Introduction to Indian Vedic astrology

Ancient Indian astrology is popularly referred to as Vedic astrology. This is not because it is there
in the Vedas. There is no mention of astrology in the books of Vedas However, it is one of the
Vedangas, i.e., limb or branch of Vedas, and dates back to the Vedic period. Several of the Poojas and
remedial measures prescribed in the Indian astrology are as per the Vedic system. Hence, it is called
Vedic astrology.

The Vedangas are six in number. They are Siksha or phonetics, Kalpa or ritual, Vyakarana or grammar,
Nirukta or etymology, Chhandas or metrics and Jyotishya or science of astronomy and astrology
horoscope. These are mentioned in the Upanishads.

It is impossible to ascertain the exact time of origin of our Indian astrology. Even the most famous
historians differ wildly, from 1200 BC to 2500 BC while trying to fix our Vedic period. A lot of them,
especially the westerners, still study India based on the Mohenjodaro and Harappan discoveries, which
were discovered in the 1920’s!! Several archaeological discoveries of recent times date our culture to
7500 BC, making it the ancient most civilization in the world.

Our Indian Vedic astrology has details of the popular horoscopes of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and many
other ancient Indian kings and queens, recorded thousands of years ago. The Bhishma Parva and
Udyoga Parva chapters of Mahabharata mention many astrological descriptions and omens just before
the Mahabharata war. It also describes a period of drought with several planetary combinations. There
is also a very clear reference about two eclipses, a solar eclipse, and a lunar eclipse occurring, creating
a rare 13 day lunar fortnight. Available scientific research data shows that the Mahabharata war must
have occurred either in 3129 BC or 2559 BC. According to the Hindu Panchangam, maintained from
ages, Kaliyuga era is counted from February 17/18 midnight 3102 BC. Hindu epics like Mahabharata
and Ramayana have been written off as myths by the western historians. However the recent discovery
of the submerged ancient city Dwaraka, (the site of the legendary city of Hindu Lord Krishna, which got
submerged in the sea after the death of Lord Krishna), led by Dr. S.R. Rao of the Marine Archaeology
Unit of the National Institute of Oceanography of India lends a lot of credence to our mythology. Various
texts attribute the origin of Indian Vedic astrology to various gods and Rishis

There is also a very clear reference about two eclipses, a solar eclipse, and a lunar eclipse occurring,
creating a rare 13 day lunar fortnight. Available scientific research data shows that the Mahabharata
war must have occurred either in 3129 BC or 2559 BC. According to the Hindu Panchangas, maintained
from ages, Kaliyuga era is counted from February 17/18 midnight 3102 BC. Hindu epics like
Mahabharata and Ramayana have been written off as myths by the western historians. However the
recent discovery of the submerged ancient city Dwaraka, (the site of the legendary city of Lord Krishna,
which got submerged in the sea after the death of Lord Krishna), led by Dr. S.R. Rao of the Marine
Archaeology Unit of the National Institute of Oceanography of India lends a lot of credence to our
mythology. Various texts attribute the origin of Indian astrology to various gods and Rishis. It is futile
to ascertain who was the originator. The most popularly followed astrological classics today are the
ones written by Rishis like Parashara, Varahamihira, Garga, Jaimini and their followers. People in those
days had no satellites or telescopes and yet the planetary positions and their motions recorded by them
are as accurate as the planetary positions and degrees recorded today using the space satellites. Our
ancient astrologers used their divine intuition to record these planetary movements and their effects on
us.

It is futile to ascertain who was the originator. The most popularly followed classical astrological books
today are the ones written by Rishis like Parashara, Varahamihira, Garga, Jaimini and their followers.
People in those days had no satellites or telescopes and yet the planetary positions and their motions
recorded by them are as accurate as the planetary positions and degrees recorded today using the
space satellites. Our ancient astrologers used their divine intuition to record these planetary movements
and their effects on us.
Astrology horoscope of birth has a twofold purpose. On one hand, it is used as a tool to select the right
month the right date and the right time to start various auspicious rites and rituals so that the results
are better. On the other hand, it is used as a guide to study the destiny of an individual.

Modern Indian astrology is based on the theory of fate. The good and the bad actions of the past
life determine your fate or Karma of your present life, and the actions of your present life determine
your future Karma. According to Indian astrology, a person is born at that place, on that day and on
that moment when his individual fate is in perfect mathematical harmony with the progress of the stars
in heaven.

However, it does not preach total dependence on fate. Astrology in India lets you know what you were
born with, what your possibilities are, the limitations, your strong points, and your drawbacks. What
type of life partners and professions suit you and to expect is also indicated. It also prescribes various
remedial measures to ward off the bad effects and to enhance the good results. Horoscope by Indian

Astrology is your roadmap of destiny. However, your fate is in your hands. The scriptures guide us by
telling us what is good and what is bad; what to do and what not to do; how to do and how not to do.
You are given a piece of land and the seeds to sow. How much effort to put into it, what amount of
manure and water to add and when how to reap the produce is your job. After that it is you who have
to act using your knowledge intelligence, discrimination, and experience.

Fate is like a game of cards where you cannot help the cards that have been dealt with you but how to
play them is in your hands. You may get good cards but if you play badly you will lose and you may get
bad cards and still may win if you play carefully. Don’t blame the roadmap if you get drunk, drive badly
and have an accident! In the Mahabharata Hindu Lord Krishna gave advice to Arjuna and also to
Duryodhana. One listened and the other did not!

In the Egyptian, Greek, western and Chinese systems of astrology only the birth chart is cast to give
predictions. This is hopelessly inaccurate and insufficient. For example, the moon, the fastest moving
of the nine planets, remains in one sign for two and half days.

According to Vedic astrology the ascendant, or Lagna, extends for a period of two hours. In these two
hours, according to the present birth rate, several thousand people are born in the world with the same
birth chart! All of them cannot have the same destiny. Hence their predictions based on this and the
monthly transits tend to be inaccurate. They are somewhat accurate about the nature of astrological
signs etc., but when it comes to predicting the events in one’s life and their timing they are nowhere.
You don’t really need an astrologer to tell you that, for example, if you are Scorpio sign, you tend to be
jealous and possessive! Vedic Hindu astrology has a four-dimensional approach.

Firstly, we have the divisional chart system in Indian Vedic astrology, called the Varga system. Based
on the planetary degrees at the time of birth, sixteen divisional charts are prepared, by dividing the
degrees of the planets. These divisional charts are studied to ascertain the strength and weakness of
planets and houses and also to study various aspects of one’s life.

For example, a one-ninth division called Navamsa to study spouse and married life, one-tenth division
to study a profession, one-seventh for children and so on. The last Varga, called Shodashamsha, is
prepared by dividing the planet’s degrees into one-sixtieth part! Second is the dasa system in ancient
Vedic astrology.

Based on one’s moons degrees at birth, we calculate the Dasas, or the ruling periods of various planets,
which keeps changing during one’s life. It is not just one planet’s dasa but Mahadasha, or main dasa,
of a planet, Antardasa, or sub period, of another planet and so on till we arrive at a fifth level dasa to
study each day.
The third is the Gochara, or transit of planets is one of the main parts of astrology. Planets transiting
various houses produce various results. But a planet transits a sign for quite some time. For example,
Saturn transits a sign for two and half years.

During this entire period, its results cannot be totally good or bad. The Vedic astrology further pinpoints
its good and bad periods even during its transit in one sign. We have the Ashtakavarga and
Prastharasthakavarga system, which divides a planet’s transit in a sign into eight parts and shows which
part is good and which part is bad.

Lastly, there is the Prasna Kundali system in Vedic astrology or chart cast based on the time of the
query. This is studied as an add-on chart to give predictions.

The modern scientists do not accept astrology birth chart system. But it is a known fact that planets do
have their effects on us. The doctors of almost all mental asylums accept the fact that during the full
moon and the new Moon periods the mental patients behave erratically.

The police record the same effects on many criminals. The modern scientists know some of the effects
of the ultraviolet rays, gamma rays and beta rays of the planets. But unfortunately, they don’t have the
divine wisdom of our ancient is to know all the effects fully.
Lesson 1
The purpose & the division of the Zodiac

The ancient Hindu way of life, based on the theory of Karma , looked at the progress of the spirit
(soul) based on three essential macroscopic parameters.

They are: The Karma acquired from your past life, the karma you acquire by virtue of your actions in
your present life and based on these your future life. They classified our present life into four broad
aspects. Dharma shastra or right living, Artha or the monetary aspect, Kama or the desires and
finally Moksha, meaning in english is spiritual progress and liberation. They recognized the
importance of balancing these four aspects of life for the proper progress. To understand and improve
all these four aspects they gave us various Shastras. The Veda shastras for spiritual progress, the
Dharma and Nyaya Shastras for the legal and social conduct, the Artha ( finance), Ganita (mathematics),
Vanijya (trade) shastras for earning money, Sangeeta (music) Nritya dance Shilpa (art) Kama (sex)
Paka (cooking) shastras for pleasure. Finally, the Jyotishya ( Jyoti=light+ Isha=God meaning the light
of God to remove ignorance) was given to us as a guide, to get the best results during the most suitable
times, in each of the above four areas of life. The entire basis and theology of our is based on these
principles

The Division of the Zodiac:

From the Indian astrological point of view, for the purpose of charting the planetary positions and
calculations etc, the 360 degrees of the zodiac signs was divided into 12 equal parts, called Rasi or
sign, of 30 degrees each. This is the 1st basic division. In the Vedic astrology book, there are 9
Grahas or planets which influence our lives. Out of these seven – the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury,
Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn – are actual heavenly bodies. The other two – Rahu and Ketu – are shadowy
planets whose positions are calculated mathematically. Vedic astrology books ignores Neptune,
Uranus, and Pluto.

These 9 planets own certain rasis, represent several things in our life, have several inherent qualities
and influence certain facets of our life. It all depends on how these planets are placed and in which
rasis they are placed. Let us understand these basics first.

The names of the 12 Rasis (Zodiac signs of astrology) in their natural order and their rulers:

1. Aries or Mesha is ruled by Mars. It extends from 00:00 degrees to 30:00′

2. Taurus or Vrishabha is ruled by Venus. It extends from 30:00 degrees to 60:00′
3. Gemini or Mithuna is ruled by Mercury. It extends from 60:00 degrees to 90:00′
4. Cancer or Karka is ruled by the Moon. It extends from 90:00 degrees to 120:00′
5. Leo or Simha is ruled by the Sun. It extends from 120:00 degrees to 150:00′
6. Virgo or Kanya is ruled by Mercury. It extends from 150:00 degrees to 180:00′
7. Libra or Tula is ruled by Venus. It extends from 180:00 degrees to 210:00′
8. Scorpio or Vrischika is ruled by Mars. It extends from 210:00 degrees to 240:00′
9. Sagittarius or Dhanu is ruled by Jupiter. It extends from 240:00 degrees to 270:00′
10. Capricorn or Makara is ruled by Saturn. It extends from 270:00 degrees to 300:00′
11. Aquarius or Kumbha is ruled by Saturn. It extends from 300:00 degrees to 330:00′
12. Pisces or Meena is ruled by Jupiter. It extends from 330:00 degrees to 360:00′
(in the zodiac.)

So it is clear that the sun and the moon own one house each and all the other 5 planets own 2 houses
each. Rahu and Ketu do not own any houses.

The rasis are further divided into several categories. The categories are:
The Trikona or Triangular groups.
The 1st triangle formed by Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are Agni-Tatwa or Fire signs. They are active,
aggressive, adventurous and dominating by nature and are good leaders and administrators. The
astrology zodiac signs and people with these zodiac signs strong have the Dharma aspect predominant.

The 2nd triangle formed by Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are Bhu-Tatwa or Earth signs. They are down
to earth, practical and careful by nature and have a good sense of money. These zodiac signs and
people with these zodiac signs strong have the Artha aspect predominant.

The 3rd triangle formed by Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are Vayu-Tatwa or Air signs. They are intelligent,
carefree, jovial and social by nature and enjoy life more than the other signs. These zodiac signs and
people with these zodiac signs strong have the Kama aspect predominant.

The 4th triangle formed by Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are Jala-Tatwa or Water signs. They are
emotional, sensitive, romantic, artistic, nature loving and spiritual mind by nature. These zodiac signs
and people with these zodiac signs strong have the Moksha aspect predominant.

2. The Kendra or Quadrangular groups

Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn forming the 1st quadrangle are Chara or Movable rasis. They are
active by nature, like change and direct in their approach. Normally people with Chara rasis dominating
in the Astrology birth chart travel a lot.

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius forming the 2nd quadrangle are Sthira or Fixed rasis. They take
their time to act, do not like change, and have a fixed views and ways of doing things.

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces forming the 3rd quadrangle are Dwichara or Dual rasis. They are
very intelligent and like exploring new ways and theories.

The Grahas or Planets and what they signify

Sun or Surya is a royal planet and the king in Vedic astrology. He represents the soul of a human, will
power, father, paternal relations, the king or the high officials. It’s hot and angry, colour is red, metal
is gold and gem is ruby. Sun represents the eastern direction.

The sun stays in each rasi for one month and takes one year to complete the round of the zodiac signs.
Its motion is quite fixed and a lot of Indian festivals are as per the suns entry into the various signs.
For example, on January 14 it enters Makara and this day is celebrated as Makara Sankranti, On April
13th/14th it enters Mesha and this day is celebrated as Baisakhi. The change in seasons is also linked
to the Suns entry into various zodiac signs and Nakshatras. He is the Pitrukaraka or planet connected
with the father.

Moon or Chandra is also a royal planet and is the queen in astrology (jyotish). He represents the mind,
emotions, sensitivity, the mother, house and domestic comforts, milk, sea and all things connected with
the sea, hotel and food industry, textiles and apparels. It’s cold and calm, It’s colour is white, direction
north-east, metal is silver and gem is a pearl. The moon is the fastest moving of the 9 planets and takes
approximately 2-1/2 days to travel a zodiac sign. When the sun and the moon are in the same rasi it is
called Amavasya or new moon day or the 1st day of the dark fortnight. The lunar days or Tithi changes
with every 12-degree difference between the sun and the moon. When the sun and the moon are in
the exact opposite signs or 180 degrees apart, it is called Poornima or the full moon day or the 1st day
of the bright fortnight. He is the Matrukaraka or planet connected with mother.
The zodiac sign in which your Moon is placed in the birth chart is called your Janma Rasi. The star
constellation in which your Moon is placed is called your Janma Nakshatra.

Mars or Mangala is the commander in astrology. He represents, energy, courage, younger

brothers & sisters, armed forces, the police forces, commanders, administrators, men in high
position, land, engineering, metals, real estate agents and surgery. Its metal is copper and
gem is coral, color is red and direction south.

Mars takes about 45 days to travel one sign. He is the Bhatrukaraka or planet connected with
brother.

Mercury or Budha is the prince in astrology. He represents speech, intelligence, maternal

uncles, short journeys, medical profession, trade, computers and the web, astrology and
knowledge of the shastras, accounts, mathematics, journalism, printing and publishing. Its
metal is bronze, gem is emerald, color is green and direction north.

Mercury takes about a month to travel a rasi. It is always within 27 degree distance from the
sun from astrological point of view.

Jupiter or Guru is known as the “Devaguru” or the guru of the Gods. He represents higher
knowledge, spirituality, priests, temples, teachers, research & scientists, layers & judges,
children and knowledge of the sastras and astrology. Its color is yellow, metal gold, gem yellow
sapphire and direction north – east. Jupiter takes about one year to travel a sign. He is the
Putrakaraka or planet connected with children.

Venus or Shukra is the “Daityaguru” or the guru of the demons. He represents spouse, sex
life, kidneys and sex organ, dance, music, arts, gems and jewelers, wines, bars, gambling
places, acting, fashion, cosmetics and beauty products. Its metal is silver, gem is diamond,
direction is south-east and colour is white.
Venus takes about a month to travel a sign and completes the round of the zodiac in 12
months. From astrological point of view it is always within 48 degrees of the sun. He is the
Kalatrakaraka or planet connected with spouse.

Saturn or Shani is the servant in astrology. He represents hard work, sorrow, old men,
servants and the lower level workers, people in the iron and steel industry, municipality and
drainage works. A well placed Saturn can bestow excellent power, prestige, name and fame
and a badly placed Saturn can devastate you. Its metal is iron, color is blue, gem is blue
sapphire and direction is west.
Saturn is the slowest moving of the 9 planets and takes approximately 2-1/2 years to transit
a sign and completes the round of the zodiac in 30 years. He is the Udyogakaraka or planet
connected with profession.

Rahu or Dragons Head or North Node represents, foreigners, foreign countries, foreign
travel, engineering and the technical trades, smoke, old men, grand parents, theft, gambling,
drinking, nonconformists, the underworld and the bad elements in the society. Its color is
black, metal mixed-metal and gem is Gomedh.
Rahu takes approximately 1-1/2 years to travel a sign and hence completes the round of the
zodiac in 18 years.

Ketu or Dragons Tail or South Node represents grand parents, technical trades, spiritual
inclinations, superstitions and electronics. Its colour is brown and gem is cat’s eye.
Ketu is always in the opposite sign to Rahu, i.e., exactly 180 degrees away. Ketu also takes
approximately 1-1/2 years to travel a sign and hence completes the round of the zodiac in 18
years.
Each of these 9 planets produce different results, and at times totally opposite results, while
placed in the 12 different rasis. Again each has some good results and some bad results in
each sign. This is an important aspect of astrology which must be remembered. You will learn
about these results later.

While placed at various specific distances from the sun, the planets Mars, Mercury, Jupiter,
Venus and Saturn become retrograde or appear to move in the backward direction. Sun and
moon do not have any retrograde motion. The motion of Rahu and Ketu is always opposite to
that of the other planets.

The seven main planets rule the seven days of the week.
Sun rules Sunday.
Moon rules Monday.
Mars rules Tuesday.
Mercury rules Wednesday.
Jupiter rules Thursday.
Venus rules Friday.
Saturn rules Saturday.
Rahu and Ketu do not rule any day

Normally while referring to the qualities etc of the planets, they are referred to in this
sequence, i.e., sun to saturn in the week day sequence. Remember this important fact.
Lesson 2
The Nakshatras or Star constellations

First the zodiac was divided into 12 main rasis, to study the effects of the planets placed there.
Then the ancient seers added another sub divisional system of breaking down the zodiac into
27 Nakshatras or star constellations. Each nakshatra has a span of 13 degrees and 20 minutes.
After that each nakshatra was further subdivided into 4 Padas, or quarters, of 3 degrees and
20 minutes. Hence the first zodiac sign Aries, which has 30 degrees, contains the entire 4
padas (13:20′) of the 1st star constellation Ashwini, the entire 4 padas (13:20′) of the 2nd
star constellation Bharani and the 1st pada (3:20′) of the third star constellation Krittika. So
each rasi contains total 9 padas. These nakshatras belong to three main groups: Deva or
divine, Manusha or human and Rakshasa or Demonic. They have different ruling deities, owned
by different planets and have divergent qualities. Hence while studying the effects of a planet
placed in Aries, it is also studied in which nakshatra it is placed and in which pada of that
nakshatra it is placed. This system of analysis exists only in Indian astrology.

The nakshatra in which your moon is placed at the time of your birth is called your
Janma Nakshatra. This janma nakshatra has also got its influence on you.

The following table shows the names of the 27 nakshatras in their zodiacal order. Click on
each to know more about their qualities, ruling planets and deities etc.

If you don’t know your Nakshatra click here to use onsite instant calculator

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ashwini Bharani Krittika Rohini Mrigasira Arudra Punarvasu Pushyami Aslesha
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Magha P.Phalguni U.Phalguni Hasta Chitra Swati Visakha Anuradha Jyestha
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Moola P.Ashadha U.Ashadha Shravana Dhanishta Satabhistha P.Bhadra U.Bhadra Revati
Lesson 3
How a horoscope is cast and the four types of chart styles

Before learning about the other aspects of astrology, you must now learn about how a
horoscope is cast and how to read it. We are not going into the teaching of the complicated
mathematical aspects of calculating the planetary positions, lagna etc. Now a days even the
astrologers depend on the computerised software. From the practical point of view of learning
the basics, you only need to know how the birth chart is cast and how to read and understand
it.

The horoscope is the picture of the heavens at the time of ones birth. It shows in which rasis,
or signs, the 9 planets are positioned. It also shows another important aspect of astrology
called the Lagna or the Ascendant. It plays a major role in analyzing an individuals life. The
ascendant is calculated based on your place and time of birth and varies from place to place.
This is because of the difference in latitude and longitude and the sun rise time. Lagna is called
your individual 1st house. It must be noted that the lagna may fall in any of the 12 rasis. The
counting of your individual houses is always done from the lagna. You will learn about the
houses and their importance in the next lesson.

The position of the planets on any given day and time is calculated from the ephemeris, called
Panchang, and the horoscopes are made accordingly. It is not some kind of a mystic charting
of planetary names in a chart.

Difference in measuring the planetary positions – Vedic vs. Western astrology

Vedic Astrology follows the Niryana or the sidereal zodiac, where as the Western Astrology
follows the Sayana or the tropical zodiac. Its a highly complicated astronomical subject. Briefly
the fundamentals are as follows.

The placement and especially the degrees of the planets in the birth chart of a person made
according to western astrology differ considerably from the birth chart made according to
Indian astrology. According to the western sun signs Sun enters Aries on 21st of March but
according to our calculations it enters Aries on the 14th of April. So there is a 24 degrees
difference. The Western or “Sayana” zodiac system makes calculations and predictions based
on the present position of the planets from a zodiacal point of view or AS OBSERVED BY THE
SATELLITES.

Our system is called “Nirayana” or Indian System. In the Nirayana system, the planetary
positions are AS SEEN FROM EARTH TODAY by taking into account the tilting of the North pole
by making corrections accordingly.

If you take the standard globe available in the market and keep it on the table, you will observe
that the North and the south poles are not exactly 90 degrees vertically up but are tilting. This
inclination is about 23+ degrees to the east and it greatly effects astronomical calculations.
See the picture.
This inclination is caused due to the shifting of the vernal equinox, which happens because of
the West to East spin of the earth around its axis. While playing tennis or table tennis, if you
give a sideways spin to the ball it not only spins in the direction of the spin but also swerves
or swings in the air. Similarly as the earth is spinning towards the east on its axis, the North
Pole is slowly tilting towards the east. This difference between the longitudes of the starting
points of the sidereal and tropical zodiacs is called Ayanamsha. The starting points of the
sidereal and tropical zodiacs coincides once in every 25,800 years approximately. According to
accurate scientific calculations, the present shift started in the year 285 AD, i.e. 285 years ago
the North Pole was perfectly vertical at 90 degrees. The most accurate method of calculating
this ayanamsa is the Chitrapaksha ayanamsa, popularly called Lahiri Ayanamsa.
The ayanamsa calculations of the Greeks like Hippocras and Ptolemy were wrong. The western
scientists are officially “credited” with the “discovery” of the accurate shifting of the earths
equinox towards the end of the 19th century. They found it to be 50″. It was actually known
to the Hindu astrologers long before that. Varahamihira, the famous astrologer in the court of
Vikramaditya in the year 57BC, clearly mentioned in his work Pancha Siddhantika, based on
our ancient Siddhantas, that the ayanamsa is 50.32 seconds. This is the most accurate one.

The difference between the Sayana longitudes and the Nirayana longitudes of Planets is called
“Ayanamsa” or precision. This Ayanamsa difference is the exactly calculated shift or inclination
of the equinox. For example on this day on 23rd June 08, the exact Ayanamsa or the tilt is
23:58:43 degrees. From the longitude poison of the planets in the Zodiac at this moment,
when this Ayanamsa is deducted, we get the correct longitude of the planets as applicable to
our position on earth. In the western system as this shift of the equinox is not taken into
account, all the planets are about 24 degrees ahead. The picture given bellow will give you an
idea.
The position earth shown at the bottom in the picture is with equinox tilted correctly i.e.
corrected Ayanamsa. If you are born on the dark spot see the position difference of Sun if
Ayanamsa is not corrected. We are more concerned as to where the planet is vis-à-vis our
position on earth and not as seen by a satellite! And we definitely don’t follow the equinox
position of 285AD

The four types of charting styles.

In India the astrologers follow different methods of casting a chart. There are mainly four
methods of casting the charts. They are explained bellow.

South Indian method: In the south Indian style of casting a chart, the position of the zodiacal
signs, from Aries to Pisces always remains fixed, as shown in the picture below left. The
counting of the houses and the positioning of the planets is done clockwise, as shown in the
picture below right. This changes from individual chart to chart. So it can be said that the
south style chart follows the fixed sign method. The sign which becomes the ascendant or
lagna is marked with the words As or Asc or Lagna. In some cases astrologers also draw two
parallel lines at the top corner of the ascendant, the way we cross a bank cheque, to mark the
ascendant

The South Indian Style

The data given in the table to the right below, shows the ascendant and the 9 planets in the
1st column, their exact degrees in the 2nd column, the rasi in which they are placed in the
third column, the nakshatra in which they are placed in the 4th column and the nakshatra
pada in the last column. The birth chart is made placing the planets in those houses. The
positioning of the planets and the ascendant is as follows.
Ascendant or Lagna: In Vrischika or Scorpio
Sun : In Vrishabha or Taurus
Moon: In Kumbha or Aquarius
Mars: In Mithuna or Gemini
Mercury: In Mesha or Aries
Jupiter: In Tula or Libra
Venus: In Mithuna or Gemini
Saturn: In Mesha or Aries
Rahu: In Kumbha or Aquarius
Ketu: In Simha or Leo

Please note:

The sign in which the moon is placed is called Janma Rasi or moon sign. In this case the janma
rasi is Kumbha or Aquarius.

The nakshatra in which the moon is placed in the birth chart in called Janma Nakshatra. In
this case the janma nakshatra is Satabhistha 1st quarter.

As obvious in this chart the lagna is Vrischika, moon and rahu are in the 4th house counted
from lagna, Mercury and Saturn are in the 6th house from lagna, Sun is in the 7th house, Mars
and Venus are in the 8th house, Ketu is in the 10th house and Jupiter is in the 12th house.

North Indian Style

North Indian method: In the north Indian method of casting the chart, as in the above
example, the ascendant or lagna is always kept at the top center and the signs are denoted
by their zodiacal sequence number, i.e., Aries is 1, Taurus is 2, Gemini 3, Cancer 4, Leo 5,
Virgo 6, Libra 7, Scorpio 8, Sagittarius 9, Capricorn 10, Aquarius 11 and Pisces 12. Here the
charting of the houses and the planets is anti-clockwise. In the above demonstration the same
chart with the same planetary positions is shown. The lagna is Vrischika and denoted by the
sign number 8 and placed at the top center. The planets are placed in the same houses, but
charted in the anti-clockwise fashion. For example sun is in Vrishabha or Taurus which is the
zodiac house number 2. So we can say that the northern chart chart follows the fixed house
method.
East Indian or Maithili method: This type of chart, which is popular in Andhra Pradesh and
parts of Orissa and Bengal, is drawn differently and follows the fixed sign method of the south
style chart, but the charting is done anti-clockwise as shown in the picture bellow.

East Indian chart

The circular chart: It is the same as the northern chart in every respect but drawn in a
circular fashion as shown below.

Circular chart
Lesson 4
The twelve Bhavas or Houses

An individuals horoscope is divided into 12 Bhavas or houses, based on the position of ones
lagna in the chart. The nature and qualities of the rasis, planets and the nakshatras explained
so far are their basic inherent qualities. Once a persons chart is analyzed from the lagna point
of view, based on the way these planets and rasis are placed from lagna, gives them a personal
touch and helps us to understand the various aspects and events of ones life.

The sign in which your lagna or ascendant is placed becomes your 1st house. The sign next
to that (clockwise in the south chart and anticlockwise in a north chart), becomes your 2nd
house. The one next to that is your 3rd house and so on till the 12th house.

The 1st, 5th, and 9th houses are called Trikonasor trine houses. They are the most powerful
and auspicious houses. They are also called Lakshmi sthanas as the rule all kinds of
prosperities.

The 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses are called Kendras or quadrants. They are also auspicious
and powerful houses next to the konas.

The 3rd and the 11th houses are called Upachayas or houses of growth.

The 6th, 8th, and 12 houses are called Dusthanas or bad houses.
1, 5, and 9 are Dharma houses.

2, 6, and 10 are Artha houses.

3, 7, and 11 are Kama houses.

4, 8, and 12 are Moksha houses.

The 12 houses and what they signify and represent in your life.

The First house or Lagna called Tanu sthana, represents your birth, body looks and soul,
personality traits and inclinations, longevity, health, character and nature. It also rules your
head the head, longevity, health, character and nature of the native. It is a kendra a trikona
and Dharma bhava, and it is at the same time . It is one of the most important and auspicious
house in the horoscope.

If you don’t know your Lagna click here to use onsite instant calculator.

The Second house called Dhana sthana, represents your wealth, speech, family, face, right
eye, mouth and the food you eat and charity and death.

The Third house called Bhatru sthana represents your younger brothers and sisters, courage,
servants and subordinates, communications, talents and skills, sports, business, short distance
travels.

The Fourth bhava called Matru sthana, represents mother, home, relatives, office or factory,
emotions, domestic and house related happiness, landed property and conveyances, education
mental peace and chest and lungs.
The Fifth house called Putra sthana, represents children, education and intellect, creativity,
mantra, tantra and pooja.

The Sixth house called Shatru sthana, represents health, illness, injuries, loans, sports,
maternal uncle, enemies and opposition.

The Seventh house called Kalatra sthana, represents spouse, sex life, reproduction and
genital organs, partners, enjoyments and Kundalini shakti and death.

The Eight house called Ayu sthana, represents destruction, accidents, physical pains,
inheritance, legacies, death and insurance.

The Ninth house called bhagya sthana, represents luck, prosperity, guru, father, religious
and spiritual progress and knowledge of the scriptures, sadhana, pilgrimages, foreign travel
and foreign trade, grandchildren.

The Tenth house represents your profession, business, authority and power and honours
and achievements.

The Eleventh houserepresents gains and income, good news, money, elder brothers and
sisters, friends, long distance travels, air lines and entertainment.

The Twelfth house represents losses, waste, expenses, foreign countries, imprisonment,
death, sadhana and Moksha or final liberation. Each of the 9 different planets, while placed in
the 12 different houses, produce different, and at times totally opposite results. Again each of
them produce some good results and some bad results. Remember this important fact.

As there are 12 houses and only 9 planets, there will always be some vacant houses. In most
horoscopes there are more than one planet in a house. The lords of the rasis as mentioned
earlier in lesson 1, i.e., Mars for Aries, Venus for Taurus etc., become the lords of your houses
falling in those rasis. Which house lord is placed in which house is a very important factor.
Again each house lord placed in the other houses has some good results and some bad. Again
because of the dual ownership rasis by planets, a planet placed in a particular house as lord
of one house may be good, but bad as lord of the other house.

This is the third important parameter to remember.

Let us see the example horoscope to make things clear. Remember the house counting is done
from the lagna, which is the 1st house.

South Indian – Count clockwiseNorth Indian – Count anti-clockwise

In this horoscope:

The lagna or the 1st house falls in Vrischika rasi or Scorpio. Scorpio is owned by Mars. So
the lagna lord is mars. He is placed in Gemini, the 8th house counted from lagna.( the counting
starts from lagna)

The 2nd houseis Dhanu or Sagittarius, its owner is jupiter. So the 2nd lord is placed in Libra,
the 12th house from lagna.

The 3rd house is Makara or Capricorn, owned by saturn, who is placed in Aries, the sixth
house.

The 4th house is Kumbha or Aquarius, owned by saturn, who is placed in Aries, the sixth
house.

The 5th house is Meena or Pisces, owned by jupiter, who is placed in the 12th house.

The 6th house is Mesha or Aries, whose lord mars is in the 8th house. You may interested
to note that mars as the important lagna lord placed in the 8th house is bad and inauspicious,
but in the 2nd case as the owner of a bad 6th house placed in another bad 8th house, he very
good and auspicious. The

7th house is Vrishabha or Taurus, whose lord venus is placed in the 8th house.

The 8th house is Mithuna or Gemini, whose lord is placed in the 6th house. (This is good)

The 9th house is Karka or Cancer, whose lord moon is in the 4th house.

The 10th house is Simha or Leo and the lord sun is in the 7th house.

The 11th house is Kanya or Virgo and the lord is in the 6th house. (This is bad)

The 12th house lord Venus placed in the 8th house.( Again note venus as the bad 12th lord
in the bad 8th house is good, but as the important 7th lord in the bad 8th he is bad)

For every lagna some planets are benific, some are malefic and some are neutral. Again how
they are placed in the chart is a very important point to be considered. however the following
are the basic thumb rules:

Lords of 1,5,9 houses are always benefics.

Lords of 4, 7, 10 houses if placed in auspicious houses produce good results.

Lords of 6, 8, 12 house if placed in 6, 8, or 12 houses produce good results but are bad if
placed in the good houses.

2nd and 11th lords are better placed in the auspicious houses.

When two or more planets are placed in a house, it is called the conjunction of planets. The
results of these conjunctions of planets will depend on whether they are benefics or malefics
from the lagna point of view. The conjunction of the Kendra lords or the Kona lords or the
Kendra or Kona lords is highly auspicious. These are called Raja yoga combinations. The Raja
yoga combinations give rise to authority, power, position and wealth. However, if a dusthana
lord. i.e., 6th, 8th or 12th lord joins them it spoils the rajayogas.

When two planets exchange houses, i.e., let us say Mars is in Venus house and Venus in in
Mars house, it is called Parivartana Yoga or Exchange Yoga. The Parivartana Yoga is a
very powerful one. The Parivartana Yoga becomes auspicious if the exchange is between two
auspicious houses, i.e., between the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th houses.
Similarly if two dusthana lords, i.e., 6th, 8th and 12th, exchange houses then also it is
auspicious. However, if a benefic house lord exchanges houses with a malefic house lord, like
9th lord with the 12th lord, then the exchange is inauspicious.

Similarly if exalted planets are placed in Kendras etc. it again causes Rajayogas. There are
several hundred raja yoga combinations mentioned in the Shastras.
Lesson 5
Further analysis and the Varga charts

There are several other points which are of importance while analyzing a chart. According to
the Rishi Parashara, analyzing the horoscope from Lagna, Chandra Lagna and Soorya Lagna
is important to arrive at the correct conclusions.

Chandra Lagna

The sign in which the Moon is placed in the birth chart, called Janma Rasi, is a very important
parameter while judging a horoscope. It is used as another lagna. Just as you study the
placement of planets from the lagna, the way the planets are placed from the moon is also
studied to give an additional view.

Soorya Lagna

The house in which your Sun is placed is called the Soorya Lagna and this is studied the way
lagna and Chandra lagna are studied.

Churning from houses

Churning the houses is a unique way of analyzing several aspects of life. For example your
wife wants to know about her younger sister but hasn’t got the horoscope details. This can be
seen from your horoscope. In your chart the 7th is your wife’s house. From there the 3rd is
the house of her younger sister, i.e., the 9th house in your chart, is your wife’s younger sisters
house. By studying your chart by taking your 9th house as lagna, you can infer about your
wife’s younger sister. Alternately, this can be studied from your wife’s chart also by taking 3rd
house as lagna. Similarly from your chart your child’s wife can be seen – your 5th is your
child’s house and from there the 7th indicates his wife.

Varga Charts

The Varga charts, also known as the divisional charts, are a unique method employed by the
ancient seers to study various aspects of life. Each rasi of 30 degrees is further subdivided and
by employing a series rules new additional charts are made. There are 16 divisional charts and
they are studied to analyze the finer conditions, strengths and effects of the planets. These
charts are also employed to study certain specific aspects of life like spouse, children, parents
etc. The following are the 16 VARGAS divisions.

1 Rashi or Lagna chart as it is of 30º to study all aspects of life.

2 Hora or one-half of a sign -15º is to study wealth.
3 Drekkana or one-third of a sign - 10º is to study siblings.
4 Chaturthamsha or one-fourth of a sign - 7º30? Is to study destiny & house.
5 Saptamsha or one-seventh of a sign - 4º17`8.5? Is to study progeny.
6 Navamsha or one-ninth of a sign - 3º20? Is for spouse and many other things.
7 Dashamsha or one-tenth of a sign - 3º- is to study ones profession.
8 Dwadashamsha or one-twelfth of a sign -2º30?- is to study parents.
9 Shodashamsha or one-sixteenth of a sign -1º52'30"- is to study conveyance.
10 Vimshamsha or one-twentieth of a sign -1º30?- is to study spiritual progress.
 11 Chaturvimshamsha or one-twenty fourth of a sign -1º15?- is to study knowledge.
or one-twenty seventh of a sign -1º6'40"-
12 Saptavimshamsha is to study the strength.
13 Trimshamsha or one-thirtieth of a sign - 1º00?- is misfortunes and nature.
for auspicious & inauspicious
14 Khavedamsha or one-fortieth of a sign - 0º45? Is effects.
15 Akshavedamsha or one-forty fifth of a sign 0º40? Is for all areas of life.
16 Shashtyamsha or one-sixtieth of a sign 0º30? Is for all general effects.

For each of these vargas, The details of the different effects produced by the 9
different planets placed in various rasis, houses, house lords etc are given in detail
in the shastras.

Of these the Navamsha is the most important varga. Apart from studying the spouse and
married/sex life, it is also studied to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and the effects of the
planets with respect to all areas of life. If a planet is badly placed in the lagna chart but
improves its position in the navamsa, then the negative effects are reduced and
vise versa. This is where the Vedic Astrology scores heavily over all other systems of
Astrology. For example, moon, the fastest moving of the nine planets, remains in one sign fro
two and half days. The ascendant, or Lagna, extends for a period of two hours. In these two
hours, according to the present birth rate, several thousand people are born in the world with
the same birth chart! All of them cannot have the same destiny. Apart from that it must be
remembered that the slow moving planet like Jupiter stays in a sigh for 1 year and Saturn
stays in a sign for 2-1/2 years. In Indian Astrology by preparing the 16 Varga charts based on
their exact degrees, it is possible to see the difference in the results of various individuals
correctly.

One must have very accurate birth time for the finer varga divisions to give accurate results.
Realizing this Parashara prescribed that one must study at least the Shad-Vargas and if
possible the Sapta-Vargas. The lagna, hora, drekkana, navamsa, dwadasamsa and trimamsa
comprise of the 6 shad-vargas. If you add saptamamsa to these it is the saptavargas. Some
recommend the study of the dasa-vargas by adding dasamamsa, shodasamsa and
shasthimamsa.

The Amsas of planets: A planet which occupying the same rasi in the natal chart and also
in the navamsha chart is said to be in Vargottama-amsa and this enhances its benific effects
of the planets. A planet becoming vargottama is a very important condition while evaluating
the strengths and effects of the planet and the houses it rules. Similarly a planet occupying
the same rasi 3, 4, 5, or more times in the 16vargas is said to be in Simhasanamsa,
Parijatamsa, Vaishesikamsa, Devalokamsa, Brahmalokamsa etc., and the benific
effects of such conditions for the planets are give in detail to apply and evaluate their results.

The placement of planets in the various vargas is also useful to evaluate the strength and
effects of the various planets and houses. This is called the Vimsopaka Bala.
The 16 vargas also play a role in evaluating the other strengths and conditions of the planets.
Lesson 6
Planetary Friendship

Naisargika Mitra or Natural Friend: Based on their natural qualities the planets have some
friends, enemies and neutrals. Note the Rasis, which are the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and 12th
from the Moolatrikona of a Graha. The Grahas ruling such Rasis are its friends, apart from the
Lord of its exaltation Rasi. Lords other than these are its enemies. If a Graha becomes its
friend in one and enemy in the other, then it is neutral, or equal.The following chart illustrates
this inter-planetary friendship.

Tatkalika Mitra or Temporary Friend: Depending on how the planets are placed in a
particular chart, there is a temporary friendship between the planets. The rule for this
temporary friendship is: in a chart, a planet placed in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 12th
from another planet becomes its temporary friend. The following chart illustrates the
temporary friendship of the planets in our example horoscope.

Panchadha or Compound friendship: This is simply the combination of the two types of
friendship to arrive at an overview of friendship. The 5 point formula is:

Friend + Friend = Great Friend

Friend + Neutral = Friend
Friend + Enemy = Neutral
Enemy + Neutral = Enemy
Enemy + Enemy = Great Enemy
See the following chart of compound friendship for the example horoscope.
Various strengths and conditions of the planets

We have seen in lesson 1 that the planets own certain houses. Lets go a step deeper into the
vast ocean and see the other conditions.

Uccha, Moola Trikona, Swasthana, and Neecha of planets.

When placed in certain houses the planets are said to be in Uccha or in exaltation. A planet is
in the best condition when he is exalted. The next best placement is called Moolatrikona,
followed by its Swasthana or own house, followed by Mitrasthana or friends house and
the worst condition is Neecha or Debilitation. The following are the placement conditions
of the planets.

Sun is exalted in Aries upto the 10th degree. In the 10th degree he is in deep exaltation. After
that it is his Moolatrikona. In Leo upto 20 is his moolatrikona and after that it is his own house.

Moon is exalted in Taurus upto the 3rd degree. In the 3rd degree he is in deep exaltation and
after that it is his moolatrikona house. Karka is his own house.

Mars is exalted in Makara upto 28 degrees. In the 28th degree he is in deep exaltation. After
that it is his Moolatrikona. In Mesha upto 12 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his
own house. Vrischika is also his own house.

Mercury is exalted in Kanya upto 15 degrees. In the 15th degree he is in deep exaltation.
After that the next 5 degrees are his Moolatrikona and after that his own house. Mithuna is
also his own house.

Jupiter is exalted in Karka upto 5 degrees. In the 5th degree he is in deep exaltation. After
that it is his Moolatrikona. In Dhanu upto 10 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his
own house. Meena is also his own house.

Venus is exalted in Meena upto 27 degrees. In the 27th degree he is in deep exaltation. After
that it is his Moolatrikona. In Libra upto 15 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his
own house. Vrishabha is also his own house.

Saturn is exalted in Tula upto 20 degrees. In the 20th degree he is in deep exaltation. After
that it is his Moolatrikona. In Kumbha upto 20 degrees his moolatrikona and after that it is his
own house. Makara is also his own house.

Rahu and Ketu There is a controversy about their exaltation etc as they do not really own
any houses. In fact the were ignored in this regard in some of the major shastras. However
several other later generation authors generally agreed that Mithuna and Dhanu are the
exaltation houses of Rahu and Ketu respectively, Vrishabha and Vrischika are their respective
Moolatrikonas and Meena and Kanya are their respective own houses.

Neecha or Debilitation: All exalted planets get debilitated in the opposite seventh house
from their point of exaltation. The highest point of debilitation is the exact opposite of the
highest point of exaltation. After that the debilitation effect is not there.
It must also be noted that in the order of auspicious placement, next to his own house, comes
a planet placed in a friend’s house and then the neutrals house.
Lesson 7
Malefic and Benefic

According to their basic qualities, the planets are categorized into two groups. Natural malefics
and natural benefics.
Moon, Jupiter, Mercury and Venus are Natural Benefics.
Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu are Natural Malefics.
However this is a highly broad general division and gets vastly modified based on the planets
placement, house ownership etc.
Vakra or Retrograde planets:

As explained earlier, except the Sun and the Moon the rest of the planets, Mars, Mercury,
Jupiter, Venus and Saturn change their proper motion through the Zodiac periodically and
appear to move backwards. After some time they resume their direct motion. When a planet
is retrograde it is marked in the horoscope with the mark ‘R’. A retrograde planet becomes
more powerful. It also gives some unusual results and sometimes in the reverse order in the
timing of effects etc.

Dagdha or Combust Planets

When a planet comes close to the Sun it engulfed by the Sun’s rays. This is called combustion.
A combust planet loses its power. This does not apply to Rahu & Ketu. The degree of proximity
at which planets become combust varies from planet to planet. The following are the planetary
combustion details as per the Soorya Siddhanta.

Mars within 17 Degrees

Mercury within 12 Degrees while retrograde and 14 degrees while in normal motion.

Jupiter within 11 Degrees

Venus within 8 Degrees

Saturn within 15 Degrees

It is normally agreed that the planetary combustion effects are effective when they are in the
same nakshatra pada with the sun. After that the effects are not severe.

Drishti or Aspects

All planets have drishti or aspects. Or to put it in simpler terms they “look” at other planets
and signs. All planets aspect the sign or planet placed exactly opposite to them, i.e., in the 7th
house from them. This is normally called the 7th house aspect, or the full aspect. Apart from
this 7th aspect, some planets have “special” aspects.

Mars aspects the 4th and the 8th houses from its position.
Jupiter aspects the 5th and the 9th houses from its position.
Saturn aspects the 3rd and the 10th houses from its position.
Rahu and Ketu aspects the 5th and the 9th houses from their position though
this is somewhat controversial.
The houses and the planets aspected by a planet get influenced by the planet. The effect will
be good or bad depending on the nature, condition, lordship etc of the aspecting planet and
also on the relation between the two planets.

The Avasthas or condition of Planets

Depending on their position in the chart and the other conditions, Indian astrology classifies
the condition of the planets into 5 different sets of avasthas. they are:

1. Jagradadi Avasthas – set of 3 avasthas

2. Baladi Avasthas – set of 5 avasthas

3. Lajjitadi Avasthas – set of 6 avasthas

4. Deeptadi Avasthas – set of 9 avasthas

5. Shayanadi Avasthas -set of 12 avasthas

It is a very detailed and complicated study. How a planet is placed in each of the 5 types of
sets of avasthas is studied. Based on that the results given by each planet for each type of the
sets of avasthas is taken into consideration while giving predictions.

The Shadbala or Six fold strength of Planets

This is a very important study of the planetary strengths and weaknesses. It is not the study
of any one condition of the planets, but a summarized study of its several conditions – both
separately and in totality. The six fold strengths and weaknesses evaluated are:

1. Sthana bala
2. Dik bala
3. Kala bala
4. Chestha bala
5. Naisargika bala
6. Drik bala

It must be noted that in each of these six types of sources of strengths, there are several sub
divisional aspects included. For example sthana bala is calculated after studying 6 different
balas!!
Once again the strengths and weakness of all 9 planets in all the 6 fold strengths, and their
sub divisional balas are studied to see their effects!!
Lesson 8
The Ashtakavarga

The asthakavargas is a unique way of dividing each of the 12 rasis into eight sub divisions,
based on the influence of the lagna and the 7 main planets on these 12 rasis. Rahu & Ketu
are omitted in asthakavargas. Based on their individual positions in a horoscope, the lagna
and the 7 main planets, contribute certain positive and negative influences on the 12 signs of
the horoscope. These influences are called bindus and rekhas, which are positive and negative
points. There is a confusion and controversy between South Indians and North Indians about
the bindus and rekhas and which of them is benific and malefic. So lets simply call them
positive points and negative points to avoid confusion.

For AV purpose each rasi is divided into 8 parts called Kakshas. Each kaksha has a span of
3:45′. The 1st kaksha of each rasi is ruled by saturn, the 2nd by jupiter, 3rd by mars, 4th by
sun, 5th by venus, 6th by mercury, the 7th by moon and the 8th by the lagna. Mainly 3 types
of Ashtakavarga charts are used to study the effects of the planets.

The 1st type are the Bhinnashtakavarga charts, prepared for the lagna and the 7 planets –
total 8 charts are made. In the picture above we have given the Bhinnashtakavarga chart of
sun – to the left side. The rasis are marked horizontally by the respective rasi numbers, i.e., 1
for Aries, 2 for Taurus etc. The 8 Kakshas are to be seen vertically. A Bhinnashtakavarga
kaksha of any rasi can contain only one point. If a positive point is contributed by any planet
in a kaksha it is marked by 1, if a negative one then by 0. So we can see that in the chart of
the Bhinnashtakavarga of sun, in the sign Aries (under 1), saturn has contributed a positive
point in the first kaksha, jupiter has contributed a negative point in the 2nd kaksha and so on.
The total positive points contributed in Aries are 4. We can see the other signs similarly. The
Bhinnashtakavarga charts of planets are very useful to study the transit effects of planets. For
example sun transits a rasi for one month. But the results he gives are not uniform throughout
the month. He produces good results while transiting the Kakshas where there is a positive
point and if negative point is there he gives bad results. In this case while transiting the 1st
kaksha of Aries, from 0 degrees to 3:45′, he gives good results as saturn has contributed a
positive point there. In the next kaksha, from 3:45 to 7:30′, where there is a negative point
contributed by jupiter, he gives bad results. As Aries has 4 positive and 4 negative points in
suns BAV chart, suns transit results in Aries for the native of this chart are 50% good and 50%
bad. When the sun transits Libra for one month its results are very bad as it has only 2 positive
points. Suns transit of Sagittarius is the best with 6 PP. So a rasi with 4 good points gives
medium results, better with more and worse with less.

The good or bad effects will have a relation with the planet contributing the point, either
positive or negative. They will have a link to its nature, house ownership etc.

In similar fashion with the help of the BAV charts of the other planets we can study their transit
effects.
The sarvasthakavarga chart, to the right of suns BAV chart, is the combined detailed summary
of how many positive points each of the 7 planets and lagna are contributing in all the rasis.

The Samudaya Ashtakavarga chart bellow gives a brief at a glance idea of how many total
good points are there in each house. Houses with 25 or more produce good results when
planets transit them. If the points are below 25 then the results are negative.

Ashtakavarga has many more applications. While analyzing the effects of a house, by studying
how many total good and bad points are there, contributed by which planets, etc give several
clues about the house effects. While studying the effects of a planet placed in a particular
house, by studying in how many degrees he is placed in that house and in which planets
kaksha, the points contributed by the planets in the kaksha, give us us predictive clues as to
the planets nature results etc. Ashtakavarga is also employed to study longevity of a native by
doing several complicated mathematical calculations and by doing trikona reductions etc. Even
for those who know astrology, the Ashtakavarga is an advanced application.

To know the full details of Asthakavargas see Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra her
Lesson 9
Information on all the planets

After analyzing the strengths and conditions etc of the planets, one is in a position to know
what kind of results they are going to give. But when the results are going to fructify can be
learnt only by studying the dasas and the transits of the planets.

Dashas

The dasas are the ruling periods of planets. There are more than 50 different types of Dasha
systems, but the most popular and accurate one is the Vimshottari Dasha system. We are
explaining this system.

At the time of your birth, the star constellation in which your moon is placed in your birth
chart, and the degrees in which it is placed, determines which dasas will be in operation during
your life. The following chart illustrates, as per your nakshatra, the dasa with which your life
starts, the span of each dasa and the sequence of dasas. Logon to our website and get best
daily horoscope!

The period and the sequence of each Dasas is as follows:

 The sun and planets
Sun Dasha is 6 years
Moon Dasha is 10 years
Mars Dasha is 7 years
Rahu Dasha is 18 years
Jupiter Dasha is 16 years
Saturn Dasha is 19 years
Mercury Dasha is 17 years
Ketu Dasha is 7 years
Venus Dasha is 20 years
These are called Mahadasas

As the Vimshottari dasa follows a 120 year cycle one will not experience the mahadasa of all
the planets in ones life. Depending on by how many degrees, moon has traveled in the
nakshatra at the time of birth, the first dasa gets reduced proportionately. In every mahadasa
of a planet there are sub divisional dasas of other planets called Antardasas. The first antardasa
is that of the mahadasa planet, followed by the other planets in sequence. Following the same
principle, the antardasas are further sub divided into Pratyantardasas and so on till we can
arrive at the dasas at a daily basis or even hourly basis. The chart of the dasas of the example
horoscope, given here to the left illustrates this. Check horoscope of day!
The predictions and the timing of events is done by taking into account the planets involved
in the dasa, the antardasa, pratyantardasa etc., their strengths, nature etc. as studied before.
The following principles are kept in mind while analyzing a horoscope for dasa effects.
Let us say that we want to see when the native will get a house. The 4th house rules the
house and property related matters. Hence examine the 4th lord, in whose house he is placed,
with whom he is placed, who is aspecting him. Then examine the planets placed in the 4th
house or the planets aspecting the 4th house. Then the placement of the above in the Vargas,
their strengths etc and whether well placed in houses or not and whether involved in any raja
yoga combinations etc. When the native is going through the dasa or antardasas of any of
these favorably placed planets, good results for the house can be expected.
However the timing of event cannot be done only on the basis of dasa. The Gochara or the
transit of planets must also be studied. Some times in spite of favourable results, if the Gochara
is very adverse then the favourable results may not take place and vice versa. To know your
compatibility with your partner get love horoscope daily! You can also inquire
regarding best nakshatra to be born in or rashi and nakshatra by birth.
Lesson 10
Prashna or Horary Astrology

The Prashna branch is another unique division of Vedic Astrology. When a person asks a
question to an astrologer, based on the time at which the question is asked, a horoscope is
made for that time and date. With the help of this chart the astrologer predicts about the
events that are going to take place. There are several types of Prashna systems and it is almost
a separate science by itself. Normally the Prashna chart is studied along with the birth chart
to give an additional dimension to predict the results correctly.

Gochara or Transits

The Gochara or the constant transits of the planets in the zodiac is the other instrument used
by the astrologers to time an event. The position of the planets in your birth chart is fixed.
These planetary placement and the dasas you are going through as per your birth chart give
you one set of parameters to judge the events. At the same time the planets in heaven are
constantly on the move. At any given time how these planets are positioned vis-à-vis the 12
houses and the 9 planets in your chart also has a major bearing on your destiny. It is said that
the natal chart and the dasas are what you have inherited from your past and the gochara is
the interplay of the present with your past. The 1st, and the most important study of the
positions of the 9 planets transiting in the zodiac, is done from the janma rasi or the position
of the moon in ones natal chart. After that their positions from all other planets, houses etc of
ones birth chart. Based on these positions, the gochara shastras give the detailed results.
Let me explain this with the help of the example chart and the Gochara planetary position
chart as on today, 16-4-03.

Example Chart

Gochara Chart

For the native of this chart as shown in the picture above, the gochara planetary positions as
shown in the charts below, is as follows.
His Janma rasi, or the sign in which his moon is positioned in the birth chart (above), is kumbha
or Aquarius. In the gochara chart (below) sun is positioned in Aries or Mesha. Hence counted
from his Janma rasi, sun is in the third house in gochara. Similarly mercury is also in the 3rd
from his natal moon. Rahu is in the 4th from moon, saturn in the 5th, jupiter in the 6th, moon
in the 8th, Ketu in the 10th, mars in the 12th and venus is in the Janma rasi. Similarly note
the positions of these planets from his lagna, i.e., sun and mercury in the 6th etc. Similarly
the positions of the 9 gochara planets from the natal position of sun, then mars, then mercury
etc. etc.

The effects produced by the 9 transiting planets, placed in various houses from the 9 natal
planets and lagna (Total 10x 9×12=1080 only) are given in the Gochara shastras.

To know the Gochara/transit results of planets click here

You just have to remember and recollect them and apply the relevant ones. While doing this
simple task, you must also see their transit effects as per asthakavargas (12x8x9=864rules).
Then also remember the strengths, weaknesses and effects of these planets, and the dasa,
antardasa and pratyantardasa effects – based on lagna & 16 Vargas placements, shadbalas,
different rasi & house placements, avasthas etc. of the 9 planets and lagna. After that you just
have to synthesize, summarize and analyze these 25000 appx permutations and combinations,
and then study the results as per Prashna also to arrive at what is going to happen!!! God
bless you.

Another important aspect of Vedic astrology is Muhurta. You can learn all about it
from > here

This concludes the astro-basic lessons. If you think that you haven’t had enough of this great
science, you are welcome to: