New Series - Planets as Counterparts
A few years back, we have explored the concept of Zodiac Sign Counterparts and Nakshatra Counterparts - [ https://www.astrosaxena.com/articles/NSSignNakshatraCounterparts ].
Now, I thought of taking this concept further and understanding how planets in a horoscope can also be seen as counterparts to each other.
Let's understand this concept.
**Concept of Opposition** - The word "Opposition" automatically gets our attention in the sense of any type of enmity or competition. As if two people are standing in opposition to each other and are supposed to struggle against each other.
But spiritually speaking, almost every Spiritual Guru has said at different times that this whole world is a giant mirror and we see our own image in that mirror.
If we understand it in a normal way then pay attention that when we are standing in front of a mirror, we are also standing in "opposition" of our own mirror image. Can we say that our own mirror image is our enemy or competitor? No, we can't say that.
Now, in this sense, if we look at the world in front of us as a giant mirror then we may understand that the person standing in front/opposition of us is our own mirror image. But because a mirror image is always reverse in nature, it is difficult to expect that the person in front of us is actually our own image. He is exhibiting traits which we might have kept within ourselves too.
If we apply the same logic in our horoscope then we may realize that planets which are traditionally considered opposite in their nature or significations can also be seen as counterparts to each other. Rather than considering them as contradictory energies, we can understand them as complementary energies which can help us balance each other.
**Planetary Counterparts** - As we know, in Vedic Astrology, every planet represents certain energies, characteristics and aspects of life. We generally classify planets as benefic and malefic, friends and enemies, natural significators and so on.
But if we look at planetary energies from a spiritual perspective then we may realize that every planet has another planet which can be seen as its counterpart.
For example, Sun and Saturn are generally considered opposite in nature. Sun represents our soul, identity, authority, recognition, power and individual expression, whereas Saturn represents our responsibilities, limitations, hard work, discipline, humility and acceptance of reality.
At first glance, these two planets may appear to be representing contradictory energies. But if we look deeper, we will realize that both are supplementing each other.
Sun teaches us how to stand with confidence, whereas Saturn teaches us how to remain humble. Sun teaches us how to exercise authority, whereas Saturn teaches us how to respect responsibilities. Sun represents our individual identity, whereas Saturn reminds us that we are only a small part of a much bigger existence.
If someone wants to improve on Sun-related matters then Saturn can bring some guidance by reminding the person about discipline, patience, humility and responsibilities. Likewise, if someone wants to improve on Saturn-related matters then Sun can bring some guidance by reminding the person about confidence, self-respect, authority and purpose.
Similarly, Mercury and Jupiter can also be seen as counterparts. Mercury represents information, logic, communication, calculations, analytical abilities and practical intelligence, whereas Jupiter represents wisdom, higher knowledge, belief systems, philosophy and guidance.
Mercury teaches us how to collect, process and communicate information, whereas Jupiter teaches us how to understand the bigger picture and use that information with wisdom.
If someone is excessively focused on Mercury-related matters then Jupiter can bring guidance by reminding the person that information is not the same as wisdom. Likewise, if someone is excessively focused on Jupiter-related matters then Mercury can bring guidance by reminding the person that even the highest philosophy needs practical understanding, analysis and communication.
We can also understand Rahu and Ketu as counterparts. Rahu represents worldly desires, material ambitions, attachments, unusual experiences and the urge to explore something new, whereas Ketu represents detachment, past experiences, spiritual inclination, isolation and the ability to let go.
Rahu teaches us how to explore the world and experience different dimensions of material existence, whereas Ketu teaches us how to detach from those experiences and look beyond them.
If someone is excessively focused on Rahu-related matters then Ketu can bring some guidance by reminding the person about detachment, inner silence and the limitations of worldly achievements. Likewise, if someone is excessively focused on Ketu-related matters then Rahu can bring some guidance by reminding the person about participation, worldly responsibilities and the importance of living through experiences rather than escaping from them.
So, we can see that all these planetary counterparts are connected with each other and are supplementing and complementing each other.
As I said, oppositions are oppositions just for namesake. Actually, they are counterparts. In order to improve, every planet can learn and adopt something from its counterpart and vice-versa.
For example, if someone is excessively focused on Sun-related matters such as authority, recognition, power and individual identity then Saturn can bring some guidance by reminding the person about humility, patience, discipline and responsibilities.
Likewise, if someone is excessively focused on Saturn-related matters such as duties, restrictions, hard work and responsibilities then Sun can bring some guidance by reminding the person about self-respect, confidence, authority and the importance of recognizing one's own individuality.
This is how we can use the energies of planetary counterparts to balance each other's energies.
Also, when I am referring to these planetary counterparts, it doesn't mean that I am only referring to the planets which are conjunct with each other or aspecting each other in a horoscope. We can understand this concept for every planet in our horoscope, regardless of the fact whether two planets are connected with each other through conjunction, aspect, exchange or any other planetary relationship.
It also doesn't mean that we have to equally express the energies of both planets all the time. The idea is to understand which planetary energy is excessively expressed or missing in our life and then take some inspiration or guidance from its counterpart to bring better balance.
Another important thing to understand is that this concept is not about changing the natural friendship or enmity between planets or changing their traditional significations in Vedic Astrology. We are simply looking at planetary energies from another perspective, where apparently opposite energies can help us complement and balance each other.
We can use the energy of one planet to correct the excesses of another planet. Hence, we will understand planets as counterparts to each other in this series. We will try to understand the connection between all these planetary counterparts through separate articles. In this series, I am intending to cover following planets as counterparts to each other -
Sun and Venus
Sun and Saturn
Sun and Rahu
Sun and Ketu
Moon and Mercury
Moon and Venus
Moon and Saturn
Moon and Rahu
Moon and Ketu.
Mars and Mercury
Mars and Saturn
Jupiter and Mercury
Jupiter and Venus
Gratitude!!!
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