FEAR, COURAGE, AND PLANETARY ENERGETICS: AN INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AND VEDIC CORRELATES

Abstract

Although the number of therapeutic avenues and pharmacological agents has never been so extensive and self-help media is more widespread than ever, population-wide anxiety and fear rates are continuing to stay high. The paper presents a reconciling model that would help in joining modern psychophysiology with Vedic cosmology (Jyotisha). The main idea in the model is the statement that Mars (Mangala) acts as the controller of courage- as the kinetic ability to confront reality- and the Moon (Chandra), regulates emotional fluidity and affective stability. We also theorize the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu as archetypal equivalents of the two archaic startle reflexes that can be observed in newborns: startle to loud sound (Rahu) and startle to the feeling of falling (Ketu). The premises of the Situationist model of human consciousness under stress are the diminished or blocked agency of Mars and the depleted or dysphyllian domain of the Moon in unfavorable aspect a condition that is often exacerbated by Saturnine pressures (Time) and nodal distortions. It has quantified synthesis based on three decades of practical experience (19942025) and anonymised case studies have been provided to show pragmatic remediation through the use of lifestyle modulation (e.g., hydration timing, breath scheduling), timing awareness (transit sensitive planning), mantra and consecrated gem therapy. There are two pedagogical mnemonics FALLEN SOUL (nine archetypal fears) and HALT SMILES (nine evasive behaviours) that are provided as a diagnostic and educational measure. The model points to no deterministic causality, but offers a rational, experimentally testable explanatory scheme of the nexus of consciousness research, clinical psychology and Vedic sciences. Discussions on implications on clinical practice, education, and future research in interdisciplinary studies.