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.