Exaltation of the Planet Mercury in Virgo in Vedic Astrology Transits

Mercury Exalted-

The planet Mercury (Budha) is exalted in Virgo (Kanyā Rāśi or Kanya Rashi), reckoned in the Vedic astrology paradigm, till October 29, 2015 when it moves to Libra (Tulā Rāśi or Tula Rashi); irrespective of the Lagna (Ascendant) rising in the horoscope, the exaltation, or the state generally, of Mercury is always an important factor to be considered.  

Exaltation-

Exaltation for any planet is its strongest state in the horoscope and it becomes akin to Viṣṇu (Vishnu) capable of sustaining the individual par excellence in the matters that it signifies.

Rationality-

Budha or Mercury is the planet indicating the intelligence of the person in the Vedic horoscope, and is the archetypal student, almost always willing, able and keen to learn. It signifies rational thought which is a tremendous aid, certainly in formal learning, and in informal learning as well.

Rationalism-

After living on planet Earth for some time, we usually view (or should) an ism with its designated measure of scepticism.

The philosophical moorings of rationalism are quite dicey inasmuch as they lay down that reason rather than experience is the foundation of certainty in knowledge.

In other words, no matter what happens in your life, if a syllogism or some elevated process of deduction or  induction indicates to the contrary, then according to rationalism you are better off relying on the process, rather than what you have already experienced.

That does not sound very rational, does it, which rather defeats the premise on its own, without anyone’s help.

Mercury, the Child-

An un-conjoined Mercury in the horoscope and entirely uninfluenced by any other entity might be demonstrably quite fickle and childish. Its rationality might develop into rationalism. A planet can, in theory and in practice, never be uninfluenced, for there are constant influences like Argala which are fastened on astrological factors like bolts. What we usually want to say is whether a planet is un-conjoined or un-aspected.

In any case, we know how susceptible Mercury is to influences when we pick up any horoscope and study the associations of Mercury. Mercury is very quick to learn things from others and the company it keeps is very important for this reason.

Mercury, Malefic or Benefic-

If Mercury has benefic associations it is a first rate natural benefic in the horoscope; if it has malefic associations then Mercury is a natural malefic in the horoscope. This is a trait he shares with his father, the Moon.

Mercury joined Rahu in Virgo-

Till October 29, 2015 Mercury is joined Rahu (Rāhu, the North Node of the Moon) in Virgo.

Rahu is extremely strong in Virgo. Why is this so? Rahu is the thinking mind of the human being. It only has a head and so it likes nothing more than thinking, and over thinking. Rahu’s realities are founded in thought. In Virgo, it finds an atmosphere of absolute rationality designed to appease the parameters of functionality. Virgo is sincere and important but Rahu exploits its terrain to the hilt.

Rahu promotes rationalism because with its argument and propositional brilliance (hopefully, at least on occasion in its earthly manifestation through rationalists) it is at once atheist or if it is doing you a favour, then agnostic. There was no compulsion for rationalism to be Godless. But it usually is.

Rahu need not exploit Mercury because Mercury will be more than happy to explore the high research and experimentation of Rahu in Virgo. It will not impede Mercury’s exaltation.

What will happen though is that arid and bleak arguments will fill the days in some quarters, denouncing spirituality (because Rāhu and Budha do not care for Jupiter or Gurū) and esoteric arts.

Remarkably, the sophistry of denouncing corrupt and criminal activity flourishing in the garb of spiritual practices, will be used to denounce the incredible and historically unmatched brilliance of India. Where is the rationality in that.

Bhagwad Gita Yoga-

This is the reason that in the natal horoscope it is highly desirable that Budha should be joined Gurū. What could be better for the best student in creation then to be sitting with the best teacher in creation. All works stand to be fulfilled. The brilliance of Mercury finds guidance from the knowledge of Jupiter.

Positives of Mercury-Rahu conjunction in Virgo-

If a horoscope has natal prowess in terms of knowledge and perspective, then the current transit can only add a feather to that crown. The only danger of Rāhu’s brilliance is its lack of adherence to social and legal propriety and if the horoscope is fortified on these counts, then such an association can only enable the person to reach up, break free of any strait-jacket constraints which may have developed, and shine forth.

Mercury, the Driver of Humanity-

Jyotisha (Jyotiṣa) is magical because it explains life itself. To achieve this purpose, it must be larger than life for how can equals explain equals. It is divine, like life, and works with life from a higher perspective.

Mercury may be a child in its age but in its significations, it is extremely powerful, and is the driving force behind the exertions of a large part of humanity. It is the significator of growth, commerce, money, learning, communications, transactions, banking and such major areas in life.

This must be understood and deliberated upon on all possible occasions- it is important and has ramifications.

Acting, Riches, Talent, Acclaim with Exalted Mercury in Virgo-

The chart below signifies the power of Mercury in that the individual, Amitabh Bachchan, is one of the most famousactors and superstars to ever grace the Indian silver-screen.

Mercury is exalted in Virgo and joined the Yogakāraka (Yogakaraka) Venus (Śukra or Shukra) in trines from the Ārūḍha Lagna along with the 10^th Lord Mars. There are huge Rajayogas here.

Exalted Mercury has given a distinctive voice and acting talent and style and an unparalleled success in Indian cinema. Rāhu aspects by Graha Driṣṭi (Graha Drishti or planetary aspect) leading to one stepping stone in life after another. It is equally true that owing to the Yoga being in the 8^th House from the Lagna, life has been full of unexpected changes and upheavals including long-standing health issues.

The host of planets in the 8^th House from the Lagna aspect the 11^th House from the Ārūḍha Lagna with Rāśi Dṛṣti indicating massive gains and income throughout life.

Saturn in the Ārūḍha Lagna gives a shy, reticent and conservative manner and the image of a champion of the masses and the common man in many of his roles at the peak of his career. Since Saturn is opposed to the Ārūḍha Padas, there may have been one or two mattersof debate and concern in public life in both the personal and financial realms.

Checking Rationalism-

Rational discipline is essential for the proper development of the mind but rational thought is like the taxi which can bring you to the door, but cannot drive inside the house. There you must walk yourself. Rationality has to be mastered and then transcended through experience of the truth, no matter what label one may put on the latter.

Rahu in Virgo can bring about expressions of bewilderment at that which is not argumentative but as stated before, the influence of Jupiter can remedy the situation.

Let us see the chart below-

Rāhu is not only in Virgo, a sign ruled by Mercury but also in the 9^th House which is that of the Guru or the guiding principles in life. In the house of Dharma, Rahu has its Maraṇa Kāraka Sthāna (Marana Karaka Sthana) and is considered adverse.

However, see the strong special 5^th House aspect of Jupiter on the 9^th House from the 5^th House of Maṅtra. Jupiter is joined Sūrya (Surya), the 8^th Lord of the occult and esoteric and signifies soul level illumination. The native is not deeply rooted in religious practice but has faith in God and is interested in the occult arts like Jyotiṣa. The Pañcama Dṛṣṭi of Gurū is enough to modify the worst effects of Rahu with its knowledge infusing aspect. Unless Jupiter is joined Rahu, there is always room for manoeuvre. 

The Transit Chart-

The transit chart showing Mercury exalted in Virgo with Rahu is given below-

Mercury only receives the sign aspect of Ketu and of the Moon when it should transit the dual signs. Ketu is very strong in Pisces and if it finds one straying when one is not supposed to, it will create some mistake or the other which can be a sobering influence.  
There are no planetary aspects but the conjunction of Jupiter and the Sun in the 12^th House from Mercury gives the current potential in Virgo the best conceivable start and support.

Mercury in its functional status for Aries Lagna is indicative of its great role in human life and development. At once it is the lord of the 3^rd and 6^th Houses of the Vedic horoscope (Rāśi Chakra) showing its portfolio or growth contained in the Uapachaya (Upacaya) Bhava from the Lagna. Mercury learns in the 3^rd House through reading and writing and all forms of information processing and in the 6^th puts it all to use in brilliant work, where in the process it learns professionally to add to what it has acquired personally. Due to this propensity it is also the primary significator of the 10^th House. 

Mercury is therefore to be attended to with care. It is impressionable, and what that means for human beings is, that they are impressionable in childhood. Also, for thoughts to be strong meaningful it is important that Mercury is in a good state in the horoscope. We cannot do much about the Yogas and the condition of planets that we inherit in the horoscope but the vast potential of horoscope analysis and remedial measures can help us to heighten the positives and to mitigate the challenges that come through these.

Some of the ways in which we work with the planets in horoscopes from across the world, so as to derive the most perspective, illumination and clarity in respect of the various areas of life are stated in - http://planetarytransformation.blogspot.in/2006/08/choose-chart-analysis-you-want.html 

Onwards, 

Anurag Sharma

http://planetarytransformation.blogspot.com 

(C) Anurag Sharma

All Rights Reserved