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Glossary of Astrology & other terms |
RADHA (Radha = prosperity). The most celebrated Gopi (cowherdess) and companion of Krishna while he lived as Gopal among the cowherds in Vrindavana. She is considered to be an incarnation of Lakshmi; some even believe in a mystical character in Radha and regard her as the type of human soil drawn to the ineffable god, Krishna.Radha is an embodiment of pure and divine love. The 16th asterism, Vishakha, is also called Radha; the 17th asterism, Anuradha, means 'diminutive Radha.' RAHU Rahu and Ketu are the ascending and descending nodes. Rahu is supposed to play a role in causing eclipses. It is also considered a planet related with karmic retribution. It causes dissatisfaction, yet it bestows material wealth under certain conditions. Inner renunciation is also possible under its impact. Mythological, Rahu is a Daitya, a demon supposed to obstruct Sun and Moon in their paths' and swallow them, thus preventing their rays from spreading and causing eclipses. Rahu is said to be born of Viprachitti and Sinhika. He is said to have four arms and his torso ends in a serpenVs tail. The Puranas describe his deceit to obtain nectar at the conclusion of the churning of the ocean. He mingled among the gods and drank a few drops of it. Sun and Moon detected him doing so and informed Vishnu who then cut off his head and two of his arms. But as he had secured immortality, his body was placed in the stellar sphere, the upper part of which represents Rahu and the lower part Ketu. Rahu is also called Abhra-Pisacha, the demon of the sky, as well as Bharani-bhu, born from the asterism Bharani. The exaltation sign of Rahu is Taurus. Its Mool-Trikona, or trine house, is Cancer, and Virgo is the sign of its ruler ship. Some astrologers put Taurus and Gemini as its exaltation signs, and Aries and Virgo to be ruled by it. It is considered a malefic yet it does immense good when in 3rd, 6th, 10th, and 11th houses in a natal chart, specially for material attainments. RAHU KALAM A portion of the day ruled by Rahu which is considered inauspicious. It lasts for 12 hours. It is calculated by adding to the time of sunrise for the day the following figures to get the time of its commencement. 10.30 hours are added to sunrise for Sundays 1.30 hrs on Mondays, 9 hrs on Tuesdays, 6 hours on Wednesdays, 7.30 hours on Thursdays, 4.30 hours on Fridays, and 3 hours on Saturdays. RAJA/RAJYA YOGA Planetary combinations which produce affluence, wealth, and royal status. Some important Rajya Yogas are listed below: (1) Mutual relationship between (a) Karakamsa (q.v.) and ascendant; (b) Atma Karaka and Putra Karaka; (c) signs occupied in Navamsa by Atma Karaka and Putra Karaka planets; and (d) between ascendant lord and the lord of the 5th house. Benefices or malefic aspects on these relationships significantly affect the result. (2) Ascendant, 2nd, and 4th houses associated with benefices and the 3rd house occupied by a malefic. (3) The 2nd house occupied by any of the planets, viz., Moon, Jupiter, Venus, or a strong Mercury occupying their own signs. (4) Debilitated planets in 6th, 8th and 3rd houses, while the ascendant lord occupies its own or its exaltation sign in ascendant. (5) Lord of the 10th house while occupying its own or its exaltation sign aspects the ascendant. (6) All the benefices occupy cardinal houses. (7) Debilitated lords of the 6th, 8th, and 12th houses aspect the ascendant. (8) Any relationship between the lords of the 5th and 9th houses. (9) The association of the lords of the 5th, 10th, and 4th houses and ascendant with the lord of the 9th house. (10) Lord of the 5th house in association with the lord of the 9th house or with the ascendant lord in the 1st, 4th, or the 10th house. (11) Venus associated with Jupiter in the 9th house if it happens to be the sign of Sagittarius or Pisces, or with the lord of the 5th house. (12) Moon in the 3rd or 11th house, and Venus placed. in the 7th house from it. Many other benefic combinations such as Gaja Kesari Yoga, Pancha Maha Purusha Yoga and Lakshmi Yoga are also important Rajya Yogas. RAJAPADA YOGA An auspicious combination formed by Moon and ascendant in Vargottam (q.v.) Navamsa, and four or more planets expecting them. It makes the individual head of a state or its equivalent. RAJAS (Rajas = activity energy, agitation). One of the primeval attributes, Gunas (q.v.), of activity, the other two being Sattwa (harmony) and Tanzas (inertia or darkness). Rajas impulse arouses ambition for worldly status and involvement in material existence. RAJARISHI A sage of Kshatriya (regal) caste raised to the spiritual status through pure and austere life on earth to that of a demigod, e.g., Vishwamittra, Pururava, and Janaka. RAJASIC HOUSES According to some astrologers, the 2nd, 7th, 10th, and 11th houses in a natal chart. These are the houses in a chart which are specifically related with worldly attainments. RAJJU YOGA A planetary combination formed by all planets in movable signs. The combination makes the individual born under it to settle in a foreign country. He is generally unjust and engages in illegal activities. RAKSHASAS The 49th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Rudra. Persons born during this year are fond of foul food, hunting, liquor and antisocial activities. The word, however, refers to evil spirits but not, all of them are equally bad and harmful. They are grouped in three categories, viz., (i) the Yakshas who have a special task of testing the spiritual nature of saints and sages, (ii) the Titans who are the enemies of gods and are generally at war with them, and (iii) the usual demons and fiends who haunt burial grounds, disturb sacrifices (yajnas), harass devout men and afflict mankind in several ways. The Rakshasas are the descendants of sage Pulastya (q.v.). According to some scriptures they sprang from Brahma's foot. The Vishnu Purana describes them the descendants of Kashyapa (q.v.) and Khasa, a daughter of Daksha (q.v.). The word Rakshasa is derived from the root raksha, meaning to guard. Based on this derivation, some scriptures associate Rakshasas with Brahma who made them guard the waters. RAKSHASLOKA One of the 8 Lokas (q.v.) recognized by Sankhya and Vedanta schools of philosophy where the Rakshasas dwell. RAKTAKSHI The 58th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is Tuled by Rudra. A person born in this year leaves -his country, squanders his wealth, incurs heavy losses and lives with concubines. RAMA Three Ramas have been described in the Hindu scriptures, viz., (1) Parasurama (q.v.), (2) Ramachandra, the son of Dasharatha, and (3) Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna. It is the second Rama who is generally referred to by this name. He said to be the 7th avatar (q.v.) of Vishnu and made his appearance in the world at the end of Treta Yuga. He was born to Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, and Kaushalya. He was the eldest of four brothers. While still very young Vishwamitra sought his help to protect his Yajnas and other religious observances from the Rakshasas. Later, the sage took him to the court of Janaka, the king of Videha where Rama won the hand of the princess Sita in a Swayamvara. On the eve of his coronation, his father banished him from the kingdom for 14 years in order to fulfil a promise given to one of his wives, Kaikeyi. He obediently left with his wife and younger brother Lakshamana to the forest. Sita was abducted by Ravana and Rama had to kill him in a war in order to rescue his wife. Upon the completion of his exile, he returned to Ayodhya but a foul remark from one of his subjects about Sita forced him to send her, in spite of her pregnancy, to the forests. There, in the ashram of Valmiki, she delivered twins, Kusa and Lava. Later, Rama recognised them as his sons, but to prove her purity to the subjects, Sita asked her mother, Earth, to accept her in her bosom if she were pure. The legend says Earth opened itself and swallowed her. Soon afterwards, Rama also left for his celestial abode. RAMAYANA The epic authored by Valmiki describing the life and glory of Ramachandra, the king of Ayodhya. RAMC Right Ascension of Medium Collie. RASA MANDAL The magic circle in which danced with the Gopis thereby leading them to their final emancipation from the bondage of life and death. It represents the mystic ritual of the universe revolving around Sun. RASATAL One of the 14 lokas representing the lowest realm of existence. RASATALA YOGA A planetary combination constituted by the lord of the 12th house in exaltation, and Venus posited in the 12th house and expected by the lord of the 4th house. Persons born under it attain the status of head of state. They may find wealth buried under the earth. RASI Rasi represents the zodiacal signs, each of which comprises 30' of the zodiacal path with a constellation of stars said to symbolize the basic evolutionary impulses radiating from them. The following table indicates their important features. Table 11: Main Characteristics of the Zodiacal Signs
[Syn: Kshetra (field), Griha (dwelling), Riksha (fine atomic particles, a wife of Sun), Bha (delusion, mere semblance), Bhavan (a mansion).] RATI [Rati = love, desire]. Wife of Kamadeva, the god of love; a daughter of Daksha. RAVANA The demon king of Lanka who, by his austerities and penance, obtained from Brahma so powerful a boon that he became almost invincible. He became a great menace, and it is said that his evil deeds cried aloud for vengeance. Vishnu took avatar as Rama to destroy him. While Rama was in exile in a forest, Ravana abducted his wife, Sita, and this led to a war in which Ravana was killed. Ravana was a descendant of Sage Pulastya and was a Brahinin by caste. He is described as having ten heads, twenty arms, copper-colored eyes and teeth bright like the young Moon. He looked like a thick cloud and appeared to be the god of death. He had all the marks of royalty, but his body bore the impress of wounds inflicted by all the divine arms. He was well versed in religious scriptures and performed all Vedic rituals. When he died his body was cremated with Brahmanic rites. RAVI YOGA A combination of planets formed by Sun in the 10th house and the lord of the 10th house in 3rd house along with Saturn. It makes the individual born with this combination a scientist who attains a powerful status in administration. He eats very little, is much occupied with his studies, and is greatly respected. RECEPTION Planetary relationship formed by two planets situated in one another's signs. It is also known as Parivartan. RECTIFICATION The method of correcting the true time of nativity is known as the rectification of horoscope. There are various methods to examine the correctness of a given natal chart; it is an important professional tool. REGIOMONTANUS' SYSTEM Regiomontanus (Johann Muller) was a 15th-century German mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer. He died under mysterious circumstances. He formulated a system of house division for different latitudes, replacing the earlier method. Presently, this system is not in vogue except in some parts of Germany. In this system, the great circles intersect the celestial equator at equal distances of 300. They intersect the, ecliptic at points considered as the cusps of the houses. These divisions begin from the horizon, and the meridian is also one of the dividing circles. Therefore the ascendant, descendant, M.C. and I.C. in this system are identical with those of the other systems. REKHA YOGA A planetary combination leading to poverty. It arises when a weak lord of ascendant is expected by the lord of the 8th house, and Jupiter is combust (q.v.) by Sun. Alternatively, if the lord of Navamsa (q.v.) occupied by the lord of the 4th house is obscured by Sun while Sun itself is expected by the lord of the 12th house. RETROGRESSION The movement of a planet in the direction opposite to that of Earth. It is an apparent retrogression, not an actual change in direction. It occurs due to the relative position of Earth and the planet though the both may actually be moving in the same direction. The difference in the speed of Earth and the planet gives the illusion (see diagram).' REVATI The 27th asterism extending from 3460 40' to 3600 00' of the zodiac. It is ruled by Mercury. Its presiding deity is Pushan. Revati is Sattwic. It is classified Brahmin by class, elephant by species, god by temperament, aquatic by animal type and is related with the eastern direction. Its primary motivation comes from Moksha. Two fishes lying in opposite directions symbolize it. It is said to be leonine in majesty and tender in its impact. Revati also stands for Balarama's wife. The legend says that she was so beautiful that her father, King Raivata, sought Brahma's advice about a possible husband for her. He directed the king to Dwarka where Balarama, as a portion of Vishnu, had to take birth as the elder brother of Krishna. Raivata went and offered him Revati's hand but Balarama beholding her as excessively tall, shortened her with the end of his ploughshare, and she became his wife. Revati also stands for the Great Womb in which Sun dwells in dormancy until the impulse for the next Manvantaric cycle begins. It is the Great Deluge where the seeds for future creations incubate until the following Cosmic Dawn. Revati expands human consciousness and provides depth to one's spiritual understanding. RISHI An inspired poet, a sage. It refers to Vedic seers who spend much time in meditation, live in forests, and impart spiritual training to disciples who live with them in their hermitage. The Rishis were also concerned with leading mankind towards spiritual regeneration and enlistment. Three levels of Rishis, viz., Devarishis, Brahmarishis, and Rajarishis are mentioned in the religious scriptures. The Seven Regents of the world, the Saptarishis (q.v.), are said to have a special role in the manifestation of the universe. ROHINI A red cow; a girl who has just begun menstruating. It also means lightning. As the 4th astorism, Rohini extends from 400 00' to 530 20' of the zodiac. It is governed by Moon and Brahma presides over it. Its basic attribute is Rajas, activity. Its symbol is chariot and its primary motivation comes from Moksha. Rohini is considered a trader by class, a serpent by species, a man by temperament, a quadruped by animal type, and is related with the eastern direction. It is Dhruva, or steadfast, in its impact. Rohini prepares the individual and the world for the dawn of a new awakening, the arrival of a new spiritual influx and a radical change in one's life. The asterism directs the individual towards the physical world of illusion with all its glamour, luxuries and sensual gratification. ROHITA Red. A red horse. A horse in the chariot of Sun, and it also refers to one of the flames of Agni, fire. Rohita is the name of a deity celebrated in the Atharva Veda, representing a form of fire or Sun. Harishchandra, who was one of the ancestors of Rama (q.v.) and a king of the solar dynasty, renowned for his truthfulness had a son named Rohita whose death proved to be the greatest trial for Harishchandra but he came out triumphant in his conflict between emotion and duty. RUDHIRODGARI The 57th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatasara (q.v.). It is ruled by Rudra. A person born in this year suffers from blood diseases and lives a shady life. RUDRA [Rudra = a howler; a roared; terrible]. Rudra is the howling god of storms who presides over Ardra, the 6th asterism. As a destructive deity, Rudra brings diseases upon men and cattle, yet as a beneficent deity he has exceptional healing powers. Rudras are said to be the ten vital breaths (Pranas) with Manas, mind, as eleventh. He is supposed to have arisen from the forehead of Brahma. Mention has also been made of 11 Rudras as the sons of Kashyapa and Surabhi. Some of the names given to Rudra by Brahma are Bhava, Sarva, Ishana, Pashupati, Bhima, Ugra and Mahadeva. Rudra. is also the name of the 54th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Rudra. An individual born in this year is a thief, liar, impatient, audacious, greedy, and d in mean activities. |