Functional Benefics and Malefics for All Ascendants

Functional Benefics and Malefics for All Ascendants

Summary: A list of the functional benefic and functional malefic planets for each of the twelve ascendants in the Sidereal Zodiac used by Vedic Astrology. This is essential information for chart interpretation and the application of remedial measures.

List of Functional Benefics and Malefics for all Ascendants

This information is absolutely fundamental to Jyotish and forms an important part of chart interpretation.

It is also crucial when prescribing suitable remedial measures to balance planetary energies for a particular ascendant. As a general rule, functional benefic planets may be strengthened through appropriate gemstones. Functional malefics, however, should generally not be strengthened in this way, and alternative remedies such as planetary mantras are often preferred.

This guide to functional benefics and malefics for all twelve ascendants is intended for students of Jyotish who already possess a basic understanding of the subject. Please note the following:

The numbers shown in brackets, for example (9 & 12), refer to the houses ruled or owned by the planet relative to the specific ascendant in the Sidereal Zodiac.

Rahu and Ketu do not own any houses and are therefore not classified as functional benefics or malefics. They remain natural malefics.

The notes provided below are derived mainly from the teachings of Parashara.

Where available, the degree of positivity or negativity is indicated using a grading scale from 1 to 5.[1]

A Grade 5 benefic is exceptionally auspicious and considerably more favourable than a Grade 1 benefic.

A Grade 5 malefic is highly problematic and far more difficult than a Grade 1 malefic.

The ruler of the Ascendant never harms the native.

Not all Jyotish astrologers will agree completely on every point listed below. Jyotish contains many layers, subtleties, and exceptions, but the following serves as a useful general guide.

Aries Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Mars has its Moolatrikona sign in Aries (1) and is therefore predominantly favourable.

Mars assists the Sun and Jupiter. Some astrologers also include the Moon in this category.

Saturn associated with Venus is generally unfavourable.

Associations between Jupiter–Sun, Jupiter–Mars, and Mars–Sun are considered beneficial.

A conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter does not usually produce auspicious results.

Jupiter operating under the influence of a malefic can produce inauspicious outcomes.

Taurus Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

The Moon, as ruler of the 3rd house, is not particularly auspicious, though not excessively harmful. The 3rd house is considered less troublesome than the 6th, which itself is generally less difficult than the 11th.

Parashara classifies Venus as a malefic despite ruling the Ascendant. This is presumably because Libra, Venus' Moolatrikona sign, falls in the 6th house from Taurus.

Other astrologers maintain that Venus remains benefic for Taurus Lagna because it rules the Ascendant, which functions as both a Trine and a Kendra. They argue that the Ascendant lord is always beneficial.

Mercury acts more effectively when associated with Saturn or the Sun.

Gemini Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Venus is highly favourable because the 5th house (Libra) is its Moolatrikona sign.

Saturn's role as ruler of the 8th and 9th houses is not specifically discussed by Parashara. Since Aquarius, Saturn's Moolatrikona sign, is the 9th house, Saturn is generally considered favourable, though the overall chart should always be examined.

The Sun's rulership of the 3rd house is not especially beneficial.

Cancer Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Mars associated with the Sun, Moon, or Jupiter is considered highly favourable.

Leo Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Many astrologers regard Venus as somewhat unreliable for Leo Ascendant.

A conjunction of Jupiter and Venus generally does not produce auspicious results.

Virgo Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

The Sun's role as ruler of the 12th depends heavily upon its associations and is generally acceptable when joined with benefic planets in favourable houses.

Saturn (5th and 6th lord) is not specifically mentioned by Parashara. It is generally favourable due to its rulership of the 5th and relationship with Mercury, although some doshas arise because of its 6th house ownership.

Jupiter, ruling the 4th and 7th houses, becomes a Maraka.

Libra Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Venus rules the 1st and 8th houses. Parashara describes Venus as neutral. However, many astrologers argue that Venus should be regarded as auspicious because it rules the Lagna. An interesting debate.

The Moon (10th lord) associated with Mercury (9th and 12th lord) can create Rajayoga.

Mars functions as a Maraka.

Scorpio Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Mars (1 & 6) is classified as neutral. However, many astrologers would regard Mars as auspicious because it rules the Lagna.

Venus functions as a Maraka.

The Sun and Moon together can produce Yogakaraka effects.

Sagittarius Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

The Moon, as ruler of the 8th house, is not specifically listed as inauspicious. It is generally considered favourable when associated with Mercury, the Sun, or Mars.

Mercury is auspicious because its Moolatrikona sign governs the 10th house.

A mutual association between the Sun and Mercury creates Yoga.

An association between the Moon and Jupiter forms a favourable Yoga.

Jupiter is regarded as neutral.

Capricorn Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Saturn (1 & 2) is classified as neutral. However, many astrologers regard Saturn as auspicious because it rules the Ascendant.

The Sun (8th lord) is generally considered neutral.

The Moon functions as a Maraka.

Aquarius Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Venus produces Rajayoga.

Saturn is considered auspicious because Aquarius is its Moolatrikona sign.

Mercury (5 & 8) should generally be favourable but can produce mixed results depending upon its associations.

Pisces Ascendant

Functional Benefics

Functional Malefics

Notes

Pandit Ojha states that a Sambandha between Mars and Jupiter creates Rajayoga.