Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Heroic Pilots

The recent events of US Airways Flight 1549 have brought renewed interest to heroic pilots and their exploits. No one can doubt the courage of pilot Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III, who managed to bring the crippled craft down with no fatalities despite having no engine power. His heroism has sparked an interest in heroic pilots of previous years, both military and civilian, who went above and beyond the call of duty to save lives. These men and women have shown exceptional skill and dedication to their duty, and as such will go down as heroes forever.

Senior first officer John Coward became "A Hero Named Coward" in January of 2008 when the Boeing 777 he and his was attempting to fly suddenly suffered a severe engine failure. An electrical fire incapacitated the aircraft, and yet he was able to crash-land the aircraft two miles from Heathrow international airport where it had just taken off without a single fatality. He did so by bringing the plane in as gradually and carefully as he could, using the flaps to bleed off speed. By keeping his cool and bringing the plane in slowly, he enabled everyone to escape from the crash alive.

Another heroic pilot is Nelson Bahamondes, who was piloting a Cessna 208 in the Andes Mountains. His aircraft was forced to crash-land in the heavily forested, below-freezing regions of the upper Andes, and he was critically injured in the crash. Despite this, none of the other passengers were injured, and he managed to stay alive for four days, teaching them necessary survival skills even as he slowly succumbed to his fatal injuries and the terrible cold. He showed them what local plants could be eaten, and also how they could siphon fuel from the damaged aircraft and burn it for heat. In the end, he died, however all of his passengers survived with nothing but minor injuries.

Richard Bateman has also been renowned for his heroism, despite the fact that he has largely remained too humble to acknowledge it. The New Zealand native was training a student to fly in a mountainous region when his craft went down, and despite suffering several broken ribs and a severe head wound he was still able to retrieve his emergency gear from the crashed plane and, amazingly, pull out his student, who was trapped in the twisted wreckage. He managed to keep both himself and his student alive for several hours as they limped to a nearby muster station where they called for help.

Flt Lt Michelle Goodman is also renowned for her heroism, and her actions made her the first woman pilot to win the RAF's top medal for bravery. Serving as the pilot of an emergency helicopter rescue craft in Basra, she successfully navigated her Merlin helicopter through enemy fire to rescue a wounded rifleman, who was quickly bleeding to death on the battlefield. The fighting was so heavy, and the flight so dangerous, that she was in fact not ordered to conduct the rescue and instead did so of her own accord.

Author : John Parks
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=343111&ca=Society



Monday, February 9, 2009

Pluto in Capricorn - What Lies Ahead?

News flash! Pluto is now in Capricorn. What does this mean for you and me?

Pluto in Capricorn mixes the transforming and obsessive qualities of Pluto with the limiting and realistic qualities of Capricorn. What needs to be transformed is how we view the world and the nature of reality. If we obsess about how things are and what we need to do to change then we are not taking positive action. We need to be self empowered and to work within the limitations that are before us to achieve a new reality. This is a reality where we don't annihilate (Pluto) the world (Capricorn) but rather re-examine our assumptions of how things are. Thus we can re-create and re-build the world so that it is truly enduring and sustaining of life.

At the start of the twentieth century Pluto was in Gemini, as was Neptune. A few years previously, in 1891, these two outer planets were in conjunction in Gemini. A major theme of the twentieth century was that of communication and movement. Through the development of transportation and communication systems such as: flight routes, improved roads, centralised hubs of communication, the telephone, space satellites, the internet, courier post, motorised travel and flight, television and video; the world has become more interconnected and a greater understanding between peoples has emerged. The flipside is that the world has become smaller. It is harder to keep secrets and to have our own personal space. Nowadays conflicts between people across borders can occur more rapidly (compared to before the twentieth century).

At the beginning of the twenty first century Pluto was in Sagittarius in conjunction with Chiron. The theme of the twenty first century is that of the bigger picture. Chiron being conjoined to Pluto points to the part of our psyche that is deeply wounded. It is the truth (Sagittarius) that hurts us. The truth of our existence, of what we are and what we do. We expand and expand following the same routines and formulae's day after day, oblivious to anything but the imperative to keep on going as we are. Yet the small voice which was hardly heard in previous times has somehow become less of a background whisper and more of a roar.

Our failings as individuals and as a collective are now loudly broadcast for all to hear. If we don't change soon we may be doomed to face some horrendous consequences and what's more it is already happening. And so on. Even if we did want to change, how can we change? What should we change? Can we change? What can I, but one individual, do to make a difference in the face of such a huge problem as our possible mass extinction? Especially as the collective appears not to care and seems hell bent on going on in the same way as before?

Perhaps one person can't change the world as a whole but surely one person can change their own world and this personal change will have some effect on others that the individual comes into contact with. First there was one. Then there were two. Then there were four. And so on.

As Pluto moves through Capricorn from 2008 - 2023 it starts to slow down in its speed. After a relatively quick dash through the signs Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius, Pluto starts to become more concentrated and enduring in its zodiacal influence. Pluto was in Cancer for 26 years, in Leo for 18 years, in Virgo for 14 years and in Libra for 11 years. Pluto was in Scorpio for 10 years, in Sagittarius for 12 years and will be in Capricorn for 15 years.

It is thought that created the world as it is and it is through thought that the world as it is can be transformed. By acknowledging our connection to the earth, our common humanity, other life forms and the universe as a whole; we can open ourselves to a truly universal change of consciousness and being.

The ingress of Pluto into Capricorn represents the end of the Libra - Capricorn cycle and the beginning of the Capricorn - Aries cycle. As Pluto moves through Capricorn issues that will begin to surface and gain prominence include: how we treat our collective home, our sense of origins and where we belong in the scheme of things and what our role as a species is. Does each and everyone of us belong just to a few particular places on the earth, divided into tribes and nations, or do we belong to the earth as a whole as one collective family?

On a more cosmic scale, is the earth our only home, or do we belong to a greater home, the galaxy and universe that surround us? Are we the dominant species, to do what we want to the world? Or are we just one of many species? Or should we be a guardian species, protecting and nourishing other life forms?

Do we control and restrict the movements and rights of others, because of some authoritarian mandate? Or do we allow for the maturing of our species; to recognise ourselves, each and every one of us, as true global and international citizens and travellers?

Fundamental questions of life and existence and the nature of being will arise and need to be addressed as Pluto moves through Capricorn.

Author: Stephen Winder
http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/stephen-winder/105276.htm

What's Your Astrological Sign?

If you are reading this, you have probably already taken the time to figure out what your "sign" is. Chances are that, not only do you know your own sign, but that you know all of the signs of your friends, your family and all of the people you've had crushes on. Who didn't check their horoscope and the horoscope of their beloved when they were teenagers to find out if they would finally get asked out by the one they coveted?

Have you ever thought about using astrology to learn more about your health? Did you know that plants have astrological influences as well?

According to an article on About.com, each of the planets (and the sun) rule over certain types of plants:

Sun plants, for example, are plants that have heart shaped leaves, yellow flowers and the plants that continuously turn to face the sun are considered "sun plants" and are used most often to treat ailments of the circulatory system and the heart.

Mars plants, however, are said to be plants that grow under adversity and, admittedly, we aren't sure exactly what that means. Martian plants most often have prickles or thorns because Mars is thought to have a combative and "prickly" spirit.

Saturn, the planet we all know for its rings, rules over plants that are "knobby" and that live long perennial lives. Saturn plants, like Kava kava, are often associated with aging. Apparently, plants ruled by Saturn can help people complete projects.

Note to parents of teenagers: use Saturn's plants to get your kids to finish their homework!

This article isn't meant to offend those who truly believe that astrology rules the earth and the lives that inhabit it. There are people who put all of their faith in astrology and doing so has helped them cope with a great many things. This article is meant to introduce people to new astrology ideas. Everyone knows about sun signs and love signs and most people have figured out whether or not a Gemini will do well by marrying a Scorpio.

How many people, though, have thought to base their herbal remedies on astrology?

Have you been feeling depressed lately? Try the plants that are ruled by Jupiter—they are known to help people retain a positive outlook. Jupiter's plants are large and always edible, like Burdock.

Do you want have issues with your subconscious mind? Are your dreams bothering you? Perhaps you should look into the moon's plants. The moon's plants are typically white or pale yellow and have juicy or moon shaped leaves. The usually live near the water, like watercress or peppermint.

The truth is that astrology rules more than most people want to give it credit for. While many people may dismiss astrology as being something "fun" or "weird" these same people have a hard time explaining why so many astrological predictions turn out to be true.

That certainly should give you some food for thought, though you might want to concentrate on Pluto's plants as they can help balance a person's spiritual and physical personalities.


Author: John Parks

http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/john-parks/77048.htm

Significations of Planets in Indian Astrology

This article describes about the planets specified in the Indian Astrology. Indian Astrology is only based on these planets. There are nine planets are there including Sun and Moon but expect earth. Because Indian Astrology is working based on the Earth center principle. But modern science not likes that. This article brings astrological details and descriptions about those planets surrounded by the Earth as per the Indian Astrology. Astrology says every human beings life is based on his/her date of birth and the position of these planets on his/her date of birth and current. Each planet has relation with the twelve zodiac signs also.


SUN


The Sun is the king in the planetary cabinet. It is the source of light and life. It signifies father, which is the source for bringing into existence and supporting a newborn in life. That is why the Sun signifies father and vitality. If the Sun is strong in a nativity, the father and vitality will help the native to grow in a healthy way. The Sun signifies also the king, the master, the government, the president of the country, highly placed persons, administrators, contractors, chairmen of industrial establishments, physicians, chemists, pharmacists, bureaucrats, politicians, police, power, social status, progeny, male child, and is secondary signification for husband. As the Sun is personified as a king and doctor, when strong it denotes high administrative positions in government, including politics, doctors in medicine, etc., self-confidence, courage, nobility, dignity, ambition, splendor, prestige, faith, loyalty, generosity, authority, power, leadership and creativity. The Sun is a male planet, hot, dry, constructive, satvic, pita, and has sturdy bones. Its nature is royal, benevolent and cruel and its temperament is fixed and steady. The Sun gives a square body, majestic appearance, and powerful speech, makes a person courageous and bestows administrative capabilities. Its complexion is blood red and it rules orange, pink and golden colors, the fire element, hot or pungent flavors, the sense of sight, the Sundays, the east direction, copper, gold, ruby, temples, deserts, palaces, government buildings, and towers. The Sun represents head, body, soul, ego, Self, intelligence, will power, clarity, self-realization, health, bone structure, constitution, blood, brain, bile, digestive fire, organ of voice, right eye for males and left eye in case of females. In case it is weak in a nativity, it gives weak eyesight, headaches, erratic blood circulation, heart trouble, dental problems, bone fractures, overheating, fevers, blood pressure, baldness, neuralgia, bone cancer, weak immune system, etc., and denotes pride, egotism, self-centeredness, pompousness, ostentation and despotism. The Sun is signification planet for vitality and life giver in any nativity, because it rules the digestive system, which provides nourishment to the whole body. As the soul can be better and easily elevated if one keeps perfect health, it also represents the soul. The Sun is also general signification for employment, inheritance, mental inclinations, professional position, comforts, creative intelligence, easy gains, general fortune, higher education, spiritual education and spiritual life.


MOON


The Moon is the queen in the planetary cabinet as per the Indian Astrology. Next to the Sun, the role of the Moon is very important as it signifies mother. The mother brings up the child and is the first preceptor of the child. That is why the Moon signifies mind also. If the position of the Moon is strong in a nativity, the mother will be having sufficient resources and will bring up the child and develop the child's mental faculties in a peaceful manner. The Moon acts as a nourishing and soothing agent. It rules the senses and the emotions and gives the native the capability of looking after, which includes the fields of training, public relations, administration and soothing (physician). The Moon signifies also the queen, hoteliers, public relations, moneylenders, sailors, house-keepers, physicians, nurses, midwifes, healers, psychic abilities, eating establishments, cooks, catering and other professions that deal directly with the people at large, and is secondary signification for wife. The Moon enjoys status in administration by virtue of being the wife of the king. When strong, the native does not have to strive for acquiring status and it denotes affluence, receptivity, sensitivity, imagination, good memory, meritorious deeds and sound habits. The Moon is a female planet, cold, moist, mild, satvic and its constitution is a mixture of vata and kapha. Its nature is royal, has auspicious looks, pleasant speech and its temperament is fickle and changeable. The Moon is volatile as it is changing its position daily. Depending upon the brightness of the Moon, while a weak Moon gives a slim body, a full Moon may give a plump body if it is connected with the ascendant or its lord in a powerful way, in isolation. Its complexion is tawny and it rules white and silver colors, the water element, salty flavors, the sense of taste, the Mondays, the northwest direction, bronze, silver, pearl, watery places, public places, hotels, hospitals and ships.


The Moon represents face, mind, consciousness, perception, feelings, tolerance, thought, intellect, receptivity, femininity, sensitivity, imagination, good memory, fertility, general weakness, emotional health and functional health as it governs fluids in body, good quality of blood and lymph, glands, tonsils, breasts, stomach, lymphatic system, face, lungs and chest. It governs the left eye in the case of males and ovaries, menstrual cycle, uterus, generative organs and right eye in the case of females. In case it is weak in a nativity, besides psychic problems it causes sleep disorders, lethargy, drowsiness, lung problems, mouth problems (including loss of taste), neurological disorders, epilepsy, digestive complains, water retention, blood disorders, anemia, blood-pressure, enlargement of spleen, diseases of the uterus and ovaries, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, and the native is vulnerable to frequent cough and cold, fever, lack of appetite, general weakness, etc., and denotes hyper-sensitivity, over-reaction, inability to respond and difficulty getting in touch with feelings. The Moon is also general signification for sleep, nourishment, public, social behavior, change, travel, basic education, comforts, emotional peace, family, financial solvency, happy married life, inheritance, income and gains, love and care, mental peace, milk, grains and liquids.


MARS


Mars is the commander-in-chief of the planetary cabinet as per Indian Astrology. It signifies courage both mental and physical. Mars denotes position in military and Para-military forces, police, and vocations employing fire and metals, engineering, chemicals, surgeons, dentists and executive posts. It governs gangsters, manufacturers, executioners, athletes, builders, designers, entrepreneurs, fire fighters, martial arts, mechanics and project erectors. Mars is also the general signification of younger brothers, which adds to the strength of the native and becomes a source of strength and courage. The weakness of Mars makes a man lacking in courage and not enjoying the help and comforts from the younger brothers. When strong in the nativity, it denotes thirst for action, passion, ambition, physical strength, goal-directed energy, power to carry through, courage, bravery, heroism, competitive and fighting spirit, vim and vigor.


Mars is a male planet, dry, fiery, tamasic and pita. Its nature is cruel, unrelenting, active and generous, and its temperament is violent, angry and rash. Mars gives short stature and a stout and well-built body, red eyes and thin waist. Its complexion is blood red and it rules bright red colors, the fire element, bitter flavors, the sense of sight, the Tuesdays, the south direction, copper, red coral, places near fire, kitchens, battlefields, places for aggressive and violent or physical contests, football stadiums and military installations.


Mars represents the chest, bone marrow, blood, bile, digestive fire, intestine, forehead, neck, muscular system, and acuity of vision, sinews, nose and external generative organs. When afflicting or itself being weak and/or afflicted it causes inflammations, overheating, inability to tolerate hunger, wounds, burns, accidents, fractures, piles, liver complaints, skin rashes, ulcers, lacerations, operations, all sorts of acute complaints, fevers (particularly eruptive), epilepsy, mental aberration, tumors, cancer in the muscular parts of the body when closely conjunct with Rahu, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, pox and boils, etc., and denotes anger, irritability, haste, impatience, inconstancy, lack of drive and courage, and an 'all-or-nothing' attitude. Mars is also general signification for energy, strength, enemy, army, accidents, acute diseases, aggressions, assets, immovable properties, motivation, arguments, quarrels, fights, explosives, weapons, guns, general health, mechanical or technical ability, sports and surgery.


MERCURY


Mercury is the prince in the planetary cabinet. It basically rules the rational mind and speech, analytical faculties, sharp intellect, power of discrimination and confidence. Personified as a thinker and knowledgeable in the field of mathematics, Mercury signifies advisory roles, astrologers, financial advisors, strategists, business, commerce, engineering and related fields, research scholars, communicators, editors, authors, accountants, bookkeepers, lawyers, experts in analytical works, software engineers, auditors, intellectuals, teachers, transporters, publishers, salesmen, traders, mediators, diplomats, authors, etc, and is the general signification of friends. When strong in the nativity, it denotes a good communicator with intelligence, rationality, imagination, wit, cleverness, skill, dexterity, verbal and mental ability, shrewdness, sound judgment, humor and flexibility.


Mercury is a eunuch planet, rajasic and tri-dosha i.e. its constitution is a mixture of vata, pita and kapha. Its nature is royal friendly and its temperament is volatile and versatile. Mercury has the best appearance, is witty, fond of jokes and laughter, when strong in the natal chart as lord of the ascendant. Attractive features, well-proportioned body, large eyes and witticism are its significations. Mercury takes upon itself the qualities of the planets with which it is associated. Its complexion is akin to that of grass and it rules green colors, the earth element, mixed or varied flavors, the sense of smell, the Wednesdays, the north direction, brass, emerald, places for sports, business, communication or transportation, airports, post offices, accounting offices, places where public but non-violent games are played, parks, libraries, bookstores and public assemblies.


Mercury represents the lower part of abdomen, skin, mind, nervous system, urinary bladder, bronchial tube, gastric juice, digestion, intestines, lungs, tongue, mouth, hands and arms. When weak, it causes psychic diseases, insomnia, nervous breakdown, epilepsy, skin diseases, impotence, loss of memory or speech, vertigo, deafness, asthma, diseases of respiratory canal, disorders of intestines, dyspepsia, etc., and denotes difficulty in thought and communication, timidity, low self-esteem, aloofness, amorality, expediency, over-intellectualization and poor discrimination. As Mercury is weak quite frequently, whenever its sub-period is in operation in any nativity it creates tensions in life, lack of confidence, situation of indecisiveness, etc., which ultimately leads to faulty decisions. The effect is more if Mercury is weak in the natal chart as well as in transit at the time of operation of its sub-periods. It makes a person a nervous wreck and can even cause paralysis when closely afflicted by Rahu-Ketu axis, if the ascendant and its lord are also weak or the sign Virgo falls in the ascendant. Mercury is also general signification for consciousness, communications, eloquence, learning, childhood, logic, maternal uncles, potency, nervous control, respiratory functions, basic and higher education, humor, wit, mathematics, professional position, psychic ability, speculation, short journeys, books, papers, publishing and places of entertainment.


JUPITER


Jupiter is a minister in the planetary cabinet. It is the preceptor of the gods. Jupiter is personified as preceptor, judge and it is linked with the treasury. When strong in the nativity, it signifies the fields of top political and administrative positions, chairmen of industrial establishments, contractors, financial advisors, bankers, high administrative positions in government, kings, politicians, bureaucrats, lawyers, physicians, pharmacists, priests, judges, teachers, astrologers, management experts, administrators. It rules also propaganda of spirituality, services with the state, teaching, law, financial institutions, advisory roles, and is primary signification for husband. If strong, it gives growth, expansion and a humanitarian and spiritual outlook, and denotes wisdom, optimism, faith, geniality, generosity, joviality, humor, idealism and good powers of judgment. It bestows intelligence and knowledge of scriptures in its main and sub-periods. It signifies elder brother; husband in female nativities, male progeny, wealth, morals, sincerity, friends, divine grace, and father and in fact all good things in life.


Jupiter is a male planet, mild, temperate, warm, satvic and kapha. Its nature is saintly, generous and its temperament is mild, benign and softhearted. Jupiter gives impressive and magnificent disposition, thin brown hair, tawny eyes, large body when found strong in a nativity and rules the ascendant or influences the lord of the ascendant. Jupiter is intelligent and endowed with all the branches of learning. Its complexion is tawny and it rules the yellow colors, the ether (akasha) element, sweet flavors, the sense of hearing, the Thursdays, the northeast direction, gold, yellow topaz, treasuries, banks, vaults, dignified places such as courts of law, prestigious universities, altars, political assemblies, charitable institutions, high level financial institutions, monasteries and missions. Jupiter represents the hips, the fat tissue, blood, arterial system, glands, liver/gall bladder, pancreas gland, digestion, absorptive power, ears/hearing power, navel, feet, physical development, palate and throat. When weak, it causes lymphatic and circulatory congestion, thrombosis, anemia, tumors, jaundice and other liver complaints, ear problems, dyspepsia, flatulence, cough, cold, asthma, phthisis, diabetes and other diseases of pancreas glands, etc., and denotes overconfidence, overindulgence, extravagance, immorality, greed, materialistic attitude (wanting the best of everything). Jupiter is also general signification for elder brothers, father, male progeny, children, teacher, friends, fortune, justice, education, charity, wealth, creative intelligence, easy gains, general fortune, higher education, income and gains, kindness, mental inclinations, knowledge, happiness, wisdom, morality, virtue, dharma, professional position, prosperity, spiritual education, spiritual life, good behavior, expansion, compassion, optimism, sincerity, honesty, common sense, divine grace and, in fact, all good things in life.


VENUS


Venus is a minister in the planetary cabinet. It is the preceptor of demons. Venus is personified as a preceptor and lover. It rules knowledge of life saving drugs and arts, and vocations in the field of financial administration, art, cinema, theatres, paintings, music, designing, architecture, interior decorator, modeling, advertising, legal, teaching, hotels, medicines, fashion and luxurious items, and is the general signification for wife and/or happy married life. When strong in the nativity, it denotes aesthetic sense, worldly knowledge and pursuits, psychic ability, potency, pleasures, correct behavior, luxury, beauty, harmony, creativity, rich tastes, affection, friendliness, love, gentleness, sociability, clarity, charm, harmony, balance, elegance, gracefulness and refined sensuality.


Venus is a female planet, warm, moist, rajasic and its constitution is a mixture of kapha and vata. Its nature is royal, sensual, generous and benevolent and its temperament is easy going and accommodating. Venus is joyful in spirit, possesses a slim body, is splendorous and has lovely eyes, giving a charming appearance, sharp and beautiful facial cuts, and dark-bright and slightly thick curly hair when found strong in a nativity and rules the ascendant or influences the lord of the ascendant. Its complexion is fair and it rules royal blue and variegated colors, the water element, sour flavors, the sense of taste, the Fridays, the southeast direction, silver, diamond, places of pleasure and amusement, theatres, cinemas, restaurants, bedrooms, art galleries, opera and symphony halls, dance halls, beauty salons, elegant shops and clubs. Venus represents the pelvis and the sexual organs, desires and yearnings, reproduction, the semen/ovum, private parts, kidneys, face, eyes, neck, throat, chin, cheeks, skin, venous system, etc. When weak, it causes venereal diseases, diseases of urinary or reproductive system, diabetes, anemia, stones in bladder or kidneys, cataract, weakness of sexual organs, paralysis, asthma, phthisis, cough, cold, sexual perversions, impotence or inability to have sexual relations, loss of bodily luster, etc., and denotes greed, laziness, vanity, ambiguity, lack of charm, sentimentality, vice and sensual corruption, and lack of taste and refinement. Venus is also general signification for assets, vehicles, conveyances, comforts, luxuries, art, dance, drama, music, painting, jewelry, romance, family, marital tie, income and gains, prosperity, wealth, materialistic pursuits, opulence, financial solvency, medicine, hypnosis, mantras, ornaments, perfumes, flowers, festivals, professional position, musicians, singers, songwriters, actors, actresses, artists, dancers, designers, engineers, fashion designers, financial advisors, jewelers, perfumers, legal advisors, ministers and teachers. It signifies also people dealing with entertainment, pleasure and beauty as well as people that tend to earn their livelihoods through arts, romance, silver, delicacies, ornaments and finery, poetry, advice or counseling, and fashion design.


SATURN


Saturn is the servant in the planetary cabinet. It is personified as a statesman and leader of low castes and signifies jobs requiring hard work with less remuneration, leadership of workers, trying to acquire positions in government services, labor oriented industry, routine workers, engineers, real estate agents, research work, scientists, dealing with labor, dealing in roots and fruits, dealing with servants, working with spoiled food, stones or wooden materials, butchers, dealing with products or activities below the earth, etc. When strong in the nativity, it signifies perfection and highest human qualities, spirituality, detachment, concentration, inwardness, dutifulness, reliability, honesty, humility, sincerity, stability, longevity, authoritativeness, discipline, responsibility, conservatism, practicality, realism, durability, eye for detail, sobriety, constancy and consistency.


Saturn is a eunuch planet, cold, dry, contracting, short-tempered, worn-out, tamasic and vata. Its nature is cruel, selfish and indolent and its temperament is harsh and hard-hearted. Saturn has an emaciated body, long stature, brown and sunken eyes, protruding teeth, prominent veins, wrinkles, long hands and face, lazy and melancholic nature, coarse and excessive hair when found strong in a nativity and rules the ascendant or influences the lord of the ascendant. Its complexion is dark and it rules black, navy blue and bright brown colors.


RAHU


Rahu is personified as a diplomat and a shadowy planet and a legendary deception when disposed beneficially. Indicates diplomatic jobs, jobs requiring manipulations with facts, deals in poisons and drugs. It signifies cheats, pleasure seekers, insincere and immoral acts, etc. It is phlegmatic in nature and gives malignant growth. When afflicting, causes malignant growth, disease of phlegm, intestines, boils, skin, ulcers, spleen, worms, high blood pressure, etc. It gives smoky and unpleasant appearance due to habits of overeating, resulting in foul smells and unclean body and nails.


KETU


It is dry and fiery in nature. Its affliction causes wounds, inflammations, fevers, intestinal disorders, aberrations, low blood pressure, deafness, and defective speech and gives emaciated body with prominent veins. It is personified as a saint and inclines a person more towards mystic science and spiritual pursuits.


QUALITIES AND SEX OF PLANETS


The Sun, the Moon, Venus and Mercury are of rajasic nature. Jupiter is of satvic. Mars, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu are of tamsic nature. The Sun, Mars, and Jupiter are male while the Moon, Venus, and Rahu are female. Mercury, Saturn and Ketu are eunuchs.


FUNCTIONAL MALEFIC PLANETS


The functional malefic planets for various ascending signs are as under:


Aries: Mercury, Rahu and Ketu.


Taurus: Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Rahu and Ketu.


Gemini: Rahu and Ketu.


Cancer: Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.


Leo: The Moon, Rahu and Ketu.


Virgo: Saturn, Mars, the Sun, Rahu and Ketu.


Libra: Mercury, Rahu and Ketu.


Scorpio: Mars, Venus, Rahu and Ketu.


Sagittarius: The Moon, Rahu and Ketu.


Capricorn: The Sun, Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu.


Aquarius: The Moon, Mercury, Rahu and Ketu.


Pisces: The Sun, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.


Author: Muthu Senthil Kumar M
http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/muthu-senthil-kumar-m/82457.htm