Pope Benedict XVI
Mr. Rao, a world renowned Hindu astrologer and therefore a public figure, has exercised his right to post the below article on his website thereby introducing it into the public domain.
As a leading astrologer, most would say it's his right to comment on the chart of the Pope - just as it's considered the right of reporters to write whatever they choose for the world tabloids. However, as Astrologers, it's expected that we should present the facts as they relate to (any) horoscope in an unbiased way.
Unfortunately this is not the case in this instance as Mr. Rao's article is anything but unbiased; it is rather the most blatant example of racial/religious prejudice I've seen from any astrologer. This discredits, not only Mr. Rao personally, but the astrological community at large.
Being an astrologer, or even a world famous astrologer, does not give one license to subject a religious leader to public vilification. What Mr. Rao has revealed here is not the mind of the Pope but the mind of Mr. Rao (full of pride and prejudice).
As many people will read his article and, based on reputation alone, are likely to accept it at face value, conscience dictates that I must exercise MY right (with due credit to him as the author of the article) to respond to his biased interpretation (as it originally appeared on his Website).
POPE BENEDICT XVI (JOSEPH RATZINGER)
By K.N. Rao
The British press wrote viciously against the election of Ratzinger to the
post of Pope because of his Nazi past, his German roots and the
memories of the two world wars. The German press was exuberant
because of the election of a German after nearly one thousand years.
The jingoism of the Europe of middle ages, of nation states, resurfaced.
Rather than copy from tabloids, Mr. Rao should seek the true facts himself regarding the (so-called) Nazi past... We all have the internet at our disposal so research isn't too difficult.
For others the point of debate were his views: his ultra conservatism, his
anti-woman,anti-condom , anti other religions and even other non-Catholic Christian denominations. He has been portrayed as an epitome of rigid puritanical sexual morality of medieval ages crying in the wilderness of a permissive era of Europe which Arnold Toynbee had described, as early as 1950, as ex-Christian Europe. The new Pope reminds people that Europe has Christian roots and Turkey, a Muslim nation, should not be admitted into the European Union. He knows that AIDS is the deadliest disease spreading so fast and can be checked.
Any religion, true to itself, will hold fast to the moral values that sponsor righteous living and not be swayed by the desires of a corrupt, immoral society. The Pope should be commended for his stand against moral decay - not criticised!
As for the comment on European Union (in an interview in 2004 for Le Figaro Magazine), his defenders maintain that single quotes from Dominus Iesus are not indicative of intolerance or an unwillingness to engage in dialogue with other faiths, and this is clear from a reading of the entire document.
They point out that Ratzinger has been very active in promoting inter-faith dialogue.
04:12 should be in the chart above
Notice here the aspect of Ketu conjoined Jupiter, the planet of priesthood also, as the ninth lord, aspecting Moon in Tula and Mars and Rahu in the ninth house. The time, the date of his ordination, 29 June 1951 is a crucial factor. It was 29 June 1951 with Jupiter in Meena aspecting the tenth house and Saturn, from Kanya also aspecting the tenth house but from the eighth house showing a change in career and the beginning of a new one. In Vimshottari dasha it was Rahu-Moon-Mars all the three aspected by the ninth lord of Vimshamsha Jupiter and Mars in and Rahu in the ninth house itself.
Assuming Mr. Rao is referring to Vimshamsha;
Not only is the rising sign different, the distribution of planets are also totally different (Jupiter is not conjunct Ketu, no matter which time is used)...I'm mystified as to how he cast this chart. Perhaps it's some other chart that he's mistakenly labelled Vimshamsha? I really don't know but I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm in error.
Apart from this, the divisionals are (traditionally) consulted to give weight to a particular area of life during the relevant dasa periods. We all know that at times our spiritual progress is smoother than at other times when we may encounter obstacles or even be disinterested in spirituality altogether... this is how Vimshamsha should be used; certainly not for general delineation.
It is known that in the vastly changed social landscape, woman detests
fitting herself into her role as a pure housewife of a traditional family. But he would insist that woman must refit herself into that slipping role.
This simply is not true! The stand in regards to Women is that they should not be ordained priests...tell me, has there ever been a female Shankaracharya?
Most of the religions of the world adjust themselves with these fast changing trends but want to retain their spiritual essence but Ratzinger wants the world to fit itself into his narrow Catholic framework of thought and philosophy. Others, his critics from liberal schools, see his Catholic
symphony, as a jarring cacophony, which can only divide the Catholic
world itself and antogonise other religions; which in his unenlightened view (are?) "insufficient"...
The Pope must adjust himself (and the Church) to such fast changing trends as divorce, promiscuity, violence, abortion...this is unbelievable coming from such an esteemed astrologer...Parashara himself sets down moral guidelines that every astrologer should follow!
The comment that Pope Benedict wants the world to fit itself into his narrow Catholic framework of thought and philosophy comes (obviously) from one unfamiliar with the teachings of Christ who tells us;
"enter by the narrow gate for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go by it; because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few there are who find it."
The good shepherd, Pope Benedict XVI, is doing nothing more than leading his flock through the gate that leads to life eternal (according to the faith). Would We have him do less? Would Christ have him do less?
That can be the view of a fanatic, a fundamentalist now seated on the throne of St.Peter but as a gigantic Taliban with more than one billion followers all over the world.
This is totally unworthy of comment...
Prophecies of St. Malachy were quoted."Benedict XVI according to
prophe-cies of St.Malachy is the next to last."
Those who believe in these prophecies see it as the end of the Papacy soon.
Actually Pope Benedict XVI is given to be, in Malachy prophesies, the 267th Pope whereas, in actual fact, this Pope is the 265th...there seems to be no explanation for this discrepancy?
As for the prophesies themselves they are often so vague that one can read into them anything they wish to; for instance, this Pope is simply described as "Gloria olivae", and believe me (as the olive branch has always been a symbol of peace and prosperity in Christendom) this prophesy could be made to fit anyone.
The Benedictine order traditionally said this Pope would come from their order, since a branch of the Benedictine order is called the Olivetans. St Benedict is said to have prophesied that before the end of the world, a member of his order would be Pope and would triumphantly lead the Church in its fight against evil. While the Holy Father chose the name "Benedict", this does not seem enough to fulfil the prophecy. Nor is it clear how Benedict XVI (a Bavarian) is "Glory of the Olives". Since he is said to have remarked in the Conclave after saying he would take the name Benedict that it was partly to honour Benedict XV, a pope of peace and reconciliation.
One can read into it what they will, I guess...
The horoscope:
In this tumult of controversy, astrologers were searching his horoscope
which scramble stopped when the birth details made available were,
16 April 1927 at 4/15 am or even 4/30 am at Marktl, Germany.
On the basis of some facts available, the birth time was rectified to
4/12am and the horoscope got is as follows.
Some features strike the eye at once against the known background of the known facts of the life Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.
1) The fifth house has Mars and Rahu in close degrees giving his known aggressive mind its acerbic reactions.
acerbic reactions? (acerbic = astringently sour, harsh-tasting, bitter or biting in speech, manner or temper). Could one come up with a more disparaging description than this...this statement truly is born of prejudice and unworthy of an astrologer of Mr. Rao's stature.
I suppose it would not be in keeping with Mr. Rao's preconceived ideas to consider the aspect of Jupiter (karaka for 5th); nor to consider the nature of Mars (in Gemini) which bestows a sharp, keen quality to the intellect...a sharp wit! Whilst Rahu here can be seen as a compelling force that drives him strongly towards intellectual/educational pursuits.
Rahu will manifest through his dispositor Mercury who occupies 2nd house of education/educators in sign of Jupiter. If I'm not mistaken Pope Benedict had a distinguished career as a university theologian before he became Archbishop of Munich...why should Mr. Rao choose to ignore all these things - wishing only to make disparaging remarks about an aggressive mind and its acerbic reactions?
Let me quote what Kalyana Varma says about Mars in Gemini;
"the native will be splendorous, very learned, be well versed in poetical rules, highly intelligent and will devote to various kinds of assignments."
And then in reference to Mars (in Gemini) aspected by Jupiter he says;
"the native will be a king's representative, be bright, will go to foreign countries as an ambassador, be skilful in all doings and be a leader."
A dull mind/intellect is not fit to master many languages (as he has done) or to be well-versed in philosophical subjects...Mr. Rao has closed his eyes to this chart and totally ignored the aspect (from Aquarius) of Jupiter, lord of 2nd house of speech (languages) and significator of religion/philosophy.
According to Varaha Mihira, Jupiter in Aquarius is as benefic as he is in Cancer...both Jupiter (dispositor of MokshaKaraka Ketu) and Lagna are in nakshatra of Jupiter himself - what does this tell about the innate nature of this native, considering also that Jupiter's dispositor (lagnesh Sani) is aspected by YogaKaraka (9th lord) Venus.
2) The fifth lord debilitated in the second house is aspected by the sixth
lord augumenting mental hostility.
Let me give a broader view of this.. one that's substantiated by recent happenings.
Since his election as Pope (elevation of career) it would be appropriate to consider 10th lord Mars, dispositor of lagnesh Sani (and bhukti lord), in this light. Mars occupying 5th house of children/followers (flock of the shepherd from a Catholic perspective) certainly indicates that there may be many of the flock who will rebel against his strict moral stance... being a mother of two boys, also with Mars in 5th, I can speak volumes about rebellious children.
Further to this, the aspect of 6th lord Moon on 5th lord is a testament to the hostility that's surfacing from certain sections of the public - towards him and towards his flock - note 5th lord is dispositor of ascendant lord's dispositor.
It doesn't require great ability to predict that there will be many more like Mr. Rao ready to criticise...
In terms of mental ability/stability we shouldn't ignore the karaka for mind (Moon) who, in sign of Mercury, is aspected by his dispositor (5th lord Mercury). As we know neecha-bhanga yoga applies with Mercury in kendra from Moon.
Both Moon and Mercury are indicators for mind and it's said that their association gives rise to great intelligence...Pope Benedict is well-known for his intellectual qualities.
Although his critics accuse him of being unbending in his determination to uphold the traditions of the church, all who know him say he's a man of deep and sincere humility...perhaps we may see this with Mercury, planet of the intellect, debilitated in Pisces in nakshatra of Saturn...
Kalyana Varma tells us that;
"Should Mercury be in Pisces, one will be fond of good conduct and
purity, will live in foreign countries, will be virtuous etc.."
and here a quote from J. Braha regarding Saturn and humility;
"Although Saturn's very nature is to restrict, deny, and destroy, it
also is capable of bestowing the greatest evolutionary qualities a
person may possess. It is especially helpful to those persons on the
spiritual path who are diligently seeking perfection, for Saturn
gives humility, patience, dedication, and the most genuine sense of
non-attachment in worldly desires and pleasures. It is a spiritual
influence par excellence."
This Saturn, nakshatra lord of Mercury and lord of Ascendant, is (as already spoken of) in mutual aspect with swakshetra Venus, lord of 9th house of religion, morality, piety etc..
3) From Moon, the fifth lord, Saturn retrograde and vargottama in the house of Mars is aspecting the fifth house, Makara along with Mars. Mars has such a predominant sway on his mind joined by Rahu and Saturn. This shows his rigid mental fixations. In adverse times, such a combination affects the mind and throat and needs medical treatment also.
Just as the aspect from Jupiter was totally ignored when judging the effect of Mars (in 5th) so too is the aspect of 9th lord Venus (to Saturn) completely ignored in the above delineation...this Venus BTW owns 9th from both lagna and Moon.
4) Venus in his own house as the fourth and the ninth lord aspected by
lagna lord, Saturn from the tenth house is the head of an institution who
will carve out his niche within the tentacles of papal bureacracy.
"within the tentacles of papal bureaucracy"? What fosters such sarcastic comments...rightly this could be described as "acerbic".
If we take an honest look at this chart we should have no trouble seeing that his true devotion to God/Christ is evident with YogaKaraka (9th lord) Venus in own home in 4th house.
This house signifies mind (emotion), heart, happiness & contentment, confidence & belief, holy places, moral virtues, devotion to God, piety, righteous conduct, character, good name and reputation, ultimate results, end of undertakings, conditions at close of life etc..
So we see at the closing days of his life (old age - note mutual
aspect between bhukti lord Saturn and Venus) he has been elevated to
this position...shepherd of the flock!
I'm mystified as to why Mr. Rao has chosen to ignore these strong features in his chart and focus (almost exclusively) on Mars/Rahu conjunction?
5) Moon in the eighth house but in the dreshkona of Venus saved him from strokes of balarista but is that point of danger which can prove fatal for his health and life particularly because it is aspected by Mars.
The Pope is now 78 yrs old and at some time, sooner rather than later, something is bound to prove fatal. As far as I know, the Pope has no apparent history of chronic health problems, however in September 1991, he did suffer a cerebral hemorrhage that temporarily affected his left field of vision - he made a full recovery.
7) Mutual aspects of Moon Mercury is that absorbing hobby of his, his self contemplative skill as a pianist playing Beethoven.
To the best of my knowledge, interests, hobbies and playing musical instruments are seen from 3rd house. With exalted Sun in this house in sign of Mars (Mars conjunct Rahu in 5th) his passion for Beethoven is understandable. Also, if anyone has noticed, he has very long, slender fingers (commonly referred to as pianists fingers). We've all heard the saying, "You have the hands of a pianist, such long fingers".
8) But then again see the tenth house from the lagna, with retrograde and vargottama saturn in the house of Mars and Mars, the tenth lord with Rahu.
Mr. Rao just can't seem to get past Mars - this is unfortunate. However let's consider this position of 10th lord a little more deeply in the context of the Vatican (of which he is now 'Head of State'). A blind man can see the amount of negativity directed, not only towards the Pope, but also the Vatican (home of the Church) and, to a lesser degree (so far), the members of the Church (followers/children/flock) since the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
Why is this so and how do we see it in the chart...
We might consider the Church from several angles: First, and I think most important, is the 12th house which shows monasteries (ashrams) etc.. Being 4th(home) from 9th(religion) it shows the house of one's preceptor, guru or religion.
Note Rx 12th lord Saturn inimicably placed in sign of Mars in 10th; Mars, conjunct Rahu, occupies 8th from 10th whilst Mars' dispositor is aspected by 6th lord Moon...Moon represents the public, public opinion and so forth whilst 8th shows enemies, accusers, battles...
Looking at Varshaphal we see that 6th lord Moon and 12th/1st lord
Saturn are conjunct in 5th house of children, followers etc, etc..
It does seem (on face value) that this papacy will not be a smooth one, however we cannot disregard the great beneficence of 9th lord Venus' aspect on 1st/12th lord in 10th house...solutions to problems, divine providence etc..
9) From Moon, the tenth lord has Mars and Rahu with the aspect of Jupiter and the tenth lord, Mercury debilitated is in the house of Jupiter.
The dreaded, inflexible looking Pope Benedict XVI will come under the sway of Jupiter also and concede sometimes to restore faith and sanity.
"The dreaded, inflexible looking Pope Benedict XVI"??
Mr. Rao's (obvious) prejudice is a prime example of what all right-minded astrologers should avoid.
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PS: Kalyana Varma tells us that Moon in Virgo denotes that one will be learned, be a religious preceptor, be an eloquent speaker, be truthful and pure, valorous, be kind to living beings, be interested in others affairs, be of forgiving disposition etc..
There is also a reference that one will be addicted to women, however, in this instance, we could say; with swakshetra Venus owning 9th house of religion and aspected by lagnesh Sani (dispositor of priestly Jupiter) whilst exalted 7th lord (in constellation of MokshaKaraka Ketu) aspects 9th house, his addiction, if we may call it that, is to his religion...his only desire, from the tender age of five, was to be a priest.
The revered sage also tells us that if Moon in Virgo is aspected by Mars, the native will be skilled in mechanical/or fine arts, will be famous, affluent, disciplined and courageous.
This aspect is said to be inauspicious for the mother of the native, however the benefic status of 4th house (mother) is highly auspicious.
We might look at this aspect, as it applies to this particular chart, in light of the fact that 6th (dusthana lord) Moon, in 8th (dusthana house), is aspected by 3rd (dusthana lord) Mars... Viparita Harsha Raj Yoga.
Phala Deepika states that this yoga will confer health (at 78 the Pope has no chronic health problems), wealth (although not his own the Pope is surrounded by the wealth of the Vatican) and fame (none can deny this, even as a Cardinal his reputation had spread). The person will conquer his enemies and will hesitate to indulge in sinful deeds (i.e will not indulge in sinful deeds - this is born out of course with 9th lord in own home in 4th), friends will be illustrious and with class.
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