EYE ON ASTROLOGY: ATMAKARAKA–JOURNEY OF THE SOUL

The  great sage, Maharishi Parashara, had a son  or devotee called Maharishi Jaimini who did commentaries on some of  Parashara’s  materials.  In those days there might have been a 2-3 hour talk and we got a sutra for it and some of the more obscure items were then later gone into more detail by his son or devotee  in the Upadesa Sutras .  I have been obsessed by the richness of Jaimini astrology and its spiritual orientation and have embarked on some advanced studies with it and  find it more satisfying to study.

One of the key concepts is called the Chara Atmakaraka, the King of the chart, which is the planet with the highest number of degrees in your chart with exception of Rahu if it is the lowest number of degrees.  The goal of the Atmakaraka is to guide the soul toward self-realization by purging obstructing tendencies and the results of karmas that damage the progress of the soul.   The Atmakaraka is the ruler of this incarnation and has a special role. It is connected to the 1st house giving it that  benefic quality but also the 8th house creating deep and surprising karmic lessons beyond expectations.   Here is list of basic lessons that it teaches if it is the highest degree (or lowest with Rahu) in your chart.  KN Rao’s tradition feels there is only 7 Atmakarakas and does not include Rahu while Sanjay Rath’s tradition from Orissa includes Rahu.

The lessons of the Atmakaraka are often related to the qualities of the planet involved but they often require learning the darker more afflicted qualities.  The specific meaning of the Atmakakra will be colored by the sign that it is in, the house, the nakshatra, the position in the Navamsha chart, the position from the moon.   This can require hours of study is very exciting for pinpointing the purpose of the soul’s journey in this incarnation. In fact, the rotated Atmakarka chart which puts it in the 1st house of the D9 chart is very key for showing key life talents and is called the Karkakamsha Navamsha chart (or Soul’s Deep Purposes) and the integration of the Rashi or Natal chart with the chart creates a special chart call the Karakamsha Rashi chart which is more revealing for the soul’s journey in this incarnation and its blocks.

Here is a thumb-nail summary of lessons to be learned by the planet in your chart with the highest number of degrees ( or lowest for Rahu) :

Sun:  Learning humility and over-coming pride and self-importance.

Moon:  The need to learn compassion and sensitivity for others.

Mars: Practicing non-violence.

Mercury: Speaking the truth and communicating only that which is uplifting.

Jupiter:  The native must assume the role of the protector of others as a parent or teacher.  These people may not want to teach but that is their mission on this planet.

Venus:  Learning control of the physical passions and excessive sensual experiences and learning to master relationships.

Saturn:  The planet of suffering has to learn how not to give pain, grief or sorrow to others and often takes on the suffering of others and has to learn how to share their burdens.

Rahu:  One has to suffer by the deception of others and often finds himself cheated and betrayed and thus the native has to learn how to be pure and honest and straight-forward.  This Atmakaraka is generated if Rahu has the least degree in your chart, often 0-2 and there are no planets at 28-30)  Ketu is not included in the scheme of eight because he is always guiding the soul toward liberation.

The house, constellation, 1/9 division (navamsha), planets aspecting the Atmakaraka and even the devas at various degrees will further color the qualities and lessons of the Planet of the Soul or Atmakaraka.

From the Atmakaraka, you can develop a special chart which reveals the life purpose of the individual and the guiding deity called the Ishtadevata which guides the soul toward liberation and enlightenment. This is the 12th house in the D9 chart from the Atmakarka if there is a planet it it or the planet most influencing it.  So if Jupiter or the Sun is 12th from the AK in the D9, then Shiva is your guiding deity for worship in this incarnation etc.  If it is Venus, then Lakshmi is the guiding deity, if Mercury then Vishnu is the guiding deity etc.

When one goes into the deepest roots of astrology, one discovers its deep spiritual essence and purpose to guide the soul to liberation and moksha off the wheel of karma.

I am putting together a whole course on this material and we will spend 4 weeks on Atmakaraka and 3-4 weeks on these special Jaimini charts to really understand the soul’s purpose and much more.

THE SPIRITUAL ESSENCE OF VEDIC ASTROLOGY AND THE QUEST FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

TAKING ASTROLOGY BACK TO ITS SPIRITUAL ROOTS

COMING  SATURDAYS, STARTING AUGUST 10 , 2019 

FREE LIVE WEBINAR AND INTRODUCTION TO THIS MATERIAL:

Sign up for free first class, Saturday, May 25th at 3:00 pm-4:30 pm  Go to Webinar

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3965792598033741313
Webinar ID: 542-094-451

Full course description with early/early bird discount of 295.00 if you sign up through and just after the promo:

The Spiritual Essence of Vedic Astrology

Special thanks to my teachers, Komilla Sutton, Robert Koch and Sanjay Rath for their continuing guidance.

If you want to learn more about your life purpose, sign up for our Career/Life Purpose Reading : https://www.appliedvedicastrology.com/career-counselinglife-purpose-reading/

Have a great week.