prasana Astrology

Prasna (horary astrology)
When a person asks a prasna (query), a chart is cast and the fortune of the matter in the query is foreseen from the chart. Some astrologers take the time when the query was born in the person’s mind. Some astrologers take the time when the query was posed to the astrologer. Some astrologers take the time when the query was analyzed by the astrologer.
Some astrologers ask a number and find Prasna Arudha (or Prasna Lagna) from it. Some ask a number in 1-108 range and fix the rasi and navamsa of the prasna lagna from it. Some ask a number in 1-249 range and fix the rasi, nakshatra and nakshatra-sub of the prasna lagna from it. One may ask a number in 1-1800 range and fix the nadyamsa of prasna lagna. If Chandra kala nadi is used, this amounts to fixing all the shodasa vargas.

soon i will write about in detail in tamil.

Mundane Astrology

Mundane astrology
Re-interpreted Significations
In mundane charts, we can still use arudha padas, divisional charts etc, but we have to re-interpret the significations of various charts, houses and arudha padas judiciously. For example, D-9 may show relations with other nations and the role played in international polity. D-30 may show internal disturbances and violence. D-11 may show wars and terrorist activities. D-8 may show unexpected and sudden external troubles like natural calamities. D-10 may show political activity. D-24 may show universities, science, technology, arts, research and activities of intelligentsia. Arudha lagna may show how a nation is perceived in the world. A3 may shows its weapons. A6 may shows its enemies. A7 may show its allies. Significations of various houses are given below:
First house: General state of affairs in the nation, public health, cabinet.
Second house: State revenue, wealth, imports, commerce, allies, aristocracy.
Third house: Telecommunications, transportation, journalism, media.
Fourth house: Educational institutions, students, real estate, general feeling of well-being, trade, agriculture.
Fifth house: Children, new births, crime, parks, mentality of leaders.
Sixth house: State loans, debt, diseases, armed forces, territorial attacks.
Seventh house: Health of women, immorality, infant mortality, war, relations with other nations.
Eighth house: Death rate, state treasury, unexpected troubles, instability.
Ninth house: Temples, righteousness, judiciary, fortune.
Tenth house: The ruler, politics, parliament, foreign trade, exports, revolution and political instability.
Eleventh house: Gains from other nations, gains in trade, friendship.
Twelfth house: Secret enemies, plots, secret crime, hospitals, wars, losses.
Using Birthcharts
When a new leader takes command of a nation, it signals a new beginning for the nation and hence the chart cast for the moment of swearing-in is important. However, the beginning of a new order is more important than the beginning of a new command. When a nation re-organizes itself based on new philosophies and thought, it signals the beginning of a new order. Chart cast for the beginning of a new order is more important than a swearing-in chart.
For example, the nation of India existed for more than 5,000 years. However, it took a new identity when it won independence on 15th August 1947. The independence chart of India shows the beginning of a new order in India. Though several princely states joined India after her independence, there was no major change in the identity of India. When India formed its constitution and declared itself a Sovereign Replublic on 26th January 1950, its identity was only consolidated and not changed. So the independence chart (15th August 1947, midnight, Delhi) is the birthchart of India and it is the most important one for predicting India’s fortune.
We can use Vimsottari dasa as well as Narayana dasa with a nation’s birthchart. An example of the interpretation of Narayana dasa for a nation was given in Error! Reference source not found.. Another technique prominently used with the birthcharts of nations is Tajaka. We can cast Tajaka annual charts to predict the fortune of a nation in a year and use it with Sudarsana Chakra dasa.
Lunar charts
When Sun and Moon have an exact conjunction in every sign, it starts a new lunar month. When Sun and Moon conjoin in Pisces, it starts a new lunar year. We can cast a chart at the exact moment of Sun-Moon conjunction at the capital of a country and use it to predict the fortune of the nation in the upcoming month or year. We can use rasi chart as well as divisional charts. For timing events, we can compress Vimsottari dasa from 120 years to a lunar month or a lunar year.
Full Moon Charts
Full Moon charts are cast when Sun and Moon have an exact opposition every month, i.e. at the end of Pournimasya. The Full Moon with Sun in Aries (soul in the first house of self, in the natural zodiac) and with Moon in Libra (mind in the seventh house of desire, in the natural zodiac) will start a new year.
Compared to the standard lunar charts, full Moon charts are more reliable. The fact that the names of Hindu lunar months are based on the constellation occupied by Moon on the Full Moon day show that months were once based on Full Moon. The months that start with New Moon are possibly a corruption introduced later.
Solar charts
When Sun enters a rasi, it starts a new solar month. We can cast a chart for that moment and analyze the fortune of a nation during the solar month. In particular, charts cast when Sun enters the movable signs (Ar, Cn, Li and Cp) are important and they are used by some astrologers to predict a nation’s fortune during a 3-month period.
We can cast the solar new year chart when Sun enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. This solar new year is celebrated in some parts of India. A chart cast at a nation’s capital when Sun enters Aries can be used for predicting the nation’s fortune for one year.
However, some astrologers prefer to use the chart when Sun enters Cp for predicting the fortune for a year. They consider the solar ingress into Capricornto be the most important solar chart in Kali Yuga.
Solar charts are good at showing political activity, wars, vitality of a nation, international relations, commerce etc. Narayana dasa and other rasi dasas can be compressed to one year (as in Tajaka charts) and used with solar charts. They give better results than Vimsottari dasa in the case of solar charts.
Swearing-in Charts
We can cast a chart when a new leader (the chief of the executive wing of government) is sworn-in in a nation. That chart also has an impact on the nature of results experienced by the nation during the leader’s tenure. We can find Narayana dasa of rasi chart and divisional charts of the swearing-in ceremony. We have to compress Narayana dasa from 120 years to the expected maximum length of the tenure.

DASAS

Vimsottari dasa
Introduction
Vimsottari dasa is the most popular dasa system among Vedic astrologers of today. Sage Parasara mentions in “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” that this dasa system is the most suitable dasa system in Kali yuga.
Vimsottari means 120. Vimsottari dasa is a dasa system where the total duration of the dasa cycle is 120 years. Dasas of different planets are for different number of years, but the sum of all dasas is 120 years.
In Kali yuga, paramaayush (maximum longevity) of human beings is supposed to be 120 years. Consequently, Vimsottari dasa is the most suitable dasa in Kali yuga.
Dasas are reckoned here based on the constellation occupied by Moon. There are other variations that are more applicable in some cases. Many contemporary Vedic astrologers ignore these variations and always reckon dasas from the lord of the constellation occupied by Moon. However, this may not result in the best predictions always. In this book, we will look at some of the variations.
Vimsottari Dasa Variations
Computation of Variations
We always compute the fraction left at birth in the first dasa based on the fraction of the constellation occupied by Moon, that is yet to be traversed by Moon. However, we need not always take the lord of Moon’s constellation as the planet ruling the first dasa. We can take the lord of the 4th, 5th or 8th constellation from Moon’s constellation to start the first dasa. These 3 stars are called kshema, utpanna and adhana stars.
Example 6: Let us consider the data of Error! Reference source not found. and calculate Vimsottari dasa from 4th, 5th and 8th stars.
The 4th star from Moon’s star is Uttarabhadrapada owned by Saturn. Using the 4th star to start Vimsottari dasa, we get the dasa sequence as — Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus etc. Dasa lengths are the same as before, but the part of Saturn dasa left at birth is 19 x 0.32125 = 6.10375 years. Then Mercury dasa is for 17 years, Ketu dasa is for 7 years and so on.
In the same example, the 5th star from Moon’s star is Revathi owned by Mercury. Using the 5th star to start Vimsottari dasa, we get the dasa sequence as — Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun etc. Mercury dasa left at birth is 17 x 0.32125 = 5.46125 years. Then Ketu dasa is for 7 years, Venus dasa is for 20 years and so on.
In the same example, the 8th star from Moon’s star is Krittika owned by Sun. Using the 8th star to start Vimsottari dasa, we get the dasa sequence as — Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu etc. Sun dasa left at birth is 6 x 0.32125 = 1.9275 years. Then Moon dasa is for 10 years, Mars dasa is for 7 years and so on.
Dasa from Lagna
Some authorities have also recommended Vimsottari dasa from the longitude of lagna instead of Moon. In practice, this will give better results only when lagna is considerably more powerful than Moon.
Using Dasa Variations
If the sign containing the 5th star from Moon is stronger than the sign containing Moon, Vimsottari dasa started from utpanna star may be preferred for general results. If the 5th star spans across 2 signs, take the sign containing the same quarter as occupied by Moon in birthstar. If Moon is in Makha 3rd pada (quarter), for example, 5th star is Chitra and it starts in Virgo and ends in Libra. So we should take the 3rd quarter of Chitra and we then get Libra. So Leo’s strength should be compared to Libra’s.
How do we know which sign is stronger? There are no clear guidelines in the literature to compare the strengths. A sign aspected by Jupiter and occupied by more planets may be taken to be stronger. We can also use known events to see which dasa is working better.
Vimsottari dasa started from the 4th and 8th stars is used mainly for the purposes of longevity determination. Look at the signs containing Moon and these 2 stars and find the strongest sign. Here a sign aspected by marakas and malefics becomes stronger. Start Vimsottari dasa from the star in the strongest of these 3 signs and use it in longevity analysis. If Moon is in Makha 3rd pada in Leo, 4th and 8th stars are Hasta (Virgo) and Anuradha (Scorpio). We should compare the strengths of Leo, Virgo and Scorpio.
Rath’s “Tripod of Life” Principle
Sun, Moon and lagna form the “tripod of life”. Parasara clearly said that we should analyze all charts with respect to the positions of Sun, Moon and lagna. He advised drawing Sudarsana chakra with the innermost chakra representing the houses with respect to lagna (body), next chakra representing the houses with respect to Moon (mind) and the outermost chakra representing the houses with respect to Sun (soul).
The results experienced due to soul (Sun) last long and change slowly. The results experienced due to mind (Moon) last shorter and change fast. The results experienced due to body (lagna) change even faster.
Sun is an important reference point in rasi and divisional charts when judging the results of a mahadasa. Moon is an important reference point when judging the results of an antardasa. Lagna is an important reference point when judging the results of a pratyantardasa.
If a planet takes part in a Ravi yoga (solar combination), it gives the results of the yoga in its mahadasa. If a planet takes part in a Chandra Yoga (lunar combination), it gives the results of the yoga in its antardasas. If a planet takes part in other yogas (e.g. a Raja Yoga), it gives the results of the yoga primarily in its pratyantardasas.
In addition, dasa lord can be taken as a reference point when interpreting antardasas.
Ashtottari dasa
Ashtottari dasa is perhaps the most popular dasa system in India after Vimsottari dasa. Sage Parasara listed it as a conditional dasa applicable only in some charts. The conditions for its applicability are highly controversial.
In this system, the sum of all dasas is 108 years. Ashtottari means “ashtottara sata”, i.e. one hundred and eight. Because poornaayush (full life) of a man is 108 years, some scholars have suggested that ashtottari dasa is best used as an ayur dasa, i.e. a dasa that shows longevity.
There are three different views on the applicability of Ashtottari dasa:
(1) Ashtottari dasa is applicable in all charts.(1) Ashtottari dasa is applicable if Rahu, who is not in lagna, is in a quadrant or a trine from lagna lord.(1) Ashtottari dasa is applicable for daytime births in Krishna paksha (darker fortnight) and night time births in Sukla paksha (brighter fortnight).
Some people use Ashtottari dasa as an ayur dasa and see longevity in it. Some other people use Ashtottari dasa as a phalita dasa. Because only chara karakas, i.e. Rahu and the seven planets, have dasas under the Ashtottari dasa scheme, it may also be suggested that it shows events related to sustenance, achievements, raja yogas and moksha (just like chara karakas do). Some people, however, prefer to see all matters in Ashtottari dasa.

Interpretation
Basics
Dasa of a rasi gives the natural results of the rasi. For example, dasa of Pisces may give saattwik religious activities. Dasa of Aries may give enterprise or quarrels or wounds.
More importantly, dasa of a rasi gives the results of the house and planets in that rasi. If Aries has the 5th house in D-7, its dasa may give children. If Pisces has the 8th house in D-6, its dasa may give diseases. If Gemini has lagna in D-24, its dasa may give all-round progress in the accumulation of knowledge. If Sc has AL in D-10 and its lord Mars occupies it, its dasa may bring good developments related to career and status. Dasa of a rasi containing the 8th from AL in D-10 may give a fall in status at workplace. Dasa of a rasi may also give the results of its lord. If Mars is in the 5th house in D-7, Aries dasa may give children.
Samudaaya Ashtakavarga (SAV) plays an important role in deciding the results in a dasa. If a rasi has too many or too few rekhas in SAV of a particular divisional chart, then its dasa may bring favorable or unfavorable results, respectively, relating to the significations of that house in that divisional chart. Usually dasas of rasis with 30 or more rekhas in D-10 SAV bring the best phases in one’s career and dasas of rasis with 30 or more rekhas in in D-24 SAV bring the best periods for learning. One should keep SAV of various divisional charts with one when interpreting Kalachakra dasa.
Deha and Jeeva Rasis
In Error! Reference source not found.-Error! Reference source not found., we listed the deha and jeeva rasis of different nakshatra padas. However, these hold for one born at the beginning of the nakshatra pada. One can have different deha and jeeva rasis based on the elapsed portion in the nakshatra pada.
Deha and jeeva rasis are simply the rasis of the first and the ninth dasas in the case of one born in a savya nakshatra. In the case of one born in an apasavya nakshatra, deha and jeeva rasis are the rasis of the ninth and the first dasas.
In Error! Reference source not found., the first dasa is Sc and the ninth dasa is Sg. Since Rohini is an apasavya nakshatra, Sc becomes jeeva rasi and Sg becomes deha rasi. In Error! Reference source not found., the first dasa is Pi and the ninth dasa is Ar. Since Punarvasu is a savya nakshatra, Pi becomes deha rasi and Ar becomes jeeva rasi.
Deha rasi shows body and jeeva rasi shows the spirit. Benefics and malefics transiting in them affect them positively and negatively (respectively). If Jupiter, Mercury and Venus are transiting in one’s jeeva rasi, one may exhibit a positive spirit and be cheerful. If Mars, Sun, Saturn and Rahu are transiting in one’s jeeva rasi, one may be without any enthusiasm. If Mars, Sun, Saturn and Rahu are transiting in one’s deha rasi, one may face accidents or death.
Gatis (special movements)
We see that dasas progress in a regular fashion in Kalachakra dasa. We either go as Ar, Ta, Ge etc or as Pi, Aq, Cp etc. However, some irregularities can be found. The rasis whose dasas come after an irregular leap go by special names and special results are attributed to those dasas in classics.
(1) A trinal leap (from Sg to Ar or vice versa; from Pi to Sc or vice versa) is called “Simhaavalokana gati” (lion’s leap).(1) Temporary reversal of the direction is called “Markati gati” (monkey’s leap). When we go as Sc, Li, Vi, Cn, Le, Ge, Ta, Ar etc in savya nakshatras, we temporarily reverse the direction when we go from Cn to Le. So Le is a markati gati rasi. Similarly, when we go as Ar, Ta, Ge, Le, Cn, Vi, Li, Sc etc in apasavya nakshatras, we temporarily reverse the direction when we go from Le to Cn. So Cn is a markati gati rasi.
(1) Leaving one rasi and jumping over it is called “Mandooki gati” (frog’s leap). When we go as Sc, Li, Vi, Cn, Le, Ge, Ta, Ar etc in savya nakshatras, we have 2 jumps – (i) from Vi to Cn and (ii) Le to Ge. So Cn and Ge are mandooki gati rasis. Similarly, when we go as Ar, Ta, Ge, Le, Cn, Vi, Li, Sc etc in apasavya nakshatras, we have 2 jumps – (i) from Ge to Le and (ii) Cn to Vi. So Le and Vi are mandooki gati rasis.
The results attributed to various leaps are given in Table 12.
Table 12: Results of gatis (leaps)
Leap Savya nakshatras Apasavya nakshatrasLion Fear of animals, loss of friends, distress to near relations, fall in dungeons, danger from poison and weapons, fall from a vehicle, fever, destruction of house Death of father or elders, loss of positionMonkey Loss of wealth, agriculture and animals, death of father or elders Danger from water, distress to father, loss of position, anger of rulers, wandering in the forestsFrog Distress to relatives, elders and father, trouble from poison, weapons, enemies, thieves. In Le-to-Ge leap, death of mother or, death of native, trouble from rulers and diseases are possible. Distress to wife, loss of children, fever, sickness and loss of positionIn addition, Parasara listed the directions to prefer and the directions avoid, while travelling and relocating, during different leaps.
(1) In the leap from Vi to Cn, east will give great results. One can take up an auspicious journey in the northern direction.(1) In the leap from Le to Ge, east should be avoided. A journey to the southwest will be fruitful.(1) In the leap from Cn to Le, a move in the southern direction results in losses. West is favorable.(1) In the leap from Pi to Sc and in the normal movement from Sg to Cp, there will be troubles in the northern direction.(1) In the leap from Sg to Ar, journeys should be avoided, as they may result in sickness, imprisonment or death.
(1) In the normal movement from Sg to Sc, journeys will bring comforts, wealth and sexual pleasures.
In the leap from Le to Cn, western direction should be avoided.
Conclusion
Kalachakra dasa was called “the most respectable dasa of all dasas” by Parasara. There are many controversies regarding its computation. This book follows the approach that this author found the most acceptable based on his study of “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” and his practical researches. A significant percentage of this author’s successful long-range life-phase predictions were made using Kalachakra dasaand that is his favorite dasa.
When we learn a new dasa, the first question we should ask is “when should it be applied and what results should be seen in it”. It is illogical to use 10 different dasas interchangably. Mixing up various dasas without knowing the subtle differences between them results in vague explanations. An intelligent astrologer will realize that different dasas are good at showing different kinds of events. Even when different dasas show the same event, they show it from different angles and focus on different aspects of the same event. Without appreciating this, one cannot understand why maharshis described tens, if not hundreds, of dasa systems.
Hence it is important to learn when a dasa can be applied and what kind of results it shows. Some authors suggested that Kalachakra dasa applies only when Moon is stronger in navamsa chart than in rasi chart. However, this author opines that Kalachakra dasa is applicable to all people, as Parasara did not impose any conditions on its applicability and went to the extent of calling it “the most respectable dasa”.
Vimsottari dasa is based on the nakshatra of Moon. Rasi division of the zodiac is ruled by Sun and it shows the physical level. Nakshatra division of the zodiac is ruled by Moon and it shows the mental level. Thus Vimsottari dasa throws light on the state of the native’s mind as time progresses. It focusses on mind.
Narayana dasa shows the progress of lagna in one’s life and it shows the direction taken by one’s life. The focus is no longer on mind, but it is on the real happenings. Of course, one’s mental state directly depends on the direction taken by one’s life and the real happenings in one’s life. In that sense, Vimsottari dasa and Narayana dasa show the same events. But the focus is different.
Kalachakra dasa depends on Moon’s navamsa. Navamsa shows one’s adherence of dharma or duty and throws light on the inner self. So the focus in Kalachakra dasa is state of the inner self and the sense of connectedness in one’s mind. It shows how connected one is with respect to the events in one’s life. For example, a political leader may be running D-10 Narayana dasa of a yogakaraka rasi and he may land political power. He may be running the Vimsottari dasa of Sun who may be exalted in D-10 and so he may be feeling powerful. However, if Kalachakra dasa of a weak and afflicted house in D-10 runs at the same time, his inner self may not feel connected with the events in his career and he may feel a void. On the other hand, if Kalachakra dasa rasi is strong and occupied by benefics in D-10, then one may be successfully involved in activities that keep his inner self engaged.
Narayana dasa specializes in showing what happens in one’s life; Vimsottari dasa specializes in showing how one’s mind views what happens in one’s life; and, Kalachakra dasa specializes in showing how one relates to what happens in one’s life and how connected one feels. It shows the inner motivation behind what happens. These three are the most important of all general purpose phalita dasas.
Different dasas do not provide different alternatives that can be used interchangeably to understand what happens in one’s life, but they provide different angles – or vantage points – to view the same kaleidoscope that life is.
udgment of charts
Strength of the lord of the relevant houses and sahamas and Tajaka yogas involving them should be seen. Placement of planets eith respect to muntha is also important. Muntha is the dasa/antardasa/pratyantardasa/whatever sign with respect to Sudarsana Chakra dasa. Suppose someone has Virgo lagna. In his 26th year, Libra dasa will be running and so muntha is Libra. If his natal chart has Venus (lord of Libra) in Taurus, then antardasas in Libra dasa go as Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and so on. If we are looking at the 4th month in the 26th year, Leo is the antaradasa sign and becomes muntha in the monthly chart. And so on.
Pancha vargeeya bala, Dwadasa vargeeya bala and Harsha bala of planets should be seen and lord of the year and lord of the month also matter.

functional nature and strengths

Other strengths
Introduction
When judging the results given by houses and planets, we have to judge their strength. Sometimes we have to compare the strength of two planets and see which one will dominate. For example, when finding the arudha pada of a house falling in Scorpio, we learnt that we have to take the stronger of Mars and Ketu as the lord of Scorpio. In several rasi dasas, dasas start from the stronger of lagna and the 7th house. We need to be able to compare them and judge which is stronger. A house may be influenced by several planets and they may suggest contradictory results. In such a case, we need to decide which influence dominates.
There are different ways of measuring the strengths of planets and rasis for different purposes. We will learn some of them in this section.
Why Different Strengths
Why do we need different strengths for different purposes? Why can’t we use the same strength? To understand this, let us consider an analogy.
Suppose X is an engineer. Suppose Y is another engineer with exactly the same background and suppose Y comes to the house of X for a few days. Suppose Y sleeps in the afternoon and X doesn’t. Suppose it is 1 pm and Y is ready for his afternoon nap. Suppose the two engineers have promised a charity in town that they would give a big donation together and suppose someone from the charity comes to X’s house. Because it is not his house and because he is sleepy, Y is probably not going to play a prominent role and X is probably going to talk pleasantries and then give a check on behalf of Y and himself. The money is both his and Y’s, but X is in a better position to handle it. Shadbalas are similar to this. When two or more planets take part in a yoga, the one that is stronger as per shadbala ends up giving the results.
Both X and Y may have to deal with contractors, workers and vendors for their professional work. If Y has better relations with the people he deals with, he will be more productive at his work as an engineer. Similarly, strength as per ashtakavarga shows the ability of planets to deliver their goods in harmony with other planetary forces at work in a chart. Even if a planet has good shadbala, it will be unable to deliver its goods if it is at odds with other planets in the chart, i.e. has a low ashtakavarga strength.
An engineer who has good relations with workers, vendors and contractors related to one project may not go along well with people involved in another project. In that case, he will produce excellent results in the former project and he may not be effective in the latter. Similarly, a planet may have good ashtakavarga strength in one divisional chart and poor ashtakavarga strength in another divisional chart. Then it will give its results more effectively in the area of life related to the first chart.
Despite good capabilities and potential to get work done, Y may be unable to get his work done if he is depressed about something or if he is absent-minded for some reason. If he is in a cheerful state, he may get his work done well. Thus the state one is in decides one’s final output. Similarly, a planet must be in a good “avastha” (state) to give good results. There are different kinds of states – states related to age, states related to alertness, states related to mood and states related to activity.
When one hires an engineer as an employee or when one assigns a project to an engineer, one is concerned about how effective he will be in the project. But suppose one is considering the same engineer as a partner in business. Then his effectiveness in a particular project does not matter much. What matters now is how well rounded he is. He should have good overall knowledge of various projects. Vimsopaka bala is analogous to this. When we consider the overall effectiveness of a planet in one’s life, we no longer look at its effectiveness to give results in a specific area of life. Instead, we look at Vimsopaka bala. It shows the overall strength of a planet and its ability to play an important role in one’s life (rather than a specific area of life).
If X and Y have to decide who eats a cake first or who gets to drink the only can of soft drink left in the refrigerator, they are probably not going to argue about it. Their qualifications or productivity at work or mental state or overall ability are not going to matter. For something so trivial, they will probably toss a coin or have a friendly arm-wrestling or simply do what their friends present in the room suggest. If Y has more friends in the room and they say “let Y have it”, then Y is going to have it. Similarly, for trivial things like determining who initiates dasas, antardasas etc, we have very simple rules that are different from shadbala, ashtakavarga bala, avastha bala, Vimsopaka bala etc.
As it has been emphasized many times in this book, Vedic astrology has a rich variety of parameters, tools and techniques. Attempting to use various techniques in an interchangable manner only leads to confusion. One should strive to understand the meanings of various parameters and tools and use the right set of parameters and tools for the occasion. Though we have different ways of measuring a planet’s strength, their meanings are different and accordingly they are used for different purposes. We will learn the most common ones in this chapter.
Shadbala and Astakavarga Bala
There are six sources of strength – strength due to placement, strength due to time, strength due to directions, strength due to aspects, strength due to motion and strength due to inherent nature. Shadbala is a measure of the strength of a planet based on these six sources of strength. Explaining the computation of shadbalas is beyond the scope of this book. For the details of its computation, one may refer to “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” by Parasara or “Graha and Bhava Balas” by Dr. B.V. Raman. Most computer software programs give shadbala, though there are minor differences between the definitions used by them.
When two or planets influence the same house or when they participate in a yoga, then the planet with the highest shadbala is the most likely give the results. The planet with the strongest shadbala is like a group leader who acts on the group’s behalf.
On the other hand, ashtakavarga bala shows how other planets support or oppose a planet. It does not show how capable the planet is of leading and giving the results of a group of planets, unlike shadbala. It shows how capable a planet is of giving its own results, in harmony with other planetary forces.

Functional Nature
We learnt that Jupiter, Venus, waxing Moon and well-associated Mercury are natural benefics. We learnt that Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, waning Moon and ill-associated Mercury are natural malefics. In addition, we have the concept of functional benefics and functional malefics.
The lords of trines from lagna are functional benefics. The lords of 3rd, 6th and 11th are functional malefics. The lord of a quadrant is a functional malefic if he is a natural benefic and functionally neutral if he is a natural malefic. The lords of 2nd, 8th and 12th are functionally neutral. Of these, the 8th house is more malefic than the other two.
Planet owning a quadrant and a trine becomes a yogakaraka (excellent planet).
In the case of planets owning two rasis, we need to judiciously combine the two indications. The list of yogakarakas, functional benefics, functional neutrals and functional malefics for each lagna is given in Table 10. Moon is not listed for movable rasis, because his functional nature depends on whether he is waxing or waning. Waxing Moon is a natural benefic and he becomes a functional malefic with quadrant ownership. Waning Moon, on the other hand, is a natural malefic and quadrant ownership makes him functionally neutral.
Table 10: Functional nature of planets
Lagna Yogakaraka FunctionalBenefics Functionalneutrals Functional maleficsAr — Sun, Mars, Jupiter — Mercury, Venus,SaturnTa Saturn Sun, Mercury, Saturn Mars Moon, Jupiter, VenusGe — Venus Moon, Mercury,Saturn Sun, Mars, JupiterCn Mars Moon, Mars, Jupiter Sun, Saturn Mercury, VenusLe Mars Sun, Mars, Jupiter Moon Mercury, Venus,SaturnVi — Mercury, Venus Sun, Saturn Moon, Mars, JupiterLi Saturn Mercury, Venus,Saturn — Sun, Mars, JupiterSc — Moon, Jupiter Sun, Mars Mercury, Venus,SaturnSg — Sun, Mars Moon, Mercury,Jupiter Venus, SaturnCp Venus Venus, Mercury,Saturn Sun Mars, JupiterAq Venus Venus, Saturn Sun, Mercury Moon, Mars, JupiterPi — Moon, Mars Jupiter Sun, Mercury, Venus,SaturnA functional benefic is a favorable planet in a chart. Placement of a functional benefic in quadrants (sustenance) and trines (prosperity) brings good results. Placement of a functional malefic in these houses is not good, unless it is very strong. A functional malefic placed in the 3rd house and dusthanas (6th, 8th and 12th houses) brings good results, by spoiling the significations of the bad houses.
If a planet aspects or conjoins or owns HL and lagna, it becomes a yogada (giver of yoga) in money matters. If a planet aspects or conjoins or owns GL and lagna, it becomes a yogada in the matters of power and authority. Irrespective of their functional nature, planets that become yogada bring goodluck. Similarly, planets involved in important yogas also bring good luck.
We should consider the inherent nature and the functional nature of planets. Whether a planet is a natural benefic or a natural malefic is analogous to whether a person is inherently good or bad. Whether a planet is a functional benefic or a functional malefic is analogous to whether a person does good or bad to one. Just as a nice person may harm one and a bad person may do good, natural benefics can become functional malefics and natural malefics can become functional benefics.
Baadhakas
For a house falling in a movable/fixed/dual rasi, the 11th/9th/7th house (respectively) from there becomes baadhaka sthaana (troubling spot). Its lord is called a “baadhaka” (troublemaker) for the original house. The list of baadhaka sthaanas and baadhakas corresponding to each rasi is given in Table 11.
For example, suppose lagna in someone’s D-10 is in Ge. Then Jupiter is baadhaka for lagna. The periods of Jupiter and planets in Sg can create some obstructions and troubles in career. Let us take another house. Aq is the 9th house and the 9th house in D-10 shows the guidance one gets in one’s career. It can show manager and elders giving guidance. Baadhaka sthana for Aq is Li. So the periods of Venus and occupants of Li can create some troubles related to the guidance one gets. There may be some troubles related to manager. Thus we can consider baadhaka from every house and arudha pada in every divisional chart.
Table 11: Baadhakas
Rasi Baadhaka sthaana BaadhakaAr Aq Saturn & RahuTa Cp SaturnGe Sg JupiterCn Ta VenusLe Ar MarsVi Pi JupiterLi Le SunSc Cn MoonSg Ge MercuryCp Sc Mars & KetuAq Li VenusPi Vi MercuryAnalyzing Charts
Basic Guidelines
When we analyze the charts, we should remember all the concepts we learnt in the previous chapters. The following factors must be remembered:
(1) Divisional Chart: Use the correct divisional chart for the matter of interest. Suppose we are looking at happiness from a vehicle. D-16 is the best chart. Suppose we are trying to analyze a criminal’s psychology. D-30 is the best chart. Suppose we are analyzing marriage. D-9 is the best chart. Suppose we are analyzing marriage in a culture where marriage is not a dharma (duty) and a union of souls, but it is merely living together of two people, then rasi chart may be better than D-9. Suppose we want to study one’s religious activities. Then D-20 is the chart. If we want to study one’s learning, D-24 is the chart. Suppose we want to study one’s career and achievements in society, D-10 chart is the correct chart. In this manner, we should choose the correct divisional chart.
(1) House: We should choose the correct house after choosing the correct divisional chart. Let us say that we are analyzing someone’s learning related activities and decided to look at D-24. If we want to see his education, we see the 4th house. If we want to see his intelligence, scholarship, academic reputation, academic distinctions/awards, students etc, we should look at the 5th house. If we want to see how one, in one’s pursuit of knowledge, interacts with others and what kind of people one interacts with, then we should see the 7th house. Like that, we choose the correct house for the matter of interest.
(1) Reference: We should choose the correct reference for counting houses. In the above example of D-24, academic reputation is related more to the perceived self (AL) than the true self (lagna). So it is seen from the 5th from arudha lagna (AL). Intelligence and scholarship, on the other hand, are related to the true self and they are seen from the 5th from lagna. When the relevant karakas are stronger, we can use them as references instead of lagna. So scholarship can be seen from the 5th from Mercury. Students can be seen from the 5th lord. Intelligence can be seen from the 5th from Jupiter. Academic reputation can be seen in D-24 from the 5th from Sun.
(1) House vs Arudha: Sometimes, an arudha pada is more appropriate to see a matter than a house. For example, we can see darapada (A7) in D-24 to figure out what kind of people one typically interacts with in one’s learning related activities. We can see one’s academic distinctions/awards in A5, because they are maya (illusion) related to intelligence and scholarship. The world forms an impression about one’s intelligence and scholarship based on one’s scores, ranks, grades, distinctions and awards.
(1) Influences: After we choose a house/arudha in a divisional chart to represent the matter of interest, the next step is to analyze the influences on it. Planets influence it with rasi drishti and graha drishti. We should also check for argala. We should judge the meaning of each influence. We can also judge the influences on a house by finding houses with respect to that house. Planets in the quadrants from a house sustain it. Planets in trines from a house let it prosper. Planets in upachayas let it grow. Planets in dusthanas bring obstacles. Suppose we are analyzing A3 in an author’s D-10. While the 3rd house shows one’s writing skills, it is A3 that shows one’s books. If a planet is in a quadrant from A3, its periods may result in book writing. If a planet is in the 8th house from A3, its periods may bring obstacles in book writing. If a planet is a baadhaka from A3, it can create troubles in book-writing.
(1) Standard Results: There are many standard results given in literature for various planets and house lords in various houses. These results should be mastered.
Attention should be paid to the strength and avasthas of various planets and ashtakavarga strength of various houses. The presence of yogas should also be noted.
Family Members
We can analyze the fortunes of family members from one’s chart. For parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, we should see D-12. For children, children-in-law and grandchildren, we should see D-7. For brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, we should see D-3. For spouse and his/her family members, we should see D-9.
In each of these charts, we should look at the house that shows the person of interest and consider the rasi containing the lord of that house as lagna. We can consider the corresponding arudha pada also. For example, the 9th lord or the arudha pada of 9th house in D-12 shows father. The 4th lord or the arudha pada of 4th house in D-12 shows mother.
In D-3, we see siblings. The 3rd house shows younger sibling and the 11th house shows elder sibling. Being the 3rd from the 3rd house, the 5th house shows younger brother’s younger brother, i.e. second younger brother. Being the 11th from the 11th house, the 9th house shows elder brother’s elder brother, i.e. second elder brother. We take the 3rd lord, 5th lord, 7th lord etc as lagnas of first (immediate) younger sibling, second younger sibling, third younger sibling etc. We take the 11th lord, 9th lord, 7th lord etc as lagnas of first (immediate) elder sibling, second elder sibling, third elder sibling etc.
Similarly, the 5th house house shows children in D-7. The 7th house is the 3rd from 5th and shows one’s child’s younger sibling. So the 5th lord shows the first child, the 7th lord shows the second child, the 9th house shows the third child and so on.
When we count houses corresponding to siblings and children in D-3 and D-7, we count in the forward or backward direction based on whether lagna is odd or even (respectively). If lagna in D-7 is in Ge, Venus (lord of Li) shows first child, Jupiter (lord of Sg) shows the second child and so on. On the other hand, if lagna in D-7 is in Cn, Jupiter (lord of Pi) shows the first child, Saturn (lord of Cp) shows the second child and so on.
NOTE: After covering all the odd or even signs, we move from odd to even signs or even to odd signs, instead of coming back to where we started.
Marakas (Killers)
Each chart has some rasis and planets that are called marakas (killers). Since death is an event relating to the physical existence, rasi chart is of utmost importance in seeing death. Rudramsa (D-11) shows the forces of death and destruction and it can also give insight into death. D-30 shows one’s evils and punishment for the evils. Death can be a punishment for one’s evils and so we should look at D-30 also. However, the most important chart is the rasi chart.
The 3rd and 8th houses are the houses of life. The 3rd house shows the vitality of one’s existence and the 8th house shows the longevity. The 12th house from any house shows losses related to the matters signified by that house. So the 12th house from these two houses shows death. So the 2nd and 7th houses are the houses of death. For good longevity, the 3rd and 8th houses and their lords should be strong and the 2nd and 7th houses and their lords should be weak.
The rasis containing the 2nd and 7th houses are called maraka sthanas (killer stations). When we use rasi-ruled dasas that can show death, dasas of these rasis can bring death. Lords of the 2nd and 7th houses are called maraka grahas (killer planets). When we use planet-ruled dasas that can show death, dasas of these planets can bring death.
There are other maraka grahas too. If a malefic planet powerfully conjoins or aspects, using graha drishti, the 2nd and 7th houses or their lords, then it qualifies as a maraka graha. Let us look at an example. Suppose lagna is in Le, Saturn is in Sg and Mars is in Ge. Then Saturn is a maraka on account of owning the 7th house (Aq). Mars is a malefic and he is in Ge. He aspects the 2nd house (Vi, with the 4th house aspect) and the 7th lord (Saturn in Sg – with the 7th house aspect). Because of these two factors, Mars is a maraka. Let us take another example. Suppose lagna is in Pi, Mars is in Ge, Mercury is in Cp and Saturn is in Ar. On account of owning the 2nd and 7th houses, Mars and Mercury are marakas. Look at Saturn. He is in the 2nd house and aspects the 2nd lord Mars (with the 3rd house aspect) and the 7th lord Mercury (with the 10th house aspect). So Saturn is also a maraka and he may in fact be a stronger maraka than Mars and Mercury.
When we time one’s death using a dasa, we should look for the involvement of maraka sthanas and maraka grahas. We can also use marakas when timing death using the transits of planets.

yogas and astavargas

Yogas (special combinations)
Introduction
We have seen in previous chapters the use of divisional charts, houses, karakas, arudha padas, aspects and argalas. Using all these tools, we can interpret charts and draw various conclusions about a native’s fortune.
In addition to these general guidelines, there are several specific combinations that give specific results. These are very important and called “Yogas”. Readers are advised to refer to classics such as “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” and acquaint themselves with as many yogas as possible. Dr. B.V. Raman’s “Three Hundred Important Combinations” is an excellent compendium on yogas.
Some software programs list the yogas present in a chart. However, they are sometimes erroneous and one should be familiar with important yogas and be able to judge yogas by oneself, without relying on software. Many yogas are applicable in divisional charts. When we use yogas in divisional charts, we should interpret the results ascribed to a yoga based on the matters signified by the divisional chart.
A few key yogas will be listed in this chapter, but the reader is urged to do more reading. In this book, yogas are divided into the following classes for convenience:
· Ravi Yogas (solar combinations)· Chandra Yogas (lunar combinations)· Mahaapurusha Yogas (combinations producing 5 kinds of great men)· Naabhasa Yogas (classified celestial combinations)· Other Popular Yogas· Raaja Yogas (combinations giving power)· Raaja Sambandha Yogas (combinations for association with kings)· Dhana Yogas (combinations giving wealth)· Daridra Yogas (combinations giving poverty)

Ashtakavarga (eight-sourced strengths)
Analyzing a chart and making correct predictions requires mixing many different principles and making fine compromises and judgments. Sage Parasara said that it is difficult for even great Maharshis. In Kali Yuga, human beings become sinful and the sins kill their intelligence. Parasara said that the intellectual pygmies of Kali Yuga cannot cope with too many complicated principles and presented ashtakavarga as a simple technique that lets them make reasonable predictions without much fuss. Ashtaka means “consisting of eight” and varga means “a group”. Ashtakavarga is the system of analyzing a chart with respect to a group of 8 reference points.
When we analyze the positions of planets with respect to lagna, we have the concept of good and bad placements. For example, Jupiter in the 9th from lagna will be well placed and Jupiter in the 3rd will be badly placed. Mars in the 3rd from lagna will be well placed and Mars in the 9th will be badly placed.
However, lagna is not the only reference point in a chart. We have Sun and Moon. In fact, all the planets serve as reference points in a chart and they represent the sources of various energies that are present in a native. Based on the houses in which different planets are placed in transit, they can be benefic with respect to some energy sources and malefic with respect to some. If a transiting planet is benefic with respect to more energy sources, then it brings good results.
So ashtakavarga is essentially a system that tells us the benefic positions of lagna and seven planets with respect to each other. This can be used to analyze the strength of a natal chart, but it is much more important in analyzing transits.

Arudhas and dhrusti

Arudhas (risen ones)
Introduction
Lagna shows true self. However, people’s perceptions of a person can be different from reality. Usually, how one is perceived by others is more important in material life than who one really is. A political leader perceived by people as a powerful and influential person may in reality be a coward and a confused man always in doubt. But the reality does not matter in deciding his material life. Perceptions matter more. People perceive him as a strong leader and that matters the most in deciding his political career.
A political leader generally perceived as an honest man may in reality be badly corrupt. A person generally perceived as an intelligent person may in reality be of average intelligence. An intelligent person may score poorly in examinations and people may not know his intelligence.
If someone studied at IIT (a top engineering institute of India), people may think that he is very knowledgable. If someone studied at an obscure university, people may not get the same impression. But it is possible that people’s perceptions are wrong and the person who studied at IIT is less knowledgable. If an astrologer is frequented by a top politician, people may get an impression that the astrologer is good. If an astrologer maintains a low profile, people may think that he is average. But the latter astrologer may be more learned in reality.
What people perceive about a person can often be different from reality. However, perceptions and reality are both important to an astrologer. For predicting some matters, we need knowledge of the perceptions (e.g. success of a politician in elections, success in a competitive examination, promotion at office etc). For predicting some internal matters, on the other hand, true self should be clearly understood.
So we, astrologers, should be able to separate reality from perceptions and understand both correctly. We should understand the true nature of a person and also how he is perceived by the world. Arudha padas are a very important concept of Vedic astrology and they help us with that tough, but important, task.
Computation of Bhava Arudhas
Arudha padas of all the 12 houses (bhavas) in all the divisional charts are defined as follows:
(1) Take sign containing the house of interest in the divisional chart of interest.(1) Find the sign occupied by the lord of that house.
NOTE: Aquarius is owned by Saturn and Rahu. Scorpio is owned by Mars and Ketu. Take the stronger lord in the case of houses falling in these two signs. The chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.” will explain the rules used in comparing the strengths of planets.
(1) Count signs from the house of interest to the sign containing its lord. Counting is in the zodiacal direction always. For example, if the house we are interested in is in Gemini and its lord Mercury is in Aquarius, we count signs from Gemini to Aquarius and get 9.(1) Count the same number of signs from the sign containing the lord and find the ending sign. In the above example, we count 9 signs from Aquarius and we end up in Libra.(1) Exception: If the sign found thus in step (4) is in the 1st or 7th from the original sign in step (1), then we take the 10th sign from the sign found in step (4). Otherwise we don’t make any change.
(1) The resulting sign contains the arudha pada of the house of interest.
Arudha pada of a house is simply called arudha or pada also. In this book, we will denote the arudha pada on nth house with An. For example, arudha pada of 4th house is A4 and arudha pada of 9th house is A9.
Use of Arudha Lagna
While lagna stands for true self, arudha lagna (AL) stands for the maya associated with self. It shows the how the native is perceived in the material world. It shows the status of the native. A timid and confused individual may be perceived in the world as a strong leader. In that case, that is the maya associated with his personality and AL shows it.
Because arudha lagna deals with maya, illusions, perceptions and impressions, it is very important in judging various materialistic things. For example, Parasara and Jaimini taught that the 11th and 12th houses from AL show financial gains and expenditures. Natural malefics in the 3rd and 6th houses from AL show someone who is perceived as a bold person who hits enemies hard. Since such impressions are usually formed about materially successful people, malefics in the 3rd and 6th from AL make one bold and materially successful. Natural benefics in the 3rd and 6th houses from AL make one very gentle and restrained in public behavior. Such a person does not fight with others boldly. This combination is usually found in the charts of saints and saintly and mild-natured people.
The 10th house from lagna in D-10 shows one’s true conduct in society. It shows the one’s career and the true nature of one’s karma (work). The 10th house from AL in D-10 shows perceptions about one’s conduct in society. It deals more with one’s status in career.
Use of Bhava Arudhas
Arudha padas show the maya (illusion) of material world. Arudha pada of nth house shows the maya associated with the matters signified by of nth house.
For example, 1st house stands for self. While the first house from lagna stands for true self, its arudha pada (AL) stands for the maya associated with self. It shows the how the native is perceived in the material world. It shows the status of the native.
The 4th house in D-16 shows happiness from vehicle. It shows true happiness from a vehicle.
One may be very happy with a Bajaj Chetak (an inexpensive two-wheel vehicle popular in India) or even a bicycle and one owning three Mercedes Benz cars may be unhappy with them and always dreaming of owning a better vehicle. One’s true happiness from vehicle has nothing to do with the type of vehicle owned. However, people perceive one with 3 Mercedes Benz cars as a happier person in the matter of vehicle, compared to a Chetak owner. This is the maya associated with “happiness from vehicle” in this material world. So this is shown by A4.
Benefics influencing the 4th house in D-16 show someone who is happy with his vehicle(s). Benefics influencing A4 in D-16 show someone who is perceived to be happy with his vehicle(s). So planets influencing A4 in D-16 shed light on the physical vehicle owned by a person. Someone with Venus in own sign in A4 and Saturn in 4th (in D-16) may own luxurious vehicles (i.e. perceived to be happy with respect to vehicle) but not be happy. Someone with Saturn in A4 and Venus and Jupiter in 4th (in D-16) may own a small vehicle (i.e. perceived to be unhappy with respect to vehicles), but be happy with it.
As shown above, 4th house in D-16 deals with happiness from vehicles. In D-24, 4th house deals with learning and education. A4 in D-24 deals with the maya (illusion) associated with learning. What is it?
If someone studied at IIT (a top engineering institute of India), people may think that he is very knowledgable. If someone studied at an obscure university, people may not get the same impression. But it is possible that people’s perceptions are wrong and the person who studied at IIT is less knowledgable.
So A4 in D-24 shows the school or university and the environment in which one’s learning takes place. Usually that decides what impression people form about one’s learning.
Similarly, A10 in D-10 shows the maya associated with one’s karma (action – career). We form an impression about one’s career based on the place and environment where one’s work takes place. So A10 in D-10 shows one’s workplace. One with Mars in A10 in D-10 may work at dynamic places or engineering companies. One with Jupiter in A10 in D-10 may work at a university or college or a court of law or a temple.
One important arudha pada used in Jyotish is upapada lagna (UL) – the arudha pada of the 12th house. This shows one’s marriage and spouse. Planets in UL show the kind of marriage one has and the kind of spouse one gets. For example, Mercury in UL can show intelligent (when good) or indecisive (when bad) spouse. Ketu in UL can show spiritual (when good) or short-tempered (when bad) spouse. Sun in UL can show a charming spouse from a respectable family. It can also show an authoritative spouse. Mars in UL may show a bold spouse (when good) and a quarrelsome spouse (when bad).
The 8th house from UL shows the longevity of marriage and the 2nd and 7th houses from UL show the end of marriage. Malefics like Mars, Saturn and nodes in these houses from UL can result in troubles for the marriage and even a divorce.
Nature of spouse and the length of the marriage are two different issues. If Mars and Saturn are in UL and Jupiter is in the 8th from UL, it may show a long marriage to an argumentative and mean spouse. If Jupiter is in UL and Mars and Saturn in the 8th from it, one may have a noble spouse but the marital life will be very rough and there can even be a divorce. In such a case, propitiating Saturn and Mars can help (for more, see the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”).
The 7th house shows relations and A7 (darapada) shows the illusion associated with them, i.e. the kind of people one usually interacts with. Based on the kind of people one deals with, we perceive the nature of one’s relations. If one has a friend who is a prostitute, people may get a negative impression about one’s dealings. If one has a friend who is a famous film star, there is some glamour associated with one’s relations. Thus darapada shows the kind of people one associates with and that plays an important role in forming people’s impressions about one’s relations. In D-10, darapada may show professional associates. In D-24, it may show friends at college or colleagues in the pursuit of knowledge. In D-20, it may show colleagues or friends in religious activities.
The 3rd house shows one’s boldness. The 3rd house from lagna and the 3rd house from Mars show one’s true boldness and the 3rd house from AL shows how bold one is perceived. In addition, A3 shows the maya surrounding one’s boldness. It shows what drives the perceptions of people about one’s boldness. The weapons one possesses may drive those perceptions and A3 may show one’s weapons.
The 3rd house also shows one’s communication skills. The 3rd house in D-24 (chart of learning and knowledge) and D-10 (achievements in society) may show one’s writing skills. A3 shows the maya associated with one’s writing skills. One may have excellent writing skills, but not write any book. In such a case, people may not really appreciate one’s writing skills. One may be an average writer, but end up writing 20 books. In such a case, people may perceive him as a great writer. Thus the exact books written by one decide the perceptions of the world about one’s writing skills. So A3 in D-24 and D-10 may show the books or articles written by him. In this author’s D-10, for example, A3 is in Pisces. This can mean that he will be known for some books on saattwik and traditional subjects and astrology certainly fits the bill.
Let us take the 5th house as another example. It shows intelligence, following, devotion etc. The 5th house in D-20, the chart of religious activities, shows one’s devotion (bhakti) in religious activities. A5 in D-20 shows the things based on which the world forms an impression about one’s devotion. The mantras one recites, the poojas and the religious rituals one performs control the impression of the world about one’s devotion in religious matters. So A5 shows them.
The 5th house in D-10, the chart of career, shows the following one has. The world forms an impression about one’s following based on the power wielded by one. A political leader in a position of power is assumed to have a lot of following. So A5 can show the trappings of power enjoyed by one. It can also show awards.
In D-24, the chart of learning, the 5th house may show intelligence. A5 in D-24 shows the things based on which the world forms an impression about one’s intelligence in learning. These impressions are usually formed based on one’s performances in examinations, one’s scores in tests and one’s academic distinctions. So that is what A5 in D-24 shows.
Similarly, the 9th house shows one’s fortune. In D-24, it may show fortune related to learning. It can show the guidance received by one (i.e. guru – teacher). But the world forms an impression about one’s fortune in learning, based on the degrees received by one. One with an advanced degree is assumed to be more fortunate with respect to learning than one with a simple degree. So A9 can show one’s higher degrees.
In this manner, intelligent and blessed students can clearly understand the meanings of various arudha padas in various divisional charts. One cannot become a good Vedic astrologer by memorizing a lot of tables. One needs to understand the basics clearly and apply them intelligently.
All the principles of Vedic astrology should be understood and applied in the context of “desa” (country – place), “kaala” (time – age) and “paatra” (nature and class of the persons involved). When we interpret arudha padas, we are talking about the things based on which the world forms an impression about an aspect of the native. The things that drive the world’s perceptions can be different based on which world we are living in. They vary significantly from one place to another, from one age to another and from one class to another. Intelligent use of arudhas requires an astrologer to understand the world that the native lives in.
Meaning of Arudha
Arudha means the “risen one”. While one’s abilities and intelligence live inside one and one’s scores in examinations, awards and trophies etc “rise” in the material world out of the abilities and intelligence. The “risen ones” are what manifest materially and what the world can see. So the 5th house shows real abilities and intelligence, while the arudha of 5th shows awards, trophies and scores in contests etc. Arudha of each house shows what exists physically which the world can see and which rises from the matters of the house.
Computation of Graha Arudhas
Just as arudha padas of all houses (bhavas) are defined, arudha padas of all the nine planets (grahas) are also defined and they are called graha arudhas. They are computed as follows:
(1) Take the sign containing the planet of interest in the divisional chart of interest.(1) Find the sign owned by that planet.
NOTE: Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn own 2 signs each. In their case, take the stronger sign owned by the planet. The chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.” will explain the rules used in comparing the strengths of signs. Take the two signs, apply those rules and find the stronger sign.
(1) Count signs from the sign containing the planet of interest to the stronger sign owned by it. Counting is in the zodiacal direction always. For example, if the planet we are interested in is Sun and he is Gemini, we count signs from Gemini to Leo and get 3.(1) Count the same number of signs from the stronger sign owned and find the ending sign. In the above example, we count 3 signs from Leo and we end up in Libra.(1) Exception: If the sign found thus in step (4) is in the 1st or 7th from the original sign containing the planet, then we take the 10th sign from the sign found in step (4). Otherwise we don’t make any change.
(1) The resulting sign contains the arudha pada of the planet of interest.
Use of Graha Arudhas
Just as arudha padas of various houses show the illusions of the world related to the matters signified by various houses, arudha padas of various planets show the illusions of the native related to the matters signified by various planets. Houses show various aspects of the person’s life and their arudhas show how they are perceived in the world. Planets show various persons, forces and situations that impact various aspects of a person’s life and their arudhas show the related perceptions by the person.
Just as the perceptions of the world about a native can be totally different from the reality, perceptions of a native about himself, about the world and about the situations that (s)he goes through can be totally different from the reality. Graha arudhas throw light on these perceptions.
Summary
Arudha pada of a house shows the maya surrounding the matters signified by that house. It shows the factors based on which the impressions of people are formed. Arudha lagna or AL shows people’s impressions about a native. It shows one’s status in the material world. Darapada or A7 shows one’s relationships. Upapada (UL) shows one’s marriage and spouse. A4 in D-16 shows one’s vehicle. A4 in D-24 shows one’s school or college or university (place of education). A10 in D-10 shows one’s workplace.
Arudha padas of planets show the perceptions of the native about the world, about himself or herself and about the situations developing in his or her life.
Analysis of the positions of planets with respect to lagna shows reality. Analysis of the positions of planets with respect to AL shows perceptions of the world and material situation. Analysis of individual bhava arudhas throws light on various things based on which world forms impressions about a native. Analysis of the positions of the arudha padas of planets with respect to lagna shows the perceptions of the native.

Drishti (aspects)
Graha Drishri
All planets aspect the 7th house from them. For example, Sun in Ta aspects Sc. Mars in Ge aspects Sg. Moon in Le aspects Aq. Jupiter in Pi aspects Vi. Saturn in Cp aspects Cn. Find the 7th house from the planet and the planet aspects that house.
In addition, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have special aspects:
· Jupiter aspects the 5th and 9th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.· Mars aspects the 4th and 8th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.· Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.
We can decide the signs and houses aspected by a planet as above. If any planet occupies the aspected houses, then the planet is also aspected. For example, Jupiter in Ta will aspect Saturn in Cp, because Cp is the 9th house from Ta and Jupiter aspects the 9th from him.
Rasi Drishti
Rasis aspect other rasis based on the following rules:
· A movable rasi aspects all fixed rasis except the one adjacent to it.· A fixed rasi aspects all movable rasis except the one adjacent to it.· A dual rasi aspects all other dual rasis.
For example, Ar is a movable sign. It aspects all the fixed signs except the one adjacent to it, i.e. Ta. So Ar aspects Le, Sc and Aq.
Ta is a fixed sign. It aspects all the movable signs except the one adjacent to it, i.e. Ar. So Ta aspects Cn, Li and Cp.
Ge is a dual sign. It aspects all other dual signs. So Ge aspects Vi, Sg and Pi.
Graha Drishti vs Rasi Drishti
A simple analogy will make things clearer. Look at planets as people. Let us take a priest as an example. Will he have some influence on his neighbors? Probably. Because he lives there, gets up early in the morning and recites mantras, it may influence his neighbors also. Because of the houses they live in, his neighbors come under his influence. How pious and god-fearing his influence makes his neighbors depends on other factors. If one of the neighbors is a dreaded criminal, he is not going to be influenced.
Let us take a dreaded criminal as another example. He may also have an influence on his neighbors. Youngsters living in the neighboring houses may enter the criminal world because of him. Ladies in the neighboring houses may stay inside their houses at night and not come out after certain time.
Thus we are influenced by people in neighboring houses. Influence exerted by planets by rasi drishti is similar to this influence.
Compared to this limited influence on the neighbors, a priest may have greater influence in the matters of the nearby temple where he works. He may have a lot of influence on devotees who come to visit the temple and who approach him for performing poojas, homas etc. Influence exerted with graha drishti is similar to this influence.
Influence exerted by rasi drishti is due to the sign a planet is in. This is analogous to the influence people exert on their neighbors. All planets in a sign will have rasi drishti on the same signs, just as people living in the same house see the same neighbors everyday and exert some influence over the same neighbors. But the influence they exert may differ. A priest may tell his neighbors to pray to God. His movie-loving brother living in the same house may talk the same neighbors into watching all the movies of a particular actress. Thus, planets in the same sign exert influence on the same houses and planets through rasi drishti, but the nature of the influence varies from planet to planet.
Influence exerted by graha drishti is due to the inherent nature of a planet. Different planets in the same sign may aspect different houses and planets with graha drishti. A priest may have great influence over the devotees at the temple he works at and his movie-loving brother living in the same house may have great influence over his movie-loving classmates and co-members of the fan club of an actress, of which he is president. Similarly, planets in the same sign may influence planets in different houses. However, everyone in a house may have a strong influence over friends of the family who visit the house frequently. Similarly, all planets aspect the 7th house from them and have an influence over it.

Karagas and bhavas

Bhavas (houses)
Introduction
The zodiac consists of 12 rasis. Each rasi is said to form a house. When we talk about houses, we always have a point of reference. The rasi containing the point of reference is the 1st house. The next rasi is the 2nd house. The rasi after that is the 3rd house. Suppose Moon is in Aquarius and suppose we want houses with respect to Moon. Then Aquarius is the 1st house, Pisces is the 2nd house, Aries is the 3rd house, Taurus is the 4th house and so on. As we go around the zodiac, we reach Capricorn when we find the 12th house.
In the same chart, Sun may be in Taurus. When we find houses with respect to Sun, Taurus contains the 1st house, Gemini contains the 2nd house, Cancer contains the 3rd house and so on. If Ghati Lagna is in Virgo in the same chart, then the 1st, 2nd and 3rd houses with respect to Ghati Lagna are in Virgo, Libra and Scorpio respectively.
Thus we can find houses with respect to different references. The same sign may contain the 2nd house with respect to one reference and the 6th house with respect to another reference. If we mention houses without clearly specifying the reference used, it means that the reference used is lagna (ascendant). Lagna is the default reference when finding houses.
Different houses stand for different matters. The matters signified by a house also depend on the reference used. Each reference throws light on matters of a specific nature and that colors the meaning of a house. For example, the 11th house from lagna may stand for something and the 11th house from arudha lagna may stand for something else. It depends on the kind of matters shown by the two references – lagna and arudha lagna.
In addition, the matters signified by a house depend on the divisional chart in which we are finding houses. Each divisional chart throws light on matters of a specific nature. Again, that colors the meaning of a house. The 4th house from lagna in D-16 may mean something and the 4th house from lagna in D-24 may mean something else. We have already listed the areas of life seen from various divisional charts in the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”.
Significations of Houses
The matters signified by various houses are listed below. For further discussion on the results of various houses, readers may refer either to the ancient classics or to the modern classic – “How to Judge a Horoscope” (Vols I & II) by Dr. B.V. Raman.
First House: Physical body, complexion, appearance, head, intelligence, strength, energy, fame, success, nature of birth, caste.
Second House: Wealth, assets, family, speech, eyes, mouth, face, voice, food.Third House: Younger co-borns, confidants, courage, mental strength, communication skills, creativity, throat, ears, arms, father’s death (7th from 9th), expenditure on vehicles and house (12th from 4th), travels.Fourth House: Mother, vehicles, house, lands, immovable property, motherland, childhood, wealth from real estate, education, relatives, happiness, comforts, pleasures, peace, state of mind, heart.
Fifth House: Children, poorvapunya (good deeds of previous lives), intelligence, knowledge & scholarship, devotion, mantras (prayers), stomach, digestive system, authority/power, fame, love, affection, emotions, judgment, speculation.Sixth House: Enemies, service, servants, relatives, mental tension, injuries, health, diseases, agriculture, accidents, mental affliction, mother’s younger brother, hips.Seventh House: Marriage, marital life, life partner, sex, passion (and related happiness), long journeys, partners, business, death, the portion of the body below the navel.
Eighth House: Longevity, debts, disease, ill-fame, inheritance, loss of friends, occult studies, evils, gifts, unearned wealth, windfall, disgrace, secrets, genitals.Ninth House: Father, teacher, boss, fortune, religiousness, spirituality, God, higher studies & high knowledge, fortune in a foreign land, foreign trips, diksha (joining a religious order), past life and the cause of birth, grandchildren, principles, dharma, intuition, compassion, sympathy, leadership, charity, thighs.
Tenth House: Growth, profession, career, karma (action), conduct in society, fame, honors, awards, self-respect, dignity, knees.Eleventh House: Elder co-borns, income, gains, realization of hopes, friends, ankles.
Twelfth House: Losses, expenditure, punishment, imprisonment, hospitalization, pleasures in bed, misfortune, bad habits, sleep, meditation, donation, secret enemies, heaven, left eye, feet, residence away from the place of birth, moksha (emancipation/liberation).
We can find houses from houses and concatenate the meanings in some places. For example, the 3rd house shows younger brother. The 2nd house from the 3rd house is the 4th house (count 1, 2 from 3rd and get 3rd, 4th). So the 4th house shows the wealth, speech etc of younger brother. The 7th house from the 3rd house is the 9th house and it can show younger sibling’s spouse. The 11th house from lagna shows friends and the 4th house from lagna is nothing but the 6th house from the 11th house. So the 4th house stands for enemies, diseases and debts of friends. In this manner, we can deduce many additional meanings of various houses.
Common References for Houses
It may be noted from the list above that each house shows many matters. It may be confusing at first to pick the right meaning that is relevant in a particular analysis. It becomes easier with experience. We have to note the area of life seen in the divisional chart under examination. We have to choose the meanings of houses that are relevant in that area of life. For example, the 4th house shows education, vehicle, house and mother (among other things). A list of the areas of life seen in various divisional charts is given in the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”. We see from it that learning is seen from D-24, pleasures and comforts from D-16, house and immovable property from D-4 and parents from D-12. So the 4th houses in D-24, D-16, D-4 and D-12 show education, vehicle, house and mother (respectively).
We should also take cognisance of the kind of matters shown by various references and interpret the meaning of a house accordingly. The 4th house from lagna, the 4th house from arudha lagna and the 4th house from paaka lagna can mean different things, depending on the matters shown by lagna, arudha lagna and paaka lagna. Now we will learn about the most common references used in finding houses and the matters shown by them.
Depending on the matter we are analyzing, we should look at the correct divisional chart, the correct reference and the correct house. Then only good results can be obtained. All this complexity may be perplexing to new students. However, there is something we should realize. Human existence is a very complicated thing and it is silly and unscientific to expect a simplistic model for the complicated human life. Though Vedic astrology has too many parameters used in chart analysis, they are all important as they give us the degrees of freedom necessary for modeling something as complicated as human life. However, if we do not understand what each parameter means and end up using them in a mixed-up way, we will get nowhere. So readers should strive to understand these basics very clearly.
Lagna
Lagna is the most commonly used reference when finding houses. If no reference is mentioned when houses are listed, it means that lagna – the default reference – was used. Lagna shows true self. If we are trying to understand someone’s status in society, lagna may not be the correct reference. Status does not relate to “true self”. It is a part of the illusion of this world. However, if we are trying to understand someone’s intentions in doing something or someone’s knowledge or someone’s persistence, it relates to “true self”. So they are seen from the houses counted from lagna. Lagna shows true self. It shows the overall spirit of “I” (self).
Chandra Lagna (Moon lagna)
Chandra lagna means Moon taken as a reference. We can find houses from Moon. Because Moon is the significator of mind, these houses show things from the perspective of mind. For example, someone may be working in a routine job, but he may have an active and enterprising mind and he may be using it in his career. In that case, the 10th house (career) from lagna may have the influence of Saturn (routine job) and the 10th house from Moon may have the influence of Mars (active and enterprising).
Houses counted from Moon are useful in looking at things from the point of view of mind. When we judge how happy one is, how ambitious one is and how one views one’s career, the role of mind is paramount. So Chandra lagna should not be ignored.
Ravi Lagna (Sun lagna)
Ravi lagna means Sun taken as a reference. We can find houses from Sun. Because Sun is the significator of soul, these houses show things from the perspective of soul. For things related to physical vitality also, Sun is an important reference.
Arudha Lagna
Computation of arudha lagna (AL) will be explained in the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”. For now, the readers should remember that arudha lagna shows how a native is perceived in the world. It also shows the status of a native.
A planet in the 10th house from lagna may give some important developments in one’s profession. A planet in the 10th house from Chandra lagna may give some important mental activity in one’s profession. A planet in the 10th house from arudha lagna may give some important developments in one’s professional status.
Paaka Lagna
Paaka lagna is important when analyzing the natal chart, dasas and transits. Paaka lagna is nothing but lagna lord taken as a reference. If someone with Pisces lagna has Jupiter in Cancer, then Cancer becomes paaka lagna. If someone with Leo lagna has Sun in Virgo, Virgo becomes paaka lagna.
Rasis represent situations and forces influencing the course of a native’s life and planets represent individual beings. Lagna lord represents the physical self of a native. So that is what paaka lagna shows. Houses counted from paaka lagna throw light on matters related to the physical self of a native.
Lagna shows the concept of self and it deals with one’s true personality. The physical existence of the person is different from this conceptual self. This applies to all divisional charts. Let us take an example. The 5th house shows scholarship, memory and success in competition. All these are related to learning and they are seen in D-24, the chart of learning. But they are better seen from different references. Let us find the best reference for each.
Success in competition is related to the illusions and perceptions of the world and so the most appropriate reference is arudha lagna. The 5th house from arudha lagna shows success in competition. Scholarship is not a measurable attribute of the physical existence. It is a property of one’s true personality and one’s conceptual self. So the 5th from lagna shows scholarship. If we take the self that exists physically and take its part as applicable to the area of life shown by D-24 (i.e. learning), memory is a direct attribute of that self. Memory is a property of one’s self that physically exists. So the 5th house from paaka lagna shows memory the best.
Saturn’s transitover the rasi containing one’s lagna may throw obstructions and hamper one’s activities. Saturn’s transit over the rasi containing one’s Chandra lagna may create frustration and mental depression. Saturn’s transit over the rasi containing one’s paaka lagna may leave one feeling sick all the time and attack the physical vitality.
Karakamsa Lagna
Atma karaka stands for the soul of the person. Atma karaka is an important reference point in a chart. Because the soul is an important factor in deciding the nature of inner self than the physical existence, atma karaka is an important reference point in navamsa chart. Navamsa chart throws light on the inner self and the rasi occupied by atma karaka in it is called “Karakamsa”. We can analyze navamsa chart with respect to Karakamsa. The 12th house from Karakamsa shows the liberation of the soul and the situation of Ketu there is conducive to moksha. Propitiation of the deities corresponding to the strongest planet in the 12th house in navamsa from Karakamsa lagna can take one’s soul towards moksha.
Ghati Lagna
Ghati lagna (GL) shows self, from the point of view of power, authority and fame. When we analyze promotions in career or political power of politicians, this reference is very important.
Hora Lagna
Hora lagna (HL) shows self, from the point of view of wealth. This reference is important when analyzing one’s wealth.
Quick Summary
Trines: Prosperity and flourishingQuadrants: Sustenance and vital activityUpachayas: Gains and growthDusthanas: Setbacks and obstaclesArgala sthanas: Decisive influences
A Controversy
Houses are found with respect to lagna, special lagnas and some planets. Houses are found in rasi chart and in all the divisional charts. Some scholars ignore all these and take houses only with respect to lagna and only in rasi chart. They prepare something called “bhaava chakra” or “chalit chakra”, in which houses can start in one rasi and end in another. They take lagna’s longitude to be the mid-point of the first house and construct all the houses accordingly. In the “equal house method”, they take a 30º arc with center at lagna as the 1st house. The next 30º arc is taken as the 2nd house and so on. This method is popular among Indian astrologers. Another method taught by Sripathi is more complicated and it is also popular. However, this author recommends neither. Each rasi is a house. The rasi containing the reference point chosen is the 1st house and the next rasi is the 2nd house.
Though there are some indirect references in BPHSsuggesting that Parasara supported house divisions placing houses in 2 rasis, there are quite a few direct references making it amply clear that each house falls in one rasi. Parasara taught us to find houses by counting rasis from the reference chosen. Moreover, only this approach is logical as we go to divisional charts. Parasara’s treatment does not differentiate between rasi and divisional charts, as far as the basic techniques go.
So readers are advised to ignore all the discussions found in other textbooks on house division methods, “bhaava chakra” and “chalit chakra”. It may do good to follow the instructions in this chapter.

Karakas (significators)
The word karaka means “one who causes”. Karaka of a matter is the significator of the matter. He is the one who causes events related to that matter.
There are 3 kinds of karakas:
(1) Naisargika karakas (natural significators, 9 in number).(1) Chara karakas (variable significators, 8 in number), and,(1) Sthira karakas (fixed significators, 7 in number),
One should not use the three types of karakas in a mixed-up way. Karakas of each type have a specific purpose. One should understand the distinction between chara, sthira and naisargika karakas clearly and use them accordingly.
Naisargika karakas shows everything that exists in the creation. They include Rahu, Ketu and the seven planets. They are presided by Brahma. Naisargika karakas show not only human beings, but they show various impersonal things and matters. They show everything that exists in Brahma’s creation and affects a person. Naisargika karakas are very useful in phalita Jyotish, i.e. analysis of general results.
Chara karakas include Rahu and the seven planets. They do not include Ketu, as Ketu stands for moksha (emancipation) and does not stand for any person who affects one’s sustenance. Chara karakas are presided by Vishnu and they show people who play a role in one’s life. As Vishnu presides over activities related to sustenance, achievements and spiritual progress, chara karakas show these aspects of one’s life. Chara karakas show people who play an important role in one’s sustenance and achievements. Examples are – mother, father, wife, advisors etc. Chara karakas are very useful in Raja Yogas and in spiritual progress. They also show how our karma (cumulative sum of actions) is carried from one life to another.
Sthira karakas include only 7 planets because only they have physical bodies. They are presided by Shiva. As Shiva presides over death, they show the destruction of body. Sthira karakas are useful in timing the death of various near relatives.

upa grahas and vargas

Upagrahas (sub-planets)
Sun-based Upagrahas
Five upagrahas called Dhuma, Vyatipaata, Parivesha, Indrachaapa and Upaketu are defined based on Sun's longitude. The exact formulas are given in Table 6. All these upagrahas are very malefic in nature. Any houses occupied by them in rasi chart or divisional charts are spoiled by them.
Table 6: Sun-based Upagrahas
Upagraha Longitude FormulaDhuma Sun's longitude + 13320'Vyatipaata 360º – Dhuma’s longitudeParivesha Vyatipata's longitude + 180Indrachaapa 360º – Parivesha’s longitudeUpaketu Indrachaapa’s longitude + 1640'= Sun's longitude – 30It may be noted that Dhuma and Indrachaapa are apart by 180 and Vyatipaata and Parivesha are apart by 180.
Other Upagrahas
Six upagrahas called Kaala, Mrityu, Arthaprahaara, Yamaghantaka, Gulika and Maandi are more difficult to compute. Kaala is a malefic upagraha similar to Sun. Mrityu is a malefic upagraha similar to Mars. Arthaprahaara is similar to Mercury. Yamaghantaka is similar to Jupiter. Gulika and Maandi are similar to Saturn.
A day starts at the time of sunrise and ends at the time of sunset. A night starts at the time of sunset and ends at the time of next day’s sunrise. Depending on whether one is born during the day or the night, we divide the length of the day/night into 8 equal parts.
Daytime births: The first part is ruled by the lord of weekday and then we cover planets in the order of weekdays. The part after the one ruled by Saturn is lord-less. After that, Sun’s part comes. For example, the first 1/8th of the daytime on a Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. Next part is ruled by Venus. The 3rd part is ruled by Saturn. The 4th part is lord-less. The 5th part is ruled by Sun. The 6th part is ruled by Moon. The 7th planet is ruled by Mars. The 8th part is ruled by Mercury.
Table 7: Ruling planets
Rulers of the 8 parts of the DAYWeekday 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8thSun Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat —Mon Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — SunTue Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun MoonWed Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon MarsThu Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars MercFri Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc JupSat Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup VenRulers of the 8 parts of the NIGHTWeekday 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8thSun Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars MercMon Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc JupTue Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup VenWed Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat —Thu Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — SunFri Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun MoonSat Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon MarsNight time births: The first part is ruled by the 5th planet from the lord of weekday and then we cover planets in the order of weekdays. For example, the first 1/8th of a Thursday night is ruled by the 5th planet from Jupiter, i.e. Moon (Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Sun, Moon – that’s the 5th one). Next part is ruled by Mars. The 3rd part is ruled by Mercury. The 4th part is ruled by Jupiter. The 5th part is ruled by Venus. The 6th part is ruled by Saturn. The 7th planet is lord-less. The 8th part is ruled by Sun.
Table 7 gives the list of the ruling planets of all the eight parts of the daytime and night time on all weekdays.
Once we divide the day/night of birth into 8 equal parts and identify the ruling planets of the 8 parts, we can find the longitudes of Kaala etc upagrahas using the following procedure:
(1) Kaala rises at the middle of Sun’s part. In other words, we find the time at the middle of Sun’s part and find lagna rising then. That gives Kaala’s longitude.(1) Mrityu rises at the middle of Mars’s part.(1) Artha Praharaka rises at the middle of Mercury’s part.(1) Yama Ghantaka rises at the middle of Jupiter’s part.(1) Gulika rises at the middle of Saturn’s part.(1) Maandi rises at the beginning of Saturn’s part.
Suppose one is born on Thursday night and we want Yamaghantaka’s longitude in his chart. Suppose night starts at 6 pm and ends at 6 am on the next day. We see from the table that Jupiter rules the 4th part of a Thursday night. Each part is 12/8 = 1.5 hours. The 4th part starts 4.5 hours after sunset, i.e. at 10:30 pm, and ends 1.5 hours later. So Jupiter’s part extends from 10:30 pm to midnight. The middle point of this part is at 11:15 pm. We find lagna rising at 11:15 pm and that will be Yama Ghantaka’s longitude.

Vargas (divisional charts)
Divisions of A Rasi
Each rasi has many divisions. Divisions of rasis are again mapped to rasis. For example, a rasi may be divided into 4 parts and each part may be mapped to a different rasi. Ar may be divided into 4 parts and the 4 parts may be mapped to Ar, Cn, Li and Cp. Then the 4 parts of Ta may be mapped to Ta, Le, Sc and Aq. And so on. Like this, we may divide all rasis into 4 parts and map the 4 parts to different rasis. We may also divide rasis to 9 parts and map each part into a rasi. We can have many different divisions.
Sage Parasara defined 16 different divisions of rasis. Jaimini and Tajaka writers mentioned 4 more divisions. It is possible that Parasara also dealt with these 4 special divisions in sections that are perhaps missing today. In addition, there are more higher and finer divisions that are normally not used.
Based on the rasis occupied by planets in various divisions, “divisional charts” are drawn. As we have seen before, we need to know the rasis occupied by planets, upagrahas, lagna and special lagnas to draw any chart. In every division, we divide the rasi into different parts, find the part containing each planet and see the rasi to which that part is mapped. Then we place the planet in that rasi in the chart corresponding to that division. We can draw a chart for each division. A planet can occupy different rasis in different divisions.
Chart of each division is called a divisional chart. Each divisional chart can be treated as a different chart and interpreted differently. Different aspects of life are seen in different divisional charts. Rasi chart is simply a special case of divisional charts. If we divide each rasi into just one part (i.e. in effect, no division), we get rasi chart.
In the rest of this book, everything we describe will be applicable to all divisional charts, unless we explicitly state a chart. We can apply all the principles to all the divisional charts, but we should see only specific matters in a divisional chart. The list of matters to be seen in each divisional chart will be given after the details of computation are presented.
In this book, D-n will denote the divisional chart based on the nth division of rasis, i.e. based on dividing rasis into n parts.
Divisional Chart Significations
Each divisional chart signifies a particular area of life and throws light on it. Table 8 gives the list of these areas.
Table 8: Divisional Chart Significations
Divisional Chart Symbol Area of life to be seen from itRasi D-1 Existence at the physical levelHora D-2 Wealth and moneyDrekkana D-3 Everything related to brothers and sistersChaturthamsa D-4 Residence, houses owned, properties and fortunePanchamsa D-5 Fame, authority and powerShashthamsa D-6 Health troublesSaptamsa D-7 Everything related to children (and grand-children)Ashtamsa D-8 Sudden and unexpected troubles, litigation etcNavamsa D-9 Marriage and everything related to spouse(s), dharma (duty and righteousness), interaction with other people, basic skills, inner selfDasamsa D-10 Career, activities and achievements in societyRudramsa D-11 Death and destructionDwadasamsa D-12 Everything related to parents (also uncles, aunts and grand-parents, i.e. blood-relatives of parents)Shodasamsa D-16 Vehicles, pleasures, comforts and discomfortsVimsamsa D-20 Religious activities and spiritual mattersChaturvimsamsa D-24 Learning, knowledge and educationNakshatramsa D-27 Strengths and weaknesses, inherent natureTrimsamsa D-30 Evils and punishment, sub-conscious self, some diseasesKhavedamsa D-40 Auspicious and inauspicious eventsAkshavedamsa D-45 All mattersShashtyamsa D-60 Karma of past life, all mattersInsights on Divisional Charts
Divisional charts based on divisions between 1 and 12 operate in the physical plane. They show physical matters. Body, wealth, residence, wife, children, parents – these are all matters relating to the physical self.
Divisional charts based on divisions between 13 and 24 (i.e. D-16, D-20 and D-24) operate in the mental plane. They show matters that exist at the mental plane. Sense of pleasure and unhappiness, religiousness, learning and knowledge – these are all matters relating to the mind and intellect.
Divisional charts based on divisions between 25 and 36 (i.e. D-27 and D-30) operate in the plane of sub-consciousness. One’s strengths, weaknesses, inherent nature, evils, certain psychological imbalances – these are all matters relating to the sub-conscious self.
Divisional charts based on divisions above 36 (i.e. D-40, D-45 and D-60) operate in a kaarmic plane of existence that is above physical self, mind and sub-conscious self. Based on the karma from previous lives, we all have an existence at a level that goes beyond the levels of body, mind and sub-consciousness. Existence at that level has a considerable role in deciding the pattern of one’s life, along with existence at the physical, mental and sub-conscious levels. Higher divisional charts like D-40, D-45 and D-60 throw light on this subtle aspect of chart analysis.
Using Divisional Charts
It is very important to memorize Table 8. We should choose the divisional chart to analyze, based on the matter we are interested in. If we want to know something about one’s career, for example, we should analyze one’s dasamsa chart (D-10). If we want to know something about one’s luxuries and pleasures, we should analyze one’s shodasamsa (D-16). Based on the matter of interest, we decide which area of life is relevant and analyze the corresponding divisional chart.
We should remember which planets, rasis and houses show a particular matter and find links between them in the divisional chart of interest.
Suppose we want to see when one would go abroad. It is related to residence and fortune and we should analyze one’s chaturthamsa (D-4). The 9th and 12th houses show foreign residence. Rahu signifies foreign residence. We should now look for links. If 12th lord is with Rahu in the 9th house in D-4, it can suggest that one would live abroad, probably during the periods of Rahu or 12th lord or 9th house.
Suppose we want to see when one would get a promotion at the office. Because D-10 shows one’s career and achievements, we should analyze D-10. Because GL (ghati lagna) shows power and authority, planets or rasis giving a promotion are usually connected with GL. They are in GL or aspect GL. Because AL shows status, planets associating with AL or the5th or the 10th from it are favorable. If the lord of AL is in the 10th from it and aspects GL, probably his period will give a promotion.
In this manner, we should analyze the divisional chart that signifies the sphere of life that we are interested in and analyze the houses that show the matter of interest. This is the key to correct chart analysis. We will see many examples of this in coming chapters.
Varga Grouping and Amsabala
We have several varga groups, i.e. groups of divisional charts.
If a planet is in its moolatrikona or an own rasi or its rasi of exaltation in a chart, it makes the planet very strong in that chart. In each group of divisional charts, we can count the divisional charts in which a planet occupies its moolatrikona or an own rasi or its rasi of exaltation. Based on the count of such good divisional charts for the planet, we say that the planet is in a particular amsa (the higher this number is, the stronger the planet is).
Shadvarga
“Shadvarga” literally means “six divisions”. Shadvarga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-9, (5) D-12, and, (6) D-30.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Kimsukaamsa – 2, Vyanjanaamsa – 3, Chaamaraamsa – 4, Chatraamsa – 5, Kundalaamsa – 6.
Sapta varga
“Sapta varga” literally means “seven divisions”. Sapta varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-7, (5) D-9, (6) D-12, and, (7) D-30.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Kimsukaamsa – 2, Vyanjanaamsa – 3, Chaamaraamsa – 4, Chatraamsa – 5, Kundalaamsa – 6, Mukutaamsa – 7.
Dasa varga
“Dasa varga” literally means “ten divisions”. Dasa varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-7, (5) D-9, (6) D-10, (7) D-12, (8) D-16, (9) D-30, and, (10) D-60.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Paarijaataamsa – 2, Uttamaamsa – 3, Gopuraamsa– 4, Simhaasanaamsa – 5, Paaraavataamsa – 6, Devalokaamsa – 7, Brahmalokamsa – 8, Airaavataamsa – 9, Sreedhaamaamsa – 10.
NOTE: This group is very important and some yogas – special combinations – make use of these amsas. For example, lagna lord or ghati lagna lord in Simhaasanaamsa would make one very famous. A quadrant lord with good amsabala in dasavarga makes one very successful. Readers should memorize the above amsas.
Shodasa varga
“Shodasa varga” literally means “sixteen divisions”. Shodasa varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-4, (5) D-7, (6) D-9, (7) D-10, (8) D-12, (9) D-16, (10) D-20, (11) D-24, (12) D-27, (13) D-30, (14) D-40, (15) D-45, and, (16) D-60.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Bhedakaamsa – 2, Kusumaamsa – 3, Nagapurushaamsa – 4, Kandukaamsa – 5, Keralaamsa – 6, Kalpavrikshaamsa – 7, Chandanavanaamsa – 8, Poornachandraamsa – 9, Uchchaisravaamsa – 10, Dhanvantaryamsa – 11, Sooryakaantaamsa – 12, Vidrumaamsa – 13, Indraasanaamsa – 14, Golokaamsa – 15, Sree Vallabhaamsa – 16.