‘The only thing in life achieved without effort is failure.’ - By Madhushri Mukherjee
In other words there is nothing to be had as an achievement in life unless there is effort. One can only evolve with effort and time. One can be a very wealthy person by birth and have a very comfortable and luxurious life but that is not an achievement. Achievements are those that happen by self-effort fructifying a certain desire.
Are you charged and fuelled by a certain will to achieve? This ‘will to achieve’ is made dynamic with effort. So a ‘wish’ gives seat to ‘desire’ & effort fulfills it as a ‘mission’. This way each achievement is fulfillment of a certain mission. Life path is linked by various such achievements and there is no gap. Care has to be there so that a gap does not creep in, such a gap gathers distance with time.
In Vedic astrology, the 3rd house signifies this ‘effort’ factor. This house is also known as a ‘Kama’ or desire house where the first dream appears and the first seed of desire is planted in life. As life goes on, the person goes by that dream and gives effort to make it life’s greatest achievement. The 3rd house is also known as the house of younger brother, courage, communication and action. It is the most important area of the horoscope that determines the capacity to work hard and persistently. This house governs the flow of life, defines the nature.
Astrologers look at this house first and foremost to see why a certain factor remains elusive for the person. Is the person working towards it or waiting under a tree to catch a ripe fruit if it falls & when that happens!
The obvious reasons being:
•How is the person?
•How is the effort factor?
•How is the diligence factor?
•What is the level of enthusiasm for future?
The significator or Karaka of the 3rd house is planet Mars. The planet has to do with all kinds of action. The life path is defined and etched by action, diligence, enthusiasm and communication; all these are parts and parcel of Mars qualities. These are also essentially 3rd house governed and driven powers that a person enjoys.
The horoscope has twelve houses and 7 planetary energies that are in control of them. The nodes Rahu & Ketu are shadowy planets and they do not own Zodiac signs.
The nine planetary energies are closely interconnected and there is hardly any area of life that can be taken as completely free of all their effects. However when they are directly connected to the 3rd house, their influence is quite prominent and makes the person act in certain manners & show very specific tendencies in life. I give below some examples.
Effect of Sun on the 3rd house can be a source of great strength. There is brilliance of plan & subsequent action. There is good manners and rise in life.
Effect of Moon on the 3rd house can make the person learned, intuitive and fond of change. If Moon is strong and benefic, there is confidence and focus, if Moon is weak and afflicted there may be depression, and confusion leading to laziness.
Effect of Mars on the 3rd house can be a source of great power if the planet is strong and healthy. There is courage to address what needs to be done, disciplined effort and good vitality. If Mars is strong and benefic, there is productive lead always up ahead in life; life is independent and wealthy; if Mars is weak and afflicted there will be rashness, danger of accidents and senseless ego, often the cause of confrontations.
Effect of Mercury on the 3rd house can be most rewarding since Mercury is a planet that promotes communication at each level. It can become a promoter of the person’s oratory skills, writing brilliance and give many short journeys. If the planet is strong and healthy, there can be high intellect and very good relationship all around; if the planet is weak and unhealthy the person can be of very curious and investigating nature, see shadows where there is no danger.
Effect of Jupiter on the 3rd house can be very rewarding in way of high educational endeavors. If the planet is strong there can be great benefits through brothers, education popularity; but in case the planet is unhealthy and weak, there can be problems in speech and communication skills, and effort factor may be greatly lacking.
Effect of Venus on the 3rd house mostly brings out great artistic talents. There can be much success in artistic and creative endeavors. However if the planet is weak and lowly, there can be much turmoil in life, lack of proper assessment of advice and loss of opportunity.
Effect of Saturn on the 3rd house can be a very strong support. There will be the capacity for very hard work sustenance and deep following to ambition and goal. This malefic has good effect on the third house matters if located here and is strong and healthy.
The above are generally applicable to horoscopes of different Ascendants. But to come back to the ‘effort’ theme, a strong planet, a solid lord can be the biggest boost for potentially active life leading to fulfillment of all dreams.
