Planets in the Signs & Houses
Vedic Astrologers Handbook II
by Bepin Behari
Edited by Kenneth Johnson

I have been enjoying the chance to review books on Vedic Astrology lately, and this 256 page treasure is no exception. Though I must admit much of the information and application is way over my comfort level when it comes to this field I was at least able to glean and gain awareness when it came to the houses and how they are effected and influenced by the individual planets.

I found the format very impressive because it would take a house and explain it and the area of life it governs, and then it would go into how each sign and planet would define the lessons, attributes and defects that one born under this sign could expect. I also found some very helpful graphs and illustrations. I would recommend this great book to anyone who is drawn to Vedic Astrology, especially those on a more intermediate level.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann ( )

I haven't figured out how the author comes to his incredibly pointed readings, but when they're on they're on. Some astrologers wax lyrical about how you need to take other factors into account with everything they say - a whole lot of apologetics. Not so with Behari. He goes right in and tells it like it is. The descriptions are often so severe as to account for the worst (and best) possible manifestation of our karmic dispositions, and can be quite objectionable.
Being so specific is very useful for rectification.

For example, Richard Burton has the moon in his seventh house of leo: "The MOON in this sign will often result in a weak or ailing spouse who is incapable of providing the native with adequate amorous warmth and brings other complications into wedded life as well. A person with this combination often becomes a much-married individual"

He also has mars in the 9th house of libra: "MARS in this position will help the native dedicate himself to his ideals. His mental obsessions, however, completely pervade his life, and he cannot rest until he achieves his goals. When he does achieve them, he often dies shortly afterwards, having nothing further to hold him here."

and Saturn in the same sign: "With SATURN in this position there is earnestness in the individual. Life is very hard and he may have an urge to renounce almost everything. The idea of non-attachment, universalism, and a return to Mother Nature takes hold of him very intensely. There is a genuine merger of the individual consciousness with universal life."

This is a reference book overflowing with insight. Well worth it.
(The book quality is good, but unfortunately the description for Venus in the 5th house of Cancer is strangely missing from my edition.) ( )