Every now and then, I receive and inquiry which seems to be sent my way to help me fine tune my astrological philosophy. Very recently, someone contacted me for help regarding remediation. Planetary remediation is often a contentious and nuanced area.
In theory, remediation or propitiation could be done for any 7 traditional planets and the two shadow energies- Rahu and Ketu.
In theory.
It’s a different ballgame in practice though. Traditional western (classical, hellenistic etc) and Jyothish remedies diverge. Traditional western astrological remedies are just as ritualistic, methodical and religious as Jyothish. Personally, I prefer secular remedies, but filtering out the religious undertones from astrological remediation to transform it into secular takes imagination and creativity.
Between determinism and choice.
The overarching soul purpose can be thought of as an ‘archetype’ that we (as our formless, higher self) has chosen before we take a human form. If we are not in tune with our archetype, we are met with external and internal resistance in the form of obstacles or self sabotaging behaviors.
“Through a process of research, reflection, trial, and error, I ultimately concluded that a unique combination of twelve archetypal patterns, corresponding to the twelve houses of the zodiac, works within each of us to support our personal development. These twelve patterns work together in all aspects of your life…“In a sense each archetype represents a “face” and “function” of the Divine that manifests within each of us individually…“Archetypes are a source of emotional, physical, and spiritual power and can help us free ourselves from fear, although sometimes, as we first get to know them, a few of them may initially unleash fears within us. Our spiritual challenge with any archetype—or fear—is to face it and recognize the opportunity it presents to learn its inherent lesson and develop an aspect of personal power.” Excerpt From: Caroline Myss. “Sacred Contracts.”
So choosing to address the archetypal energy is remediation. One need not have their birth chart analyzed to figure out ones archetype. A competent psychologist, therapist or even a nightly journal would suffice to observe and make sense of the patterns in our life.
However, If one chooses to go down the path of astrological remediation, we have to be aware that the choices that we face are activated or doors that were closed earlier are now opened by planetary transits presenting us with opportunities. If the opportunity is missed, the door closes and a new one opens. But, its not the same door and not the same opportunity. Astrological remediation, thus, is time sensitive.
As a practicing astrologer, I do suggest planetary remedies that can be as ritualistic and involved as the clients wants it to be. Often times, the more steps the remediation involves, the more successful the outcome. However, occasionally, despite all the rituals involved in remediation/propitiation, the chart holder has to experience the event they have been trying to avoid. This brings determinism into focus and an acceptance that the particular event, circumstance or experience must be borne with a certain degree of stoicism.
Determining the scope of remediation
What to remediate and what for?
In G.S. Kapoor’s ‘Remedial Measures in Astrology’, he states that remediation is of benefit when a planet is afflicted and the affliction is determined by these factors:
- “When the planet is Combust”
- “When the planet is positioned in the 6th, 8th or 12th house and deprived of the aspect of Jupiter, Venus or full moon”
- “When a planet is conjoined with a malefic and is not aspected by a benefic like Jupiter, Venus or full Moon”
- “When a planet is conjoined with lord of the 6th, 8th or 12th house and is bereft of aspect by a benefic”
- “When a planet is in exaltation and is retrograde”
Given these set of conditions, every single human will be in need of planetary remediation of some form or another. Some have it worse than others but no one has an ideal, perfect life; however much their social media posts and appearance would attempt to convince you otherwise.
Having said that, before mediation is begun, it is vitally important for the chart holder to understand that remediation requires consistency, dedication and time. Given enough time, most problems resolve on their own anyway.
But, if we want to trigger the process of resolution, remediation works well when the scope and expectations are clearly set. If one is seeking astrological remedies for a biological challenge, the remediation might not succeed. For eg- seeking astrological remediation for infertility when a more constructive approach would be to address the infertility through modern science and use astrology as a complement.
In short, remediation functions well when it is a complementary measure used along with real world grounded, practical actions.
Most astrological queries cluster around two basic tangible needs: Love and money to put it bluntly. As humans, we need the former to thrive and the latter to survive. Clients who have obstacles around one of these usually have a malefic energy issue. I’m possibly being reductive here, but most charts with a relationship or money challenge can be blamed on a malefic (Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu) that overpower the benefics Venus and Jupiter.
It has been my experience that the malefics are best left alone. The destructive, and often malevolent energy of Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu in the chart can be addressed through strengthening the benefics rather than targeting the malefics directly. Therefore, my professional advice on remediation involves Jupiter, Venus and Moon. Strengthening the Jupiterian energy in the chart would indirectly control Mars and Ketu. Rituals to Venus would indirectly soothe Saturn and Rahu. And the Moon needs remediation 100% of the time for each individual unless its super well-aspected and placed. Which it usually isn’t.
Saturn is tricky and sticky. Saturn squares and oppositions or debilitated Saturn placement or a powerful Saturn usually implies a rite of passage. Eg: saturn in Leo- forced to contend with being in the spotlight until one is comfortable and at ease. Life offers opportunities to correct or remediate Saturn placements and aspects organically. But these lessons come at a price. And most of us are not willing to pay that price willingly. Enter Jupiter and/or Venus who help us weather the storm, so to speak, with grace and dignity.
How long to remediate?
Planetary dasha.
In Jyothish, the planetary energies are said to be activated during its period of ruling or dasha. This suggests that not all planets are active all the time, which is also a blessing in disguise, as all 9 traditional planetary energies being active 24/7 could only lead to chaos.
Jyothish recommends remediation of the planetary energy during its dasha. For instance, during Rahu Mahadasha- address Rahu placement and aspect in the chart. Note that I do not advise Rahu propitiation, instead suggest strengthening Venus or even Jupiter. Strengthening Jupiter during Rahu Mahadasha would help balance the grasping, illusory, highly grasping, irascible energy of Rahu through a higher, super conscious, spiritual perspective of Jupiter. While strengthening Venus would balance Rahu in a grounded, charming, pleasing way.
However, some planets have dashas as long as 18 years or 20 years. On the one hand, It would be quite challenging to continue with remediation for that long. On the other hand, remediation would be pointless if its not continued long enough to make it a habit or internalize the energy of what one is trying to invoke or correct. The length of time needed to remediate also depends on the strength of the planetary energy. Sometimes, remediation takes years. Occasionally, its a matter of weeks or months. For instance, a stationary direct Saturn in a square aspect to Venus is a serious obstacle for romantic relationships and might require many months of building a relationship with Venus or Jupiter to invoke their energy.
Adverse effects of remediation
It’s also important to keep an eye out for adverse effects of remediation. Someone I know personally was advised to wear a gemstone (coral) to remediate a debilitated Mars by an astrologer.
What the astrologer did not take into account was the accidental dignity of Mars, or what is known in Jyothish as ‘ a kendra Mars’. The native gradually developed a distorted, warped, disproportionate externally directed energy of Mars which caused combativeness in all relationships. This person refused to let go of an argument, defended their opinion as if their life depended on it, and dug in their heels when their stance or position was countered. As the native aged into their 70s, the ring was eventually retired and magically, the temperament or disposition naturally calmed down and mellowed. One can attribute this mellowing to age, but the correlation between the coral ring and their demeanor was too coincidental for it to be only due to age.
So, its really really critical to keep an eye out for all effects of remediating malefics, and unless absolutely necessary, do not touch the malefics with remedies like gemstones.
To sum up:
1. Use astrological Remediation as a complementary strategy along with concrete, real world solutions. 2. Practice the remediation as recommended for as long as possible. i.e. Routinize it and make it a part of your lifestyle. 3. If you have to remediate the malefics, avoid gemstones. Take the community service approach and donate or volunteer at: For Mars: domestic or child abuse shelters/organisations For Saturn- homeless shelters, retirement homes For Rahu- environmental protection organisation, reptile conservatories. For Ketu- Any organisation that is invovled in spiritual practices. Maybe monasteries, yoga centers etc.
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