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Lal Kitab: A Comprehensive Guide

lal kitab
13 min read

Lal Kitab blends astrology and palmistry. It has intrigued seekers of astrological wisdom for decades. Lal Kitab is known for its practical remedies. It provides a new way to see how planets affect us. It helps us navigate life’s challenges. Learning about Lal Kitab can unlock deeper astrological insights. It can improve one’s life using time-tested Vedic principles.

Table of Contents

History and Origins

The Lal Kitab, or “The Red Book,” is a unique astrological text. It combines astrology and palmistry. It was written between 1939 and 1952 and consists of a series of five Urdu-language volumes. It is commonly believed that Pandit Roop Chand Joshi, a distinguished astrologer from Punjab, wrote it. However, some debate whether it was a single author or multiple contributors.

The Mystery of Authorship

One intriguing aspect of Lal Kitab is its unknown author. Pandit Roop Chand Joshi is the main author. However, some believe the book was inspired by ancient, orally passed knowledge documented only in the 20th century. The poor historical record has led to various views. One is that Lal Kitab’s knowledge could be much older than its text.

Influence of Mughal and Persian Traditions

Lal Kitab differs from classical Hindu astrology (Vedic astrology). It adds influences from Mughal and Persian astrological traditions. This unique blend of astrological systems reflects the cultural mix in northern India during the Mughal era. Persian culture had a big influence on local traditions, including astrology and palmistry. Lal Kitab thus blends Vedic principles with simpler, practical ideas from other traditions.

Written in Urdu

One of the distinctive features of Lal Kitab is its original language—Urdu. This is unusual. Most ancient astrological texts are in Sanskrit, the classic language of Hindu religious and astrological literature. The choice of Urdu suggests that Lal Kitab aimed for a wider audience. It was particularly for North India, where Urdu was commonly spoken.

Timeline of Publication

Lal Kitab’s first volume was published in 1939. Subsequent volumes came in the early 1940s. The complete work was finalized in 1952. These books offer astrological principles and remedies. They differ from traditional Vedic astrology. The remedies’ simplicity, needing no rituals or costly offerings, made Lal Kitab popular. It offered practical solutions to life’s problems.

Evolution and Spread

Lal Kitab was initially popular in northern India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan. As it was translated into Hindi and other regional languages, its influence spread across India and into the global South Asian diaspora. Its remedies were easy to access. Its chart interpretations were simple. So, it appealed to people who found Vedic astrology too complex or ritualistic.

Controversy and Criticism

Despite its popularity, Lal Kitab has not been without controversy. Traditional Vedic astrologers have often criticized it for deviating from established astrological principles. There has been contention over three things. They are the use of simplified charts, the focus on houses (not zodiac signs), and the unique remedies. Its rising popularity suggests that Lal Kitab resonates with those seeking practical, hands-on astrology that is both accessible and effective.

Core Principles of Lal Kitab Astrology

The principles of Lal Kitab are built upon three essential features:

The Nine Planetary Symbols

In Lal Kitab, the nine planets symbolize elements of the universe. These are:

  • Mercury: Symbolizes expansion or vastness.
  • Rahu: A companion of Mercury, representing the sky.
  • Sun: Associated with light.
  • Saturn: Represents darkness.
  • Jupiter: Symbolizes air.
  • Venus: Associated with the lowest point, or nadir.
  • Ketu: A supporter of Venus, symbolizing the nadir.
  • Moon: Represents the Earth.
  • Meteor (Shooting Star): Also considered as a planetary element.

Fate and Planetary Influence

Lal Kitab says we are born with a fixed fate. It can only be changed by great personal sacrifice. The influence of planets on an individual’s life occurs in two ways:

  1. Fixed Influence: This is governed by fate and remains unchanged.
  2. Variable Influence: Some planetary effects can be changed with remedies.

Harmful Effects of Planets

Lal Kitab describes that planetary effects can be harmful in two scenarios:

  • Influence by House: A planet’s influence depends on its house. Remedies can neutralize these effects.
  • Planet’s Influence: A planet’s intrinsic energy is uncounterable. No remedy will work against it.

Lal Kitab Grahs (Planets)

Lal Kitab assigns each planet a fixed house or set of houses. It introduces the concept of permanent houses for planets.

Planets of Permanent Houses

  • Sun: House 1
  • Moon: House 4
  • Mars: Houses 3, 8
  • Mercury: House 7
  • Jupiter: Houses 2, 5, 9, 12
  • Venus: House 7
  • Saturn: Houses 8, 10
  • Rahu: House 12
  • Ketu: House 6

These fixed house placements are vital. They reveal a planet’s strength and its influence on a person’s life.

Equivalent Planets

In Lal Kitab, some planets are considered “equivalent” in terms of the effects they produce:

  • Sun: Mercury
  • Moon: Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars
  • Mars: Venus, Saturn, Rahu
  • Mercury: Saturn, Ketu, Mars, Jupiter
  • Jupiter: Rahu, Ketu, Saturn
  • Venus: Mars, Jupiter
  • Saturn: Ketu, Jupiter
  • Rahu: Jupiter, Moon
  • Ketu: Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, Mercury

This concept suggests that specific houses or combinations of planets may have similar effects on a native’s life.

Blind Planets

If two or more enemy planets are weak and in the 10th house, they are “blind planets.” Their effects then become unpredictable. This concept suggests that planetary effects may not be clear-cut. They can vary based on their combinations.

Fake Planets

In Lal Kitab, the power of certain planetary combinations can equal the effect of another planet. For example, a conjunction of Mercury and Venus in one house can mimic the energy of the Sun. These are termed “fake planets,” as they replace the effects of other planets. These fake planets are vital when considering remedies. Treating the wrong planet could make the remedy ineffective.

Sin Planets and Sinful Planets

Lal Kitab categorizes some planets as “sin planets” and others as “sinful planets” based on their house positions.

  • Sin planets: Rahu and Ketu.
  • Sinful planets: Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and Moon when placed in the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, or 11th house. Mars is sinful in the 2nd, 3rd, or 9th house, while Saturn is considered sinful in the 3rd or 11th house.

These classifications affect how astrologers interpret a planet’s malefic tendencies in an individual’s chart and prescribe remedies.

Ally and Dharmi Planets

A planet becomes an “ally” if it exchanges places with another planet’s fixed house. For instance, if the Moon, ruler of the 4th house, is in Saturn’s 10th house, and Saturn is in the Moon’s 4th house, they are allied planets.

Some planets, like Moon (Mother) and Jupiter (Father/Grandfather), become “Dharmi planets” when they are placed in specific houses or conjunction with certain planets. For instance, Rahu and Ketu, typically sin planets, become Dharmi planets when in the 4th house or when with the Moon.

Lal Kitab’s unique classifications give astrologers a method to interpret planetary influences. It is a valuable, practical resource. It offers remedies and insights into life paths.

The Twelve Houses in Lal Kitab

In Lal Kitab, the twelve houses are vital in astrology. They influence different aspects of life and are linked to various body parts. Each house governs specific body regions. The placement of planets in these houses affects a person’s health.

Here is an overview of the twelve houses and their associated body parts:

  1. First House (Aries)
    • Body Parts: Head, stomach, brain, eyes
    • Ruling Planet: Mars
    • Significator Planet: Sun
    • Exalted Planet: Sun
    • Debilitated Planet: Saturn
    • Associated Traits: This house is seen as a place of well-being. It is also the center of a struggle between Jeev (the immortal) and Maya (illusion). It represents the overall personality, vitality, and physical appearance of an individual. Planets in the first house affect the native’s health and fate. This is especially true if other houses, like the seventh, are vacant.
  2. Second House (Taurus)
    • Body Parts: Face, eyes, bones, flesh
    • Ruling Planet: Venus
    • Significator Planet: Jupiter
    • Exalted Planet: Moon
    • Debilitated Planet: None
    • Associated Traits: Known as the “sacred place,” the second house relates to speech, wealth, and family. It means the right eye. It’s important for money, speech, and childhood.
  3. Third House (Gemini)
    • Body Parts: Throat, food pipe (vas nail)
    • Ruling Planet: Mercury
    • Significator Planet: Mars
    • Exalted Planets: Rahu and Mercury
    • Debilitated Planet: Venus
    • Associated Traits: The third house is connected with communication, siblings, and courage. It is vital for understanding one’s health, especially for throat, lung, and arm illnesses.
  4. Fourth House (Cancer)
    • Body Parts: Breast, lungs, blood
    • Ruling Planet: Moon
    • Significator Planet: Moon
    • Exalted Planet: Jupiter
    • Debilitated Planet: Mars
    • Associated Traits: This house is associated with home, mother, and emotional well-being. It represents the chest and heart. It is linked to the mind and family.
  5. Fifth House (Leo)
    • Body Parts: Back, heart, intestine, pancreas
    • Ruling Planet: Sun
    • Significator Planet: Jupiter
    • Exalted Planet: None
    • Debilitated Planet: None
    • Associated Traits: The fifth house governs creativity, intelligence, and children. It is critical for matters of the heart, both physically and emotionally. It influences learning and progeny.
  6. Sixth House (Virgo)
    • Body Parts: Upper part of abdomen, intestine, bones, flesh
    • Ruling Planet: Mercury
    • Significator Planet: Ketu
    • Exalted Planet: Mercury
    • Debilitated Planets: Venus, Ketu
    • Associated Traits: This house is related to health, enemies, and daily routines. It is key to understanding weaknesses, diseases, and conflict resolution.
  7. Seventh House (Libra)
    • Body Parts: Waist, liver, respiratory system
    • Ruling Planet: Venus
    • Significator Planets: Venus, Mercury
    • Exalted Planets: Saturn, Rahu
    • Debilitated Planet: Sun
    • Associated Traits: This house governs partnerships, marriage, and contracts. Physically, it influences the lower back, kidneys, and the reproductive system.
  8. Eighth House (Scorpio)
    • Body Parts: Genitals, liver
    • Ruling Planet: Mars
    • Significator Planets: Saturn, Mars, Moon
    • Exalted Planet: Mars
    • Debilitated Planet: Moon
    • Associated Traits: The eighth house is linked with transformation, death, and hidden matters. It plays a role in the reproductive system and liver, as well as psychological health.
  9. Ninth House (Sagittarius)
    • Body Parts: Thighs, veins of thighs, rectum
    • Ruling Planet: Jupiter
    • Significator Planet: Jupiter
    • Exalted Planet: Ketu
    • Debilitated Planet: Rahu
    • Associated Traits: This house represents luck, higher education, and spiritual beliefs. It influences the thighs and circulatory system, particularly the veins.
  10. Tenth House (Capricorn)
    • Body Parts: Bones at joints, flesh
    • Ruling Planet: Saturn
    • Significator Planet: Saturn
    • Exalted Planet: Mars
    • Debilitated Planet: Jupiter
    • Associated Traits: Known as the house of career and public reputation, it also governs the knees and joints. The condition of the tenth house determines professional success and societal standing.
  11. Eleventh House (Aquarius)
    • Body Parts: Knee, kneecap, flesh, and respiratory system
    • Ruling Planet: Saturn
    • Significator Planet: Jupiter
    • Exalted Planet: None
    • Debilitated Planet: None
    • Associated Traits: The eleventh house focuses on friendships, aspirations, and income. It affects the legs, particularly the knees, and also impacts the respiratory system.
  12. Twelfth House (Pisces)
    • Body Parts: Toes and their veins
    • Ruling Planet: Jupiter
    • Significator Planet: Rahu
    • Exalted Planets: Venus, Ketu
    • Debilitated Planets: Mercury, Rahu
    • Associated Traits: The twelfth house is associated with losses, isolation, and spirituality. It governs the feet and their veins and also signifies endings, rest, and healing.

Lal Kitab links each house to specific body parts. Knowing these connections helps diagnose ailments and find remedies.

Lal Kitab Remedies (Upaay)

The remedies offered in Lal Kitab are divided into three distinct categories:

  1. Trials: These provide quick, temporary relief.
  2. Remedies: These offer more long-term solutions to problems.
  3. Good conduct brings lasting peace and stability. It benefits both the individual and future generations.

Examples of Remedies:

  • For Planetary Afflictions: If Saturn is causing trouble, donate mustard oil or feed crows on Saturdays.
  • For Financial Issues: Offering water to the rising Sun each morning can help if the Sun is weak, as shown in the chart.
  • For marital problems, wear white on Mondays or donate white items (like milk). This can help if the Moon or Venus are poorly placed.
  • For Health Problems: Feeding street dogs or donating jaggery can appease the planets, Rahu, and Mars.

Societal Impact of Lal Kitab Remedies

Many of the remedies in Lal Kitab also have positive effects on society. For instance, throwing a copper coin into running water helps purify it by killing harmful microorganisms. Copper is known for its antibacterial properties. This is like storing drinking water in copper vessels. Modern doctors now recommend it for its health benefits.

Palmistry in Lal Kitab

Lal Kitab is unique in astrology. It blends astrology and palmistry. Astrology uses a horoscope’s planet positions. Palmistry predicts by reading the lines and mounts of a person’s hand.

Key Elements of Lal Kitab Palmistry:

  • Mounts: Like classical palmistry, Lal Kitab focuses on the Hand’s Mounts. They are linked to different planets. The Mount of Jupiter is at the base of the index finger. Its prominence or weakness can indicate Jupiter’s influence on the person’s life.
  • The major lines—Life, Heart, Head, and Fate—are interpreted based on planetary influences. Breaks, forks, or chains in these lines are often seen as indicators of planetary problems.
  • Planetary Significations: The planets rule specific parts of the hand. For example, Saturn rules the middle finger. A well-developed middle finger suggests strong Saturnine qualities, like discipline and responsibility.

Lal Kitab’s palmistry shows how planetary positions affect a person’s life. They also manifest physically in the hands. Lal Kitab says palmistry can verify astrological charts. So it provides a better prediction.

Debts and Curses in Lal Kitab

A key idea in Lal Kitab is Runanubandhan or Karmic Debts. They affect a person’s life based on their past actions. These debts, when left unpaid, manifest as challenges or obstacles in the current life. Lal Kitab also speaks of Curses (Shrap). They can create barriers, often due to ancestral or past-life karma.

Types of Debts in Lal Kitab:

  • Pitra Rin (Ancestral Debts): These are due to unfulfilled duties to one’s ancestors. If a native suffers due to ancestral debts, performing acts of charity or specific remedies related to ancestors is advised.
  • Martin Rin (Maternal Debts): Troubles can arise if the native, or their ancestors, have wronged the maternal line. To respect the maternal side, donate items linked to the Moon or Venus. This can help alleviate the issue.
  • Stree Rin (Debts Towards Women): Harm done to women in past lives can cause problems in present relationships and marriages. Remedies may include serving or helping women in need.

Curses (Shrap) and Their Impact:

  • Curses can stem from past life events, often involving harm or betrayal. For example, curses from neglected priests or teachers can cause trouble now.
  • Cure for curses often requires acts of restitution. These include feeding animals, helping the poor, or specific prayers to atone for past misdeeds.

Practical Astrology in Lal Kitab

Lal Kitab’s astrology is practical. It offers solutions to everyday problems, not just philosophical predictions. This has made Lal Kitab popular. It appeals to those seeking practical, real-world solutions to their problems.

Key Aspects of Practical Astrology in Lal Kitab:

  • Day-to-Day Predictions: Lal Kitab is used to predict daily life. It helps with things like how Saturn’s placement might affect a business decision. It also looks at how the Moon’s influence might cause emotional issues. The book’s simplicity allows for quick assessments and actionable solutions.
  • Application of Remedies: Unlike traditional Vedic astrology, Lal Kitab offers simple, practical remedies. It avoids complex rituals. These remedies often involve changing minor behaviors or performing small acts of charity.
  • Focus on Action Over Rituals: Lal Kitab focuses more on kriya (action) than on rituals. It urges people to take charge of their lives. They should use simple remedies, like feeding birds or lighting a lamp. They should not rely on elaborate religious ceremonies.
  • Modern Relevance: Lal Kitab is popular today for its practical use. People want quick, cheap solutions. Lal Kitab provides that.

Lal Kitab’s practicality makes it a powerful tool. It helps people tackle challenges in health, relationships, and finances. Its remedies and predictions are simple and effective. They often lead to real improvements in a short time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lal Kitab is still a beacon of astrological guidance for many. Its unique remedies and practical methods make it a key tool for those seeking harmony and prosperity. Whether you’re new to astrology or a pro, Lal Kitab has lessons for all.

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