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Take Exam (Pay Later)Planetary Dignity: Friends & Enemies
The Essence
The celestial cabinet is not a monologue, but a dynamic conversation of conflicting and cooperating agendas. Just as in human psychology, where logic (Mercury) may resent unbridled emotion (Moon), or discipline (Saturn) may stifle vitality (Sun), the planets possess inherent sympathies and antipathies. This system of Naisargika Sambandha (Natural Relationships) is not mere anthropomorphism; it is the physics of consciousness. It explains why a planet in one sign feels like a king in his castle, while in another, he acts like a stranger in a hostile land. To judge the strength of a horoscope, you must first know who is sitting at the table with whom.
Classical Verse
"Thrikonaat Swaat Padae Swasya Sukha Swa Swanta Dhee Pare; Suhridah Syurripushchanye Samaa Ubhaya Lakshanaih. (Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Ch. 3, V. 55)"
Modern Translation
Sage Parashara provides the mathematical formula for 'friendship' based on a planet's Moolatrikona (primary duty) sign. Technically, the lords of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, and 12th houses from a planet's Moolatrikona are its Natural Friends. The lords of the remaining houses are Enemies. If a planet rules two signs—one falling in a friendly position and one in an inimical position—the result is Neutral (Sama). This mechanism effectively divides the zodiac into two camps: the Devas (Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter) and the Asuras (Venus, Saturn, Mercury), though Mercury acts as a volatile bridge between the two. A planet in a friend's sign feels supported and can easily deliver its karmic promise; a planet in an enemy's sign must fight the environment to function.
Practical Insight
The Golden Rule of Asymmetry: Never assume planetary relationships are mutual. The most profound professional insight is understanding that love is often one-sided in the stars. For example, the Moon considers Mercury a friend (the Mind embraces the Intellect), but Mercury considers the Moon an enemy (the Intellect despises the illogical fluctuations of the Mind). When you see a 'Great Friend' relationship, verify if it is reciprocal. If the Lagna Lord is in a friend's sign, but that dispositor views the Lagna Lord as an enemy, the native may give far more to that area of life than they receive in return.
Go Deeper
Open your chart and locate your Atmakaraka (Soul Planet). Is it residing in the sign of a Friend (Mitra), an Enemy (Shatru), or a Neutral (Sama) planet? This single factor reveals how comfortable your soul feels navigating the current incarnation.
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