SECTION 7 ON QUERIES
Sloka 1. Thus should all the effects be predicted in the case of a nativity through the position of the several planets and the Lagna at the time. In the absence of the horoscope, the effects should be divined through the Lagna rising at the time of query. There will be no difference between the effects derived through the horoscope at birth or through the time of query. If the day be clouded at the time and the exact Ghatikas that have elapsed since Sunrise be not be readily available, the several Rasis and Navamsas should be determined by further queries (as detailed in the next 3 slokas).
Sloka 2. A querist should approach an astrologer with fruits and Dakshina and should when asked, mention a number below 108. The same should be taken as the basis and predictions – good or bad – about the past, present and future, should be made by the astrologer after salutations to the feet of his preceptor.
Sloka 3 : The basis number aforesaid should be divided by 9; the quotient represents the number of Rasis from Mesha that have elapsed, and the remainder represents the number of Navamsas elapsed in the Lagna at the time of query. The planets and the Bhavas at the time should be determined and effects-good as well as bad-should be predicted as before through the Karaka, planets and through the strongest of them.
Sloka 4 : The number of flowers and money units that had been handed over to him by the querist, the astrologer should multiply by the basis number and divide the product by 12. The remainder will signify the Rasi reckoned from Mesha in which Jupiter was posited in the querist’s nativity. Through the position of Jupiter at the time of query, the astrologer can easily guess the age by a look at the querist and the probable number of cycles made by Jupiter since the birth-time of the querist. The months days, etc. that have elapsed (since the last birth¬day), will be revealed by the portion of the Rasi traversed by Jupiter in the Rasi occupied by him at the time of query. The total period thus obtained is to be subtracted from the present position of the Sun to get the year, month, etc. of the birth in question.
Sloka 5: The month, the week day, the Ghatikas, etc., elapsed on the day, all will be solar. From this, the Moon’s position, the lunar years, month, Tithi, etc., and hence the whole horoscope can be obtained, Thus have been described briefly the process of casting a lost-horo¬scope. The method to get at a horoscope has thus been chalked out for the delectation of those interested in the science.
Thus ends the method for casting Lost Horoscopes.
Sloka 6: Multiply the basis number by 2 and divide the product by 3. If the remainder be 1, the query is about a living being; if it be 2, it relates to some mineral. If it be zero, it relates to a plant. When the Lagna at query is Mesha, the matter relates to bipeds. If it be, Vrishabha, it relates to quadrupeds; if the Lagna be, Mitbuna, it is about pregnancy. When Kataka is rising, the subject relates to a legal dispute. When the Lagna is Sirnha, the matter relates to Government.
Sloka 7: If Kanya be the Lagna, the query relates to an intrigue with a woman other than one’s wife. The subject will be about trading when Tula is rising. If Vrischika be rising, there will be fear from the wicked. It will relate to wealth lost when sign Dhanus is rising. Some sinful deed will be the subject if Makara be the Lagna. If Kumbha is rising, it will be about some religi¬ous rites. If Meena be the Lagna, it will relate to position and residence. Thus sages say that it should be declared through the stronger of the two-viz., Rasi and Navamsa -rising at the time.
Sloka 8: If at the time of query, the Sun occupies his own Rasi or Navamsa whichever is stronger, the query relates to Sovereign and kingdom. If the Moon be in a similar position, it relates to tanks and the like. If it be Mars, the question is about fire and danger from the’ king or enemies. Mercury, similarly situated will relate to trade and agriculture. Jupiter will refer to friends, king and the like. Venus will point to more happiness; while Saturn in such a position will relate to a human being or immoveable property.
Sloka 9: Similarly, if a planet be exalted, the effect will be doubled; if debilitated, the effect will be nil. When the planet is in a friend’s house, the effect will be half; in a neutral’s house, it will be very low. If two planets are exalted, or be in their Swakshetra Rasis, the query should be answered by a wiseman after a reference to the stronger of the two and the corresponding (Karaka) and the Bhava occupied by each of them.
Sloka 10: If a planet be exalted at the time, the business will be accomplished in a few Ghatikas ; if occupy¬ing his own house, the business will be done in a few days; if quartered in a friendly house, it will be finished in a few months. Otherwise, it will take some years. If the planet be in any other positions,in conjunction with or aspected by a malefic, failure of the object will have to be predicted. If Saturn be exalted in the Lagna, or if the lords of the Lagna and the Bhava indicating the nature of the query be conjoined with, or aspected by strong benefics, the immediate accomplishment of the business should be predicted.
Sloka 11: The horizon is a circle consisting of 360 degrees and there are 12 spokes each at an interval of 300; and the 108 Navamsas are permanently located in the same. The four pairs of moveable and immoveable signs beginning with Mesha represent the East and other principal points of the compass in order. The four dual signs, viz., Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanus and Meena signify respectively the four intermediate points, viz., S. E., S. W., N. W. and N. E. The astrologer should enter in the concerned Rasis and Navamsas the several planets according to their exact longitudes at the time,
Sloka 12: If a person, with flowers, fruits, etc., (visible) in his hand, should approach the astrologer and standing in a place puts a query, the Rasi indicated by that place with respect to the astrologer as per apportionment alluded to in. the last sloka is called the Arudha Lagna at query, and the astrologer should predict in all such queries the effects-good or bad as the case may be-through the planets owning the Arudha Lagna and the house representing the nature of the query with special reference to the planets conjoined with them or aspecting them.