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Glossary of Astrology & other terms |
KSHETRA Field. The human body through which the Supreme Spirit manifests itself. KSHETRAJNA/ KSHETRAJNESHWARA (Kshetra = the soil) + (jne = knowing) + (Ishwara = lord) = Soul Consciousness]. Knower of the self. The Spirit in man. It is a concept used in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter XIII). Lord Krishna, in this chapter, identifies the human body as the kshetra, the field. The Lord suggests himself to be the Kshetrajna, the knower of the field. The five elements of the body, the Mahabhutas (q.v.), Ahamkara or the I-ness, Buddhi (q.v.) or the intelligence, Indriyas or the five senses and action organs, and the experience of pleasures and pains, desires, aversion, consciousness and determination (Dhriti) are all different aspects of Kshetra. All these are subject to modifications and change. Yet they are related to the Supreme Being who is eternal, changeless and unman fest. He who perceives this relationship without any movement in his awareness is the knower of the field, Kshetrajna. KSHETRA SPHUTA Longitudinal delineation of Bhava Kundali (q.v.). KSHETRAJNESHVARA See Kshtrajna. KSHITIJA Horizon. KUCHASTAMBHAN Stationariness of a planet while changing its direction either from direction to retrogression or viceversa. KUJA / MARS The planet fourth farthest away from Sun. It has a diameter of about 6,770 kms. Its mean the distance from Sun is 227 million kms. It takes 686.9 days in revolving around Sun. It has 2 satellites. Kuja or Mars is said to be a god of war. The Puranic stories describe it as a sort of Shiva born from his sweat and nurtured by Earth. Kartikeya (q.v.) is its presiding deity. In astrology, it is said to be a malefic planet. It rules over Aries (q.v.) and Scorpio (q.v.). It is exalted in Capricorn (q.v.) and debilitated in Cancer (q.v.). Saturn, Merury and Venus are its enemies ' and Sun, Moon and Jupiter are friendly to it. It is red in color, fiery by element, bilious in humor, warrior by caste, youthful in appearance, and male by sex classification. It is specially related with the south direction. It is Tamasic (q.v.) - in basic attribute, strong at midday, fierce by temperament, quadruped by species, dynamic by nature and ever impulsive. Its favorite place of residence is the forest and it has a special affinity with Earth. Mars is powerful in the 10th house, ascendant and the 6th house. It produces Kuja dosa (q.v.) which is detrimental to married relationship. When placed in a Cardinal House, either in exaltation or its own sign, in strength, it produces Rucliaka Yoga (q.v.), which is one of the combinations of exceptionally high status in life. (See Panch Maha Purusha Yoga) Syn: Aar (spoke or radius of a wheel), Angaraka (the smouldering ember), Avaneya, Rhauma, and Bhuiniputra (all meaning the son of Earth), Krura (fierce, invincible), Lohitanga (red colored body), Kuja (part of a tree, a demon killed by Krishna), Vakra (crooked, going backward). KUJA DOSHA Also known as Angaraka Dosha. An affliction caused by the position of Mars in a horoscope. It is formed by the position of Mars in 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th from ascendant, Moon or Venus. It adversely affects the longevity of the married partner. This malfeasance is said to be reduced and sometimes eliminated by the presence of similar affliction in the horoscope of both the partners. The malfeasance of Mars does not occur if the planet is situated in a movable sign. In actual practice, this condition does not apply in cases of Aries, Sagittarius or Pisces ascendants. The affliction is also eliminated when Jupiter or Venus is associated with Mars, or aspects it. Kuja Dosha is also said to occur if Mars is in 4th house for Scorpio or Aries ascendant, 8th for Taurus, for Sagittarius and Aquarius ascendants. Again, it occurs if Mars is in 7th and the 7th house happens to be in the sign or naves (q.v.) of Mars, or if Mars is in the ascendant while planets in the 7th are either debilitated or eclipsed by others. Kuja Dosha may not necessarily produce death of the partner; it may make the physical union between them not feasible; it may be so by one of the several causes such as death, disease and illnesses, separation which could be judicial or circumstantial. KUMARS Mind-born sons of Brahma, who declining to create progeny by generative process remained ever 'boys and ever pure and innocent'. They are also known under patronymic Vaidhatre. Their names are variously given, and the Puranic stories mention their number as four, five, and even seven. One such list of seven names of these Kumars consists of Sanaka, Sanandan, Sanatana, Asuri, Kapila, Barhu, and Panchsika. The most popular Kumars are Sanat Kumar, Sanandana, Sanak, and Sanatana; Sana, Sanat Sujata, and Kapila are less known names. It is said that all these names are mere aliases, their real names are not revealed to the world at large. Often Skandha or Kartikeya as well as Narada are also known as Kumars. According to esoteric teachings, these Kumars represent manifestations of certain order of divine spirit at certain stage of cosmic evolution to help the Primordial Creative Spirit, Brahma. Yet they did not function in the ordinary creative processes of manifestation. Being the personification of the highest principle in manifestation, they could not be contained in any physical body. So they did not mingle with the mainstream of manifestation and concerned themselves only with the development of the inner man; from their supreme height they guide and watch the evolutionary process as the man aspires and struggles to realize one's pristine nature. Blavatsky describes them as the "intelligent, conscious and living Principles: the primary seven lights manifested from light unman fasted-which to us is darkness. They are the seven, exoterically four, Kurnars as 'mind-born sons' of Brahma. And it is they again are the Dhyan Chohans who are the protypes in the agonic eternity of lower gods and hierarchies of divine Beings, at the lowest end of which ladder of beings are we-men". (S,D.V. p. 78) In this context similar to the Builders or cosmic Dhyan Chohans of the Buddhistic esoteric philosophy and to the seven Angels of the Stars. They are all divine forces. They are all virgin gods who remain eternally pure and innocent and decline to procreate. In their original nature, they are not the regents of the planets but they dwell beyond the planetary region. They are not Jivanmuktas, the liberated souls, who attain their status in the evolutionary process. They have not descended to the realm of matter, as such there is no question of their ascension to the higher realms: they are Kumars, the Virgin Ascetics, who ever remain at the sublime height and radiate their impulses like the spring wind for the germination of spdritual seed within every life-form. The Kumars are mixed up astronomically, physiologically and mystically in general with a number of Puranic personages and events. Even in non-Vedic literature, references to these cosmic or divine forces are made under different names. Blavatsky mentions Michael the Archangel, Peter Sadic, Cain or Jupiter, or Jehovah in this category. (S.D. V. p. 320) Astrologically, the five Kumars are said to be closely associated with Capricorn: the pentagon representing the 10th sign, stands for the Kumars, two of whom, out of the seven, having been kept secret. Blavatsky also mentions that the Kumars are the fifth order of Brahmadevas and the fivefold Chohans having the soul of the five elements in them, water and ether predominating and therefore their symbols are both aquatic and fiery. (S.D. IV. p. 149) KUMBHA/AQUARIUS (Kumbha = an earthen pitcher). In Yoga, the practice of Kumbhaka refers to closing of nostrils and mouth so as to suspend breathing. In erotic literature, the term signifies the paramour of a harlot. It also means the frontal globe on the forehead of an elephant as well as the breast of specially a nourishing mother. These are suggestive usages of the term intended to indicate the agency through which some deeply satisfying physical or spiritual nourishment can be obtained. In astrology, Kumbha is the 11th sign extending from 3000 to 3300 of the zodiac. The sign is considered masculine, airy and fixed. It is ruled by Saturn, and no planet is either exalted or debilitated here. It is magnetically linked with Leo: the impulses received at Leo is released under Aquarius. It leads to spiritualisation and realisation of one's divinity. The sign covers Dhanistha (q.v) later part, Satbhisag (q.v.) and the first quarter of Purva Bliadrapada (q.v.) asterisms, owned by Mars, Rahu and Jupiter respectively. The mysterious nature of Aquarius that cannot be experienced through material prosperity is indicated by these planets. Unusual persons are born under this sign. Whether in misery, deprivation, humiliation, or in prosperity, abundance and prestigious positions, the individuals belonging to this sign are extraordinary. They do not have a happy personal life, yet they are useful to the society in many ways. Under Aquarius, the turmoil in one's life is immensely increased and the person increasingly begins to work in an ethical manner. His frustrations lead him to annihilation of his egotism. Hindu astrology describes Kumbha/Aquarius as a man holding a water-pot; he is yellow in color, fat in physical constitution, tall in stature, and normal in other respects. It is a human sign, strong during day. It resides in water, but is lazy by temperament. The sign acts primarily on the psychology of the person. KUNDALI (Kundali = circular or spiral coil) - The horoscopes chart on which the planetary positions at the nativity or an epoch are depicted. It contains 12 divisions, each occupied by a zodiacal sign. (In higher latitudes, under some systems of casting the horoscope, more than one sign may sometimes occupy a house-division.) KUNDALI, BHAVA The horoscopes chart depicting planetary positions in different house-divisions, which are demarcated according to unequal house-division system of casting the horoscope. KUNDALI, RASI Planetary positions at birth put in different house-divisions according to their occupation of different signs as at the nativity. KUNDALINI SHAKTI [(Kundala = circular earring; circular coiling of a serpent) (Shakti = power)]. The power contained in a circular coil at the base of the spinal cord. In Tantric literature, it refers to a form of feminine form of Nature-power. Kundalini Shakti stands for seven-layered power residing at the base of spine. It has its origin in the ascending force of Shiva-Shakti Tattwa, known as the Third Logos in theosophical literature. It is said to emanate from Sun but reaches the human individual through the central axis of the earth. On activation, it moves through Ida (q.v.), Pingala (q.v.) and Sushumna (q.v.) Nadis or nerves located around the spine. In its milder manifestation, it represents the nerve force; when fully activated, Kundalini quickens the activities of various force-centers, Chakras (q.v.) in a human body. Blavatsky considers it as the power of life, one of the forces of nature coming from Sun, which is different from electricity and Prana (q.v.). It generates certain light in those who sit for spiritual and clairvoyant development. Vivekananda considered it to lead to all causal knowledge, thus by developing it, in a yogic way, it could enable the yogi to possess all knowledge pertaining to life and nature. The development and forced activation of Kundalini Shakti has dangerous possibilities for those who try to do so without adequate spiritual preparations and control over one's lower nature. It is the force that moves in a serpentine curved path. It is the universal life-principle, which manifests everywhere in nature. The mastery over Kundalini is to be accomplished at every birth. Age does not affect the development of the Chakras (q.v.). Yet health is a necessity for it because only a strong body can endure the strain of its activation. The yogic literature describes moral purity, sexual abstinence and emotional stability as essential qualifications before any practice towards its activation is recommended to be practiced. KURMA YOGA A planetary combination produced by benefices in 5th, 6th, and 7th houses either in exaltation, own signs, or those of friendly planets, or in the navamsa (q.v.) of friendly planets. Alternatively, it is formed if the benefices are in ascendant, 3rd, and 11th houses occupying exaltation, own signs, or their Mool Trikona (q.v.) positions. Persons born under this yoga become leaders, very renowned, charitable, helpful, and they lead a very happy life. KUSUMA YOGA The planetary combination formed by Saturn occupying the 10th house, Venus placed in a cardinal house with fixed signs and a weak Moon in a trine house. Alternatively, Jupiter should be in ascendant, Moon in the 7th and Sun occupying 8th position from Moon (that is, in the 2nd house in this situation). Persons born with this combination belong to an aristocratic family, they attain high status in the society, and possess charitable disposition and enjoy unblemished glory. KUTA Points of agreement in matching horoscopes for marriage. Kutas indicate planetary compatibility between the partners, which measures their capacity to bear the strain of their marital responsibility and relationships. About 25 Kutas have been identified of which some important ones are Rasi, Rasyadhipa, Vasyam, Mahendra, Gana, Yoni, Dina, Stridirgha, Rajju and Vedha. Some details of these are given below: Rasi Kuta: A male born in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th asterisms counted from Moon-sign of the female partner is inauspicious; those who are born in 11th, 8th (under certain special conditions), 9th, 10th, 1lth, and 12th are acceptable. The auspicious effects of Rasi Kuta are destroyed by the two Moon-signs owned by the same planet or by friendly planets. Rasyadhipa Kuta also known as Graha Maitri, signifies friendliness among the concerned planets. The nature of the rulers of the Moonsigns ip the two horoscopes indicates the possibility of psychological compatibility of the partners. Vasyam: Every zodiacal sign is assigned some Vasya signs. If the male is born in a sign which is the Vasya sign to that of the male, their marriage is recommended. Vasyain indicates the magnetic attraction between the partners. Mahendra Kuta: According to this Kuta, if the asterism of Moon in a male chart is 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 22nd, or 25th from the same in a female chart, it portends happiness and longevity of the partner. Gana Kuta reveals the temperamental affinity between the partners. In order to find it out asterisms are divided into devas (gods), asuras (demons), and manusyas (human beings). The asterisms in which Moon in the charts of the partners are situated determine the Gana Kutas. Yoni Kuta: Any alliance between two partners should be such that the asterisms of Moon classified as male and female are harmoniously blended. It is important specially to find out whether normal, homosexual or lesbian attraction between the partners would exist. Dina Kuta: It takes into account the various quarters of the asterisms of Moon between the partners, especially to determine the endurance of the relationship. Certain quarters of various asterisms are considered not well adjusted between themselves. These should be avoided. Stri Dirgham: It emphasises that the asterisms of Moon in both the charts should be beyond certain specified distance. Rajju: The word means a rope or a cord. It determines the strength and duration of the married life. It is based on the consideration that Moon-asterism of the partners should not as a general rule belong to the same kind of RaJu (all asterisms have been classified in five kinds of Rajjus). Vedha denotes opposition, antagonism and distress. Certain asterisms are discordant among themselves. They require to be avoided in matching the horoscopes. On the basis of Kuta considerations, certain values are assigned to different horoscopes. The number of harmonious points indicates the degree of compatibility between the partners. KUTA YOGA A planetary combination formed by all planets consecutively placed from 4th to 10th houses. It makes the individual dwell in forests or mountainous regions are very cruel in temperament. KUTILAA Also known as Vikalaa and Vakragaa, it refers to planetary motions in its indeterminate zones of retrogression. Vakragaa and Kutilaa both refer to the position of retrogression, yet they differ slightly in their connotation. Immediately on acquiring stationary position (sthambhan) after its direct motion, the planet retrogrades with increasing speed. Kutilaa refers to stagnation of such a planet at this position. In the same way, prior to its regaining its direct motion, the speed of retrogression slows down prior to its sthambitan. Retrogression prior to this position of stationeries is known as Vakragaq |