The Ascendant – 2
Planets in the First House
Planets rising in the ascendant produce their own influences. Prima facie it seems absurd that the accidental positions of planetary bodies at the moment of birth of a child influence his health, finance, fortunes, affections and disposition throughout his earthly career. But experiment has shown that there is an intimate connection between the positions of planets at the time of birth and a baby’s material and moral dispositions. The horoscope should be considered as a person and not as a set of disconnected planetary influences. There is something that links up these scattered and contradictory fragments into a connected and coherent whole. The twelve houses represent not only the mould in which the young life takes shape at birth, but they are unalterable as to their primary significance when affected by the planets at birth. Diagnosis of any chart may be obtained when we first show the effects of the different planets being situated in the different signs.
The interpretations given below are for the planets by their positions in the houses only, unaspected. If a planet situated in the first house is aspected by or is in conjunction with any other planet, then its effects by house position, as given below are subjected to modification correspondingly. The details given below must be adapted to suit the requirements of the horoscope in question. First see whether in the first house, any planet is exalted or debilitated and whether the planet in the first house has caused any special yogas etc. (This principle applies to all other houses also). Then modify the reading accordingly. For example, Aquarius is the ascendant and Saturn is rising there. The disposition is calm, serious and grave. The native is faithful. Since Aquarius is the ascendant, the good qualities of Saturn will further manifest as lord of the rising sign is in his own house. If Leo is the rising sign, then the horoscope becomes unfortunate indicating many sorrows, disappointments, poverty and an uphill road generally. By using considerable discretion qualifying or moderating your deductions to comfirm with the astrological testimonies – you can unfold your power of prediction. Summing up, the above remarks-
(a) Consider the nature of the rising planet
(b) Whether the planet is in exaltation, debilitation, own sign, friendly sign or inimical sign.
(c) Note the aspects planet receives from the planets – the houses from which aspects are cast and the conjunctions of the rising planet.
(d) The nature of the sign – movable, fixed, dual, airy, watery, earthy, fiery.
Sun in the first house: Strong moral nature, righteous minded, ambition and love of power, tends to ne well supported by good health and vitality. Cheerfulness and an optimistic temperament help to ensure popularity. It adds respect to the personality and gives lofty motives. If with Saturn or Mars, it indicates scars and a hot constitution. The blood becomes impure and there will be itches all over the body. Fevers, inflammations and eye infections may also be anticipated.
Moon in the first house: The native becomes fanciful and romantic, a moderate eater. Considerable restlessness is usually tempered by an easy-going disposition. The fortune is generally changing. It makes one an idealist, a great traveller and explorer. If with Saturn, the mind will always be worried. If Mars is with the Moon, it indicates menstrual disorders in the case of women. Sociability tends to be a strong feature. He will be successful in professions that bring him into contact with the masses. The Moon in Lagna with Rahu indicates hysterical tendencies and with Jupiter, the mind is elevated.
Mars in the first house: This gives a hot constitution, courage, self-confidence and enterprise. The native will possess practical ability and love of liberity and independence. He becomes reckless of danger scorning defeat. This gives somewhat a rash nature. The body will have scars and the appearance will be handsome. The domestic life will be unhappy unless there are other favorable combinations. Abuse of physical resources may lead to ill-health. There is a proneness to accidents. The aspects should be carefully examined. Danger of cuts, burns etc are likely.
Mercury in the first house: This position makes the subject humorous. Quickness of wit and mental ingenuity tend to be strongly marked. The native becomes well-read, particularly in occult studies. In good aspect to Venus, it makes one musical and talented. Adaptability is a striking feature. Mercury makes the man intellectual. If there is a Rahu or Ketu in Lagna, the native suffers a lot of nervous troubles.
Jupiter in the first house: A magnetic personality is bestowed on the native. An optimistic spirit, jovial disposition and pleasant manners are indicated. The native will have more sons if the 5th house is not afflicted. Self-indulgence especially in regard to gluttony will affect health. If with Rahu, sins will be committed. Body will be inclined towards corpulence. Lawyers, professors, writers, theologians etc come under this planet. The man becomes an influential leader. Diseases may result from impure blood.
Venus in the first house: This Is a fortunate combination, more so if the ascendant happens to be Capricorn or Aquarius. The native will possess amiability and a cheerful temperament responsive to the emotional side of nature. It gives an appreciation of art. There will be carving for pleasure and passions will be pronounced. The native will take interest in music, drama and singing. There will be fondness for scents, flowers etc. Those born in this sign will be admired by the opposite sex. Generally a good fortune is denoted. Fond of wife or husband, the native will have a magnetic and attractive personality. Marriage may take place early. If afflicted, it indicates discord in married life.
Saturn in the first house: Foreign customs will be easily copied and initiated. But, if Saturn is not afflicted there will be much consideration for the welfare or others. Self confidence is normally justified. Moral stability will also be marked. The disposition is calm, grave and serious. The body will be weak and emaciated. Progress in any venture will be slow but certain. There may be some aversion for responsibility. This position of Saturn makes habits inactive. Loss through negligence and lack of opportunity is possible. The same results will be noticed if the ascendant is aspected by Saturn. Misfortunes are likely in the early part of life.
Rahu in the first house: The health will be generally unsatisfactory calling for treatment other than by medical methods. It inclines one to the occult and the serious willfulness of nature is well marked. A hypocritical super consciousness towards others is likely. It makes one appear rather odd and eccentric. This combination is usually bad for marriage. Rahu will generally partake of the characteristics of Saturn.
Ketu in the first house: Psychic powers are likely. It denotes a weak constitution and emaciated figure. Instability and deceitfulness may influence the character. Morbid imagination, strange appetites, tendencies to excitability and wandering disposition become pronouncedly marked. Married life will be unhappy unless there are other favorable configurations.
Varāhamihira 