Marriage and relationships

Marriage and relationships are the most important aspect of our life. Having a co-
pilot in life is not only necessity but it does give a purpose to our life to make better
aims. In Brihad Parashara Hora Shashtra, Sage Parashara has provided many
combinations and planetary dispositions to be considered for judging a horoscope in
this regard. In this article, I will try to offer my understanding of some of the
planetary combinations related to marriage and relationships.

Rule One – Marriage and relationships: Chapter 20 of BPHS contains some basic
planetary positions to be considered while analyzing a horoscope in terms of
marriage and relationships. The first rule says that if the lord of seventh house
placed in 6th, 8th or 12th house and is not in its own or exalted zodiac sign – it will
cause the native’s wife to be sickly and suffering from disease.

There are two conditions to be met for application of the above Yoga (combination):

 First, the seventh house lord should be placed in sixth, eighth or in twelfth
house.
 Second, such seventh lord should not be in its own zodiac sign or in its
exaltation.

This also provides a good clue that planets, which are occupying their own zodiac
sign, can give good results (related to the significations related to them); even if such
planet is badly placed. Or, in other words, while judging the nature of results of a
planet, due regard and consideration should be given to the sign occupied by the
said planet.

On practical grounds, besides this single disposition, some other factors also needed
to be checked like the nature of influences on seventh house, the position of
significator (Jupiter for husband and Venus for wife), the disposition of seventh
house and its lord in Navamsha and Saptamansha Charts and the operating dasa.
Giving judgment, mere on the basis of this single disposition may not be wise;
and is vulnerable to be incorrect.

Example Horoscope No. 1

I would like to quote a few example charts for better understanding of this Yoga. In
example chart-1, seventh house lord Saturn is placed in sixth house. But it has
occupied its own zodiac sign sign. Therefore, both the conditions of the Yoga are not
fulfilled. Also note that the lord of second house Mercury is also well placed in its
own zodiac sign; and Ketu placed in seventh house is under aspect of Mars
(Yogakaraka planet for Leo Ascendant). Besides this, the Venus is also placed in its
own zodiac sign in tenth house. Thus, the inauspicious results were not there. The
wife of the native is virtuous, smart and good looking; and no inauspicious influence
of this yoga is seen. On the contrary, she has been a great support to the native.

Example Horoscope no. 2

In another example horoscope no. 2, sixth lord is Sun and the same is placed in sixth
house in the zodiac sign of the Moon. Sixth house lord i.e. the Moon is in seventh
house; thus, there is an exchange between sixth and seventh houses lords. The
Sun is also afflicted by the union of Ketu; and having mutual aspect relationship with
the exalted Mars (united with Rahu in twelfth house). The Moon is also making
union with Mercury and causing affliction to both seventh house and Mercury.
However, the lord of second house Jupiter is well placed in tenth house and having
auspicious aspect of Lagna lord Saturn, which is also well placed in fourth house
(and in friendly zodiac sign). The first house of Ascendant (Lagna) is also under
positive aspects of Saturn, which provides good strength to the Lagna. Venus is well
placed in fifth house of the Lagna Chart, though it is actually combust. Thus, there
are afflictions and weakness on the part of seventh lord; however, the positive
aspects on the Sun, strength of Lagna lord and good placement of Jupiter (lord of
second house denoting family) has provided a good safeguard to the bad placement
and afflictions on seventh house lords. The chart belongs to a lady; and her husband
is enjoying good health. Nature wise too, the husband is good and virtuous.
Though, some minor health issues and common bickering do take place due to bad
placement and affliction to the Sun; but not to the extent of considering the chart
severely bad or negative in terms of marital happiness.

Example Horoscope no. 3

Another example horoscope no. 3: In this horoscope, the lords of both seventh and
second houses i.e. Saturn and Sun respectively have gone to sixth house along with
Jupiter and Mercury. The influence of Jupiter is auspicious, while that of Mercury is
negative. Venus is badly placed in eighth house and making union with Ketu. The
Lagna lord Moon is making union with Yogakarka planet Mars; however, both these
planets are badly placed in twelfth house. Thus, the negative influences are more
prominent; besides, both second and seventh lords are badly placed. Being close to
the Sun, the Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn are combust too; thus the weakness is
enhanced. The chart belongs to a lady, whose married life has not been good and
she has to suffer on many accounts. Due to the positive influences of Jupiter and
Mars on the planets and houses (Jupiter aspects second house, while Mars aspect
seventh house); the marriage is not fully deteriorated and no divorce took place. But
the other aspects of marriage and family life are quite weak and troubled.

Rule Two – Marriage and relationships: The native will be very lustful, if seventh
house is occupied by the Venus. This deals with the nature of the native towards
sensual gratification. This also provides a good clue as to how we can differentiate
between the roles of seventh lord and significator for marriage. The significator for
husband and wife are Jupiter and Venus respectively. However, the planet Venus,
specifically indicates potency of the reproductive system for both male and female. A
well placed and strong Venus in seventh house of Lagna Chart will not only make
the native lusty, but will also save him from adopting unethical means to crave his
lust.

Example Horoscope no. 4

Example Horoscope no. 4: Venus is placed in seventh house of this birth chart and
also making union with Rahu and the Moon (lord of first house). The union of Venus
with Moon is auspicious while that of Rahu is not. The lord of seventh house Saturn
is well placed in eleventh house and occupied friendly zodiac sign. Jupiter placed in
fifth house is having its auspicious aspect on both Lagna and Saturn. Thus, Venus’s
disposition can be considered moderately strong with slight affliction from Rahu. The
aspect of Lagna lord Moon and Jupiter on the first house also acted reasonably. The
native is lusty but have maintained his character.

Example Horoscope no. 5

In this example horoscope no. 5, Venus is exalted in seventh house. However,

Venus is united with Sun (lord of twelfth house) and have also become combust.
The seventh house lord Jupiter is also debilitated in fifth house and making union
with Mars (malefic lord of third and eighth houses). The lagna lord Mercury is also
badly placed in sixth house. Due to presence of exalted Venus, the native is lusty.
And, due to the reasons explained above, he has also not been able to maintain his
character. In the Navamsha Chart, the Sun is placed in first house; while the Venus
has gone to twelfth house; which also added to the uncontrollable lust.

Rule Three – Marriage and relationships: If Venus is placed in any house of the
birth chart and also having a union with malefic planet, it may cause death of wife.
The union of malefic planet with Venus will destroy its general signification; and this
also provides a good clue that the afflictions to a planet will not only disturb the
attributes of the houses ruled by it; but it will also destroy its general significations.
However, the practical application of this Yoga may not be much. The severity of the
result i.e. death can only take place if other factors related to marriage and
relationships are also weak and afflicted. Mere affliction to Venus by malefic may not
be sufficient to cause death of the wife; though it may definitely cause some health
issues or injury to the spouse.

Rule Four – Marriage and relationships: If the seventh lord is debilitated or placed
in enemy zodiac sign and combust ( i.e. either debilitated and combust or placed in
enemy zodiac sign and combust ) Or it is otherwise weak, it may cause the wife to
be sickly and may have many wives (due to inauspicious results). This is very similar
to Rule One and related with the disposition of lord of seventh house. There are two
conditions required to be met for applicability of this rule:

 First, the seventh lord should either be debilitated or placed in enemy zodiac
sign. That is, not only the debilitated zodiac sign; but the zodiac sign of
enemy planet is also not considered auspicious. There is natural
friendship/enmity and tentative friendship/enmity between planets; and on the
basis of both these the combined status of planetary friendship is worked out.
However, personally I prefer to use the natural friendship/enmity of the
planets.
 Second condition required to be met is that such seventh lord should either be
combust or weak on other grounds like lacking Digbala (directional strength)
or placed in inauspicious zodiac sign or house in Divisional Charts
(specifically Navamsha).

In addition to above, the strength of first, and second houses should also be
considered; and auspicious influences of these houses are capable of reducing the
negative impact. In personal experience, when the lords of second and seventh
houses are inauspiciously disposed (as explained above); and at the same
time, these houses (second and seventh) are occupied by auspicious planets,
the chances of native getting married more than once become prominent.

Rule Five – Marriage and relationships: If the seventh lord is in the zodiac signs of
Saturn or Venus (Taurus, Libra, Capricorn or Aquarius) and having aspect of
auspicious planet OR if the seventh lord is exalted – that will confer many wives to
the native. The applicability of this rule will have to be decided as per the society. In
earlier times, polygamy (more than one marriage) was common and acceptable in
the Indian society. However, as of now, it is illegal and unacceptable. Thus, the
applicability of this rule is looking quite doubtful. For current times, it can be
considered as an auspicious combination, which may bless the native with
happiness and contentment in marriage. And, as explained earlier, the role of other
relevant houses and planets is also to be considered.
Rule Six – Marriage and relationships: if malefic planets are placed in seventh and
twelfth houses; and the Moon (Lacking Paksha bala i.e. the degrees of the Moon are
within 90 degrees of the Sun) is placed in fifth house; the native will remain under
control of his wife and will oppose his family for his wife.

The seventh house is primary house for marriage and spouse; while the twelfth
house deals with conjugal relationships and pleasures of bed. The presence of
malefic planets in these houses will destroy the positive attributes of these houses;
and at such time the weakness on the part of the Moon may cause the native to
remain under control of his wife or in other words, the native may be hen-pecked.
The applicability and usefulness of this yoga is good for identifying if the native will
give due regard and consideration to other members of the family or otherwise. The
culture of joint family is also not much followed now (specifically in metro cities) and;
therefore, this will also provide good indication if, after marriage, the native may get
separated from his family or otherwise.

Rule Seven – Marriage and relationships: if Mars and Saturn are in seventh house
and at the same time seventh lord is in the zodiac sign of Mars or Saturn – the wife
of the native may not be devoted and have illegal relationships with other men. The
logic behind this rule appears to be the basic nature of Mars and Saturn ( both are
Tamasika in nature). And, condensed influence of Tamasika planet on seventh
house (which represents spouse and marriage); can generate such influence.
However, the nature of these planets for respective ascendant has also to be
considered. For example, in Cancer Ascendant (Karka Lagna) or Leo Ascendant
(Simha Lagna); Mars becomes Yogakaraka planet and will be exalted in seventh
house. Under similar situation, the results of seventh house will prosper and the
spouse may be virtuous and faithful. Similarly, for Taurus and Capricorn Ascendant
(where Saturn is Yogakaraka), the chances of such inauspicious results are quite
less. The nature, strength and disposition of seventh lord is also required to be
taken into consideration. The chances of applicability of this Yoga are more possible
with Virgo Ascendant (Kanya Lagna). Mars will be the lord of third and eighth
houses; thus will act as strong malefic. Mars union with Saturn (lord of fifth and sixth
houses) in seventh house can disturb the significations of seventh house; and
Jupiter’s placement in zodiac signs of Mars or Saturn may not be much auspicious.
If Jupiter is in Mars zodiac sign, it will either be in third house (where Jupiter is not
considered much auspicious) or eighth house (wherein it will be badly placed). In
Saturn’s zodiac signs, Jupiter will either be debilitated or placed in sixth house. In
other ascendants, the chances are very less. Personally, I avoid making such strong
statements about any person; that too on the basis of the horoscope of the spouse.
Because, the individual horoscope of the spouse is also required to be seen in this
context.

Rule Eight – Marriage and relationships: if seventh lord is in its own zodiac sign or
exalted; auspicious planets are placed in seventh house; and Lagna lord is also
placed in seventh house will good strength – the wife of the native will be virtuous
and he will have full happiness of son. This deals with the auspicious planetary
influences on seventh house and its lord. When both seventh house and seventh
lord are strong and under auspicious influences; and the Lagna lord is placed in
seventh house, this will confer the full results of marriage and happiness there from.
In earlier times, the birth of a son (in a marriage) is considered to be most auspicious
event of the marital bond; and people used to marry more than once just to beget a
male child. In modern times, things have changed considerably and equal status
has been awarded to both male and female. The strength and disposition of second
and fifth houses/lords is also required to be considered for full application of this
Yoga.
Rule Nine – Marriage and relationships: If seventh house and its lord are conjunct
with malefic planets – it may cause loss of wife, specifically if the seventh lord is also
weak. This rule is also related to the strength of seventh lord and very similar to rule
number four. One additional outcome of wife’s death has been added in this rule,
which may happen if the malefic influences are strong and multiple in nature.

Rule Ten – Marriage and relationships: if the seventh lord is in twelfth house;
Moon is placed in seventh house; and Venus is weak – it will negatively influence the
marital happiness. This rule implies that if both seventh lord and Venus are ill placed
and weak respectively; and the Moon occupies the seventh house (whose lord is
badly placed); it will destroy the marital happiness. There may be problems like
living separately, health issues, lack of trust and bonding etc. The on-ground
applicability of this rule may not be correct in some Ascendants, specifically Aries
and Scorpio. In Aries Ascendant, Venus will be the lord of seventh house and
become exalted in twelfth house; while in Scorpio Ascendant, Venus will be in its
own zodiac sign in twelfth house. The applicability seems good for Taurus, Leo,
Sagittarius and Aquarius Ascendants. This rule may also hold true if seventh lord is
badly placed in sixth or eighth houses.

Rule Eleven – Marriage and relationships: If seventh lord is debilitated or in the

sign of malefic planet; and also united with malefic planet and the seventh house is
having zodiac sign of eunuch planet in Navamsha – it will confer two wives to the
native. Following conditions are required to be met for this yoga:

 Seventh lord should either be debilitated or placed in the sign of malefic

planet.
 Seventh lord should also be united with malefic planet
 In Navamsha Chart, the seventh house should have zodiac sign of Eunuch
planet. Saturn and Mercury are considered eunuch planets, therefore, the
seventh house of Navamsha Chart should contain any one of these zodiac
signs viz. Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius.

It seems that the prime reason behind this Yoga is related to progeny; and besides
this, the yoga also provides a good clue regarding use and importance of divisional
charts. When the lord of seventh house fails to enjoy the placement benefit (due to
being placed in zodiac sign of malefic planet) and also suffers from affliction of
malefic planets; it becomes weak to protect and promote the attributes related to
this. And, if at the same time, the seventh house of Navamsha Chart contains
zodiac sign of eunuch planet, that may render the spouse weak in terms of progeny.
And, the native is expected to go for second marriage for begetting progeny.
However, as explained earlier, polygamy is no more legal and acceptable in the
society; thus, this may hold true for having child through surrogate.

Rule Twelve – Marriage and relationships: if seventh lord is strong, Venus is

placed in dual zodiac sign and its dispositor is exalted – it confers many wives to the
native. As explained above, polygamy is no more operational and legal in India and
many other countries, thus the practical application of this Yoga seems difficult.
However, the strong position of seventh lord and Venus may bless the native with full
marital happiness. The strength and disposition of other relevant houses viz. the
first, second, fourth and twelfth houses is also required to be analyzed in this
context.

Conclusion: Depending upon single planetary placement or Yoga for concluding the
results of Marriage and relationships (or for any other aspects too) does not give
profound results. It is the overall planetary placement (including in lagna and
divisional charts) which is to be analyzed in accordance with the planetary dasa and
transit position of planets at the time of event. Besides this, the rules or yogas or
combinations mentioned in BPHS and other texts are meant for understanding the
basic fundamentals with the aid of different planetary structure. I would like to
discuss a few more example horoscopes for better understanding and clarity of the
issue.

Example Horoscope No. 6

Example Horoscope No. 6: In this horoscope, the seventh lord Sun is badly placed
in sixth house and is joined by the Mercury and debilitated Mars. The sixth lord
Moon has become debilitated in tenth house. The position of seventh lord in this
birth chart is somewhat similar to the example horoscope no.2; and the position of
seventh house is much better in this horoscope in comparison to example horoscope
no. 2. In this horoscope, the seventh house is occupied by Venus and Jupiter; while
in example horoscope no. 2, the malefic Moon is united with Mercury in seventh
house. However, still there is a huge contrast between the married life of these
persons. And, that can only be identified if we try to conclude the results on the
basis of overall planetary placement, dasa and transit. If we try to go by one or two
planetary placements for concluding; it may happen that horoscopes like this
(example horoscope no. 6) may create confusion and lack of belief on Astrology.
For the benefit of the reader, I am trying to put forward the minor but important
differences between these horoscopes:

The first point to be noted is the strength and placement of lagna lord Saturn, which
is quite different in both horoscopes. In example horoscope no. 6, lagna lord Saturn
is debilitated in third house; and its dispositor i.e. Mars is debilitated in sixth house.
The strength and disposition of lord of first house of birth chart is of utmost
importance among all other planets. All the positive/negative or strong/weak
influences of horoscope are to be faced by the native, and the first house of the natal
birth charts significantly represents the physique, nature, personality and overall
temperament of the person concerned. A strong and well placed lagna lord has
always observed to be a strong counter against the inauspicious planetary influences
on other houses/planets of a horoscope. And, a very strong and prominent
emphasis has been put over the strength of the Lagna in many authentic texts of
vedic astrology. Therefore, if the lagna lord is weak and/or tormented in a
horoscope, the intensity of negative planetary influences will be more pronounced as
compared to a horoscope, wherein the lagna lord (lord of first house) is strong and
well placed. This does not mean that Lagna lord is the only planet to be considered;
but the strength of lagna lord does contribute in making the native effective and
capable of dealing with unfavorable circumstances as well exploiting his best
potential with optimum results of his endeavors made in overall life. Our life is
primarily based upon the choices we make, the decision we take and the
temperament we hold during different situations. Anyway, coming back to the point
– the lagna lord of horoscope no. 2 i.e. Saturn is placed in angular house, having its
aspect on the Lagna and has also occupied a friendly zodiac sign. Saturn is also
having its aspect on the seventh lord Sun; and its dispositor Venus is also well
placed in fifth house. (Dispositor of a planet also holds good value and the planets
placed in the zodiac sign of weak/afflicted planets may also face obstructions in
smooth functioning. I will try to cover this aspect in some other article; as such, the
current article may get diverted from its focus. Over here, we can simply take that
the placement of dispositor is also important in delineating the results) In example
horoscope no. 6, not only the lagna lord Saturn is debilitated; but it is also placed in
the zodiac sign of Mars (which is also debilitated, combust and badly placed in sixth
house). Therefore, on comparative note, the lagna lord of example horoscope no 6
is significantly weak against well placed Saturn in example horoscope no. 2

The seventh lord Sun is united with Ketu in sixth house of example horoscope
no.2. The Sun, however, receiving aspects from strong and well placed Saturn and
Jupiter. Exalted Mars is also making mutual aspect relationship with the Sun. In
example horoscope no. 6; the Sun is making union with debilitated Mars and
Mercury (both are combust too). The sixth lord (dispositor of Sun, Mercury and
Mars) is also debilitated in tenth house and having its inauspicious influence on tenth
and fourth houses. Therefore, comparatively, the position of seventh lord Sun is a bit
better in example horoscope no. 2.

In example horoscope no. 2 the second lord (under aspect of well placed Saturn) is
aspecting the second house; and, thereby providing additional support. While, in
example no. 6, the second house is occupied by Rahu and devoid of any positive
planetary influence (either via aspect or placement).

So, these are the primary differences in both horoscopes. The planets are
comparatively well placed and strong in example horoscope no. 2; specifically, the
lagna lord is much suitably placed. While, in example horoscope no. 6; the situation
is different. The marital life of the native (for example horoscope no. 6) has not been
much satisfactory and there have been lot of problems, separation and disputes
within the marital bond. The auspicious union of Jupiter + Venus in seventh house of
example horoscope no. 6 failed to provide any significant support and strength to the
native during operation of inauspicious dasa and transit; and he has to suffer very
badly in his marital life. In my next article, I will try to address some more aspects of
marriage and relationships including timing of marriage.