Pushkar Navamsa

The concept of Pushkar Navamsa gets divided into two parts based on how
the word “Pushkaramsa” was decoded by the learned astrologers of Indian
astrologers community, who translated so many ancient texts on it. The
meaning is much context depended.

1.“Pushkara-amsa” when translated has “Pushkara Bhaga” or “Pushkara

Part - (meaning) a nourishing portion of the zodiac” is particular degree in
the sign which is highly auspicious. At Birth when a planet is placed in
Pushkara Bhaga, it exclusively gives good and auspicious effects, many of
the learned and experienced astrologers are of this opinion.
The Pushkara Bhaga is useful for arranging date and time to organise an
auspicious activity in general (known as arranging Pushkara Muhurata).

Following are the Pushkara Bhaga for different signs.

21º Aries 14º Taurus 24º Gemini 7º Cancer

21º Leo 14º Virgo 24º Libra 7º Scorpio

21º Sagittarius 14º Capricorn 24º Aquarius 7º Pisces

2.“Pushkara-amsa” also means Pushkara Navamsa, a particular Navamsa

(an arc of 3°20’) in a sign which is very auspicious.

Pushkara Navamsa

Following is the list of Pushkara Navamsa in different signs.

- denotes the presence of Pushkara Bhaga in Navamsa

Sign Degrees Navamsa
20º to 23º20' Libra (7th)
Aries
26º40' to 30º Sagittarius (9th)
6º40' to 10º Pisces (3rd)
Taurus
13º20' to 16º40' Taurus (5th)
16º40' to 20º Pisces (6th)
Gemini
23º20' to 26º40' Taurus (8th)

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Sign Degrees Navamsa
0º to 3º20' Cancer (1st)
Cancer
6º40' to 10º Virgo (3rd)
20º to 23º20' Libra (7th)
Leo
26º40' to 30º Sagittarius (9th)
6º40' to 10º Pisces (3rd)
Virgo
13º20' to 16º40' Taurus (5th)
16º40' to 20º Pisces (6th)
Libra
23º20' to 26º40' Taurus (8th)
0º to 3º20' Cancer (1st)
Scorpio
6º40' to 10º Virgo (3rd)
20º to 23º20' Libra (7th)
Sagittarius
26º40' to 30º Sagittarius (9th)
6º40' to 10º Pisces (3rd)
Capricorn
13º20' to 16º40' Taurus (5th)
16º40' to 20º Pisces (6th)
Aquarius
23º20' to 26º40' Taurus (8th)
0º to 3º20' Cancer (1st)
Pisces
6º40' to 10º Virgo (3rd)

Observed patterns for Pushkara Navamsa

1.7th and 9th navamsa of fiery signs are Pushkara Navamsa.

2.3rd and 5th navamsa of earthy signs are Pushkara Navamsa.

3.1st and 3rd navamsa of watery signs are Pushkara Navamsa.

Insights

Each Zodiac sign contains two Pushkara Navamsa and One Pushkara
Bhaga. The astrologers are of opinion that Pushkara Bhaga, a particular point
in Zodiac is more auspicious in terms of enhancing good attributes and fruit
giving abilities of planet placed at that particular point, than a planet placed in
Pushkara Navamsa. (For understanding purpose, think of Pushkara Navamsa
as exaltation sign and Pushkara Bhaga as point of deep exaltation.)

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The close observation will conclude that, Pushkara Navamsas are only ruled
by Benefics (Venus, Jupiter and Mercury) and Moon (who is a conditional
benefic).

Very few ancient texts mentions directly about Pushkara Navamsa, but if
closely perceived many of them do talk about auspicious outcomes when a
planet falls in to navamsas of Benefics. From descriptions of a planet’s
placement in divisions like navamsa, to the definition of some or the other
navamsa based yog, this theme always remains the same that planet in a
benefic navamsa is more auspicious (or simply good at giving its fruit).

Libra, Taurus (owned by Venus); Sagittarius, Pisces (owned by Jupiter); Virgo

(owned by Mercury) and Cancer (owned by Moon) are the only navmasa
which are known to be as of Pushkara status.

18 out of 24 Pushkara Navamsas are ruled by Venus and Jupiter (each

ruling 9) and remaining 6 are ruled by Mercury and Moon (each ruling 3).

9 out of 12 Pushkara Bhagas are ruled by Venus alone, and remaining 3

are ruled by Mercury.
It means every Pushkara Navamsa of Venus contains a Pushkara Bhaga,
and So is for Mercury.

This figures draw our attention towards basic meaning of Pushkara - which is
to provide, to nourish, to fulfil.

And it is of No doubt that Venus is the Best planet when it comes to fulfilment
and provision of material comforts. This is reason Venus rules luxuries at first
place and happiness at second (Remember - luxury is a material comfort and
happiness is state of mind). All the benefics are associated with happiness or
its cause.

The general idea of auspiciousness in term of fulfilment might have its roots
from this “Pushkaramsa concept”. Where Venus stands as the best giver
followed by Jupiter and then comes Mercury and Moon.

_______________________

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Brihaspati | The Myth of Pushkara & the Pushkara Navamsha
by KOMILLA SUTTON
Pushkara Part One

Pushmeans to nourish and karameans who does or what causes. Pushkara

is a special energy that nourishes. The term pushkara is used in connection
to purification of the sacred rivers of India and the correct time to bathe in
them so that all the sins of past lives can be washed of. While the rivers are
sacred all the time, there is special times when they are energised with divine
energy and this is the time to bathe in them. There are twleve sacred rivers in
India and they become energised once every twleve year. The knowledge of
this time is essential in order to dip into the holy river at the correct time.
Similarly in astrology, there are certain parts of the zodiac that are specially
sanctified and becomes zones where we can be healed and the soul
cleanses itself. These positions are known as Pushkara Bhagas and
navamshas. Pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed
within it. Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the
quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good
luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara
means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the
quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet
from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They
form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep, you come
up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious
astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka
Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. Their importance is
understood through understanding the myth of pushkara and its relationship
with the creator Brahma and Brihaspati (Jupiter).

Myth of Pushkara

After a prolonged penance a Brahmin called Tundila was granted a boon that
he would remain permanently with Shiva in form of Jalamayatva Siddhi. Shiva
has eight forms and one of them is Jalamayatva Siddhi, the ability to live in
water. Tundila became known as Pushkara, the one who nourishes the world
as this penance gave him the power to purify all the holy rivers for the benefit
for all.

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Brahma wanted water for creation and Pushkara?s ability to purify it. He
pleaded with Shiva to allow Pushkara to live in his kamandal (the water pot
that Brahma keeps by his side). Shiv granted this request. Brihaspati (Jupiter)
asked Brahma that Pushkara should be with him, as water was essential for
mankind and Pushkara?s ability to purify unique. Pushkara refused, as he did
not want to leave Brahma.
Brahma resolved the situation by asking Pushkara to stay with Brihaspati for
12 days when the latter was entering a new Rashi and 12 days when he was
leaving it. On a daily basis, Pushkara would stay with Brihaspati for a length
of two Muhurta (48 minutes is one muhurta) in the afternoon. Brahma,
accompanied by all the other gods, would go with Pushkara to the holy river
being blessed. Thus, Pushkara could be with Brahma as well as with
Brihaspati at the same time. Brihaspati stays in one rashi for a year and takes
12 years to complete one cycle of the Zodiac. When Brihaspati comes into a
Rashi then the Pushkara would be with him in the first 12 days (Aadi
Pushkara) and the last 12 days (Antya Pushkara) as Brihaspati exits the
rashi. When people bathe in a holy river at the time of Pushkaram, they take
the blessings of Jupiter into the next twelve-year cycle of Brihaspati.
The twelve main rivers were blessed by Pushkara and purified once every
twelve years. Pushkaram signifies the entry of Pushkara into the river water
along with all gods and goddesses, which makes the water of that river pure
for another 12 years. The entire year is considered holy to have the dip
because earthly one-year amounts to only one divine day. During Pushkaram,
the old sins can be washed away and the souls leave the water purified.
People also pay homage to their departed ancestors during this time as well.
All can experience the blessings of Pushkara twice a day when the pushkara
muhurta is on by taking a dip the holy waters.
The temple town of Pushkar in Rajasthan is blessed, as its lake is the living
kamandal of Brahma. There is a rare Brahma temple there as well. This is
one of the holiest place and people throng there to find absolution for
negative past karma.
Daily there are two Pushkaram when the holy waters get energized with the
godly presence and these are the special times to take a dip in the holy
waters as they are specially energized and purified. All the gods are residing
with Brahma to give their blessing to the aspirants.
Brihaspati ( Jupiter) transits and Pushkara of the Holy Rivers
There are twelve holy rivers in ancient India and these rivers are not always
easy to trace in the present times.

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The rivers blessed by Pushkar during Brihaspati Rashi transits are:

Rashi River

Mesha Ganga

Vrishibha Rewa

Mithuna Saraswati

Kartaka Yamuna

Simha Godavari

Kanya Krishnaveni

Tula Kaveri

Vrishchika Bhima

Dhanus Pushkaravahini

Makara Tungabhadra

Kumbha Indus

Mina Parineeta

Pushkara Bhaga, Navamsha and the Myth

There are two pushkara bhagas/navamshas in each sign. This reflects the
fact that there are two Pushkara muhurta daily in the afternoon. Two degrees
became highly beneficial during each month. A muhurta is 48 minutes, the
start of the muhurta would represent the Bhaga/degree as duration of it the
navamsha. The navamsha and the bhaga do not always coincide. I do not
have any answers for it as yet. How the exact daily calculation is done, I am
still not aware of but will keep on researching and keep you all posted. In all
these would make 24 positions within the solar year (360º Zodiac). These
positions have been transposed into the natal chart to show degrees or

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navamshas, which become special placement for the planets. The planets in
these positions take a virtual dip in the holy waters and regardless of their
previous karma or weaknesses they have the ability to get redeemed and be
strengthened.
While humans can get rid of their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters
during Pushkaram, the planets in the natal chart gets similarly blessed and
lose all their negative qualities. What is important to remember is that the
individuals in whose chart where the lagna or planets in the pushkara
navamshas and bhagas should want to make the changes, to find the
blessings. Otherwise these positions can just remain unrealized blessings.
Brihaspati (Jupiter) has a special relationship with Pushkara and its position
in Pushkara is especially beneficial.
The rishis and spiritualist wait for pushkara time to rise before they take a dip
in the holy waters, similarly we can get the same blessings by choosing a
pushkara lagna rising in our muhurta.
My thanks to Krishnakant, who attended my lecture on Pushkara at the DGVA
Conference, Bad Krueznack, Germany. He gave me with key to further
understanding by the blessing of knowledge from his Guru about the
Pushkara and the holy rivers. I am indeed fortunate to be able to make the
connection. This information is the result of my research since then and will
give added information to the Pushkara article that follows

Pushkara Part Two

Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the
planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and
auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who
does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the
planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to
extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret
part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems
of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight
where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few
shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book
Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but
the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the
planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and
auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who
does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the
planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to

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extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret
part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems
of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight
where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few
shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book
Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but
the final analysis is my own research and experience.

Pushkara Navamsha

Navamsha is the most important varga. Planet positions in their navamsha

finally decide whether they are strong or weak in the chart. Do they feel
supported or not. Therefore Pushkara navamshas become very important.
They are specific areas in charts that nourish which give planets the capacity
to heal and regenerate themselves. This special navamsha allow the
personality to flourish. Regardless of the situation of the planet, its qualities
become replenished. It is always the navamsha ruled by the same signs
within the same elements that become pushkara. Study the table below for
further clarification.

Pushkara Navamsha Table by Signs and Elements

Pushkara
Elements Signs Pushkara Degrees
Navamsha

20 deg to 23 deg20 Libra

FIRE Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
26 deg to 30 deg 00 Sagitarius

EARTH Taurus, Virgo, 06 deg 40 to 10 deg 00 Pisces

Capricorn 13 deg 20 to 16 deg 40 Taurus

16 deg 40 to 20 deg 00 Pisces

AIR Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
23 deg 20 to 26 deg 40 Taurus

WATER Cancer, Scorpio, 00 deg 00to 03 deg 20 Cancer

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Pisces 06 deg 40 to 10 deg 00 Virgo

While there are two Pushkara in each sign, they do not fall in Aries, Gemini,
Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius navamshas. These navamshas can be
taken as points of personal development, where individual learns from their
own mistakes. Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius are male signs and their
navamsha may use up all the energy available to them not try to regenerate
the planetary qualities. Scorpio and Capricorn are female signs but these are
complex areas within signs. Scorpio creates sudden transformation and
Capricorn makes planet feel very burdened, even if they are well placed. As
Capricorn makes us face up to our karmic responsibilities and therefore we
are not able to nurture the soul.
If planets are placed in these navamshas, it should not be taken as minus
points. What needs to be understood that these planets have to be self-
motivated, their job in this life uses up some of the positive energy saved from
previous lives, and therefore pushkara does not nourish them. That may not
be negative, just the way life is. Not everything can be saved up or nurtured.
But by being aware of these qualities, we can make sure that we learn to
nourish them through our actions.
•Pushkara navamsha can be classified through nakshatras padas as
follows
•Ketu Nakshatras (Ashwini, Magha, and Mula) do not have any
pushkara navamsha.
•3rd pada (Libra) of Venus nakshatras- Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva
Ashadha
•1st pada, Sagittarius and 4th pada, Pisces of Sun nakshatras- Krittika,
Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
•2nd pada Taurus of Moon nakshatras- Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
•Mars (Mrigasira, Chitra, and Dhanishta) do not have any pushkara
navamsha.
•4th pada Pisces of Rahu nakshatra- Ardra, Swati and Shatabhishak
•2nd pada (Taurus) and 4th pada (Cancer) of Jupiter nakshatras-
Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadra

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 •2nd pada (Virgo) of Saturn nakshatra- Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara
Bhadra
•Mercury (Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and Revati) do not have any pushkara
navamsha.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These
stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of
the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a
new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated
nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes
their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in
these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but
pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its
pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their
equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future
rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These
stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of
the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a
new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated
nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes
their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in
these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but
pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its
pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their
equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future
rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Mercury nakshatras are areas of transformation where the debris of all soul’s
negativity gets collected, the soul struggles to make the changes, the mind is
active trying to make sense of their circumstances. The planets struggle to
transcend, therefore there is no calmness and stillness provided by Pushkara.
Planets use up their energy and do not always feel nourished.
The pushkara navamshas throw up some interesting points. The rulerships of
the navamshas are by benefic planets. Jupiter and Venus ruler nine pushkara
each, one in fire, earth and air elements, whereas Moon and Mercury rule
one each in Water elements. Water signs are known as moksha houses as
well. Moksha houses are about self-realisation and the rulership of Moon and
Mercury- the two planets of the mind should that we have to nourish our mind
before we can aspire to realise ourselves. Another way of looking at it is that
a nourished and quiet mind helps us to go towards self-realization.

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The planets that are not placed in pushkara need to be energized, as they do
not have the capacity to nourish themselves.

Pushkara Bhaga

Pushkara bhaga are specific degrees where planets become especially

auspicious to do good. The exact degree is becomes very powerful agent for
being positive, whereas the navamsha is still powerful but not as intense as
the degree. Pushkara degrees are used for Muhurta. Choosing the muhurta
lagna on a pushkara bhaga makes that a very auspicious moment.
Jataka Parijata- Adhyaya 1 Shloka 58 gives the following degrees:

21º Aries (Libra Navamsha)

19º Leo (Virgo navamsha)
23º Sagittarius (Libra Navamsha)
These three in Venus nakshatras and Fire signs
14º Taurus (Taurus navamsha and vargotamma- Moon nakshatra),
9º Virgo (Pisces navamsha- Sun nakshatra),
14º Capricorn (Taurus Navamsha- Moon nakshatra)
Above Three in Earth signs
18º Gemini (Pisces navamsha- Rahu nakshatra),
24º Libra (Taurus Navamsha- Jupiter nakshatra),
19º Aquarius (Pisces Navamsha- Rahu nakshatra)
Above three in Air signs
8º Cancer (Virgo Navamsha)
11º Scorpio (Libra Navamsha),
9º Pisces (Virgo Navamsha)
Above three in Saturn nakshatras and Water signs
Pushkara degrees given by CS Patel in his book Nadi and Navamsha
astrology are:

21º of Fire signs: 21º Aries, 21º Leo, and 21º Sagittarius (Venus nakshatras)
14º in Earth signs: 14º Taurus, 14º Virgo, and 14º Capricorn (Moon
nakshatras)
24º in Air signs: 24º Gemini, 24º Libra, and 24º Aquarius (Jupiter Nakshatras)
7º in Water signs: 7º Cancer, 7º Scorpio, 7º Pisces (Saturn nakshatras)
According to the CS Patel, Bhagas are not found in Ketu, Sun, Mars, Rahu
and Mercury nakshatras while Jataka Parijata has pushkara bhaga in Rahu
and Sun nakshatras but not in Ketu, Mars and Mercury nakshatras.

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Mostly the Jataka Parijata pushkara bhaga degrees are used. I am also using
Jataka Parijata bhagas as it gives these actual degrees in the text. Plus it
resonates with my research.
I have been infomred by one of his students that CS Pate'ls information is
from Purva Kalamrita. Do research both sets of degrees and come up with
your own conclusions.

How to use Pushkara Bhaga and Navamsha

Jataka Parijata says that pushkara should be used in muhurta, natal and any
other factor under consideration. Other factors under consideration are in
prashna and maybe relationship compatibility.
Muhurta:There are 24 pushkara navamsha and 12 pushkara therefore every
hour a pushkara navamsha rises and every two hours a pushkara degree
rises. Therefore when you need to find an auspicious time in a hurry, you can
chose a pushkara navamsha or a pushkara degree. Some degrees reflect
both the navamsha and degree of pushkara. In Taurus, the pushkara
navamsha and the degree are vargotamma; therefore that particular position
is extremely strong. Generally when planning a muhurta, it would be good to
choose a pushkara degree or navamsha rising. This protects the chart and
gives it a benefic quality. To have the benefic planets, lagna lord, 9th lord, 5th
lord as well as the lord of the house for which you are performing the muhurta
(10th career, 4th- home) to be in pushkara navamsha will further fortify the
chart.
Natal:Remember pushkara is added on knowledge. You should analyse the
chart by all traditional methods and then study the chart to see whether any
planets are placed in pushkara bhaga or navamsha. If a chart does not
appear to have any great strength but it has ascendant in pushkara bhaga
and 10th lord in pushkara degree, the quality of the is chart changes and your
analysis will be different. The chart is showing extra ordinary strength with
both the lagna and 10th lord fortifies. Pushkara will bring strength to the chart,
nourish it after it has used up some of its energy. The individual may not
immediately gain the strength, but is guided through these auspicious
degrees to work with their issues, accept them and learn to overcome them.
Planet in an exact degree is stronger than the bhaga so the quality will be
more intense. If you have Sun exalted in 21º Aries, it is in pushkara
navamsha and bhaga. But this is also the debilitated navamsha of the Sun.
Sun debilitated by navamsha shows hidden lack of confidence, need for
support of others, and low self esteem. The weakness indicated by the Sun in
its debilitated navamsha is being over-ridden by the fact that the Sun is

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pushkara both in navamsha and bhaga. Therefore an individual may
experience some weaknesses of this debilitation, but they are quickly able to
overcome it and make the Sun, its karakas, house rulerships etc positive.
Low esteem will be there but the person learn confidence, pushkara will make
them feel strong instead of weak.
All texts say lagna, lagna lord, and 10th lords in Pushkara gives great
strength and good luck to the birth chart. In my experience, the more planets
in pushkara, the stronger the chart. The lagna is a pushkara degree or
navamsha brings fortune and success. If the lord of a house is placed in
pushkara or the bhava Madhya of the house is placed in pushkara, this
strengthens it and makes it a force to do good. Pushkara imparts sweetness
to the chart that brings in higher qualities of goodness, spiritual aspirations
and material success as.
Those who have their rajayoga karaka in pushkara or their yogas taking place
in pushkara, they are specially blessed. This enhances an already strong
position to something sublime.
The experience of pushkara is during their dashas. If the dasha lord is in
pushkara or the lord of bhava Madhya that are pushkara, it will give special
results in relationship to its signification’s.
Also watch when planets go into their pushkara positions by transit. In June
2005, many planets, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Sun while as I
write this article (23 July2005) only Saturn and Sun are pushkara in 6º
Cancer. But Saturn is combust and Saturn is spoiling Sun. Therefore the
ability of these planets to do good is limited. But their being in pushkara
position, it suggests that despite their limitations and the pain that this
conjunction has generated is there, but also there is hope and capacity for
improvement.
Prashna:If the prashna ascendant falls in pushkara or the karaka falls in
pushkara, there will be a good ending. Lets suppose the question was about
buying a new home. 4th lord is Mercury and is placed in the 8th house in
Taurus navamsha in Libra. The immediate answer would be that there is
difficulty in buying the house. But this is a pushkara navamsha; therefore
there are some underlying factors that will make this negative aspect positive.
It may be that not buying the house saved you from a big loss or there may
be a better property ahead so not buying this property will be for your good in
the long run.
Relationships:if Venus, the karaka of relationships is placed in 14º Virgo.
Now Venus in Virgo would usually create problems with relationships but the
pushkara aspect will nourish Venus, make it feel supported and that would
have good effect for relationships.

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Your lagna lord is pushkara in your partner’s chart or vice versa means that
you have the ability to nourish your partners. The karakas Venus and Jupiter
in pushkara degrees help make partnerships good. If a woman has Jupiter in
pushkara, then she will experience good partners and children. A pushkara
Venus gives nourishing relationships

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