I have recently finished watching the “Interpreting Avashtas” series and have been studying charts to apply the techniques I have learned. I remember Ernst mentioning that Mars/Saturn is among one of the more painful conjunctions to have, since both planets hurt each other (due to their inimical relationship and both being cruel). I do not know if Ernst talks about his in any other of his videos, but my theory is that this conjunction is also more painful than others because of the two planets’ connection to Rahu and Ketu.
If Rahu gives the results of Saturn and Ketu gives the results of Mars, this should mean that any time the Rahu/Ketu axis is activated (whether in Rahu/Ketu mahadasha or subdasha, the dasha of Rahu’s/Ketu’s lord, or Rahu/Ketu maturation), this Mars/Saturn conjunction should also be activated. If I understand correctly, the nodal axis is one that the native cannot escape, they will continually find themselves in situations where they will have to work on the themes associated with that axis throughout their lifetime. If the native is constantly pushed towards working on Rahu and Ketu, they should also be pushed towards constantly using their Mars/Saturn conjunction. How successfully or effectively the native will be able to develop Rahu and Ketu in large part (50 %, if I understand correctly) depends on the avasthas of Mars and Saturn. If we just consider Mars and Saturn in this scenario to judge Rahu and Ketu in a chart and temporarily disregard the avashtas of their lords, you should get three basic scenarios.
1) Mars and Saturn are equally strong. There is a continual arm wrestle between them and neither gets to do what it wants to effectively. Thus, Mars and Saturn should neither be able to help Rahu nor Ketu.
2) Mars is stronger. Mars will strengthen Ketu and hurt Saturn. Thus, Mars will hinder the development of Rahu.
3) Saturn is stronger. Saturn will strengthen Rahu and hurt Mars. Thus, Saturn will hinder the development of Ketu.
Is this theory correct (barring other factors in the chart, of course)?
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In conclusion, my theory is that in charts with a Mars/Saturn conjunction, judging the condition of this conjunction will be crucial for determining whether the native will be successful in developing their nodal axis. If both are equally strong, it seems that they won’t be able to do so effectively. If Mars is stronger, it seems to me that Ketu will be developed even more (than they might already have in prior lifetimes) at the expense of Rahu. If Saturn is stronger, it seems to me that Rahu will be developed more at the expense of Ketu. Is this correct?
Well that just opened another can of worms. LOL..more stuff to study.
Just thought I'd share my experiences with this placement. My brother has Mars, Saturn, and Ketu in Aries. When he gets really angry, he becomes very vitriolic with his words and super aggressive. The handful of times his anger has been directed towards me, I've been convinced he could kill me. My family members are pretty much afraid of him and try to stay on his good side at all times, including my parents.
This Mars-Saturn conjunction is hell. Especially when Rahu is near it and when Saturn (Ketu lord) is also badly starved by a Sun (Rahu lord) aspect as well.
It is a daily struggle not to turn into a psychopath!