♐︎ Dhanu Lagna (Sagittarius Ascendant)

Enthusiasm, frankness and a forward-looking hope stand out in people born with Dhanu lagna. Jupiter, their lagnesh, signifies dharma, knowledge and guidance, so they think about life's larger questions and like to share what they have learnt. Freedom matters a great deal to them.

The fire element gives them drive and initiative, and the dual quality an openness to new ideas and travel. The weakness: in their enthusiasm they sometimes take on too many things at once, or say something so bluntly that it stings. Classical descriptions give Dhanu lagna a tall frame, a broad forehead and a bright face; planets in the lagna and Jupiter's strength can alter this considerably.

For Dhanu lagna the 10th house is Kanya, ruled by Mercury. Writing, teaching, accounting, consulting, publishing, trade and analytical work therefore feature strongly in this lagna's livelihood. As Jupiter's lagna, it is also at home in law, religion and philosophy, training and mentoring.

Mercury rules the 7th as well as the 10th, so career and partnership are intertwined here: a business partner, or a spouse who helps with the work, are both possible. Because Mercury is the badhakesh, work can stall at times too. The timing of career ups and downs is read from Mercury's placement and strength, the influences on the 10th house and the running Mahadasha and Antardasha together, not from the lagna alone.

The 7th house is Mithun, ruled by Mercury. Sagittarius and Gemini face each other across the zodiac; one looks towards philosophy and large aims, the other towards logic, conversation and everyday dealings. The partner is therefore often described as intelligent, articulate, curious and practical.

Mercury is both maraka and badhakesh here, so marriage decisions may be delayed, or it may take time to bring your views in line with a partner's. Dhanu lagna wants freedom, and a Mithun 7th wants intellectual companionship; when each gives the other room to think and speak, the marriage becomes something like a friendship between equals.

In the Kalapurusha, Sagittarius is linked with the hips and thighs, and tradition makes Jupiter, the lagnesh, the significator of the liver and body fat. Dhanu lagna therefore carries pointers towards care of the hips, thighs and liver, especially when Jupiter is afflicted. The fire element together with Jupiter's expansive nature can also show a tendency to excess in food and drink. The chart gives indications here, not a diagnosis; for any health question, do consult a doctor.