Personality Analyzed Through Vedic Astrology: 1999

 The interface between the broad fields of  Clinical Psychology and Vedic Astrology has not received significant  attention to date.   This essay attempts to build an important bridge  between these two areas and offers a specific theoretical framework for  defining personality while also demonstrating its utility for the  practicing Vedic Astrologer.  In this regard, there are several  important points to be discussed: (1) Definition of a concise  personality theory that is presently in use among clinicians; (2) How to  pragmatically apply this personality theory with astrology clients; and  (3) Review of the primary astrological elements to examine in the Vedic  chart to understand the psychology of an individual; and (4)  Application of these principles to interpreting a Vedic chart.

     While it is acknowledged that analysis of the Rasi and Navamsa charts  offer a vast resource for understanding the psychological portrait of an  individual, to date only one cohesive theory (Frawley, David 1997) has  been offered to explain discrete personality profiles through the Vedic  chart.  Recently, Dr. David Frawley (1997, 1998) has addressed this  important topic, describing the key psychological factors of the birth  chart, while incorporating an Ayurvedic conception of the mind,  emotional responsivity, physical body and spiritual life direction.  In  his typology, personality is defined through the three gunas (saatvic,  rajasic and/or tamasic qualitites), along with the three dosha types  (pitta, vata and kapha). Specific planetary elements, such as assessment  of the Moon, Sun and Mercury and the quality and strength of the  Ascendant and its Lord, as well as the 4th & 5th house Lords are  identified as primary factors for identifying the psychological status  of an individual.  Other prominent Vedic Astrologers, including James  Braha (1998), Dennis Harness, Ph.D. (1997), Edith Hathaway (1999,1995),  Nalini Kanta Das (1999), James Kelleher (1997) and Chakrapani Ullal  (1995) have discussed how to identify and interpret psychological  characteristics from the Vedic chart and/or the implications when  counseling astrological clients.   Another valid approach to the topic  of personality is to examine other derived personality theories from the  field of psychology and attempt to analyze the astrological chart from  this vantage point.

    What exactly is “personality” and and how  is it relevant to the Vedic Astrologer? Throughout the 20th century,  several classical theories have been proposed (e.g. Freud, 1932 and  Jung, 1921) to identify and categorize individuals into certain groups  which help to describe the underlying psychological motives of  individuals.  The term “personality” is derived from the Greek term  “persona” which literally means “mask.”  Over time, the term lost its  original connotation of appearance and moved toward explaining the  person behind the mask, beyond the outer perspective. In contempory  terms, “personality” is now defined as a comprehensive pattern of deeply  embedded psychological features that are largely unconscious, express  themselves automatically in almost every aspect of functioning and  cannot be eradicated easily (Millon, 1981).  Moreover, personality may  be viewed as an intrinsic, pervasive pattern of traits which may be  outlined systematically along five specific axes.

    Based on my  experience in psychology and astrology, I have integrated astrological  correlates with the following discrete traits (5 axes): (1) Biological  (genetic) component (Sun, Lagna, Lagna lord, 6th house), (2) Cognitive  style (Sun, Moon, Mercury, 4th & 5th house lords), (3) Emotional  responsivity (Moon, Venus, Mars and 4th house), (4)  Socio-cultural (1-7  house axis, kama (desire) houses 3, 7 & 11, Mars-Venus  relationship, and the Jupiter-Saturn relationship, and (5) Coping  strategy (Lagna and its lord, Moon, Saturn, strongest planets/houses and  the most afflicted planets/houses). Note the absence of a  6th  “Spiritual orientation” axis, which could easily be added to this  typology as we apply this theory to the examination of the astrological  chart.  Each natal chart may be examined along these 6 discrete axes in  order to understand an individual’s personality profile.   In sum,  personality is an intrinsic, complex array of factors which determine  how an individual thinks, feels, perceives his world, relates socially,  acts, receives behavioral reinforcements, copes with life stressors and  orients his life spiritually.  Personality may be viewed as the driving  force which determines precisely how an individual will approach and  respond to his or her life experience.

    By using an organized  framework or theory for defining personality, we are more readily able  to communicate across both fields of Psychology and Astrology, and  essentially speak the same language. This lends itself to further  research to investigate specific psychological issues and personality  styles through the birth chart. Theodore Millon, Ph.D. (1969, 1981) has  introduced a contemporary model of personality, the “Biosocial-learning  theory,” which categorizes personality into eight basic personality  styles and three additional personality patterns classified as  “severe.”  Briefly, this personality theory, incorporates three discrete  axes which together comprise the specific personality styles.  These  three axes include: (1) Active-Passive Dimension (type of behavioral  approach utilized to meet needs = coping strategy); (2) Self vs. Other  (level of self-reliance vs. dependence of others for approval and  support); and (3) Pleasure-Pain Continuum (orientation toward seeking  pleasure and avoiding pain).  These three dimensions reflect the types  of reinforcements individuals have learned to seek or avoid  (pleasure-pain), where individuals look to obtain them (self-others),  and how individuals have learned to behave in order to elicit or escape  them (active-passive).  

    Thus, the classification scheme is  defined by a 4 x 2 matrix combining the self-other dimension (dependent,  independent, ambivalent and detached styles) with the active-passive  dimension. The pleasure-pain dimension is incorporated into this  classification scheme as well. Also, note that most of these personality  types correspond closely with the official Diagnostic & Statistical  Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV, 1994) under the Axis II section of  Personality Disorders.  The DSM-IV is considered to be the main textbook  that is consulted by Psychologists and Psychiatrists when diagnosing  psychological and/or personality disorders.

    Each personality  type has a particular behavioral style, interpersonal (social) approach,  cognitive framework, common defense mechanism, emotional responsivity  (affect), self-image (ego), and motivational approach to life which  defines the category.  The origin of a particular personality type is  complex and is related to several factors including: genetic-biological  predisposition, early learning (historical and past-life influences),  family structure, socio-cultural and generational influences, among  other factors.  Specifically, these personality styles are known as:   (1) Dependent or Submissive (passive-dependent);  (2)  Histrionic  (active-dependent); (3) Narcissistic (passive-independent);  (4)  Aggressive or Antisocial (active-independent); (5) Compulsive or  Conforming (passive-ambivalent);
(6) Negativistic or  Passive-Aggressive (active-ambivalent); (7) Asocial or Schizoid  (passive-detached); (8) Avoidant (active-detached).  When certain  personalities decompensate and life functioning becomes increasingly  more problematic, certain pathological personality patterns emerge.   These include: (9) Cycloid or Borderline Personality (mixed-ambivalent);  (10) Paranoid Personality; and (11) Schizotypal (more serious form of  Schizoid type).

    It is important to note that an individual is  often a blend of two or more personality styles and not all individuals  are necessarily considered to possess a full-blown personality  “disorder” even though they may be classified in one or more of the  first eight categories listed above.  To be classified as a true  personality “disorder”, an individual must meet specific criteria and  demonstrate prolonged difficulty in several spheres of life function. It  is believed that each normal individual falls into one or more  combinations of these personality styles and this particular profile  determines precisely how that individual will function psychologically  and behaviorally under varying situations.

    One of the most  distinct advantages that the Vedic Astrologer has over the Psychologist  is that the former can elucidate both the psychological nature of the  individual as well as the timing of significant positive and negative  life events.  The Psychologist may comprehend the personality profile  and accompanying psychological dilemmas, but he or she is unable to make  clear and accurate predictions about when stressful life events are  likely to manifest and when they are likely to abate.  The Psychologist  tends to rely on past and current behavioral patterns to make his  predictions, while the Astrologer can utilize both avenues of behavioral  observation as well as chart analysis. Therefore, Vedic Astrologers  have a unique perspective since they can predict when certain life  stressors are likely to exacerbate pre-existing emotional or cognitive  difficulties related to a given personality style. Moreover, the  Astrologer can identify the precise timing of a particular life stressor  or event and how that individual is likely to respond to the  information that he or she receives from the Astrologer.  Different  personality styles will respond and cope differently to the same life  challenge or stressor.   

    For example, the Histrionic  personality type (active-dependent) has a particularly strong need to  socialize, be recognized by the opposite sex, has a dramatic  self-expression, shows intolerance for frustration, delay or  disappointment, acts very friendly, superficial and flirtatious and is  generally the “life of the party.”  Affection must be replenished  constantly from others for this person to feel secure. This individual  takes an active role in being noticed and admired. Yet, this person is  also quite dependent on the opinions and evaluations of others for  approval.  So, this individual relies to a large extent on external  validation and  he or she tends to focus his or her attention on  appearance.  If this desire is met, then this person functions  reasonably well.  However, when this person goes through a difficult  Mahadasa period, perhaps a Saturn Dasa with Saturn in a weak chart  position, he or she will have a unique struggle that is associated with  that personality profile.  In contrast, the Compulsive  (passive-ambivalent) type is more serious, conforming to societal rules,  and maintains control over his affect and behavior. The Compulsive type  is highly perfectionistic, orderly, behaviorally constrained,  indecisive and rigid, and prefers to remain more private than the  Histrionic type. The Saturn Dasa experience for this individual will be  quite different than for the Histrionic personality. The Compulsive type  may make great strides during the Saturn Dasa and finally feel  comfortable and productive under this planetary influence. The  Histrionic type may become depressed and have difficulty obtaining the  social reinforcements that are so central to this person’s self-image.  In sum, the Vedic Astrologer can serve the client by identifying  discrete personality patterns. The Astrologer can then assist the client  by tailoring the astrological interpretation to address that client’s  particular emotional, cognitive, physical, behavioral and spiritual  orientation as dictated through one’s personality profile.

     The interaction of personality style with the operating Dasa/Bhukti  cycle may help to explain why certain individuals with particularly  “strong” charts still have significant difficulty and discontent in  their life experience and conversely why some individuals with “weak” or  afflicted charts appear to overcome many of life’s obstacles.  Certain  personality styles appear to thrive on discord, while other personality  types have very little reserve for coping with challenging  circumstances.   This idea deserves to be formally investigated through  appropriate research models, incorporating the Millon personality theory  within the context of Vedic Astrological chart interpretation.

      Certain behaviors may be observed during interactions with the client  well before the session takes place which give important clues about the  personality style.  For example, the Histrionic type will often  approach the Astrologer or Counselor in a friendly, sometimes seductive  manner in order to obtain the same positive reinforcements that this  individual seeks from others.  During the session, if the Astrologer  offers positive information about the client, he or she will accept that  and view it as complimentary and reinforcing.  However, should the  Astrologer describe some weaknesses in regard to the personality that  could be improved, this individual may become impatient and take that as  a personal rejection or dislike by the Astrologer.  

    Hence,  by understanding the over-arching personality profile, the Astrologer  will know that this person has a particular need to receive praise and  attention and has a harder time going deeper and examining core  psychological issues for self-improvement.  Perhaps, with these  individuals it is better to focus the session on more mundane affairs.    The precise information conveyed during an astrological consultation is  a matter of discernment by the Astrologer and it is an important issue  that is not easily taught.  Therefore, use of this personality framework  should assist the Astrologer in understanding his client along the 6  axes previously described.  By understanding the personality style of  the client, the Astrologer will also recognize what information can  truly be  “heard,” as well as the likely impact of the information on  that personality type.

    The borderline individual (mixed,  ambivalent) is often at first identified by his interpersonal behavioral  patterns.  This type of client believes that the Astrologer or  Therapist can solve all of his problems and is perceived as an  omnipotent figure of perfection.  He will often flatter the Astrologer,  make multiple phone calls and seek extra attention and support at higher  than normal levels.  This person will also hold the Astrologer  responsible for his life failures and future problems, as he attaches  himself to the Astrologer for support and relief of his burdens.  There  is an unrealistic expectation in the borderline individual, such that he  believes he is helpless to solve his problems and that someone else  should come to his rescue.  Yet, he also manages to be disappointed  repetitively  when he learns that he will have to make changes in his  own life choices if he is to improve his situation.   Hence, the  magical-thinking disappears and he is re-confronted with the same  dilemma that he faced with other people from his past.  When this type  of person realizes that the Astrologer is not perfect and does not have  all of the answers to solve his problems, he is disappointed, sometimes  enraged and then views the Astrologer as a terrible, incompetent,  inadequate person who offered no help whatsoever!  The Astrologer faces a  difficult dilemma.  On the one hand, he would like to offer this person  some insight by interpreting his chart, and on the other hand, this  individual tends to be unrealistic about what the Astrologer can  actually provide.  Caution, maintaining specific, clearly-defined  boundaries and awareness about the dynamics underlying this personality  style are advised when offering assistance to these individuals.

     The borderline individual is confused about his identity and how to  make appropriate decisions.  Their judgments tend to be distorted,  impulsive and emotionally-based.  Balance and emotional stability are  sorely lacking in their life and these individuals tend to live a life  vacillating between extreme pleasure and extreme pain, with no  consistent pattern.  As a “mixed” type, the borderline coping strategy  incorporates actively seeking help from others and then withdrawing and  rejecting the help that is offered.  A typical statement might he heard  from a borderline personality such as, “I hate you, don’t leave me!”   This reflects the “ambivalence” that they feel in regard to resolving  their conflicts with others, wishing they were more secure within  themselves and simultaneously feeling needy and dependent on others for  support.

    According to Millon (1981), the most striking  feature of the borderline personality is the intensity of affect and the  changeable quality of their actions.  Rapid shifts from one mood and  attitude to another are a well-known trademark.  In addition, there are a  combination of at least five of the following factors: fear of  abandonment, a pattern of unstable and intense relationships, unstable  and immature self-image, impulsivity in at least two areas that are  self-damaging (e.g. excessive spending, sexual activity, substance  abuse, reckless driving, etc.), recurrent suicidal gestures or threats,  chronic feelings of emptiness, inappropriate intense anger or difficulty  controlling anger and transient, stress-related paranoia (DSM-IV,  1994).  Sometimes an individual will not fulfill all of the above  criteria for a full Borderline diagnosis, but he will manifest  significant features that are characteristic of this personality  profile.  

    For privacy reasons, the birth data is not  offered. This is the chart of a high-functioning individual, with  clearly defined features of the borderline personality.  This unmarried  31 year old male presents as a tall, handsome, warm, communicative,  sincere and pleasing individual who has functioned quite successfully in  the business world and in managing daily affairs.  Note that he is  well-liked by others, is reasonably intelligent and creative in music  and the arts.  He is highly talented in technical areas involving  complex mechanical equipment, computers and in salesmanship.  However,  he has a particularly unstable and rocky history in regard to  relationships with women and this appears to be at the root of his  difficulties.  While it is important to emphasize that this person is  charming, respectful, talented, successful in business and pleasant, he  also has a history of emotional instability, anxiety, depression,  impulse-control problems, fear of abandonment, propensity for addiction,  reckless behavior and dissatisfaction with relationships.  He has had  many opportunities for relationships, but they all end up disappointing  him and he recreates the same difficult dynamic with different women.  

     Incorporating the 5 axis model presented earlier,  the following chart  will be examined to demonstrate the borderline features observed in  this personality profile.  

    The Lagna is Libra 27º44’  (Vishakha) and the Lagna lord Venus 29º36’ goes to the fortunate 9th  house in the sign of Gemini, constellation Punarvasu.  Note that Venus  is combust and weakened at 29o (sandhi).  Moreover, debilitated Saturn  (yogakaraka) aspects the 9th house. Mars, the maraka lord, is conjunct  the Lagna lord.  Hence, Venus is attacked by three malefic influences  including the Sun, Saturn and Mars.   The Saturn-Sun aspect produces an  egotistical, serious and rigid tendency which is softened somewhat by  the Venus conjunction to the Sun. The Sun, karaka for the 1st house, is  located in the 9th house, which confers some recognition, good fortune  and strength.

    For Libra rising, Venus is the karaka for his  overall stamina, health, start in life, ability to overcome difficulties  and his orientation to the world.  Challenging aspects to the Lagna and  Lagna lord indicate health problems, a difficult start in life and  difficulty in regard to his self-image and self-esteem.  In the Navamsa,  Venus is vargottoma and in the 1st house, but it again receives malefic  aspects by debilitated Saturn and Mars.    The borderline personality  has poor self-esteem and confusion about his identity.  The markedly  afflicted Lagna lord correlates with this personality feature.

     It is important to note the strong influence of both Mercury (the  dispositor of the Lagna lord) and Gemini in this chart.  As a dual sign,  Gemini is known for its indecisive nature and desire for flexibility  and change. With four major planets in Gemini, this person has  difficulty making decisions and commitments.  He often changes his mind,  is unreliable and delays his decisions (major and minor) consistently.   These behaviors also reflect the borderline profile.   He is also  friendly, charming, talkative, possesses a strong curiosity and is  interested in pursuing many subjects in typical Gemini fashion. Gemini  is a sign that is also known for its strong desires, lust  and passions.   

     It is noteworthy that Venus is also conjunct Mercury, the  9th house lord in its own sign Gemini, forming a strengthening raja  yoga in the fortunate 9th house.  Mercury itself forms a Bhadra yoga  giving it exceptional prominence in this chart and conferring  outstanding technical ability and talents in the communications area.   This raja yoga has also brought good fortune monetarily through business  efforts and it may have saved his life considering his difficult early  history.

    Examination of his cognitive and emotional status  involves evaluation of the Moon, Mercury, 4th & 5th houses and their  lords,  Sun, Mars and Venus.  The Borderline personality is signified  by emotional lability, including rapid cycles of anxiety, depression,  anger, irritability and chronic feelings of emptiness.  The Moon  receives aspects from Mercury, Mars, Sun and Venus from the 9th house,  which may be experienced as a barrage of stimuli too great to integrate  emotionally.  These planetary aspects to the Moon reflect the  instability of his affect.  Even though he is sensitive emotionally,  Jupiter’s benefic aspect to the Moon will improve his mental outlook and  offer optimism.  The Moon in the 3rd house creates a courageous,  adventurous and motivated individual with strong desires.  The Moon is  further strengthened by the fact that it is approaching an exact full  Moon in the waxing cycle.  In the Navamsa, the Moon is in the 5th house  and also receives Jupiter and Saturn’s aspects.  So, this individual has  the ability to find contentment in life, to be experienced by others in  a positive light and to gain emotional comforts, intermittently.  

     Mercury is well-placed in the 9th house, but also creates nervous  tension, fears and ruminative thoughts due to the Mars conjunction and  aspects from Saturn and the Moon.  His mind is logical, but he is  scattered, overwhelmed, highly sensitive, tends to run late and is a bit  disorganized.  The 4th & 5th lord, Saturn debilitated and at  sandhi, is a negative factor for cognitive and emotional functioning.   Saturn’s aspect to Mercury, Sun and Venus and the Lagna creates further  disturbance in these spheres, including paranoid tendencies which have  been observed.  Emotional instability and fear are likely to pose  chronic problems throughout his life,  correlating with the borderline  personality.

    Impulse-control problems, self-esteem issues and  excessive desires (all borderline features) are seen from Mars aspect  to the Sun, Mercury and Venus.  Saturn’s simultaneous aspect has helped  to put the brakes on this behavior which likely prevented him from  encountering further difficulties.

    Note the 4th house  afflictions in both the Rasi and Navamsa charts. In the Rasi, Mars and  the 4th lord Saturn aspect the 1st and 4th house.  In the Navamsa, Venus  is vargottoma and in the 1st house, but it again receives malefic  aspects by debilitated Saturn and Mars. The 4th house affliction brought  struggles in his early education, severe asthma (chest area), temporary  separation from his mother through parental divorce, and prominent  emotional problems early on during Sun Dasa. The Sun in the Navamsa is  in the 12th house of loss and uncertainty.  Undoubtedly, these early  life experiences, as reflected through the condition of the 4th house,  its lord and the Lagna lord, led to fear of abandonment, another  prominent feature of the borderline personality.

    One of the  most salient features of the borderline personality, is having intense  and extreme interpersonal relationships.  It is difficult for these  individuals to find a partner who will meet their high expectations  because they tend to be particularly unrealistic.  Perhaps the area of  greatest conflict in this chart centers on the 7th house, as noted from  both the Lagna and Chandra Lagna.  The weak yogakaraka Saturn is in the  7th house of partnership and marriage, aspecting the Lagna and Lagna  lord.  This Saturn placement creates delays and dissatisfaction in  marriage.  It may also indicate that the individual tends to be selfish  and expects the partner to please him without reciprocity.

     Jupiter aspects the 7th house and the Moon which creates many  opportunities for relationships. The 7th lord Mars is combust, and  receives an aspect from Saturn and the Moon.  Mars as 7th lord is also  in a raja yoga with Mercury as the 9th lord. From Chandra Lagna, four  planets reside in the 7th house (in the dual sign Gemini), creating much  intense focus and indecisiveness in the relationship sphere. Therefore,  the possibility exists for him to find the right mate, but the process  is arduous and requires internal transformation before he can truly be  available for an intimate, enduring relationship. With strong Gemini  tendencies, he has had difficulty deciding who to be with and at times  he has dated two women simultaneously. In the end, he lost both  relationships and remains unfulfilled and longing for the right  relationship to manifest in his life.  Fears of abandonment, lack of  self-esteem and the desire for perfection cloud his judgment in this  regard.  

    The relationship dimension is quite afflicted in  this chart, but there are possibilities for relief due to Jupiter’s  benefic aspect on both the Moon and the 7th house.  In the Navamsa,  Saturn is in the 11th house (vargottoma) and aspects Venus, the  relationship karaka.  Hence, the struggle and difficulty in the  relationship area becomes magnified.  However, Jupiter the 7th  Navamsa  lord is exalted and is with Ketu which indicates the possibility of  finding a spiritual mate who is generous, optimistic and nurturing.  The  connection of the 7th lord to Ketu might also make the person very  idealistic and chronically dissatisfied with his partners

    His  coping strategies have not been very effective overall, since he has  depended on drug therapy, withdrawal and other avoidance tactics to deal  with recurring difficulties.   Saturn’s aspect on Mercury, Mars, Sun  and Venus draws attention to this type of coping strategy.  Saturn’s  aspect to Mercury, the 12th lord has also created sleep disturbance and  anxiety, two major chronic complaints and associated borderline  features.  Perhaps a combination of meditation to enhance concentration  and deepen inner awareness, psychotherapy and physical activity (some  form of exercise, martial arts or sports) would benefit this  individual.  Other remedial measures such as certain yagyas, mantras and  gemstones might also be of  benefit.  Jupiter’s aspect to the Moon will  undoubtedly assist him in gaining perspective and overcoming many of  life’s disturbances.  Also, the placement of four planets in the 9th  house, the bhadra yoga  and the raja yogas will offer some good fortune  in gaining higher knowledge, wisdom, support, career and financial  success which will serve as a source of strength for him during  difficult periods.  

EFFECT OF MARS AND RAHU DASAS

     At the time of this writing, he is in the Mars-Sun period and will  enter the Moon Bhukti on December 22, 1999.  For Libra rising, Mars is a  first rate malefic and maraka.  Therefore, even though Mars placed in  the fortunate 9th house with the Lagna lord gave him some financial and  business success, on a personal and relationship level he has suffered  greatly.  He lost at least three significant relationships during  Mars/Saturn, Mars/Ketu and Mars/Venus.   The death of his father  occurred under Mars/Saturn in October 1996 (Mars is in the 9th with the  Sun and is aspected by debilitated Saturn).   He has had numerous health  problems which were exacerbated under the current Mars/Sun cycle.  The  underlying borderline personality features were clearly a detriment to  him for finding the right mate and having an enduring and healthy  relationship during this Dasa.  Hence, while it might have been  predicted that he would marry under Mars/Venus, (Mars as 7th lord and  Venus as karaka for marriage) this did not occur.  Perhaps the Saturn  aspect to Mars and Venus denied this possibility.   The Mars/Moon cycle  brings another round of relationship opportunity with Mars 7th from the  Moon, ruling the 7th house and Jupiter aspecting both the Moon and the  7th house in the Rasi.   Will his personality features continue to block  his chances for finding a suitable marriage partner?  Under Mars/Moon,  emotional turbulence and instability are expected and this will likely  impact on his career efforts (Moon as 10th lord) and certainly in the  relationship sphere.

    The next 18 year Rahu Dasa begins on  July 22, 2000.  Rahu is in the 6th house of competition, scandals, legal  concerns, self-improvement, health and work.  For a borderline  personality, the Rahu cycle will likely magnify the extreme emotional  highs and lows.  He will have additional material success, with the  dispositor Jupiter in the 11th house of big gains and easy money.   However, according to the nature of Rahu, it will be difficult for him  to find satisfaction and contentment.  Decision-making and judgments are  likely to be clouded by cravings to meet impulsive desires. With the  identity confusion and mood swings of the borderline personality, this  Dasa is likely to bring strong challenges in the areas of   decision-making, employing good judgment, not behaving impulsively and  in his relationships and career area.  He could easily change his line  of work and he has to beware of legal problems, theft and difficulty in  foreign countries, especially during Rahu/Saturn.  Rahu/Jupiter could  bring big financial gains in business.  Hence, taking the borderline  personality features into account allows the Astrologer to get a more  realistic appraisal of the likely outcomes during the Dasa/Bhukti cycle.

     Incorporating concepts from the Millon Personality Theory along with  current astrological knowledge may potentially yield a clearer, more  concise picture of  personality.  In  addition, if the Astrologer  understands the intrinsic personality profile of his or her client, he  will know how this individual approaches life, what his perceptions are,  what motivates him, how he handles stressful situations and most  importantly, the Astrologer will know how far he can take his client  during the astrological consultation.  Moreover, it is my belief that  for certain personalities, astrological consultations are  contraindicated since these individuals are so troubled and disturbed  that this information cannot be properly understood.  In the worst case  scenario, this disturbed client might misconstrue the information and  predictions offered by the Astrologer, and this could be damaging for  all parties involved.  Hence, discernment is indicated when providing  information and making predictions from the chart and should be  contingent, at least partially, on the psychological status of the  client.

    While it is understood that Vedic Astrologers are not  formally-trained Psychologists, they are still in a counseling position  as they offer very personal and profound information to their clients.   If the Astrologer can determine the general personality style of his or  her client, then the Astrologer will be in a strong position to offer  the appropriate guidance and remedial measures sought by the client.   The  Astrologer will also know what information should be conveyed at  that particular time, what should be withheld,  and how to offer it so  that the information can be heard and understood clearly by the client. 

     It is my belief that personality style can be extracted from the Vedic  astrological chart and that certain predictions can be made according  to the interaction of personality style, specific chart afflictions or  strengths, and with the operating Mahadasa/Bhukti/Antardasa cycle. For  example, the borderline personality will most certainly have a prominent  affliction to the 7th house and its lord, in addition to other  emotional and cognitive afflictions in the chart.  Even if the chart has  other redeeming features, this personality profile will most likely  work against the person from fully manifesting what might otherwise  appear to be a particularly strong chart for success, happiness and  spiritual development.  Through understanding the personality profile,  the astute Astrologer can alert the client to difficult cycles, so that  the individual can brace himself and seek appropriate guidance and  remedial measures. Future research protocols may be designed to test  whether certain chart configurations will help to define particular  personality profiles as classified according to the Millon Theory.  In  the meantime,  Astrologers may enhance their interpretive skills and  predictive ability by considering personality features and psychological  dynamics which are clearly revealed through the Vedic chart.