Commentary on the Yoga-yatra, Page 8

Commentary on Yoga-yatra, Page 8

The ancients say that Saturn and the son of the Cold-Rayed One Mercury, son of the Moon are City-dwellers; Ketu is a Marcher, as is the son of the Fixed-born Mars and the son of Simhika Rahu.

Here, one must divide the day into three parts. The fifth part of the day is the Forenoon, then Midday, then Afternoon. The Sun is the solar deity. In the Midday division of the day, he is known as the "Crier" Akrandasari: a planet that represents a third party or ally who 'cries out' or intervenes. The Sun, the day-maker, is considered a City-dweller by the ancients when in the Forenoon. When he stays in the Afternoon, he is called a Marcher.

A "Marcher" Yayi is one who goes against the first enemy. Jupiter, Saturn, and the son of the Cold-Rayed One Mercury are called "City-dwellers" Paura: representing the defender or the home city. It is also said: the Sun moving in the middle of the day is the "Crier," accompanied by the son of Bhrigu Venus. Likewise, the son of Simhika Rahu—all these are included.

The City-dweller is in the front, the Marcher is behind. The Moon, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury are known as City-dwellers; others are Marchers. On this point, the Teacher Varahamihira has given the same instruction for both types of expeditions. Regarding the distinction between the Marcher and the City, there is a difference of opinion among the Sages. The Teacher here accepts the view of the disciples of Garga.

As Rishiputra says: "Jupiter, the Sun, Mars, and Saturn are the planets for the King's enemies; thus the Sages skilled in the scriptures, the followers of Angiras, have spoken." I shall now speak as the disciples of Garga have spoken: Mars, Venus, Rahu, the Sun, and Ketu are the "Marching" planets. The Moon is the "Crier." The remaining are "City-dwellers."

The gods say: Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury are City-dwellers. Others, including Mars, are Marchers. In the Forenoon, a planet is a City-dweller; in the Afternoon, a Marcher; and at Midday, it is always a "Crier." The Moon is always a Crier. Jupiter likewise. This is the distinction, though some say there is little difference. Mars takes on the role of a Crier during retrograde motion.

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These planets should be known according to their respective locations; otherwise, all this spoken by the Sages might be considered false due to the influence of time or direction.

Now, it is asked: how is the position of Rahu and Ketu known? It is said: Rahu is considered by the Teacher to be in the zodiac sign where he is actually seen. Others say his position is derived solely from calculation. Ketu is imagined to be stationed with whichever lunar mansion Nakshatra he rises with. How is this understood? It is accepted through logic. In this way, the position in signs and mansions is stated. It is said that they move for a hundred years in each circle.

Thus, it is said: four planets with the City-dwellers, or five including the "Comet" Sikhin/Ketu, are considered auspicious. Thus, Ketu is imagined to be where he rises. But surely, it is not possible to assign a zodiac sign or mansion to these [shadowy nodes]? The Teacher has explained their position: Rahu and Ketu are like the shadow of the earth... The text here discusses the astronomical nature of eclipses versus their astrological portents. When Ketu or a meteor strikes a mansion, it indicates the destruction of a country.

If Ketu rises in a certain mansion, is it auspicious? What is the difference between the Marcher and the City-dweller? The City-dweller stays in his own country; the Marcher is the one who goes out. One who has set out toward the enemy is a Marcher. There is a difference of opinion among the Sages as to when exactly one becomes a "Marcher"—some say it is upon leaving the inner apartments, others say upon leaving the city gates, and others say upon crossing the city boundary.