According to the Vedic wisdom, there are four aims of life. They are Dharma or fulfillment of our Purpose in life, Artha or Material Achievements, Kama or Desire for happiness, and Moksha or Liberation. The area of Health is not a part of the four life goals because it is regarded as the foundation of the four aspects of our life. In the astrology chart, houses 1,5 and 9 and their corresponding Fire signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are attributed to the life aspect of Dharma or Purpose. These houses and their related signs teach us that we have a responsibility to the self, to our creativity, and children, and to spiritual self and society. Houses 2,6, and 10 are Artha or Material houses. These correspond to the Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. These houses are intended to act in harmony in service of the Dharma or spiritual areas of life. Achieving materials for our livelihood, through legal settlements, and from our career and status all indicate the life aspect of Artha or “achievement of goal.” . Houses 3, 7 and 11 correspond to the fulfillment of “legitimate sensory enjoyments” known as Kama. The signs that relate to them are the air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. We have personal desires which include expression of our talents and engaging in hobbies. We also have an innate need to find fulfillment in human relationship. The social desires include friendship and gains through career. These three aims - Dharma, Artha and Kama - are meant to serve the most important goal of life, Liberation and at times, vice versa too. Liberation is freedom from all kinds of illusions and transcending the other three aims. The Water signs that correspond to the Moksha or Liberation aspect of life are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Houses 4,8, and 12 are houses of Freedom. Achieving mental peace, transcendence of death and breaking free from our conditionings are the functions of these three houses. References: 1. http://www.astroved.com/freetools/ 2. Dr.David Frawley’s works - http://vedanet.com/ |