Atmakarak Planets
Atma
Karak Planets
Karaka means indicator, to make or do, to produce or create,
and also that which is instrumental in bringing about an action. The Atma
Karaka planet, or soul planet, is the one that you have the most karma to work
with in this life. It is the most important karaka. This AK planet is the key
that controls all other factors, elements and significations of the chart, as a
king influences the affairs of its subjects and its lands.
The natural significations of the planet will share a lot
about what you are working on in this life time, what is most alive in your
personal mythology, and what karmas are an intimate part of your work. The work
of the Atma Karaka planet is work that is being done on the soul level of life,
the Atma. How the AK planet interacts with the rest of the chart will also
share how your soul responds to life, your environment, and ultimately others.
The AK planet is calculated from the highest degree planet of
the chart. Ketu is not used because he is not connected to a form, he is
formless, and represents our moksha; he is no longer earth bound. Rahu always
moves backwards and therefore his degrees are calculated backwards as well.
Take Rahu’s degrees and subtract them from 30 (there are 30 degrees in each
sign) so you can see how far backwards he has moved through the sign. Then see
which planet has the highest degree in your chart to determine your AK planet.
Saturn:
Your Atma Karaka planet is Saturn or Sani in Sanskrit. This
is the planet that your soul, inner nature and karmas are connected to and
represented by. Saturn is the planet of grief, suffering, sadness, hard work,
cycles, rhythms and slow progress. When one's AK is Saturn, it indicates that
the person will experience sorrow and sadness in life and will be connected to
that sadness and the sadness of others.
You have a deep understanding of human suffering, and see it
as the transformational tool. We all suffer and you understand this with great
compassion and self-knowledge. Your dharma should be focused on helping to
relieve suffering, since you are so closely connected to it. You can help
others with tools and practices that can ease their grief and hardships. Saturn
is also connected to ancient lineages like the Vedic tradition as well as hard,
disciplined practices like yoga asanas and meditation, as well as physical
movement like dance. Saturn likes to sweat. Routine is good for you, sadhana is
essential. Study the various meanings of Saturn, how he operates, what he
expects of you and how to be in harmony with him in order to reduce health
issues and mental/emotional burdens. Ayurveda is the master source for keeping
ones health in alignment with Saturn's wishes. Also, if you have connections to
death and grief, grief work may be a good fit for your personal healing work-
it will benefit you as well as the healing of others.
Saturn is a great friend to have on your side, as long as you
know how to harmonize with him. He does things slowly and represents old age.
So these people tend to ripen later in life. You need life and its process for
your growth and with it you gain deep and lasting knowledge, the kind that can
only come with time.
Rahu:
Your AK planet is Rahu. Rahu is a shadow planet (the North
Node) and brings us strong desires and cravings. He wants and creates desires
for us on this material plane of existence. He has a strong drive and can be
obsessive about his desires. He can take us off the spiritual path and keeps us
from the true meaning of life- which is why the moksha planet, Ketu, always
sits seven houses away from him. (Ketu snips the ties that bind us to the
material realm). Rahu as AK indicates that the person is under the influence of
the shadow and has to work hard at unveiling him/herself. You may be cheated by
others, feel cheated, or cheat. Ultimately you are cheating your Self if you
use deception so be aware of your actions and where they come from.
These individuals may accidentally fall into difficult
situations because of lack of judgment. They need to be very clear about
discerning between what is for their highest good and the good of others.
Learning to trust your Self above all else is a very important for you.
The cause of creation is our desire which is represented by
Rahu. Without Rahu and his appetite, his desire, we would not have incarnated
and our innate ability to create our lives would not be possible. Rahu
expresses our souls desire to incarnate, to be alive in this form on the earth
plane. There are strong pulls here to grow, learn, change and deepen one’s
understanding of life.
You can use your Rahu instincts for harnessing great power
and material expansion because he is so worldly wise. Just don't lose sight of
your inner spiritual goals and the work that it takes to really advance in this
life- which ultimately has nothing to do with worldly treasures. Rahu also
represents foreign affairs (that which seems foreign to you) and you can use
this fascination with the foreign to learn about ancient knowledge. (Your
interest in Vedic astrology is an example of this craving for the foreign yet
spiritual). Rahu needs discipline and routine to overcome him. Use ancient
spiritual techniques like yoga and meditation to bring your light out, just
make sure that there is a very ancient, pure lineage attached to the
techniques. Nothing new agey or created by a "modern master". You can
use this Rahu awareness to be two steps ahead of others, two steps ahead of
your Self, and make choices that are more dharmic, rather than adharmic as a
result. For you, finding the meaning of purity (sattya) and truth is an
excellent Path to follow.
Mercury:
Your Atma Karaka planet is Mercury or Budha in Sanskrit. When
one's Atma Karaka is Mercury, there is a great connection to communications of
all sorts. Mercury represents the mind, the mental functions. It also has to do
with computers, communicating through computers (email, websites, social media
etc.) and is also an indicator of cell phones, lecturing and talking. Mercury
is known as Saumyagraha, the friendly planet. These people are helpful and like
to connect, need to connect and create a life based on their connections. There
is also a propensity for gaining knowledge- reading books, growing mentally,
seeking wisdom etc. Working with any of the above: computers, networking,
communication, speech, writing, the mind and wisdom, are all intrinsic to your
dharma. You may find that they all work together for you! Mercury is charming
and jovial, is ruled by the color green. Mercury has sharp business skills, has
an innate awareness of the markets and is a natural merchant. Mercury is a
prince, studious and good at lecturing and is an independent thinker. Giving
and receiving information are key traits here.
The key things to remember as a Mercury AK are to be truthful
in your thoughts, purify your thoughts and mind through meditation and pure
knowledge. Watch your speech and what you say, be truthful. Remember that not
everything is a debate nor a verbal competition. Avoid mind games. Don't
dominate conversations. Since Mercury is very mutable, and adapts to the
environment that it is in, it is essential to be careful of the company you
keep and the environments that you are in.
Moon:
Having an AK Moon (Chandra in Sanskrit) indicates that an
individual is connected deeply to the emotional body and must learn to surf
these inner tides in this life. The primary work is to learn the emotions and
work with them, not against them, to use them, not fight them. Moon AK also
indicates a person who is very much connected to the things that moon
represents: mother, intuition, land, home, heart, nurturing and compassion.
These are very caring people and need comfort and support in their life in
order to feel safe and grounded. Family and social life is a central part of
their lives and they may become overly attached to family and friends.
Realizing that the whole world is here to support and nurture is a good
reminder and focus.
Moon (Chandra) is also related to soma, the nectar of life.
The moon is wise and strongly intuitive, has sweet speech and gentle manners
but is fickle minded and a hopeless romantic. The moon is merely a reflection
of the Sun, so the family dynamics between father and mother are particularly
important for these individuals. Likely, though, a moon AK will be more
attached to the mother if the chart supports this. If the Sun is not a strong
support for the Moon, the Moon cannot thrive. The Sun shows the dharma passed
to an individual from the father, while the Moon shows the emotional and
psychological health of the child passed through the mother- in the womb during
gestation, at the time of birth and throughout early childhood.
The Moon is friendly towards all the planets and doesn't make
enemies- Moon people are the same. Conflict is extremely uncomfortable for
these individuals. Moon is very social and loves community, neighbors and
social interactions. However, Moon people are mutable and change to sync up
with their surroundings. It is very important that Moon people keep very good
sattvic (pure) company so that they do not become overburdened with dark
energy. Being in water, near water and cleansing in water daily is helpful for
Moon people to clear any energy they may have picked up during the day that is
not their own.
Moon Atma Karaka need to feel comfort and a sense of security
in order to thrive. These people are sensitive and feel vulnerable, are easily
hurt and damaged. Home, mother, security, land and the emotional/psychological
aspects of life are very important to their sense of well being. Bhakti yoga
and devotional practices will help the heart expand and be soothed. Following
the phases of the moon and making adjustments with these cosmic tides can be helpful
as well. Art and creativity are excellent tools (especially singing) for
Moon people to move the emotional tides they are so connected to. Somatic and
Expressive Art therapies are essential for these individuals. Moon AK
individuals are here to learn to nurture and be nurtured, to work with the
emotional realms and to expand their compassion and devotional abilities.
Venus:
Your Atma Karaka planet is Venus or Shukra in Sanskrit. Venus
is the planet of beauty, romance, love, passion, creativity, pro-creation,
creative life force, relationships, femininity, art and artistry, music.
Physically, Venus relates to the reproductive tissues of the body (semen and
ovaries) hence the correlation to procreation as well as the hormones that
regulate sexuality. Venus also correlates to the immune system and it is well
known that love boost immunity and gives a new propensity for life. Art and
creativity are just another expression of the act of creation. Venus is also
water, which has a life-giving quality to it. Water literally gives life- to
all expressions of Nature. Venus can give rejuvenation and health as a result
and is responsible for the life-giving qualities that sustain us.
In Vedic lore, it is said that Venus can bring the dead back
to life- metaphoric on many different levels. On the physical level, when a
person is sick or near death, it is the power of Venus that can cure them and
bring health back. (Recitation of the Mrtyunjaya Mantra can be used for this
purpose). It is also only through procreation that a soul can be reborn into a
human body, thus Venus give us an opportunity at life. Venus is also a guru
(teacher) to the demons (asuras), literally to those who don't see the light.
Jupiter is the guru of the devas (gods). Venus is considered our "lower
nature" because it represents our base desires, instincts. It can be
connected to overindulgences as a result. Because Venus is an expression of
Rajas (guna), at its worst it can create overindulgence and cravings for
intoxicants- especially alcohol and sugar- as well as lust and strong desires
for "love". Pure love is a deva emotion, while jealousy, greed and
hatred are asura (demon) emotions.
Because Venus is naturally associate with art and creativity,
including music and singing, Venus Atma Karaka indicates that the soul is here
to learn the elements of creative acts and creative process. Beauty is
important to you as well as being involved with the act of creating and being
creative- art is naturally an essential tool for learning and growing in this
awareness. Venus AK also means you will be navigating sexual impulses and
relationships as well. Part of your work will include navigating and
controlling your sexual energy, refraining from lust and illegitimate sex.
Working on relationships and being in relation are key concepts for you.
Lakshmi is the deity associated with Venus. She is the
embodiment of wealth, prosperity and the abundant flow of energy. She is good
for you to be connected to.
Jupiter:
Your Atma Karaka is Jupiter, or Guru in Sanskrit. Jupiter is
just that, a guru, a teacher, the planet that gives us expansion and knowledge,
assistance and support. He is kapha in nature (somagenic), but relates to
akasha (space) because of his all pervasiveness. Jupiter, like the sanskrit
meaning of guru, is the glue that holds the universe together, creating
harmony, health, wisdom and understanding. He is a nonviolent force and rather
than fighting a battle, he will win the opposition over to his side. Since he
rules the devas (gods), he likes to transform the asuras (demons) within us.
(We can think of this metpahor as good thoughts over bad thoughts, our shadow
self vs. our enlightened self).
In jyotish, Jupiter is considered the most benefic planet and
he brings us our blessings, graces, knowledge, expansion, wealth and wisdom
wherever he is placed. He gives support and nourishment to the houses he looks
at (his drishti) and helps us overcome the obstacles that come to us. He can
also give luck and wealth. Jupiter shows us our values, where our “expansion of
self” is directed and what we put importance on. Jupiter gives life,
contentment and joy which arises from sattva (purity). Jupiter is literally the
manifestation of the Divine and gives us our knowledge, truth and
understanding.
When the Atma Karaka is Jupiter, the soul purpose is
expansion. There is a strong affinity for knowledge, growth, increased
awareness and personal expansion. You will need to learn to be open to other
people’s needs, opinions and thoughts, while always respecting the teacher,
guru, and those that give knowledge and wisdom. Respect the husband/spouse,
father and children as these are big teachers for you and help expand your
awareness and enlightenment. Follow a guru that is connected to an ancient
lineage and has strong knowledge sources, only pure, sattvic knowledge will
suffice.
Sun:
Your Atma Karaka is Sun, or Surya in Sanskrit. The Sun is
responsible for giving light energy so that all things can grow and prosper,
however, too much light and the Sun burns and scorches. Sun represents
resources and the things we need to survive as well as the soul. It is the
light within us that guides our lives. The soul is what insures there is life-
if the soul is not happy, the body grows sick and dies. In Jyotish, the Sun represents
father, king, rank and position, power and authority, respect and rulership.
The Sun will give us dharma (the proper path to follow). Traditionally, the
father is supposed to help guide the child on their path of dharma. Father is
responsible for instilling self-esteem, and ultimately gives the spark of life
via his sperm. The Sun is also responsible for illuminating the Moon through
his reflection. Together Sun and Moon represent God and Goddess who create life
and our experienced reality. The Sun represents spirituality and will show us
our relationship to spirituality in this life. Sun brings the light, showing us
truth, sattya. The Sun is the most regular planet and the one that sets the
pace of time through days, seasons and bio-rhythms.
When Sun is the the Atma Karaka, power and authority are
important. There is a value and deep respect for those who hold high-level
positions as well as for masculine energy. These people need to learn the
lessons about power and authority- that power is not everything. With great
power, comes great responsibility. The lessons in this life are highly
influenced by ego, overcoming karmas associated with ego and working with
humility and compassion are paramount.
Mars:
Mars (also Mangal or Kuja) is a warrior planet (Kshatriya) by
nature. He is cruel, aggressive, forces things, is inconsiderate, hasty, Pitta
(fire) constitution, easily angered and hot. He carries forward actions of the
King (Sun) and has a soldier mentality. Mars is a Tamas planet, does not think,
he just carries out the orders he has been given. His job is to protect and
thus he is naturally related to people like soldiers, policeman and guards.
Since Mars is connected to the element of fire, on the internal level, he is
connected to agni- or stomach fire and digestion. Health of the body is
maintained when food is properly digested and toxins are eliminated; Mars is
essential for strong health, but can also bring problems with excess fire and
heat. He regulates energy levels of the body (digestion transforms food into
life giving resources) as well as the regulation of body tissues (dhatus) and
nerve tissues and nervous system. Excess heat in the physical body can bring a
myriad of disorders, however, mentally, this creates a need to control outcomes
and situations. Faith and trust are a huge part of taming this forceful fire
nature.
Mars, or Kuja, is considered “of the earth” and is thus a
personification of the Earth as Ma, the Great Mother (think Kali Ma). As a
result Mars relates to land, earth, property as well as the protector of these
significators. However, Mars is associated with the Rudras (storm gods) as well
as violence and violent acts that bring harm- through fire, cutting, bleeding,
tearing and killing. However, this Mars behavior can be positive for actions
that require penetrating thoughts, skills with cutting, physical prowess,
mechanical tendencies, depth and research. Surgeries, occult knowledge, martial
arts, things and situations that require cutting or force can be aided with the
help of Mars. He deals with matters of the earth plane (bhumi loka).
Mars Atma Karaka individuals need to manage their temper,
aggression and anger. They are here to learn more about ahimsa (non-harming)
and need to create a life for themselves free of killing and competition.
Learning to be playful and spontaneous is helpful. Keeping life light and
carefree is essential, a lifestyle that smooths out the harsh rigidity of the
Mars tendencies.
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