Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 7:12 pm
Mark wrote:
Perhaps you could explicitly define what you mean by the term 'modern' in the context of Indian astrological practice? I am not entirely clear what the term means in this frame of reference.
Its true enough that ancient texts like The Yavanaj?taka of Sphujidhvaja dont really mention separate divisional charts. What we get are various delineations based on divisions of the zodiac signs.
Here is a sample from David Pingree's translation:
Martin GanstenThe distinctive thing about the varga is that a whole new horoscope is generated from these divisions.
Ok. Perhaps my comment misled by leaving open the implication that separate divisional charts had an ancient origin. I wasn't aiming to get into a historical discussion on the practice. Simply reflecting the fact that (like it or not) most Indian astrologers seem to utilise this kind of technique today.That is certainly the modern practice. For what it's worth, though, I can't recall seeing any textual evidence (in pre-modern texts) to support that practice. I'd be interested to know if anyone has.
Perhaps you could explicitly define what you mean by the term 'modern' in the context of Indian astrological practice? I am not entirely clear what the term means in this frame of reference.
Its true enough that ancient texts like The Yavanaj?taka of Sphujidhvaja dont really mention separate divisional charts. What we get are various delineations based on divisions of the zodiac signs.
Here is a sample from David Pingree's translation:
In the odd signs, the first half is solar, the second lunar, they say; in the even signs, the Moon is lord of the first half, and the Sun of the second.
Halves of the signs in the circle of (zodiacal) constellations are called by
the name of their series Horas. I will describe them briefly, but in detail,
together with their various shapes, insignia, distinguishing marks, and
forms.
The first Hora in Aries wears red clothes and is flaming like the Sun at Doomsday. He holds a sword and a firebrand in his hands. His hair is
tawny and sticks up, and his ear-rings are of gold. He is a fierce man who
has raised the staff of Death for the sake of protection.
This is a man-shaped creature whose cry is loud and who has a long,
thin face. Standing in the midst of flocks of goats and sheep, and mounted
on a goat, he rules his host.
The second Hora in Aries wears a garland of skulls. His bow blazes with arrows. He has the strength of an elephant. He is bound with a half-girdle, and his clothes are black His limbs are adorned with snakes. Bearing a sword and (elephant?s) skin, and of terrible figure, he wears the diadem
(of Siva).
Entering the forest with his swift thieves, he lets loose destruction, this
fearful-faced man, splitting open the highest peak with his bolts. His
anxiety is destroyed and lost.
..........
The first Hora in Gemini holds a lyre in his hand. His completion
is the colour of a parrot?s tail-feather. He is an artistic man with a lowhanging robe whose nature it is to love singing, dancing, and listening (to music). Seated on a cane chair he composes poetry.
He runs after women and is clever in love. His sides are bound in the
embrace of a maiden?s arms. He is not much of a businessman, but he
speaks gently and sweetly, a very reprehensible person.
The second Hora in Gemini is established as being a woman
whose actions are charming and glowing with youth. She is pale and redlimbed, clever and grateful. She is besieged by the leader of an army in a wide-spreading war. Clothed in red, she wears a long red necklace.
Raising her arms, she cries out when she is robbed, She is made
naked by thieves in a park, but is brought back by means of an armed
conflict.
The Yavanaj?taka of Sphujidhvaja translated by David Pingree, 1978
