ASTROLOGY AND ITS EFFECTS ON HUMAN SOULS

The science of astrology has always had an association with the notion of karma. In the opening verse of the 5,000 year old vedic text, Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra, the ancient Sage, Maharishi Parasha, tells us that:-
"The Unborn Lord has incarnated as the nine planets, the Nava Grahas, to bestow on the living beings the result due to their karmas. He assumes the auspicious form of the Grahas (planets) to destroy the demons and to sustain the divine beings."
The great Sage then goes on to describe to us the eternal science of astrology and effect of the planets on the destiny of the incarnating soul.
This work is said to be the fountain head of Vedic astrology. It is the bible of this ancient subject and is an indispensable study for both student and practitioner. It would take a lifetime of dedication to master the astrological rules outlined in this great work, and indeed, it is doubtful if one would ever master it, for the true mastery of astrology can only be accomplished by one who has transcended the three gunas, the ego, and the limitation of human thought processes. The entire subject of astrology is a description of our karmic destiny and the vicissitudes of our temporal existence in this world. If we are not firmly anchored in the stability of divine truth, then we are subject to the fluctuations and fickleness of our own minds.

HOUSES OF EXALTATIONS & DEGREES

Uccha, Moola Trikona, Swasthana, and Neecha of planets.
When placed in certain houses the planets are said to be in Uccha or in exaltation. A planet is in the best condition when he is exalted. The next best placement is called Moolatrikona, followed by its Swasthana or own house, followed by Mitrasthana or friends house and the worst condition is Neecha or Debilitation. The following are the placement conditions of the planets.
Sun is exalted in Aries upto the 10th degree. In the 10th degree he is in deep exaltation. After that it is his Moolatrikona. In Leo upto 20 is his moolatrikona and after that it is his own house.
Moon is exalted in Taurus upto the 3rd degree. In the 3rd degree he is in deep exaltation and after that it is his moolatrikona house. Karka is his own house.
Mars is exalted in Makara upto 28 degrees. In the 28th degree he is in deep exaltation. After that it is his Moolatrikona. In Mesha upto 12 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his own house. Vrischika is also his own house.
Mercury is exalted in Kanya upto 15 degrees. In the 15th degree he is in deep exaltation. After that the next 5 degrees are his Moolatrikona and after that his own house. Mithuna is also his own house.
Jupiter is exalted in Karka upto 5 degrees. In the 5th degree he is in deep exaltation. After that it is his Moolatrikona. In Dhanu upto 10 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his own house. Meena is also his own house.
Venus is exalted in Meena upto 27 degrees. In the 27th degree he is in deep exaltation. After that it is his Moolatrikona. In Libra upto 15 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his own house. Vrishabha is also his own house.
Saturn is exalted in Tula upto 20 degrees. In the 20th degree he is in deep exaltation. After that it is his Moolatrikona. In Kumbha upto 20 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his own house. Makara is also his own house.
Rahu and Ketu There is a controversy about their exaltation etc as they do not really own any houses. In fact the were ignored in this regard in some of the major shastras. However several other later generation authors generally agreed that Mithuna and Dhanu are the exaltation houses of Rahu and Ketu respectively, Vrishabha and Vrischika are their respective Moolatrikonas and Meena and Kanya are their respective own houses.
Neecha or Debilitation: All exalted planets get debilitated in the opposite seventh house from their point of exaltation. The highest point of debilitation is the exact opposite of the highest point of exaltation. After that the debilitation effect is not there.