The verses are essentially describing the results of positional strength (Sthāna Bala) and then the auspicious results of Dig Bala. I would refine the interpretation while retaining the verses, and distinguish clearly between strength itself and the results produced by a strong planet.
Positional Strength — Sthāna Bala
स्यात्तुङ्गवीर्ये परभावलक्ष्मी-बलाधिपत्यं च त्रिकोणवीर्ये
।
स्वर्क्षादिवीर्ये नृपतेः प्रसादं श्रेष्ठां च कीर्तिं लभते मनुष्यः ॥२॥
Syāt tuṅga-vīrye parabhāva-lakṣmī-balādhipatyaṁ ca trikoṇa-vīrye
|
Svarkṣādi-vīrye nṛpateḥ prasādaṁ śreṣṭhāṁ ca kīrtiṁ labhate manuṣyaḥ || 2 ||
When a planet possesses the strength of exaltation, the
native obtains wealth or prosperity through others and an increase in
influence and authority. When a planet possesses strength through its Mūlatrikoṇa
position, it can confer power, command, support and the capacity to
exercise authority. When the planet possesses strength through its own sign
and related favourable positions, the native obtains the favour of persons
in authority and acquires a distinguished reputation.
The verse should not be read as though every exalted planet
automatically gives wealth or victory. The planet must have a relevant
connection with the appropriate houses, significations and functional role in
the horoscope. Positional strength enables a planet to deliver its
significations effectively; it does not by itself determine whether those
significations will be benefic or harmful.
कलासु दक्षः परलोकभीरूर्नराङ्गनाराशिबले सुरूपः ।
स्याद् राशिवीर्ये च पराजयः स्यान्नीचारिगे दैन्यमतीव खेटे ॥३॥
Kalāsu dakṣaḥ paraloka-bhīrūr narāṅganā-rāśibale surūpaḥ
|
Syād rāśi-vīrye ca parājayaḥ syān nīcārige dainyam atīva kheṭe || 3 ||
When the appropriate planetary and sign strength is present,
the native may become skilled in arts and accomplishments, possess
reverence or fear concerning the consequences of the afterlife, and acquire an
attractive or well-formed appearance. When a planet lacks proper sign strength,
particularly through debilitation or occupation of an inimical sign,
defeat, weakness, dependence and difficult circumstances may result.
The reference to male and female signs can be
understood as a further refinement of positional compatibility: male planets
placed in male signs and female planets placed in female signs receive additional
suitability of placement. Such correspondence can contribute to accomplishment
in the arts, refinement, appearance and certain psychological qualities.
Again, treat these as potential results of
strength, not isolated predictions. The planet's nature, lordship, house placement, aspects, conjunctions, and the dasha in operation determine how the result manifests.
What constitutes positional strength?
The verses can be understood as presenting a hierarchy of
favourable placements. A planet acquires positional strength when it is
situated in:
|
Placement |
Significance |
|
Exaltation
(Uccha) |
Highest
degree of positional dignity; powerful expression of planetary nature |
|
Mūlatrikoṇa |
Stable and
purposeful expression of the planet's essential functions |
|
Own sign
(Svarkṣa) |
Natural
authority and capacity to act according to its nature |
|
Own Drekkāṇa |
Additional
divisional positional support |
|
Own Navāṁśa |
Additional
positional dignity |
|
Friendly
sign |
Cooperative
environment for the planet |
|
Male
planet in male sign |
Additional
compatibility |
|
Female
planet in female sign |
Additional
compatibility |
Conversely, a planet situated in debilitation, an enemy
sign or other unsuitable positions loses positional support. Its ability to
deliver its significations becomes compromised, and the verse therefore
associates such weakness with defeat, helplessness, deprivation and
difficulty.
A useful principle here is:
Strength tells us how effectively a planet can act; the
nature and agenda of the planet tell us what it will act upon.
Thus, a strongly placed functional malefic should not
automatically be called benefic merely because it possesses Sthāna Bala. Its
strength may enable it to produce the results of the houses it owns and
occupies with greater force.
Dig Bala — Directional Strength
Dig Bala is a separate component of planetary
strength. A planet possessing directional strength is capable of expressing
itself with greater effectiveness in the direction or angular position
appropriate to it.
When Dig Bala is strong, the planet can produce successful
accomplishment, material support, prosperity and favourable circumstances
during its periods. The classical indications include acquisition of wealth,
clothing, conveyances and other comforts, together with greater capacity to
accomplish the matters represented by the planet.
Here also, Dig Bala should not be equated with universal
beneficence. Directional strength gives the planet greater capacity to
operate. If the planet is a functional malefic or signifies difficult houses,
its increased strength can make those results more pronounced.
Refined principle -Sthāna Bala gives a planet a
favourable field in which to operate; Dig Bala gives it directional
effectiveness. Neither should be interpreted in isolation. The ultimate result
depends upon the planet's lordship, house placement, natural character,
associations, aspects and the dasha through which its strength becomes
operative.
