Fixing natal chart problems
I wrote recently (link here) about Vedic astrology and how it differs from modern western astrology. This post gives more specific information on the practices of this style of astrology, also known as Jyotish (science of light).
One interesting way in which Vedic or Jyotish astrology differs from Western astrology is in the use of remedies for specific difficult facets of the natal chart. Anyone who gets to know his/her natal chart in either the western or Vedic tradition comes to recognize certain character flaws or areas of personal difficulty reflected in the chart in the form of certain planetary configurations.
Hanuman
Diagnosing doshas
Modern western astrology emphasizes a psychological approach, so an individual may be encouraged to develop greater self-understanding and develop coping strategies to compensate for a particularly difficult T-square for example ( a T-square is a configuration where two planets in opposition to each other both have a square or 90 degree aspect to a third planet). Vedic astrology uses different methods and different terminology for analyzing charts and also has a very different method of dealing with problems implied by the natal chart. In the Vedic tradition, astrologers use the birth data to develop a “rashi” or lunar chart. Certain planetary configurations within the rashi are called “doshas” or types. Someone whose rashi reveals them to have a specific dosha may experience characteristic problems related to that dosha.
Mantras
One example is the angaraka dosha, a planetary condition in the lunar chart which points to the individual having marital problems, most likely involving abuse of one partner by the other. This problem is also sometimes referred to as manglik dosha, kuja dosha or bhom dosha. A Jyotish astrologer does not say that this means the person must remain single to avoid spousal abuse, but may offer specific suggestions for softening the negative karma which created the dosha. One possible remedy for manglik dosha is for two people who both have this configuration in their rashis to marry each other, thereby cancelling out the negative effects. However, some Vedic astrology experts say this remedy only works in a few cases, since people with this dosha are rarely attracted to each other.
Since manglik dosha arises as a result of the negative placement of Mars the Vedic birth chart as cast, another possible remedy is to appeal directly to the planet. By reciting on a daily basis the 108 names of Mars, known as Mangala Graha in the Jyotish tradition, the person with this unfortunate dosha can gain some relief from its ill-effects. You can consult a Vedic astrologer to learn these names and their correct pronunciation. Another mantra remedy is the daily recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, a prayer honoring the Hindu deity Hanuman for his bravery in rescuing Sita, wife of the god Ram, when she was kidnapped by a demon.
Corrective gemstones and actions
Jyotish astrologers see certain gemstones as resonating to the same frequency as specific planets so Vedic astrology remedies often make use of this connection. An individual with manglik dosha might be instructed by the astrologer to wear red coral set in gold on the right hand ring finger. Other remedies may involve fasting or giving blood at specific times. In the case of a Mars-related dosha, the correct time would be a Tuesday, since this is the day related to that deity and planet. Other remedies based on correspondences with Mars may include wearing or donating red clothing, and helping workers or offering food to ants, the workers of the insect world.
If the person is not impatient to get married, time itself is another remedy. The ill-effects of angaraka dosha decrease with time so that if the person waits until age 31 or late to marry, the possibility of spousal abuse dwindles. This relates to the cycles of the three negative influences which cause this dosha—not only Mars but also Shani (Saturn) and the south node of the moon, called Rahu by Vedic astrologers. By the time an individual reaches age 31, all three of these astrological troublemakers are viewed as having outgrown the worst of their negative tendencies.
Other harmful doshas also have their own remedies. Generally, individuals are advised to perform remedies under the direction of a guru (teacher) who has cast their chart and is aware of its specifics, such as what houses the negative planets occupy.