The Lal Kitab is a 16th-century Hindu astrological text that is still widely consulted by Vedic astrologers and practitioners today. One of its most important components is the Thirteen Ashtakvarga, a system of astrological symbols that assign specific energies and themes to the different planets. This article will delve into the symbolism of each of the Thirteen Ashtakvarga, exploring their meanings and how they can be applied to the art of Vedic astrology.
The Thirteen Ashtakvarga: A Brief Overview
The Thirteen Ashtakvarga is a system of astrological classification that categorizes the planets and their energies into thirteen distinct groups. Each Ashtakvarga is represented by a symbol, which can be a letter, a word, or a symbolic representation of an aspect of the universe. The Thirteen Ashtakvarga are:
- Aries () – Kirana, the Spark
- Taurus () – Brhad, the Great
- Gemini () – Vrishchika, the Serpent
- Cancer () – Madhyam, the Middle
- Leo () – Syama, the Serene
- Virgo () – Krittikaa, the Charioteer
- Libra () – Matrika, the Mother
- Scorpio () – Bhimesha, the Warrior
- Sagittarius () – Krittikaa, the Charioteer
- Capricorn () – Vrishchika, the Serpent
- Aquarius () – Hasta, the North
- Pisces () – Jye, the Southern
- Rahu, the Node (no symbol)
Decoding the Symbolism
Each Ashtakvarga has its own unique symbolism, reflecting the energies and themes associated with the corresponding planet or planet-like body (in the case of Rahu). This symbolism can be applied to various areas of life, from understanding personal characteristics to analyzing events and situations.
- Kirana (Aries, the Spark): Associated with creativity, innovation, and initial spark, Kirana is the first Ashtakvarga. It represents the impulse to take action, initiating new projects, and starting fresh endeavors.
- Brhad (Taurus, the Great): Brhad translates to "large" or "great," symbolizing grandeur, prosperity, and abundance. It’s associated with stability, security, and material comfort.
- Vrishchika (Gemini, the Serpent): Vrishchika, the Serpent, conveys cleverness, cunning, and adaptability. This Ashtakvarga is linked to communication, commerce, and versatility.
- Madhyam (Cancer, the Middle): Madhyam represents the center, the core, and the balance. It’s associated with emotional stability, nurturing, and protection.
- Syama (Leo, the Serene): Syama, the Serene, is connected to warm, confident, and creative energies. It embodies leadership, authority, and self-expression.
- Krittikaa (Virgo, Capricorn, the Charioteer): Krittikaa, the Charioteer, is a dual Ashtakvarga, associated with governance, strategy, and guidance. It represents authority, responsibility, and mastery.
- Matrika (Libra, the Mother): Matrika, the Mother, is linked to relationships, balance, and harmony. It’s associated with diplomacy, cooperation, and partnership.
- Bhimesha (Scorpio, the Warrior): Bhimesha, the Warrior, is a powerful Ashtakvarga, conveying transformation, renewal, and intensity. It’s linked to passion, courage, and the fight for what’s important.
- Hasta (Aquarius, the North): Hasta, the North, symbolizes the north direction and the quest for knowledge, spirituality, and higher consciousness.
- Jye (Pisces, the Southern): Jye, the Southern, is associated with the southern direction, representing cycles, completion, and surrender.
- Rahu (the Node): Rahu, the Node, is a symbol of the eclipse, representing sudden changes, transformation, and the unknown. It’s connected to the mysterious, the hidden, and the unseen.
Applying the Thirteen Ashtakvarga
When analyzing a birth chart or understanding a specific situation, astrologers consider the Ashtakvarga to identify the energies and themes at play. By combining the Ashtakvarga with other astrological tools, such as planets and Houses, a deeper understanding of the individual or situation can be gained.
In conclusion, the Thirteen Ashtakvarga offers a profound framework for understanding the complex web of astrological energies and themes. By decoding the symbolism of each Ashtakvarga, practitioners of Vedic astrology can gain valuable insights into the subtleties of human nature, the natural world, and the cosmic forces that shape our lives.
