Horoscope of the newborn "I.N.D.I.A." : Of Political Alliances and Cosmic Alignments

Charting the Astrological Course of India's Newly Formed Opposition Alliance, Unveiling the Intricate Interplay Between Planetary Influence and Political Strategy in Race to 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

Horoscope of the Alliance? Introductory Concept

In the dynamic landscape of Indian politics, a new entity has taken birth, signalling a subtle point of inflexion if not an abrupt turning point in the upcoming political landscape. The Alliance of the Indian Opposition Parties, known by its acronym I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), took its first breath in Bengaluru, India, at 4:30 PM IST on July 18, 2023. This moment marked the emergence of a new alliance that will attempt to challenge the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the eagerly anticipated 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

For this analysis, we are adopting a unique approach by analysing the horoscope of the I.N.D.I.A. as if it were a newborn child, born on the said date and time. The celestial configuration at the time of the alliance's formation provides insights into its potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.

Caveat: However, it's important to note that astrology is interpretative and probabilistic in nature. While it offers a fascinating way to understand the potential dynamics of this alliance, it should not be taken as absolute. Free will and the ability of its leaders and constituents to make choices will, of course, play a significant role in shaping outcomes. The horoscope should be considered as one of many factors contributing to the complex matrix that will determine the future course of this alliance.

Twitter Space: Just yesterday, on July 26, 2023, I hosted a Twitter Space to delve deeper into this emerging narrative. The discussion pivoted around the Natal Chart, also referred to as 'janam kundli', 'janam patri', or 'tewa', of the newly born I.N.D.I.A.N. alliance. While I don't present myself as an expert in the field of astrology, I have periodically dabbled in it and have garnered a few insights over time.

To bolster this discussion, several esteemed friends and followers graced the Twitter Space with their presence, imparting their perspectives and insights to thee discussion. These exchanges, combined with my personal interpretations, are what prompted me to pen down this article. I acknowledge and appreciate their meaningful contributions wholeheartedly. For those interested in revisiting the discussion, a link to the recorded Twitter Space is conveniently provided in the footnote below¹.

Lagan Lord Mangal is Dashmesh

The I.N.D.I.A.N Alliance, born under the dynamic influence of the Brischika (Scorpio) lagan, carries into the political arena the compelling energy of its lagan lord, Mars. Mars, situated in the 10th house in the friendly zodiac sign of Singh, underscores the Alliance's assertive and committed approach towards its stated political mission - to unseat the incumbent government in the forthcoming 2024 elections. This configuration reveals a predisposition towards an assertive, masculine style of leadership, bursting with energy and initiative.

In Vedic Astrology, the positioning of Mars, the "bhoomi karaka" or significator of land, hints at the possibility of leaders associated with Mars-related professions. Traditionally, Mars represents disciplines requiring physical strength, bravery, and the use of land, machinery or weaponry. As such, fields like agriculture, real estate, mining, military, policing, engineering, or even surgery are associated with Mars. Consequently, the Alliance may see leadership emerging from these areas, potentially including retired military or police officers or individuals with ties to these professions.

Yet, the Alliance's Mars energy doesn't stand alone. The presence of Venus in the 10th house offers a complementary influence, creating an interesting blend of assertiveness and diplomacy. This merger harmonises the fervour of Mars with Venus' propensity for negotiation and harmony, fostering both internal coherence and external diplomacy within the Alliance.

Therefore, the Alliance's astrological constellation presents a promising prospect. It suggests an organisation prepared for a robust political showdown, fully committed to its mission, and capable of skillful negotiation. The fusion of Mars' courage and Venus' diplomacy may indeed prove to be the Alliance's key to political success. However, a complete astrological assessment would also consider other factors such as the influence and placement of other planets, the condition of the 10th house, and the running Dasha periods to provide a comprehensive view².

Notable feature of the horoscope

There’s a notable feature of the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance's horoscope - that it has no planet in an exalted (uch) or debilitated (neech) state - signifies that there are no extraordinarily powerful points akin to impregnable armour, nor any vulnerable weak points, like an Achilles heel in the alliance's astrological chart.

However, Shani, the ruler of the 4th house, is situated in its own sign - Kumbh rashi, which strengthens both its own attributes and those associated with the fourth house. This may symbolize a strong foundational base, popular support, and stability, which could play a crucial role in its political journey. We discuss this in detail later.

Similarly, the Moon, being in its own sign (Karak Rashi) in the ninth house of luck and fortune, is also in its own domicile (swagriha). This can indicate that the alliance could receive some favour from fortune, particularly for its female candidates, who might narrowly secure victories. However, because the Moon is a fast-moving and comparatively weaker celestial body, this alone does not elevate the horoscope to the level of an extremely lucky janam patri.

In essence, this means that the alliance has a balanced astrological map with neither extreme strengths nor weaknesses. While there are certain beneficial placements such as the strong 4th house and a very mildly fortunate 9th house, it's not endowed with extraordinary celestial attributes. Success or failure for the alliance may then depend on strategic moves, effective leadership, and skillful negotiation of the political landscape, rather than relying solely on auspicious astrological alignments.

Saturn’s Key Role

Saturn (Shani) in its own sign, Aquarius (Kumbh Rashi), in the 4th house is generally regarded as a auspicious for matters related to home, vehicles (sawari/ vahan), and mother. In the context of a political alliance, this could symbolize a strong foundation and support from the native states (provinces) of the alliance leaders, as the 4th house represents the home and homeland. Palatial houses and vehicles like chariots etc., as the ancient scholars put it, can also metaphorically suggest political power or dominance in the affairs of the state. With reference to the significance of the mother in this context, we defer the matter to a subsequent part of this piece.

However, Saturn aspecting Mars (Mangal) directly in the 10th house can introduce some tension. In astrology, Saturn represents discipline, responsibility, restriction, and delay, while Mars symbolizes energy, courage, and initiative. This aspect can signify conflict between the need for discipline and responsibility (Saturn) and the desire for immediate action and impulsivity (Mars). In the context of a political alliance, this could translate into sudden disagreements, disputes, or disruptions.

This facet is slated to gain prominence around April 2024, when these celestial bodies will align in conjunction within the Kumbh Rashi. This period could pose challenges for the alliance. Potential internal discord or disputes could mar the solidarity of the alliance, possibly impacting their performance in the impending 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The sources of these disturbances could be manifold - spanning ideological divergences, power tussles, or disagreements over strategy or leadership.

While this period seemingly forebodes hurdles and challenges, it's essential to acknowledge that such tense phases can often catalyse growth and transformation. It could impel the alliance into revisiting their strategies, reconciling their differences, and consequently, emerging more robust. However, the precise outcomes would hinge on how the alliance navigates these challenges alongside other influencing factors present in the horoscope.

Role of Benefic Venus

Venus (Shukra) as the Lord of both the 7th and 12th houses in this horoscope, and being placed in the 10th house in the friendly sign of Leo (Singh), carries significant implications for the alliance.

In Vedic Astrology, Venus is considered the planet of beauty, harmony, relationships, arts, and female energy. Its placement in the 10th house, the house of profession (raj darbar in this context) and public image, along with Mars, the lord of the Ascendant (lagan), suggests, as observed before, that women could have a significant role in this alliance. They may have influence in decision-making, bring aesthetic appeal and charm to the alliance's image, and also embody attributes of 'Saraswati' (the goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning in ancient Indian belief), indicating intellectual and creative contributions as well.

Moreover, Venus’s influence can temper Mars' more assertive and impulsive nature, promoting a more diplomatic and harmonious approach in internal discussions and negotiations within the alliance, rather than aggressive arguments. Venus in the 10th house could also mean that in the electorate at large, the women may perceive the alliance as being empathetic to their needs, thus possibly tilting their favor towards this alliance.

Jupiter not in the most ideal position

Jupiter (Guru), being placed in the 6th house of the horoscope in Aries (Mesh Rashi) and involved with Rahu, forming a kind of 'Chandal Yog', and being aspected by Ketu from the 12th house, is not an ideal position for this benefic and arguably the most important planet in a horoscope. This configuration could give rise to hidden enemies, secret internal conflicts, or even issues with overseas adversaries, potentially including communities like NRIs. Saturn (Shani) from the 4th house fully aspects Jupiter with its third aspect (Teesri Drishti), which could further exacerbate these challenges.

However, one of the saving graces here is that Jupiter, despite its challenges, casts its benign fifth aspect (Pancham Drishti) onto the 10th house. This aspect signifies a profound understanding of the world and its affairs, intellectual depth, wisdom, and foresight, all of which can bring significant influence to the leadership and public image of this alliance. Therefore, even though the intellectual and thought leadership may face some tribulations due to hidden internal and external enemies, Jupiter's benevolent aspect onto the 10th house provides a protective shield, enabling the alliance to navigate through these challenges with wisdom and foresight.

Mercury: Communication is the key

Let is know analyse the implications of Mercury's (Budh's) placement in the karak rashi of the horoscope. Positioned in the 9th house , the house of luck, along with the Moon (its lord) and the Sun, Mercury, which governs communication, intellect, and commerce, could indicate some interesting dynamics for the alliance.

Internally, there could be communication issues among alliance members, perhaps including misunderstanding, misinformation, or even deliberate disinformation. Some members might indeed be more susceptible to rumors or false information. Therefore, effective internal communication and fact-checking mechanisms will be crucial for the alliance.

Externally, this placement indicates that the alliance's messaging to voters might need to rely less on logical, detailed policies and more on concise, catchy slogans, clever remarks, and straightforward promises (read “guarantees”) that can easily capture voters' attention and imagination. The way the alliance communicates its vision and goals could significantly influence its public image and voter appeal.

The alliance's strategy to combat the high-decibel campaign from the ruling faction should not be dependent solely on logical and rational arguments, but should also infuse elements of irony, sarcasm, and wit, which may strike a stronger chord with the electorate. As suggested by some participants in the Twitter Space, spokespersons of the Alliance who are telegenic, possess an exceptional command over English, Hindi, and other vernacular languages, and who are endowed with a high IQ, would be well-suited to relay the alliance's message as well respond effectively to the opponents’ onslaughts.

Role of women re-visited

Saturn (Shani) in its own sign of Aquarius (Kumbh), in the house representing home and mother, indicates the importance of maternal figures and nurturing women within the alliance. These matronly women, whether in an active or a more supportive role, can provide stability, wisdom, and perhaps a nurturing touch to the alliance, adding to its appeal.

Furthermore, Venus (Shukra), being the lord of the seventh house (house of spouse) and positioned in the tenth house, might suggest a prominent role for women who are leaders in their own right or are wives or widows of influential figures— more so than daughters of established leaders. They might not just be in supporting roles but could play a vital part in decision-making processes or public representation. The presence of Venus in the tenth house could also suggest a certain appeal or attractiveness that these women bring to the alliance, helping to enhance its image or popularity.

Sun, the personification of the Leader

The placement of the Sun (Surya) is very important in the horoscope and can shed light on the nature and future of the leadership within the alliance. The Sun, which is the lord of the tenth house (Leo/ Singh Rashi), is placed in the ninth house. This placement can indicate luck and divine grace in matters of profession, career, and public reputation. The conjunction of Sun with the benefic planets Moon and Mercury could provide further strength, energy, and charisma to the leadership.

However, the Sun being twelve houses away from its own house (the fifth house), does suggest some obstacles, risks, or potential loss/damage to the leader of the alliance. This may indicate that the leader may face significant challenges or opposition, and there could be sudden or unexpected changes in the leadership.

The alliance should ideally have a leader who embodies the characteristics represented by the strong planetary placements in this chart - assertive and energetic like Mars, diplomatic and harmonious like Venus, and wise and nurturing like the Moon. This leader, whether referred to as the Chairman, President, or Convenor, should be able to effectively guide the alliance through any potential obstacles and challenges.

The presence of two leaders could also be a possibility given the significant influences of multiple planets in the horoscope. However, a clear leadership structure and understanding among the members would be important to prevent any potential discord or power struggles within the alliance.

Role of Enemies and Opponents

The dual lordship of Mars (Mangal) as the lord of the Ascendant (1st House/Lagna) and the 6th House, which is traditionally associated with enemies and conflicts, does indicate potential for internal conflicts within the alliance.

Mars being in the 10th house, the house of profession and public standing, could mean that these conflicts might come to the forefront in the public eye, potentially damaging the alliance's reputation. Mars is a planet of action, aggression and conflict, and when associated with the 6th house, it can denote adversarial situations, confrontations, or disagreements. This makes the management of internal dynamics of the alliance very important. If not handled well, as some participants pointed out, the alliance could become "its own worst enemy", with internal power struggles and conflicts potentially derailing their collective objectives.

To avoid this, the alliance should focus on promoting harmony, mutual respect, and understanding among its members, ensuring that disagreements are handled constructively rather than allowed to fester and create divisions. Open and transparent communication, a clear decision-making process, and the ability to compromise are crucial for the alliance to overcome these potential challenges.

The Alliance should also remember that its ultimate goal is to serve the public, and any internal conflicts or power struggles should not distract from this goal. It's important to keep the larger picture in mind and not lose sight of their collective objectives amid internal differences.

Summing Up

In the intriguing theater of Indian politics, the birth horoscope of the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance indicates a healthy and robust entity, full of potential. The horoscope is far from suggesting a still-born, weak, or premature creation. Hence, it would be naive to dismiss this Alliance as a non-starter or underestimate it as an underdog. The celestial chart certainly portrays it as a serious challenger in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024.

The success of this Alliance will not merely hinge on the strength and influence of the formidable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his NDA. It also greatly depends on how the Alliance navigates both the internal and external challenges that lie ahead. In this respect, the Lok Sabha election of 2024 promises to be a riveting contest. While the NDA currently appears to hold a distinct edge, the verdict is far from decided. (If of have any comments, please don’t hesitate to share— no one is a master astrologer here.)

Epilogue-Shakespeare’s take

We leave you with two of his famous quotations; take your pick.

"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings." - Julius Caesar

"There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will." - Hamlet

Post-Script and Disclaimer

As previously noted, it is important to remember that astrology is a probabilistic and interpretive tool. While it provides intriguing insights, the outcomes depend significantly on the choices made and actions taken by the individuals involved. Astrological predictions should be considered alongside a multitude of other factors that influence the dynamic and unpredictable realm of politics.

1. https://twitter.com/kbssidhu1961/status/1684209519088242691?s=20

2. We do not get into the analysis of the Mahadasha’s and Antardasha’s, because that would have made the subject very complicated. Suffice it so say that the Mahadasha is that of Saturn (Shani), which is very well placed in the horoscope. 10 years and 11 months remaining.