Raj Vijaya

...vegetation and the corners of the regions. The three stars of Shatabhisha The "Hundred Physicians" constellation, associated with healing and hidden things and the latter prosperous stars original: "Uttara-riddhi," likely referring to the Uttara constellations: Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, or Uttara Bhadrapada are situated here. In the regions of Nepal, Kira an ancient mountain tribe, and Kashmir, there is an influence on the elephants and the local leaders. ३

In Mathura and the Northern country, and within the circle of the Vasakaidama a regional administrative or geographical division, as well as in the Himalayas, the vegetation and the northern-most regions are affected. The constellations of Revati and Ashvini, and the quarter belonging to Yama the south, are found in the range of the Northeast.

In Gangadvara modern-day Haridwar, "The Gateway of the Ganges", Kurukshetra the famous site of the Mahabharata war, Shrikanta, and Hastinapur; in the horse-lands, at the gates of the mountains, and likewise among the Gaja-Karnas literally "Elephant-Ears," likely a specific tribal or regional name—all these countries are situated in the range of the Northeast. If Saturn original: "Sauri," literally "Son of the Sun," referring to the planet Shani is positioned in the sky in front of these regions, or if it moves through them, it creates conflict for the lords of the earth. Wherever Saturn stays, it causes suffering, and the same applies to its "piercing" Vedha: a technical term for an astrological aspect where one planet "strikes" or afflicts a specific point in a diagram. When Saturn enters the names of these countries, it brings destruction without a doubt.

The Application of the Tortoise Diagram

This is known as the Earth-Tortoise original: "Prithvi-Kurma", which begins with the star Krittika the Pleiades. In the four sections of this Tortoise, one should first draw the Eastern Diagram, placing the names of the countries accordingly. One should carefully observe the Country-Tortoise where Saturn resides.

One should also draw the City-Tortoise original: "Nagara-Kurma" in the same manner as before. In the place where Saturn stays, there will be sorrow, and the same is true for the point it pierces. Following this, one should proceed to the House-Tortoise original: "Griha-Kurma" as it has been established. Draw the House-Tortoise at the entrance of the home, beginning with the star Magha the star Regulus, associated with ancestors and power, following the rotation of the house from the East. This determines the good or bad fortune of the building. ४

Saturn staying in the house is a bringer of grief and intense heat/affliction. Known to be at the door, it provides obstacles; at the feet, it is like a consuming fire. ४ It is known that in the South, there is fear from "demons" original: "rakshasas," referring here to great calamities or malignant forces. In the Northwest, it is known to be auspicious, yet Saturn provides its influence there as well. In the North, it provides the gain of wealth, and in the "mixture" original: "sankare," likely the junctions or corners, it grants all success.

When Saturn is strong, it is auspicious even with little power. But if it afflicts a place at a time when the "ripening of karma" original: "karma-pacake" occurs, then a great obstacle arises in that place—of this, there is no doubt. When Saturn moves into a desired or favorable station, one should perform the rituals described in the Yamala a class of Tantric scriptures to destroy all those obstacles. This Tortoise Diagram is a Great Diagram, also spoken of in the Yamala texts. For the knowledge of the "three times" past, present, and future, it is as if it sits right in the palm of one's hand.