First House in Vedic Astrology

The astrologers needed a frame of reference or background on which to pinpoint exactly the positions of the Sun, the Moon and the planets and their angular distances from each other when seen from the area in which the astrologer lived. But the astrologer probably realized sooner or later that there were two possible frames of reference. One of them was the unchanging patterns made by those star groups – constellations( Nakshatra’s)which are found close to the ecliptic i.e. close to the narrow band or belt in the sky along which the planets move. Such a frame of reference is obviously spatial ( relating to or occupying space); celestial bodies moving over the spatially extended shapes of the zodiacal constellations.

The other frame of reference was most specifically a durational once, for it defined the time it takes for celestial bodies to rise in the East, culminate overhead and set in the West. What is involved in such a type of measurement is, in modern terms, the daily rotation of the celestial sphere above and below the horizon. Such a rotation provided the ancient astrologer with the concept of “Hours” and also of “watches” for specially during the night men had to be on watch for possible dangerous intrusions, whether of predatory animals or human enemies.

The first Zodiacs were most probably lunar zodiacs divided into 27 or 28 sections called Asterisms or Nakshatra’s. Obviously, one cannot normally see the star groups over which the sun passes at anytime of the year; one has to deduced this sun’s position from the stars that rise or set just after sunset. it is for simpler to ascertain the position of the moon at night in relation to the stars. The stellar frame of reference for the moons monthly cycle is indeed the more logical.

Then one should consider the fact that the yearly cycle of the sun through the constellations could also be measured in another manner. We speak today of yearly motion of the sun In longitude along the Zodiacal path; But it can be measured equally well in terms of changes in declination.

Then one should consider the fact that the yearly cycle of the sun through the constellations could also be measured in another manner. We speak today of yearly motion of the sun In longitude along the Zodiacal path, But it can be measured equally well in terms of changes in declination. What this means is simply that sunsets never occur at exactly the same place on the western horizon. Only at the time of the spring and fall equinoxes does the sunset exactly in the West. At the solstice of summer its about 23 and a half degrees to the NW; At the winter solstice about the same number of degrees to the SW. Moreover, there are also changes in the elevation of the sun in the sky throughout the year, which determines the ever-varying angle at which the raise strike the earth surface And as a result the seasonal changes in temperature and climate

The 1st House

The first house represents the life essence with which the soul begins its journey in any particular incarnation. Capabilities acquired by the individual during its various incarnations are not lost; they become part of the general nature. The direction which that soul must take during its present incarnation depends upon the judgment of the Lord of karma. For the successful completion of one’s assigned task in any lifetime, a certain amount of soul’s total life essence is made available to him for that specific birth. The first house represent the quantum of energy apportioned to him, the environment and conditions of his life, And the general direction that he shall have to pursue during the course of the specific incarnation in order to reach his goal. This is why the astrological text describe the 1st house as representing the physical appearance of the person, his temperament, personality and environment, the early years of his life journey and vitality with which he meets the challenges of life.

The 1st house or the eastern horizon is the most significant house in the horoscope. It represents the very being of the person, his vital forces and birth potential. It is a reflection of the spark fragmented from the whole. It is the soul incarnated, the creative urge of the individual. It expresses the inner fire and signifies the rajasic propensities.

All the qualities of the incarnating Soul are contained in this house. Unless the seed of a specific quality or event is contained in this initial spark, other planetary indicators in the horoscope will not find suitable opportunities for manifestation. It not only reflects the individual’s personality and potential, but the possibility of his achieving any desired result.

The first house represents the physical body, head and brain, general appearance, attractiveness of the face and impact of the personality. The height, the hair and its texture are also connected with it. The person’s nature, his capacity to enjoy the pleasures and struggles of life, the pleasure and pain destined for him are indicated by this house. Wisdom acquired from earlier lives is shown here as well. the first house represents the beginning of an event, a journey, or any activity undertaken by the person.

The first house in a Natal chart is called Adi, meaning the beginning. it represents the beginning of all sentient beings, of all thought and idea; it stands for initial imagination, inspiration and aspiration. This house is also called Udyam, Outgoing energy, or the power of taking the initiative and energetically participating in any activity. It is also called Deham, Signifying the physical vehicle, and thus Indicates the general state of health; it is also known as Rupam, for it symbolises the form, identity, or mode of expression contained within.

The first house is Kshetrjan, “the knower of the field”, Suggesting that all experiences or garnered and stored here to be transmitted into wisdom. The 7th house represents Kshetra, field, or area of experience that the soul must confront in the given incarnation.

The word Lagna has many usages and meanings.

❖ Adhere to ( Purpose and Identity) : The primary meaning is to adhere or cling to something, like the body is attached to the soul and without the soul the body is meaningless.

❖ Lagna – Starting Point/Muhurta: A moment which starts something. The end is also set at the time of the beginning. Like the time and place of sowing a seed determines the fate of the tree that is to sprout from it.

❖ Lagna – Rising Point: The point of ecliptic which is rising at the East horizon. ❖ Lagna – Auspicious: It is the decisive moment or time for action.

Lagna: The lagna can be compared to a person walking on a street. He can see people, things, buildings etc but he is separate from them and without any interaction with them.

Lagna Lord: It is the intelligence applied when interacting with the world.

Lagna: The Lagna can be compared to a person walking on a street. He can see people, things, buildings, etc but he is separate from them and without any interaction with them.

Lagna Lord/Lagnesha: It is the intelligence applied when interacting with the world. Wherever Lagna Lord sits, that house becomes a Lagna called Paka Lagna. Because the intellect has been applied, Jupiter becomes the karaka for the Lagnesha. Malefics inimical towards Jupiter will damage the intelligence if they join Lagna Lord. Planets friendly towards Jupiter will help the intelligence of the natives when in similar conditions.

❖ The main Karaka for Lagna is Sun and hence the Lagna Lord will carry the qualities of Sun to whichever House it is sitting in. Eg: If the Lagna Lord is sitting in the 7th house, spouse can be dominating on the native, just as a Sun Placement in 7th would do. They may also be dominated by people other than their spouses, as well.

❖ The placement of the Lagna Lord from the Sun can contribute to the health of the individual or create problems. Also, as we have studied in Sun’s lecture, the placement of Sun from Lagna should also be seen to judge the health and vitality of the native.

❖ Lagna Lord placement in any bhava may take some strength away from that house and give it to the Lagna since the life force or strength has to come from somewhere.

1st House – Lagna – Other Lagna’s

Sun Lagna: Wherever Sun sits.

Moon Lagna: Wherever Moon Sits.

General Rule About Houses

Chain of Dispositors

• ❖  The Lagna Lord represents the native’s intelligence and all general matter of the Lagna. Eg: Aries Lagna –Lagna Lord Mars.
• ❖  The dispositor of Lagna Lord ( Paka Lagna Lord) is like the Sun and will represent the health of the individual. Eg: Mars in Virgo, so Paka Lagna is Virgo and the Paka Lagna Lord is Mercury.
• ❖  The dispositor of Paka Lagna Lord is like the Moon and will represent the native’s ability to provide sustenance or wealth for himself. Eg: Mercury in Pisces, so dispositor is Jupiter.
• ❖  The Navamsa(D-9) dispositor of the dispositor of Paka Lagna Lord will represent the luck or fortune of the individual in achieving the wealth. Eg: In D9, Jupiter in Aquarius, so dispositor becomes Saturn.

• ➢  If all the 4 planets are in Kendra/Trikona or Exalted/Moolatrikona or own sign in the Birth chart(D1) Chart , then the native maybe granted anything he asks for and will have strong ideals.
• ➢  If the Lagna Lord is in Lagna itself then 3 of the 4 conditions are met but the fortune of the native is solely dependent on the Navamsa(D9) dispositor.