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Sûrya (Sun): I pay respects to Sûrya, whose flaming disc dispels all darkness. Born to Kaśyapa and Āditi, he is the king of planets, his solar orb blazes like Hiṅgula, his power destroys all the world’s sins.

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SÛRYA (Sun)

Śrī Laṅkān Sûrya Mandala Yantra effective for the propitiation of Sûrya, warding off enemies, enmity and legal disputes. This yantra appeases the Sun god, bringing prosperity, health and wisdom; it protects one’s heart, home and happiness. Sûrya Mandala Yantra helps elevate one to a position of authority and respect.

Possessed of energy and of square build, black-red in mien and eyes bright as wine, bilious in nature with a limited quantity of hair, the Sun consists chiefly of the quality of goodness.

Jātaka Pārijāta by Vaidyanātha Dīkṣita 1

Sûrya is the lord of planets (or grahapati);2 he is Kṣatriya (warrior),3 masculine in stature and sattwika4 in guna. His complexion is blood-red, His taste is bitter. Dressed in fine red silks he gains directional strength in the south, is Pitta by nature and rules the element of fire. The effects of Sun mature in the 22nd year of life.

Sûrya lords the sign Leo, gaining strength in fire signs and exaltation (neecha) in the sign of Aries (specifically 10°). He is in a state of uchcha (debilitation) at the same degree in the sign Libra. Sun is considered representative of Atma5 (the soul). He rules Ayana (solstices), his metal is gold. He is also considered a mildly malefic force,6 mostly through the severity of dehydrating actions.

Sun indicates our allotment of life-giving prāṇa (vital energy). Well-positioned in the horoscope he promotes strong healthy bones, teeth, a radiant complexion and sharp vision. He also shows our ability to assimilate and utilise nutrients, representing Agnī (digestive power) located primarily in the small intestine. Positioning and strength of the Sun reflect our stamina, the physical strength of the heart and courage. If well disposed, Sûrya supports the immune system and gives strength to organs of assimilation (by enkindling Agnī/digestive fire). Strong Agnī facilitates absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Agnī also burns up and expels toxins/waste from the body.

Sûrya’s chariot is pulled by seven horses, each representing one of seven spectral rays/colours. These in turn empower the remaining six planets. In return, each planet (imbued with his emissions) transmits its own rays Earthward. Linga Purāṇa identifies Sûrya as radiating one thousand subtle rays7 (likened to a wind), which radiate outward, warming and penetrating the void.

Favourable Sûrya: Increases life-force, sattva and strengthens the father’s position or those who preside over the mundane affairs of the people – kings, governments, ministers and so on. Sûrya increases personal wealth, grants success in business and overseas trade through commodities such as gold, copper, hardwood, wheat, leather, herbs, heating spices, medicines and coarse fabrics (including wool). If well-positioned and powerful, the horoscope incurs favours from Lord Śiva and Agnī. Sûrya prospers in the 1st house of self, 9th house of dharma and 10th house of career.

Unfavourable Sûrya: The person may be forced to suffer at the hands of a cruel father, king,8 government or minister. The person risks injury from fire, burns, scalding and diseases of the blood, heart, bones, eyes and small intestine (provocation of Pitta dosha). The person may lack lustre and vitality, incur losses through investment or receive poor financial advice, experience restrictions in business or suffer loss or social influence through slander, incarceration or wrongful arrest.

Bala (strength): Sûrya is considered well-disposed if the following are applicable: falling on his own day (Sunday) or in the 1st or 10th house, occupying Leo in Hora, Drekkana, Navamsha Vargas or exalted in Aries. The Sun gains power during Uttarāyana, at midday or during Rashi Sankránti (transition into a new sign).

Undertakings on Sunday: Sacrificial offerings, the lighting of sacrificial fires, burning wood, making charcoal, journeying through forests or across mountains, marching, fighting/battles, meetings with famous or skilled personages, giving service or attending to monarchs. Working with stone (masonry), copper (casting), manufacture of jewellery from gold, training of horses, manufacture of medicines, extraction of poisons (serpents), trading in shells, bones, woollen clothing, fine silks, perfume or weapons, undertaking cruel acts or administering punishment to wrongdoers, dealing with thieves (theft).

Alternative names for Sûrya
Sûri	Staying true to one’s course
Arka	Likened to Arka/Calotropis procera (gigantea species), its energetics are hot and pungent. Secretions from this plant are well-known for their healing properties. Arka also means ‘distillation’ (retrieval of essence); its heating/cooking process purifies and cleanses
Bháskara	Radiates light and heat; also Calotropis procera
Ravi	Rasa-vis, one who evaporates moisture
Vivasvant	Father of Manu, he who creates, sustains and protects mankind
Bhánu	One who illuminates (a ray of light)
Heli/Helius	Likened to a sunflower; a variety of ligulae flora (Hēlianthus species)
Loka-chakshuh	Eye of the world
Graha-rāja	King of Planets

3.1 ASTRONOMICAL

Our Sun is described as a ‘field star’, that is, having little association with other stars and seemingly free to wander throughout the galaxy.9 This leviathan of light and heat is the epicentre of our planetary system, largely comprising hydrogen and helium with additional trace elements: nitrogen, oxygen, neon, carbon, silicon, magnesium and iron. The presence of our Sun in the solar system constitutes 98 per cent of its total mass.

Governing the motions of all that fall under its warming and encompassing rays, the Sun boasts an enormous diameter of 860,000+ miles (roughly 12,000 times the diameter of our planet). At a local distance of 93,000,000 miles from Earth, our Sun takes around 25 days to rotate once upon its own axis, an axis that is not perpendicular to the ecliptic. The tilt of this stellar giant is approximately 7°; this in effect tips the Sun’s polar regions closer toward the Earth during our equinoctial intervals, to be neutrally disposed or midway during our solstices. The position of the Sun’s axis is determined by sunspot transition across the solar disc – these move parallel to its equator, close to our solstices.

From antiquity this fiery sphere was regarded as ‘patriarch of vegetation’, its matriarchal consort (Moon) its balancing and cooling counter-force. As ‘lord of the seasons’ and ‘that which brings colour to the landscape’, his rays were divined the agent by which all atmospheric phenomena were driven – the rains, wind, seas and rivers.10 When first imaged by telescope, astronomers described its surface features as ‘delightful’. As its light was deemed eternal, so too were imagined its seasons and inhabitants, the latter believed to be perfectly adapted to the peculiarities of their fiery orb!

3.2 KĀRAKA

Throughout this book there are multiple references to Kāraka, a word often translated as ‘he who signifies’ or ‘initiates’. The concept of Kāraka therefore is a large part of integrating and understanding Jyotish, particularly with regard to recognising and interpreting its signals – which are (after all) ultimately relayed to us through nine planets, twelve signs and twelve houses.

There are an infinite number of Kārakas attached to the planets, signs and houses (see Chapters 11 and 13), far more than could ever be mentally retained; however, from this vast reservoir it is advisable to keep at least a generous handful of primary significations committed to memory. Over time and with patience the true import of each Kāraka will grow ever more meaningful as you begin to feel the presence of the planets in everything about you.

Note: For the purposes of this planetary introduction, we shall consider only those types of Kāraka relevant to planets. These, as we shall see, may be active, stable or natural:

•Chara/Active: temporarily designated (corporeal) status due to their current degree of advancement through Rashis.

•Sthira/Stable: holding specific (corporeal) status regardless of degree.

•Naisargika/Natural: connected with a particular object/action (corporeal and non-corporeal).

The three energetic states in greater detail are as follows.

Chara

Chara (active) = current degree of planetary advancement through Rashis (relative to one another). From highest to lowest degree planets are assigned a particular signification; for example, if Sun is found to occupy the highest degree, let’s say 28° 41′, with the next highest degree of a planet, let’s say Mercury, occupying 28° 40′ (in the same Rashi or otherwise), the former is then to be considered significator of Atman or spirit. The latter (Mercury) becomes Amatya, minister or advisor to Atman, and so on.

Note: This example also illustrates some aspect of Sthira (or stable) Kāraka as Sun is also considered the unchanging significator for Atman; so in this case, should Sun prove to be Atman by highest degree, it would represent the soul on two counts, as both Chara and Sthira Kārakas, adding extra weight to this signification.

If two planets are found to occupy identical degrees (in the same or different Rashi), hierarchies of Kāraka then fall to minutes of degree. If their minutes are also found to be identical, then seconds of degree would be implemented. In the unlikely event that seconds of degree are identical, both planets are to be designated the same signification. In this way, all planets (except Ketu11) become significators for causative factors and influences surrounding our birth, such as Father and Mother, as well as indicators of primary desires that hold us in the cycle of death and rebirth.

The following diagram and table outline Chara Kārakas in their descending order of planetary degrees. This sample also demonstrates how Rāhu’s retrograde activity is dealt with – as here the north node is Atma Kāraka (AK). In this horoscope Rāhu12 is situated at 6° 18′ Virgo and so its current retrograde degree is to be subtracted from the 30° span of the Rashi: 30° – 6° 18′ = 23° 42′.

Chara Kāraka sample image.

Planet and Degree	Acronym	Kāraka
Rāhu23° 42′	AK(Atma Kāraka)	Atma (soul) – might also be interpreted as an individual’s core nature or true-self, indicative of higher goals, inspiration or the willingness to be of service to others
Mars22° 07′	AM(Amatya Kāraka)	Minister (advisor) – indicates those we put our trust in or take counsel from. This Kāraka is studied to gain better insights into how to receive advice from others and how successfully we are able to use that advice. AM also speaks about the loyalty and morals of those we keep close to us and depend upon for guidance and support in difficult times
Sun21° 19′	BK (Bhratri Kāraka)	Siblings – or support through show of arms, camaraderie and bodily reserves; it also shows our capacity to work and ability to endure under pressure
Saturn17° 14′	MK (Matri Kāraka)	Mother – that which births and nurtures, MK can represent mother and home as well as sanctuaries, a keep or place of rest. It also indicates our inner reserves, ability to sustain and feed others
Venus8° 32′	PIK (Pitris Kāraka)	Father (Pitris) – traditionally represents those that watch over us, instruct and educate, providing role models for conduct, sense of honour/duty and willingness to fulfil our obligations (contracts, etc.)
Moon4° 54′	PUK(Putra Kāraka)	Children – as well as progeny might also be interpreted as one’s creativity, prosperity, good fortune and intelligence, that is, our capacity and willingness to learn and develop
Mercury0° 41′	GK(Gnaati Kāraka)	Competitors – commonly representing those things we choose to fight or fall foul of. This Kāraka also includes health matters as both environment and mental stability rail against our physiology and immune systems. Gnaati Kāraka also gives some insight into the nature of our protagonists and their favoured methods of attack
Jupiter0° 38′	DK(Dara Kāraka)	Partner (spouse) – taken to represent those closest to us, or those fulfilling a supportive role in our lives. Conversely; this Kāraka also shows an individual’s ability to return affection or share in a relationship
Ketu	–	Moksha (Liberation)

Sthira

Sthira (stable) = regardless of degree, situation or position each of the planets (Rāhu and Ketu excluded) become significators for primary individuals featured in the life of the person; these Kārakas have been given as:

Father, Teacher/Instructor/Supervisor	Sun or Venus (whichever is stronger)
Mother, Carer, Healer	Moon
Younger Sibling/s, Spouse of Siblings	Mars
Maternal Relatives (aunts and uncles)	Mercury
Husband, Children (sons), Paternal Relatives (aunts and uncles)	Jupiter
Wife/Partner, Mother-in-law/Father-in-law	Venus
Elder Siblings, Mature Associates, Business Partners	Saturn

Naisargika

Naisargika (natural) = a mixture (and multiplicity) of all worldly matters both corporeal (of the body) and non-corporeal (inanimate objects). These have been represented in the following Kāraka tables occupying each planetary portrait.

Note: Kāraka tables (in this whole section) contain only a selection of popular significations appropriate to their featured graha. These should in no way be considered exhaustive.

3.3 PRIMARY KĀRAKAS OF THE SUN

Primary Kārakas

Father, Atma (soul), prāṇa (life-force), kings, fame, favours, fortune, governments, dealings with officials, powerful people, authority figures, gold, goldsmiths, copper, brass, yellow colouration, power, heat, fires, strength, vigour, courage, blind ambition, career, appearances, personality, optimism, domineering attitude, self-reliance, public opposition, political power, regal stature, easterly direction, anger, jealousy, clarity, purity, sattvic disposition, bitter taste, self-knowledge, enlightenment, generosity, good fortune, quadrupeds, wool, travel, social affairs, noon time, saffron, Lord Śiva, worship of Lord Śiva, Rudra, the Nakshatras Krittika, Uttaraphalguni and Uttarashadha, Sunday, thorny trees, fruiting trees, banks of a river, grass, a circle, ayana (six months), Leo (sign), blood red gemstones, rubies, long-standing anger, direct gaze, penetrating stare, capture of enemies, law and order, punishment, incarceration, prisons, poisons,13 serpents, pungent substances, strong coarse fabrics, earrings, the wilderness, woods, strong trees, red lotus, long pepper, black pepper, cardamom, honey, seeds and husks, yams, wheat, medicines, a hero, herdsmen, warriors, elders, reliable people, physicians, aristocrats, captains, leaders, evil doers, cruel disposition, clean habits, palaces, temples, sacred sites, grand buildings, paying respect to the gods or one’s guru, fortresses, armed forces, currency exchange, solstices, six-year dasha period

Physical and Medical Kārakas

Digestive power, indigestion, small intestine, bones, physical heart, Pitta dosha, inflammatory complaints, cholera, fevers, sun stroke, headaches, bile, blood, arteries, veins, bilious conditions, high blood pressure, freedom from disease, blood, bones, thinning hair, right eye, visual acuity, burning sensations, broad shoulders

NOTES

1.Jātaka Pārijāta, authored by Vaidyanātha Dīkṣita c. AD 1500.

2.Brahmā Prajāpati crowned the Sun as Lord of Planets.

3.Kṣatriya = those who defend or are capable of punishing wrongdoers.

4.Sattwika: one of three gunas (or states of matter). Sattwika is thought to be pure and without defect, promoting non-attachment to worldly desires.

5.Atma is ‘soul’ or sustainer of consciousness; it is considered eternal.

6.Within the hierarchy of planets, Sûrya is noted to harbour malefic tendencies yet still ministers to the Devas in some capacity.

7.Of this multitude seven are of prime importance; these are Susumna, Harikeśa, Viśvakarman, Viśvavyacas, Sannaddha, Sarvāvasu and Svarāt. Of these, Susumna brightens horizons and flourishes in southern regions. Harikeśa is the source and substance of Nakshatras, brightening their appearance in the east. To the south, Viśvakarman is seen as the origination of Budha (Mercury), to the west Viśvavyacas is the origination of Shukra (Venus). From Sannaddha comes Kuja (Mars), while Sarvāvasu brightens and promotes Brihaspati (Jupiter). Lastly, the ray of Svarāt nourishes and sustains Shani (Saturn).

8.One might also consider the wealthy, landed gentry, corporations and large businesses interests.

9.See Binary Companion Theory in Section 1.5, which challenges the field star designation, postulating our Sun to be influenced by a distant dark stellar companion.

10.Early astro-meteorology observations appear to have been proved correct, inasmuch as the Sun (principally) and planets (secondarily) drive Earth’s weather patterning.

11.As Ketu is the primary Kāraka for moksha (liberation), it is considered beyond worldly desires and so presence as Chara Kāraka has been excluded.

12.Some astrologers prefer to exclude both nodes as Chara Kāraka, instead opting for the degree of Lagna as substitute.

13.Visha in a curative capacity.