As Jupiter takes one year to move through each sign, its influence is particularly strong during that period in comparison to other planets. Our sages took this into account and named each year based on the theme of Jupiter's influence during that period. The Samvatsara system consists of 60 names, each corresponding to a year with a unique theme. These names were assigned in ancient scriptures based on their associated themes, and the system repeats itself every 60 years. This cyclical nature is the reason why we often observe historical patterns repeating themselves. The themes are determined by the position of Jupiter in relation to the positions of the Sun and Saturn. Why 60 years? The three most significant grahas (celestial bodies) in the solar system are the Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn. They align at the same point every 60 years, which means that if they begin their journey from 0 degree Aries today, they will meet again at the same sign and degree after 60 years on the same day (approximately). This meeting marks the start of a new cycle once again. Our ancestors understood this phenomenon and created an incredible calendar system that allows us to determine the themes of each year. Where are we now? We're in March 2023 as I'm writing this article. The 36th Samvatsara "Subhakrutu" is the current year which will end in the mid of April 2023 and the next one "Sobhakrutu" will be starting from 15th of April 2023. Sobhakrutu represents beauty, excellence and auspiciousness. Jupiter will enter Aries on 22nd of April 2023, starting a new 12 year cycle. Jupiter will face Rahu in Aries, and they both will be aspected by Saturn from Aquarius. So its a time of evolutionary changes.

Numbers have been considered highly significant in the creation of our Universe, as recognized by ancient philosophies. According to these beliefs, letters or mantras and numbers or yantras are the fundamental basis of all creation. This concept is best understood through the number correlation between the nine Planets of Vedic Astrology and the nine openings or "navadwara" in our body. Its therefore, ancient Hindu temples have nine openings for entering and exiting their premises. Our body is a temple, each and every opening represents a planet. "The nine openings are two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, a mouth, and two genitals. Just as we comprehend the outer world through our planetary system, we understand the inner world through the navadwara in our body." Number 9 is the highest single-digit number representing the act of completion. The completion of a cycle that's been created by the Number 1. Similarly, the number 108 holds great significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions. When we add the digits of 108 (1+0+8), it equals 9. The number 108 represents the wholeness of the universe. This number appears in many different contexts in Hinduism, including the number of beads on a mala (prayer beads), the number of steps leading up to many Hindu temples, and the number of prostrations performed in certain Hindu rituals. Similarly, the number 7 is also significant in Vedas, as there are seven chakras (energy centers) in the body, seven colors in the rainbow, seven physical planets in astrology, seven days of the week, seven lands and seven births (I'll write about it later). Number 7 is similar to Number 9 representing perfection and spiritual awakening. The number 3 is considered a sacred number representing the balance of mind, body, and soul. The number 4 is also significant as it represents the four directions, four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) and the four stages of life (Brahmacharya, Grihasta, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa). By understanding and harnessing the power of numbers, we can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world around us.

In Sanskrit, Aries is known as Mesha (मेषा/மேஷம்). As the natural first sign (rashi), Aries is all about independence, self-expression, and personal orientation. It is an active sign, characterized by its primary motto of constant movement. Aries is a rajassic, movable fire sign, with a fire that burns like an inferno, never stopping but always moving towards its next target. This makes Aries the most forward-thinking sign and, as a result, the first sign of the zodiac belt. Portfolio Represents constant physical and mental actions due to being a movable sign. Loves creating new things as a fire sign. Has rajassic guna, making it persistent and not accepting failure easily. Ruled by the planet Mars, representing passion, dedication, and anger. Denoted by the animal Ram, representing adventure, strength, and a muscular stature. Represents the whole body and primarily the head. Represents the male gender. Has 3 nakshatras: Ashwini, Bharani, and Krittika. Direction is east. Colour is blood red. Governs the head and face as body parts. Mild barren sign due to forest fires. Connected to places such as England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Syria, Palestine, Tamilnadu, and Italian cities. Connected to fire fighters, electricity, and superconductors. Connected to Rameshwaram Jyotirlingam. Connected to Manipura (solar plexus/lumbar plexus). Solar deity is Dhatá Adityá, and the mantra is "Om Ghrini Dhatádityáya Namah". Exaltation sign of Sun, debilitation sign of Saturn, and Mooltrikona sign of Mars. Represents fast movements, eccentricity, and dedication. Esoteric Power of Aries Esoterically, the power of Aries lies in its ability to create something massive out of seemingly nothing. Just like a forest fire that arises from friction between trees and has the capacity to destroy an entire forest, Aries possesses the same drastic energy needed to create something profound, like stars, planets, galaxies, or even life on Earth. Exaltation of the Sun Aries is considered a kingly sign, and any planet located here tends to emulate the qualities of Aries, which is associated with independence, self-expression, and personal orientation. While all planets may not be comfortable in Aries, the Sun, as the natural king, is particularly powerful here. This is because the Sun shares some of Aries' explosive energy and can use it in productive ways. The Sun's solar flares have the potential to destroy the Earth in a matter of minutes, but they are also responsible for the creation of our solar system. Furthermore, the Sun is easily observable in Aries during the summer in the northern hemisphere, which provides a platform for it to express its maximum power. As a result, the Sun is exalted in Aries, especially at 10 degrees of the sign. This unique placement allows the Sun to harness the energy of Aries and utilize it to its fullest potential. Read more about Sun’s exaltation here Debilitation of Saturn Saturn, known as the servant among the planets, experiences weakness in Aries due to the fiery energy of this sign. Being slow and dark, Saturn cannot harness the explosive and illuminating energy of Aries. Therefore, it gets debilitated here, which means it loses its strength and effectiveness. This condition is prevalent throughout Aries, but the deepest debilitation occurs at 20 degrees of Aries. Read more about Saturn’s debilitation here Mooltrikona In Aries, Mars attains the Mooltrikona position with degrees ranging from 0 to 12. Read more about Mars here Aries and First House When it comes to astrology, the rising sign, also known as the ascendant or first house, holds immense significance as it represents the persona, self-expression, and the way one is perceived by the world. Understanding the nature of Aries is crucial for comprehending the first house since regardless of the zodiac sign, the rising sign always embodies Aries-like qualities. These qualities include independence, assertiveness, individuality, and a strong sense of personal orientation. The rajassic guna, which is characterized by passion, activity, and desire, is also associated with Aries and the first house. Individuals with a prominent Aries or first house placement may have a strong drive to pursue their desires and manifest their goals in the material world. Moreover, Aries is also associated with specific body parts, including the head and face, which are also reflected in the first house. The rising sign represents the physical appearance and health of an individual, and the connection with Aries highlights the importance of these body parts in defining one's personality and physical presence. Therefore, gaining an understanding of Aries is essential for understanding the first house and its significance in the horoscope. The qualities and characteristics of Aries provide a framework for interpreting the persona, behavior, and self-expression of individuals with Aries or first house placements.

Taurus, also known as Rishabha (ऋषभा/ரிஷபம்) in Sanskrit, is the second zodiac sign. Known for its resourcefulness, Taurus represents all forms of resources including materials, family, and knowledge. As a rajassic and fixed earth sign, Taurus exhibits a solidity akin to a hill, capable of creating its own weather patterns to nurture itself. This present-oriented sign's primary motto is to accumulate and preserve resources, making it a crucial sign in the zodiac belt. Portfolio Taurus is a fixed sign and represents settlements and long term plans. It is an earth sign and loves family, stability, nourishment, nurturing, pleasures, and comforts. Taurus has rajassic qualities and doesn't accept failure easily. It loves multiple tries and efforts to achieve the desired result. Venus rules Taurus because it represents nourishments, beauty, rejuvenation, cultivation, and other Venusian qualities. Taurus is symbolized by the Bull, which represents agriculture, sturdy nature, big appetite, good looks, resources (domestic animals), and strong feet. The Bull is also the mount of Lord Shiva, highlighting the connection between Venus, Taurus, and Shiva. Taurus represents the face and neck of the cosmic man that is connected to the rest of the torso. Taurus represents the female gender. It has 3 nakshatras Krittika, Rohini, and Mrigashirsha which reveal details about Taurus, with Krittika representing the basics, Rohini representing what's beyond the basics, and Mrigashirsha representing the final concoction. Its direction is south. White is its color. Taurus governs the face, especially the mouth and right eye, and the neck as body parts. It is a creative sign due to its nurturing abilities. Taurus is connected to several countries, including Ireland, Poland, Russia, Netherlands, Iran, the Archipelago, the Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Italian cities like Mantua and Parma, Franconia in Germany, Lorraine in France, Bithynia in Turkey, and Cyprus. It is connected to cattle-sheds, stables, farms, and farmlands. Taurus is connected to the “Jyotirlingam of Somnath.” It is connected to the Anahata (heart chakra/dorsal plexus). Its solar deity is “Aryamá Adityá,” and the mantra is “Om Ghrini Aryamádityáya Namah.” Taurus is the exaltation sign of Moon and Rahu. The debilitation sign of Ketu is Taurus. Taurus is the Moolatrikona sign of Moon. The Interdependence of Aries and Taurus In the zodiac, Aries is the first sign and Taurus is the second. While Aries is a sign of action and movement, Taurus is a sign of stability and fixity. In a way, they complement each other, forming a symbiotic relationship. Aries needs a stable foundation to act from, and Taurus provides that foundation with its unwavering nature. On the other hand, Taurus needs the impetus to move forward and take action, which Aries provides with its dynamic energy. To put it simply, Aries and Taurus have a cause-and-effect relationship. If Aries is constantly moving, then Taurus has to be fixated to provide the necessary stability for Aries to operate freely. Similarly, if Taurus remains too stagnant and unyielding, it can hinder the progress of Aries. It's like a chain reaction where one sign's movement requires the other sign's stability to support it, otherwise, the entire structure could collapse if everything moves at the same time. This interdependent relationship between Aries and Taurus reflects the importance of balance and cooperation in achieving success and growth in life. Exaltation of the Moon Taurus, being the sign of luxury, influences any planet positioned within it to exhibit qualities akin to Taurus, which is known for its abundance of resources. While the Moon, being the natural ruler of royalty, becomes particularly potent in this sign, Rahu, which naturally enjoys opulence, also gains strength when placed in Taurus. However, the remaining planets do not necessarily benefit from this placement. The exaltation degrees of the Moon and Rahu in Taurus fall between 0 and 3. Read more about Moon’s exaltation here Debilitation of Ketu The planet Ketu experiences debilitation in Taurus. Being the planet of emptiness and nothingness, Ketu represents everything that is opposite to the characteristics of Taurus. Hence, it doesn't function well in this sign. Mooltrikona of the Moon In addition to its exaltation, the Moon also finds itself in its Mooltrikona position in Taurus, indicating a strong and favorable placement. The degrees for this position are between 4 and 30 degrees of Taurus, providing a significant amount of influence and power to the Moon in this sign. Taurus and Second House In astrology, the second house of the horoscope represents the areas of life related to wealth, possessions, resources, and values. It is also associated with the physical body, particularly the face, mouth, and throat, and has an affinity for the earthy pleasures of life. As Taurus is the natural ruler of the second house, the qualities and characteristics of this sign are strongly reflected in the second house. By understanding the nature of Taurus, one can gain deeper insight into the second house and its significance in the horoscope. For example, Taurus is known for its love of luxury, stability, and material comforts, as well as its tenacity and persistence in achieving its goals. Similarly, the second house is associated with the accumulation of material resources and the satisfaction of physical needs, as well as the cultivation of a sense of personal value and worth. Moreover, both Taurus and the second house are governed by the rajasic guna, which is characterized by passion, activity, and desire. This indicates that individuals with prominent Taurus or second house placements may have a strong drive to pursue their desires and manifest their goals in the material world. Therefore, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the second house and its role in the horoscope, it is essential to consider the qualities and characteristics of Taurus and how they relate to the themes and concerns of the second house.

Gemini, also known as Mithuna (मिथुना/மிதுனம்) in Sanskrit, is the third zodiac sign characterized by intellect and duality. Being a mutable air sign, Gemini is adaptable and social, representing intelligence, interaction, and changes. It embodies the rajassic guna and can shift from highly curious to uninterested. Like a garden, it requires regular maintenance, and thus, it symbolizes both the present and the past. Portfolio Represents duality, engagement, trade and versatility due to being a dual sign capable of stability and movement. Loves communication on all levels as it is an air sign. Doesn't accept failures easily and loves multiple tries because it's a rajassic sign. Ruled/owned by Mercury and represents air elements, faster communications, quickness and adaptability of body and mind, playfulness, wittiness etc. Depicted by twins or a couple involved in group activity. Represents the lower neck, hands and shoulders of the cosmic man (kalapurusha) and represents strength and valour. Represents male gender. Consists of three nakshatras namely Mrigashira, Ardra and Punarvasu. Direction is west. Colour is green. Governs the lower neck, hands and shoulders as body parts. A mild barren sign due to its mutable air quality. Connected to places such as the United States, southwest part of England, Armenia, Sardinia, Lower Egypt, Indian state of Gujarat and cities like London, Milan, Versailles, Bruges, Leuven and Nuremberg. Connected to gardens, barns, granaries, depots, trades etc. Connected to Vishuddha (throat chakra/cervical plexus). Jyotirlingam is “Nageshwara”. Solar deity is “Mitra Adityá” and the mantra is “Om Ghrini Mitradityáya Namah”. No exaltation, debilitation and moolatrikona sign for any planet. Role of Gemini in Balancing Aries and Taurus Gemini plays a crucial role in balancing the energies of the first two zodiac signs, Aries and Taurus. Aries is constantly on the move, while Taurus is firmly fixed. Gemini combines the qualities of these two signs to create mutability, a third quality that represents constant change. This concept reflects the basic philosophy of the universe that evolution is essential for survival. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of intelligence, Gemini symbolizes the importance of adaptability and intelligence in navigating through life's changes. Gemini and Third House In astrology, the 3rd house in a birth chart is always associated with qualities that are similar to those represented by the zodiac sign Gemini. These qualities include communication, socialization, engagement, trade, strength, and the rajassic guna. Thus, having a good understanding of the sign of Gemini is essential in comprehending the significance of the 3rd house. This house governs aspects such as our immediate environment, communication skills, siblings, neighbors, short journeys, and early education. Gemini's influence on the 3rd house makes these areas of life even more important and highlights the need for effective communication, adaptability, and versatility. Understanding the significance of Gemini can help us gain a deeper insight into how the 3rd house influences our lives and how we can harness its energy to achieve success in these areas.

The Sanskrit name for Cancer is Karkataka (कर्कटका/கடகம்). As the fourth sign in the natural zodiac order, Cancer is known for its nurturing quality. While it shares some similarities with Aries as a movable sign, Cancer is a sattvic, movable water sign. Its flowing water nourishes everything in its path while keeping focused on its target. Cancer is also known for its emotional nature and protective qualities, making it a highly nourishing sign. Representing the past, Cancer replenishes the old for good. Portfolio It's a movable sign, representing constant physical and mental actions. It's a water sign, symbolizing comfort, nourishment, protection, and happiness. It's a sattvic sign, accepting failures but aiming for success. It's ruled by the Moon, signifying emotional stability, nurturing, and empathy. It's depicted by a crab due to its hard-shelled nature with a soft inside. It governs the upper abdomen, including the chest, heart, and lungs. It represents the female gender and motherly nature. It has three nakshatras: Punarvasu, Pushya, and Ashlesha. Its direction is north. Its primary color is pale red, and secondary color is pink. It's a fruitful sign due to its nourishing qualities. It's connected to countries such as India, New Zealand, Netherlands, Scotland, and Algeria. It's connected to cities like New York, Istanbul, Tunis, Tripoli, Venice, Genoa, and St. Andrews. It's connected to watery places like rivers, streams, falls, fountains, and bathrooms. It's connected to the Ajna (third eye chakra/medullary plexus). It's connected to the numbers 4 and 69. Its Jyotirlingam is "Omkareshwara." Its solar deity is Lord Varuna (Varuna Adityá), and the mantra is "Om Ghrini Varunadityáya Namah." It's the exaltation sign of Jupiter, debilitation sign of Mars, and moolatrikona sign of Rahu. Its flowing sattvic water and emotional nature make it the most nourishing, protective, and important sign. Understanding the Significance of Water and Emotions Cancer is a sign that holds a deep esoteric meaning. The steady flow of water in Cancer represents the constant flow of emotions and empathic abilities within us. This flow keeps us connected to our feelings and allows us to experience everything life has to offer. Water in Cancer stands for much more than just tears and sweat, it represents all our emotions, including happiness, fear, anger, and intuition. Cancer gives us the power to experience the full spectrum of emotions and navigate them with grace. Exaltation Jupiter is highly exalted in Cancer, the most receptive zodiac sign. Jupiter's role as the Guru, the receiver of divine wisdom, is amplified in this sign. Its exaltation is at its peak when it sits at 5 degrees in Cancer. Read more about Jupiter’s exaltation Debilitation Cancer's flowing and nurturing water can easily extinguish the fiery energy of Mars. Mars, being a natural warrior, desires to fight and defend, rather than relax in a comfortable setting. As a result, Mars becomes feeble in Cancer. Mars is weakened in Cancer, and its debilitation is strongest at 28 degrees. Read more about Mars’ debilitation Moolatrikona Rahu's moolatrikona sign is Cancer, but there is no particular degree associated with it. Cancer and Fourth House In astrology, the 4th house is commonly associated with the themes of home, family, and emotional security. It is also known as the "IC" or the "immum coeli", which is Latin for "bottom of the sky". The 4th house is ruled by the sign of Cancer, which shares many of the same qualities as the house it governs. Just as Cancer is associated with mothers and motherly nature, nourishment, and emotional stability, the 4th house similarly reflects these themes in our lives. It represents our sense of home, our family background, and our roots. It is the foundation upon which we build our lives and the place we retreat to for emotional comfort and security. The 4th house also governs the same body parts as Cancer, including the chest, breasts, and lungs. This association highlights the importance of nurturing and taking care of our physical and emotional well-being. Furthermore, Cancer is known for its sattvic guna, or pure and harmonious nature. This quality is reflected in the 4th house's emphasis on emotional stability, comfort, and security. Understanding Cancer's influence on the 4th house can help us better understand our own emotional needs and create a sense of safety and stability in our lives.

Leo, the fifth sign in the natural zodiac, is referred to as Simha (सिम्हा/சிம்மம்) in Sanskrit. It is a fixed and fiery sign, much like Taurus and Aries. However, the defining characteristic of Leo is its sattvic nature, which imbues it with the power of creation. This sign's fire is stable and burns continuously, much like a burner, gradually expanding. Leo is also known as the "creative fire sign." It represents the future by burning the old and making way for the new. Portfolio Leo is a fixed sign, representing power and stability. As a fire sign, Leo loves the creation aspect of life and has a playful and artistic nature. Leo is a sattvic sign, with a strong focus on its targets and goals. Ruled by the Sun, Leo represents dharma, government, royalty, authority, creativity, and self-expression. It is denoted by the lion, representing kings, nobility, power, and dominance. Leo governs the middle abdomen, including the stomach and spine. It has 3 nakshatras: Magha, Purva Phalguni, and Uttara Phalguni, each providing insight into the essence of Leo. Leo's direction is east and its color is white. It is a mild barren sign due to its constant burning nature. Connected to places like Italy, France, the west of England, Bohemia in Czech Republic, Sicily, and Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. Leo is connected to mantras, politics, hills and mountains, city centers, jungles, dens, palaces, castles, forts, monuments, places of historical importance, wild beasts, fireplaces, and rocky caves. It is connected to Ajna (third eye chakra/medullary plexus) and numbers 5 and 0. The solar deity of Leo is Lord Indra and the mantra is “Om Ghrini Indradityáya Namah”. Leo is the moolatrikona sign of Sun. Neither exaltation nor debilitation sign for any planet. Leo is a masculine sign, just like its ruler, the Sun. Leo is connected to the Vadiyanath jyotirlingam temple in Jharkhand. Leo: The Creative and Thermodynamic Sign Leo is known for its unwavering fire which makes it the most creative and dynamic sign. Its creativity extends to every aspect of life, making it fond of celebrations, parties, festivals, and children. Leo actively seeks opportunities to exchange ideas and knowledge to help society develop. Additionally, the steady fire of Leo produces a consistent heat, making it the most thermodynamic sign. This heat energy is transformed into various forms based on the individual's circumstances. Moolatrikona Leo's constant heat energy acts as the central core of the Sun, making it the origin zodiac of the Sun and the Moolatrikona position of the Sun falls between 0 and 20 degrees of Leo. Read more about Sun here Leo and Fifth House The fifth house in astrology is closely associated with Leo and reflects its qualities and characteristics. Just like Leo, this house also represents creativity, playfulness, procreation, progeny, self-expression, celebrations, and the sattvic guna. It reflects the creative spark that fuels our passions and inspires us to express ourselves in unique and imaginative ways. The fifth house is also linked with children, indicating our ability to nurture and guide the next generation. Thus, having a good understanding of Leo is crucial to comprehending the influence of the fifth house in our lives.

Virgo is the sixth sign in the natural zodiac order, known as Kanya (कन्या/கன்னி) in Sanskrit. It is a practical and grounded earth sign, following Taurus as the second earth sign and following Gemini as the second dual/mutable sign. However, the key difference is that Virgo is a tamasic, mutable earth sign. Its mutability allows it to switch between being movable or fixed, but if it becomes too fixed, it can lead to tamas. Virgo is focused on the present moment and is often associated with practicality. Portfolio Virgo is a tamasic sign, focusing too much on perfection, and missing the importance of imperfections. The mutability makes it movable or fixed or both at any point of time. It loves service, stability, pleasures, comforts, nourishments, groundedness, practicality, and logical thinking because it's an earth sign. Virgo tends to self-loath on its failures and gets distracted from its target. It is ruled/owned by Mercury. The virgin young girl carrying a light in one hand and food/medicine in the other is the depiction of Virgo. Virgo governs the lower abdomen including intestines, liver, spleen, gall bladder of the kala purusha (cosmic man). It represents female gender. Virgo consists of three nakshatras namely Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, and Chitra. Its direction is south and grey is its color. Virgo is the most barren sign in its negative side. It is connected to countries like the United States, Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Croatia, Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa. It is connected to cities like Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, Padua, Chandigarh. It is connected to places like courtrooms, libraries, hospitals, borders & boundaries, border towns, barren lands, cabinets, closets, drawers, bookcases, concealed or private compartments, pharmaceuticals, granaries, cornfields, nurseries, breweries, storehouses of all sorts. It is connected to Vishuddha (throat chakra/cervical plexus) and the Mallikarjuna jyotirlingam temple. Its solar deity is Vivasván Adityá and the mantra is “Om Ghrini Vivasvánadityáya Namah”. Virgo is the exaltation and Moolatrikona sign of Mercury and the debilitation sign of Venus. The Pivotal Role of Virgo As the sixth sign, Virgo holds a crucial position in the zodiac belt, marking the border between the first and second halves. It acts as a pivot point where you establish personal boundaries while maintaining warm relationships with others. If Aries is where you begin your journey, Virgo is where you put your learned strategies to the test, becoming competitive and proving your worth to the world. It's a time when burning the midnight oil is necessary to succeed, even if it means sacrificing social events. Virgo is also the pivotal sign of the artha/earth trikona, sitting at the center of Taurus and Capricorn, making it the most materialistic sign. As a result, it tends to be tamassic, and sometimes self-critical. Exaltation and Moolatrikona Virgo represents the role of direct subordinates such as accountants, secretaries, strategists, and spies to a king. Planets placed in Virgo tend to adopt its characteristics, with Mercury being the only planet capable of doing so perfectly. This is why Mercury is exalted in this sign, with its maximum exaltation being at the 15th degree and its Moolatrikona from 15 to 20 degrees. Read more about Mercury’s exaltation here Debilitation In Virgo, Venus struggles to express its qualities of emotions, creativity, imagination, and dreams due to the sign's analytical and logical nature. As a result, Venus is considered debilitated in Virgo, with the greatest degree of debilitation being at 27 degrees. Virgo and Sixth House The 6th house in astrology shares several characteristics with the sign of Virgo, such as critical thinking, practical problem-solving skills, service-oriented attitudes, and strategic thinking. It also represents the battleground where individuals engage in daily battles, set personal boundaries, and confront enemies. Additionally, the 6th house governs areas such as daily routines, work environment, physical health, and body parts. By understanding the qualities and characteristics of Virgo, we can better comprehend the significance and implications of the 6th house in a natal chart. This includes the importance of maintaining daily routines and personal boundaries, developing practical problem-solving skills, and engaging in strategic planning and decision-making. It also highlights the need to attend to physical health and well-being, as well as navigating legal and workplace issues. Therefore, studying Virgo is essential for gaining a deeper insight into the astrological significance of the 6th house.

Libra, the seventh sign of the natural zodiac, is known as Tula (तुल/துலாம்) in Sanskrit. It represents balance and those born under it are said to have balance in all aspects of life. As the second air sign (following Gemini) and third cardinal sign (after Aries and Cancer), Libra inherits qualities from its predecessors while being a distinct combination of movement and air. It embodies the ever-changing desires of humanity. Portfolio Represents constant mental and physical actions due to its moving nature Loves engagement, communication, friendships, love, trade, and making terms due to its air nature Does not accept failures easily, loves multiple tries to get desired results due to rajassic nature Ruled by Venus, representing love, partnership, business, commercial activities, and natural balance Depicted by a scale used in markets to find balance Represents lower abdomen, including kidneys, large intestine, pelvis, and lower back of Kalapurusha Gender is male Consists of three nakshatras: Chitra, Swati, and Vishakha, explaining Libra in a profound manner Direction is West Colour is black Fruitful sign due to Lord Venus and its nature Associated with countries like India, Israel, Austria, Portugal and cities like Vienna, Frankfurt, and Lisbon Associated with trade centres, chamber of commerce, common areas, mountain tops, and roads Connected to Anahata (heart chakra/dorsal plexus) Connected to the Mahakala jyotirlingam of Ujjain Exaltation sign of Saturn Debilitation sign of Sun Mooltrikona sign of Venus Longs for balance Libra's desire for balance often creates a paradoxical situation where it becomes both the most balanced and imbalanced sign. It has a tendency to constantly seek what's next and doesn't easily settle for happy endings, finding them mundane. Instead, Libra values the interplay of good and bad and seeks a mix of flavors in all aspects of life, including their food. Exaltation Considering all the qualities associated with Libra, it is understandable why Saturn is exalted in this zodiac sign, as it embodies many of the same principles as Libra. Read the unique astrological explanation of Saturn’s exaltation Debilitation Learn about the intriguing astrological reasoning behind why Sun experiences a decrease in strength and vitality. Moolatrikona Libra is the Moolatrikona sign of Venus, representing the essence of core qualities such as love, marriage, and union in the office room of Venus. Libra and Seventh House The seventh house in astrology is considered to be the house of marriage, partnership, business, and significant others. It is said to reflect the qualities of Libra, which is known for its focus on love, balance, and union. Understanding the sign of Libra is therefore essential in comprehending the seventh house, as both share similar traits such as rajassic nature, same body parts, and the desire for partnership and harmony in relationships. Thus, delving into the qualities of Libra can provide deeper insight into the themes of the seventh house in an individual's natal chart.