The Lajjitaadi Avashtas are an important component of Vedic astrology, as outlined by Brihat Parashara in his monumental work Brihat Parashara’s Hora Shastra. They help us understand and transform the role of habits in life. These astrological principles show how planets, through good or bad habits, influence our mental, emotional, energetic, and physical well-being.

In an individual’s horoscope, the Lajjitaadi Avashtas reveal whether we are living in alignment with our inner wisdom or being guided by destructive patterns. These inner patterns influence our lives in profound ways:

Positive Avashtas promote harmonious growth and progress.

Negative Avashtas block our development and cause frustration and disharmony.

They teach us to trust again in our inner guidance system, which unfailingly shows us what is right in every situation. It’s not about external dogmas or rules, but about trusting our own intuition. This means replacing old habits with new, healthy patterns and living in alignment with universal energy. The quality of our habits and the influence of our parents, ancestors, and past determine how well we can express our true nature. When these astrological areas are positively influenced, they support us. On the other hand, if they are challenging, it requires conscious effort to correct our habits.

The basis for calculating these Avashtas lies in the natural relationships (friendship or enmity) between the planets.

The Moon Nodes, Rahu and Ketu, are points of intersection between the Moon’s and Earth’s ecliptic. They cause eclipses and are not physical planets. In Western astrology, they are often underrated, yet they exert very powerful influences in our lives. 

These nodes are significant points that describe a karmic and evolutionary path in an individual’s birth chart. Ketu, the South Node, is referred to as our “castle,” representing where we come from and our security paradigm. It shows how we protect ourselves to avoid emotional pain and how we cling to old beliefs. However, Ketu is also an indicator of limitations and the suppression of the flow of life. These restrictions often lead to dissatisfaction and prevent personal growth. 

On the other hand, Rahu, the North Node, represents the “jungle,” the unknown territory we must explore to discover new experiences. Rahu represents the challenges that force us out of our comfort zone, and the emotional weaknesses we must face in order to achieve personal growth. It requires courage to confront the fears and vulnerabilities that Rahu reveals in order to gain new awareness and freedom. 

The ease with which we can make this necessary shift depends on the signs and houses in which the Nodes are located, as well as the overall planetary configurations.

The healing of Rahu and Ketu occurs through self-compassion and the courage to embrace the unknown. It requires work and self-exploration to find a healthy balance between the two in order to promote emotional and spiritual growth.

Particularly around the ages of 36, 42, and 48- often referred to as the ages of “midlife crisis”— Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu undergo a process of maturation. This means that after these ages, we are more prepared to harness the strengths of these “planets.” However, the success of this maturation process depends on how it evolves and progresses to ensure a healthy development. 

Additionally, planets associated with Rahu and Ketu must be examined closely, as the Nodes will have a strong influence on them.

The PAC-Astrology is based on a psychological concept of  Transactional Analysis from and Vedic astrology by Ernst Wilhelm. It utilizes principles such as the Lajjitaadi Avashtas and three different planetary strengths (referred to as “Bala” in Sanskrit): Cheshta Bala – the strength through movement and retrogression, Uccha Bala – the strength based on the position relative to the sign (Exaltation/Debilitation), and Dig Bala – the directional strength, depending on the house placement.

The fundamental principle of PAC Astrology is that every person carries within them three psychological states: Parent-Mind, Adult-Mind, and Child-Mind. Most interpersonal problems arise from the tensions between these parts. When we view astrology in the context of this inner structure, we obtain a powerful tool for self-reflection and healing. It helps us understand why relationships don’t work and how we can improve them.

In many people, this “inner family system” doesn’t function harmoniously – it can be like a dysfunctional family or one in which everyone gets along well. However, most of the time, the PAC elements do not work together in a productive way.

In addition to these three parts, there is a male and a female side to the human psyche, and their relationship should also be healthy and balanced.

The various instances (PAC) are each assigned to groups of planets:

• Parent-Mind planets: The Sun and Saturn represent the Parent Mind. These planets symbolize the internalized voices of authorities, such as parents, teachers, or other societal norms. When these planets are strong or negatively aspected, a person may act from an authoritarian or controlling mindset.
• Adult-Mind planets: Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter represent the Adult Mind. These planets symbolize the objective part of the mind that can think and act in a pragmatic and balanced way. When these planets are positively strengthened, the Adult Mind helps solve problems in a reasonable manner.
• Child-Mind planets: The Moon and Mars symbolize the Child Mind. These planets represent emotional reactions, childlike needs, and impulses.

Depending on how these planets are positioned in a horoscope and what aspects they form, one can recognize from which mental state a person primarily lives and acts. Planets that support the respective mental state (e.g., strong, positively aspected planets) promote behavior from this mind, while poorly aspected planets (e.g., weak or challenged planets) can block or hinder behavior from that state.