A good beginning makes a good ending - by Madhushri Mukherjee
Where does one begin? At birth of course but the foundation of a new life begins in the parents much before the child is born. In biological terms there are genes that are the same and intellectually there are many similarities between the creative juices of parents and children.
Finally it is the upbringing, exposure to relevant reality that actually gives shape to the person
In Vedic astrology, the beginning or the birth is signified by the Ascendant but what is hidden – the nadir remains in the deapth of the 4th house of the horoscope. This house also shows how is going to be the latter part of life.
This house is a very important part of the horoscope since it depicts the level of a person’s contentment or happiness in life. Signifying the mind it shows family, mother, domestic environment, level of education just to mention a few areas where it is significant.
Astrologers look at this house since no horoscope analysis is complete without taking the signatures affecting this house into consideration
The obvious reasons being:
• How is the mind?
• How does general education fare?
• How happy is the person?
• What is the domestic scene?
• Wealth in way of landed property & vehicles.
The significator or Karaka of the 4th house is planet Venus and Moon. Both these planets are the main feminine energies that bring, harmony and softness in life. The planet Venus has to do with vehicles and happiness while Moon has to do with emotions, mother, home & family.
The horoscope has twelve houses and 7 planetary energies that are in control of them. The nodes Rahu & Ketu are shadowy planets and are not in power where Zodiac signs are concerned.
The nine planetary energies are closely interconnected and there is hardly any area of life that can be really taken as completely free of all their effects. However when they are directly connected to the 4th house, their influence is quite prominent and makes the life of the person shapes the future and consents harmony or disharmonious life. I give below some examples.
Effect of Sun on the 4th house often shows gain through inheritance, landed property and intelligence. Low or weak Sun can mean dishonor at later stage in life and difficulty in domestic area.
Effect of Moon on the 4th house can mean a harmonious childhood, loving mother/parents and basically a good beginning in life. Gain is indicated and it can also show changeable residence. A low or challenged Moon can mean turbulent childhood, emotionally stressed life, unfavorable conditions in mother’s life etc.
Effect of Mars on the 4th house can be a source of good amount of landed property, energy and force in life. Gain in birthplace is unlikely and there may be disharmony in life generally. A malefic Mars connection with this house may indicate, unhappy home life, accidents and fires at home.
Effect of Mercury on the 4th house can be most rewarding. There can be appreciation and popularity in public. Benefic Mercury also indicates inheritance and property. If the planet is weak and unhealthy the person can be of very curious nature, exacting and create unnecessary disturbances at home
Effect of Jupiter on the 4th house indicates gain and happiness in family. Benefic and strong Jupiter can be a blessing & all obstacles will be overcome. Good education & knowledge is a high possibility. Weak or afflicted Jupiter may not indicate a good childhood or happy & harmonious family life.
Effect of Venus on the 4th house mostly brings out very favorable indications to domestic affairs. The residence will be artfully decorated. There will be abundance of wealth and harmony among all the family members. If the planet is weak and afflicted just the contrary may hit life.
Effect of Saturn on the 4th house is not conducive for a happy family life. If there is aspect of Saturn there will be unhappiness, if Saturn is located in 4th house then there is bound to be contraction in family ties. An afflicted Saturn can mean major unhappiness at home, impaired education and ill health of mother/parents.
The Shadowy planets Rahu & Ketu are not welcome in this house. They generate a sense of discontent and eggs on the person to seek more and more from life often going beyond the gamut of reality.
The above are generally applicable to horoscopes of different Ascendants. But to come back to the ‘beginning’ theme, a strong planet, especially located in the 4th house, Moon or Venus can be a great boon.
