LONGEVITY

Lesson 3 A
BHAVAS IN ZODIAC – LONGEVITY
In lesson 1A, while explaining basics of astrology, twelve bhavas in the zodiac were narrated. It is very essential to look at various combinations of planets in the horoscope to arrive at conclusions. The foremost and very important point to be examined as soon as we take the horoscope into hands is, longevity of the individual. If the longevity is not promised in the horoscope, it is worthless to examine other points. Obviously, longevity cannot be isolated in the horoscope. It will be more appropriate if examined along with death inflicting planets in the chart. Longevity appears in a positive angle, whereas, death sounds negative. If an individual’s longevity is expected to be 80 years, it does mean, that he dies at 80.
Varahamihira explained planetary combinations for longevity in 7th chapter in Brihatjatakam. In practice, we may not come across such vast combinations. Hence, Sruthi Astrology desires to narrate some simplified principles about longevity and death and also give tips basing on Krishna Murthy system. This narration is mainly to keep informed the amateur astrologers.
The following are the important combinations to be considered while looking at the longevity of the individual or death as the case may be.
First of all, it should be examined whether any combinations of “Balarishtam” are present, if the horoscope belongs to a child aged below 12 years.
In other cases, basically, the ascendant, 3rd house and 8th house are to be examined for longevity and how these houses are influenced by planets. Simultaneously, 2nd and 7th houses which cause death, should also be examined. In general, influence of natural benefic planets viz., Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and Waxing Moon on the ascendant promises longevity. Functional benefic planets also promise longevity basing on certain contingencies. Position of benefic planets in angular and trinal houses also give longevity. More importance should be given to the planets which are directly influencing the ascendant and then, the lord of the ascendant. If the lord of the ascendant is either debilitated or in retrogression, we have to look for other favorable combinations. The position of significator of longevity i.e. Saturn should also be taken into consideration. In all horoscopes, Saturn always remains as significator of longevity. 22nd decanate and 64th navamsha and the respective lords also cause death. 64th navamsha however coincides with 22nd decanate. The lord of either 7th Mahadasa (in other words 7th star from birth star is called naidhana tara, which causes death) or 8th Mahadasa also cause death (we may find a few exceptions to this rule). The lives of Nelson Mandela (now 93), Morarji Desai (died at 99) and M F Hussain (died at 96) are some examples.
Another simple rule can also be remembered.
Nine planets are broadly divided into two groups. Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Ketu in first group and Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Rahu in second group. These planets try to do harm to the persons born in opponent’s ascendants, however with some exceptions.
Other important point which is to be kept in mind is Badhaka planet, which means the said planet makes the individual suffer during its period. The thumb rule with regard to this aspect is 11th lord is Badhaka for all movable ascendants, 9th lord is Badhaka for all fixed ascendants and 7th lord is Badhaka for all duel signs. When Badhaka develops connection with 2nd or 7th lord in some way or other, the said planet may also cause death during its period.
According to Krishna Murthy’s system, the planets are powerful in the following order. In respect of death inflicting planets, the following is the order.
i) A planet positioned in the star of the planet located in 2nd house or 7th house.
ii) A planet located in 2nd house or 7th house
iii) A planet positioned in star of lord of 2nd house or 7th house
iv) Lord of 2nd or 7th house.
v) A planet in conjunction with the above planets or influenced by the above planets.
So, we can try to identify the killing planets for each ascendant by following logically the above principles. Obviously, these planets give appropriate results during their vimshottari dasa or antardasa periods (main and sub periods).
Sometimes, we may come across such cases, where the horoscopes of the individuals are not available, but the charts of their children are made available. In such cases, death of parents can be found from the horoscopes of children.
We know that the 9th house from the ascendant of the child is the hypothetical ascendant of father as per vedic astrology. Hence, 2nd and 7th houses from 9th house i.e. 10th house and 3rd houses respectively in the child’s chart show the death of father. Similarly, 4th house is hypothetical ascendant of mother. Hence, 5th and 10th houses indicate death of mother of the child.
These principles should be applied logically and carefully while giving predictions.
One more point is, not all the above combinations necessarily be operated at a time, but one or more combinations among the above said combinations may operate.
Astrologers should be able to see as many combinations as possible to arrive at accurate predictions and fix the longevity.