MENTAL ILLNESS

Dwelling mentality on the objects of sense leads to attachment to them. From attachment arises desires and from desire anger from anger springs forth lack of discrimination which leads to loss of memories. From loss of memory ensues the destruction of intelligence, and the destruction of intelligence results in decay? rnThe term mental illness is a relatively vague term. It indicates certain variations in our day to day behavior which would generally be considered abnormal under the circumstances. All of us experience phases of excitement, anger aggression, melancholy and depression in response to different day to day situations. These variations in human behaviors are considered as normal reaction to fluctuation in our environment. These normal reactions thus have an explanation. These very reactions, when circumstantially abnormal, being extreme on unexpected or inexplicable for normal human behaviors, are termed as mental illness. CLASSICAL COMBINATION FOR MENTAL ILLNESS The classical astrological text gives certain combinations for mental illness or insanity. These combinations are often too vague and non specific; they can not be applied to individual horoscopes in the literal sense. That infect is true of combinations for any diseases as given in the astrological texts. They however give certain clues about the causation of that disease. We shall quote here some of these combinations, and follow this with our understanding of mental illness and the relevant examples.rnSome of the combinations for mental illness taken from the JATAKA TATTVA and other texts are as follows.rn1. Jupiter in the ascendant and Mars in the seventh house, or vice versa. rnNote: (a) this appears vague. Jupiter is the planet of idealism; Mars indicates aggression. Too much emphasis on these could ruin the married life, as this combination involves the 7th house. (b) In the above yoga, substitution of mars by Saturn has been said to have the same result though the nature of affliction will obviously change from aggressiveness towards depressionrn2. Saturn in the lagna and mars in the 5th or the 7th or the 9th housern3. Saturn in the lagna, the sun in the 12th house, and mars or the moon in a trine.rn4. Saturn in the 12th house associated with a waning moon.rn5. Association of Saturn and the lord of the 2nd house with the sun or mars.rn6. Birth in the hora of Saturn or mars, the sun-moon conjunction in the lagna or the 5th or the 9th, and the Jupiter in the quadrant.rn7. Mandi in the 7th house, afflicted by a malefic.rnNote: same result may accrue from an afflicted Mandi in the 5th housern8. Rahu and the Moon in the lagna,and malefic in the trine Mental faculties: Astrological Basis It will be seen from the above that the various combination for mental diseases are fairly generalized. No mentions have been made of the time of onset of the ailment. In addition there is generally no mention of the various divisional charts without which any combination would lose its specificity. We must thus look for the factor that govern our normal behavior from the nature and extent of the detect abnormal behavior from the nature and extent of affliction to such factors. The following points thus need attention of the assessment of the mental health of a native: (a)The Moon: It is the significator of the mind. Its strength or weakness reflects the state of one’s mind. Its strength attachments, feelings emotional reactions, mental compatibility with others, and such faculties as do not rely on Mathematical logic. The Moon has no enemies. (b)Mercury: It signifies the nervous system, academic discipline, rationality, logic and intellect, as also one’s complexes. Its enemy is the moon. Understandably, the mind (signified by the moon) is opposed to reasoning and intellect (signified by mercury). (c) Jupiter: The best benefic Jupiter is the significator of the maturity and wisdom. While Jupiter is neutral towards mercury, the latter happens to be the enemy of Jupiter. Quite naturally the strict limits of logics can only restrain the exercise of wisdom. Note: When the moon, mercury and Jupiter are strong and well placed, the native has a sound mind, a healthy reasoning and a mature wisdom. When these three planets are afflicted, weak or ill placed, there is a vulnerability to mental illness, nervousness, Intellectual confusion, and inability to take wise decision and to implement them. (d) The fifth house: The fifth house is the house of fascination, thinking, logic and wisdom. For a sound mental health, the 5th house and the 5th lord must be unafflicted and under benefic influence. (e)The lagna and the sign Mesha: Mesha happens to be the first house equivalent to the head of the Kalapurusha. The lagna is the first house or the head of the native. Both should be unafflicted for a sound mental healthrn(f)Malefic and benefic Yogas: Besides the others factors, certain malefic and benefic yogas in the horoscope may promote the occurrence of a mental illness, or favorably compensate for it.rnThe following are especially important: (1)The Kemadruma Yoga, i.e., the Moon without a planet on either side of it. This is an adverse yoga. The Moon needs support in order to insure a sound mind. When there is no planet in the second and the 12th from the Moon, an inherent weakness is indicated in the chart. (2)The Gajakesari Yoga, i.e., the presence of Jupiter in a quadrant from the Moon. This is very potent benefic yoga; Planets in mutual quadrants influence each other. Jupiter in a quadrant from the moon causes strengthing of the Moon. (3)The chandradhi Yoga, This consists of the presence of benefic in the 6th, 7th, or 8th, from the Moon. Benefic in these house promote, and the malefic obstruct and hinder the functioning of the moon. Afflictions to the Moon Most of the mental disorders manifest when the moon is afflicted. These vary from simple mental aberrations to gross neuro-psychotic disorders. The Moon suffers afflictions when it is weak, placed in adverse (6, 8, or 12th) houses, and under the aspects or association of maleficrn(a) Affliction by the sun : Quick temper, quarrelsome, self-aggrandizement. (b)By Mars: Quick temper, aggressive, violent. (c)By Satu : Acute depression; maniac depressive psychosis. (d) By Rahu: cunning in thought, schizophrenia, phobias, and maniacal suicidal tendencies. (e)By Ketu: Maniacal/suicidal tendencies, phobias, irrational suspicion of others. Note: (1) Affliction to Mercury and Jupiter causes abnormalities in behavior in a similar manner. For example, placement of mercury in the 6th house aspected by Saturn leads to some sort of mental derangement. Jupiter- Saturn or Jupiter –Mars opposition have already been pointed out. (2)How close these planets are in degrees must be examined.