Ayurveda classifies individuals according
to the three biological humours or doshas. These correspond
to the predominant elements in the individual. Three main
types exist, namely Vata, which is dominated by air,
Pitta
dominated by fire, and Kapha dominated by water. Ether is
generally in the field of Vata and earth in the field of Kapha.
Hindu astrology contains a classification of planets by the
doshas:
Planets
and Doshas
Vata
Saturn, Rahu, Mercury
Pitta
Sun, Mars, Ketu
Kapha
Moon, Venus, Jupiter
Saturn
and Rahu are responsible for most Vata (nervous) disorders.
Mars and Ketu are most responsible for most Pitta (inflammatory)
disorders. The Moon and Jupiter cause Kapha problems, problems
of mucus and overweight.
Doshas
and Signs
Vata
Air Signs
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Pitta
Fire Signs
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
Kapha
Water Signs
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
As
per the general rule, the planets are more important than
the signs for determining the nature of things. The signs
determine the field of action and are more indicative of the
site of disease. The doshas of the signs also reflect their
ruling planets.
The
most important factor for determining individual constitution
is the Ascendant or first house, which governs the physical
incarnation generally. Usually people follow the Ascendant
in their physical type. Yet this is merely a general rule,
and other factors have a be considered. Planets located in
the first house are important.
Planets
in the sixth house or aspecting it and its lord also affect
the physical constitution by creating our disease tendency
and general digestive power. Planets impacting the eighth
house are important for severe diseases.
The
main rule is that the planet that has the greatest strength
of influence on the various factors representing the body
? the first and sixth houses, their lords, the Sun and Moon
and their rulers ? will generally determine the physical type.
If two planets of the same dosha (like the Moon and Jupiter,
which are both Kapha) affect these factors, then the judgement
is more assured.
Ayurvedic
constitution usually follows the nature of the strongest planet
in the chart or the planetary type that the person represents.
