The Planetary Triangle
The Planetary Triangle refers to various configurations and combinations of planets in the sky. These geometric arrangements and conjunctions have significant effects on earthly events, including famine, war, prosperity, and the welfare of kingdoms and peoples.
Ancient Vedic astrology identifies specific planetary configurations (Chakra, Dhanus, Sringataka, etc.) and six types of planetary combinations (Samvarta, Sammoha, Samaja, Kosa, Sannipata, and Samagama), each with distinct characteristics and effects.
General Principles
Direction of Non-Luminaries
The direction in which all the non-luminaries are sighted after their emergence from the Sun or are eclipsed by the Sun will be afflicted with famine, war and diseases
Cluster at Sunset
In any part of the sky where a cluster of planets is seen at Sunset, there will be another king in the country corresponding to that quarter, and there will be great trouble from foreign foes
Planets in Asterism
When planets come together in any asterism, people belonging to that particular asterism will be killed. But they will prove auspicious to the same people if they shed bright rays and do not occult each other
Planetary Configurations
The following seven configurations bring famine, drought, and war:
Chakra (Discus)
Brings famine and drought to mankind; promotes war among kings
Dhanus (Bow)
Brings famine and drought to mankind; promotes war among kings
Sringataka (Triangle)
Brings famine and drought to mankind; promotes war among kings
Danda (Staff)
Brings famine and drought to mankind; promotes war among kings
Pura (Town)
Brings famine and drought to mankind; promotes war among kings
Prasa (Dart)
Brings famine and drought to mankind; promotes war among kings
Vajra (Thunder-bolt)
Brings famine and drought to mankind; promotes war among kings
Six Types of Planetary Combinations
Samvarta (Concourse)
IndifferentDefinition:
When four or five planets, marching or stationary, congregate in a single asterism
Effects:
Indifferent effects - neither good nor bad; dangerous to people
Sammoha (Tarnishing)
IndifferentDefinition:
When four or five planets congregate in a single asterism and are also combined with Rahu or a comet
Effects:
Indifferent effects - neither good nor bad; dangerous to people
Samaja (Meeting)
BeneficialDefinition:
When a stationary planet associates with another stationary planet, or one on march with another of the same type
Effects:
The year will be very beneficial
Kosa (Fellowship)
NotableDefinition:
When some other planet joins the party made up of Jupiter and Saturn
Effects:
Effects not specified, but generally considered significant
Sannipata (Encounter)
MaleficDefinition:
If two planets, one rising heliacally in the east and the other in the south (a little behind)
Effects:
There will certainly be the raging of hostilities
Samagama (Gathering)
BeneficialDefinition:
Any conjunction of planets other than the above five
Effects:
Effect will always be auspicious if the planets be large, resplendent, and natural in appearance
Important Principles
- The seven planetary configurations (Chakra, Dhanus, Sringataka, Danda, Pura, Prasa, and Vajra) all bring similar malefic effects - famine, drought, and war among kings.
- Among the six planetary combinations, Samvarta and Sammoha have indifferent effects (neither good nor bad) but are dangerous to people.
- Samaja (Meeting) brings very beneficial results for the year.
- Sannipata (Encounter) brings the raging of hostilities and war.
- Samagama (Gathering) is always auspicious if the planets are large, resplendent, and natural in appearance.
- When planets congregate in an asterism and shed bright rays without occulting each other, they prove auspicious to people of that asterism.
- The direction where non-luminaries emerge from or are eclipsed by the Sun indicates areas that will suffer famine, war, and diseases.
- A cluster of planets at sunset in any direction indicates political instability (another king) and trouble from foreign foes in that corresponding region.