n Vedic Astrology (Jyotish), the concepts of past and future lives are explored through the analysis of a person's birth chart (Janam Kundali) and certain specific techniques. To uncover details of a past life, begin by examining the Sun and Moon in the Rasi (D-1) chart. Determine which of these two luminaries is stronger and observe its placement in the Drekkana (D-3) chart. The house lord of this placement offers clues about the previous life:
- Jupiter as Lord: Indicates a past life in Devaloka (a higher realm of spiritual awareness).
- Moon or Venus as Lord: Suggests a past life in Pitruloka (the realm of ancestors, a plane above the earthly one).
- Sun or Mars as Lord: Points to Tiryagloka (a lower realm for those with negative karma).
- Mercury or Saturn as Lord: Reflects Narakaloka (a realm for souls burdened with intense negative karma).
If the lord in D-3 is exalted or well-placed, it suggests a high status in that realm. Conversely, a debilitated or malefic placement implies a challenging existence there.
Understanding Different Lokas:
- Devaloka: A realm of enlightened souls, spiritually elevated.
- Pitruloka: A transitional realm for souls awaiting rebirth.
- Tiryagloka: A lower plane for souls with karmic burdens.
- Narakaloka: A harsh realm for those with significant negative karma.
Karmic Indicators:
Vedic Astrology emphasizes karma (the law of cause and effect), and certain chart elements are interpreted to gain insights into past and future lives:
- Rahu and Ketu: These are the North and South Lunar Nodes, respectively. Rahu represents desires and unfulfilled karma from past lives, while Ketu signifies past life experiences and spiritual lessons. Their placement in the chart can indicate unresolved issues and karmic patterns.
- The 12th House: This house is often associated with liberation (Moksha) and past life experiences. Analyzing the planets present in the 12th house and their aspects can provide insights into past life influences.
- The 8th House: This house is linked to transformation, death, and rebirth. It can reveal information about the soul's journey, including the lessons learned in past lives.
Insights from the 9th House: Phaladeepika Method
The 9th house holds valuable information about past lives: The role of retrograde planets is also important to an understanding past life. The ninth house is considered to be a house to analyse for the next birth.
- Exalted 9th Lord: Indicates a virtuous life in a high-status community.
- Debilitated/Enemy's Sign: Suggests a life in a foreign land.
- Own/Friend’s House: Implies the previous life was in the same region as the current birth.
- If Jupiter is the 9th lord, the birth was in Aryavarta (Himalayan region).
- If Venus or Moon, near sacred rivers like the Kaveri.
- If Mercury, near a spiritual site (e.g., Vishnu or Shiva temples).
- If Saturn, born outside Bharata (ancient India).
- If Sun, born in forested or mountainous areas.
- If Mars, born in remote or harsh environments.
Determining the Type of Life Form:
- Fixed Sign (Prishtodhaya Rasi): Past life as vegetation.
- Movable Sign (Seershodhaya Rasi): Past life as an animal or human.
- Exaltation/Own/Friend’s Sign of Lagna Lord: Human life in a previous birth.
- Neutral Sign: Animal life.
- Enemy Sign: Bird life.
Karma Reflected in Present Life:
Certain karmic patterns from past lives are believed to manifest in specific ways in the current life. Here are examples:
- Forced Partner into Affairs: The individual experiences unstable relationships.
- Killed Wives: Dependence on others, especially women, for survival.
- Abandoned Pregnant Partner: Now childless, with partners who face misfortune.
- Interfered in Marriages: Endures numerous relationship issues.
- Neglected Parents: Experiences hardship in old age.
- Blinded an Animal: Suffers eye-related issues or vision loss.
- Stole Sacred Items: Faces repeated thefts or invasions at home.
- Underpaid Servants: Becomes jobless and exploited.
- Broke Off Engagement: Encounters tragic relationships.
- Dishonest Jeweler: Lives with heart issues and family discord, especially with children or spouse.
These astrological insights provide a glimpse into karmic influences believed to carry over from past lives, influencing current life circumstances.
Conclusion:
Reading past and future lives through Vedic Astrology involves a complex analysis of various chart elements, focusing on karma, transformation, and spiritual evolution. It requires a deep understanding of Jyotish principles and often the guidance of a knowledgeable astrologer.
