each of the 12 Bhavas. No doubt similar research , on the lines of the one by Sri.

Bhasin, isrequired as regards other significations as well.However, it is generally observed that the allotment follows a natural pattern of interlink acceptable to our day-to-day pattern of living. Almost all these rulerships (excepta few controversies) are time-tested , accepted and widely followed since thousands of years across the globe . This article of mine is an effort to understand and sort out onesuch exceptional controversy related to the bhavas ruled by our parents. The 12 Bhavas and our Relationships : As already hinted, there is a link between the various bhavas of a horoscope in eachand every area of our life .In so far as the do main of relationships is concerned , the link is illustrated below: The lagna bhava signifies the self. Second bhava signifies the family in which one is born and also the one he would acquire after growing of age. Third bhava governs onesco -borns especially the younger ones and father -in law ( being 9 th to 7 th ). The fourth bhava rules mother, The fifth rules ones siblings and paternal grandfather (being 9 th to 9th). The sixth signifies ones enemies and maternal uncle/aunt ( being 3 rd to 4th). The seventhrules ones spouse and also all partners in business. The eighth rules the family of spouse. The ninth house signifies ones father The tenth signifies mother-in-law (being 4thto7th)and the husband of mother (being 7 th to 4th). Eleventh signifies neighbours and elder co- borns The twelfth signifies paternal grand mother (being 4 th to 9th) . B a s e d o n s i m i l a r analogies, other left out relationships can also be deduced from the various houses of the horoscope. But, as already stated , out of the above , there exists a basic controversy regarding the bhavas ruled by our parents. In Vedic Astrology, 4th house is ascribed to ones mother in a vast majority of Astrological classics . But , so far as the house of father is concerned there is a wide variation. While some classics prefer 9th Bhava , some others prescribe 10th as the house of father. Even in western Astrology , there is a difference of opinion on the houses related to ones parents. Let us examine the issue in greater detail

Astrological Classics and Bhavas related to parents : In all the widely followed Vedic Classics such as Brihat Parashara Hora, BrihatJ a t a k a , J a t a k a P a r i j a t h a , P h a l a d e e p i k a , S h a m b u H o r a P r a k a s h a , U t t a r a K a l a m r u t a , Jatakabharanam, Hora Makarand, Bhavartha Ratnakara, Maansagari, etc 4 Th h o u s e i s unanimously allocated to ones Mother. To signify mother , the words like janani, Amba,ambu and Mathru have been used .In Saravali, the word Bandhava has been used whichis a common term for all relatives and in Daivagna Vallabha, both Janitri and Janaka are u s e d f o r 4 th house , meaning both parents relate to the same house. In Brihat Jataka, 4 th house is called as Bandhu( meaning Relatives) and Griha(meaning house or residence).As regards the bhava s ignified by ones father , there is no such commonality.B r i h a t P a r a s h a r a H o r a , S h a m b u H o r a P r a k a s h a , J a t a k a b h a r a n a m , M a a

n s a g a r i , J a t a k alankara, etc assign 10 th bhava to father (Janaka, Pithru). Phaladeepika, Uttara Kalamruta,B h a v a r t h a R a t n a k a r , e t c a s s i g n 9 th B h a v a t o o n e s f a t h e r . B e s i d e s , a l m o s t a l l t h e Astrological classics available in vernacular languages of South India including the NadiT e x t s i n T a m i l a n d a v a s t m a j o r i t y o f m o d e r n d a y p r a c t i t i o n e r s o f t h e s c i e n c e e v e n i n North India, consider 9th Bhava as the house signified by ones father. But, Jatak Parijata by Vaidhyanatha allots both 5th and 9 th houses to father.A p e r u s a l o f s o m e o f t h e f a m o u s w o r k s i n w e s t e r n A s t r o l o g y ( b o t h b y a f e w pioneers and modern authors ) reveals a complexity existing on the issue. The opinions of some authors is tabulated in the chart given below, for easy reference : Sl. NoT i t l e o f t h e B o o k N a m e o f t h e Author Opinion on 4 th House Opinion on 10 th House1 A t o Z H o r o s c o p e maker and delineator LewellynGeorgeLogically it would seemt h a t 4 th s h o u l d r u l e mother as it correspondst o t h e d o m e s t i c s i g n cancer , which is ruled byMoon, both of which aretermed feminine . onthe other hand, home andd o m e s t i c l i f e i s l a r g e l y influenced by the Father ,his temperament , healthand general success.Capricorn the natural 10 th signi s t e r m e d f e m i n i n e a n d i t i s mainly the mothers influencein early life which directs thetendencies and aspirations thata f t e r w a r d s d e t e r m i n e d t h e w o r l d l y o u t l o o k , t h e h o n o u r , the credit, esteem and positionachieved.2 M a n u a l o f A s t r o l o g y R a p h e l I t r e p r e s e n t s t h e p a r e n t s of the native, especiall y the father.I t d e n o t e s m o t h e r : W i v e s o f father being 7 th to 4 th .3 A s t r o l o g y : I t s Technics and ethicsC . A Q . L i b r a I n d i c a t e s F a t h e r a n d o u r relation to him .T h i s h o u s e i s s u p p o s e d t o represent the natives mother , a s t h e 4 th represents the father.M a n y A s t r o l o g e r s h o w e v e r r e v e r s e t h i s o r d e r a n d t a k e 4 th for mother and 10 th for father,considering that the father hasm u c h t o d o w i t h i n f l u e n c i n g t h e c h o i c e o f p r o f e s s i o n o r calling.4 A s t r o l o g y : A c o s m i c ScienceIsabel MHickey Least prominent parent i n t h e l i f e . S o m e s a y i t rules the mother , otherst h e f a t h e r . D e p e n d s o n Rules father

Page 4 of 7which is the boss.5 A s t r o l o g y 1 - 2 3 N o e l T y l A p a r e n t , t h e h o , t h e soulThe other parent. Usually theparent of the same sex. 6 A S t u d e n t s T e x t book of AstrologyVivian ERobsonI t h a s a l s o b e e n suggested that 4 th houserepresents that parent of opposite sex to the nativeor alternatively the parent who has

least influenceover the native .10 th &4 th houses rule the parents, but it is not quite c e r t a i n w h i c h h o u s e a particular parent is ruled.7 M y w o r l d o f AstrologySydneyOmarr T h e F a t h e r T h e M o t h e r 8 N e w I l l u s t r a t e d AstrologyEditor: KimFarnellI t r e p r e s e n t s t h e influence of our family of o r i g i n a n d a p a r e n t a l f i g u r e . I n m o d e r n a s t r o l o g y , i t i s u s u a l l y h e l d t o r e p r e s e n t f a t h e r ( although some sourcesgive it to the mother). Int r a d i t i o n a l A s t r o l o g y i t a l w a y s r e p r e s e n t s t h e mother.I t i s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e Mother 9 T h e M a n u a l o f AstrologyS e p h a r i a l M o t h e r i n a m a n s horoscope and Father in awomans horoscope.The father or mother accordingto sex of the horoscope.1 0 C o m p e n d i u m o f AstrologyRose Lineman& Jan PopelkaRepresents ones mother a n d d e s c r i b e s t h e maternal relationships in p a r t i c u l a r , t h e p a t e r n a l relationships in general.R e p r e s e n t s t h e f a t h e r a n d describes the parental authorityin general.1 1 D i c t i o n a r y o f AstrologyJ a m e s W i l s o n F a t h e r M o t h e r 1 2 A s t r o l o g y L o u i s M a c NeiceP a r e n t s T h e m o t h e r i n a m a n s c h a r t and the Father in a womans .1 3 H o w t o j u d g e a NativityA l a n L e o O n e o f t h e p a r e n t s , usually the father The other parent1 4 T h e E n c y c l o p e d i a o f Astrology Nicholas DeVoreTo it is commonlyassigned natives Father Ordinarily, Mother 1 5 R e l a t i n g L i z G r e e n e T h e r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h t h e father is seems to bereflected most clearly bythe north point of thechart ( the IC)and by any planets which fall in thefourth house.The sign at the midheaven( the MC) generally suggeststhe particular factors which predominate in onesrelationship to onesMother..mirrors that facet of mothers nature which affectsthe child most strongly. Thus, in western Astrology , the following five different opinions are seen :

Page 5 of 7 1) 4 th house rules mother and 10 th house rules father. 2) 4 th house rules Father and 10 th house rules Mother. 3) 4 th h o u s e r u l e s o n e o f t h e p a r e n t s , u s u a l l y t h e p a r e n t o f t h e opposite sex as that of the native and 10 th house rules the other parent , usually the parent of the same sex as that of the native. 4) 4 th house rules one of the parents , usually the one who has least influence over the native and 10 th house rules the other parent . 5) 4 th house rules both the parents.Here, it is significant to observe that 9 th house is not considered at all either for father or mother in western Astrology. And in Vedic Astrology , 4 th house is never considerede x c l u s i v e l y f o r f a t h e r a l t h o u g h t h e h o u s e i s a s s i g n e d t o b o t h p a r e n t s i n a t e x t s l i k e Daivajna Vallabha ( uses the words Janitri Janaka), etc. The Bhava for Mother : 4 th or 10 th

? As could be seen from the facts stated above , there exists a good conformity infixing the Bhava ruled by ones Mother. Although there is some deviation, both t h e systems Vedic and Western, broadly agree in assigning 4 th House to the Mother. The basisfor assigning this lordship is again the rulership of planet Moon in the natural Zodiac. The p l a n e t M o o n s i g n i f i e s M o t h e r a n d i t i s t h e l o r d o f C a n c e r , t h e 4 th house of the naturalZodiac. The rulerships of planets are assigned based on their Geocentric placement in thec o s m o s a n d a n y d i s c u s s i o n o n i t s v a l i d i t y i s b e y o n d t h e s c o p e o f t h i s a r t i c l e . H e r e , i t should be noted that 4 th house also signifies the living place and domestic environment. Ina l l p a r t s o f t h e g l o b e , undoubtedly it is the Mother who influences the child first andh e n c e , m o t h e r s i g n i f i e s d o m e s t i c i t y a l s o , a l t h o u g h i n l a t e r y e a r s c h a n g e s d o o c c u r depending on the individual tendencies of the child and its parents. As the allotment of 4 th house to mother and its related considerations like domesticity, etc abide by the basicempirical rules adopted in Astrology, it is acceptable to us.B u t , t h e o p i n i o n s l i s t e d a t S l . 2 t o S l . 5 a b o v e a r e a t v a r i a n c e w i t h t h e m a j o r i t y opinion which do merit a closer examination. The claim that 4 th house rules father is not falling in line with the general scheme of the empirical rules adopted in Astrology. Thatis, Sun ,the planet signifying father, is the ruler of 5 th house in natural Zodiac and is notconnected to 4 th house. Hence, it is not acceptable. However, there is some substance in theclaim that the 4 th house rules the parent of the opposite sex as that of the native. It is ana c c e p t a b l e f a c t t h a t g e n e r a l l y c h i l d r e n g e t m o r e a t t r a c t e d t o w a r d s t h e p a r e n t o f t h e opposite sex possibly due to the natural affinity among the sexes. But, it is always themother who wields a special domestic influence on the child and the father in most cases h a s much to do with influencing the choice of profession or calling ( A s t r o l o g y : I t s Technics and ethics by C. AQ. Libra ) . More over, mother is the first family link to

Page 6 of 7 child and through the mother only the child starts knowing the very world a r o u n d i t . Hence, 4 th house ruling domesticity also should be the domain of Mother only.T h e c o n t e n t i o n t h a t 4 th h o u s e i s r u l e d b y b o t h t h e p a r e n t s s e e m s a p p a r e n t l y acceptable because of the other associated significations of the house such as Comforts( s u k h a ) , D o m e s t i c i t y ( h o m e l i n e s s ) , e t c o v e r w h i c h b o t h t h e p a r e n t s a r e c e r t a i n l y influential. As Sri Dane Rudhyar writes: The mother may dominate the home (4 th house) , but the father may form the Psychological home: the soul (The Astrological Houses) .But,mothers influence precedes that of the father in the present birth and hence, we must giveextra credit to the mother. For the same reason, the other claim that 4 th house rules theleast influential parent is unacceptable . Besides, it is an irrefutable truth that both parentsinfluence the child in its formative years in one way or the other and neither of them could be weighed less. As such, in my opinion, assigning 4 th house to the mother is quite logicaland convincing . Father: 5 th ,9 th or 10 th Bhava ? Once the bhava ruled by mother is fixed as the 4 th , 10 th bhava being the 7 th from 4 th (mothers husband ) naturally becomes the house of father. This logic followed by some scholars has an inherent flaw in it. Is it absolutely necessary that ones mothers husbandshould always be ones father ? The answer is an obvious no. Hence, 10 th house for father is unacceptable on this premise. There is another reason also adduced to assigning10 th house to father. In olden days sons invariably followed fathers profess ion . Thosedays, it used to be a family tradition of following a particular profession. But, in moderntimes , this is lo longer applicable. The availability of multiple avenues in modern societyhas changed the age-old tradition of many a family and sons treading in the footsteps of f a t h e r s i s n o l o n g e r u n i v e r s a l l y applicable, although in some isolated families the oldtradition is still continued. Thus, assigning 10

th h o u s e t o f a t h e r i n t o d a y s w o r l d i s unacceptable for it is not universal in its application. Now, let us examine the next option of 5 th house as the bhava ruled by father. The planet Sun ruling the 5 th house of the natural zodiac is taken as the Karaka for father and P i t r u s a n d h e n c e , s o m e assign 5 th house itself to father. But, 5 th house proper is widelyconsidered as the house of children by a vast majority of the practitioners of the Science .5 th house is also regarded as the house signifying ones poorva punya. According to vediclore, we get either good or bad children based on our poorva punya only . If punya is more,we get children worthy of the name and if our sins are more , we get such children who would make us suffer and reap our karmaphala through them. However, there surely existsa link between lagna as the self, 5 th house as his child and 9 th house ( being the 5 th to 5 th ) ashis father . Possibly, due to this link only, the custom of naming children after the names of ones parents / grand parents is still prevailing in our countryside. Hence, considering 5 th house as the house of children is more apt.

Page 7 of 7 Then, the 9 th house is the final option . Prof. K.S. Krishnamurthy, the founder of KPSystem of Astrology, while discussing the significations of 9 th Bhava in his book The fundamentals of Astrology writes thus : Hindus attribute the 9 th house to father becausethe 9 th

sign of the Zodiac Dhanus is ruled by Guru , the preceptor and spiritual teacher. Inancient times, the father was invariably the spiritual preceptor or Guru of the children towhom he did initiate Brahma Upadesham and transmit his siddhis or psychic powers. C o u n t i n g t h e 9 th as the 1 st , we find that the 5 th therefrom indicates the native. Some persons advocate the 4 th house and the 10 th house for father. It is incorrect. Always take t h e 9 th house for father. T h i s a r g u m e n t , i n m y o p i n i o n , i s t o t a l l y i r r e f u t a b l e a n d thoroughly convincing. Also, some of the other significations of 9 th house such as Bhagya(luck), Dharma , etc are inter-connected to the role of ones father and Pitrus.According to Hindu Shastras, our present birth in a particular family lineage is basedon the karmic results that operated at the end moments of our previous life.. Some factorslike our unfulfilled aspirations in that life , our eligibility to get them fulfilled in this life or otherwise , etc are said to create an ambient suitable for the same in the present life as aresult of which we take birth to a particular parents . This , in other words , is called asl u c k o r B h a g y a . I n f a c t , our very life is under the control of our prarabda. 9th housesignifies the influence of this prarabda. Thus, 9 th house is rightly called as Dharma,Pithru, Bhagya sthana. Conclusion : It is evident from the foregoing discussion that 4 th house is the house of Mother and9 th house is the house of father. Although 5 th and 10 th houses do have some links to the parents in general, they cannot be considered for either father or mother . Both 5 th and 10 th houses have other stronger significations i.e., Putra and Karma Sthanas