Addiction Recovery in the Horoscope

By RATH SANJAY -

by Jo A. Deevey, Holistic MD, Vedic Astrologer

While it’s clear that the Rahu/ Ketu axis and its affliction to the Lagna, its Lord or the Moon
play a significant role in addiction; the author, a Swiss-trained Psychiatrist specializing
Addiction Medicine since 1986, is curious to examine whether these and other factors such as
Gulika and the Baadhak, can be predictive for recovery from addiction. Twenty charts have
been chosen from a Suboxone Management/ Opiate Recovery Program started December
2005. Five charts will be examined in detail and an analysis of all twenty will be presented.
(Statistics unavailable at the time of writing, sorry!)

All patients have prescription pain medicine addiction, heroin, or methadone consumption, a
few have a history of excessive alcohol. One third of patients also have a history of anxiety,
depression, personality disorder or chronic pain problems. Significant addiction to cocaine
or amphetamines have been excluded. Because this is a “hidden” epidemic, a double blind
study with comparison to “normal” natives was not considered practical.

Case Studies

The following factors will be examined: Afflictions to the Lagna, its Lord, Moon and Sun,
with Saturn/Sun afflictions noted in particular. Analysis of the Gulika and Baadakesh added
to or alleviating the other afflictions.

Case 1: C.S., DOB: 4/28/83 @ 19:30, Bellevue, WA, Libra/Swati Lagna w/ Rx Saturn, LL
Venus in the 8th (own) with Mercury, Sun exalted and Mars in Aries (7th), Jup/Moo in Sco
(2nd), and Rahu AK is exalted in Gemini.

The Lagna has malefic aspects from Mars and Rahu, the LL from Rahu and Jupiter, an
enemy of Libra, ruling the 3rd and 6th, and placed in the 2nd Maraka house.

The Moon is debilitated and has a Mars 8th and rasi aspect, is conjunct Jupiter, which may
add grace and wisdom, but also excessive Scorpio expansion and passion. Benefics Mer/Ven
in Chandra 7th give Adhi yoga, but are 8th from the Rashi Lagna, and also create Vesi solar
yoga, allowing the native supportive friends and family.

The Sun has only a Saturn aspect and Jup. rasi aspect, but is in a Maraka house and may be
considered too strong in its ego/ material desires, exalted with Mars. AK Rahu is exalted in
Gemini, 9th house, considered by Sanjay Rath and others to be detrimental for spirituality. The
native’s dasa at beginning of recovery was Mer/Mar with a bhukti change to Mer/Rahu
(Holistic Medicine) in September’06. Rahu is in the 11th in the Navamsa.

Gulika is in Cancer (10th) in the native chart and Virgo (also 10th ) in the Navamsa. The
Baadhak house is Leo, making the Baadakesh the Sun, as described before. The native has
been a drug dealer since age 15 and quite successful until he became addicted to Oxycontin
following surgery on his left hand. He has a commanding “rocker” appearance, but also the
gentleness of Libra. He had undergone a 3-week in-patient detox and the author considered
the strengths in his chart to give him a chance at the outpatient Suboxone recovery program
(Saturn not yet mature at age 23). The native considers his major strength to be earning
money. (LL in the 8th with Mercury!)

C.S. has done very well with regard to his addiction (since Feb 06, now more than 12 months)
and remained stable on low to moderate doses of medication. He has a responsible high tech
computer job, long term friendships and married Nov 2006. He has been open to natural
healing methods and Vedic astrology. (probably Rahu AK)

It is noted that the strong, exalted Saturn and recent transiting Saturn in Cancer crossing
Gulika probably forced the native to make some inner evaluation and find the discipline to
invest his energies elsewhere than the drug world. When Saturn matures, age 36, the native
will be in Ketu/ Saturn dasa/bhukti, perhaps presaging a renewed challenge. The native is
interested in investing his marketing skills in TV and media, which would be a positive outlet
for the Ketu dasa.

Case 2: MM, DOB: 7/21/83 @ 15:06, Seattle, WA. Libra Lagna w/ exalted Saturn, LL Ven
in Leo in the 11th, Rx Jup in Sco (2nd), Mo w/ Ketu in Sag (both @ 1 degree), Rahu exalted in
Gemini with Mars, Sun/ Mer in Can, the latter not combust, creating Aditya Bhadra yoga in
the 10th. The Lagna has only a Rahu aspect, LL Ven is unaspected but in Baadhak. The
Moon is badly damaged in Mula on the Rahu/ Ketu axis and aspected by Mars, a great
malefic for Libra (ruling 2nd and 7th maraka houses) and, in the 3rd house, taking away the
native’s courage. She has significant anxiety, depression and schizoid personality traits.

The Sun has Saturn-10th and Rahu-12th aspects. Rahu is again AK and exalted in Gemini
with malefic Mars. The Baadhak is Leo with Sun as Baadakesh in Can in the 10th. Gulika is
in Virgo in the Rasi and on the Pisces Lagna in the Navamsa.

The native has spent many years in the drug “scene” and is known to consume heroin or
oxycontin, cocaine and excessive alcohol. In her school years, she showed interest and talent
for art and interior design. Her most recent boyfriend was jailed for several felonies and may
have prostituted her for drugs and money. She has signs of neglect and abuse. Initially, she
was withdrawn, mistrustful and anxious, would not or could not share her experience, fears or
desires. She was wistful and had an occasional shy smile.

With time, increasing trust and stabilization on Suboxone (opiate agonist), she became
outgoing and charming with concrete ideas and opinions, but also ambivalence and
suppressed anger. After two weeks of outpatient treatment, she decided to enter a 3-week
intensive rehab without the medication, was discharged for a minor infraction and
immediately relapsed. A further stabilization for two weeks was followed by a vacation trip
to the Bahamas with a previous boyfriend and a subsequent relapse. Again an effort at out-
patient stabilization was thwarted by prospective entry into another detox program, excluding
any medication management. M. did not go to her interview as intended and has been
missing since, having hooked up with a popular rock music group (acc. to her mother).

Gulika in critical Virgo gives M. very high expectations and Lagna Lord Venus in Leo makes
her use her charm and beauty to fulfill her needs, often leading to poor decisions fired up and
destabilized by the Mars/ Rahu in Gemini. This 9th house of dharma is focused on the
material world and its Lord Mercury is weak in Cancer. The Badhaak, as in the first chart, is
Leo and the Badhaakesh Sun, here in Cancer gives a generous, nurturing Spirit, but her deeper
values are constantly in conflict with her emotions. Because of repeated missed visits and
non-compliance with drug consumption, I had to “fire” this patient from the program. The
mother reports, however, that she returned to a previous doctor, who gives her the medication,
is somewhat stable and may later be ready for counseling.

Case 3: G.S., DOB 9/28/46 @ 20:00, Seattle, WA. Taurus Lagna with Rahu (some
Astrologers would say exalted, I prefer the Gemini position because of the galactic center in
Sag’). All planets are ensnared in a Kala Sarpa yoga starting from Ketu as the less malefic
form . In addition, the Lagna has a Mars 8th aspect. This combination presented the native
with early experiences of intoxication, separation and unpredictable, (or “predictably”) poor
parenting. The father died of complications of alcoholism, (Ö)

LL Venus, also AK, is in the 6th in her own sign and with Jupiter (8th and 11th Lord), Moon
and Mars (7th & 12th Lord) indicating excessive need for luxury and enjoyment. The 6th, 8th
and 12th lords are placed in the 6th , creating a Vipareet Raja Yoga. The Moon as 3rd Lord is
conjunct Venus and influenced by the 6th, 8th and 12th lords, making clear perception difficult
at best.

The Sun in Virgo with Mercury in wide combustion means G. should be able to interpret his
perceptions correctly, but Saturn aspects both and causes darkness, pessimism, frustration,
depression and dissatisfaction at the many delays and obstacles in life. The patient believes in
a higher power but has no church affiliation or spiritual community.

Saturn, yoga karaka, and Baadakhesh, also with Gulika is in the emotional sign of Cancer
in the 3rd , aptly describing the frustration, turmoil and lack of satisfaction in this man’s life.
He owns a construction company, has been quite successful, but multiple injuries including
left tibia with chronic osteomyelitis and right shoulder and back pain pushed him toward a
prescription medication addiction. A tumultuous marriage with a demanding, perfectionist
wife (suffering from early adult assault, anxieties and depression) have caused him severe
disturbances of the mind.

He’s lost his “joie de vivre” and plugs along “unenthused” trying to balance financial and
family obligations with a need to shut off with pain meds. He enjoys golf, but his “buddy”
also consumes Oxycontin, making it very difficult to reorient away from drugs in his limited
free time. Several relapses from pain, whether physical or emotional, have complicated G.’s
recovery and his lung condition (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) have further decreased
his quality of life. After some initial improvement with couples’ counseling, the native comes
alone because he can’t be honest in front of his wife . G. seems resigned to his present
condition, probably a result of Gulika and Badhaakesh Saturn together in the emotional
sign of Cancer. His present pattern of Suboxone Management is, however, preferable to his
previous excessive intake of Oxycontin. Addition of medical marijuana to this native’s
medical management have diminished the relapses significantly.

Case 4: RB, DOB 7/10/1981 @ 7:27 in Fairbanks, Alaska. Leo Lagna with Gulika @ 4:58,
Lagna Lord (and AK) Sun goes to Gemini with Mars, yoga karaka, and Merc. Jup and Sat, 6th
and 8th lords, are in Virgo and 12th lord Moon in Libra (Swati), unaspected and where, in the
3rd house, it may diminish the native’s courage and make him more diplomatic than
competitive. There is a strong Anapha yoga in Virgo giving wealth and reputation, but Jupiter
in the 12th may cause excess expenditures and gifts. It is, however, good for investments and
work in foreign countries. The Sun, Merc and Mars receive a 10th Saturn aspect, causing the
native delays and frustration in pursuing his goals. B. entered treatment at the end of Jup/
Rahu (AmK) and begins his Saturn dasa 3/20/08 before Saturn matures. It appears that the
Addiction Recovery program has given him much needed direction and discipline at his
young age.

Venus is in Cancer with Rahu, this combination causing the native to constantly “push the
envelope”, seeking excessive pleasure and stimulation. B. is an avid surfer and skier and has
sampled most drugs, either experimentally or habitually. The past year he focused his
powerful mind (raja yoga in Gemini in the 11th) on his university studies and made significant
progress toward recovery. He plans to become a PhD Psychologist/ Counselor and already
has a student volunteer position in clinical research. (The latter, a positive influence of Ven/
Rah n the 12th in Cancer).

The nodal axis is Cancer/ Capricorn, one of the most challenging emotionally. It does,
however, not aspect the Lagna or Moon, but Rahu throws a 12th aspect to the Sun, Mer, Mars
combination, making exaggeration and instability in the 11th house likely. It could also
catapult the native to fame and societal recognition.

Mars is the Badhaakesh (Aries Badhaak) and being yoga karaka will certainly cause the
native some difficulties with aggression and blunt speech, but gives him convincing,
compelling power of oratory .

Gulika, as mentioned, is on the Leo Asc. and in the Navamsha with the AK Sun in Tau. In
the Saturn dasa, this could enhance B.‘s sense of discipline and pursuit of inner truth, but also
frustrate and delay his progress. The native had only one relapse due to prolonged chest pain
and has been stable more than a year.

Case 5: L.G., DOB 10/24/1963 @ 6:00, Cherry Hill, NJ. Virgo/Hasta Lagna with exalted
(AK) Mercury, Sun debilitated in Libra, but with Venus dignified in own, Mars strong in
Scorpio, Moon on the Ketu/ Rahu axis, exalted in Sag/Gem resp., Sat in own Capricorn and
Jup Rx in own Pisces. ( ck: Yoga: PL. in 6 signs, 5 in own)

The Virgo Lagna with AK Merc is unaspected except for Maraka Jup Rx in the 7th, in its own
Pisces and a Rashi Aspect from Rahu. The native lives in a long-term Lesbian relationship,
described as happy and cooperative. The Mercury exalted in the Lagna and ruling the 10th
gives Badra Yoga (sp?), and the native has a fine intellect and very practical nature. The
Moon is badly damaged in the 4th on the Rahu/ Ketu axis and, the native describes the mother
as ‘toxic”.

The Sun is debilitated, but neechabanga with Venus in its own; unfortunately, the latter is a
Maraka in a Maraka house. There is an important 10th aspect from Saturn, an aspect which
seems common in the addiction population. Rahu in the 10th in Gemini makes the native a
successful chemical dependency counselor and has managed to keep her problem hidden from
her work. The native became addicted to Vicodin during the Rahu/ Ketu dasha/ bhukti
because of severe frequent migraines and began her recovery with me (Rahu in the 7th) in
Spring (ck date) of 2005 as she moved into Rahu/Ven. She has done well except for a “rapid
taper” effort leading to major sickness, anxiety and dehydration, but without relapse, for
several days in August (ck date). She has stabilized again until now. Her partner was initially
very distraught at the events, had trouble understanding why the native couldn’t control her
addiction and tried in subtle ways to take control. After the relapse, they communicated at a
different level and a true understanding and supportive relationship developed.

Gulika is in Leo in the Rashi and Taurus in the Navamsha, both fixed signs, and Baadhak 7th
with Rx Baadhakesh is aspecting Mars strong in Scorpio, very malefic for a Virgo chart.

Before turning to the more esoteric factors of Baadhaak and Gulika, let’s examine some of the
connections with Rahu, north node, intoxicated head of the dragon, its counterpart, the tail
Ketu, with the Lagna, Moon and Sun and the addiction process. Remembering the Hindu
creation myth at the ocean of milk, where the gods waited to drink the “amrita” (nectar of
immortality): a demon or serpent came between the Sun and Moon and tried to steal the
drink. The Moon appealed to Vishnu, preserver of the trinity, and he threw his discus and cut
the demon in half, but not before the dragon had taken a sip…..so, we have a severed head,
intoxicated with a sense of immortality, wanting to taste and try every experience of the
material world and because he has no body, unable to satisfy himself. Is it any wonder that
the ancients gave these two eclipse points in the sky the status of planets??

Sanjay Rath says this shadow planet Rahu (chaya graha) is the sinner in us, the reason for
reincarnation and, depending on its placement in the chart, the challenges of this lifetime are
presented in their extra-ordinary, exaggerated, dramatic and sometimes destructive cloaks.
And of course, the tail with no head, is lurking in the shadow at the opposite extreme, giving
loss and suffering on the material plane, and pushing us quickly or slowly, but inevitably,
toward our spiritual enlightenment (misery and “moksha“, Thank you, Dennis Flaherty.)

So, looking at our first “Case” again, CS: 4/28/83 @ 19:30 in Bellevue, WA: the Sun exalted
with Mars in Aries, Moon, just past full, debilitated with Jupiter in Scorpio, Venus and
Mercury in the 8th house of death, longevity, the occult and managing other people’s money,
Saturn Rx exalted on the Libra Asc. and Rahu exalted in Gemini. What is expected of the
native during this lifetime? (audience participation)

Now, we look at the Baadhaak, (ref: Sanjay Rath, SJC West Coast Conference, August 2003)
Def: Baadaka = obstruction by Sign. 11th house for Chara (movable) Lagna, is Leo and of
course, Sun as dispositor and Baadhakesh, exalted. Could it be that the ego will stand in the
way of spiritual development, or will perhaps, the obstructive nature of the baadhaak cast a
shadow over the Sun, forcing the native to examine the deeper truths of life? And what about
the nodes, Ketu sitting at the galactic center of the Universe, waiting to drag the native
through the “dark hole” abyss into the Light? Is it any wonder that the temptations of the dug
world challenged and then ensnared him? (audience participation)

The strengths of the chart have made him consistent and motivated in his recovery. What can
we say about the long term challenges? (audience)

** Gulika–define, etc. Jaimini Astrology, p.14, #9: Important for career. (Most of these
natives are under 30 y.o., so career has n0ot been fully established and cannot be evaluated.)
In some cases, Gulika seems to strengthen the Saturn tendencies for good or “ill”.

Gulika, so-called son of Saturn, is in Cancer and in the Navamsha with the Moon in Virgo,
repeating the Scorpio Moon themes of difficulty perceiving clearly, or dealing openly with
emotions and, in both cases, are in the tenth house, disrupting the career path. Virgo Moon in
the tenth, however, may indicate a career in the healing arts, cleansing the body or the earth,
or holistic medicine (Rahu AK), probably with a technical bent or research (Mars in Aries/
Moo& Jup in Sco respectively.). Ketu in the Taurus Navamsa 6th suggest art or film as
creative ways to manifest change, especially in the up-coming Ketu dasa.

Further, the 12th house in the Navamsha is very strong with Jup vargottoma, Rahu and Mars in
its own, so the author predicts that the native will find strength in hidden, foreign places, and
spiritual endeavors. With Saturn on the Navamsha Lagna disposited by Jupiter, these two
planets wed discipline and hard work with purpose and inspiration. He may become a warrior
with a mission. Sun in the 9th in the Navamsa replaces Rahu, AK and is with the lagna Lord,
Venus, further supporting a positive development. The next dasa is, however, Ketu, when the
native turns 30 before the maturity of Saturn, so the road will present stumbling blocks. The
trash of material misadventure may litter the highway to self-discovery.

Our second Case: MM, born 7/21/83 in Seattle, also has Leo as Baadhak and the Sun as
Baadhakesh, this time in Cancer in the 10th. The native will be moving into the Sun dasa
11/09 and the author predicts that, if she survives the Venus dasa (in the 11th in Leo with a
current Ketu transit), which has contributed to an emphasis on pleasure seeking, reckless
abandon and inappropriate use of her feminine attributes and talents to obtain drugs and keep
friends, she will begin to turn inward and find her true spiritual nature, although the emotional
turmoil in Cancer is still a challenging issue.

There is the possibility, with Sun as Baadhaak, however, that ego issues will continue to
obstruct M.‘s development, with a background of unclear perceptions, emotional disturbance
and poor discriminating judgment. (Sun and Merc in Cancer) Ketu will also transit Cancer
beginning April 30, 2008, and transiting the native’s Mercury about 9 months later and then
her Sun toward the end of the 18-month sojourn.

As in the previous chart, if this native could find a positive outlet in film as a career, or turn to
chemical dependency counseling, there is potential for some success. Rahu in Capricorn
during the same time period may give some stabilization in the 4th house of home and
happiness and the transiting Saturn in Leo will be aspecting her exalted Saturn.

The third Case: G.S., born 9/28/1946 in Seattle with Taurus Asc, a fixed sign making the
Baadhak Capricorn and the Baadhakesh, Saturn, which is also the Yoga Karaka. Gulika, son
of Saturn, falls in Cancer with Saturn in the 3rd house as Lord of the 9th & 10th. It seems clear
that this confluence of Saturnian influences can do well in the 3rd as an upachaya house, but
could also take away the native’s courage and being in Cancer again emphasizing the
emotional issues and feelings of frustration, restriction and sometimes hopelessness. Saturn is
also MK and the mother was said to suffer her whole life with depression. Gulika goes to Leo
in the Navamsha in the 6th from a Pisces Lagna, highlighting health issues.

Moving on to Case 4: RB, 7/10/1981 in Fairbanks, AK, again we have a fixed Lagna, Leo, so
the Baadhak is Aries and Baadhakesh is Mars, also Yoga karaka for this chart. Mars is very
powerful for Leo and in the 11th house made indicate political or societal influence, but ruling
the 4th and 9th may make it difficult for the native to find his “home and happiness”, his true
dharma/purpose in life (9th) or inner peace. The Sun and Mars work well together, but Merc
even in its own Sign may feel uncomfortable or ambivalent about the Mars, which is further
strengthened in its own Lunar Mansion, Mrigashira.
Gulika is on the Leo Asc. And with the Sun in Navamsha, giving a “tenor” of pessimism and
lingering doubt about self-worth. (This comes out in the therapeutic process, but probably not
to those, who think they know the native.) The father is a wealthy, somewhat rigid business
man and thinks he knows how to fix, influence and control everything around him.

Finally, Case 5: LG, born10/23/1963 in NJ, with Virgo Lagna, puts the Baadhaak in Pisces
(Dual Signs have the Baadhaak in the 7th with Jupiter as Badhaakesh.) The question here is
similar to that of Jupiter for Virgo Lagna, being a great benefic, but ruling the 4th and 7th
houses and unfriendly to Mercury. Ruling Sagittarius it may cause excessive expansion and
high, unrealistic aspirations and there we see the damaged Moon/ Ketu. The 7th , being a
Maraka house has Jupiter in his own Sign retrograde. It’s interesting to me that this woman
has found lasting stability and satisfaction in life with an unconventional female partner,
perhaps due to exalted Rahu in Gemini, Sign of the couple; but also hermaphroditic Mercury,
who is AK.

Gulika is hidden in the 12th ( and the native is an CD counselor in prisons!) and Sun is
debilitated in the 3rd, probably indicating weakness of the father. Jupiter is also PiK. There
has been very little discussion about him in our therapeutic process.

All 5 of these patients have done quite well, although GS, 60 y.o. had multiple “mini
relapses” due to pain and marital discord, but he has stabilized with the addition of Medical
Marijuana to his regimen. LG was switched to the Buprenorphine “mono-therapy” (without a
blocker) because of severe nausea and distaste for food and has done well except for a rapid
taper event last summer causing severe withdrawal symptoms and dehydration, leading to
relapse for 3 days.

Many of these patients get into difficulty because they want to be off the medication, before
they have completely dealt with the addiction issues. Happily for the author, as a Counselor
and Physician, there is usually enough trust built in the relationship to “catch these people” as
they fall and help them to get back on track before too much damage and regression into bad
habits has taken place. This is also a reason that Suboxone is considered a “maintenance” or
long-term therapy, and the results are far superior to Methadone in the author’s experience.

If we now look at the Baadhak, “point of obstruction“, we find 8/20 cases in the moveable
(chara) Signs, that is, #1-Lib, #‘s 3,4, 7 & 16 -Ari, #’s 14 & 15-Cap, and #18-Can.

The Baadakesh goes (resp.) to 1) Ven in Pis, 3) Mar in Pis, 4) Mars in Can, 7) Mar in Gem,
14) Sat in Pis, 15) Sat in Vir, 16) Mar in Sco and 18) Moon in Sag or 4 Baadakesh in the
water signs indicating (in my opinion) that the “obstacle” is difficulty with boundaries,
illusions and excessive sensitivity and emotionality with some excesses in fire and air duality.

Further, in these same cases, Gulika, son of Saturn, ruler of time, detachment and restriction
falls in 1) Sco, 3) Can, 4) Leo, 7) Vir, 14) Cap, 15) Can, 16) Lib, and 18) Cap or 3 water, 3
earth, 1 fire & 1 air, repeating the water theme, but adding the restriction and also some
stability of earth, and to a lesser degree, the volatility of fire and air. The addition of the earth
element for the least dense airy planet, Saturn, may help with detachment and discipline
needed for recovery.

Baadhak in the fixed (sthira) Signs is 7/20 cases, approximately 1/3 as would be expected, as
follows: case #6-Tau, #9 Aqu, #‘s 11, 12, 13, 17, & 19 in Leo, including the latter 5/20 in Leo
with Sun as Baadhakesh. This is most likely statistically significant and also relates to an
unusual proportion of Libra Lagnas. The Baadhakesh goes to #6) Ven in Leo, 9) Sat in Pis,
11) Sun in Can, 12) Sun in Pis, 13) Sun in Ari (w/ Mars), 17) Sun in Ari w/ Mars aspect and
19) Sun in Gem, samdhi @ 0°, which again emphasizes the water elements, 3/7, and fire
excesses, 3/7, with one samdhi in Gem.

Of the 5 Libra Ascendants, 2 have been consistent in their recovery (both with exalted,
retrograde Saturn) and stayed with the Program, one repeatedly relapsed (retrograde Mars,
Gulika and Ketu on the Asc.), partly due to mental health issues, one relapsed and is back in
the Program after several months (Sun, Mars, Merc and Ven in Aries, 7th, Rahu/ Ketu in
Can/Cap and Rx Saturn and Rx Jupiter in the 12th in Virgo) and the last, a patient with chronic
pain (Ketu on the Asc.), was lost to follow-up,; so the role of the Baadhak in potential of
recovery is unclear.

Gulika for the fixed (sthira) signs falls in 6)Vir, 9)Can, 11) Vir, 12) Lib, 13) Can, 17) Cap and
19) Leo–again emphasizing water (2) and this time, earth restriction with less fire and air
excesses for Gulika.

In summary, although it is fun and fascinating to look at the factors of Baadhak and Gulika in
recovery charts, except for the Libra Lagna in particular, with obstruction in Sign of Leo,
afflicting or challenging the Sun/Spirit “Self“, there appears to be no predictive value to this
particular factor. Gulika, important to evaluate for career in these young recovering addicts,
probably adds to the Saturn influence, as mentioned, but is difficult to use as a predictor for
success due to age. Please refer to recent article in the “CVA Journal”, which throws light on
the Saturn aspects to Sun, Moon and Lagna in Addiction Recovery.

The high success rate with this new medication Suboxone, over 70% as opposed to 19-20% in
traditional “detox”, “rehab” or Methadone Programs, is most likely due to the combination of
Counseling and Medical Management in the same office setting and the particular orientation
of the author, offering a compassionate, caring and positive attitude and holistic approach
including homeopathy, nutritional support, jyotisha and a Buddhist worldview. Om namah
Shivaya. Jo/jyo. (Burien, WA)

Addiction Recovery – Table of Data (20 cases)

Patient Lagna B-dhak/ kesh Moon ** S/ F/ V/ U

KA: 4/6/81@ Aqu Lib/ Ven in PIs Bhar F

5am, Phoenix
(Ari)
C B: 1/21/58 @ Gem Sag/ Jup in Lib Dhan S
13:55, B-ham
(Aqu)
SB: 5/22/75 Leo Ari/ Mar in Pis Chi S

@ 13:43, B- (Lib)
ham
RB: 7/10/81 Leo Ari/ Mar in Swat S
Gem
@ 7:27, Fairb (Lib)
WC: 3/23/84 Gem Sag/ Jup in Sag Mula U

@ (Sag)
10:20,Tacoma
JD: 10/15/80 Can Tau/ Ven in P.ash S
Leo
@ 23:44, Mt.V (Sag)
TD: 8/12/83 Leo Ari/ Mar In Can Hasta V

@ 7:59, CA (Vir)
LG: 10/24/63 Vir Pis/ Jup in Pis P.ash S

@ 6:00, NJ (Sag)
SJ: 8/3/66 Ari Aqu/ Sat in Pis S.bhisha U

@ 22:45, ID (Aqu)
DL: 12/31/78 Vir Pis/ Jup in Can U.ash S

@ 00:05 FL (Cap)
MM: 7/21/83 Lib Leo/ Sun in Mula S
@15:06, Sea Can
(Sag)
MR: 4/3/67 Lib Leo/ Sun in Pis Shrav F

@ 20:56, CA (Cap)
CS: 4/28/83 Lib Leo/ Sun in Ari Anur S
@19:30,
Bellevu (Sco)
TS: 12/21/79 Tau Cap/ Sat in Vir Shrav V

@ 17:20, HI (Cap)
GS: 9/28/46 Tau Cap/ Sat in Vish V
Can
@ 20:00, Sea (Lib)
MN: 8/8/84 Leo Ari/ Mar in P.ash S
Sco
@ 9:25, (Sag)
VanCN
TvK: 4/2/81 Lib Leo/ Sun in Ari Mula V

@ 19:55, (Sag)
Renton
DH: 11/16/66 Sco Can/ Moo in P.ash S
@ 9:40, Sea Sag
(Sag)
TJ: 6/15/67 Lib Leo/ Sun in U.Phal U
Gem 0°
@ 16:30, CA (Vir)
GC: 4/18/53 Vir Pis/ Jup in Tau Ard S
@ 16:00, Sea (Gem)

** S= Success (> 6 mo.) F= Failure (<1 mo or repeated relapse w/o motivation to change
behavior ), V= Variable, rep. relapse, still in program, U=unknown

Results: 11/20 successful > 6 months, 4/20 variable w/ relapse, still in program, 2/20 failed
(after 1 month & after second try, 4 months), 3/20 unknown (lost to follow-up).

Saturn Aspects in Addiction, by Jo Augur Deevey, Holistic MD and Jyotishi, Burien, WA,
May 2007

In a study of opiate addiction recovery since December 2005, the author, a Holistic MD,
Swiss-trained Psychiatrist and Vedic Astrologer, was interested to examine the Saturn aspects
to the Sun in particular and the other planets. The results are compelling.

22 patients in a Suboxone Management Program have been included in the study (Suboxone/
Buprenorphine is a low dose partial opiate agonist = “acts like” an opiate with a Naloxone
blocker to prevent competitive opiate consumption). Patients are under contract for urine drug
tests and regular counseling in order to modify their previous drug behaviors and stabilize
their recovery.

Fourteen of these 22 natives have significant Saturn aspects to Sun plus two to the Moon, four
to Mars, Rahu or Ketu. There are two Sun/Saturn conjunctions, three in opposition or 1:7
relationship, six with Saturn 10th aspect to the Sun and another three with a 3rd aspect. Most of
these patients are in their twenties, so Saturn has not yet matured.

Bepin Behari in Introduction to Esoteric Astrology, 1975, New Delhi, describes the Sun as
vital to our sense of Self, our true inner Spirit, the Divine Essence in us. The purpose of
Saturn is, he says, to show us the futility of sense indulgences. In so doing, Saturn makes us
aware of our true goals, our inner spiritual nature and the necessity of detachment and truth,
whatever the cost. Saturn is dark, base metal which needs to be transformed in to gold by the
alchemist, purified by combustion and compression and this process is, for most of us,
stressful, strenuous, and painful. Saturn can be “cruel, vindictive and lazy” so, is it any
wonder that his influence on the Sun, the ego and also our deepest Spirit, is challenging at the
very least. Some Neo-Vedic astrologers would say that the Sun is the positive father, the
Saturn the negative one.

At the same time, Saturn is the son of the Sun, so how could we imagine that the progeny of
our true Spirit would be of so little worth? Are those lessons wasted or must we look beyond
the “veil” to see how the lessons of Saturn draw on the inner strengths of the individual and
show him the true goal of life’s journey.

Saturn is the least dense planet with 3 concentric rings and 5 major satellites; so, the “veil”, a
vaporous cloud, is physical as well as metaphorical reality. Saturn immerses us in the
material world, especially when placed on the Ascendant, and to an ordinary ego (the lowest
development of man) encourages baseness, unscrupulous behavior, evil and indulgence in
sex, drugs and adultery to give the individual a full sense of the futility of such pursuits! So,
the connection to alcohol, drugs and addiction is quite understandable. Great frustration,
feeling of loss, guilt and chastisement have the purpose of turning us inward with reflection
and meditation to allow detachment and renunciation of sensual desires and return us to our
true Spirit and source, the Sun.

Let us examine these effects in some of the recovering addict population. Keep in mind that
all these individuals have acknowledged the seriousness of their illness and all have taken
concrete and sometimes enormous steps toward leaving their bad habits behind.

Case 1: JD: born 10/15/1980 @ 23:44 in Mt. Vernon, WA. Cancer Lagna. on the Rahu/
Ketu axis, Ven in the 2nd, Jup/ Sat/ Sun in Virgo, the latter being AK, Merc in Libra, Mars in
Sco, Moon in Sag’ (P.ashada); therefore, all planets within a reverse Kalasarpa Yoga.

J. grew up with an alcoholic father, who managed nearly complete recovery

the last ten years of his life; he then died in the Anacortes refinery fire in WA of 1998. Of the
two boys, J. was closer to his Dad, very sensitive in nature and this devastating loss caused a
rapid decline of a good student into alcohol and drug consume to bury his grief. His mother
has never quite recovered from the loss of her husband and suffers from significant
depression, mostly stays at home isolated from the community. J. seems to have a good, but
distant relationship with her. A financial settlement allows them both to have a nice home
and car, but neither has meaningful, consistent employment, social activities or adequate
income.

The Sun is in Virgo as AK at 29:28, indicating the importance of the planet for J.’s inner
Spirit. The 9th house of the father is Pisces, denoting problems with boundaries and alcohol,
but with the dispositor, Jupiter in the natural 6th house Virgo with Sun and Saturn, giving the
father an opportunity to heal. As these planets occupy the 3rd house of the natal chart, they
took away J.’s courage for a long period of time, until reluctantly and inconsistently at first,
he found the help of a holistic (Rahu) doctor. These planets are also 10th from Chandra in the
6th, indicating the need for emotional healing and a renewed perspective before career and
stability in society can be established, and also showing that the mother (Moon in the 6th in a
Venus Nakshatra, diety, Apas) probably cannot be helpful in this process.

Jupiter, as 6th and 9th Lord and friendly to the Cancer Asc. adds some grace and fortune (also
ruling the Asc. Nakshatra Punarvasu), but is not well placed in the 3rd or in Virgo,
emphasizing an excessive need for indulgence while setting extremely high expectations. If
the native can discover his fine intellect (Merc, AmK, well-placed in Libra, in the 4th house,
dispositor of Jup, Sat, Sun) and use it for higher learning and eventually tune into Universal
truths and a spiritual path, this planetary combination can be very powerful, especially in the
direction of fine arts or writing. This same Mercury is aspected by natal and transiting Rahu.
In the Navamsa, Cancer Asc. is vargottoma and the 3rd house Virgo is again highlighted with
Sun, Moo, Ven & Mars! J. did begin college, but quickly dropped out after the accident and
except for survival in the drug culture, has not challenged his intellect until now.

During the past year of recovery, he has begun to work somewhat regularly with an uncle in
construction and has pride in that skill. He’s open to holistic healing methods, philosophical
discussion and the Vedic tradition, although somewhat baffled by the “foreignness” of it. J.
has been in the Moon dasa since 1998, (the fire happened in Moo/Rahu) and will be entering
Mars (YK) in March of 2008. The Moon cycle is, of course, changeable at best and often
erratic and emotionally difficult with the Moon changing Sign every 2-3 days and
emphasizing the native’s 6th house problems. Mars, Yoga karaka, in Scorpio has given this
young man the persistence and passion to endure incredible hardship. It also makes him
quick tempered, anxious and attracts aggression/ police action on a regular basis resulting in a
“reality paranoia“. It’s to be expected that the change to Mars dasa could be very powerful in
harnessing the positive Mars energy to his benefit. He has managed to keep some stable long-
term relationships, surprising with Ketu in the 7th in Capricorn, which might be expected to
destroy any consistency there.

Case 2: KA: 4/6/1981 @ 5:00, Phoenix, AZ, Aquarius Asc, Lagna Lord Saturn Rx in the 8th
Virgo with Rx Jupiter, and Mer, Mar, Ven & Sun all in Pisces (w/ Saturn opposition); Mar/
Ven in a planetary war and combust, all in Revati and aspected by Rahu, with the axis again
in Can/ Cap., and Moon in Bharani. This young woman began the Suboxone Management
Program and was quite motivated, but struggled with significant anxieties and emotional
turmoil. After only three weeks, she entered a 1 month “in-patient detox and rehab“, which
disallowed any medications, including Suboxone. (I.e. total abstinence only.) She left that
program after less than a week and was lost to follow-up. One can surmise from the chart that
the outcome was not positive.

The Sun in the last zodiac Nakshatra, Revati, in a friendly sign is optimistic and, as in the first
case, Atma Karaka. There is great spiritual potential in this young woman. However, Saturn,
Lagna Lord, is opposed to the Sun and with the Sun’s dispositor, Jupiter, both retrograde in
the 8th house, poses enormous challenges with regard to potential abuse, poor self-image,
negative values, lack of connection to a world view or inner truth, and the negative influence
of an undeveloped ego, as mentioned at the beginning, encourages tendencies toward
baseness, indulgence and addictive behavior. She came to see me in Moo/ Jup dasa.

The additional planetary war and combustion of Mars and Venus add confusion and
uncertainty as to sexual identity and the role of sensuality in life. The Mars-Saturn opposition
itself is challenging with constant push and pull, like one foot on the gas, the other on the
brakes. The Rahu/ Ketu axis is again in Can/Cap, this time on the 6/12 axis confronting the
native with difficult emotional issues at an early age and no obvious support to overcome
them.

Further, the Moon in Bharani (deity, Yama) assures that the native will experience many
deaths and rebirths in this lifetime, especially related to her sexuality and procreation. This
second day waxing Moon will not insure clear perception to allow growth and change out of
the murky circumstances of the Sun/ Mars/Venus opposition to Saturn, and Mercury,
debilitated and ruling the 5th house of the mind, is also not supported by Jupiter in the 8th. The
Baadhaak is Venus, combust the Sun, offering little help, and Gulika is in the Sign of Scorpio,
whose dispositor Mars is also combust, increasing darkness and pessimism.

Sanjay Rath has mentioned that the Aquarian Lagna has the “blessing or curse” of Saturn
ruling the 1st and 12th houses, allowing the native, as worshipper, to become worshipped. So,
if with Saturn in the 8th, longevity is insured, the native may live long enough to find her
spiritual path and hopefully, change the Ketu drug behavior into an opportunity for
approaching enlightenment.

The Navamsa offers some hope: Sun/Mar/Ven (Lagnamsha and AmK) are in the 9th in
Capricorn , again indicating that a spiritual path of renunciation could salvage this lifetime.
The dispositor Saturn is with Jupiter in the 12th , Aries, indicating that yoga and Shiva
worship can give mitigating effects, but also presaging time in mental institutions. The Moon
in Leo Navamsha is aspected by Rashi from the Sun to its own sign. Ketu on the Taurus
Lagna with Venus/ Sun/ Mars in the 9th gives potential teaching ability at a spiritual level with
true warrior spirit. Rahu in the 7th could indicate that Holistic medicine offers significant
support toward healing.

Case 3: MN: 8/8/1984 @ 9:25, Vancouver, Canada, Leo Asc. with Ven and Mer, Sat
exalted in Libra, Mars/ Ketu in Scorpio, Jup Rx / Moo in Sag (P.ashada), example of 10th
aspect of Saturn to the Sun.

This native has the confidence of a Leo outwardly, is an extrovert, Type A personality; but at
a deeper level, is an insecure, sensitive Cancer. He works with his Dad, who has many
properties in various places including Hawaii, in Real Estate. The father divorced the mother,
when M. was 12 y.o. She is described as toxic, unpredictable, inadequate as a parent and an
abuser of alcohol mixed with drugs. . (Ketu/Mars in the 4th) the native also has his own
business in auto detailing and works ~16 hours a day. Saturn aspecting the Sun (10th)
strongly needs approval, especially in career. The Saturn aspect, however, gives deep
insecurities and early confrontation with choices between parents needs and own, his own
peace of mind and career.

Venus, 10th and 3rd Lords and Merc, 2nd and 11th, in the Lagna create a strong need to earn
money and have worldly comforts with the emphasis on career. They suggest success with
instability and changeability because of Rahu in the 10th. Moon in P.ashada Nakshatra
enhances the need for luxury and enjoyment, but like Saturn, this position in the Galactic
Center will, after much Jupiter expansion, show the native the futility of such pursuits. In
quiet moments, when he shuts out the material world, the native has a curious, philosophical
nature (Sun in the 12th in Cancer), but because of dyslexia and ADD, school was difficult and
books/ reading are unavailable to him. NLP exercises may be able to re-open these doors for
him with new focus and reframing.

Currently Saturn is transiting Sun in the 12th–hidden things!–(Moon/ Jup dasa) and the native,
who became addicted to oxycontin several years ago, enjoying its “high” and also the energy,
which allowed him his workaholic tendencies, came into treatment as the bhukti changed to
Saturn.

If we look at the Ascendant from the Sun, Saturn is in the 4th, restricting and frustrating home
and happiness. If we take the dasa lord, Moon, as Lagna, the Sun falls in the 8th, presenting
M. with early experiences of death and transformation, but also interest in the occult and
mysticism and astrology. M. is also very receptive to Hypnotherapy and NLP “journeys of
the mind” as a tool in his recovery. The mother has been “absent through alcohol” most of his
life or misbehaving, and he has avoided contact for several years. When he recently invited
her to his engagement party, she arrived “drunk and disorderly” and hopes of some change in
his mother’s behavior or respect for him were dashed once again.

Saturn as lord of the 6th and 7th will give difficulties in relationships, but being exalted should
have positive results later in life. The native became engaged last Fall to a delightful young
woman, who, however, also has abuse issues and low self-esteem. M. seems to choose at this
point to focus on helping someone else’s pain rather than look too deeply at his own. He is
stable, however, with regard to his recovery.
The Navamsa is also challenging with Moon, Mer and Ketu in the 10th, the native could “lose
his mind” in career and the Sag’ Lagna Lord Jupiter is in the 8th with Mars, again promising
help through the occult and mysticism, but destroying things or this world, including the
emotional attachments (Cancer). Rahu in Pisces in the 4th means that peace of mind and
happiness will continue to be elusive. The dasas are, however, more optimistic: Mars (Yoga
Karaka) from 2012 to 2019 and the Rahu (placed in the 10th) during which Saturn will mature
in 2020.

These three examples just scratch the surface of the Saturn issues in the addiction population.
As Dennis Flaherty so nicely puts it: The effect of Saturn is to hone the diamond (or, change
carbon into crystal in the first place!) or cause irritation producing a pearl. How many
thousands of years and pounds of pressure do these processes actually take? Only Buddha
knows…..Saturn, in German, is the “Huter der Tuerschwelle” or guardian of the threshold; so,
although we as Astrologers can open the door of knowledge and Universal Truth to our clients
and students, only they can walk through by accepting the challenges and lessons in life of
Saturn rather than to succumb to bitterness and resignation.

Our society condones addiction. Everywhere there is encouragement to find an external

solution for our stress, a “feel good” quick fix, which reinforces the premise of self-
insufficiency, gives our power away, decreases our self-reliance and forms attachments to
something or someone, eventually leading us to believe in the necessity of perpetuating that
dependency forever to keep our peace of mind; be it drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or relationships.
Addictions are self-destructive. They erode self-esteem, cause powerlessness, significant
health problems and the potential of mental instability. None of us are immune. Saturn finds
a place in all our horoscope charts and in all our lives. Only the place and timing differ.
Namaste, jo augur

Your questions and comments are welcome @ jodevi_ve@yahoo.com or preferably #206-

242-0060, 10-12 PST Mon-Sat.

Saturn Aspects in Addiction – Table of Data (22 cases)

Patient Asc Sat/Sun Moon Rahu/Other

KA: 4/6/81@ Aqu 7th ® Sun Bhar Can

5am, Phoenix
(Ari) Pl war:
Ven/Mar
C B: 1/21/58 @ Gem 3rd asp. Dhan Lib
13:55, B-ham
(Aqu)
SB: 5/22/75 Leo none Chi Sco

@ 13:43, B- (Lib) Ketu Sun in

ham Tau
RB: 7/10/81 Leo 10th asp Swat Can w/ Ven

@ 7:27, Fairb (Lib)

WC: 3/23/84 Gem 3rd asp. Mula Tau w/ Ketu,
@ (Sag) Mars
10:20,Tacoma
JD: 10/15/80 Can Sat/Sun/Jup P.ash Can Asc

@ 23:44, Mt.V 3rd ®Mars (Sag)

TD: 8/12/83 Leo 10th asp. Hasta Tau w/ Ketu,
Jup
@ 7:59, CA Sun/Mar (Vir)
LG: 10/24/63 Vir 10th asp. P.ash Gem w/ Ketu
Sun/Ven Moon
@ 6:00, NJ (Sag)
SJ: 8/3/66 Ari None S.bhisha Ari

@ 22:45, ID (Aqu)
DL: 12/31/78 Vir w/Rahu U.ash Leo w/ Sat

@ 00:05 FL (Cap)
MM: 7/21/83 Lib 10th®Sun/Ven Mula Gem w/ Mar
@15:06, Sea
3rd®Moo/Ke (Sag)
MR: 4/3/67 Lib Sat/ Sun Shrav Ari w/Ven

@ 20:56, CA (Cap) Mar/Ke in Asc

CS: 4/28/83 Lib 7th® Sun/Mar Anur Gem
@19:30,
Bellevu 3rd ® Ke (Sco)
TS: 12/21/79 Tau None Shrav Leo w/ Mar

@ 17:20, HI (Cap)
rd
GS: 9/28/46 Tau 3 ® Sun Vish Tau Asc

@ 20:00, Sea (Lib)

MN: 8/8/84 Leo 10th ® Sun P.ash Tau w/ Ketu,
Mars
@ 9:25, 3rd® Jup/Mo (Sag)
VanCN
TvK: 4/2/81 Lib none Mula Can

@ 19:55, Sat/Jup in Vir (Sag)

Renton
DH: 11/16/66 Sco 10th ® P.ash Ari
@ 9:40, Sea Sun/Ven/Mer
(Sag)
TJ: 6/15/67 Lib no Sun asp. U.Phal Ari

@ 16:30, CA ®Moo/Ma (Vir)

th
GC: 4/18/53 Vir 7 ®Sun/Mar Ard Cap

@ 16:00, Sea (Gem)

RyW: 7/10/86 Can ®Moo/Ven Magh Ari

@ 8 am, (Leo)
Renton
RoW: 10/2/54 Leo 3rd®Ra/Ma Anur Sag
@2:08,Spokane
10th ®Jup (Sco)

Contact Rath Sanjay at sanjayrath@gmail.com