p NaMaae >aGavTae vaSaudevaYa

Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers

By Robert A. Koch, SJC West Coast Conference, August 2004

Copyright © 2004 (Not for Distribution)

Approach to the Study of Mysticism in Jyotish – Principle of the 8th house

The 8th house represents the functions of birth, death, and transformation mainly,
while mastery over these processes in nature is the result of perfecting the yogic path.
In the Vedic scriptures we learn that there are five mahä-bhütas or gross states of
matter and energy, also referred to as Pancha-tattva. These are earth, water, fire, air,
and ether, and which manifest in the form of five subtle elements (tanmätras) as
sound, form, light, taste, and fragrance. The perception of these by the human being
by way of five working senses (karmendriyas) and five knowledge-acquiring senses
(jïänendriyas), formulate the basis for his material existence.

Table 1.1: Mahä-bhütas and Tanmätras

Gross Subtle Knowledge- Working Ruling Planetary

Elements Elements Acquiring Senses Deity1 Ruler
(mahä-bhütas) (tanmätras) Senses
ether (akäça) sound hearing speech Viñëu Jupiter
air (väyu) form touch hands Çiva Saturn
fire (agni) light sight feet Surya Mars
water (jala) taste taste genitals Çakti Venus
earth (påthvi) fragrance smell rectum Gaëeça Mercury

According to the Bhagavad-gétä, the entire material nature is constituted of three

gunas, or qualities, while the pursuit of sense gratification through each of five
karmendriyas and five jïänendriyas, entangles the living being within the repetitions of
births and deaths, or saàsära. The ultimate teaching of Vedic scripture, therefore, is
that restraint of the senses and senusal activity, and focusing the mind on the internal

1
The five deities associated with each of the mahä-bhütas and tanmätras are referred to as païca-devata
by Çré Acyuta in his Chayälisa Paöala (Chapter Thirteen). In that work, he has given the following
names as associating with each: Niräìkära, Çiva, Bhäskara, Ambikä and Gaëeça. These are respectively
related to each of: ether (äkäça), air (väyu), fire (agni), water (jala) and earth (påthvi).
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 2

form of God (paramätmä), are the means by which the living being can come out of
this entanglement and attain mokña.

So essentially, the mastery over five gross and subtle states of matter and energy, and
also over the three subtle planes of consciousness, i.e. mind (manas), intelligence
(buddhi), and ego (ahaëkära), through which desireable and undesirable sensual
experience can be considered, is the purpose of the yoga system. This yogic process
goes by the name of añöäìga-yoga, or the path of eight-fold stages of mysticism or
elevation. The eight-fold yogic practice was taught by Pataïjali Muni in his Yoga-
sütras and is thus the foundation of all other modern systems of yoga, such as
kundalini, siddha, kriya, tantra, hatha, etc.

The principles surrounding eight stages of elevation relating to gradual mastery of five
gross and subtle elements, and three subtle stages of consciousness, conncects the yoga
system to the 8th house of the astrological chart.

Table 1.2: Steps of the Yogic Ladder, Prakriti and Planetary Symbolisms

Progressive 8 Rungs of The Progressive Material Planetary

Yogic Ladder (Añöäìga-yoga) Elements (Prakriti- Gross to Symbolisms
Subtle)
Yama Påthvi (earth) Mercury
1. (control of the body)
Niyama Jala (water) Venus
2. (sublimating sensual
desire)
Äsana Agni (fire) Mars
3. (sitting postures)
Präëäyäma Väyu (air) Saturn
4. (control of breath)
Pratyähära Akäça (ether) Jupiter
5. (avoiding outside
distractions)
Dhäraëä Manaù (mind) Moon
6. (fixing mind on a single
object)
Dhyäna Buddhi (intelligence) Lagna
7. (meditating on Paramätmä
in the heart)
Samädhi Ahaìkära (false ego) Sun
8. (Brahma-siddhi or mystic
perfection)
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 3

Pitfalls that the Yogi Must Avoid

However, the pitfall with this system of yoga is that often the yogi becomes attracted to
the various siddhis that accompany the consecutive stages of elevation. These in their
own right are about power as a result of the ability to control specific functions in
nature. The eight siddhis are as follows:

1. Aëimä-siddhi: becoming small like a particle

2. Laghimä-siddhi: becoming lighter than a soft feather
3. Präpti-siddhi: to get anything and everything from anywhere and everywhere
4. Mahimä-siddhi: to become heavier than the heaviest
5. Içitva-siddhi: to freely create something wonderful or annihilate anything at
will
6. Vaçitva-siddhi: to control all material elements
7. Präkämya-siddhi: to possess such power as no desire will ever be frustrated
8. Kämävasäyitä-siddhi: to assume any shape or form one may desire.

Note also that each siddhi rules one of the eight directions: four primary directions
and four secondary directions. These are:

1. Aëimä: East
2. Mahimä: Southeast
3. Laghimä: South
4. Kämävasäyitä: Southwest
5. Präpti: West
6. Präkämya: Northwest
7. Içitva: North
8. Vaçitva: Northeast

The yogi thus wishes to control all influences coming from all eight directions by
success in each of eight siddhis.

Now, the exploitation of mystic siddhis as listed above brings the terrible sufferings
that are most typically shown through planets positioned in the 8th house of the
horoscope. Those who make use of the intuitive vision, as well as siddhis capable of
bringing about healing in others, frequently have very powerful yogas in or associated
with the 8th house and its Arudha. Astrologers in particular have this area of the chart
emphasized. While the 8th house and various themes relating to it form the focus of
this lecture, there are a variety of subtleties to be found in the charts of 8th house
persons, whether they are of Mystics (those who are able the harness the laws of
nature for benevolent purposes), healers, or astrologers.
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 4

Chara karakas and Kälacakra – other links to the 8th house in Jyotish

The remote origins of Jyotish are to be linked with the twelve Adityas (12 Suns, or
signs of the zodiac representing the Atma’s evolutionary progress), 8 vasus (givers of
light and sustenance to the Atma within material form), and 11 Rudras (those who
take away life). Eight vasus refer to devas who give light and guidance to the living
beings. The eight devas known as vasus, bestow light in the form of ätma-vidyä or
spiritual knowledge, which includes knowledge of the self within and beyond matter.
The eight vasus are a function of Viñëu or Väsudeva. Their names are given in the
Sathapatha Brähmaëa as well.2 These represent eight sources of light, which are
associated with the process of sustenance, experience and learning for the ätma (soul).
Here the symbolic relation to eight chara kärakas, those ruled by Viñëu, is poignant.
They are also linked to the Kälacakra (añöadala padma or eight-petal lotus), which is
likened to the wheel of time.3 The functions of sustenance, or the maintenance of
living beings, ultimately comes through knowledge, and this knowledge originates in
one single Veda, which later became four (Åg Veda, Yajur Veda, Säma Veda and
Atharva Veda). These were further delineated by Vyäsadeva, the compiler of the Vedas,
in the form of the Vedänta-sütras.4

The añöau vasavah represent the essential ingredients that define all created things.
Specifically, these include the païca-tattva or the five states of matter and energy; the
Sun and Moon; and the naksatras or constellations. These, plus sub-categories are
listed as follows:

1. apah – jala tattva or liquid

2. dhara – prithvi tattva or earth (solid matter)
3. anila – vayu tattva or air
4. anala – agni tattva or fire
5. dhruva – The Pole Star, which is also called dhruva-loka in the Çrémad-
Bhägavatam.5 Dhruva represents the äkäça tattva or outer space (antarékña),
and establishes the fixity of the sidereal zodiac. This introduces the
relevance of the Ayanamsa as well.
6. soma – The Moon
7. pratyüña – the recurring dawn, which is divided into two categories, as
follows:
2
Sathapatha Brähmaëa 14.16: The eight vasus are: (1) Agni; (2) Prithvi; (3) Vayu; (4) Antarékña; (5)
Äditya; (6) Dyou: (7) Chandrama; and (8) Nakshatra.
3
The Kälacakra or “añöadala padma” (eight-petal lotus) lies at the foundation of Hindu-Vedic
philosophy. It is based on the wheel of time, which aligns the 28 constellations with eight spokes
constituting the wheel. Each of these spokes is in one of the cardinal (kendra), or intermediate (trinal
or koëa) directions, beginning from the east and moving in the clockwise direction. The Kälacakra is
especially important in consideration of the deities that rule each direction, and the positioning of natal
or transit planets in those directions. It has many other key uses in Vedic astrology.
4
Çréla Vyäsadeva was a specific çaktyäveça-avatära who was empowered to compile the Vedas in written
form. He was the son of Maharñi Paräçara, the author of Båhad Paräçara Hora Çästra.
5
Çrémad-Bhägavatam 4.8.
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 5

a. The Sun – the source of light behind the dawn; and

b. The lagna – The ascendant or the point in the eastern horizon
representing the self, which is equated to the dawn.

8. prabhäsa – The splendorous lights of the stars that are grouped into 27/28
Nakshatras (constellations).

This list constitutes the first principle of Jyotiña, which defines the bodies that create all
beings and the knowledge which guides them through various activities. Since the
substance of creation and the bodies of all living beings are founded upon these eight
Vasus, there are eight karakas (chara karakas) which constitute the sustenance of live.
Since Rahu is included within the list of eight chara karakas, it is evident that desire
(represented by Rahu) is the underlying cause of birth and re-births in this world.

The Kälacakra

The Kälacakra6 or añöadala padma represents the movements of time, assigning each of
four cardinal and four fixed signs to the four primary directions, while the four
intermediary directions are assigned to the dual signs. Beginning with Ar/Ta in the
eastern direction, the cardinal signs move clockwise to Cn/Le in the southern
direction, Li/Sc in the west, and Cp/Aq in the north. The dual signs, beginning with
Virgo, are assigned to the SE progressing to Sagittarius in the SW, Pisces in the NW,
and Gemini in the NE. Each of the eight spokes of the wheel, representing the primary
and intermediary directions, are assigned to the tithis and their planetary rulers,
deities representing specific functions, bhütas (elements) and animal symbols.
Additionally, the 28 naksatras (including Abhijit) are variously aligned with the
spokes of the wheel and the eight directions. These begin with the naksatra of the
Sun’s placement at birth (in an individual’s chart), and starting in the eastern
direction.

The deities ruling each of the eight directions are the same as those ruling the
directions per the Dasamsa (D-10) varga chart. In the Dasamsa, however, the two
upward and downward directions are additionally taken into account, which is not the
case with the Kälacakra.

6
For details on the Kälacakra, see Praçna Marga 16:82-99. Another good reference is Vedic Remedies in
Astrology by Sanjay Rath (2001) Sagar Publications. New Delhi. (p.63).
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 6

Añöadala Padma – The Kälacakra

Thus, the ätmä, or soul takes birth based on desire, while the requirements for his
existence are provided in the above ways. In order to understand the astrological
indications of birth and the desire that requires it, the Jyotir-linga and Tithi at birth are
poignant considerations.

Tithi and Bhukta Tithi Sphuta and Rasi (Tithi-based degree and sign)

The Moon, in its regular orbit, thus “seeks” union with the Sun. There are twelve
Jyotir lingas, or conjunctions of the Sun and Moon in one year, while a tithi or lunar
day occurs every time the Moon moves twelve degrees ahead of the Sun. Thus, as the
Sun moves by one degree per day, the Moon moves by twelve degrees in the same
amount of time, the period for which constitutes a tithi. There are fifteen tithis in the
waxing phase of the Moon, and fifteen tithis in the waning phase, thus a lunar month
lasts roughly thirty days.

Since the Moon moves by twelve degrees in a tithi, its movement can be mapped to
one of the twelve signs of the zodiac as well. The sign of the zodiac which represents
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 7

the tithi at the time of birth is very significant in knowing the consciousness or mental
state of the parents at the time of conception. The consciousness of the parents, as
indicated thus, is very crucial in the matter of representing the mental, emotional and
karmic challenges of the native throughout life. The degree and sign of the zodiac
representing the tithi (Bhukta Tithi Sphuta or BTS) can easily be found as follows:

1. Find the percentage of tithi that has elapsed at the time of birth. (Most Jyotiña
computer programs give the percentage, either how much of the tithi was left
at the time of birth or how much had expired. The next best source for this
information is the Panchangam, which gives the beginning and end times of
tithis for a given location every day of the year.)

2. Multiply the percentage of tithi expired by twelve. The quotient represents the
number of signs that have passed, while the remainder represents the degrees
and minutes of the sign obtained. This sign and its degree and minute (BTS)
are very crucial in understanding the parents’ mental state at conception.

Chart Illustration 1.1: Example of Bhukta Tithi Rasi and Sphuta

In Vivekananda Swami’s chart, 49.85% of Krishna Saptamé Tithi remained at birth.

Subtracting this from 100, 50.15% is the portion of the tithi expired. Thus the
following steps may be taken in order to find the Bhukta Tithi Rasi and Sphuta:

1. 50.15% becomes .5015 after converting to decimals

2. Multiplying this by twelve = 6.02, which is equivalent to 0°36’ of Libra, and
which is the BTS.
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 8

Thus 0°36’ of the sign Libra (the BTS) indicates the purpose of Swami Vivekananda’s
incarnation. The ruler of its naksatra position, as well as the house occupied by it in
the various varga charts, give further indications of how this life purpose is carried
out. The significance of this becomes all the more relevant in consideration of the
following factors shown in his chart:

• Ninth lord Sun occupies the lagna in strength, while lagna lord Jupiter
mutually aspects a powerful 5th lord Mars forming räja-yoga. These facts
underscore the purpose of spreading dharma and engaging as a world spiritual
teacher and author.

• The trinal relationship between Venus, Saturn and Ketu form Tapasvi-yoga in
this chart, which is a combination for great spiritual austerity and asceticism.
Venus’ participation in this yoga is all the more significant due to its rulership
of the 10th house from the Arudha lagna, while Mercury (lecturing and
authorship) rules the 10th from the lagna.

• Finally, AK Sun and AmK Moon are in mutual kendras in this chart, with both
occupying the lagna and the 10th house respectively. This is yet another räja-
yoga which contributes to the spiritual strength of the native and his mission.

Life Purpose as Indicated by the BTS and BTR

In this chart, the BTS is vargottama, and joins the sign of Libra very close to the
position of Jupiter in that sign. Jupiter’s rulership of the lagna and the AK rasi, and
his participation in a räja-yoga with Mars, indicates the native’s life purpose, while the
BTS position close to Jupiter further heightens the strength of his spiritual mission in
life. Since the BTS occupies the naksatra of Citra, which is ruled by Mars, the
importance of the Jupiter-Mars räja-yoga becomes all the more evident in light of the
native’s life purpose.

The lord of the Bhukta Tithi Rasi is Venus. His participation in the Tapasvi-yoga as
mentioned above indicates that the native would fulfill his life purpose of spreading
dharma through the ashram of sannyäsa or formal renunciation. From the Chandra
lagna, Venus rules the 9th and joins 10th lord Mercury to form Dharma-karmadhipati
yoga. Thus since all the important ascetic and räja-yogas in this chart associate with
the BTS and its lord Venus, the native’s dharmic mission becomes all the more focused
and significant.

In the Navamsa chart, the Bhukta Tithi Rasi joins the 12th house, while its lord Venus
is exalted. Further, Venus’ dispositor Jupiter joins the 12th from the Karakamsa lagna.
These positions show that the auspicious karma associated with spreading dharma
throughout the native’s lifetime contributed to strong possibilities of mokña after
leaving this world.
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 9

Taking the BTR as the lagna, the principles of mokña as illustrating important aspects
of the native’s teachings may be observed. From Libra, Saturn becomes a yogakaraka,
and joins 10th lord Moon in the 12th house. Mercury becomes the 9th lord and is in
Parivartana-yoga with Saturn as the 4th lord. Thus the purpose of incarnation is to
promote the teachings of dharma, which in the final analysis lead the follower to the
position of mokña.

Similarly, the BTS may be located in all the varga charts to fine-tune the life purpose
of the native with respect to the areas represented by each varga chart.

One can gain information from this tithi-based sign, in the following ways:

• See what the relation of this sign is to the ascendant of the chart, i.e. whether it
is in kendras or trines, or in 6th, 8th or 12th from the ascendant.

• See whether there are malefic or benefic planets occupying or aspecting it.

• See which houses referenced from that sign are strong, weak or afflicted, as
well as their lords.

• And, see what the relation between this sign is, and the lord of the tithi
according to the following rulerships (Kälachakra):

Tithi Planetary ruler

1, 9 Sun
2, 10 Moon
3, 11 Mars
4, 12 Mercury
5, 13 Jupiter
6, 14 Venus
7, 15 (Purnima) Saturn
8, 0 (Amavasya) Rähu

If the sign is in bad relation to the ascendant and is occupied by Rähu, then there was
confusion, instability, uncertainty, fear or other unusual circumstances existing at the
time of conception. Rähu’s effect shows that the child may have been conceived
outside of wedlock or by “accident” or that the parents were intoxicated at the time of
copulation. If Saturn was occupying or aspecting the sign, then one or both of the
parents was depressed or experiencing anguish at the conception. Or, if the sign is
well-placed with reference to the ascendant, and occupied or aspected be strong
benefics, then the parents were in a happy or stable frame of mind and welcomed (and
planned for) the birth of the child. Jupiter’s occupation of the sign, or if Jupiter
influences it strongly, shows that the parents were in a spiritual consciousness at the
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 10

time of conception. Whatever guna or quality of existence was that the parents
enjoyed or suffered at the time of conception determines the state of mind and
orientation to the world experienced by the child.

Example #2: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: BTR and BTS

The BTS in Prabhupäda’s chart is calculated as follows: 60.11% of Navami Tithi was
remaining at birth, or in other words, 39.89% of the tithi had elapsed (100-60.11).
This percentage, multiplied by twelve, equals the sign of the zodiac representing the
Sun’s symbolic movement and yoga with the Moon. The BTS and rasi arrived at, may
therefore be found as follows:

• .3989 x 12 = 4.79
• 4.79 = 4 signs, 23.70°, or 23° 42’ of Leo

So, 23°42’ Leo is a very significant sign of the zodiac for this chart, and its emphasis
indicates the main purpose for incarnation of this individual. Leo-9th house is the
sign-house position of the most significant räja-yoga in this chart for spirituality, and
is directly the insignia of Lord Çré Rämacandra as well.

Navamsa of the Tithi-Based Sign

23°42’ Leo falls in a Navamsa of Scorpio. Scorpio is the 12th house of the Rasi chart,
while both of its lords, Ketu and Mars, join both of the Sun and Moon respectively in
Prabhupäda’s chart. Thus, the themes surrounding creation, sustenance of life and the
specific avatäras Rämacandra and Kåñëa, Who were everything in Prabhupäda’s life,
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 11

can be seen by the confluence of the above factors. Note also that the Sun, Moon and
sign Scorpio, are all in kendras to the Ätmakäraka as well, while the Sun, Moon, Mars
and Ketu all form unobstructed argala to the Ätmakäraka Rähu.

Thus where life force joins the womb of matter symbolically is where the seat of the
native’s incarnation and life purpose may be found in the astrological chart.

Specific Astrological Parameters for Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers

While there are subtleties with regard to the astrological underpinnings of the above
three groups, some common occurrences in the charts of all of them are as follows:

Astrological Occurrences and Yogas:

• Relationship between AL, AK, and A8.

• Vipareet raja-yoga, especially in the charts of healers and mystic saints
• Sarpa yoga, as well as Kara-sarpa and Kala-amrta yogas
• Birth on eclipse days
• Healers: A6 and A8 involved with AK or AL or both. Yogas in 6th and 8th
houses.
• Psychics and mediums: Conjunction of Moon and either node
• Participation of A3 in charts of mediums and psychics
• Astrologers: Combinations involving the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter with Ketu (see
additional notes following); naksatras Hasta, Shatabisha, and Aswini are often
emphasized in the charts of astrologers
• Saintly mystics: Participation of Ishta-devata to AK. Dasas of A8 to time
mystical experiences
• Karaka yogas: AK + Amk; AK conj. PK or PiK
• Special yogas: Parijata, Brahma, Bheri, Saraswati, Sharada, Dhémantah, Shakti,
Raja-yoga – Sankha yoga in the case of healers;
• Ascetics: Tapasvi yoga, Parivraja yoga

Specific Notations With Regard to the Charts of Astrologers

In order for someone to advance in the study of and practice of Jyotiña, the following
should be noted:

• Jupiter: Jupiter is an important significator for wisdom, judgment and

discretion, as well as traditional learning from scriptures and gurus. It
represents the functions of both intuition and perception.

• Mercury: Mercury is the planet of logic, reasoning, analysis and the empirical
or mathematical measurement of existence. It also represents vag-bala or the
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 12

power of speech, which is also important in the case of astrologers or anybody

for whom the ability to convey a message of meaning is important.

• Ketu: Being without physical eyes, Ketu’s chief function is to “see” that which
is beyond material or three-dimensional space. Ketu thus opens significant
portals to extra-dimensional planes by way of intuition, and thus is an
important significator for astrologers.

• When Jupiter or Mercury conjoins Ketu in the Rasi (D-1), Navamsa (D-9),
Dasamsa (D-10) or Siddhamsa (D-24) charts, the native may have talent as a
Jyotiña.

• The influence of Jupiter on the 10th house, as well as the presence of

auspicious yogas related to the 9th and 10th houses as listed above, are also
important in the charts of Jyotishis.

• Rahu or Ketu in Svamsa (Navamsa lagna or Karakamsa lagna) or 5th from it

The Panaparas or 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th houses should also be emphasized by strong
planets in order that the native may be adept at Jyotish. Note as follows the attributes
of these houses:

a) The 2nd house is the house of natural learning and awareness, as it is the 11th
(gains) from the 4th, which is where knowledge originates. The 2nd, as
mentioned above, is also one of the houses of Çré, who, as the consort of Viñëu,
is very interested in the spiritual advancement of all souls. Thus Çré stimulates
the opportunities of learning in the minds and hearts of those who are so
qualified. Vag-bala or the power of speech is also seen from the 2nd house.

b) The 5th house represents knowledge that arises as a result of formal learning by
way of initiation (sikñä or dékñä) from a qualified guru. The 9th from the 9th is
an essential house to indicate the native’s ability to function as a guru, and thus
to give direction, inspiration, guidance and hopefulness to those who consult
him. The 5th is also the most important house regarding the future and thus is
essential in predictive Jyotish.

• Tangentially, Jupiter and Rähu both have aspects on the 5th and 9th
houses, and thus in addition to Jupiter, Rähu (the researcher) makes for
excellent astrologers.

• Since Mars aspects the 8th house, he is also participatory in the charts of
Jyotishis. Mars gives sharp powers of discernment, logic, analysis and
adeptness at mathematics, all of which are essential to the practicing
Jyotishi.
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 13

c) The 8th house is naturally the house of occult or metaphysical knowledge, and
thus such knowledge comes as a result of a siddhi or mystic empowerment due
to yoga practice and austerity in prior lifetimes.

o It is important to bear in mind here, however, that the correct disposition

to interpret a horoscope correctly and thus to guide a client without
personal motive, depends on the strengths of (1) the lagna and its lord, as
well as the karaka Sun; (2) the strengths of the 5th and 9th houses, as well as
their karaka Jupiter; and (3) the strength and auspicious positioning of the
Ätmakäraka planet. Without these reinforcements, simply having a strong
8th house alone does not engender the proper intuition, knowledge and
qualification to be a Jyotishi.

d) The 11th house is the 4th (education) from the 8th (occult), as well as the 8th
from the 4th. Thus, in terms of the occult and metaphysics, the 11th house
inspires learning in these subjects and should be emphasized in the charts of
Jyotishis.

A Key Yoga for Success in the Study and Practice of Jyotiña

o An important yoga for talent in Jyotiña combines the Atmakaraka planet with the
lords of the 9th and 11th houses. Preferably, these should also connect with the
lord of the lagna, either by conjunction, mutual aspects or exchange, as well as
lord of the 8th.

Shiva Is Responsible for Re-birth

Since lord Shiva sits at the 7th house of the horoscope, he is responsible for the
processes of Jataka, or the re-birth of living beings. Shiva sits in the company of the
Sapta-rishis, or seven great sages, whose abodes consist of the constellations
comprising the “Big Dipper.” In that assembly, Shiva and the sages discuss Jyotish
specifically, and the complexities of karmas generating births of human beings.
Because Lord Shiva rules the Panaparas, or fixed signs of the natural zodiac, these
signs/houses and their rulers thus become relevant when analyzing the charts of
astrologers.

Notes Regarding Example Charts

Example charts in each of three groups, Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers, are listed as
follows along with clues for the examination of each:

HEALERS:

Glen Maxwell; Edgar Cayce; Cat Saunders; Edan Joseph

 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 14

Glen Maxwell

Notes: Shakti yoga applies in full; lord of A8 Saturn joins 8th lord Venus, both
aspecting AL; AK Jupiter and AmK Mercury in trines form Raja-yoga; AK strong in the
5th in both rasi and Navamsa; seven planets in swaksetra in the Navamsa chart (nodes
in Moolatrikona); 6th lord and lord of A6 Mars join in the 10th house; Yogas: Tapasvi
yoga, Parijata yoga, Bheri yoga (Jupiter, Venus, and lagna lord in mutual kendras,
strong 9th lord); Vipareet Raja-yoga; Sarpa yoga; and Rudra yoga.

The native is a well-known intuitive and vibrational healer. He wrote the book
Glances at Eternity, in which he describes the art of healing plus two separate near
death experiences (NDE’s). The first NDE occurred on 4/15/1976, during the Drig
dasa of Ta/Vi, and the Vimsottari dasa of Jupiter/Sun. The second NDE was on
11/19/1994, during the Drig dasa of Vi/Le, and Vim. Dasa of Saturn/Mars

BTS: 2°06’ Gemini. This falls in Libra Navamsa, and Mrigashira naksatra, ruled by
Mars. Mars is lord of A6 and joins 6th lord in the 10th; Libra is the 8th house, with
Venus joining lord of A8 in Vipareet Raja-yoga.

Edgar Cayce, Famed Psychic And Intuitive Healer

Edgar Cayce is perhaps the most renowned psychic healer born in the USA in the
more recent 19th and 20th centuries. He was known as “the sleeping prophet,” due to
his specific ability to correctly diagnose disease and determine cures while in the state
of trance or deep sleep. His many correct diagnoses and cures are well-documented.
He was not a licensed doctor, MD, yet he could subliminally or intuitively find the
pathogenesis of any affliction and then give the methods for a cure, even after
conventional licensed doctors had failed and were baffled.

• Edgar Cayce was born in a rural farming community, and thus had no formal
education in medicine whatsoever.

• His first occupation as a young man was as a salesman, although after

contacting a seemingly incurable case of laryngitis (which lasted almost a
year), he engaged in the occupation of a photographer.

• After his hypnotic diagnostic abilities manifested, he later became engaged

fulltime in work as a healer until 1923. Toward the mid to later portions of his
life, he gave psychic readings also, in addition to medical analyses and cures.

• He was formally acknowledged by the American Society of Clinical Research as

a “medical wonder” in 1910. In 1928, the Edgar Cayce Hospital opened its
doors. By 1931, the Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE) was
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 15

formed as a research body whose goal was to investigate and disseminate the
information contained in Cayce’s readings.

Notes: Vipareet Raja-yoga forms in the 8th house, while Venus and Saturn form Raja-
sambandha yoga (AK + Amk). Lagna is in Gandhanta naksatra, while 3rd lord and A6
lord Mercury joins planets in 8th house. A3 and its lord Moon aspect planets in 8th.
Jupiter/Mars form Dharma-karmadhipati Raja yoga in the 6th house, Mars being lord
of A8. Jupiter/Mars are in the 3rd from AL.

BTS is 24°54’ Sc. This occupies the A8, and Navamsa of Aq, and Jyeshta naksatra.
The lords of all of these participate in Raja-yogas in 6th and 8th houses in this chart.

Edan Joseph, “Enigma Baby Healer”

The native of this chart is only three years old, yet has been found to be exhibiting
extraordinary powers to heal others. Since his birth, he had been undergoing
diagnostics and treatment for a serious genetic disorder. While in the hospital, he has
healed others with serious diseases simply with the application of his hands to the
infected part of the body. These feats are recorded and fully documented.

Notes on this chart:

• A8 joins AL in the 10th house, and both aspected by AK Venus and lagna lord
Jupiter. The exalted nodes also aspect, thus proportionately augmenting the
powers to heal. The mutual aspects of A10 from the 8th, and A8 from the 10th,
is very powerful for the chart of a healer.

• BTS is 0°18’ of Ta, wherein Saturn is placed. In Navamsa, Sa is the yogakaraka

joining AK Venus and Ketu in the 9th house, indicating a powerful spiritual
destiny to unfold through the 6th house, as Ta is the 6th in the natal chart. The
naksatra lord of the BTS is Sun, who is in swaksetra in the 9th natally, and
exalted in the 7th (9th from Moon) in Navamsa. Mrdanga yoga (two or more
planets in exaltation or own signs in kendras or trikonas), as well as Parijata
yoga form in this chart. Bheri yoga also forms (strong 9th lord, while Jupiter
and Venus are in kendras from each other), as also does Vipareet Raja yoga
(note Ketu’s rulership of the 12th house in this connection). Of greater
importance, however, is Tapasvi yoga forming Raja-yoga also in the 9th house
of Navamsa.

• Career or life purpose as a healer may not occur until the latter part of life.
Note chief Raja-yogakarakas in 7th and 9th houses.

Cat Saunders, Shaman healer

 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 16

The native performs healings and “soul retrievals,” being formally initiated into the
practices of Shamanism.

Notes:

• Numerous Raja-yogas form in this chart: Saturn/Mars in the 9th;

Mercury/Sun/Venus in the 12th, and very importantly, AK Rahu + PiK Mercury.
Both A6 and A8 aspect lagna lord and AK Rahu. 10th lord Mars in kendras to
AK form Raja yoga also. Finally, AL lord Jupiter joins A6 and A8 in the
Ghatika lagna, while these are in 6th from AL. Mars, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu
are maha-yogadas.

• Other yogas: Adhi yoga (benefics in 6th, 7th, 8th from Moon); Parvata yoga
(benefics in kendras, not malefics in 7th or 8th); Gaja-kesari yoga.

• BTS is 14°42’ Libra. Note the great significance of this, with this degree falling
in the 9th house of the chart within one degree of exalted lagna lord Saturn.
and Mars forming Raja-yoga. Naksatra lord Rahu is the AK, and joins Venus,
Sun, and Mercury in the 12th house, also forming Raja-yoga. The Navamsa of
the BTS falls in Svamsa directly, in company with a powerful Venus/Saturn
Raja and Lakshmi yoga.

MYSTICS

Gregory Stephens – recluse psychic and mystic

The native is a psychic, and also has been shown to exhibit paranormal abilities such
as bi-location.

Yogas: Tapasvi yoga forms in both rasi and Navamsa charts, as does Parivraja yoga
(Moon in a Navamsa of Mars, aspected in rasi by Saturn.) This indicates an
extraordinary level of Tapas, spiritual austerity from his prior lifetimes. Shakti yoga
applies in this chart verbatim, with the Moon and Rahu plus malefics only aspecting
the 9th from Atmakaraka Sun. Sun/Rahu combination (AK + PK) is a Raja-yoga, while
according to Prashna Marga, these give knowledge by the blessings of “superior
serpents.” 7

Birth when the Moon is with either Rahu or Ketu, especially at times of eclipse, are
almost always found in the charts of psychics and mediums. This is compounded in
this chart when the Moon disposits a powerful Raja-yoga (Venus/Saturn) from the 3rd
house. They also form Dhémantah yoga in full. Sarpa yoga involving the Moon
indicates great suffering, yet which lead to siddhis as well.

7
Prashna Marga, 15.31
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 17

Mantak Chia

The native is an internationally reputed master of Tantra, an author and world teacher
of this discipline.

• Notes: No Tapasvi or Parivraja yogas are to be found here! Raja-yoga: lagna

lord is AmK, and is exalted in the 8th with Rahu; in trine to exalted AK Venus
(dispositor of 8th lord) is an extraordinarily powerful Raja-yoga. Jupiter+
Moon + Venus all in exaltation, with Venus in kendra, form Parijata yoga.
Venus also occupies A8.

• Of particular note is that these three are in the 8th of Navamsa, while Nav. 8th
lord is exalted.

• Sun + Mercury form Raja-yoga

Female Medium

The native is a trance channeler who conveys messages from the spirit plane
professionally.

• Notes: Moon with Rahu is consistent in the charts of mediums and psychics,
while in this case, the Moon rules the A8 also. Vipareet Raja-yoga is especially
powerful in the 8th house, yet even more so in this case as the three
yogakarakas are AK (Sun) + PiK Saturn + PK Venus. Sun in kendra to AmK
Rahu also forms Raja-yoga.

• Note powerful yogas in Navamsa for spirituality, and Jupiter in Lagna in 5th
from Karakamsa lagna. Venus/Saturn Raja-yoga in the 3rd is important for
mediums and psychics. In rasi, A3 aspecting AL and lagna lord speaks to a
similar destiny. Tapasvi yoga forms in Navamsa.

• BTS is 21°00’ Sagittarius. This falls in the 10th house, and has mutual aspects
with AL, A3, and A10. The native’s incarnation is significantly associated with
Jupiterian functions of teaching higher knowledge. The Navamsa occupied by
the BTS is Libra, which is directly the crux of this chart, falling in the rasi 8th
house, and in Svamsa directly, occupied by Jupiter.

Lucia Dos Santos – the “Fatima Miracle”

 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 18

The native was the central figure in the Portuguese phenomena known as the “Miracle
of Fatima”. For five months, three peasant children (Lucia was the eldest) had
visitations with the Holy Mother once a month. The Lady promised that God would
work a great miracle in October "so that all may believe." The event was reported in
newspapers around the world, and by 10/13/1917, there were more than 70,000
people gathered in the Cova da Iria, come to witness the miracle.

As the Lady was about to leave, she pointed to the sun. Lucia excitedly repeated the
gesture, and the people looked into the sky. The rain had ceased, the clouds parted,
and the sun shone forth, but not in its usual brilliance. Instead, it appeared like a
silver disc, pale as the moon, at which all could gaze without straining their eyes.
Suddenly, impelled by some mysterious force, the disc began to whirl in the sky,
casting off great shafts of multicolored light. Red, green, blue, yellow, violet – the
enormous rays shot across the sky at all angles, lighting up the entire countryside for
many miles around, but particularly the upturned faces of those 70,000 spellbound
people.

After a few moments the wonder stopped, but resumed again a second and a third
time – three times in all – within about 12 minutes. It seemed that the whole world
was on fire, with the sun spinning at a greater speed each time. Then a gasp of terror
rose from the crowd, for the sun seemed to tear itself from the heavens and come
crashing down upon the horrified multitude. Just when it seemed that the ball of fire
would fall upon and destroy them, the miracle ceased, and the sun resumed its normal
place in the sky, shining forth as peacefully as ever. When the people arose from the
ground, cries of astonishment were heard on all sides. Their clothes, which had been
soaking wet and muddy, now were clean and dry. Many of the sick and crippled had
been cured of their afflictions.

This event has now become known as "the Miracle of the Sun" and has been justly
characterized as the greatest supernatural occurrence of the 20th century. The
Catholic Church has accepted this great miracle as an historic, physical event. It has
officially endorsed the message as "worthy of belief" since 1930, through five
successive popes. Many books, pamphlets, records, films and videos have been
produced, probing the wonder of the miracle first seen by three children.

Notes: Powerful Raja-yogas involving AK Mercury and Saturn exist in both the rasi
and Navamsa charts (in 5th and 9th houses respectively). Ishta-devata is Venus
(Mother Mary for Catholics), who joins Ketu in the Arudha lagna. These have full
mutual aspects with A10, which is in the 8th house. This shows fame of the native as
one who conversed directly with the holy mother, and who was privy to knowledge
regarding the miracle of the Sun.

Parivraja yoga forms in full in this chart (lord of Moon sign joins Saturn and no other
planets interfere). This is appropriate for a fulltime nun (she is still alive in a convent
in Spain at this juncture).
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 19

Timings, Drig dasa: Three events associated with the visitations of Mother Mary are
as follows:

Event #1: The first vision of the Holy Mother: May 13, 1917 (Drig dasa of Vi/Vi)

Event #2: The revelation of the three secrets: July 13, 1917 (Vi/Vi)

Event #3: The event of the Fatima Miracle or Miracle of the Sun: October 13, 1917
(Vi/Li)

Virgo is directly the A8 in this chart. Dasas of A8 in trine to lagna lord (Ishta-devata
also) and AL, and Ketu, bring significant events relating to miracles or supernatural
phenomena. Similarly, the miracle of the Sun itself took place directly in the dasa of
Virgo with A8, and sub-period of Libra.

The “three secrets” were: (1) a vision of hell where souls go who are unredeemed; (2)
a prophesy of World War II; and (3) the “third secret” was written down by Lucia Dos
Santos, as she was instructed to not release that information until 1960. (Since the
Vatican in 1957 had possession of the letter containing the secret, it was not finally
released until May 31, 2000. The third secret evidently said that “Russia is the
instrument of chastisement chosen by heaven to punish the whole world for its sins if
we do not beforehand obtain the conversion of that nation.” Since the prediction was
given for the second half of the 20th century, the Vatican waited until the century had
passed in order to avoid global panic.)

Drig dasa for the revelation of the third secret was Cancer/Aquarius.

• BTS is 23°06’ Gemini. This falls directly in the 9th house of the chart, in the
sign ruled by AK Mercury and occupied by Jupiter and Ishta-devata Moon. In
Navamsa, the sign Gemini is similarly powerful in the 9th house with a Raja-
yoga occurring there with the AK and yogakaraka Saturn.

ASTROLOGERS

Marc Edmund Jones

The native was a reputed, in fact world famous western astrologer who produced
many convincing researches and writings.

• Notes: Two powerful Raja-yogas are found in this chart via Venus and
Mercury in the lagna, and Moon/Rahu/Saturn in the 10th house (AK is Rahu –
AmK is Saturn). Apart from being the 10th lord in the 10th, Moon is the Ishta-
devata in this chart occupying the 12th in Navamsa with Ketu and Saturn.
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 20

These aspect the 12th from Karakamsa also, giving strong movements of the
soul toward Moksa.

• Kala-amrta yoga forms in this chart, and is broken by Moon and Saturn
forming Raja-yoga. Dhémantah yoga forms by way of 6th lord from AL in the
5th with strong 5th lord. A strong Mars is always important in the charts of
astrologers. Note Mars’ exaltation in Navamsa also. Saraswati yoga confirms
the scholarliness of the native.

• Shakti yoga also forms – Moon + Rahu plus malefics aspecting 5th from AK.

• Lords of Panaparas play a dominant role in charts of astrologers.

• BTS is 20°24’ Scorpio. Mars, a very important planet for astrologers, is strong
here in the 2nd house with Jupiter. These are aspected by AK Rahu, and Raja-
yoga planets Moon and Saturn. Naksatra lord Mercury is pivotal in this chart
also, ruling the 9th and joining lagna lord Venus.

B.V. Raman – world famous Jyotishi

Notes: The chart is a power-house of yogas indicating a great astrologer, author, and
teacher of Vedic dharma.

• All the Panapara signs, as well as Panapara house rulers in this chart are in
kendras to the lagna. Further, AK Moon mutually aspects 11th lord Jupiter,
and in kendra to 9th lord Venus, 5th/8th lord Mercury, and lagna lord Saturn.
These combinations are significant for an astrologer.

• Raja-yogas abound also in kendras, including Vipareet Raja-yoga in the AL (4th

house). Note mutual aspects between AL, A10, and A8.

• Special yogas: Brahma yoga, Bheri yoga, Saraswati yoga, Dhémantah yoga (3rd
lord from Paka lagna in 1st). Similarly, Dhémantah yoga forms from lagna, with
6th lord joining lagna lord in the 4th. Parivraja yoga: Forms if Moon and Saturn
join in the AL.

• BTS is 9°36’ Aries. Again Mars as significant for astrologers comes into the
picture here, ruling the BTS as well as 10th house, and joining Venus and
Mercury in Raja-yoga. Finally, the BTS joins naksatra Aswini, which is very
important for astrologers as well.
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 21

Alan Leo – world famous western astrologer

Notes:

Mercury, Jupiter, and Sun all join Ketu in this chart – a fantastic yoga for an
astrologer, especially when in the 12th house. Me as AK + Sun as PiK form another
Raja-yoga.

11th lord Mercury is the AK, joining 5th and 8th lord Jupiter, lagna lord Sun, and
aspected by 9th lord Mars. All these predominate in the charts of astrologers. Also, 8th
lord Jupiter is in Parivartana yoga with 8th lord Moon. Jupiter also joins A8 lord Ketu.
Dhémantah yoga forms from Paka lagna: 3rd lord and 6th lord Mercury and Jupiter
respectively join the lagna.

Navamsa: Note Raja-yoga, Brahma yoga, Bheri yoga, and Saraswati yoga – all in fixed
(Panapara) signs.

• BTS is 2°06’ Libra. Again, Mars as important for astrologers is noted here,
being the naksatra (Chitra) ruler of this degree of Libra. Mars is vargottama in
the 5th house, and 8th house of Navamsa. Venus falls in the Arudha lagna also
in the 11th house, while dispositor Mercury joins 8th lord and other Raja-yoga
planets in the 12th house.

Sri Achyuta – Brilliant astrologer/saint, and param guru of Sri Achyuta sampradäya
 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 22

Çré Achyuta is the param guru of the Çré Achyuta Jyotiña parampara and initiator of the
great lineage of Jyotiña as represented in the present time by the Çré Jagannätha
Center, SJC. His chart is exemplary as that of a true Jyotiña, and also as one who
received divine empowerment to do such work. Apart from many yogas illustrating
talent in this great science, it is also evident that he possessed great spiritual attributes
and advancement as well. Some of the more poignant points of this chart are as
follows:

• The lord of the ascendant Mercury is also the Ätmakäraka (AK) in this chart, and
he joins Bratrikäraka (BK) Jupiter in the 4th house, thus forming räja-yoga.
Jupiter in this context is the guru, both naturally as well as by his Chara käraka
status. His position in mülatrikona elevates the intuitive and spiritual intellect of
the native exponentially, while his joining the Ätmakäraka brings great spiritual
attainments within the course of his lifetime.

• The fame and greatness of the native are indicated by the position of the Jupiter-
Mercury yoga in the AL, while their positions in the 7th from the Moon cause
Adhi-yoga, a very auspicious combination for reputation and popularity among the
masses of people. These facts are reinforced by the presence of exalted Venus in
the 10th from the Moon and placed in the A10 (Räjya-pada) forming Amala-yoga,
while both Jupiter and Venus respectively in kendra positions, form Hamsa and
Malavya-mahä-puruña-yogas.

• The presence of all four benefics in kendras, while there are no malefic planets in
the 7th or 8th houses, causes Parvata-yoga, another combination for incredible
power and greatness, on par with räja-yoga. Brahmä-yoga is also formed in this
chart by way of Jupiter’s kendra relation to the 9th lord, Venus’ position in kendra
to the 11th lord and Mercury’s kendra relation with the 10th lord. Sarasvaté-yoga
all but seals the great intellect of the native, with Jupiter, Venus and Mercury all in
kendras from the ascendant. Bheri yoga forms verbatim as well.

• The lords of all the trikonas in this chart occupy angular positions, and in kendras
to the Ätmakäraka as well. These positions generate räja-yoga as well, a fact
which bore itself out in the practical demonstration of intellectual and spiritual
genius shown by the native in his lifetime.

• Finally, the BTS is 8°06” Pisces. Pisces is directly the position of exalted 9th lord
Venus, while its lord is BK Jupiter joining lagna lord and Arudha lagna lord
Mercury. The Navamsa attained by the BTS is Virgo, which in the rasi chart, is
occupied by 5th lord Saturn within one degree of the lagna and in the Hasta
naksatra. The native was clearly perfectly aligned with his purpose of incarnation.

Yogas for Talent in Jyotiña

 Mystics, Healers, and Astrologers - Robert A. Koch, © 2004 SJC 23

Talent in Jyotiña is easy to find in this chart, as the lords of three out of four panaparas
are all in kendra positions and mutually aspecting each other. If the 11th lord is
mutually aspecting the 1st and 9th lords, as well as the Ätmakäraka, then a particular
talent in analytical and interpretive Jyotiña results. All these combinations form in full
in this chart.

Yogas for Great Spirituality

The 9th lord in this chart is not only exalted (thus elevating the spiritual consciousness
of the native), but its dispositor Jupiter is also in mülatrikona in a kendra. Venus’
mutual aspect with 5th lord Saturn, as well as Dharma-devata Moon, gives mantra-
siddhi or perfection in the execution of mantra and sadhana. These positions in
kendra and mutual aspect with the Ätmakäraka indicate an incredible level of purity
and spiritual çakti attained by the native.

Finally, the Moon’s placement in a Navamsa ruled by Mars (Scorpio), while aspected
in the Rasi chart by Saturn, forms Parivraja-yoga, an important yoga for asceticism
and spiritual detachment. Çré Achyuta lived the life of a Brähmana ascetic and had no
inclination for the enjoyment of worldly stimulation. Parivraja-yoga is among the
more important combinations to indicate a sannyäsi, one who accepts formal vows of
renunciation for the purposes of spiritual advancement in life.