Narada Purana

O best of sages, listen as the ancient science of the stars is revealed in a flowing stream of wisdom. The results bestowed by Venus and the other planets are sixfold, depending on whether they are retrograde, in their own sign, exalted, or in the radiant embrace of the Sun. When planets reside at the end of a sign, or are joined with the learned and wise, from such positions they bring increase and foster connections with relatives. Should a planet be in its own or exalted sign, or in a similar favorable position, and is joined to the eighth or fifth house, the effects are as described by the seers. From the center, the eighth, the end, or from a worshipped sign, the outcome reflects the planet’s own nature and measure. If a planet dwells in the center, the eighth, or stands apart from these, in its own sign, with Saturn, or in the center amidst a group, its influence is shaped accordingly. When Mars is situated in the houses of karma, ayana, or the sixth, and accompanied by Jupiter, auspiciousness is said to arise. Planets placed directly from Mars, Jupiter, or in the twelfth, sixth, or eighth from the ascendant, bring their own fruits. In these sixth, eighth, or twelfth positions, the results depend on the conjunctions relative to the ascendant. If a planet is in the third division, joined with the Sun, or, from Venus, is situated in the twelfth, the outcome is determined by the direction, enmity, or circumstances of birth. Planets in the Moon, Jupiter, sixth, or twelfth houses are understood to be immediately weakened from the ascendant. When Mars finds itself in its own sign, in conjunction, or with triple Jupiter, or is placed in the direction, in a hole, or with the sword, its results are marked by these influences. Similarly, when a planet is with Jupiter, the Moon, or in the third, sixth, or eighth, or at the end, its position among these brings forth its unique effects. The Sun, when seen in the center, the eighth, or in the house of wealth from the ascendant, or when increasing, beginning, or associated with relatives, also imparts its specific results. When Venus reaches the end of the sixth or eighth, she stands as the teacher between two enemies at the end. Birth, adversity, friendship, exaltation, one’s own division, the desired position, and the absence of these in other planets—all these factors shape the outcomes. The lines of fate, in their proper order, bestow wealth, happiness, and the fulfillment of desires. From the lord, the owner, and the king, from one’s own position, division, the Sun, and one’s own fame or loss, the results must be understood. In Mars, there is agriculture, the lotus, prosperity, and, in its own portion, Mars bestows metals, juices, and boldness. Venus brings silver, cows, and gems; Saturn brings violence, toil, and inferiority. If the ascendant is vargottama or in the lotus, and observed by four or more planets, great auspiciousness is indicated. Should the ruler be exalted, in Taurus, Leo, Gemini, or the Sun, or in the ascendant with Jupiter, blessings abound. If the Moon, Mars, or Jupiter are in Cancer, or if the ascendant is in the king’s sign, strength is assured. Saturn in Capricorn, Aries, or the king’s sign, accompanied by Mars and others, further fortifies the chart. When the ascendant, Cancer, or Gemini is occupied by Jupiter, Mercury, or Venus, and benefic planets preside, good fortune follows. Should Leo, Aquarius, or Capricorn be occupied, the king is established in the sign of the boat, signifying steadfastness. Jupiter in Sagittarius, Mercury in Taurus, and the Moon shining at night all signal prosperity, O king. Mercury in Virgo, Libra, or Aries brings renown to the king. The king’s son is to be determined by rules yet to be spoken, O best of sages. If Leo, the Sun, Aries ascendant, Capricorn, Mars, Aquarius, or the eighth house is occupied, these too have their portents. Should the lords of the seventh, ninth, or twelfth be in the lotus and aspected by benefics, auspiciousness is assured. A benefic of strength in the ascendant, coupled with abundance and auspiciousness, brings prosperity. Those who follow the paths of Aries and the other signs are the children of the Moon, Sun, and the remaining luminaries. The Moon is strong in Taurus, the Sun is exalted in Libra, and the other planets are situated in their appropriate signs. Should Saturn be retrograde in the ascendant, then the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, and Mercury are placed successively, each imparting their influence. When the period of the tenth house, the ascendant, or the house of action arises, sovereignty is attained. When all planets occupy the two nearest angular houses, this is known as the ‘grouped’ configuration, bringing unity of purpose. When planets are in the third, sixth, and eleventh houses from the ascendant, it is the ‘plough’ formation, indicating effort and gain. If the planets are mixed, with some outside the houses of wind and thorns, it is the ‘lotus’ formation, signifying purity and fortune. When planets occupy the third, sixth, and eleventh houses from the ninth, it is called ‘power’; when in the fourth, seventh, and tenth, it is the ‘quadrant’ formation, each with its own significance. When the umbrella is above, beginning from one’s own sign and from another, it is called the ‘half-moon’ formation, marking protection and grace. Thus, O wise one, the ancient seers have revealed the subtle interplay of planets and signs, their positions and combinations weaving the tapestry of destiny, bestowing fruits in accordance with their divine order.