Just like there are benefic yogas, there are planetary combinations that give problems and struggle in life. I am outlining the ones I have observed from research I have conducted over the years. Malefic combinations are more difficult to study because the horoscopes of public figures are likely to have more benefic combinations than malefic – that is why they are famous. Nonetheless, I have collected data from people I have come by in life, and I am confident that the insights I have generated have some value.
- Sun-Rahu conjunction: I have observed time and again that this conjunction creates trouble. Those born with this placement will be plagued by what we call Grahana Yoga. It is important to note that the extent of this yoga depends on Rahu’s proximity to the Sun and the house this yoga falls in. Loss of income, setback to one’s career, suffering to the native’s father, health problems, and accidents can be a result of this union. The Sun rules the father. Rahu’s presence with the Sun is considered debilitating for the native’s father. I can cite endless cases in which this combination has led to suffering for the native. Amongst the people I have consulted with, there are those with this placement who have lost a parent early, suffered from serious illnesses, been in life threatening accidents, tormented by criminals, stuck in legal matters, and even witnessed suicide or untimely deaths in the family. If you see this combination in your horoscope, I highly recommend that you consult with a professional who can put you onto the right path.
- Venus-Ketu conjunction: although the conjunction of Venus and Rahu is a desirable one, Venus and Ketu is not. Venus, the planet of materialistic excess, is not happy with a body that represents renunciation and moksha. Hence, this conjunction will restrict Venus’ benefic influence and will make the native a little detached from worldly pursuits. This union generally impacts money and finances. Having said that, I have also seen horoscopes of very successful people with this combination. Every horoscope has to be evaluated in totality and one should avoid drawing conclusions based on just one placement.
- Saturn-Moon conjunction or mutual aspect: This is an interesting conjunction which some call Visha Yoga, which means poison. Moon, which rules ‘cool’ fluids such as milk, is apparently poisoned by the presence of Saturn, hence the name. This combination is not always a bad combination and can lead an individual to great public success such as in politics and diplomacy, especially if Saturn is strong. Saturn has many moons. As such its presence with the Moon, in some way, highlights its tendency to gain followers. Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi had this combination. The problem with this yoga is that it might result in a price to be paid elsewhere in life – most likely the house opposite of Saturn where it will spurt poison. I have seen horoscopes in which this combination in the 1st has destroyed or denied marriage and in the 9th, taken away a sibling. For the most part, I do not believe this yoga is desirable. If one or both of the planets are devoid of strength, the native could get involved with scams, fraudulent dealings and legal troubles. Loss of reputation and fleeing one’s homeland is also possible.
- Saturn-Rahu conjunction (not aspect): As problematic as Sun-Rahu is Saturn-Rahu, which is counterintuitive because the belief is that the union of Sun and Saturn is not favorable. The rationale that the father and son do not get along no doubt has merit, but I have studied horoscopes of famous people who have this conjunction (or aspect) and I have not been able to conclude that it is problematic. Nonetheless, one can still make an argument that the Sun and Saturn are different, and hence if Sun and Rahu do not get along, Saturn and Rahu should get along. But this is not the case.Rahu is greed, Saturn is sacrifice. Rahu is impulsive, Saturn is cautious, Rahu breaks the rules, Saturn follows the rules. Rahu is chaos, Saturn is order. Rahu is eager, Saturn is patient. Rahu takes the shortcut, Saturn takes the long road. The ideologies of these bodies are very different, and as such, with this union Saturn has to work harder to not be distracted by Rahu. In the end Saturn will win, but after a price is paid in the form of delays. A lack of focus and commitment could be a result of this union. As always, there are exceptions. In the 12th, this combination can give frequent travels and an international career. In the 6th, it can ward away enemies and in the 11th, it can give great financial rewards.
- Kemdrum yoga: This yoga is the lonely Moon yoga, which means that the yoga is formed when there is no planet near the Moon i.e. if there is no planet in the 1st, 2nd, and 12th from it. However, my studies have indicated that this yoga is not complete if the 7th from the Moon is occupied. But if the 7th from the Moon is also not occupied, the yoga is more likely to create strife. The Moon should not be lonely. It represents the ‘female’ side of our body, our emotions, our mind and the intuitive side. Amongst the celestial bodies, it is the closest to us, it is the fastest moving, its impact on our planet is visible, and it plays a very important role in astrology – the science of mhurata or auspicious timings is based on the Moon’s position. The sages who developed astrology gave special importance to the Chandra Kundli for the reason that it was important. To make it easier to understand, think of the Moon not as a distant planet, but rather an extension of the earth. In that respect, its forces are simply an extension of us. The Moon intensifies the qualities of the planets around it. This could be the reason why many important yogas are based on the Moon – Chandra Mangal, Gaj Kesari, and Adhiraj are some of the popular ones. I have also studied horoscopes of people in which the Moon’s conjunction even with Mercury and Venus has been beneficial. The only body with which its conjunction is not favorable is Ketu.