The Latter Nectar of Time

And beyond that, it shall be called "in its own house" Sanskrit: svagrihi; a planet located in the zodiac sign it rules. If Mercury is anywhere within the first 15 degrees of Virgo, it is called "exalted"; from 15 to 20 degrees, it is in its "root-trine" Sanskrit: mula-trikona; a position of strength second only to exaltation, and in the final degrees, it is in its own house. When the Sun, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn are in Leo, Sagittarius, Libra, and Aquarius respectively, they are in their root-trine up to the first 20 degrees, and from 21 to 30 degrees, they are called "in their own house."

Characteristics of a Retrograde Planet—

original Sanskrit verse: "vakrī svoccabalaḥ savakrasahite madhyaṃ balaṃ tuṅgabhe..."
A retrograde planet possesses strength equal to its exaltation. When a planet is joined with a retrograde planet, it gains medium strength. If a planet is in its exaltation sign but is retrograde, its strength is like that of its debilitation (zero strength). If a planet is in its debilitation sign but is retrograde, its strength is like that of its exaltation. A planet joined with an exalted planet gains half-strength, while a planet joined with a debilitated planet gains zero strength. Even if joined with natural malefics who are friends, or natural benefics who are enemies, it gains half-strength. || 6 ||

The strength of a retrograde Vakri: appearing to move backward from the Earth's perspective planet should be understood as being equal to its exaltation. When any planet is with a retrograde planet, it receives an additional 1/2 unit of strength. If a planet is exalted but retrograde, it should be considered debilitated (lacking strength). If a planet is debilitated Sanskrit: neecha; its weakest zodiacal position but retrograde, it becomes as powerful as if it were in its exaltation sign. A planet placed with an exalted planet receives 1/2 unit of strength; a planet placed with a debilitated planet receives zero strength. When a planet is placed with a natural malefic who is nonetheless a friend, or a natural benefic who is nonetheless an enemy, it receives 1/2 unit of strength.

In this way, one must carefully observe the matter of retrograde planets. Regarding benefic planets, it is believed that when they become retrograde, they become powerful and give auspicious results. This very principle is the basis of the famous "Inverted Royal Union" Sanskrit: Viparita Raja Yoga; a specific astrological combination where bad placements result in great success found in the text Uttara Kalamrita. A planet that appears to give inauspicious results by being in its debilitation will, if retrograde, produce good results. We shall discuss the theoretical analysis of this combination further on. For now, let us look at the examples—