SCORPIO ASCENDENT/ VRISHCHAK
Scorpio people are generally very intelligent and perceptive, but they are cautious. They are hesitant to reveal what they really think. Scorpio's are intense, secretive, introverted and sometimes troubled. They are usually passionate and can be very much attached sexually. Scorpio's, because of their intensity, can become good orators or debaters as well as intense poets, artists or actors. Scorpio's generally maintain silence and observe things keenly. Their reaction is sudden, forceful and one of impatience. Because of their silence and straight forwardness, they are often misunderstood.

When Scorpio ascendants have an afflicted chart, they can be prone to vices, perversity or the underworld side of life and they can become violent emotionally or physically. Since it is Mars and Venus are the functional malefic planets for the Scorpio ascendant and they are quick moving planets, then the difficulties caused by the transit affliction of Mars and Venus are short lived.

A strong Mars in this chart protects and promotes the Scorpions health as Mars rules Aries, the mooltrikona sign that is in the sixth house of diseases and disputes. It will give the person more patience and will enhance initiatives and protect health and relationships with brothers. It will give the person a desire for physical exercise to maintain a fit body and good health. If Mars is weak for the Scorpio ascendant, then the person can suffer from health problems and accidents as well as having disputes and arguments with others as well as with brothers. The diseases that may occur are boils, infections, piles and operations because of various accidents. Mars is a malefic planet for the Scorpio ascendant and therefore it is desirable that there are no close natal aspects to other planets and houses.

A strong, well placed and unafflicted Jupiter gives the person high status or a position of authority due to Jupiter ruling Sagittarius, the mooltrikona in the second house. There will be good marital ties and family life, which will bring decent income and material gains. If Jupiter is weak and afflicted, then there could be a disturbed relationship with the spouse as well as loss of status, education and problematic family life. There can be problems with the eyes, teeth or liver (second house signifies eyes and teeth, Jupiter signifies liver)

The mooltrikona sign for Saturn is Aquarius which is placed in the fourth house of possessions and education. A strong and well placed Saturn will enhance the person's ability to pursue his studies and own property. The relationship with the mother may be serious, but good. If Saturn is weak and afflicted, then there will be loss of properties and mental peace. There will be complications with the parents, the mother specifically. Possible marital problems could also occur.

The mooltrikona sign for the Moon is Cancer, placed in the ninth house. A strong and unafflicted Moon will bring status to one's father and potential for rise in their own life. There may be long distance journeys and spiritual understanding as well as good fortune. The person will have a caring disposition and will have a compassionate mother. If the Moon is weak or afflicted, then there will be obstructions in achieving mental stability and peace. There will be setbacks in life and some unhappiness with one's parents. Long journey's would be difficult or not happen at all.

The Mooltrikona sign for the Sun is Leo placed in the tenth house, the house of profession. A strong and unafflicted Sun will derive a certain status in their career. They are courageous in what they do and will earn a good amount of money. If the Sun is weak and afflicted, then the person has loss of status yet will still maintain some benefits through its ownership of the tenth house. A weak Sun will effect the person's health and vitality as well give troubles to the father.

Mercury has its mooltrikona sign Virgo placed in the eleventh house, giving a good but fluctuating income if it is strong and well placed. There will be interaction with many people who are friends, yet close friends will be few for the Scorpio person on account of their introverted manner. If Mercury is weak and afflicted then there will a general lack of happiness and support from friends and elder siblings. There will be a lack of desire and fulfillment.

The mooltrikona sign for Venus is Libra placed in the twelfth house. If Venus is well placed and strong even though it owns the twelfth house, it will give the person a comfortable life perhaps living in a foreign country. It will protect the Scorpio ascendant from marital loss or separation and from material losses. A Venus that is weak and afflicted will create marital loss and a shorter life span, weakness to the kidneys and for a male chart, ill health to the wife. Since Venus is considered a malefic planet for Scorpio ascendant, then any aspect it gives to other planets or houses will cause losses.

Functional Malefics:	Saturn, Mars, Sun, Rahu and Ketu
Ruler:	Mercury
Exaltation:	Mercury is exalted in Virgo
Debilitation:	Venus suffers debilitation in Virgo
Body Parts:	Abdominal umbilical region, bowel and intestines and the nervous system
To the Beginning	This article was written by John R. Fyfe