The Evolution of Signs 11, 12 and 1 by Jack Lyons
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But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself the quality of the work produced by students on the program. Today’s blog post is a paper written by Jack Lyons and is featured in an episode of "The Vedic Astrology Podcast" entitled "Crossing the Zodiac Threshold - Lessons from the Imagery of Aquarius, Pisces and Aries".
We hope you enjoy reading this paper and find it informative and insightful. If you are inspired by what you see and want to join our program, please visit the Asheville Vedic Astrology Apprenticeship Program on teachable.com or contact me for more information. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you on your journey of learning Vedic Astrology.
The Evolution of Signs 11, 12 & 1
A Vedic Astrology Analysis
Vedic Astrology, known as Jyotish in India, has a rich and ancient history dating back thousands of years. Its vast knowledge base comprises innumerable oral traditions, mythologies, scriptures and aphorisms, passed down for millennia.Within this expansive body of knowledge, scholars and practitioners have long relied upon seminal works such as Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra (BPHS), Jaimini Upadesa Sutras and Yavana Jataka.
These texts hold numerous literal, implicit and hidden meanings that are intimately linked to Vedic philosophy and cosmology. They provide insights into how the qualities of each astrological sign support the following one in sequential order, mirroring the evolutionary processes of nature.
Through an examination of the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, Jaimini Upadesa Sutras, and Yavana Jataka, this essay argues that the sequential arrangement of Aquarius, Pisces, and Aries embodies a profound cyclical dynamic of release, dissolution, and creation, reflecting the Vedic principle of samsara—life, death, and rebirth.
Sign 11 - Aquarius
As the eleventh sign of the Zodiac, this stage represents a shift in consciousness and a transition towards unity, from the individual to the collective. It is a male sign of the shudra caste—representing those who serve and support society—emphasising the importance of working diligently for the benefit of the greater whole, often at the expense of individual comfort (Kurczak, R, n.d.).
Specifically, the Jaimini Sutras describes Aquarius as a “maker of ponds and tanks,” a depiction that underscores its role in facilitating innovation through the provision and containment of water, a life-giving resource. Constructing such reservoirs demands understanding the land and materials, along with a vision for the collective good. Thus, the airy Aquarian intellect finds a tangible expression in the deliberate construction of resources that directly address and remove fundamental obstacles for the community.
Furthermore, the Yavana Jataka describes Aquarius as a “pot carried on the shoulder of a man and being poured out”. This represents a crucial stage of release, akin to a fruit tree ripening over time and dropping its fruit to nourish the earth and its creatures. Such symbolism speaks to a moment in the zodiacal cycle where one's accumulated efforts are offered freely to the world. In the context of samsara, it reflects a phase of relinquishment—where form begins to dissolve, and the soul prepares for transition.
As we consider this crucial stage of transition highlighted in the Yavana Jataka, Parasara offers a vivid image for contemplation: a man standing in the middle of water. Perhaps it symbolises a necessary withdrawal from the everyday, to a place one goes to develop the emotional and intellectual faculties required for a future contribution. Alternatively, the surrounding water may represent a final, unavoidable immersion into the unknown.
This melancholic theme is further emphasised by Parasara’s description of Aquarius as “abiding in the Western region”, a cardinal direction representing the setting sun and a transition to rest (Kurczak, R, n.d.). The association with the West, the domain of Saturn, lord of Aquarius and “son of the Sun,” underscores the sign's role in moving towards the end. Vedic mythology recounts that due to his dark appearance and downcast demeanour, Shani was cast off by his father, Surya, to the remote edges of the solar system—a stark antithesis to the radiant and dominating placement of his father (THE HINDU SAGA, 2021).
Sign 12 - Pisces
Pisces is a water sign deeply connected to emotions, intuition, and the subconscious realm (Kurczak, R, n.d.). Physically, water does not obey rigid boundaries—it flows, seeps, merges, and dissolves substances within it. In Pisces this fluid nature becomes a metaphor for the soul’s return to oneness—an essential theme embedded within all three classical texts. But what exactly does that mean? Looking to the Yavana Jataka, we find some interesting clues.
The Yavana Jataka opens modestly, describing Pisces as “two fish swimming in opposite directions”, an image that aptly captures the sign’s essential qualities of duality, adaptability, and fluidity, as well as its gift for navigating and unifying the polarities of existence. Opposing currents—yin and yang, dream and awake, spirit and substance—all find a home in Pisces. Ironically, while Parasara describes Pisces as “footless,” the Yavana Jataka assigns it rulership over the feet. This paradox captures the Piscean struggle: one fish seeks the beyond, the other stays to serve below.
From there, the text proceeds into more transcendent territory: “Its places are auspicious, here there are gods and knowers of Brahma”. According to the Vedic worldview, consciousness is understood not as a fragmented reality of individual minds but rather an all-encompassing field that pervades every part of existence (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, 2001, p. 6).
Pisces' fluidity allows the individual to sense this universal unity, bypassing the illusion of separation and merging with the whole. This is known as Brahman. In Vedic astrology, Pisces symbolises the return to Brahman, and “knowers of Brahma” are enlightened beings who have realised this truth (Easwaran, E, 2007, pp. 24-25).
Jaimini encapsulates this sentiment concisely: “In Pisces, elevation, perpetual dharma and kaivalya”. Let’s unpack this further.
Elevation refers not only to height, but to perception, seeing from above what was once obscured. This suggests an awareness that extends to higher planes, unclouded by earthly distractions.
Perpetual Dharma. “Perpetual” connotes something everlasting, while dharma is the universal law that sustains all things. Combined, “perpetual dharma” highlights Pisces’ innate capacity for spiritual depth and refinement. This makes sense, given Parasara describes Pisces as “richly endowed with sattva”—the primordial quality of harmony, purity, and serenity—a prerequisite for transcendence. Considered together, Jaimini and Parasara point toward a state of being, capable of transcending the ordinary plane of existence and detaching from worldly entanglements—referred to as kaivalya in classical yogic literature (Vivekananda, 2007, 4.33, p. 175-176). It is here one experiences ultimate unity with Brahman.
Sign 1 - Aries
The next stage in the cyclic evolution of the Zodiac is Aries—the beginning. Coming from Pisces—a sign that signifies dissolution and detachment from the material world—why and how does the cycle of life begin anew?
Vedic thought teaches that creation continues until karma is exhausted: when there is no action left to create a reaction (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, 2001, p. 23). Driven by the fiery, masculine qualities of Aries, a new wave rises from the infinite ocean of existence, intent on fulfilling the unresolved actions of the past.
The Yavana Jataka illustrates this passionate impulse for new beginnings through the rich symbolism of the ram, known for its aggressive and resilient energy as well as its expertise in traversing rugged and rocky terrain. These qualities speak to Aries’ innate ability to forge new paths and to place themselves in risky situations where others could not or would not endure. Fundamentally, this reflects the tenacity and strength required to sustain and survive the process of birthing anything into existence.
Shifting our perspective to Jaimini, we are offered a rather puzzling insight: “5 rats and cats.” In this case, the initial numerical value, "5," is intentionally transformed through an ancient system to "1," thus directly alluding to the sign's position (Rao, B. Suryanarain, 1949, p. 40). However, it raises a key question: is the phrase literal or figurative?
Taken literally, the numerical “five” may point to the fifth house (Leo), highlighting Aries’ close connection with the zodiac’s “king”. This could suggest that Aries thrives in the company of royalty, a theme supported by Parasara’s description of Aries as “A relative of kings”. Perhaps the guidance of a leader provides the necessary discipline for Aries’ impulsive and inexperienced energy?
The rat's relentless instinct to chew, dig, and squeeze through obstacles underlines the pioneering spirit which drives Aries headfirst into new challenges.
Cats, however, demonstrate far more strategic and calculated qualities, suggesting an evolved level of intelligence above the impulsivity of the rat. The Yavana Jataka echoes this by describing Aries' places as "hideouts of thieves”, perhaps hinting at a cunning and resourceful approach to seizing new opportunities.
The tension between the impulsive “rats” and strategic “cats” offers a telling insight into the energetic signature of Aries. Both act as purifiers—stripping away what no longer serves, clearing space for fresh life to emerge and asserting
themselves as a dominant force.
These insights—from the selfless Aquarian man, to the dissolution into the ethereal waters of Pisces, and the fiery rebirth of Aries—can be seen as a reflection of the Vedic cycles of samsara.
This cyclical journey finds a relatable echo in the daily human experience: much like a person retiring to bed for the evening, the process begins with a conscious withdrawal.
Aquarius, with its emphasis on intellect, detachment, and societal vision, represents the reflective phase—where one reviews and contextualises the day’s events from a higher vantage point, gradually releasing personal attachments.
As the ego softens, we move into Pisces, the realm of dreams and dissolution. Here the boundaries of waking life blur, and the subconscious takes over—processing, merging, and releasing the impressions left behind.
Aries signals the fiery dawn—a reawakening driven by latent desires and unresolved impulses, eager to begin anew.
And so the cycle continues as the untethered soul traverses through countless lives across a seemingly infinite timespan. This enduring cosmic dance, however, begs the question: what was the impulse that set the wheel of karma in motion? If our ultimate source is the unbounded, all pervasive Brahma, is our unenlightened individual existence merely a performance within a greater cosmic dance?
References
Abhyankar, K. V. The Upadesa Sūtra of Jaimini. Gujarat Vidyasabha, 1951.
Easwaran, Eknath. The Bhagavad Gita. Nilgiri Press, 2007.
Kurczak, Ryan. “Rasis and Signs Class 4.” Asheville Vedic Astrology Apprenticeship Program, Teachable, n.d.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Science of Being and the Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation. Plume, 2001.
Rao, B. Suryanarain. Sri Jaimini Sutras: English Translation with Full Notes and Original Texts in Sanskrit and Transliteration. Revised and edited by B. V. Raman, 3rd ed., Raman Publications, 1949.
THE HINDU SAGA. "Story Of Shani (Planet Saturn) – The Seventh Navagraha." YouTube, 20 Dec. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qhGGa06LB4.
Vivekananda, Swami. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Watkins Publishing, 2018.
