Shambhu Hora Prakash

Chapter on Astrology 5

...verse 38: obtained in the Kali Age the current historical epoch in Hindu cosmology, the gentle and retrograde original: "varki" planets lose their faults. Established in the six-fold strength, one is called "steady." Possessing the quality of passion Rajas, like a youth who receives offerings of honey... with a sharp gaze.

39: Such a person is charitable, full of desire, and successful. Possessing self-respect and intelligence, they are highly talented, with a voice as deep as a lion's roar. Even in old age, they remain strong like a bull.

40: In due time, they are full of desire and possess a well-proportioned body. For six months, one may suffer from imbalances of wind Vata and phlegm Kapha. Born under the gaze of Venus, they are friendly, a good speaker, and honored among men. 41: They are well-behaved, yet can be harsh or lean-bodied. They may be very tall, prone to anger, and have a gaze that appears weary. They may suffer from ailments of the skin or "serpent-wind" likely referring to shingles or a similar spreading nerve/skin condition and have thick body hair.

The Ten States of the Planets

This section defines the "Avasthas" or psychological/functional states of the planets based on their placement in the zodiac.

42: Blazing Deepta, Radiant Vidipta, Delighted Harshita, Peaceful Shanta, Powerful Shakta, Afflicted Peedita, Terrified Bhita, Mutilated Vaikalya, Miserable Deena, and Dormant Suptta. These are the ten states of the planets Khecharas declared by me.

43: A planet is Blazing when in its sign of exaltation; Delighted in the house of a friend; Healthy original: "Swastha" in its own sign; and Tranquil original: "Prashanta" in the divisional charts of gentle planets. 44: It is Calm when it is observed by auspicious planets. It is Mutilated Vaikalya when it is joined by cruel planets. It is Miserable when it occupies a sign of depression or debilitation. 45: It is Afflicted when defeated in planetary war; and Powerless original: "Vivala" when staying in an enemy's house.

Effects of the Blazing and Delighted States

The following verses describe the character of a person whose dominant planets are in these positive states.

The person is highly energetic, radiant, and never does anything disliked by the wise. 46: Such a person possesses elephants and horses, or great wealth. They are armed, high-spirited, and victorious over enemies. They may become a commander of an army Chamupati, endowed with wisdom and ornaments. 47: In the Delighted Harshita state, the person gains gold and is loved by people. Adorned with jewelry and good sense, they become the destroyer of groups of enemies.

48: In the Calm Shanta state, one has a wife, friends, and sons. They are a benefactor to others, a doer of good deeds, and peaceful. They seek the meaning of the scriptures, may be a minister to a king, and live with joy and splendor. 49: In the Powerful Shakta state, one is capable in policy, a benefactor to others, and pleasing to their kinsmen. They become famous...