Astrology of Lifespan

We've all heard of 'Death and Taxes', and of death being the great equaliser, but what about death and the mystical world of astrology? In astrology, death can be a touchy subject. Not because astrology tries to avoid the topic, but for the very opposite.

Astrology is a means of interpreting human existence, of which our present life, previous lives and after life are integral parts, and all of which have specific astrological references. Astrologers are therefore keenly aware of the profound finality of this truly inescapable reality of life. Astrology thus treats death with all the seriousness that it deserves, and offers strong reasoning for the paradoxical position that death holds according to astrological reasoning.

Astrological Signs of Death

• Houses of the Natal Chart

Of the twelve houses of the natal, or birth chart, the following are of the greatest importance when considering matters relating to death and lifespan:

1. The eighth house, among other things, governs longevity, death and transformation.
2. The first house or Ascendant represents the physical body, general health, constitution and vital life force. The lord of the 1^st house is closely linked with that of the 8^th. A person may experience health scares, or even an early death, depending on the relative placements of these two planets, their periods and transits.
3. The twelfth house is associated with rebirth, the next life and spiritual salvation. It is also the house of the subconscious mind.
4. The sixth house relates to health and illness. It can also indicate the possibilities of injury, surgery and physical discomfort. This house is not directly associated with death, but does represent previous lives and the influence of dead ancestors, not forgetting that they may become the company we keep in the afterlife.
5. The second and seventh houses are considered to death inflicting houses or, ‘Maarak Sthhaans’. In the case of the 2^nd house, this depends on the planets occupying the house, as they directly aspect the 8^th house. The 7^th house can describe the influence of marriage on a person's health and lifespan.

• Zodiac Signs

There is a belief that the zodiac sign that occupies the 8^th house can shed light on the circumstances of a person’s death. For instance, if Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius are the zodiac signs occupying the 8^th house, a person may pass away in their home, or with family members close at hand.

• Planets

The planet that rules the 8^th house is the lord of death, referred to in Vedic astrology as the, ‘Maarkesh’. This does not mean that this planet takes on the role of the harbinger of death, but that its alignment has health related implications. The characteristics and alignment of this planet in a chart can also reveal the nature of a person’s death, such as whether this will be peaceful, seemingly premature, or even violent.

The ruling planet of the 1^st house or Ascendant governs one’s general mental and physical condition. This planet provides a general indication of a person’s mental and emotional inclinations, as well as their physical appearance and condition. A strong Ascendant’s lord suggests good vitality and long life, while a weak or afflicted one may indicate health issues or reduced longevity.

If the ruling planet of the Moon sign is weak or afflicted, such as being debilitated, combust, retrograde, or in malefic aspect, this can reduce resilience, especially during its planetary period, and may be a contributing factor to a decline in health.

The following planets have a particular association with characteristics relating to death and the afterlife:

1. Saturn ♄:
   • Represents aging, decay and the slow passage of time.
   • Is often associated with slow, chronic conditions and the consequences of our karmic balance.
   • Can indicate endings or detachment.
2. Mars ♂:
   • Governs violence, injuries, and accidents.
   • Can be linked to sudden or violent death, especially if afflicted or placed in malefic combinations.
3. Rahu ☊:
   • Associated with unnatural or mysterious deaths, poison, deception, dellusion and previous births.
   • Causes confusion, obsession and suspicion.
4. Ketu ☋:
   • Associated with infections, illusions, the next life, the afterlife and spiritual salvation.
   • In extreme cases, it can indicate sudden or spiritually transformative forms of death.

• Planetary Transits and Periods

The motion of the planets, when read in association with their influence on the above mentioned houses, can indicate the timing of a person’s death. The main periods of relevance being:

The major, minor, sub and very short planetary periods are referred to as the concurrent ‘Maha’, ‘Antar’, ‘Pratyantar’ and ‘Sooksham’ ‘Dashas’, respectively. When a major period of the ‘Maarkesh’ is in progress, a person can be at risk, which often manifests as some manner of health problem. This risk increases if a major planetary period coincides with shorter periods of those planets that have a directly adverse influence on the 8^th, 6^th or 1^st houses. If all of the above mentioned planetary periods (Dashas) are adverse relative to the 8^th house, death could be imminent, but is not certain, as there are other mitigating circumstances.

One such mitigating factor is the presence of Saturn on the Moon sign. Saturn spends seven and a half years in each zodiac sign. This period is known as a ‘Sade Satti’ in Vedic astrology and is a period of general strife, turmoil and upheaval. This period can potentially also have health implications, depending on the alignment of Saturn in the natal chart. Each person undergoes approximately three such cycles of Saturn in their lifetime, as it is generally believed that the third such cycle is the last that a person experiences. However again, this has to be assessed in relation to the prevailing planetary periods and overall nature of the chart.

Predicting Death

If you go by the above information alone, you simply have to work out when concurrent planetary periods of the ruler of the 8^th house coincide with Saturn’s third cycle and, Bob’s your uncle, you have a date for D-day. Except not quite.

Astrologers will tell you that any such coinciding dates are indications, but not certainties. This is because astrology, particularly Vedic astrology, has a spiritual - mythological background and its true purpose is not to predict fates, but to bring us closer to a spiritual awakening and divinity.

The primary rule of Vedic astrology holds that deeds and actions (karma) are above all else. That is, our actions, if made with the right convictions, for the right purpose and at the right time, then they have the power to move almost anything, including the planets, metaphorically speaking that is.

The second, and perhaps more compelling reason for why a horoscope chart alone can only indicate, but not dictate an exact time of death is because the heavens, stars, planets, astrology, and we ourselves, are all a creation of the Almighty. He, or she determines how the details of our horoscope charts will play out, the fate that we inherit and when it is time for us to call it quits. There is no astrologer, or horoscope chart that can override this authority.

The fable of the sage ‘Markandey’, from ancient Hindu mythology illustrates this belief quite clearly. According to the legend, Rishi Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati, were devotees of Lord Shiva, and had no children. They prayed for a child, and Lord Shiva offered them a choice:

• A son who would be wise and virtuous but live only till the age of 16, or
• A son who, though undeserving, would live a long life.

In the event, they chose the former, and Markandey was born. He was a brilliant and devout boy. As he neared the age of 16, he was aware of his impending death and turned to intense worship of Lord Shiva, chanting the powerful Vedic chant for conquering death, the ‘Mahamrityunjay Mantra’.

On the day of his destined death, Yamraj, the lord of death, came to take his soul. Markandey clung to a ‘Shiva Lingam’ and continued his chant. Yamraj cast his noose, which landed around both the boy and the ‘lingam’.

This act enraged Lord Shiva, who emerged from the ‘lingam’ and struck down Yamraj with his trident, thus saving young Markandey from an early demise. Shiva then proclaimed that the boy would remain immortal and blessed him with eternal youth and wisdom.

This story symbolises the power of faith, surrender and divine intervention in the face of destiny. It is recited in honour of the ‘Mahamrityunjay Mantra’, a life giving prayer and symbol of divine grace. It also emphasises that, like Markandey, we can alter fate on the strength of our actions.

Astrological Remedies for Increasing Lifespan

The fable of Markandey ties in with the astrological recommendations for increasing one’s lifespan, and for warding off most forms of misfortune. One such remedy is of course, to recite the ‘Mahamrityunjay Mantra’. It is also possible to seek these blessings through the amulet corresponding to this Mantra and the amulets that have such an influence are:

• The Trigya Yantra