Yogakarakas, Marakas, Benefics, and Malefics for a Libra Ascendant in Vedic Astrology

Understanding planetary classifications is crucial in Vedic astrology, where the ascendant (lagna) plays a significant role in determining the nature of planets. For a Libra ascendant, the classification of planets as yogakarakas, marakas, benefics, and malefics varies based on the typical lordships and their inherent qualities. This article explores these planetary roles in detail.

Yogakarakas - Beneficial Planets for Libra Ascendant

Yogakarakas are planets that can create beneficial combinations or yogas. In the context of a Libra ascendant:

Venus: As the ruler of the 1st and 6th houses, Venus is a yogakaraka. It nourishes the ascendant and, being a natural benefic, brings harmony and prosperity. Saturn: Ruling the 2nd and 3rd houses, Saturn is also considered a yogakaraka. It can introduce stability and fortitude to the native's life.

Marakas - Planets of Death or Significant Challenges for Libra Ascendant

Marakas are planets that can cause significant issues, predominantly related to the 2nd and 7th houses. For a Libra ascendant, they include:

Saturn: As the ruler of the 2nd house, Saturn can bring challenges in financial matters and relationships. Mars: Ruling the 7th house, Mars is considered a maraka, often associated with partnership and marriage.

Benefics - Positive Outcomes and Support for Libra Ascendant

Benefic planets bring positive outcomes and support. For a Libra ascendant, they are:

Venus: The 1st house ruler, Venus is a benefic, known for its harmonizing and benevolent nature. Jupiter: Ruling the 5th and 8th houses, Jupiter is a benefic, bestowing good fortune, wisdom, and spiritual growth.

Malefics - Challenging Planets for Libra Ascendant

Malefic planets bring challenges and obstacles. For a Libra ascendant, they are:

Mars: As the 7th house ruler, Mars is a malefic, often causing difficulties in partnerships and relationships. Saturn: When placed unfavorably, Saturn can also be seen as a malefic, introducing obstacles and challenges.

Summary of Planet Roles in a Libra Ascendant

Here is a summary of the roles of the planets in a Libra ascendant:

Yogakarakas: Venus, Saturn Marakas: Saturn, Mars Benefics: Venus, Jupiter Malefics: Mars, Saturn

The role of these planets can change significantly based on their positions, aspects, and overall placement in the horoscope. The planetary periods (Dasha) further influence their nature and impact.

Understanding Planetary Lordships and Qualities

It is important to note that the lordships and inherent qualities of planets can change based on various rules:

When ruling a Kendra (4th, 7th, or 10th houses), natural benefics lose their benefic quality, and natural malefics lose their malefic quality. A malefic who rules both a Kendra and a trine becomes benefic. When ruling a Kendra, stronger benefics become stronger malefics. The lords of trines (1st, 5th, 9th houses) are benefic. The lord of the ascendant is a great benefic. The lords of 3rd, 6th, 8th, and 11th houses are malefic. The lord of 2nd and 12th houses are neutral, acting according to their other sign and associated planet. Except for Sun and Moon, every planet has two signs, acting according to the associated planet if their signs fall in the 2nd or 12th houses. Otherwise, they are considered malefic.

In the case of typical lordships, there is a principle that out of the two signs a planet rules, the mooltrikona rulership is more predominant.

Libra Ascendant Specifics

For a Libra ascendant, the planetary influences are as follows:

Venus: As a great benefic, ruling the 1st house. Saturn: As a yogkaraka due to ruling the 4th and 5th houses. Mercury: Ruling the 9th and 12th houses, Mercury is considered a benefic. Jupiter: As the 3rd and 6th houses ruler, Jupiter is a malefic. Sun: Ruling the 11th house, the Sun is considered badhaka for Libra ascendants. Moon: Ruling the 10th house, its benefic or malefic tendency changes based on its distance from the Sun. Mars: Ruling two maraka houses (2nd and 7th), Mars is a malefic but may not show visible results unless afflicted. Rahu-Ketu: Acting according to their associations.

The conjunction, exchange, or aspect between Venus, Saturn, and Mercury will be quite noticeable.