Let's dive deeper into some other interesting concepts used in Jyotish. One of them is called Varna or social class or categories that define the roles, responsibilities, and duties of individuals. These Varnas are not merely occupational classifications but also represent a framework for understanding the inherent qualities and purposes of individuals within the larger social hierarchy. Traditionally, different varnas are associated with different natural elements.
4 CLASSIC TYPES OF VARNAS (FROM THE HIGHEST TO LOWEST)
Brahmins ( the priests and people of higher knowledge - water element)
Kshatriyas (the warriors - fire element)
Vaishyas (the merchants - earth element)
Shudras ( the servants - air element)
Note: this classification is a classic one, created in ancient times when the highest hierarchy included the priests, doctors, teachers and occultists, in other words, people who had access to secret knowledge, which wasn't accessible to simple people. Historically, the Varna system has faced criticism, especially with the emergence of the caste system, which imposed rigid and often discriminatory practices. Nowadays, this classification looks different due to modern occupations, however, the core meaning and order remain the same- from water to air elements, from brahmins being on the top of the classification to shudras at the bottom.
Role: Brahmins are the spiritual leaders, priests, and scholars of society. They are considered the highest Varna and are responsible for preserving and disseminating sacred knowledge.
Qualities: they are typically characterized by wisdom, knowledge, and a commitment to spiritual practices. Brahmins are seen as guardians of the Vedas (sacred texts) and are often involved in rituals, education, and guiding others on spiritual paths.
Duties: their primary duties (dharma) include performing religious ceremonies, teaching the scriptures, and providing counsel on spiritual matters. They also play a crucial role in upholding ethical standards and guiding society in moral and philosophical issues.
Occupations: common occupations include priests, those who are involved in medicine and healing, scholars, educators, spiritual leaders, and astrologers.
Element: water, representing the depth of the personality, wisdom and sacred knowledge
Role: Kshatriyas are the warrior and the second ruling class, responsible for protection, governance, and maintaining law and order in society.
Qualities: they embody bravery, leadership, and a sense of duty. Kshatriyas are seen as protectors of the realm and upholders of justice.
Duties: their right activities involve protecting the people, engaging in warfare when necessary, and governing with integrity and fairness. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and prosperity of the community.
Occupations: common occupations include kings, military leaders, politicians, state officers, surgeons, sportsmen, business people managing large corporations, law enforcement officials.
Element: fire, representing action, protection, dominance and power
Role: Vaishyas are the merchant and agricultural class, responsible for trade, commerce, and economic activities that support society.
Qualities: they are characterized by resourcefulness, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Vaishyas play a vital role in managing wealth and resources for the community.
Duties: their activities involve engaging in agriculture, trade, marketing, sales and administration, as well as ensuring the availability of goods and services. They contribute to the economic development of society.
Occupations: common occupations include farmers, traders, merchants, middle business owners, entrepreneurs and administrators.
Element: earth, representing stability, groundedness, material resourcefulness and support
Role: Shudras are the labouring class, responsible for service and entertainment-oriented roles that support the other three Varnas.
Qualities: they embody qualities such as humility, diligence, ability to work with routines and practicality. Shudras provide essential services and labour that facilitate the functioning of society.
Duties: Their activities involve performing various forms of labour, craftsmanship, maintenance and service work. They serve the needs of the other three Varnas and contribute to societal stability.
Occupations: common occupations include artisans, labourers, people involved in construction, service providers, craftsmen, actors, singers, people involved in beauty industry and arts.
Element: air, representing an easy-going and service-oriented attitude, communication and dexterity.
Conceptual Framework of Varna
The Varna system is often viewed through the lens of guna (qualities) and karma (action). Each Varna corresponds to different qualities:
Brahmins are associated with sattva (purity and knowledge).
Kshatriyas are linked to rajas (action and passion).
Vaishyas are connected with rajas as well but with a focus on material and economic pursuits.
Shudras embody tamas (inertia and stability) but are essential for societal functions.
The importance of Varnas from the astrological point of view
Understanding one's Varna is important to determine the general psychological portrait of a person when analyzing a chart. The predominance of certain elements can give insights into the temper and potential of a person that he or she can strengthen further or those elements he or she simply lacks. Especially it is beneficial knowledge when it comes to questions of changing or identifying the best suitable professional domains, societal occupations and in general, life trajectory. Quite often, individuals have mixed results meaning that they have a certain percentage of each or almost each element.
Typically, the prevailing Varna is calculated by analyzing the elements of the planets and planetary strengths. The more planets in a certain element a person has, the more predominant a certain Varna is.
In short, Brahmins are Jupiter and Venus;
Ksatriyas are Sun and Mars;
Vaishyas are Moon and Mercury
Rahu and Ketu are not included in Varna calculation
Another reason to learn one's Varna
"...For twenty years a person is engaged in some activity, for example, reading Roman law, and on the twenty-first – suddenly it turns out that Roman law has nothing to do with it, that he does not even understand it and does not like it, but in fact he is a subtle gardener and burns with love for flowers. This happens, one must assume, from the imperfection of our social system, in which very often people get to their place only at the end of life." (с) Mikhail Bulgakov
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