S. C. Kursija is a graduate of Delhi University, Meerut University and Homeopathic System of Medicines in Delhi. He has worked in various capacities for Delhi Homeopathy Medical Association (DHMA), and was founder and chief editor of their monthly journal, Hahnemann Homoeopathic Sandesh. He has received numerous awards and passed the Jyotish Visharad from the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (Madras). He is a member of the faculty of Bhartiya Vidhya Bhawan and has taught astrology for ICAS, Madras Delhi Chapter-1. Currently, Dr. Kursija is General Secretary of all Indian Federation of Astrologers Societies. Dr. Kursija teaches astrology and Vaastu in various chapters, and has written on various topics of interest. He is particularly interested in hearing from fellow astrologers who have researched the topic of suicide in astrology. He can be contacted at sckursija@yahoo.com.

Criminal Behavior & Astrology

By Dr. S.C.Kursija, India

Astrology is capable of identifying human character and behavior, including that of antisocial criminals who perform acts of murder. The natal horoscope reveals ones innate predispositions and early environmental influences, both of which have a significant influence on human development. Contemporary psycho sociological research has repeatedly shown that aggression and a lack of selfcontrol are the greatest risk factors for criminal behavior. These underlying traits are clearly revealed in the birth charts of anti social criminals. However, such characteristics must be understood and analyzed in a larger context, explicitly, the interaction of Desh, Kala and Patra.

Desh is the environment under which the native has been brought up, including family, school, friends, and society at large. Desh has a powerful influence on the development of the natives mind, and the natives environment nurtures what is inherent in the natal horoscope. The horoscope is examined with reference to Desh, that is, prediction depends on an understanding of the Desh under which a particular native develops. Astrological interpretation and prediction will vary according to cultural customs and expectations.

Kala refers to timing, that is, when certain influences in the natal chart will fructify. Kala is revealed by the dashas and transits. One with aggressive and impulsive tendencies will not act on these at all

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times. His superego developed under Desh will assert some control over his actions. In other words, his free will and the influences around him will prevent his mind from going astray at most times. However, during the dashas and transits of malefic planets, the environmental influences may lose their control, leading the native to act on his aggression and impulses. Therefore, Kala is also important.

Patra refers to the self, i.e., the individual, the horoscope, or the Lagna. The horoscope of an individual indicates the tendencies for aggression and impulsiveness underlying criminal behavior. In contemporary terminology, we may refer to this as genetic tendencies. Human beings since prehistoric times have relied on the primitive instinct of aggression for survival. Some natives who have developed superconscious minds are less aggressive, whereas others with only the slightest provocation become aggressive and commit antisocial acts.

The research work of a number of scientific scholars reflects a similar understanding of nature and nurture in the development of criminal behavior. However, modern scientists are not able to pinpoint the timing of such acts, whereas astrology is able to do so via an interpretation of dashas and transits. No two individuals will react similarly to the same stimuli, and such reactions depend on the interaction of Desh, Kala, and Patra. Moreover, the natives character and behavior can be modified, rectified and improved upon under certain conditions because of the influence of free will. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of society to provide such an environment to correct an individuals behavior.

The following yogas reveal a number of potential indications for the characteristic aggression and impulsivity underlying antisocial criminal behavior:

1) The 4 th house indicates ones psychological and philosophical makeup. Rahu in the 4 th

house, if aspected by Mars in the Lagna and Saturn in the 7 th house indicates a vengeful nature. 2) The Upagraha Gulika in the 3 rd house points to impulsive thoughts and behavior. 3) Lagna lord weak and afflicted. 4) A combination of the Sun and Mars in any rasi reveals a murderer. 1

5) Sarpa Yoga is formed by all malefics in three kendras and no benefics in the kendras. The native with Sarpa Yoga becomes a murderer. 2

6) When the Sun and Mars occupy the Lagna, one becomes a murderer. 3

7) With Gulika is in the 9 th house, one will be a murderer of his parents and preceptors. 4

8) If born in Atiganda Yoga, 5 the native will be murderer. 6

9) If born in the Dwadashamsha of Scorpio, the native will be a murderer and a master of rogues and robbers. 7

1 Saravali, 15:2.

2 Ibid., at 21:42.

3 Ibid., at 31:6.

4 Jataka Parijata, 9:5.

5 Largecheeked; the 6 th Solilunar Yoga of the Panchanga.

6 Jataka Parijata, 9:97.

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10) If Jupiter is debilitated and aspected by a debilitated planet, the native will commit crimes. 8

11) Debilitated Jupiter or the Sun in a kendra conjoined a malefic. 12) When a malefic planet is in a kendra without benefic aspect, and Jupiter is in the 8 th

house, the native will be a slaughterer of animals. 9

13) Jupiter in the Lagna and Mars is in the 7 th house, or vice versa, signifies an aggressive and impulsive individual. 10

14) Saturn occupying the Lagna and Mars is in the 5 th , 7 th , or 9 th house. 15) If the 3 rd lord is debilitated in the 6 th house and aspected by a malefic planet, the native will become aggressive and impulsive after drinking or taking drugs. 16) The native becomes impulsive and aggressive upon being punished by a government official if the 2 nd lord conjoins the Sun and Saturn. 17) The 2 nd lord conjoined Mars and Saturn. 18) If the Sun and Moon occupy a trikona or the Lagna, Jupiter is in a kendra, and the kala hora at birth is Saturn or Mars. 19) The Sun and Moon in the Lagna conjoined with Mercury.

In addition to the above, certain more general indications should be noted.

v It is commonly understood that the Lagna of the birth chart signifies the native. However, because the Lagna encompasses 30 degrees of the rasi chart, certain Jyotish classics like Saravali have specified a more precise significator to be the Dreshkona (Drekana) of the Lagna. Other classics have specified the Navamsha of the Lagna to be a more welldefined significator of the self. Therefore, the D3 and D9 Varga charts are important.

v In addition to the Lagna, the 3 rd , 11 th and 10 th houses are also indicators of self. v The Sun, significator of self, and the Moon, allimportant ruler of the mind and its

impulses, are treated as secondary Lagnas in Vedic astrology (Surya Lagna and Chandra Lagna). For example, an afflicted Moon may indicate mental aberration and a lack of selfcontrol as when the Moon is influenced by Mars, reckless and aggressive behavior may be indicated.

v Mercury is another planet, which controls our nervous system. Though Mercury is not read as a secondary Lagna in Indian astrology, its affliction weakens the nervous system and reflects the potential for aggressive, vengeful and impulsive traits.

v One should also note the malefic argala, i.e., the presence of a malefic planet in the 2 nd , 4 th or 11 th house from the Lagna or Moon.

v For microanalysis, one should also examine the D12 (Dwadashamsha) and the Cyclic Trimshamsha (Parivritti D30).

In practice antisocial criminal traits are indicated when malefic planets, without the influence of benefic planets, influence the following:

7 Ibid., at 9:121.

8 Ibid., at 6:6.

9 Ibid., at 6:14.

10 Jataka Tattva, 3:145154.

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1. The Lagna and/or Lagna lord (Lagnesha). 2. Any of the Kendrasthe 1 st , 4 th , 7 th or 10 th house. 3. The Moon or its dispositor. 4. The Navamshesh (the Lagna in the D9 chart).

The following case studies illustrate a number of combinations for aggression and impulsivity. From these examples, it is apparent that antisocial criminal behavior is more likely to occur when an assortment of these astrological dynamics converge in the natal horoscope.

Case 1 John Wayne Gacy was born in Chicago on March 17, 1942, at 00:49 CST, or 05:49 GMT, CST being the time required by Illinois for birth registration even though War Time was then in effect. Some hospitals did not follow this rule, so the actual birth time might have been an hour later at 06:49 GMT.

The malefic planets are posited in three kendras (4 th , 7 th and 10 th ) and the Lagna lord is afflicted in the 7 th (as in the rules #3 and #5 above). Jupiter is afflicted by Saturn (a maraka in the Chandra Lagna chart)) and is dispositor of the Sun and Moon (secondary Ascendants). There is an exchange of houses between 3 rd lord Saturn and 7 th lord Venus, and Venus is a maraka and the 12 th Dusthana lord. The Moon is combust. The Lagna, Moon, 10 th , 3 rd and 11 th houses are the abodes of self. Thus, impulsive, vengeful and aggressive behavior is indicated.

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Moreover, in the Navamsha chart, the Lagna is occupied by Rahu and aspected by Mars (rule #1 above). The 10 th house is occupied by Jupiter, Sun, Venus and Gulika and aspected by Saturn. Again, the same aggressive and impulsive behavior is indicated.

Case 2 The chart is of a female born on July 1, 1961, at 11:25 AM, in Delhi. She was married at the age of 21 to a young man whom she did not love. She was physically and emotionally attached to another young man. She eventually murdered her husband.

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The lagna lord is retrograde and combust and posited with 12 th lord Sun in 10 th house, the house of action and Sun is karaka of the lagna also. The 3 rd lord Mars is posited in 12 th in the sign of Sun with Rahu, the Mars is 8 th lord also.the11 th lord Moon is posited with retrograde, debilitated and 7 th lord Jupiter and retrograde Saturn, the dispositor of Ketu and 6 th lord. The 11 th

house is occupied by Gulika. The 7 th lord Jupiter is retrograde, debilitate, posited in the 5 th indicates love marriage. The conjunction of 7 th lord and 11 th lord indicates two marriages. The 7 th house is aspected by Mars from 12 th and Saturn from 3 rd , no benefic aspect on 7 th . All the houses of self are afflicted. The 7 th lord, 7 th house and karaka Jupiter for females are afflicted.

In navamsha chart, Mercury the lagna and 10 th lord, is posited in lagna with Venus, the 10 th

and 5 th lord, Mars the 3 rd lord, is posited in 6 th , Moon the 11 th lord, is posited in 8 th aspected by Saturn and Sun. Jupiter is posited in 4 th in the sign of Mars. The houses of Self and action are afflicted. So she committed the murder of her husband with the help of her lover..

Case 3 The native was born on March 8, 1924, at 3:35 AM, in Delhi. She killed her three children and killed herself by hanging. The Lagna is occupied by Gulika and Mars (5 th and 12 th lord). The Lagnesha occupies the 12 th house and is aspected by retrograde Saturn (3 rd aspect from the 10 th house since Saturn is retrograde). Saturn has a full aspect on the Moon in the 4 th house from the 10th aspect. The 6 th lord Venus occupies the 5 th house in Marss sign. The 10 th lord is combust in the 3 rd house, and conjoined Sun and Ketu. The 11 th house is occupied by Saturn. Thus, all the houses of self are occupied by malefic planets, indicating a native who is

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impulsive and aggressive. The 5 th house of children is occupied by the 6 th lord and aspected by Rahu.

The 5 th lord Mars occupies the Lagna with Gulika. The karaka of children, Jupiter, is posited in the 12 th house in malefic Marss sign. Therefore, the murder of children is indicated. The 8 th lord Moon is posited in a dual sign in a kendra, and the Moons dispositor occupies the 12 th house and is aspected by Saturn. 11

In the Navamsha chart, Mars and Rahu are conjoined in the 8 th house in the sign of Mercury, aspected by Saturn. The Lagna is in Marss sign, aspected by the Sun, Gulika and 12 th lord Venus. There is no improvement in this chart. Case 4 The native is a Muslim male born on July 5, 1962, at 16:52, in Delhi. He had premarital relations with a young Brahmin female. Her brother took objection and killed him with the help of his friend.

11 The reader may wish to refer to the authors previous article titled Suicide: Astrological

Investigation in Saptarishis Astrology, Volume II.333

The Lagna is in a malefic sign, and Lagnesha Mars and 8 th and 11 th lord Mercury are in the 7 th house aspecting the Lagna. Rahu is conjoined the 7 th lord and the karaka of marriage, Venus. Thus, the native loved a Brahmin girl. Lagna lord Mars is posited in 7 th house in an enemy sign with enemy Mercury. The Moon occupies the 10 th house with Gulika in the fiery sign of Leo, disposited by the Sun in the 8 th house. The 3 rd house is occupied by its lord, Saturn, which is conjoined Ketu. Thus, the Lagna, Lagnesha, Sun, Moon and houses of self are afflicted, indicating strong tendencies for aggression and impulsiveness. Note also that Jupiter is retrograde.

In the Navamsha chart, the Lagna is again in a malefic sign, occupied by Rahu (true nodes used) and Gulika and aspected by retrograde Saturn. Mars occupies the 4 th house and is aspected by Saturn. These are further indications for aggression and lack of selfcontrol.

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Case 5 The native was born on April 2, 1959, at 10:12 AM, in Kanpur, India. The native was badly behaved and unmanageable since childhood. He and a fellow student became adversarial during a school election. The native lost the election and continued to harbor animosity toward his classmate. After a couple of years, both took positions in an office in the same city. The natives vengeful feelings again stirred, and he eventually killed his former rival (in SaturnSun Dasa).

The Lagna is occupied by 6 th and 11 th lord Mars, aspected by 8 th and 9 th lord Saturn. Mars aspects Rahu and Saturn; Saturn aspects Rahu; and Rahu is also aspected by the Sun and Mercury. Mercury is Lagnesha, retrograde and combust. All the kendras are occupied by malefic planets. Jupiter is also retrograde in Marss sign in the 6 th house, and Jupiter is the 10 th lord. Thus, the native is aggressive and impulsive. The Lagna lord of the Navamsha chart occupies the 2 nd house and is conjoined Mars is its own sign. The Moon is in the 6 th house, and Mercury is in the 12 th house with enemy Jupiter. The indicators of self are strongly influenced by malefic planets. The Moon has argala of Rahu and the Sun. Therefore, there is no relief in the Navamsha chart.

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Case 6 The native was born on September 1, 1970, at 23:35 PM, in Ajmer, India. He had a love affair with a young woman. Her brother objected to this affair and killed the native with the help of a friend.

The Lagna is Vargottama. The Lagna lord occupies the 6 th house. Most of the malefic planets are located in kendras without benefic aspect (and there are no benefic planets in kendras). The Moon, 3 rd lord, is combust in the 4 th , and the 4 th house is also occupied by Sun, Mars and Ketu. Jupiter, 11 th lord, occupies the 6 th house. The 11 th house is also occupied by Gulika. Saturn, 10 th lord, occupies the 12 th house and aspects the 2 nd , 6 th and 9 th houses. All the indicators of the self are afflicted.

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The Lagna of the Navamsha chart is occupied by Mars and aspected by the Moon and Gulika. The 4 th house is occupied by the Sun. Jupiter, Saturn and Rahu are in the 8 th house. Therefore, the indications are strong for aggression, a lack of selfcontrol, and thus, antisocial criminal behavior.

Murder is a form of criminal behavior that has long been considered an aberration of the social order. The Purusharthas, four canonical aims of human life according to Hindu philosophy, offer a deeper understanding of the cause of this deviation. The Purusharthas are:

1. Dharma (Righteous Purpose and Path).

2. Artha Wealth and Resources). 3. Kama (Desire and Pleasure). 4. Moksha (Liberation).

Artha and Kama must support the goals of Dharma and Moksha. However, in modern materialistic culture, there is often an imbalance in the way these goals are fulfilled, with a heavier influence of Artha and Kama over Dharma and Moksha. Such imbalance creates mental tension, fear, impulsivity and aggression, the most significant factors leading to antisocial criminal behavior.

The purpose of Jyotish is not only to illuminate the path of the soul, but also to provide appropriate remedial measures to assist the soul in overcoming its karmic limitations. The traditional practices of Yoga and Pranayama are two such remedies that can reduce mental tension and improve selfdiscipline. Therefore, their application can be a significant deterrent to criminality. As the astrological birth chart reveals the innate tendencies behind antisocial inclinations and behavior, these ageold spiritual

disciplines are a proven remedy against such aberrations.

It's a received, general Rule that if one Planet be Lord of the ascendant and twelfth house, that then the Sickness is more than natural: when Saturn is Lord of the ascendant and twelfth, and in the twelfth Retrograde, or in the 7th or eighth house in the same condition, and the Moon being Lady of the sixth, apply to Saturn, we constantly judge the party enquiring is Bewitched or Fore-spoken, or that an evil Spirit hath power over him, and that the Infirm will be sore oppressed and disturbed in his Fancy, if not distracted. - William Lilly, 17 th century astrologer

According to Sage Narada The Ascendant (in the heavens) remains in rule for a thousandth part of even the minutest space of time. It is impossible even for Lord Brahma to know of this. Then what of ordinary mortals?

While timing death, do not ignore the Varnada Rasi or its trines, whichever is most spoilt by malefics.

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