Planetary Aspects (Dristi)

Aspects are certain areas of the Zodiac that a given planet influences. These aspects can be supportive or destructive. After we evaluate the placement of a given planet (House placement, Sign placement, rulership) we have a good idea of its nature in a person’s Birth Chart. As this planet “aspects” another area of life (the House it aspects) we can have very useful insight on the energies relating to the aspected House.

For example if someone has an empty 1st House in the Birth Chart, that is usually pretty neutral (although the placement of the Lagna Lord has a major impact on the 1st House). But if this empty 1st House receives the aspects of Malefic planets, we see many obstacles and potential health problems.

But often the aspects of planets are extremely positive.

For example 6th House Saturn is always associated with longevity and good health, because Saturn from the 6th House aspects the 8th and the 12th Houses, so its blocking, obstructing, delaying energies actually blocks and delays accidents, enemies, illnesses and death. So in this case a Malefic planet in a Malefic Dushtana House also aspects the 2 other Dushtana Houses, giving absolutely fabulous results.

The Sun, the Moon, Mercury and Venus only aspect one House, The 7th House from their placement in the Birth Chart. Mars aspects the 4th, 7th and 8th Houses from its placement. Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu aspect the 5th, 7th and 9th Houses from their placement, and Saturn aspects the 3rd, 7th and 10th Houses from its placement.

When 2 planets are in a mutual and positive aspect, they obviously both benefit and so do both Houses they are placed in.

For example if Jupiter is in the 4th House and the Moon is in the 10th House they are exchanging aspects, so both the 4th House of Home and Emotional Well Being and the 10th House of Career and Public Recognition hugely benefit from this mutual aspect.

We must keep in mind that well placed planets (according to their own nature) will give this “good” and strong aspects, while badly placed planets (according to their own nature) give the damaged aspect.

For example a very well placed 5th House Venus (a Benefic planet in Benefic Trikona House) aspecting the 11th House gives excellent results, the creativity of Venus pulls in fame and network and creative endeavors will find a wide audience and bring financial success. But a badly placed 6th House Mercury (a Benefic planet in Malefic Dushtana House) will aspect the 12th House bringing sleeping problems, discomfort with intimacy because of overthinking and constant worrying.