Astrology and Ayuerveda

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THE THREE DOSHA'S

Ayurveda is based on the three constitutions, the three dosha's. These three dosha's are called vata, pitta and kapha.

Vata = air
Pitta = fire
kapha = earth and water.

The astrological signs can then be divided as follows:

Vata : Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarius. Virgo is placed here because it is ruled by Mercury, which is an air planet in Vedic astrology. Capricorn is mentioned here because it is ruled by the vata planet Saturn.

Pitta : Aries, Leo, Sagittarius and Scorpio. Scorpio is pitta because the classic ruler of Scorpio is the fire planet Mars. In Vedic astrology, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not used, and so Mars remains the ruler of Scorpio.

Kapha : Taurus, Cancer, and Pisces. These are the earth and water signs not assigned to vata and pitta.
There are several methods which can help us to decide the constitution of a person, such as the pulse diagnosis, a urine test, face reading and the general impression a person makes.

VATA
element: air
signs: Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius
planets: Mercury, Saturn, Venus (secondary), Rahu.

KAPHA
element: earth and water
signs: Taurus, Cancer, Pisces
planets: Moon, Venus (primary), Jupiter (primary) Saturn (secondary),

PITTA
element: fire
signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Scorpio
planets: Mars, the Sun, Jupiter (secondary), Ketu.

ASTROLOGICAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THREE DOSHA'S

Astrology can also play a role in establishing the constitution or dosha. Naturally, we must use a Vedic horoscope for this and not a Western horoscope, although there are astrologers who define the dosha via a Western horoscope. This is wrong, because both ayurveda and Vedic astrology have their roots in the same Vedic tradition.

To define the constitution, we do not use the Sun; we use the ascendant and the lord of the ascendant.

If the ascendant is Aries a pitta sign), and the lord of the ascendant (Mars) is in Scorpio (a pitta sign), it will point to a pitta constitution.

Planets in the first are also important, especially if they are close to the ascendant degree.
Suppose someone has Saturn in the first, this is a strong indication for a vata constitution. If a person has Jupiter in the first then that person tends to gain weight and may have a kapha constitution (however, if Saturn aspects that Jupiter this tendency may not surface)

We also need to know which planets are in the sixth house and where their lord of the sixth house is placed.
If Mercury is in the sixth house and in Pisces, that points to either a vata (Mercury is a vataplanet) and/or a kapha (Pisces is a kapha sign) constitution. Furthermore, Jupiter is a kapha (but somewhat pitta) planet, the Sun is pitta, Mars is pitta, Saturn is vata, the Moon is kapha and Venus is kapha (and somewhat vata).

Another factor that plays a role in the analysis is the position of the Moon.The Moon, because she gives shape to earthly matters, is an important influence on the human body. The questions we have to ask here are in which sign is the Moon placed and is the Moon in conjunction with other planets.

The strongest planet in the horoscope is important. Often this concerns a planet placed in its own sign or is exalted and placed in a house where it can develop its energy (for example houses 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 or 11). If a certain planet in the horoscope is prominent, then that planet will colour all the aspects of the life of the person involved, including his constitution.

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PLANETS DHATU/UPDHATU
Sun Asthi (Bones)
Moon Rakta (Blood)
Mars Majja (Bone Marrow)
Mercury Twacha (Skin)
Jupiter Vasa (Adipuse tissue)
Venus Shukra (Semen/Sperm)
Saturn Snayu (Muscle)
Rahu
Ketu

Vedic astrology can help in the following manners.

Probable timing of the disease: An astrologer can time the onset of disease even before the occurrence of the disease by seeing the planetary combinations in the horoscope and by using the “dasa” system and the transit. This is the area of strength for an astrologer which a doctor may not be able to do. An astrologer can also predict about the type of disease and the organs likely to be affected by the disease.
Apart from vimsottari dasas, transit (gochara) is also taken into account and usually saturn is responsible for all ailments in general, Rahu responsible for interior pains, Ketu for viral attacks, Mars for injuries, Sun for raise in temparature.

Diagnosis of disease: Astrological classics do point towards combinations which can cause specific illnesses as per the horoscope, but, this can be better done by a doctor. An astrologer can provide valuable inputs at times. However, the area of diagnosis is the strength of the medical practitioner. In this field they seem to score over an astrologer.

Severity of disease: This area can be handled by both astrologers as well as doctors. Astrologers can understand the severity of the disease by judging the degree of affliction of planets causing the ailments and by cross-checking the result with the ongoing dasa and prevalent transits.

Treatment: The medical remedies of today are far more superior and reliable compared to astrological remedies. However, astrology can help as a preventive tool. It makes an individual aware about the problems in advance so that he can take preventive steps. He can take steps for diluting the impact of the disease by resorting to methods prescribed by astrological classics. Such methods are sometimes very useful. Surgical operations are also not 100% successful and views of competent astrologers can be taken in such matters. Medical practitioners can be consulted after the onset of the problem.
Ayurvedic doctor if he knows Astrology too can cure the disease in better way as he would have complete knowledge of the cause behind the disease and defeciency in immune system.
For example : A person feels weak and lack of stamina or motivation if there is less iron and vitamin B in his body and Saturn is the planet who controls them.
So a doctor with astrological knowledge can predict the ailment well in advance and prevent it or atleast reduce its ill-effects

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Astrology Reveals your Body Type

Astrologically, each dosha has traits in common with the zodiacal signs and their ruling planets. The enterprising, active and outgoing fire signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, are categorized as Pitta. Despite its classification as a water sign, Scorpio, too, is Pitta, since it produces stressed-out “Type A" personalities. Mars (ruler of Aries and co-ruler of Scorpio), the Sun (ruler of Leo), and Pluto (ruler of Scorpio) are considered Pitta planets. Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius and co-ruler of Pisces, is both Pitta and Kapha.

Astrologically, Gifford's horoscope perfectly confirms her Pitta nature. Along with Mercury, the three Pitta planets, Sun, Mars, and Pluto form a stellium (a group of three or more planets clustered closely together) in Leo, making fire the strongest element, and Leo the most prominent sign, in her chart. Besides ambition, high energy and endless activities, Leo, like Pitta, is characterized by a flair for drama, and the need to be noticed. Often interrupting to make herself heard, Gifford's blunt way of speaking has become her trademark style, and indicative of Mercury and Mars conjoining the IC (Imum Coeli) and South Node. Add to the equation her passionate, controlling Scorpio Moon, and there is no doubt that Pitta is her dominant dosha. (Since her Gemini Ascendant, and its associated planet, Mercury, are Vata, this dosha also figures in her personality.)

Transits Activate Pitta Imbalances

In light of recent transits to her Pitta planets, Gifford's decision to leave her daytime hostess duties and streamline her activities is no surprise. Since July, 1998, Saturn has been moving through Taurus, a fixed sign that naturally opposes Scorpio, the sign of her Moon, and squares Leo, where her stellium is situated. Uranus' movement through Aquarius filled out this fixed grand cross and placed her entire chart in a state of crisis, ranging from marital problems to public scandals involving her clothing line. With her Pitta nature out of control, it is no wonder that she has reacted by speaking her mind and angrily flaring up at the press. Rather than bringing out the Pitta type’s easygoing, charming and productive traits, the transits have left her aggressive, hostile and tired of the daily grind.

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The Kapha Personality and Body Type

Just as the hot, sharp Pitta dosha (temperament) is prone to indigestion, ulcers and heart disease, Kapha is a wet, heavy dosha distinguished by water retention, respiratory complaints, swollen lymph glands and chronic ailments like diabetes and asthma. At their best, Kapha personalities are tranquil, compassionate, reliable, agreeable and even-tempered. When threatened by deadlines or long-term change, however, they may become excessive, lethargic or depressive.

While their sluggish metabolism is sometimes caused by an underactive thyroid or iodine deficiency (for which they should take kelp and eat more fish), weight gain usually results from consuming too much food and alcohol without counteracting the caloric intake. Kapha types need to exercise regularly and should be encouraged to take daily walks. To prevent water retention and stimulate the metabolism, they should drink hot ginger tea, and eat raw fruits and vegetables to cleanse and purify the system. Dairy products, sauces, wheat and salty foods that retain fluids should be avoided.

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Associated with planetary influences are the ailments affecting the portion of the body represented by the Sign position of the planet - at birth, in transit, or by direction; and by the Signs and Houses ruled by the planet.

Planets Corresponding Ailments

Sun Ailments of heart and upper spinal region; fevers and breaking down of tissues; fainting spells; diseases of the spleen.Circulatory deficiencies, Anaemia Indigestion

Moon Endocrine imbalance resulting in inflamed glands and defective eyesight; functional ailments and irregularities; allergies; mental instabilities; female disorders; Lunacy,emotional depression

Mars Constipation, Flatulence, Liver trouble, Blind piles, Skin Trouble

Mercury Nervous Disease, Ulcers, Acidity, Blood Pressure, Restlessness, Irritation

Jupiter Jaundice, Biliousness,chronic acidity, Colic Problems Palpitation, Toothache ,Insomnia

Venus Bronchial disorder, Whooping Cough, Asthma, Dyspepsia, Sexual ailments, Delirium, Obsessions

Saturn Neurosis, Neuralgia ,Sciatica, Rheumatism, Excretory disorders

Rahu Hyperacidity ,Burning Sensations, Brain Disorders, Sexual Excesses ,Drinking Problems

Ketu Skin Disorders, Nervous Debility,Small Pox, Urinary Tract Infections

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[Thierry]

Thanks for this very valuable elements,
Concerning the relationship between planets and doshas, we can also note that the Moon being primarily Kapha is secondarily Vata in nature.
Therefore:

• the sun is pitta
  the moon is kapha and vata
  mars is pitta
  mercury is highly adaptable so vata, but tridoshic from a certain perspective
  jupiter is kapha and pitta
  venus is kapha and vata
  saturn is vata and kapha
  rahu is vata
  ketu is pitta

Have a nice day!
--
Thierry Chevallier