Karmic Astrology—a Study

by Sunita Anant Chavan | 2017 | 68,707 words

This page relates ‘Concept of Candra (the Moon)’ of the study on Karmic Astrology and its presentation in Vedic and the later Sanskrit literature. Astrology (in Sanskrit: Jyotish-shastra) is based upon perceptive natural phenomenon of cosmic light forms while the Concept of Karman basically means “action according to Vedic injunction” such as the performance of meritorious sacrificial work.

Part 2.1.2 - Concept of Candra (the Moon)

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[Full title: Sources of Light in the Literature (2): Candra]

Moon is addressed as Candra or Canda, the terms which express its luminous nature and with the term Candramas moon is the luminous measurer^[1]. Often Candra is addressed as Soma^[2] and in the Ṛgveda the name shares a parallel^[3] with the personified terrestrial Soma plant and its juice. The light nature of Soma is expressed in Ṛgveda-saṃhitā IX.86.45. Soma (juice) is addressed as ‘Śukra’ or ‘Śuci’, bright^[4] in its purified form or as ‘indu’^[5] the ‘bright drop’ or ‘drop’ (Ṛgveda-saṃhitā VI. 44.21). Soma thus has a terrestrial as well as a celestial origin in the literature.

Candra receives light rays from Sūrya is known and is thereby addressed as Sūryaraśmi in the Saṃhitās.^[6] The birth of Soma from Sūrya is recognized and also its regular death. (Ṛgveda-saṃhitā X.55.5, Taittirīya-brāhmaṇa ii.5.7.3). The total disappearance of Candra on New Moon (Amāvāsyā) is observed and that it enters Āditya on this day is mentioned in Aitareya Brāhmaṇa (40.5). Months were lunar and in Vedic times compared to the Amānta (New Moon), months beginning or ending with the Paurṇamānta (Full Moon) were preferred (Tai. on Saṃ. 7.5.6). These phases^[7] formed the base for ritual actions including the performance of Darśapūrṇamāseṣṭi (sacrifices on the New Moon and Full Moon day). In the later literature, the position of Candra was the basis for Muhūrta (proper time) for the performance of any auspicious act. The Jātaka branch of Jyotiḥśāstra sets the pattern of Nakṣatras for the purpose of predictions of life of an individual and for the performance of actions, depending on the Nakṣatra in which the Moon at the time of birth of an individual is situated.^[8]

Candra is associated with the Kālapuruṣa as his mind.^[9] In relation with the human journey after death, Candra is deemed a station for the performers of sacrificial actions and also the abode, eye and light of the fathers.^[10]