Ayurveda and Jyotish

The Moon is associated with both vāta and kapha qualities in Vedic philosophy. Vāta represents the vāyu, or air element, which is symbolized by the presence of 'ya' in the nakṣatra that relates to the Moon. Kapha, on the other hand, represents the sattva guṇa, which is the inherent quality found in the janma rāśi, or birth sign. This dual nature of the Moon signifies its role in balancing different energies. The janma rāśi lord is often considered to be a Viṣṇu avatāra, indicating its divine aspect and its importance in Vedic astrology for providing sustenance and nurturing.

Prakṛti, or nature, can be understood through the lens of Ayurveda, which divides it into three fundamental aspects: vāta, pitta, and kapha. These three elements, or doshas, are found in various combinations in every individual, determining their physical, mental, and emotional nature. While some people may have a dominance of one dosha, such as vāta, pitta, or kapha, others may exhibit combinations of these elements in varying degrees. For instance, one might have a mix of vāta and kapha, or vāta and pitta, or even pitta and kapha. There is also a rare combination where all three doshas—vāta, pitta, and kapha—are present without a dominant dosha, constantly shifting in their influence. This diversity in prakṛti reflects the complexity of human nature and how it is affected by the planetary influences represented in astrology.

In Vedic astrology, each of these combinations of doshas is associated with a specific graha, or planetary force, which represents the seven weekday planets. Śani, or Saturn, represents vāta. Saturn is often depicted with a strong desire to move quickly, although physically he may be limited—illustrating the airy, restless nature of vāta. Sūrya, or the Sun, is associated with pitta due to its fiery, intense energy that radiates power and vitality. Bṛhaspati, or Jupiter, represents kapha, symbolizing the expansive and protective qualities, much like Jupiter’s influence in astrology, which seeks to support and nourish all.

Chandra, or the Moon, is associated with a combination of vāta and kapha, reflecting the changing yet stabilizing aspects of the Moon in astrology. Maṅgala, or Mars, combines vāta and pitta, illustrating the fiery and action-driven nature of Mars, influenced by both motion and heat. Śukra, or Venus, represents a combination of pitta and kapha, indicating the balancing energy of Venus, which brings warmth but also sustains harmony and beauty. Lastly, Budha, or Mercury, is associated with all three doshas—vāta, pitta, and kapha—making it a dynamic and ever-changing planetary force. This quality makes Mercury versatile but also unpredictable, reflecting the mutable nature of the element it represents.

The combination of vāta, pitta, and kapha can also have a marginal dominance of one particular element, which further distinguishes the characteristics of the navagrahas, or nine planets. For example, when kapha is marginally dominant in this mixture, Budha (Mercury) is said to have an earthy quality, linked to pṛthvī (earth). When vāta dominates, it is represented by Rāhu, the mysterious shadow planet, characterized by restless and airy qualities. When pitta dominates, Ketu represents this fiery energy, symbolizing transformation and insight that can be both destructive and enlightening.

These associations with the nine planets demonstrate how the navagrahas reflect the three doshas in Ayurveda, providing insights into the balance of energies that affect an individual's health and behavior. Among the navagrahas, Śani (Saturn), Sūrya (Sun), and Bṛhaspati (Jupiter) are considered mahā grahas, or great planets, due to their pure representation of vāta, pitta, and kapha, respectively. When these three planets form trines in an astrological chart, they activate the jñāna-trikoṇa, or the knowledge trine, which is known as a mahā vidyā, representing a profound and transformative form of knowledge that can lead to great wisdom. This concept highlights the significance of planetary alignments in enhancing one’s understanding and guiding the soul toward enlightenment.

Om Tat Sat