Perspectives on Debilitated "Neecha" Planets: Nov. 2002

NEECHA PLANETS AND HYPOTHESIS DEFINED

     Accurate chart interpretation is largely dependent upon determining  the strengths and weaknesses of the individual planets and how they  influence the specific natal chart as a whole.   During chart analysis,  the astrologer often encounters planets situated in the particular rashi  (zodiac sign) of weakest placement, known as “debilitation” or neecha.   Almost immediately, a “red flag” goes up signaling an area of   difficulty posed by that particular planet’s significations, the house  it is posited, and the houses the planet owns or rules.  Use of the term  “debilitation” often arouses fear or worry and therefore it is  incumbent upon the astrologer to offer a thorough explanation for the  client’s deeper understanding and to reduce potential anxiety.

     However, there is also a subconscious attitude which rejects the  planet as it is.  We forget about embracing these energies, accepting  them and working with these planets on their own terms.  Instead, a  negative psychological framework is induced, creating an obstacle or  barrier between the person and this particular planet’s energetic  expression.  Spiritual work, or the soul’s evolutionary development is  not an easy journey, nor is it a free ride.  However, there is usually a  choice as to which direction or path to take in regard to how we  develop across the lifespan. Consequently, there is an interesting “fork  in the road” which may develop in regard to dealing with neecha  planets:   Exit A:  Recognize the planet as it is on multiple dimensions  and focus intensely on developing or improving that area of life or   Exit  B:  Deny the planet, separate yourself from it, and avoid those areas  signified by the planet at all costs. In regard to Exit B, there is  actually a great amount of psychological energy drain which then poses  other problems for the individual, such as fatigue, self-deprecation,  lack of drive or motivation and other concurrent psycho-physiological  health-related symptoms.  Hence, therapists and psychologists should be  alerted to debilitated planets in the natal chart, as these may pose a  significant diagnostic key to the origin of a particular dilemma or core  emotional issue.

    Each chart is a genuine sacred blue-print  for the soul, which implies that there is a particular meaning and  purpose to each planetary placement in the chart.   In this regard,  perhaps the debilitated planet indicates a particular “deficiency” which  is due for improvement and development in the current lifetime.   The  hypothesis is as follows:  If a chart is otherwise predisposed to being  relatively strong overall, a debilitated planet will indicate a  particular area of intense focus and development due to ripen in this  lifetime. Remember, a hypothesis is an educated guess which has to then  be substantiated by formal statistical proof.   The purpose of this  writing is to present the proposed theory for consideration and to  demonstrate some applications of the theory.

    Broad  generalizations/judgments about the individual planets without COMPLETE  ANALYSIS of an individual’s ENTIRE CHART, lead to inaccurate  conclusions.  Several factors should be considered, such as the presence  of benefic or malefic aspects, yogas, the planet’s nakshatra features,  and house placement, ownership, etc. influencing the planet under  analysis.  Other planets that have no association or aspects with the  debilitated planet may potentially raise the entire chart up to a high  status and counteract at least some of the difficulties indicated.  It’s  particularly critical to consider the overall strength of the lagna,  lagnesh (1st house-ruler), the Sun and the Moon.   If these other  factors are strong, then they may “prime” or motivate the individual to  focus and strengthen the deficiency of the neecha planet.   Hence, a  planet that is in debility, is not necessarily ruined for all of its  significations.  Yet, some deficiency or problem connected to that  planet will occur during the given Vimshottari Mahadasa and Bhukti  periods, and under stressful transits of the neecha planet.  

     The following placements constitute planetary debilitation.  Note that  the (degree) shown is the point of deepest fall.  Planets positioned  precisely at the deepest degree of fall or closely approaching this  degree will be in extreme debilitation and will confer significant  difficulties related to that planet in the individual’s life.  However, a  planet is still considered to be debilitated if it is found at any  degree of the fallen sign for that given planet:  Sun in Libra (10º),  Moon in Scorpio (03º), Mars in Cancer (28º), Mercury in Pisces (15º) ,  Jupiter in Capricorn (05º), Venus in Virgo (27º), Saturn in Aries (20º),  Rahu in Scorpio and Ketu in Taurus.

THE NEECHA BHANGA CONTROVERSY

     This essay would be incomplete if the controversial phenomena of  neehca bhanga1  and neecha bhanga raja yoga2  were not mentioned.   Essentially, there are certain planetary configurations which are said  to either “cancel” or ameliorate the harmful effects attributed to  neecha planets. Views vary on the matter of interpreting the actual  effects of this yoga.  Some authors conclude that under neecha bhanga,   at best the neecha planet will confer less harm than it would otherwise  create (Defouw, H. & Svoboda, R., 1996) 3.    The authors also note  that under this yoga, the neecha planet is still not going to function  normally.   Other astrologers virtually discount the influence of this  yoga from offering any benefit, and certainly not raising the neecha  planet to a raja yoga status (Braha, J., 2001)4.   Braha estimates that  20% of individuals with neecha bhanga actually gain benefit and that  leaves the 80% who don’t experience glorious effects of planets in  neecha bhanga status.  Braha concludes that planets attaining neecha  bhanga still indicate significant difficulties in real life experience  connected to the neecha planet.   However, he also recognizes that the  sages were likely trying to communicate that planets attaining neecha  bhanga raja yoga status have some specific importance, yet to be fully  understood.

REAL-LIFE MANIFESTATIONS OF NEECHA PLANETS:  Applications of the hypothesis

     There is often a physical or health-related problem signified by the  neecha planet, and/or there will be some concurrent weakness involving  one or more of the planet’s karakas (significations).  For example,  debilitated Jupiter might confer weakness to the liver or gall bladder, a  tendency toward allergies and having one or no children.  In the charts  of females, problems with finding the appropriate spouse might occur  since Jupiter is one karaka of the husband.  While Venus and the 7th  house ruler are the main karakas for one’s spouse, many respected  astrologers also consider Jupiter as the karaka for the husband since he  is traditionally supposed to offer wisdom and provide for the family’s  growth and prosperity.

    Moreover, the neecha Jupiter  individual might be more practical, frugal, conservative politically and  financially, less expansive ( or less gullible) and less optimistic  than others.  Since Jupiter also governs good fortune, overall “luck” in  life, and finances, these areas are subject to difficulties when  Jupiter is fallen.    Financially, Jupiter in Capricorn also creates an  interest in saving money, investing, obtaining better value for items,  and being more cautious in spending.   In Capricorn, Jupiter is acting  more like Saturn.    However, this Jupiter might simultaneously yield an  intense interest or focus on education, philosophy, law, religion or  spirituality, all with a very pragmatic approach. Sai Baba has this  Jupiter placement, for example.

    It is accurate to view  planets that are in debilitation as acting DIFFERENTLY from what would  be expected as the natural tendency for the particular planet in  question (personal communication with James Kelleher). Another famous  example (involving debilitated Mercury), is the well-known chart of  Albert Einstein5, who was Gemini rising with Mercury debilitated in the  10th house.  Mercury is the planet which governs intelligence, logic,  analysis, writing and communications.  Sure, this particular Mercury was  technically released from debilitation by it’s association with a  highly exalted Venus and attained neecha bhanga raja yoga status.   However, the point to be emphasized is that in Einstein’s case, most of  his attention was mercurially-focused throughout his lifetime.  He  achieved the brilliance of Mercury through his perseverance and  embracement of Mercury in Pisces.  Interestingly, it is said that  Einstein attributed his ability to discover hidden scientific truths, to  being comfortable lingering in confusion (until answers would appear).  This state clearly sounds like a Pisces Mercury in operation.   This  same Mercury (ruler of the 1st & 4th houses) also hindered his early  education, speech development and conferred a series of health  problems.  Due to the overall high status of his chart, the debilitated  Mercury became the focal point and motivational catalyst for Einstein’s  spiritual development.  If Mercury is discounted due to its neecha  status, then the major focus/purpose of this individual’s life would be  ignored.  He was far from ignorant, illogical or unintelligent.   Einstein’s Mercury simply functioned opposite of it’s natural  tendencies.

    Observations through my client database indicate  that a predominance of individuals with otherwise unafflicted  debilitated planets, tend to emphasize that specific area of life  signified by the neecha planet.  There are also cases where the  debilitated planet is additionally under other afflictions and the  person still concentrated on that area, particularly in regard to their  chosen vocation.  Briefly, some examples of these cases involve several  teachers, professors & attorney clients with Jupiter debilitated.   Jupiter is clearly the karaka for education, law, ethics, morals,  fairness, philosophy, judges and the courts.  Hence, debilitated Jupiter  is not the first chart component one would associate with attorneys.    Why would a debilitated Jupiter choose law as a career?  One assumption  is that he is focused on improving that inherent deficiency during this  particular incarnation.  I’m referring to the resonance of a “higher  frequency” of planetary manifestation which some individuals aspire to,  because the rest of the chart indicates that tendency.  One attorney has  also steeped himself in Hindu philosophy, spiritual practices and he  demonstrates honesty and integrity in his dealings with people.   He  fights for truth pragmatically, which is the Jupiter in Capricorn  style.  Of course, all attorneys don’t necessarily have debilitated  Jupiter present.  This pattern represents a sub-set of individuals with a  particular bent for a legal career which is likely to manifest  differently from other attorneys with different Jupiter placements.   This is just one of several cases of a beneficial manifestation of a  debilitated planet raising itself to a higher level, or overcoming some  of it’s deficiency.  From one perspective, perhaps practicing law is one  type of  “remedial measure” for improving  the neecha Jupiter.  Jupiter  in Capricorn is certainly imminently practical!

FAMOUS ATHLETES WITH NEECHA MARS

     The origin of the above hypothesis stemmed from the observation of  several athletes’ charts with debilitated Mars.  This situation poses an  enigma: how can an individual with debilitated Mars (the karaka for  sports), become a highly successful and famous athlete?    A scan  through Lois Rodden’s databank produced 139 professional football  players with neecha Mars.  Several highly successful tennis champions  with neecha Mars were also noted including: Serena Williams, Jim  Courier, Todd Martin, and Lindsay Davenport.   Recall that Mars is the  main karaka for brothers, sports, athletics, physical strength, power,  endurance, motivation, courage, speed, passion and sex, adventurousness,  war, competition, risk-taking tendencies and aggression.  Mars is even  doubly a karaka for football, an aggressive sport played by a “band of  brothers.”  To help answer this question, two cases are presented below,  one from professional football and one from professional tennis.

DOUG FLUTIE: QUARTERBACK

     Figure 2  depicts the natal chart for Doug Flutie, a successful  quarterback currently a team member of the San Diego Chargers.  His  birth data obtained from Lois Rodden’s Astrodatabank  indicate he was  born on a Tuesday (ruled by Mars), October 23, 1962, 3:30 A.M. EDT,  Baltimore, MD.. Flutie is one of just six players in professional  football history to record 50,000 career passing yards (41,000 yards in  the Canadian league), joining a list that includes venerated  quarterbacks including Dan Marino, Warren Moon and John Elway.  He  received the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Player award an  unprecedented six times and he also won the prestigious Heisman Trophy  in college football in 1984.  Moreover, Flutie participates in a wide  variety of sports.  He was invited to baseball batting practice with the  San Diego Padres and threw the ceremonial first pitch in 2001 against  the Atlanta Red Sox.  He’s also skated with the Boston Bruins and plays  basketball at the local university.

    Flutie obtained college  degrees in both computer science and communications at Boston College.   He is married and has two children, a girl and a boy.  The youngest  child (his son Doug, Jr.) was diagnosed with autism.  It is also  reported that he is very devoted to his wife and children and he set up a  foundation for helping children with autism (Jupiter in the 7th).   Flutie is an accomplished drummer, another Mars signification. He formed  a rock band with his brother who is also a professional  wide-receiver.   Flutie was invited to play the drums with several rock  bands including: the Dave Matthews Band, Aerosmith and Bon Jovi.   It’s  hypothesized that Mars and especially Mars-Rahu, figure prominently with  “rock music (bands),” due to the intrinsic nature of these planets and  Rahu’s amplification of Mars energy.  Hence, most of Flutie’s activities  are associated with Mars and revolve around this planet’s expression.

     The chart reveals Leo (Purva Phalguni nakshatra) rising with 12th lord  Moon in the first house.  Mars, the yogakarka for Leo rising (as ruler  of the 4th & 9th houses) resides in the 12th (dusthana) house at  12º28’ debilitated in the sign of Cancer (Pushya).  Note that Mars is  also in a very close conjunction with Rahu 11º35’ and Mars receives  another malefic aspect from Saturn.  Moreover, Mars is debilitated in  the Dasamsa chart as well.  The only technical release from debilitation  is due to Jupiter’s strong location (7th house) in an angle from both  the Moon and Lagna.  Recall that Mars in Cancer is Jupiter’s sign of  exaltation.  Overall it appears that Mars is quite afflicted in this  chart.  

    The powerful Gaja Kesari Yoga created by Jupiter’s  aspect to the Moon (virtually exact by degree) cannot be ignored.   Jupiter also aspects the debilitated Sun, the lagnesh.  However, Saturn  and Mars malefically aspect the Sun.  Venus, which rules Purva Phalguni  is strong in the 4th house aspecting the 10th house of career, which  explains his interest in music. Acting, entertainment and fame are often  associated with this nakshatra.7

    It’s worthy to note that  planets in the 12th house tend to become stronger in expressing their  nature (Hopke, T. (Nalini), 2001.)8  Also, Rahu’s conjunction with Mars  will intensify Mars expression powerfully.  This appears to be a common  configuration in several athlete’s charts (including Arnold  Schwarzennegger with Mars-Rahu in the 12th).  Note that Mars’  dispositor, the Moon, is very well supported in Flutie’s chart.  

     His chart reflects a high degree of intelligence with a strong Moon,  strong 5th house-ruler, and exalted Mercury (quite close to its highest  degree of exaltation).  His two college majors clearly reflect his  ability with computers, communications and language (all Mercury  karakas).  He’ll probably become a T.V. announcer or personality once he  retires from his football career (note Venus’ aspect to the 10th house  of career & Venus’ aspect to the Ascendant of the Dasamsa).  

     The extremely tight conjunction of Saturn to Ketu in the 6th house,  and Mars aspect to Saturn reflect a strong competitive nature, as well  as the problems that his younger child manifests. This is likely to  create certain health problems for Flutie, Sr. as well.  For the second  child (3rd from the 5th), the 7th house should be analyzed.  This  technique of “derivatives” has been described by many respected  astrologers.  The rationale is that the 3rd house is generically  associated with younger siblings.  The 5th house represents the oldest  child in the parent’s chart. Therefore, three houses from the 5th house  (the 7th house) indicates the next youngest sibling or the second  youngest child.  The third youngest child would be seen from the 9th  house, etc.  I have used this technique in my practice and obtained  accurate interpretive results across a large sample of charts.

     Note that Saturn (7th ruler) is 12th from the 7th (tightly conjunct  Ketu) and receives the malefic aspects of Mars-Rahu strongly.  Mars also  aspects the 7th house itself.  However, Jupiter (karaka for children)  gets the nice lunar aspect, while also sustaining a Mars aspect and 12th  house dusthana influence. Therefore, he experiences both the benefits  (good marriage & having two children) and difficulties (child with  autism, health problems) associated with such planetary placements.

     The Mars-Rahu conjunction is commonly perceived by astrologers as a  purely afflicted combination.  The rationale has to do with associating  Rahu with Saturn-like energy, and Mars and Saturn are known bitter  enemies.  The other side of Mars-Rahu, which is easily overlooked in  client’s charts, is that Rahu propels Mars with the force of a launched  missile!  Rahu amplifies Mars vigorously and confers intense physical  power, motivation, fearlessness, drive for success, virility and an  increased interest/obsession with Mars activities.  These include  sports, competition, racing, risk-taking, war, aviation (pilots),  technical endeavors, sex, passion and ambitions.  This combination  creates an insatiable desire for all things governed by Mars.  For this  reason, Mars-Rahu is commonly observed in the charts of successful  athletes.

    Currently, Flutie is in the Mars Mahadasa which  began January 2, 2001 just after he turned age 38.  On June 19, 2002, he  entered the Mars/Jupiter period.  In March of 2001, he signed a new six  year contract with the San Diego Chargers.  During the 2001 season, he  set a new career record with 3,464 passing yards, a historical high for  the team.  Thus, his Mars Mahadasa has brought new career opportunites  and expansion to date.  His contract is set to expire just before he  enters the 18 yr. Rahu Mahadasa.  Will he sustain a serious injury in  the Mars/Saturn period after 5/26/03?  What might this unusually  expressive Mars deliver during the next 6 years?   

    Perhaps  when an individual reaches the Mahadasa of a neecha planet which has  also been strongly emphasized and developed before the cycle commences,   the mahadasa itself may offer the rewards associated with that planet?   Perhaps, some negative karma is resolved by taking such actions to  develop the areas signified by the neecha planet?  In other words, by  developing that planet with one’s own efforts, some amount of karmic  debt is fulfilled.  In turn, the individual realizes some profound  experiences and achievements during that planetary period.  Some amount  of suffering or difficulty is likely to occur simultaneously, but the  individual may also experience the rewards of hard work and  perseverance.

    The main point to emphasize is that Flutie’s  Mars is quite afflicted and does not gain much relief.   However, the  powerful Jupiter-Moon Gaja Kesari yoga has helped enormously and the  exalted Mercury has conferred much strength to an otherwise afflicted  chart. Yet, he has taken this neecha Mars to such successful heights,  that this Mars expression cannot be ignored as being highly salient in  this individual’s life.  His entire life has revolved around football  and sports.  Doug Flutie’s chart represents a fine example of how an  individual can focus his energy, using the stronger planets of his chart  (Mercury, Moon & Jupiter) to strengthen and develop the most  afflicted planet, Mars.  In Doug Flutie’s case, he chose Exit A, to  develop and embrace the Mars in a higher manifestation.

SERENA WILLIAMS:  TENNIS SUCCESS STORY

     Figure 3 depicts the natal chart of Serena Williams9, a highly  successful professional tennis player, currently ranked number two in  the world of women’s tennis.  Her next-eldest sister, Venus, is  currently ranked number one.  Serena’s birth data, obtained from Lois  Rodden’s databank, indicates she was born on September 26, 1981,  Saginaw, Michigan at 8:28 P.M. EDT.   Serena is the youngest of five  sisters and the next oldest sibling is the famous Venus Williams, also  known for her highly successful tennis career.  Their parents were  instrumental in grooming the two sisters for their future tennis careers  from a very early age.  Serena’s first tennis tournament was reportedly  at the age of four.   She then proceeded to win the next 46 of the 49  tournaments played.   In 1991, the Williams’ family moved to Palm Beach  Gardens, Florida where the two sisters enrolled in a formal tennis  academy.  

    At the ripe age of 14, Serena turned professional,  which created some controversy.  In 1999, Serena was ranked 21 in the  world after winning her first Grand Slam title. She won every game  played against the top 5 ranked women tennis players that year.   Then  in 2002 her rank moved up to number 2 in the world.  Serena won her  second Grand Slam winning the US Open, Wimbledon, French and Italian  Open tournaments.  Her elevated level of success in professional tennis  is a proven fact.

    The chart reveals an Aries lagna (Aswini  nakshatra), with Moon in the 5th house in Uttara Phalguni.   Neecha Mars  at 21o59’ (Ashlesha nakshatra) is conjunct Rahu at 6o in the 4th  house.  Note that Mars is the lagnesh for Aries rising and goes to the  kendra 4th house, technically receiving release of debilitation forming  neecha banga raja yoga.  Mars-Rahu is also 12th from the Moon, as was  seen in the previous example.  It’s also worthy to note that the 10th  house ruler Saturn, combines in the 6th house with Jupiter, the 9th  house ruler.  It’s the good association of Jupiter with the 10th house  ruler that reflects career success.  For Aries rising, Saturn is not a  benefic planet, even though it rules the 10th house.  Therefore, even  though the Saturn-Jupiter form a raja yoga, this combination alone would  not necessarily confer outstanding results.  In Serena’s case,  Jupiter  is promoting her outstanding career success.

    While Mars and  the 5th house tend to be the main areas to examine for sports, in  practice, Jupiter also serves as another sports karaka and should be  considered.  Jupiter rules Sagittarius which is clearly associated with  outdoor activities, sports and risk-taking.  In Serena’s chart, Jupiter  as a sports karaka, is associated with the 10th house career planet, in  the 6th house of daily work.

    The 6th house rules competition,  ability to defeat one’s enemies and opponents, as well as daily work  efforts and health matters.  Natural malefic planets in the 6th house  confer a powerful ability to overcome enemies, at all costs.4  Serena  has the Sun (mild malefic), Saturn and Jupiter all in the 6th house.  (Recall Flutie has Saturn-Ketu in the 6th). Serena’s Aries lagna is  ruled by competitive Mars, magnified by its conjunction with Rahu.   Therefore, her focus in life is directed toward defeating her opponents  and she is naturally skilled at accomplishing this.  As an upachya  (growing) house, malefic planets in the 6th tend to flourish and improve  over time.  According to Braha,4 the greater the number of malefic  planets in the 6th house, the more intensely competitive the individual  seems to be.  This observation certainly holds true for Doug Flutie and  Serena Williams, among others.

    She also has a Malavaya Yoga  (Venus in Libra in the 7th house), getting an aspect from Mars.  This  Venus confers attractiveness and magnetism as it aspects her Lagna.   Note that this Malavya Yoga, Venus, is also the 10th house ruler from  the Moon, another indicator of heightened success. This strong Venus  will also play an extremely important role in her life, as all  Mahaparusha Yoga planets do.  It is also responsible for her interest in  the entertainment industry, advertising, fashion and luxury (along with  her Uttara Phalguni Moon).  It’s this strong Venus which allows others  to appreciate the sweeter side of her personality.  The Venus in Libra  harmoniously balances the ruthless, intensely competitive undertones  suggested by the 6th house, Aries lagna and Mars in this chart.  It’s  interesting that her sister (probably her best friend) is literally  named, “Venus.”

    Considering the above features and  examination of the all-important neecha Mars, once again we see that the  weakest planet in this chart is the neecha Mars with its Rahu  conjunction.  Mars is the lagnesh, so it is quite important to  understand his function in this chart.  Any planets aspecting the  lagnesh are quite influential on the personality.  In this case, Rahu is  influencing Mars, although they are not too close by degree and are in  different nakshatras.  The competitive, driven and relentless streak is  easily seen.  However, the problems associated with neecha Mars in the  4th house are not quite as obvious, yet are very real.  The combination  of this 4th house Mars position with Rahu, the waning Moon and the 6th  house Sun-Saturn conjunction indicate a propensity for dissatisfaction,  unhappiness and possible acute episodes of depression (particularly if  she loses a competition).  The 4th house informs us about her ability to  gain happiness in life, her connection with her mother, early childhood  and education.   The neecha Mars-Rahu placement in the 4th indicates  that she has a difficult time finding happiness in life.  This  combination is the source of her discontent, even though Mars is  technically in a neecha banga raja yoga.

    The Moon is the  dispositor of  Mars and it forms a Papakarteri Yoga (Moon situated  between Mars-Rahu and Sun-Saturn).  In addition, the Moon is waning and  is almost a dark new Moon, features which weaken the Moon considerably.   Therefore, her sense of happiness and contentment in life are likely to  be marred, even though her worldly success is heightened.  The fact  that the Moon goes to the trinal 5th house is, however, a strong  positive placement and this helps strengthen Mars. Moon in the 5th in  yet another indicator of her love of sports.  Also, Mercury is strong in  the 7th house connected to the powerful Venus, which indicates good  intellectual ability.  Mercury is also a karaka for the mother and the  4th house features.    The deeper karmic connection to her mother is  seen through the Moon’s (ruler of the 4th) placement in the 5th house  (poorvapunya).

    Again, Serena Williams’ chart is another  example of how an individual with other strong planetary placements,  takes the neecha planet and directs her attention at improving or  developing that sphere of life.  Athleticism is a particularly healthy  outlet for Mars energy.  This is also the chart of a natural warrior, of  a person who thrives on competition and challenge.  The Mars-Rahu  conjunction can also create perfectionist tendencies, especially with  the concurrent Sun and Saturn-Jupiter in Virgo’s house.

    The  Dasamsa chart also houses Mars in the 4th, but the lagna is Cancer.  In  this chart, the Moon (L-1) is in the 10th house in Aries, the sign of  Mars.   Mars aspects the Moon and the 10th house (it’s own house),  indicating a career involving Mars significations.  In the Dasamsa, Mars  appears quite strong.  Note that Jupiter is also very strong in  Sagittarius (its own sign) in the Dasama.  Sun and Venus are also in  their own signs, reflecting very strong career dharma.

    It’s  interesting to note that Serena entered the Mars Mahadasa on 9-5-97.   But, it was during her Mars/Jupiter cycle as of 2-20-99 that she  excelled in her early tennis career and won her first Grand Slam title.   Recall, Jupiter conjuncts Saturn, the 10th house ruler, an important  career planet for Aries rising.  Hence, the Mars cycle does not appear  to be disturbing her vocational success, which is a similar effect seen  in Doug Flutie’s chart previously.  In fact, the Mars period is clearly  elevating her success to a high degree.  Currently she is in Mars/Ketu  (as of 3-4-02).  This year, her rank jumped to number 2 in the world.   Note that Ketu is in the 10th (upachaya) house and gets aspects from  Mars and Jupiter.  Ketu is in the sign of Saturn, the 10th house ruling  planet indicating career status.

SUMMARY AND FUTURE DIRECTION

     In sum, Serena Williams’ chart is yet another example of how a neecha  planet can become the focal point for an individual’s life, if other  chart factors support that tendency.  It is crucial to consider the  chart in TOTALITY, before forming a conclusion about how a “debilitated”  planet will manifest for an individual.  Consider the viewpoint that an  otherwise unafflicted debilitated planet can actually motivate the  individual to strive harder in a particular area and to try to improve  what may be a deficiency in the personality or previous life  experience.  It takes a particularly strong ego or evolved personality  to embrace the neecha planet and to recognize this area as one in need  of improvement and development. Hence, debilitated planets need not  strike a chord of fear.  The individual knows on some intuitive or  conscious level, that he needs to develop in that sphere dictated by the  weaker planet.  Therefore, the person focuses his attention and  behavior on enhancing areas governed by the neehca planet.  

     Perhaps, our conception of neecha planets may become broadened to  include the possibility that these planets represent life areas of great  importance for that individual to advance and develop over the  lifespan.  While the charts presented are those of famous athletes, this  same pattern involving neecha planets is also recognized in the charts  of other individuals who are not quite as famous.  It is important to  learn to decipher which charts with neecha planets are likely to advance  the energies associated with that planet and which charts will not  support it.  Strong supporting yogas and other enhancing aspects to the  Moon, lagna, lagnesh and 9th and 10th houses and their ruling planets  appear to be key elements. Even though there are likely to be  simultaneous difficulties involving the neecha planet, that does not  necessarily indicate that the planet has nothing important or beneficial  to offer the individual.  The neecha planet may actually be the most  important focal point of the entire chart.  

    The athlete with  debilitated Mars directs his attention on strengthening that prowess  and power.  It’s the intense focus, underlying motivation and consistent  effort which creates exceptional achievement in any sphere. This has  been demonstrated in the charts of Doug Flutie and Serena Williams.  It  is hoped that the proposed hypothesis will be examined in greater depth  through the statistical study of a significant number of charts.   Perhaps, our understanding of neecha planets may become broadened to  include their potential for intense focus and development in the spheres  governed by that planet.
 

REFERENCES & FOOTNOTES:

1. Neecha  Bhanga:  refers to cancellation of the debilitative effects of the  fallen planet.  This does not turn the planet into an exalted planet.   It merely is supposed to reduce to some degree, the negative effects of  the neecha planet.  Neecha Bhanga is formed by any of several states  including: 1) The planet ruler of the sign occupied by the debilitated  planet is on an angle from the Moon or Lagna;  2) The ruler of the house  holding the neecha planet is exalted; 3)  An exalted planet occupies  the same house as the neecha planet; 4) The planet which would be  exalted in the sign of the neecha planet is on an angle from the Moon or  Lagna; 5) The planet ruling the sign of the neecha planet also aspects  that house/planet holding the neecha planet; 6) The neecha planet is  retrograde.  There are a few other conditions in which neecha bhanga can  occur. The reader is referred to the texts below for additional  details.  See also,  Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra, Saravali’s texts, and  Ernst Wilhem’s chapter on neecha bhanga in Vault of the Heavens, p. 87.
   
2. Neecha  Bhanga Raja Yoga: refers to cancellation of debilitation and is  supposed to create the effects of a Raja Yoga.  This occurs only when  the debilitated planet is located on an angle (kendra) or trine  (trikona) from either the Lagna or Moon.  
   
3. Defouw,  Hart  & Svoboda, Robert (1996). Light on Life: An Introduction to  the Astrology of India, New York, Arkana Penguin Books.
   
4. Braha,  James (2001).  The Art & Practice of Ancient Hindu Astrology: Nine  Intimate Sessions Between Teach and Student,  Florida, Hermetician   Press.
   
5. Einstein, Albert: Birth Data Rated  AA by Lois Rodden: March 14, 1879, Ulm Germany, 11:30 A.M. LMT –0:40.
   
6. Flutie, Doug: Birth Data Rated A by Lois Rodden: October 23, 1962, Baltimore, MD, 3:30 A.M. E.D.T.   
   
7. Harness, Dennis (1999).  The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology, Lotus Press, Wisconsin.
   
8. Hopke,  Tom (Nalini) (2001).  The Divine Path of Prediction: A Summer in the  life of a Vedic Astrologer, Florida, I See Publishing.
   
9. Williams, Serena: Birth Data Rated AA by Lois Rodden: September 26, 1981, Saginaw, MI, 8:28 P.M. E.D.T.