Shambhu Hora Prakash

Page 17

...for those two, there should be [strength] in the middle orbits; for the Moon, there is no strength greater than the eastern. 20 In the calculation where one is added and divided by two, this is declared to be the "Natural Strength" (Nisarga-bala The inherent, permanent strength of a planet regardless of its position.). The motion and rays of the Moon, Sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn are considered here. 21

The Refinement of Potency

Now, the refinement of the planetary potency (Virya) for the lords of the signs is described. The difference between the previously stated potencies is divided by the appropriate factors. 22 The calculation should be performed for the strength of the benefic planets; if there is an excess of strength, the experts in divine matters astrologers know that these two strengths become "Refined" (Sphuta). 23

When a quarter of a planetary aspect (Drishti The 'glance' or mathematical influence one planet casts upon another.) is present, or when the three planets are devoid of aspect, the calculation of the "Six-fold Strength" (Shadbala) becomes clear and refined. 24

The seed of the strength of the twelve houses, beginning with the Body (Tanvadi Referring to the 12 houses of a horoscope, starting with the 1st house or Ascendant.), should be understood by men. The strength of the House Lord, combined with the yoga of the planets, results in the refined strength of that house. 25 The strength of the lords of the signs, combined with the planetary aspects and free from malefic influence, must be considered by those who are proficient in the science of the stars. 26 Those planets which are in their exaltation (Tunga) or possess motional strength (Chesta-bala) possess their own "Rays" a measure of planetary luster and influence; this is known as the strength of the divisions. 27

In the heart of the wise, the play of the divine concludes. Thus ends the work of Punjaraja The author of this specific astrological treatise. in the Hora-Sara-Samgraha The Essence of Natal Astrology, appearing like the light of the third full moon. 28

Thus ends the Chapter on the Means of Calculating Strength.

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On the Timing of Conception (Nisheke)

When the Sun and Venus are endowed with strength, they favor the birth of males; the Moon and Mars favor the birth of females. If Saturn aspects the seventh house from the Moon or the Ascendant, or if Mercury is in such a position, then a man may become sterile. 1 At the time of conception, if the Moon is in an "Upachaya" The 3rd, 6th, 10th, or 11th houses, known as houses of growth. sign and is aspected by Mars, it is favorable for women. If the Sun and Moon are in each other's signs or aspected by each other, the union of man and woman is successful. 2

Regarding the moment of impregnation (Nisheka), one should examine the lord of the Ascendant and the lord of the sign. As the nature of the planets is, so shall the character of the man be during the union. If malefic planets are joined or aspecting, it brings anger and defects; if benefics, the person is free from such faults. 3 For women, the sixteen nights following the menses... The text transitions into the biological-astrological rules for the timing of pregnancy.