Yantra – Astrological Relevance

Yantra – Astrological Relevance — Yantra (यन्त्र) is the Sanskrit word for a mystical diagram, especially diagrams or amulets supposed to possess occult powers in astrological or magical benefits in the Tantric traditions of the Indian religions. Traditionally such symbols are used in Eastern mysticism to balance the mind or focus it on spiritual concepts. The act of wearing, depicting, enacting and/or concentrating on a yantra is held to have spiritual or astrological or magical benefits in the Tantric traditions of the Indian religions.

Shapes and patterns commonly employed in yantra include squares, triangles, circles and floral patterns but may also include more complex and detailed symbols, for instance:

• The lotus flower typically represents chakras, with each petal representing a psychic propensity (or vritti) associated with that chakra;

• A dot, or bindu, represents the starting point of creation or the infinite, unexpressed cosmos;

• The shatkona (şaţkoņa) (Sanskrit name for a Hexagram) is composed of a balance between:

• An upwards triangle which according to Tantra denotes energy, or more specifically action and service (seva). It may also denote spiritual aspiration, the element of fire, or Shiva. It is also said to represent the static substratum of the cosmos;

• A downwards triangle which according to Tantra denotes spiritual knowledge. It may also denote the creative power of the cosmos, fecundity, the element of water, or Shakti;

• A swastika represents good luck, welfare, prosperity or spiritual victory;

• Bija mantras (usually represented as characters of Devanagari that correspond to the acoustic roots of a particular chakra or vritti).

Geometric Element Meanings:

• Circle — Energy of the element water
• Square — Energy of the element earth
• Upward-facing Triangle — Energy of the element fire; energy
• Downward-facing Triangle — Energy of the element water; knowledge
• Diagonal Line — Energy of the element air
• Horizontal Line — Energy of the element water
• Vertical Line — Energy of the element fire
• Point — Energy of the element ether

How Yantra are used in Worshiping:

Yantra can be placed at place of worship at auspicious muhurats, after recitation of specific mantras.

Yantras should be propitiated regularly, for overall prosperity and to ward off evils.

The Sadhak should propitiate Yantra with full determination and dedication. The Sadhak should remain Satwik in Nature.

In superior phases the YANTRA absorbs the practitioner’s complete attention, Leading fulfillment of desires and overall prosperity.