Consciousness and Subconscious In Vedic Astrology:

In Vedic astrology, the chart is mapped onto directions. The east is the ascendant or lagna, and the west is the descendant or 7th house. These two points form an axis that shapes how we understand both ourselves and others.

Indra and the East (Lagna)

The east is ruled by Indra, the Vedic god of the skies. It corresponds to the lagna, the rising sign (sign rising at the horizon) at the moment of birth. Just like the Sun rises in the east, the lagna represents consciousness, awareness, and identity.

• The Sun here shows illumination and purpose.

• The Moon here supports reflection and self-improvement.

• Jupiter and Mercury are considered strong in this direction because wisdom and intelligence thrive in clarity.

In simple terms, the east is about how we see ourselves, how we begin things, and how we grow through awareness.

Varuna and the West (7th House)

Opposite the east is the west, linked to the 7th house. This direction is presided over by Varuna, the deity of the cosmic waters and hidden depths. The west is not about the self but about the other. It is the place of relationships, mirrors, and balance.

The west also connects with the subconscious. While the east (lagna) shows what we are conscious of, the west brings in what lies outside of us—our blind spots, our projections, and the qualities we often meet through other people.

Consciousness and Subconscious as a Balance:

Together, the east and west represent a full spectrum:

• East (Indra, lagna) = Consciousness, identity, clarity.

• West (Varuna, 7th house) = Subconscious, relationships, reflection.

One without the other is incomplete. Focusing only on the lagna can make life self-centered, while focusing only on the 7th house can blur personal boundaries. The balance of both is what creates maturity and wholeness.

Why It Matters?

1. Personal Growth – The east shows where we must develop self-awareness.

2. Relationships – The west shows what we encounter through others and how our subconscious expresses itself in partnerships.

In Vedic symbolism, Indra’s east awakens us to who we are, while Varuna’s west reminds us of what lies hidden within. The journey between them is the ongoing dialogue between consciousness and subconscious.