Analyzing Basics – Transits (I)

This topic even though broad & deep, should be discussed before the reader looks at horoscopes.

The planets are always moving. A snapshot of the astronomical picture at the moment of birth is your horoscope, but
the planets keep moving right after the snapshot.

Transit analysis is the process of utilizing this dynamic process for any present of future time frame and in context from
a horoscope as a reference point.

The following is the rough estimate of a stay of each of the 9 planets in a given sign-

Sun – 1 month

Moon – 2.25 days

Mars – 45 days

Mercury – 21 days

Venus – 26 days

Jupiter – 12.5 months

Saturn – 2.5 yrs (30 months)

Rahu, Ketu – 19 months

So here are the points to know regarding transits-

Analyze transits from Moon first and also Lagna

Parasara emphasized the importance of transit (“Gochara”) from the Moon as the Moon is a karaka of our mind,
feelings and emotions and hence our day to day life/ events will be best reflected in how we think/ feel/ emote. Hence
primary importance has to be given to Moon when analyzing transit of planets

Transit should also be seen from Ascendant sign and both have to be kept in mind for the overall result

The transit of Jupiter, Saturn & Rahu/ Ketu is more important because they are slow moving as from the table above.
Saturn is the slowest and stays in a sign for an average of 30 months in a sign.

Moon is in a sign a for tad less than 2 ½ days each and hence its transit along with other fast moving planets is more
for fine tuning whereas the transit of Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu/ Ketu is for setting bigger trends in life during any given time
period(s)

The following are the houses in which the given planets are considered Auspicious or Benefic from Moon and also the
houses from which the planets are considered Inauspicious or Malefic when considered from the Moon:-

So as an example for a Taurus Moon sign, Saturn will be good while transiting Cancer, Libra and Pisces and negative in
others (in the 3rd, 6th and 11th bhaav respectively)

Saadhe- Satti (Meaning 7 ½ yrs) this (in)famous concept comes from the fact that when Saturn transits the 12 th, 1st and
2nd from Moon, a 7 ½ period of stress, misery and negative events can dictate onto a person. Likewise Saturn transiting
4th and 8th from Moon are called Dhaiyas of 2 ½ yrs of misery like the Saadhe- Satti. It is important to note that not all
this time is equally bad or good. The dasas, other transits are also vital before judging the period good or bad

Another important point is functionality which you already know. If you refer to the readings above, Saturn is a highly
benefic planet for say Taurus and Libra moon sign/ ascendant. When these signs have Saadhe- satti or dhaiyas, they
will face some stress and negative issues but overall the period will be functionally good for them and give them
progress

Double Transit phenomenon (Important!)

The signs which both Jupiter and Saturn aspect in their transits are “activated” so to speak. This is because Saturn is
the Karmakaraka or significator of our actions/ karma and destiny whereas Jupiter is Jeeva Karaka showing where our
intentions/ blessings and fruits lay. So when both aspect one sign, that sign gets Activated or turned ON. For example
currently Jupiter is in Cancer and Saturn in Scorpio. Thus Jupiter is affecting Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces
(remember the 5, 7, 9 aspects?) and Saturn is affecting Scorpio, Capricorn, Taurus and Leo (3, 7, 10 aspects). Common
in all this is Scorpio and Capricorn. Hence these signs will be activated. So say Taurus Moon sign (or ascendant) the
7th bhaav (Scorpio) and 9th Bhaav (Capricorn) is activated. So now you know which areas are in focus to these
individuals and what the bhaavas signify you know from the earlier chapters

Rahu-Ketu axis will show the problem area, if you will, during any given time. So as an example for Gemini moon sign
currently, Rahu-Ketu are in the 4th-10th axis and hence the axis, which among other things, governs peace, happiness,
private life, emotions and career, job, social image etc. Also to be kept in mind is that Rahu even though malefic in
general also tends to at times open some hidden doors in terms of sudden opportunities governing the area it transits
in, especially if Jupiter is also aspecting that sign. Example if Rahu is transiting the 10 th bhaav and Jupiter is also
aspecting 10th bhaav during transit, then sudden opportunities in career can open up, but Rahu will also tend to give
stress and obstacles in the process.

Rahu- Saturn together aspecting a sign during transit and with no aspect of Jupiter on that sign calls for heavy Karmic
testing of that area of life and possible separation from relatives/ people ruled by that sign also. Example if Saturn and
rahu both transit the 9th house, the person can face bad luck situations and also get separated temporarily or
permanently from father or Guru or mentor/ boss/ employer (which 9 th house represents)

Jupiter transit over any house or planet will tend to expand, easen and smoothen the results the bhaav or planet
represents. Example if Sun rules the 10th house, then Jupiter transiting over natal Sun degree (even the entire sign
where Sun is) will tend to expand or improve results related to job/ career

Saturn transit will bring out the results of the sign or planet it transits over into FOCUS. You cannot escape those topics
of life in that time (even if you were earlier). Saturn by itself is not positive or negative but has a general tone of
slowing things down as it takes 30 months in one sign. It will JUDGE you as per your efforts and caliber and karma in
that area and give results accordingly. These can be negative or positive as per the planet’s strength and dignities.
Saturn will keep that area of life in focus till it transits to the next sign. By that time it would have deemed that the
native has learnt the required lessons (good or bad) and time is now to focus on things represented by the next sign.

Ashtakvarga (Vital)

I have talked about this before. A small recap-

Each planet can have 0 to 8 BAV score in each sign, the more it gets in a sign, the better its result in the sign. The
software will calculate this for you. Likewise SAV scores is for the entire sign (combination of all planets BAVs in that
house) Average for this is about 27. Higher the better. If a sign has say 42 SAV bindus, most planets will give very good
results there. By the same token say 8th bhaav from Moon has 42 SAV score and 6 BAV score for Saturn. Now 8 th from
Moon is generally negative for Saturn transit. But in this case due to so high SAV and BAV scores in that sign, Saturn
will actually not harm at all and perhaps give some sudden gain related to say inheritance or protect you in an accident
etc. (significations of 8th house)

Moon transit during Transit start This concept is important, especially for slow moving transits of Saturn, Jupiter and the
nodes.

Consider the bhaav (relative to Moon sign) where Moon is at the moment a bigger transit is happening (example Saturn
transit). Although this can be used for smaller transits of Sun, Mars etc. also, its significance is higher for slower moving
transits as they stick around much longer. Now once you have noted this, see table below.

Example Saturn is transiting into 6th bhaav (from 5th). This is a great transit. On exact time of transit, if moon is placed
4,8 or 12 from its original position in horoscope, then the transit occurred on “Iron feet” and the good results of transit
will not be fully felt. Likewise even if the transit is negative but starts with Gold or Silver feet, the results will be less
bad than otherwise anticipated

Vedha & Vipreet- Vedha

A more advanced topic, not fully discussed for now. ‘Vedha’ means an “obstruction”. When planets transit auspicious
places (as per table above) but there is another planet transiting a ‘Vedha’ location, then the auspicious results are put
on HOLD due to this other planet. ‘Vipreet’ means reverse and Vipreet Vedha is the opposite of Vedha. An example will
make it clear. Saturn transit in 3rd from Moon is auspicious as discussed above. Its Vedha location is 12 th from Moon. So
when Saturn is transiting 3rd from Moon, if another planet transits in the 12th from Moon (except Sun) then the Positive
effects of Saturn are put on HOLD and don’t show up and the effects of that planet in 12 th take prominence. Likewise if
Saturn is transiting 12th (a negative location) but another planet transits the 3rd house, then there is Vipreet Vedha-
implying Negative effects of Saturn are on Hold now due to the focus being on the effects of this planet in 3 rd from
Moon. Not all positions have a Vedha and hence Vipreet Vedha, the positions are tabulated in various textbooks and
astrological literature. Understanding the concept is of importance at this stage

Transit of Dasha Planets

Even though transits of all 9 planets are important, the transits of the 4 slower planets are more important as
explained above. In addition, the transit of planets who’s Maha Dasa, Antar dasa is operating (concepts not yet
discussed) will be also prime importance. Example if a person is in the Major period (Maha Dasa) of Venus, then the
transit of Venus will ofcourse gain high importance along with the 4 slower planets, etc.

Analyzing Basics – Transits (I)

This topic even though broad & deep, should be discussed before the reader looks at horoscopes.

The planets are always moving. A snapshot of the astronomical picture at the moment of birth is your horoscope, but
the planets keep moving right after the snapshot.

Transit analysis is the process of utilizing this dynamic process for any present of future time frame and in context from
a horoscope as a reference point.

The following is the rough estimate of a stay of each of the 9 planets in a given sign-

Sun – 1 month

Moon – 2.25 days

Mars – 45 days

Mercury – 21 days

Venus – 26 days

Jupiter – 12.5 months

Saturn – 2.5 yrs (30 months)

Rahu, Ketu – 19 months

So here are the points to know regarding transits-

Analyze transits from Moon first and also Lagna

Parasara emphasized the importance of transit (“Gochara”) from the Moon as the Moon is a karaka of our mind,
feelings and emotions and hence our day to day life/ events will be best reflected in how we think/ feel/ emote. Hence
primary importance has to be given to Moon when analyzing transit of planets

Transit should also be seen from Ascendant sign and both have to be kept in mind for the overall result

The transit of Jupiter, Saturn & Rahu/ Ketu is more important because they are slow moving as from the table above.
Saturn is the slowest and stays in a sign for an average of 30 months in a sign.

Moon is in a sign a for tad less than 2 ½ days each and hence its transit along with other fast moving planets is more
for fine tuning whereas the transit of Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu/ Ketu is for setting bigger trends in life during any given time
period(s)

The following are the houses in which the given planets are considered Auspicious or Benefic from Moon and also the
houses from which the planets are considered Inauspicious or Malefic when considered from the Moon:-
So as an example for a Taurus Moon sign, Saturn will be good while transiting Cancer, Libra and Pisces and negative in
others (in the 3rd, 6th and 11th bhaav respectively)

Saadhe- Satti (Meaning 7 ½ yrs) this (in)famous concept comes from the fact that when Saturn transits the 12 th, 1st and
2nd from Moon, a 7 ½ period of stress, misery and negative events can dictate onto a person. Likewise Saturn transiting
4th and 8th from Moon are called Dhaiyas of 2 ½ yrs of misery like the Saadhe- Satti. It is important to note that not all
this time is equally bad or good. The dasas, other transits are also vital before judging the period good or bad

Another important point is functionality which you already know. If you refer to the readings above, Saturn is a highly
benefic planet for say Taurus and Libra moon sign/ ascendant. When these signs have Saadhe- satti or dhaiyas, they
will face some stress and negative issues but overall the period will be functionally good for them and give them
progress

Double Transit phenomenon (Important!)

The signs which both Jupiter and Saturn aspect in their transits are “activated” so to speak. This is because Saturn is
the Karmakaraka or significator of our actions/ karma and destiny whereas Jupiter is Jeeva Karaka showing where our
intentions/ blessings and fruits lay. So when both aspect one sign, that sign gets Activated or turned ON. For example
currently Jupiter is in Cancer and Saturn in Scorpio. Thus Jupiter is affecting Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces
(remember the 5, 7, 9 aspects?) and Saturn is affecting Scorpio, Capricorn, Taurus and Leo (3, 7, 10 aspects). Common
in all this is Scorpio and Capricorn. Hence these signs will be activated. So say Taurus Moon sign (or ascendant) the
7th bhaav (Scorpio) and 9th Bhaav (Capricorn) is activated. So now you know which areas are in focus to these
individuals and what the bhaavas signify you know from the earlier chapters

Rahu-Ketu axis will show the problem area, if you will, during any given time. So as an example for Gemini moon sign
currently, Rahu-Ketu are in the 4th-10th axis and hence the axis, which among other things, governs peace, happiness,
private life, emotions and career, job, social image etc. Also to be kept in mind is that Rahu even though malefic in
general also tends to at times open some hidden doors in terms of sudden opportunities governing the area it transits
in, especially if Jupiter is also aspecting that sign. Example if Rahu is transiting the 10 th bhaav and Jupiter is also
aspecting 10th bhaav during transit, then sudden opportunities in career can open up, but Rahu will also tend to give
stress and obstacles in the process.

Rahu- Saturn together aspecting a sign during transit and with no aspect of Jupiter on that sign calls for heavy Karmic
testing of that area of life and possible separation from relatives/ people ruled by that sign also. Example if Saturn and
rahu both transit the 9th house, the person can face bad luck situations and also get separated temporarily or
permanently from father or Guru or mentor/ boss/ employer (which 9 th house represents)

Jupiter transit over any house or planet will tend to expand, easen and smoothen the results the bhaav or planet
represents. Example if Sun rules the 10th house, then Jupiter transiting over natal Sun degree (even the entire sign
where Sun is) will tend to expand or improve results related to job/ career

Saturn transit will bring out the results of the sign or planet it transits over into FOCUS. You cannot escape those topics
of life in that time (even if you were earlier). Saturn by itself is not positive or negative but has a general tone of
slowing things down as it takes 30 months in one sign. It will JUDGE you as per your efforts and caliber and karma in
that area and give results accordingly. These can be negative or positive as per the planet’s strength and dignities.
Saturn will keep that area of life in focus till it transits to the next sign. By that time it would have deemed that the
native has learnt the required lessons (good or bad) and time is now to focus on things represented by the next sign.

Ashtakvarga (Vital)

I have talked about this before. A small recap-

Each planet can have 0 to 8 BAV score in each sign, the more it gets in a sign, the better its result in the sign. The
software will calculate this for you. Likewise SAV scores is for the entire sign (combination of all planets BAVs in that
house) Average for this is about 27. Higher the better. If a sign has say 42 SAV bindus, most planets will give very good
results there. By the same token say 8th bhaav from Moon has 42 SAV score and 6 BAV score for Saturn. Now 8 th from
Moon is generally negative for Saturn transit. But in this case due to so high SAV and BAV scores in that sign, Saturn
will actually not harm at all and perhaps give some sudden gain related to say inheritance or protect you in an accident
etc. (significations of 8th house)

Moon transit during Transit start This concept is important, especially for slow moving transits of Saturn, Jupiter and the
nodes.

Consider the bhaav (relative to Moon sign) where Moon is at the moment a bigger transit is happening (example Saturn
transit). Although this can be used for smaller transits of Sun, Mars etc. also, its significance is higher for slower moving
transits as they stick around much longer. Now once you have noted this, see table below.
Example Saturn is transiting into 6th bhaav (from 5th). This is a great transit. On exact time of transit, if moon is placed
4,8 or 12 from its original position in horoscope, then the transit occurred on “Iron feet” and the good results of transit
will not be fully felt. Likewise even if the transit is negative but starts with Gold or Silver feet, the results will be less
bad than otherwise anticipated

Vedha & Vipreet- Vedha

A more advanced topic, not fully discussed for now. ‘Vedha’ means an “obstruction”. When planets transit auspicious
places (as per table above) but there is another planet transiting a ‘Vedha’ location, then the auspicious results are put
on HOLD due to this other planet. ‘Vipreet’ means reverse and Vipreet Vedha is the opposite of Vedha. An example will
make it clear. Saturn transit in 3rd from Moon is auspicious as discussed above. Its Vedha location is 12 th from Moon. So
when Saturn is transiting 3rd from Moon, if another planet transits in the 12th from Moon (except Sun) then the Positive
effects of Saturn are put on HOLD and don’t show up and the effects of that planet in 12 th take prominence. Likewise if
Saturn is transiting 12th (a negative location) but another planet transits the 3rd house, then there is Vipreet Vedha-
implying Negative effects of Saturn are on Hold now due to the focus being on the effects of this planet in 3 rd from
Moon. Not all positions have a Vedha and hence Vipreet Vedha, the positions are tabulated in various textbooks and
astrological literature. Understanding the concept is of importance at this stage

Transit of Dasha Planets

Even though transits of all 9 planets are important, the transits of the 4 slower planets are more important as
explained above. In addition, the transit of planets who’s Maha Dasa, Antar dasa is operating (concepts not yet
discussed) will be also prime importance. Example if a person is in the Major period (Maha Dasa) of Venus, then the
transit of Venus will ofcourse gain high importance along with the 4 slower planets, etc.

9 Planets & their Significations

Next step is Planets. As mentioned in last post, there are 12 signs, 12 houses and 9 planets

These will change much later down the road when ‘Upagrahas’, divisional charts, nakshatras etc. will be discussed but
for now, lets keep it simple!

I am going to write down all significations that come to mind. This list will not be comprehensive but will include most
important things under each planet.

So the 9 planets and their significations –

1) Sun – Father, Fatherly figure, Ego, Self esteem, Soul, Fire, Fire element {others elements are Wind (‘Vaayu’), Earth
(‘Prithvi’), Water (‘Jal’) and Sky(‘Aakash’)}, Temples/ religious places or places of worship, Vitality, Domination,
Government, Governtment jobs, Politicians, Brilliance, Radiance, Charisma, Courage, King or Kingly status, Forests/
Mountains, Open placces, Originality in work/ thought, Dignity, Nobility, Royal status, Bones, Heart, Arteries/ Veins,
Right eye, Fevers, Eyesight in general, Stomach (not intestines), Brain, Bile

2) Moon – Mother, Motherly figure, Women, Emotions, Imagination, Intelligence, Travelling, Desires/ Passions, Memory,
Childhood (especially till age 5 or so), Milk, Water, Watery places- oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, Bathrooms, Travelling
related professions/ agents, Seamen, Fishermen, Public opinion, Mass fame (especially with common man), Leadership
like sun but in a gentle fashion (as opposed to burning hot nature of sun), Changeability/ Adaptibility, Agriculture
(especially when related to saturn), Fertility in women, Womb, Lungs, Breasts, Fluid systems of body – Lymphatic
system/ Circulatory (Blood), Tonsils and upper throat area, Left eye and eyesight in general, Water element.

3) Mars – Energy, Strength, Passion, Ambition, Courage, Dynamism, Aggresion, Adventure, Power, Competitive Nature,
Sudden energy or such events including firearms/ guns/ bombs/ explosions, Sportsmen, Police officers, Army/ navy
personnel, Surgeons, Commanders, Authoritative positions, Significator of younger siblings (especially younger
brothers), Accidents, Wounds, Injuries/ surgeries, Engines/ machines, Fixed/ landed property especially houses/
mansions, Muscles, Nose, Bone Marrow/ Haemoglobin, Metabolic rate, Reproductive organs for male, Boils/ acne, Fire
element.

4) Jupiter – Guru, Mentor, Wise/ learned people, Professors, Authors, Consultants, Priests, Preachers, Wealth,
Significator of Children, Meditation, Fame/ Honor, Merit, Scholarship, Law, Morality/ ethics, Righteousness, Holiness,
Optimism, Positive thinking, Higher learning, Higher education, Extreme quantity of anything, Fortune, Luck, Divine
favor, ‘Jeeva Karaka’ – significator of Life force or life, Prosperity, Liver, Fat in the body, Most glands in the human
body, Ears, Hips, Pancreas, Gall Bladder, Sky element.

5) Mercury – Intelligence, Speech, Child, Wavering Nature, Volatility, Higher education, IQ, Mathematics, Mathematical
subjects like Accounting/ Finance etc., Childhood & adoloscence (~5 to 18 yrs), Money, Stock Markets, Logic/ analytical
thinking, Abstract thinking, Reading, Writing, Communication, Journalism, Publishing, Technology/ IT/ computers,
Humor/ wit, Advertising/ sales, Medicine, Nervous system and nerves in the body, Tounge, Intestines, Skin, Hands/
arms, Earth element.

6) Venus – Wife, Women, Romance, Sexuality, Affairs, Love, beauty/ harmony, Royal nature, Wining/ dining, Equality,
Pleasing/ smiling, Marriage/ partnerships, Flowers, Perfumes/ fragrances, Fashion industry, Aesthetic abilities, Cinema,
Arts, Music, Creativity, Passions, Singing/ dancing, Poetry/ Literature/ painting/ decorating, Luxuries, Jewelry,
Conveyances/ vehicles, Attraction, Glamor, Cosmetics, Banking and banks, Massive wealth (Lakshmi), Kidneys,
Reproductive organs for females, Secretions of different sorts, Semen, Water element.

7) Saturn – Discipline, Duty, Day to day work, Hard work, Limitations, Boundaries, reality, Practicality, ‘Karama Karaka’
or significator of work/ job/ career, Detachment, Cold, Severe, Austere, Slowness, Repetitive nature, Orthodox nature,
Old people/ things/ habits, Grief, Ill luck, Bloackages, Hardened things, Pressure, Problems, Seperation, Servants and
serving nature, Depression, Patience, Resilience, Down to earth nature, Judge, The planet acts as a great judge in our
day to day activity from this and previous lives, Reservation, Research/ Science, Deep and penetrating, Technical
subjects like engineering, Factories, Mining Industries, Coal, Bricks/ mortar, Darkness/ blindness, Despair, Ankles,
Knees, Feet, Legs, Large Intestine, Significator of hospitalization, isolation, Air element.

8) Rahu – Materialism, Eclipse, Shadow, Sudden, Unknown, Transformative, Electricity, Electronic gadgets, Ever
Changing, Changing residence, Never ending desires, Rebellion, Deception, Seperation, Foreign culture, Foreign travel,
Paternal Grandfather & Maternal Grandmother, Lust, Greed, Obsessions, Hallucinations, Paranoia, Extreme in nature,
Extreme in quantity, Magic, Magicians/ politicians/ diplomats, Con artists, Actors/ cinema, Cheating, Addictions, Drugs,
Lepers, Diseases hard to diagnose, Diseases that are incurable or terminal, Outcaste people, Imprisonment,
Siginificator of jails, Fuzzy logic, Wrong logic, Weird, Eccentric, Extremely charming or extremely repulsive, Poisons,
Chemicals, Chemical Engineering, Computer related work/ study, Abstract thoughts, Airplanes, Flying, Air element. It is
considered like a decapitated head in astrology – ever thirsty but never satisfied.

9) Ketu – Detachement, Moksha, Spirituality, Meditation, Isolation, Enlightenment, Opposite of Rahu in many things –
completely opposite of materialistic, Suspicious, Hidden, Scandals, Like mars- injuries, especially violent and sudden,
Psychic abilities, Intuition, Ghosts, Spirits, Witchcraft, Epidemics, Worms, Poison, Fire, Weapons, Flying accidents,
Cataostriphic events, Significator for Spine and renunciation.

Phew! thats what comes to mind with the planets. Now when analyzing houses and planets, an astrology student
should get into the habit of correlating the significations that are common. These will show more floridly in the
character of the person and also during the planetary periods (‘Dashas’) of the planets.

12 Signs & their Significations (Part I)

After houses and planets, how about the signs?

Firstly a few things to note about signs.

(I) There are 3 types of signs by Flexibility- Movable, Fixed & Dual.

Movable signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn { these represent Activity, Movement, Adaptibility, Change,
Quickness, Reform, Independence, Moving on, Flexibility, Dissatisfaction (leading to rapid change0}

Fixed signs – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio & Aquarius { these represent Steadiness, Rigidity, Headstrong nature, Fixed, Slow
but steady, Accumulation, Steady/ Calm, Resolute, Determined, My way or highway sort of nature, Loving to remain in
one place/ job for a long time, Fixed opinions on spirituality/ religion, Persistent)

Dual signs – Gemini, Virgo, Saggitarius, Pisces [ these represent a mix of both the above and hence their ‘dual’ nature,
Learning oriented, Pedantic, Philosophical, Inclined to reading/ writing, Inclined to communicate/ preach/ teach, Open
to ideas/ learning, Multitasking, Exploring different options all the time}

(II) There are 4 types of signs by element – Fire, Earth, Wind, Water

Fire signs – Aries, Leo, Saggitarius { Energy, Passion, Aggression, Decisiveness, Leadership, Dominance, Frank,
Outspoken, Extrovertness, Brilliance, Anger, Hot temprament, Fast Metabloic rate, Active, Pioneering, Separating,
Spontaneous, Inspiring, Self centered, Motivated, Visionary, Enthusiastic, Lovers of activity and movement/ exploration,
My way or highway traits, Impatient, Impulsive}

Earth signs – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn { Practical, Methodical, Analytical, Slow and steady, Perservering, Rising to top
slowly but surely, Patient, Building/ Accumulating, Practical, Realistic, Down to earth nature, Lover of reality as opposed
to fiction/ imagination, Fact oriented, Sluggish, Resilient, Keen business skills, Knows real materialistic value of things,
Good in details, Good Planners, Good Managers/ CEOs/ Directors, Dependable/ trustworthy}
Air signs – Gemini, Libra, Aquarius { Quick thinking, Intellectual, Abstract thought, Communicative, Eager to learn,
Good writers/ orators/ spokesmen, Quick in physical movement, Love Travel & exploration, Journey more important
than destination nature, Great social skills, Great friends, Pleasant, Philosophical attitude, Sponge like nature for
knowledge, Flexible nature, Harmony loving, Beauty loving}

Water signs – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces { Emotional, Intuitive, Sensitive, Learning, Passionate, Collectors/ hoarders –
collect memories/ articles, Hard to detach, Nurturing/ caring, Motherly attitude, Forgiving, Imaginative, Introvert
nature, Secretive, Psychic, Dreamy, Lesser physical energy, Detached from practical facts- go on intuition as opposed
to facts, Natural meditation skills if developed, Tendency to gain weight}

Now there are multiple other ways to categorize signs. But pause here a bit. Now I am going to post the
list of sign rulership by planets, which I posted earlier too. Here is a good exercise to start making these
things intuitive. You know the planet significations, you know the sign characteristics. BLEND them in
your mind. Thats what each rashi signifies. A good exercise to do.

here is an example – Mars rules Aries and Scorpio (but from above you know Aries is a Fire sign and
movable whereas Scorpio is Water & Fixed). So what is Mars?

You know that too from the planet significations. It is Energy, aggression, passion, competitive nature,
ambition, acitivty etc. So in Aries it will manifest as Quick thinking, Brilliant, pioneering, extrovert,
outwardly aggresive, frank, outspoken, quick moving and thinking etc. But Scorpio is a watery sign which
is introvert and emotional. So here the aggressive energy of Mars will take the form of passive aggresive!
They will have all that energy Internalized to give them strong determination, unyielding and very
passionate with strong likes/ dislikes. Unlike Aries, they are not outwardly aggresive, but will not forget
and forgive easily and keep grudges/ jealousies easily. If they learn to control their internal energy, can
be constructive and pentrating like no other giving them deep charisma and control of their senses)

So here goes the list again for rulership of signs. Have at it. Go ahead and try thinking about signs from planets and
sign nature from what you know by now. After some time in part II, I will post the significations of the signs. But it
should now start to be logical and intuitive both, not just cramming up rules.

Signs & their ownership-

Aries – Mars (MK sign)

Taurus – Venus

Gemini – Mercury

Cancer – Moon

Leo – Sun

Virgo – Mercury (MK sign) & Rahu (co-ruler)

Libra – Venus (MK sign)

Scorpio – Mars and Ketu (co-ruler)

Sagittarius – Jupiter (MK sign)

Capricorn – Saturn

Aquarius – Saturn (MK sign) and Rahu (co-ruler)

Pisces – Jupiter

2 Signs & their Significations (Part II)

Before a list of characteristics for the 12 signs (like the 12 houses), a few other qualities in continuation of Part I earlier,
regarding the signs are worth mentioning-
(III) Sign characteristics as per Gender of sign

All Odd signs are Male – Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Saggitarius, Aquarius

All Even signs are Female – Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces

The Male signs will tend be to more Extrovert, Pushy, Aggresive, Communicative, Destructive when negative, Assertive,
Dominating

The Female signs will tend to be more Calm, Intuitive, Nurturing, Protective, Quiet, Introverted, Gentle and Emotional

Besides coloring the depositing planets with the above shades, these demarcations also come in handy much later on
when determining gender of children/ siblings etc.

(IV) ‘Guna’ (inherent nature) of Raajsik, Saatvik & Taamsik

This is a deeper topic but to briefly touch it now-

Saatvik signs – Cancer, Leo, Saggitarius & Pisces – These are related to Higher spiritual thinking and behavior, Seeking
out higher wisdom and truth, Meditating, Focussing, Worshipping God or Nature, Universality and Altruism in Thoughts
and actions, Pure, Learned/ Wise, etc. [Houses ruled by Sun, Moon & Jupiter]

Raajsik signs – Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra- These are related to Action and adventure, Passions/ desires, Energy,
Seeking power/ Money / Fame, Ambitious and Materialistic (vs. spiritual) [Houses ruled by Mercury &
Venus]

Taamsik signs – Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn and Aquarius – These are related to Pleasing the senses, Seeking lower order
gratification of senses in form of intoxicants/ drugs/ Heavy food, Seeking pleasure in Carnal desires, Also when
negative Tantric or lower order deity worship and Satanic practices, Loving occult and misusing power, Cruel in nature,
Ignorant, etc. [Houses ruled by Mars & Saturn]

(V) Some other Misc. Significations

— Violent Signs – Aries, Scopio & Capricorn [These signs ruled by Mars & Saturn tend to be destructive and Taamsik in
nature and when afflicted in a horoscope will manifest violent characteristics

— Barren Signs – In terms of female fertility (for conception) Aries, Gemini, Leo, Virgo are considered Barren (not be
fruitful for conception).

— Fruitful Signs – For conception are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces (the water element signs)

— Shirshodaya Signs – Rising head first – Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Aquarius – Planets in these signs will tend
to give results in the First half of their ‘Dashas’ (dont worry about dashas or planetary periods for now. Its a predictive
tool for later)
— Prishtodaya Signs – Rising with Back – Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Saggitarius, Capricorn – Planets in these signs will tend
to give results in the Second half of their dashas

— Ubabodaya Signs – Rising both side – Pisces – Planets in this sign tend to give results in the Middle half of their
dashas

There are many other ways to characterize signs. For now, these are enough to know. With a knowledge of planet
characteristics and sign characteristics, a student can now begin to form simple equations in their minds which
determine the overall nature of Signs.

In part III, I will post the Sign characteristics like the 12 houses, but someone passionate about astrology is advised to
make the signs, houses and planets very intuitive by reading these posts multiple times. upto now, we are trying to
learn the alphabet of astrology. Reading a chart is like reading a book, will come much later. But rest assured, these
pages are giving you pertinent, compact info, all of which is very scattered when a new reader tries to get them
through books/ articles. So Going in order and making these fundamentals solid is strongly suggested for those serious
about astrology.

12 Signs & their Significations (Part III)

Aries – Active, Pioneering, Bold, Independent, Charismatic, Entrepreneurial, Inspirational, Impatient/ restless, Good at
starting new initiatives/ projects but bad at sustaining energy in long projects, Aggressive, Dominant, Leadership skills,
Outspoken, Bold/ fearless, Loves movement, Loves Speed and fast paced activity, Frank and direct- holds no punches,
Confident, Always serving self-interests, Selfish to some extent.

Taurus – Loyal, Sensual, Slow and steady, Down to earth, Stable, Practical, Determined, Perseverant, Reliable/ faithful,
Loves wining/ dining/ fine arts, Romantic but discreetly, Easy going, Diplomatic, Secretive, Passionate, Loves material
possessions, Conservative, Dedicated to home and relationships, Loyal to loved ones, Mostly calm and extremely
agitated when pestered too much, Stubborn/ adamant.

Gemini – Communicative, Intellectual, Think/ talk/ walk fast, Pedantic nature, Loves learning, Good writing/ reading
skills, Clever, Versatile, Able to multitask, Can have different personalities under different conditions, Argumentative
and oration skills, Adaptable/ flexible, Witty/ humorous, Good in information related fields, Loves change and diversity
in day to day life

Cancer – Emotional, Intuitive, Protective, Motherly, Nurturing, Good memory, Saves memories/ objects, Sympathetic,
Caring, Loves travelling as long as a stable home to come back to, Loves home life/ finds security in home
environment, Hospitable, Timid mostly but aggressive if loved ones threatened in any manner, Good business instinct,
Ability to learn strong, Honest and Impressionable.

Leo – Leadership abilities, Royal, Noble, Proud, Wanting attention, Cat when loved and a Lion when ignored,
Outspoken, Extroverted, Frank, Honest, Intense, Brilliant, Innovative, Stubborn, Independent, Confident, Ambitious,
Dynamic, Loves to be complimented, Helpful to friend and family, Protective or fatherly, Fearless & Energetic, Pushy in
an aggressive way.

Virgo – Analytical, Quantitative, Intelligent, Research oriented, Practical, Down to earth, Lover of hygiene, Lover of
order, Perfectionist, Anal retentive, Critical of problems/ people, Good trade/ business instinct, Good Mathematics,
instinct, Orderly and Methodical, Economical and prudent, Efficient, Always working, Always analyzing, Worrying
tendency, Hard working.

Libra – Pleasant, Balanced, Co-operative, Perfect, Social, Friendly, Loves justice, Loves harmony, Creative, Lover of arts/
music/ beauty/ literature, Loves social settings, Charming, Smiling, Diplomatic, Good judgment of both people and
situations, Quick thinker, Extravagant, Loves luxuries, Adaptable, Popular and liked in friends and people, Good people
dealing skills, Good organization skills, Pushy in a pleasant way.

Scorpio – Secretive, Passionate, Intense, Focused, Determined, Obsessive, Unyielding, Strong likes & dislikes,
Outwardly calm with inner turmoil, Strong emotions, Complex imagination, Moody, Temperamental, Does not forget or
forgive easily, Cunning, Good skills to remain hidden – e.g. detectives, spies, etc., Selfish, Psychic, Penetrating, Can
cling to Jealousy and Revengeful feelings, Charismatic, Magnetic, Self-made, Stubborn

Sagittarius – Outspoken, Bold, Optimistic, Idealistic, Loves travel, Spiritual or religious, Strong faith, Determined, Pushy
to some extent, Jovial, Business like behavior, Just, Humane, Friendly, Loves making friends, Promises more than ability
to deliver, Ambitious, Expansive, Outspoken, Blunt in speech to a fault, Cheerful, Loves to preach and teach, Internal
tendency to fields of Law. Medicine, Teaching and Religion.

Capricorn – Practical, Intelligent, Down to earth, Serious, Reserved, Orthodox, Likes to travel, Perseverant, Rising to the
top slowly but surely, Keen business skills, Managerial ability, Organizational skills, Thoughtful, Patient, Tolerant of
others but Conservative, Hardworking, Self-made, Not easily trusting others.

Aquarius – Abstract thinker, Deep thinker, Socially conscious, Serious like Capricorn but more communicative,
Stubborn, Rigid in thinking, Unlike Capricorn – does not like moving and changing situations, Scientific and research
minded, Intellectual, Inventive, Thinking ahead of time, Creative, Great in making friends, Highly Altruistic, Unselfish,
Rebellious, Loves to Preach change (but themselves reserved to some extent), Great self-control

Pisces – Emotional, Sensitive, Impressionable, Kind, Giving and forgiving, Dreamy, Romantic, Likes music/ arts,
Detached to reality, Somewhat weak in physical and mental activity, Easily trusts others, Moody and temperamental,
Spiritual, Meditative, Likes being alone, Reflective, Forgetful nature, Charitable, Tendency to Psychic visions and
dreams, Inspirational, Softly magnetic and friendly, Happy go lucky, Liberal, Lacking confidence, Lacking determination
to some extent, Intuitive, Indecisive.

So, the readers should now have good information about what houses, signs and planets signify. Can not be
overemphasized that these form the basics of astrology and hence very important to become very well accustomed to
– so that these things feel intuitive and natural.

Next we will talk about friendships/ enmities between planets, concepts of exaltation/ debilitation and other concepts
which determine the dignity of a planet in particular signs and houses.

Dignity of Planets (Part Uno)

There are many ways to ascertain the ‘dignity’ or state of happiness/ well-being of a planet.

I will mention a few important ones here. Many are advanced topics, too early to be discussed now. Remember to use
these rules liberally to paint a broad brush picture and not too literally once you get to early stages of judging
horoscopes.

(I) Friends/ Neutral/ Enemies

(a) Permanent Basis

In Vedic astrology each planet has a ‘Permanent’ relation with the other planets as one of friend or neutral or enemy.
Remember this might NOT be mutual. Meaning if Mercury treats Moon as a friend, does NOT imply that Moon treats
Mercury as a friend too. Infact in this example Moon treats Mercury as a friend whereas Mercury treats Moon as an
enemy (not even neutral)

Easier for me to tabulate this as below-

Plane
t Friend Neutral Enemy

Sun Mars, Moon, Jupiter Mercury Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu

Mars, Saturn, Jupiter,

Moon Sun, Mercury Venus Rahu, Ketu

Sun, Jupiter, Moon,

Mars Ketu Saturn, Venus Rahu, Mercury

Rahu Venus, Saturn, Ketu Mercury, Jupiter Mars, Sun, Moon

Jupiter Mars, Moon, Sun Saturn, Rahu, Ketu Mercury, Venus

Saturn Mercury, Venus, Rahu Ketu, Jupiter Sun, Moon, Mars

 Mercu
ry Venus, Sun, Rahu Saturn, Rahu, Ketu Moon

Sun, Mercury, Rahu,

Ketu Mars, Jupiter, Venus Saturn Moon

Saturn, Mercury,
Venus Rahu, Ketu Jupiter, Mars Sun, Moon

So the Permanent status never changes. Sun will always treat Saturn as an enemy etc.

(b) Temporary Basis

Planets placed in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th & 12th from a planet act as its Temporary Friend

Planets placed in 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th from a planet act as a Temporary Enemy

So this will be different for each horoscope. Example if sun is placed in 3rd house from Saturn, it is its Temporary friend
even though ofcourse it is a Permanent enemy

(c) Add these Up to Get the COMPOUND relation between 2 planets-

Permanent Friend + Temporary Friend = Great Friend

Permanent Friend + Temporary Enemy = Neutral

Neutral +Temporary Friend = Friend

Neutral + Temporary Enemy = Enemy

Permanent Enemy + Temporary Friend = Neutral

Permanent Enemy + Temporary Enemy = Great Enemy

(II) Concept of Exaltation

In terms of happiness/vitality/ strength of a planet in a sign, its of the following order-

Exaltation> Mooltrikona Sign> Own Sign> Friend> Neutral> Enmical Sign> Debilitation

Below I post the exaltation and debilitation signs for each planets. NOTE that each planet is exalted exactly opposite
(180 degrees in zodiac) from where it is debilitated or weakest. Secondly each planet, even though considered exalted
in that entire sign, will be exact Peak Power at one particular degree which is mentioned below. And at the same
degree 180 opposite sign, it will be at Nadir or Zero Power. So typically good to have a planet close to that degree but
in an approaching manner rather than receeding. E.g. Sun is exalted at 10 degrees in Aries. So its going towards its
peak 0 to 10 and then goes down a bit, but regardless, it will be considered exalted in the sign of Aries as a general
quick analysis

Plane Debilitatio
t Exaltation n Mooltrikona Own Sign

Aries 10 Libra 10 Leo 0 to 20

Sun degrees degrees degrees Leo entire sign

Taurus 3 Scorpio 3 Taurus 3 to 20

Moon degrees degrees degrees Cancer

Capricorn 28 Cancer 28 Aries 0 to 12 Aries 12 to 30 and entire

Mars degrees degrees degrees Scorpio

Capricorn
Cancer at 5 at 5 Sagitarius 0 to Sagitarius 10 to 30 and
Jupiter degrees degrees 10 degrees Pisces

Libra at 20 Aries at 20 Aquarius 0 to Capricorn and Aquarius 20

Saturn degrees degrees 20 degrees to 30 degrees
 Mercu Virgo at 15 Pisces at Virgo 15 to 20 Virgo 20 to 30 degrees &
ry degrees 15 degrees degrees Gemini

Pisces at 27 Virgo at 27 Libra 0 to 15 Libra 15 to 30 degrees &

Venus degrees degrees degrees Taurus

NOTE: Rahu & Ketu as written earlier, DO NOT own any house. Hence they act as SHADOW planets. They give results of
houses/ signs they sit in as if they are that sign and also they give results of planets they are conjunct with. So if Rahu
sits with Mars, it will start to behave like Mars.

That said, their exaltation signs do have some controversy with different schools of thought within Vedic astrology.
Over time and with practice and along with Parasari school of thought is what I mention below-

Rahu – Exalted in both Taurus & Gemini.

Debilitated in Both Scorpio & Sagitarius

Acts as MK in Aquarius and Cancer. Own house as Virgo

Ketu – Exalted in Scorpio and Sagitarius & debilitated in Taurus & Gemini

Acts as own house in Pisces

Dignity of Planets (Part Dos)

(III) Avasthas

These are of many kinds. The pertinent one to know early on in learning is ‘Baaladi’ Avastha.

In Odd signs – Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagi, and Aquarius – a planet as per degrees in the sign is in the following
avastha-

0-6 degrees (Infancy) Will give minimal results

6-12 degrees (Adolescence) Will give 1/2 its full potential effects

12-18 degrees (Mature) Will give full effects as per its potential

18-24 degrees (Old) Will give limited effects

24-30 degrees (Near Death) Will give minimal effects if any

For Even signs – Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn & Pisces

0-6 (Near Death)

6-12 (Old)

12-18 (Mature)

18-24 (Adolescent)

24-30 (Near Dead)

These are not to be taken too literally but liberally.

What it implies is that planets 12-18 degrees or more towards the center of a sign is deeply colored as per the
indications of that sign and hence will give those results strongly. A planet more towards the corner of a sign (Rashi)
will tend to blend into the previous or next sign and hence not deeply colored as per that sign. Mathematically a planet
at 15 degrees is right at the center of the sign and hence most ‘colored’ with the characteristics of that particular sign.

(IV) Residential Strength

Slightly more advanced of a concept but still easy enough to mention here.

When a horoscope is made, there is a Rising sign which is called the Ascendant or ‘Lagna’. This will be one of the 12
signs of course but the lagna as per the birth time will have an exact degree in that sign from 0 to 30 somewhere. Note
this degree. This becomes the most effective point of each bhaav for all the signs.

Example Capricorn rises in ascendant at 20 degrees. Now Aquarius will be the 2nd house. But the 20th degree of
Aquarius will give the exact center of the 2nd bhaav which is of money, wealth, family, speech, eating habits etc. (as
you know from the earlier articles)

When a planet in a sign is sitting exactly of 20 degrees for this example, it will have 100% residential strength and give
strong effects of that Bhaav. Plus or Minus 5 degrees from this of the range of 15 to 25 degrees, the planet still remains
strong. Beyond that, the strength in the bhaav goes down by each degree. When the planet is at 4 degrees in a sign in
the above case, it has actually gone into the previous Bhaav. So in the above example say a planet is at 2 degrees in
Aquarius. Now even though that sign is in the 2nd Rashi (sign) it is actually in the 1st Bhaav (which in this example will
extend from 5 degrees in Capricorn to 5 degrees in Aquarius.
If this is a bit complex right now, just worry about the first paragraph and not too much about the Bhaav movement
concept called as ‘Chalit’ in astrology

This factor is VERY important when you look at a planet in any bhaav.

(V) Shadbala

Translated to English as the 6 fold strength. This is a comprehensive method of Quantifying a planets strength in
astrological units called as RUPAS. Rupas follow a sexagesimal system with 1 Rupa = 60 VIRUPAS

The calculation has 6 main categories. Each category can have as much as 10 sub categories implying the calculation
actually looks at more than 50 different characteristics in the underlying planet. The calculation is highly mathematical
and detailed but aims at Quantifying each planets Total Power or strength. After the mathematical number is arrived
at, there is a Cutoff for each planet. If the planet makes the Cutoff, it is strong enough to give its promised results, if
not then it is weak. Each planet has a different cutoff. Example for Mercury it is 7 Rupas, for Moon it is 6 Rupas. So if
one has Mercury at 8 Rupas, they have a Mercury at 114% when 100% means adequate strength.

The actual calculation and its logic is way beyond the scope of an online blog and this early on in a student’s stage.
None the less, this is a vital component which can sometimes give counter-intuitive results as a debilitated planet can
actually have a high Shadbala and vice-versa.

JHora software and many others mathematically do these calculations for you. But beware, there is errata in them. I am
in touch with the author and longtime friend of JHora software in fixing some of them. Still it will give you a good
estimate.

One has to be again careful not to rely on this completely, especially before a detailed understanding on the
components and calculations behind Shadbala. It should be used as one of the many shades of strength or weakness a
planet possesses.

(VI) Nakshatra Placement

As we have 12 signs (30 degrees each) we have 27 Asterisms or Nakshatras (13 degrees and 20 minutes each) or
13.33 degrees each. They are ruled by Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury (first 9) and then
10 to 18 again by the same lords (in that given order) and 19 to 27 likewise again.

Hence each planet rules 3 Nakshatra each placed equidistant from each other.

The Nakshatra in which Moon is placed at birth is to be noted as the Birth Nakshatra.

Planets sitting in the 3rd, 5th and 7th Nakshatra from it will be weak and tend to give negative results. Planets in the
2nd, 6th and 9th will give Positive and strong results whereas planets in 1st, 4th and 8th will tend to give neutral to
slightly positive results.

Example birth is Sun Nakshatra. So make Sun as Nakshatra 1

Moon is now Nakshatra 2, Mars is Nakshatra 3 etc. Those planets in the Nakshatra of Mars, Jupiter and Mercury
(because they will be the 3rd, 5th and 7th) Nakshatras will be deemed weak or ineffective and will not give positive or
strong results.

Detailed analysis and explanation is again beyond the scope of this discussion at this stage.

There are many other factors to be seen while determining the overall strength of a planet in addition to the top 6
factors mentioned above. However concepts like ‘Ashtakvarga’ (positioning relative to 8 important points), Divisional
Strength etc. are too complicated for discussion here for a beginner in this art and hence diverted for now.

However one can download the Free software JHora and start looking at many of the factors mentioned above to get a
good feeling of their signs, houses, planets and their strengths or lack thereof.

Make Your Horoscope

So by now we are good on the basics on the 12 signs, the 12 houses and the 9 planets and their strengths/
weaknesses.

Armed with these basic building blocks, you can now make a horoscope.

If you have not done already – download and install the latest version of JHora software which is available for free.

You can now make horoscopes and save these files on your computer. So some basics you need to know in addition to
the signs/ houses and planets are as follows-

(I) TYPES Of Charts–

The main horoscope is something called as D1 or Divisional 1. This is your basic chart for which we already defined the
houses, signs and planets. It’s also the most important of all charts. The complete sphere is of course 360 degrees
around us. So dividing in 12 equal signs means each sign is 30 degrees each as discussed before. Further, this is not
the only chart which we should be interested in, albeit the main one. The Divisional charts will be more apt for
particular areas of life. As an example some of these are –

D1 – Main chart for ALL things

D2- Chart related to Money

D3 – Chart related to siblings

D4 – Chart related to fortunes and property/ assets

D7 – Chart related to children/ progeny

D9 – Second most vital after D1 also called as Navamsa (Nav = 9, amsa = division). For Overall Luck, Dignity of planets
and Marriage/ Spouse.

D10 – For career and social status

D12 – For parents

D24 – For higher learning and education/ wisdom

D30 – For problems and miseries

D60 – Very vital chart showing previous life baggage our planets bring in and for ALL things like D1

There are other charts as well. But the above are some important ones for one to be aware of. As a rule D9 is always
consulted in tandem with D1. If a planet has good dignity in D9, the planet is an inherently strong planet and vice-
versa as well. If a planet is well placed in D1 but ill placed (in terms of dignity) in D9, then the planet is like a hollow
diamond. Initially good in results but breaking down later on.

So how are the divisionals calculated?

Simply put D1 has 12 divisions of the zodiac. Each 30 degrees each. Now D9 is a further 9 equal divisions of each rashi.
So what we are essentially doing is to divide each rashi further into 9 parts and hence the zodiac into 12 x 9 = 108
parts. The order remains the same Aries to Pisces. These are now repeated 9 times each instead of 1 time as in the D1.
Likewise D10 is each rashi broken into 10 equal divisions.

It’s a good practice to look at a divisional in tandem to the area of life being scrutinized. Example if looking at career.
You will be looking at the 10th house in D1 (and 2nd and 6th) but also look at the D10 chart. Especially the dignity of
the lord of 10th house in the D10 chart will be vital. When both point in same directions, the effects are stronger.

However keep in mind that if a planet is very weak in the main chart of D1, its strength can never be fully reversed in
the divisional. Meaning D1 dignity will override but strength in a divisional can corroborate or weaken the FINE tuning
of a particular planet.

(II) ASCENDANT

Also known as the ‘Lagna’ is your 1st Bhaav. You already know what 1st bhaav represents. It’s YOU, your health, your
characteristics, personality, overall well-being etc.

Ascendant is the sign which is rising at the Eastern Horizon at a given time and place. Once the ascendant is fixed the
next sign becomes your 2nd bhaav etc.

Almost everyone knows the order. Here it is-

1 – Aries

2 – Taurus

3 – Gemini

4- Cancer

5 – Leo

6 – Virgo

7 – Libra

8 – Scorpio

9 – Sagittarius

10 – Cparicorn

11 – Aquarius

12 – Pisces

Remember the number as it becomes quicker to see what the sign is. Worry not, as this becomes second nature even
with little practice. See example below
This is called a diamond chart (just because of its looks) aka. North Indian style.

The number 10 shows that the first house or LAGNA is Capricorn with Ketu in it. Next 2nd bhaav is Aquarius with no
planet in it. 7th house is Cancer with Mars and Rahu in it. 9th house is Virgo with Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter and Sun in it
and so on and so forth..

One will also be able to see all the degrees of the ascendant and the 9 planets alongside other charts like D3, D9 etc.

What you also see are words like AL, A5 etc. These are ARUDHAS or reflections. Even though this is a broader topic for
later. It is worth mentioning here.

The LAGNA is your ascendant. Its lord is called LAGNESH in the above example is Saturn as Saturn rules Capricorn. AL
is Arudha of Lagna or reflection of Lagna. So even though Capricorn will define the characteristics of the person etc.
But Arudha Lagna will describe the IMAGE of the Lagna or the image the person has in front of the world. Likewise A2 is
image of the 2nd house etc.

Pertinent point to know here is that Arudha concept is very important as it represents what people will think about that
aspect of life, regardless of what it really is. It’s the manifestation so to speak or the MAYA (illusion related to that
aspect of life. In case of Arudha Lagna the person herself). Example in this horoscope there are 4 planets in the 9th
house of higher learning, luck, wisdom etc. This is 9th from Lagna. But 5th from Arudha Lagna. Hence 5th (intelligence)
will be what will be perceived by the world around the native as with Virgo with 4 planets in it.

(III) Long & Short Ascension

An important point to know, albeit details are not necessary at this stage, but one should know – each day all the 12
signs will rise at some time or the other. However the lagnas don’t rise for exact 2 hrs. each (which would be logical as
24 hrs. a day and 12 signs gives each sign rising for about 2 hrs.). Due to the earth’s axis which is tilted, the signs
(depending on the latitude of the place) will rise for different times. This effect will be less near the equator and much
more extreme as you go closer to any of the poles.

The software will use the exact geographical co-ordinates you enter and with its inbuilt atlas and ephemeris, will
calculate your horosocpe and all divisional charts and exact longitudes.

In yester years, all these calculations were done by hand and took lots of patience and knowledge in astronomy to
some extent. I have done this quiet a bit before the computers eased all this. Regardless I feel those who have
manually done so have much stronger basics than those who started right off the bat with a software.

Now you have a software, knowledge of charts, signs, houses and planets. Enough to start making your own horoscope
and start trying to find basic dignities of planets.

Analyzing Basics – I

Now you have your horoscope, you know the planets, houses, signs and dignities. You also know a bit about divisional
charts and the fact that Navamsa or D9 is always studied in parallel to the D1 chart. You also know about real physical
manifestation vs. “Arudha Pads” a little bit.

Things to be noted at this juncture are below –

1) Special Lagnas – You will also see much more data as of now that you wont understand including many lagnas like
Hora Lagna (HL), Sree Lagna (SL), Indu Lagna (IL) etc. All you should know as of now is that these are ‘special
ascendants’ which like divisionals are used for analyzing particular areas of life. Example Indu Lagna and the chart with
respect to Indu Lagna is to be studied with respect to Finances or Money prospects in a chart. At this juncture, their
understanding in detail is not needed.

1b) Gulika & Maandi – Even though not in the main 9 planets, these ‘sub-bodies’ which are actually satellites of
Saturn are considered in Vedic Astrology with somewhat of lesser importance than the main 9 planets. These are
highly malefic entities and usually cause problems and delays/ tragedies in the houses they sit in. Typically they are
considered good only in the 3rd and 11th houses and negative in all others. That’s all you need to know about them for
now.
2) Moon, Sun & Lagna (Ascendant) – The ascendant is most specific for each horoscope and is the Pivotal point of
the horoscope. However each horoscope should be analyzed with respect to the Moon and Sun as well and from
Arudha Lagna (AL) as well. Basic rules don’t change. Just think of the sign where Moon is placed as the lagna and
analyze the horoscope as you would from Lagna and same for Sun and Arudha Lagna. In some cases 2 or more can
overlap. Lets say if a person has Virgo rising and Moon and Sun in Virgo. Now 3 of the Lagnas become one and your job
becomes easier. As a matter of fact, in such horoscopes, the predictions will get more accurate in general as all 3
lagnas will indicate results in one direction

3) Dignity of Planets – Before you do anything else, take a pen and paper and right down points for each of your 9
planets and their dignities in detail. Follow the rules of Dignities of planets in detail. Over time this become 2nd nature
and takes much less time, but for now take painstaking time to find the dignity of each planet.

4) Ashtakvarga – This is a somewhat advanced concept but since you will be looking on the bottom right of your
screen at some terminology which says BAV or SAV, it is worth mentioning about some basics related to Ashtakvarga-

Ashtakvarga means 8 divisions. Basically the support a planet gets from other planets and the lagna is what is being
quantified here. Support implies relative positioning. So lets say we take Mercury which is placed in 9th house in a
horoscope. Now relative to lagna and 7 other planets (excluding Rahu & Ketu) mercury either gets 1 point or 0 for its
relative placement from that planet. If its 0, say from Saturn, then basically Saturn is not supportive of where mercury
is sitting and will not help it in its agenda. Calculations and logic behind this is beyond the scope right now but do know
that this is very important in addition to the #3 above.

Average SAV of any house is 27 points. Anything above 30 is good. Below 24 is low and 24-29 is somewhat average.
SAV is the total sum for all planets in any house

BAV is planet specific as described above. Even though each planet has a different average, roughly speaking 4 or
above in any house is good and 3 or below is low. If a planet has say 1 point in a house, then it is not really supported
by other planets in that house at all.

These concepts are more important in transit (even though used a little in basic horoscope also). So if Saturn is
transiting in a house which has say 36 SAV and Saturn BAV of 6 then Saturn will give excellent results in that house as
both these numbers are high and vice versa.

5) Placements – This is the essence of astrology. Take a long time in addition to dignities, to actually look at
placement of planets in different houses. You will have to keep reading the house and planet indications repeatedly to
get a good idea. Initially you might feel blank often, keep at it, there is no other way. Example see horo below.

You see Capricorn is ascendant. Saturn rules it. Where is Saturn sitting? In 9th house of Virgo. So person himself (as
Saturn is lagna lord) is in 9th house of luck/ destiny/ higher education/ foreign travel etc. 2nd bhaav is Aquarius. Lord
Saturn again in 9th house. So concepts related to Money/ assets/ speech/ family etc. in 9th house. Keep going for all 9
planets while keeping in mind the dignity of the planets. Strong planets will do good to their houses and hence
significations. So in this example if Saturn is strong in dignity (which it is) it will protect and enhance the concepts of
1st and 2nd house as well as 9th house. Likewise a weak dignity planet will show issues related to those areas of life.

Even though good and bad is relative and not absolute. Keep in mind the concepts from the Bhaav write-up.
6th, 8th and 12th houses will show problems. Planets sitting in them, unless good dignity will show problems as well,
especially related to the areas those planets rule by houses.

1, 5 and 9 are benefic houses and planets in these will get ‘lucky’ and stronger and will do good to their rulerships.

4, 7 and 10 are KENDRA or central places and planets in 1,4, 7 or 10 are generally strong to easily manifest the results
they promise in a horoscope.

11th house is one house where materialistically speaking all planets give good results. Its the house of gain, income,
wealth, social circle and friends.

A planet in its own karaka house enhances its results. So if Jupiter is karaka (significator) of 9th house, its position in
the 9th house will enhance the 9th house results as Jupiter feels comfortable in that area as if it “knows what to do” in
that domain of life.

6) Combustion – One concept that is important is combustion. When a planet comes too close to the sun, it becomes
invisible or so to speak. Its burnt from the heat and glare of sun and fails to properly protect its significations. Implying
the the houses it rules, will suffer. Even though this is a detailed discussion topic, for the sake of brevity consider any
planet +/ – 6 degrees from Sun as strong combust and any planet + / – 12 degrees of Sun as combust. Beyond that the
planet is no longer combust, even though it might still be more ‘agitated’ due to its closeness to Sun upto even 20
degrees.

Analyzing Basics – II

NOTE – All material here is completely in my words, Please feel free to reproduce with permission and not
otherwise. (click on pictures to see them bigger) Thanks!

7) Aspects

This is vital. Every planet aspects the house exactly opposite to it or in other words the 7th house. The exact aspect is
at a point 180 degrees from the planet. Example Mercury in Virgo at 17 degrees will aspect Pisces. More specifically
Pisces at 17 degrees but to some extent the entire sign of Pisces. As a rule, as you learn to see aspects, try to mentally
keep the aspect to + and – 5 degrees from exact aspect. This implies that the above Mercury will aspect Pisces
between 17+5 and 17-5 or between 12 and 22 degrees most strongly. For Sun take +/- 10 degrees

An aspect means the planet will have an effect in that area like a PARTIAL presence in that area as opposed to actually
being deposited in that spot. Also if in the above example say Jupiter sits in Pisces at 12 degrees, then you can say that
Mercury – Jupiter are aspecting each other and hence forming sort of a combination. They will affect each other both
functionally and generically. That means say mercury is in virgo in 9th and Jupiter hence in 3rd house in pisces.
Mercury owns and sits in the house of knowledge, education etc and also a significator of it. Likewise Jupiter sits in 3rd
house of communication and action. In this case mercury rules 6th and 9th house and Jupiter rules 3rd and 12th
houses. SO 3,6,9 and 12 houses are related this is Functional relation (what planets rule) and the Generic relation is
the general characteristics of Jupiter and Mercury are now related. So since both represent reading/ writing/ education
etc, they will increase each other’s effect in that area or work together so to speak.

So all planets aspect the 7th house. Some planets aspect other houses as following-

Mars – aspects 4th, 7th and 8th

Saturn – aspects 3rd, 7th and 10th

Jupiter – aspects 5th,7th and 9th

Rahu & Ketu aspect 5th and 9th from their respective positions.

8) Exchanges
When two planets sit in each other’s houses, its called a Sign interchange. Example in the above case say Jupiter was
in Virgo and Mercury in Pisces. They are now sitting in each others signs. Astrological significance is that they get
heavily related to each other and merge each other’s qualities together. Also the houses get heavily related to each
other in this case. They sort of ‘work together’ and in tandem and none wants to destroy the other’s house as it knows
the other planet is in its house (good way to think about it)

Then can be Nakshatra (lunar asterism) interchange called as ‘Sookshama’ interchange. This works only in each other’s
dasas (we haven’t talked about Dasas or planetary periods yet, so this is beyond the scope right now). But the above
point of sign exchange is very important. In some way when 2 planets interchange signs, they are ‘sort of’ actually
sitting in their own respective houses for predictive purposes and hence tend to give good results

9) Think of Planet Karakatvas

Already discussed before. When you see a planet, think of what it represents and what is COMMON in the house and
planet. The common part will show results floridly depending on dignity and strength of planet.

Example in Capricorn ascendant Jupiter rules 12th house and 3rd house. Now 12th among other things = foreign
journeys etc. Say Jupiter sits in 9th house in Virgo. Now this Jupiter will not only give effects of 12th and 3rd house in
9th but also think Jupiter = guru, religion, higher education, Luck/ destiny and 9th house also represents Luck, guru,
destiny etc. So Jupiter in 9th will give results of both.

Below is a table I compiled to help you think. This is not comprehensive but is a very good starting point to help you in
learning-
10) Positive/ Negative Houses

Trying to summarize a very vast topic in a few points below-

As I mentioned before 1,5,9 are lucky and good/ auspicious houses

1,4,7 and 10 are Kendra or central houses and good

11th house is house of gain and generally any planet in 11th is good

6,8 and 12 are negative houses and cause delay, pain, agony and blockages/ endings, debts etc.

3rd house is relatively neutral but tending to negative in results

Rulers of 3, 6 and 11th houses can be Evil in their results even if on surface the results don’t look evil, they have a
predisposition to do damage

Rulers of 2nd house and 12th house will give the result of the other house they rule as these are Neutral houses. If the
house is of Sun or Moon (leo or cancer) then the planet owns just one house. In this case the place where sun or moon
sit and the planets they sit close to, they give the effects of those planets more (like Rahu and Ketu the shadow
planets do)

A generic Malefic Planet owning a Kendra loses its negativity (generic Malefics are – Saturn, Mars, Sun & Rahu/ Ketu). A
generic benefic planet ruling a Kendra loses its benefic nature (Jupiter, Venus, Moon & Mercury) unless it also own a
Kona house (1,5 or 9th)

Lagna lord or ascendant lord is always auspicious

Planets good in Shadbala and other dignities protect the houses they rule and weak planets give problems in the areas
of houses they rule

When a planet rules both a Kona (1,5 or 9th) and Kendra (1,4,7 and 10th) it becomes a Yoga Karaka or a planet that
does extremely good

Mercury and Moon are impressionable planets. Even though they are generally considered Benefic by general nature,
they give results as per their association. If mercury sits with benefics Jupiter and/ or venus, it will be benign. If it sits
with Saturn, Mars, Rahu/ Ketu it becomes malefic in nature too. Moon is good when far from sun and Waxing and
negative when its dark (close to the sun) darkest is when its a no Moon night, brightest on full moon when moon is 180
degress away from Sun

When a planet owns 2 houses, the one which is the MK (Mooltrikona) sign is to be given more importance.

Ruler of 2nd house and 7th house is a Maraka or Killer planet as it has potential to end the life (being 12th to 3rd and
8th house respectively which are houses representing the life force in an individual). Keep in mind a Maraka planet can
still give other gains and riches in life as per its aspects, strengths and placement etc. But it will still have the potential
to kill. however if this planet also rules a Kona house (1,5 or 9th) it loses it potential to kill to a large extent as 5th and
9th are highly benefic houses.

A planet ruling only 8th or 12th and no other sign (which can happen when Sun or Moon) rule these generally negative
houses, will become Neutral in its functionality

Combining all rules above, you will notice that Saturn/ Venus/ Mercury/ Rahu form one subgroup and Mars/ Sun/ Moon/
Jupiter/ Ketu the other group as per natural friendships and rulerships as follows-

11) Planet Functionality Chart (Important!)

This is for quick reference. Again keep in mind, this is just as per rulership and hence if Venus is good for Capricorn
ascendant, its good for all of them. But in an individual horoscope, depending on where Venus is placed and its
strength/ aspects and dignities, the results will be modified of course-

Analyzing Basics – III

12) Eclipses

When the sun-moon axis aligns with the Rahu-Ketu axis, a Solar or Lunar eclipse occurs respectively.

Think of this as reverse of combustion in terms of Sun. When any planet comes too close to the Sun, it gets ‘invisible’
or ‘burnt up’ and loses power to protect the significations of the houses it rules in the chart. However the opposite
occurs when Sun comes close to Rahu or Ketu. It is “swallowed” up, or so to speak and becomes weak. Within 8
degrees of Rahu or Ketu, this is more prominent.

Another thing to be noted is when Moon is too close to Rahu, the mind gets predisposed to Paranoias, obsessions and
phobias. In addition the mind and emotions get an extreme nature in their intensity and such a person can have wild
swings in their moods/ feelings and imagination. This can also disturb sleep and other things which Moon is a
significator of like mother, sleep etc. Likewise when Sun is too close to Rahu the ego gets amplified in a negative way,
there can be problems to or with father or authority/ government.

Also to be kept in mind is the fact that both the nodes expand the characteristics of any planet they sit with, but in a
weird-Karmic or psychological fashion. Ketu can increase a planets energy by internalizing that energy and Rahu by
externalizing. Hence Moon with Ketu can give a detached mind (from materialistic things) but if Moon is otherwise
strong, the person has strong powers of concentration. Likewise Sun with Ketu can make for a spiritual soul and person
whose ego is checked. If Sun is weak in dignity that can mean self-esteem issues, but if Sun is strong it can imply a
very well balanced/ humble personality which has powers of concentration and good ideals/ morals in life.

13) Nodes

Things to be kept in mind regarding nodes are-

Will give results of the bhaav they sit in and rashi and Nakshatra they sit in and its lord. So example if Rahu is in
Cancer, it will act like Moon (owner of Cancer) and so dignity of moon in chart will also dictate intensity and nature of
results of Rahu

They amplify and reflect the effects of planets they are conjunct with. E.g. in the above example when Rahu is with
Mars in Cancer, it will not only give results like Moon but also like Mars as it will ‘mimic’ or reflect Mars. So whatever
Mars promises in the chart will be given by Rahu
They create some order of confusion and uncertainty in the houses they sit in. The house where Rahu sits in is the area
where the native will put in a lot of energy in this life time and run after the issues of the house. The house where Ketu
sits in, the person will be sort of detached to the significations of that house.

Typically Rahu and Ketu give good results in the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th Bhaavas and relatively negative in the other
bhaavas

Both Rahu & Ketu will tend to give sudden results in their planetary dasas related to houses they sit in and planets they
conjunct. Positive or negative will depend on the planet and bhaav and their dignities

By inherent nature, Rahu acts like Saturn in terms of blocking, delaying, throwing problems in a native’s path and Ketu
acts like Mars or giving anger, sudden results/ surgeries/ injuries etc. But this inherent nature is modified as per planets
they conjunct of course. So if Rahu sits with Venus in a chart, it will tend to give results like Venus and whatever Venus
rules in that particular chart

If Rahu or Ketu sit in a Kona house (1,5 or 9th) and are conjunct or aspected by a Kendra lord (1,4,7 or 10th) then they
will give Yoga Karaka results or very good results. This will happen if Rahu-ketu sit in a Kendra house and conjunct or
aspected by a Kona lord

If Rahu or Ketu get related to the 8th house by placement or conjunction, their malefic nature increases and more so
the likelihood of some sudden even goes up manifold. This is because 8th house also represents sudden events and
Rahu and Ketu are Karakas (significators) or sudden events

14) Planetary War

When 2 planets are so close to each other that they have less than 1 degree space in between them, they fight for
space and it’s called ‘Grah Yudha’ or Planetary war. This is usually negative. The planet with the higher degree is
deemed as the Winner and the other the Loser. Notably the Loser planet will always manifest some problems related to
the significations of houses in rules. Example Mars at 10.2 degrees and Venus at 10.8 degrees in Aries. In this case
Venus wins the war and Mars loses as Venus is ahead of’ Mars

15) Yogas

Coming to a topic which is perhaps in the top 3 of most important in terms of analyzing a horoscope. This topic is vast
both in depth and breadth and takes years to master. Yoga means a combination of 2 or more planets in a given sign.
Generally the closer the 2 or planets are to each other in terms of longitudes (degrees) the stronger the Yoga.

In Vedic astrology there are thousands of Yogas. These is simply because of all the permutation/ combinations possible
for 2 or more planets conjoining each other.

Good Yogas are generally called as ‘Raj Yogas’, wealth yogas are called ‘Dhan Yogas’. A negative Yoga can be a ‘Dur
Yoga’ or “Arishtha Yoga’.

Among thousands of Yogas, BV Raman mentions 300 very important ones in one of his treatises, which I would highly
recommend to the reader.
As of now, for the scope of this article, a few things worth knowing are as follows–

Lords of a Kona (1,5,9) combining with each other is exceptionally good

Lords of a Kona (1,5,9) combining with a Kendra lord (1,4,7 and 10) is also a great +ve Yoga

Lords of Kona or Kendra combining with a Dusthana (6,8 or 12) lord is Negative

Lords of two Dusthana lords combining with each other is called ‘Vipreet Raj Yoga’ or in other words –ve/-ve becomes
positive. This Yoga typically works after initial difficulties and struggles which lead to a heavily positive scenario later

Since the lords of Dusthana carry negativity with them, it is best if they are situated in another Dusthana (example
6th lord in 8th or 8th in 12th or 12th in 8th) etc.

Any house whose lord is in own house or exaltation will try to enhance the significations of its rulership house

When a planet is combust or debilitated or weak in dignity as per the dignity rules we know, it will give problems
related to the area it rules in the horoscope and also the area it is placed in

As mentioned before when a planet rules 12th, see its other lordship. Even though 12th is a dusthana, if the other
house it rules is a Kona then the results will be good and not bad. Example for Gemini Venus rules the 12th house and
also the 5th But Mooltrikona sign is 5th. Hence Venus will give more of 5th house which is great. So a well placed
Venus will give very good results inspite of its 12th rulerships

Very important point to note is that Good and Bad yogas can co-exist and not really cancel each other. As an example
say a person has Capricorn rising with Saturn (1st and 2nd lord) with mercury (6th and 9th lord) and Jupiter (3rd and
12th) lord all in 9th house, then 1, 2 and 9 combining in the 9th is a strong Raj yoga and positive. Jupiter in 9th will
tend to give good results too as it’s a neutral planet for Capricorn (refer to functionality of planets) but still it is also the
12th lord in 9th and 6th lord in 9th This implies the person can be fortunate and rich (1st and 2nd lords in 9th) but also
wavering health (1st lord combining with 6th lord) and can have relations with father disturbed or lose his father early
in life (12th lord in 9th of father and 6th lord in 9th). Thus when analyzing any Yoga, -ves and +ves can co-exist.

Please note that softwares like Jhora and others might even list many of the Yogas. But one has to keep in mind that
how much a Yoga will manifest depends on the strength/ dignity of planets involved and closeness of Yoga and many
other factors the reader has already learnt as of now.

16) Dashas & Transits

Again an extremely vast topic which we are not going to discuss right now.

What we have discussed till now is some basics of what signs, houses and planets represent. How dignities of planets
can be seen and a horoscope made. By all those tools one can see the promise within a horoscope. However WHEN a
good or bad event precipitates is to be seen by predictive tools of Dashas and Transits. These are used for TIMING the
events and the promises a horoscope holds. These topics will be dealt with later

Next I will post a couple of detailed Case studies of well-known personalities and even from what you have briefly
learnt as of now, you can see how the theory applies in analyzing a horoscope.

Analyzing Basics – Transits (I)

This topic even though broad & deep, should be discussed before the reader looks at horoscopes.

The planets are always moving. A snapshot of the astronomical picture at the moment of birth is your horoscope, but
the planets keep moving right after the snapshot.

Transit analysis is the process of utilizing this dynamic process for any present of future time frame and in context from
a horoscope as a reference point.

The following is the rough estimate of a stay of each of the 9 planets in a given sign-

Sun – 1 month

Moon – 2.25 days

Mars – 45 days

Mercury – 21 days

Venus – 26 days

Jupiter – 12.5 months

Saturn – 2.5 yrs (30 months)

Rahu, Ketu – 19 months

So here are the points to know regarding transits-

Analyze transits from Moon first and also Lagna

Parasara emphasized the importance of transit (“Gochara”) from the Moon as the Moon is a karaka of our mind,
feelings and emotions and hence our day to day life/ events will be best reflected in how we think/ feel/ emote. Hence
primary importance has to be given to Moon when analyzing transit of planets

Transit should also be seen from Ascendant sign and both have to be kept in mind for the overall result

The transit of Jupiter, Saturn & Rahu/ Ketu is more important because they are slow moving as from the table above.
Saturn is the slowest and stays in a sign for an average of 30 months in a sign.

Moon is in a sign a for tad less than 2 ½ days each and hence its transit along with other fast moving planets is more
for fine tuning whereas the transit of Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu/ Ketu is for setting bigger trends in life during any given time
period(s)

The following are the houses in which the given planets are considered Auspicious or Benefic from Moon and also the
houses from which the planets are considered Inauspicious or Malefic when considered from the Moon:-
So as an example for a Taurus Moon sign, Saturn will be good while transiting Cancer, Libra and Pisces and negative in
others (in the 3rd, 6th and 11th bhaav respectively)

Saadhe- Satti (Meaning 7 ½ yrs) this (in)famous concept comes from the fact that when Saturn transits the 12th,
1st and 2nd from Moon, a 7 ½ period of stress, misery and negative events can dictate onto a person. Likewise Saturn
transiting 4th and 8th from Moon are called Dhaiyas of 2 ½ yrs of misery like the Saadhe- Satti. It is important to note
that not all this time is equally bad or good. The dasas, other transits are also vital before judging the period good or
bad

Another important point is functionality which you already know. If you refer to the readings above, Saturn is a highly
benefic planet for say Taurus and Libra moon sign/ ascendant. When these signs have Saadhe- satti or dhaiyas, they
will face some stress and negative issues but overall the period will be functionally good for them and give them
progress

Double Transit phenomenon (Important!)

The signs which both Jupiter and Saturn aspect in their transits are “activated” so to speak. This is because Saturn is
the Karmakaraka or significator of our actions/ karma and destiny whereas Jupiter is Jeeva Karaka showing where our
intentions/ blessings and fruits lay. So when both aspect one sign, that sign gets Activated or turned ON. For example
currently Jupiter is in Cancer and Saturn in Scorpio. Thus Jupiter is affecting Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces
(remember the 5, 7, 9 aspects?) and Saturn is affecting Scorpio, Capricorn, Taurus and Leo (3, 7, 10 aspects). Common
in all this is Scorpio and Capricorn. Hence these signs will be activated. So say Taurus Moon sign (or ascendant) the
7th bhaav (Scorpio) and 9th Bhaav (Capricorn) is activated. So now you know which areas are in focus to these
individuals and what the bhaavas signify you know from the earlier chapters

Rahu-Ketu axis will show the problem area, if you will, during any given time. So as an example for Gemini moon sign
currently, Rahu-Ketu are in the 4th-10th axis and hence the axis, which among other things, governs peace, happiness,
private life, emotions and career, job, social image etc. Also to be kept in mind is that Rahu even though malefic in
general also tends to at times open some hidden doors in terms of sudden opportunities governing the area it transits
in, especially if Jupiter is also aspecting that sign. Example if Rahu is transiting the 10th bhaav and Jupiter is also
aspecting 10th bhaav during transit, then sudden opportunities in career can open up, but Rahu will also tend to give
stress and obstacles in the process.

Rahu- Saturn together aspecting a sign during transit and with no aspect of Jupiter on that sign calls for heavy Karmic
testing of that area of life and possible separation from relatives/ people ruled by that sign also. Example if Saturn and
rahu both transit the 9th house, the person can face bad luck situations and also get separated temporarily or
permanently from father or Guru or mentor/ boss/ employer (which 9th house represents)

Jupiter transit over any house or planet will tend to expand, easen and smoothen the results the bhaav or planet
represents. Example if Sun rules the 10th house, then Jupiter transiting over natal Sun degree (even the entire sign
where Sun is) will tend to expand or improve results related to job/ career

Saturn transit will bring out the results of the sign or planet it transits over into FOCUS. You cannot escape those
topics of life in that time (even if you were earlier). Saturn by itself is not positive or negative but has a general tone of
slowing things down as it takes 30 months in one sign. It will JUDGE you as per your efforts and caliber and karma in
that area and give results accordingly. These can be negative or positive as per the planet’s strength and dignities.
Saturn will keep that area of life in focus till it transits to the next sign. By that time it would have deemed that the
native has learnt the required lessons (good or bad) and time is now to focus on things represented by the next sign.

Ashtakvarga (Vital)

I have talked about this before. A small recap-

Each planet can have 0 to 8 BAV score in each sign, the more it gets in a sign, the better its result in the sign. The
software will calculate this for you. Likewise SAV scores is for the entire sign (combination of all planets BAVs in that
house) Average for this is about 27. Higher the better. If a sign has say 42 SAV bindus, most planets will give very good
results there. By the same token say 8th bhaav from Moon has 42 SAV score and 6 BAV score for Saturn. Now 8th from
Moon is generally negative for Saturn transit. But in this case due to so high SAV and BAV scores in that sign, Saturn
will actually not harm at all and perhaps give some sudden gain related to say inheritance or protect you in an accident
etc. (significations of 8th house)

Moon transit during Transit start This concept is important, especially for slow moving transits of Saturn, Jupiter
and the nodes.

Consider the bhaav (relative to Moon sign) where Moon is at the moment a bigger transit is happening (example Saturn
transit). Although this can be used for smaller transits of Sun, Mars etc. also, its significance is higher for slower moving
transits as they stick around much longer. Now once you have noted this, see table below.

Example Saturn is transiting into 6th bhaav (from 5th). This is a great transit. On exact time of transit, if moon is placed
4,8 or 12 from its original position in horoscope, then the transit occurred on “Iron feet” and the good results of transit
will not be fully felt. Likewise even if the transit is negative but starts with Gold or Silver feet, the results will be less
bad than otherwise anticipated

Vedha & Vipreet- Vedha

A more advanced topic, not fully discussed for now. ‘Vedha’ means an “obstruction”. When planets transit auspicious
places (as per table above) but there is another planet transiting a ‘Vedha’ location, then the auspicious results are put
on HOLD due to this other planet. ‘Vipreet’ means reverse and Vipreet Vedha is the opposite of Vedha. An example will
make it clear. Saturn transit in 3rd from Moon is auspicious as discussed above. Its Vedha location is 12th from Moon.
So when Saturn is transiting 3rd from Moon, if another planet transits in the 12th from Moon (except Sun) then the
Positive effects of Saturn are put on HOLD and don’t show up and the effects of that planet in 12th take prominence.
Likewise if Saturn is transiting 12th (a negative location) but another planet transits the 3rd house, then there is
Vipreet Vedha- implying Negative effects of Saturn are on Hold now due to the focus being on the effects of this planet
in 3rd from Moon. Not all positions have a Vedha and hence Vipreet Vedha, the positions are tabulated in various
textbooks and astrological literature. Understanding the concept is of importance at this stage

Transit of Dasha Planets

Even though transits of all 9 planets are important, the transits of the 4 slower planets are more important as
explained above. In addition, the transit of planets who’s Maha Dasa, Antar dasa is operating (concepts not yet
discussed) will be also prime importance. Example if a person is in the Major period (Maha Dasa) of Venus, then the
transit of Venus will ofcourse gain high importance along with the 4 slower planets, etc.

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Analyzing Basics – Transits (II)

In part (I) you learnt most of the concepts to be utilized while analyzing transits. This was a pretty elaborate list of
points to know while analyzing how a transiting planet will behave through a particular sign and Bhaav.

However for the sake of completion of this article, some other things are worth mentioning as well. These concepts
should be at least mentioned, even though a detailed explanation avoided at this stage to prevent information
overdose or confusing a learner.
Some additional factors to be considered while analyzing a particular planet are –

Transit from Lagna (in addition to Moon)

Transit from Arudha Lagna

Transit from the natal position of planet itself

Bhaav bala (another concept like Shadbala is for planets, Bhav bala calculations aim at quanitifying the strength of a
bhaav)

Shadbala of owner of Bhaav in horoscope

Istha phala of owner of Bhaav in horoscope

Average SAV and BAV bindus (dots)

Planet transit from Natal planets in D1, D9 & D60

As an example, let me produce the following horoscope as a reference again-

Now for analyzing the effects of Rahu in this horoscope in transit through various signs, I put together a worksheet as
below (click to enlarge). The results are plotted with the straight line representing the average quantified number for
each sign. Below 0 is negative and above 0 positive (duh!). Average is +0.6. The higher it is, better will be the results
of Rahu transit.
The reader might at this stage realize that this is time intensive and complicated mathematically. This example is just
meant to be a thought exercise. In regular practice, one will not have the time or energy to go through all these details,
but with experience a lot of them will come to an astrologer intuitively. You have to take my word for it now. But for a
beginner, it is always a good practice to know the minions that make the gears turn and understand that over
simplifying this art will also tend to give incomplete results in general and hence should not be done so.

Benefics/ Malefics

In order to ascertain the benefic/ malefic nature of a planet:-

We look at the functional nature of planets as explained in an article before and repeated here for reference –

General Nature of planets is important though Functional Nature above will take the front seat always. General Nature
is-
Benefics- Jupiter, Venus, Bright or Waxing Moon & Well associated Mercury
Malefics – Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, Mars, Sun, Ill associated Mercury and Weak/ dark Moon

Dignity of planets as explained in detail before. Strong planets are Benefic whereas Weak planets give problems
related to areas of life they rule in the horoscope along with their general characteristics. Example if Sun is weak and
rules 10th house, it will damage not just career/ job (10th) but also general things it signifies (from list before) like
father, government etc.

Planets sitting in Kona (1, 5, 9) will improve their already existing nature and planets in 6, 8 or 12th bhaavs will worsen
their nature

Even though this topic is already discussed in detail before, it is important to note that many other things can help
quantify the actual nature of planets involved. Just to give you a taste of quantifiable factors, take a look at the
example below. Again this much detail is not required as of now, much of this will become intuitive with experience,
but a peek into the possibilities is shown as below (quantified in a spread sheet)

In this analysis one can consider factors like – Type of Nakshatra or star (lunar asterism), functional nature of
depositing star, functional nature of depositing sign, generic nature of depositing star, generic nature of depositing
sign, positions in various divisionals especially D9, aspects from natural or functional benefics & malefics etc.
The example is same horoscope you have seen in some other examples –

Quantifying the Benefic/ Malefic Nature of planets –

Results are as below (average score is about 14 where the straight line is). Higher the score, more benefic the planet
will be in its Dasa periods-
Some Important Jamini Concepts to Know

Changing gears a little bit from our discussion, which has been focused on Parasari astrology, I mention some rules
related to Jamini astrology. Jamini Sutras are by themselves a complete astrological school of thought and by no means
anything that can be covered in one article or even 100. However I mention here some very vital concepts which a
student should get into a habit of checking in each horoscope.

Following this article, I will, in a short while cover a few case studies which should make many of the concepts
discussed so far more holistic sense in terms of application to horoscopes.

I) Rashi Drishtis – As opposed to the ‘grah’ or planet drishtis that we have already discussed at length, Jamini dictates
the rashi drishti concept. This drishiti (=aspect) is more permanent in nature as opposed to grah drishtis and will color
the specific area throughout life for an individual (not dependent on dasas and transits of the involoved planets)

a) Dual Signs – Any planet in the signs – Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces will have a Rashi drishti or Sign aspect to
all other signs of dual nature. Example Mars placed in Gemini will aspect Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces as per the sign
aspect

b) Fixed Signs – Any planet in a fixed sign – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio & Aquarius will aspect all the Movable signs except
the one right next to it. For example if Sun is in Taurus, it aspects all movable signs except the movable sign next to
Taurus (Aries). Hence such a Sun will aspect Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

c) Movable Signs – Reverse of #b above. All planets in a movable sign will aspect other Fixed signs except the fixed
sign right next to them. Example saturn in Libra will aspect all fixed signs – except the fixed sign next to the planet (in
this case scorpio). Hence such a saturn will aspect Taurus, Leo and Aquarius

Very important to note that these aspects are of the entire sign and not the planet itself. As an example a person has
Arudha Lagna of Taurus and has Venus in Libra. Now although Venus has no (full) aspect on Taurus as a planet aspect
but it will have an aspect of the sign from Libra onto Taurus. What this implies is that the observable or apparent
characteristics of the native (what Arudha Lagna dictates) will be permanently colored by a nature which is akin to
Venus in Libra.

II) Arudha Pads – These have been discussed before. Arudha means a reflection. Arudha Lagna or AL is the reflection of
the 1st house or lagna. A2 is the reflection of the 2nd house and so on. When analyzing any Arudha, keep the Rashi
aspects as discussed above in mind. Important to note that UL or Upapadha Lagna is the Arudha of the 12th house and
denotes the spouse. Ideally the location of AL and UL should not be 6,8 or 12 from each other for a good relationship
between the person and his/ her spouse. When analyzing the characteristics of a spouse, look at the rashi drishtis (in
addition to the grah drishtis on the the UL) this will give good clues regarding the nature of the spouse and his/ her
characteristics.

Arudha pads is also an extensive topic and for the purposes of preliminary learning the discussion as of now should
suffice with a deeper dive later in advanced topics.

III) Chara-Karakas – Char = Movable and Karakas = Significator

As opposed to Sthira Karakas where Sthira = fixed
This is an extremely important gem of Jamini sutras and I give in a very high importance in the analysis of any
horoscope. Sthira karakas have already been defined earlier. They are the permanent significations of each planet. As
example Sun is a Karaka for father and government and likewise Moon is a karaka for mother etc. Sthira karakas by
definition never change, regardless of the longitude of that planet in a horoscope or the position of that planet in a
horoscope.

On the other hand, a Chara- karaka changes as per the longitude of the planet in a given horoscope. As per the
advancement/ progression a planet has in any sign, its portfolio or karakatwa changes. This is the Chara-Karaka
scheme.

The planet which has the most advanced degree among all the 9 planets, in any sign, becomes the Atma-karaka or the
significator of the soul or the person himself. This is somewhat like the lord of the ascendant and equally, if not more
important, in the analysis of any horoscope.

Likewise the other Chara -karaka significators are determined as follows. In the order of descending or decreasing
longitudes of a planets in a horoscope-

1) AK – Atma Karaka (Soul)

2) AmK – Amatya Karaka (Intellect/Mind/ Career)

3) BK – Bhratri Karaka (Siblings)

4) MK- Matri Karaka (Mother)

5) PiK- Pitru Karaka (Father)

6) PK – Putra Karaka(Children)

7) GK – Gnati Karaka(Collateral relatives)

8) DK -Dara Karaka(Spouse)

Note- Almost all softwares including JHora will give you the Chara karakas with the abbreviations used above. Example
Mercury is at 27 degrees in a sign of an individual and that is the maximum of all planets, it will be called AK or Atma
Karaka for the individual

The importance of these karakas can not be over emphasized. When you wish to analyze the career of a person, the
way an astrologer should think about is –

1) Lord of the 10th house and 10th bhaav itself

2) Lord of 10th house and 10th bhaav from Moon
3) Lord of 10th house and 10th bhaav from Arudha Lagna
4) D-10 or Dasamsa divisional chart
5) AmK planet – its dignity, placement, shadbala, aspects and strength in D1, D10 and D9
6) Saturn is Sthira karaka for job/ profession and its aspects/ dignity/ strength and placement etc.

Likewise when analyzing the spouse/ marriage, not only is it vital to look at 7th house and its lord but also the DK as
above and D9 divisional chart which signifies marriage

Generally AK and AmK should be strong and well placed for a good overall position in life and a good practice to always
check the AK and AmK planet strength in D9 always along with D1

Without going into too many technical details at this stage, I would recommend – “Mixed 7/8 planet chara karaka
scheme of Parasara” to be selected in the options of the software. There are many schemes, mostly based on a 7
planet or 8 planet scheme of chara karakas. Important is to note that Ketu is never any of the Chara Karakas, Rahu on
the other hand can be but only in cases when 2 or more of the other 7 planets happen to fall on the same longitude. It
will get very complex if I discuss this. As for now, please note that the 7/8 karaka scheme of Parasara is by far the most
accurate scheme based on my own researches over the years. This is also the default scheme in many softwares. But
some advanced softwares like JHora give an option to change it if one wishes to.

Yogas – Part I

Another immensely crucial topic which needs to be addressed before doing some case studies.

There is no possible way to ‘short cut’ through this topic, which is immensely wide as well as deep. There is, however, a
way to jump start the process for a learner, who can then graduate to advanced books on the same including 300
Important Combinations by Dr. B.V. Raman, which is a book i recommend for this topic.

Yoga, as mentioned earlier, is a combination of 2 or more planets which can have a positive or negative effect as per
the functional and generic nature of the planets involved. This is the essence of Vedic astrology and a topic which
takes years to master, but that said, some basics can be grasped quickly. Most detailed softwares will spit out the
various combinations present in a horoscope. However, keep in mind – a mere presence of a Yoga does not imply
actual manifestation of its positive or negative results, as might be, to a full extent. Other factors including strength
and dignity of planets involved in the Yoga, the closeness in terms of longitudes the planets are separated from each
other as well as the strength/ dignity of the owners of the rashi, nakshatra depositors of the involved planets will
dictate the intensity of a Yoga.

Another vital parameter to be considered is the closeness from the Bhaav Madhya as discussed before. The closer the
combination occurs to the middle of a bhaav, the stronger the effects in that particular bhaav and vice-versa

I hereby give some important Positive Yogas below in a very generic fashion for a beginner and hence focus on the
concept behind the Yoga and not perhaps the specific Yoga or its nomenclature, which will confuse learners in the field.

I) Raj Yogas – A wide class of Yogas which are positive by definition and aid in the financial and mental well being of
the individual in whose horoscope they form. They are are of many kinds.
a) However get into a habit of looking at the owners of the 1st, 5th and 9th houses. These form the Bhagya Trikona or
the Fortune triangle. The owners of the houses will always be friendly to each other and 2 or all 3 of them are
connected via conjunction or mutual aspect, they form a Raj Yoga or combination of good luck/ fortune. If this occurs in
the 1st, 5th or 9th house itself, it is even better. It is also great to form in a Kendra house -1st, 4th, 7th or 10th

b) Likewise a combination of a lord of 1/5/9 with a Kendra lord or 1/4/7/10 is also a Raj Yoga as long as the planets
involved are functional benefics for the ascendant. Keep in mind 1/5/9 are always functionally benefic. However the
lords of 4/7/10 can be positive, neutral or even negative in some cases. Refer to the functional nature of planets article
earlier.

II) Panch Mahapurush Yogas – or 5 great men (literal translation) These Yogas are formed when one of the 5 non
luminary planets – Mars, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter or Mercury are in their own sign or exalted sign while being in a Kendra
house (1/4/7/10 bhaav). This is a very good Yoga to have and the functional as well as generic nature of the planet
becomes enhanced to a large extent. Example when Venus is in Libra in 10th house for Capricorn, it forms ‘Malavya’
Yoga which will enhance the functional nature of Venus (rulership of 5th and 10th bhaav in this case) as well as give
wealth/ luxuries (general significations of venus) to the individual

III) Vipreet RajYogas – These are formed when 2 negative lords combine. Namely lords of 6th, 8th or 12th houses
(which are considered functionally negative) combine in any bhaav. This Yoga is more powerful if it occurs in a
dusthana house itself – i.e. 6th or 8th or 12th bhaav and does NOT involve lords of good places especially of 1,2,5 or
9th house. This combination typically portrays a -ve with -ve turning into very positive effect. When correctly formed,
such a yoga can give massive riches and a steep rise in a person’s career/ job/ social status.

IV) Parivartana Yogas – Parivartana means exchange. When two planets are placed in the other’s sign respectively,
they are swapped and will ‘work with each other’ or in tandem. They exchange each other’s properties and to some
extent, the planets behave functionally as if they are sitting in their own signs respectively.

Example for Leo rising, Mars is in Leo while Sun is in scorpio. This forms an exchange of the 1st and 5th lords

Again, like in Raj Yogas, remember that an exchange between 1 trikona lords is extremely auspicious. Meaning if 1/5/9
exchange with each other, a strong Raj Yoga results. Likewise a swap of a Kendra (1/4/7/10) ruler with a Trikona (1/5/9)
ruler or a Kendra lord with another Kendra lord are very positive as well.
However the exchange of a Kendra or Kona lord with a dusthana lord (6/8/12) is a negative Yoga and causes miseries.
Example for Aries rising, Mars is in Virgo (6th bhaav) and Mercury is in Aries so a Trikona (1st) lord exchanges with a
dusthana lord (6th)

V) Neecha Bhang RajYoga – Another category of potent Yoga is Neecha Bhanga Raj Yoga is Neecha Bhang Yoga
(NBY). This occurs if a debilitated planet sits in a kendra bhaav (1/4/7/10) and its depositor is either sitting in
conjunction with the planet or in a Kendra from it. It also occurs if the depositor is in exaltation as well as if an exalted
planet sits in the same sign as the debilitated planet while the debilitated planet sits in a Kendra bhaav (1/4/7/10)

Typically this is a potent strong Yoga and will give strong benefits related to the rulership of houses of the planet
involved, but only after some initial setbacks/ failures or delays.

Example is Capricorn rising with Mars in 7th house in Cancer conjunct with Moon in cancer. In this case Mars gets NBY
and will become a strong benefic as long as its strong in shadbal and has good aspects on it. Such a Mars will give
initial pressures in its dasas but ultimately cause great strides in the life of the individual, especially related to the
houses in rules – in this example 4th as well as 11th

VI) Mridanga – When exalted planets or planets in their own sign sit in a Trikona or Kendra Bhaav, they cause great
positive results related to the houses they rule and also their generic significations. Typically such planets elevate the
entire life/ status of an individual in their dasas if they are in good dignity as per the many scores of quantifying dignity
of a planet as discussed in other articles

VII) Dhan Yogas – When the rulers of 2nd, 5th, 9th and 11th bhaavs combine with good dignity, they cause a Yoga
which gives wealth. If the combination occurs in 2/5/9/11 or any Kendra house (1/4/7/10) then this Yoga is stronger (as
opposed to occuring in 3,6,8,12 bhaavs). The logic is that the 2/5/9/11 bhaavs rule over wealth in one way or the other
and hence when 2 or more such lords combine, a combination for wealth creation is made.

Typically good to have the ascendant lord also in this mix for this Yoga to be stronger.

Another strong Dhan Yoga occurs when the 5th lord is in 5th and 11th lord in 11th, hence aspecting each other fully in
great dignity. Even when 5-11 lords exchange, the same occurs as long as the planets are in good dignity.

VIII) Laxmi Yoga – When the lord of 9th house is exalted in a Kendra house or is sitting in its own house in great
dignity, Laxmi Yoga results which blesses the native with great fortune, wealth and intelligence as these are the
significations of the 9th house of destiny/ fortune and crystallized intelligence/ higher education

IX) Jamini Yogas – These are of many types. However a good practice is to look at the placement and dignity of
Atmakaraka (AK), Amatyakaraka (AmK). When these 2 lords combine, especially in a Trikona or Kendra house, a
RajYoga results

The above are some of the very important positive combinations. Hundreds of other kinds exist and are important to
know. However the above are absolutely crucial to know well for any astrologer. In part II of this article, I will cover
some more positive as well as negative yogas to watch out for. Beyond that, the beginner is set with all necessary tools
to start looking at horoscopes and we will look at some case studies of well known figures.

Yogas – Part II

In continuation for Yogas Part I, below are some more positive as well as negative Yogas-

X) Kahala Parivartana – A kind of Parivartana (exchange) Yoga where a non-dusthana bhav lord (dusthana is 6,8 and
12) interchanges signs with the lord of the 3rd house. This Yoga brings out fluctuations in destiny and success of an
individual and rise and falls fluctuate in life. The 3rd house represents self effort and will power, but is a partial
dusthana house as well. So as an example when the lord of 10th and 3rd interchange, either the profession/ career of
the native will see many ups and downs OR the person will have to make a lot of effort with minimal success in the
beginning and true rewards for the efforts will come much later in life.

XI) Dainya Parivartana – A kind of Parivartana yoga where a non dusthana lord exchanges signs with a dusthana lord.
Example lord of 5th house interchanges signs with the lord of the 6th house. This is a negative Yoga and the
manifestation is typically struggles and problems related to the 2 houses involved.
XII) Kartari Yogas – Kartari = scissors. These can be both Negative and Positive depending on the involved planets. For
these Yogas, consider ONLY the Generic nature of planets and not the Functional nature. Meaning for this analysis
Jupiter, Venus are always positive. Mercury and Moon are positive when bright and sitting with benefics. Saturn, Rahu,
Ketu, Mars and Sun are always Negative.

When a particular house is surrounded by malefics on both sides, Paap Kartari Yoga is formed (Paap = sin) and is a
negative Yoga which will damage and delay the significations of the affected house.

Inversely when a given bhaav is surrounded by 2 benefics, a Shubha Kartaari Yoga is formed. This enhances and
amplifies the positive significations of the involved house and helps the bhaav prosper and flourish without many
problems.

Example Sun in 6th, saturn in 7th and Rahu in 8th bhaav. In this example the 7th bhaav is battered because it has a
natural malefic saturn and is also surrounded on both sides (6th and 8th bhaav respectively) by natural malefics. This
forms a Paap Kartari Yoga. This will damage the marital prospects of the individual, even though the final outcome will
depend on the strength of the 7th bhaav along with its lord.

XIII) Daridra Yogas – Daridra = poverty. This is not to be taken literally everytime this Yoga forms in a horoscope.
However this yoga generally indicates struggles in the field of finances for the individual. It forms when ascendant is
occupied and aspected ONLY by Natural malefics (not functional malefics) and the exception is that the natural
malefics should NOT rule either the 9th bhaav or the 10th bhaav. If they do, the negative Yoga does not occur.

Example – Leo rising with Lagna having saturn and Ketu and Jupiter, mercury and venus do not aspect the ascendant.
Daridra Yoga occurs. In case Leo has only Sun and Mars (even though both natural malefics) daridra Yoga is Not
formed as in this case the ascendant has the 9th lord in it as well as the ascendant lord itself. This infact is a strong
RajYoga.

XIV) Kemadruma Yoga – This occurs when there is no planet on either side of Moon as well as in conjunction with the
moon (Rahu and Ketu do not count). Further Moon should not be in Kendra (1,4,7,10). It is a negative Yoga.

Moon is the mind and is impressionable and emotional by nature. If no planet is near Moon and Moon is also not in a
Kendra bhaav, it will feel lonely and confused. Typically such individuals are socially shy and/ or awkward and can be
introverts or misfits in general life. They feel lonely even when in company of others as they constantly feel they are
not understood by others.

I feel if the above conditions are met, Kemadruma Yoga occurs to some extent. However a 100% kemadruma Yoga
occurs only when the above conditions are met and also no planet sits in kendra bhaav from the ascendant as well.

Either ways, usually in the 2nd half of life, such individuals improve their depressive/ lonely tendencies and they
become more (relative to before) social and ‘normal’.

XV) Shraapit Yoga – Shraapit = cursed. This Yoga occurs when Saturn and Rahu reside in the same sign in a horoscope.
Further if they are also in the same Nakshatra, then it will be even stronger in manifestation. If they are more than 15
degrees apart, the Yoga is formed only mildly.

Typically the actions of the individual (saturn) can be shady or hidden (rahu) and the destiny of the person can be very
delayed in manifestation in life. Such individuals might have to struggle quiet a bit for minimal reward of their efforts.

However, for Venus ruled ascendants or Saturn ruled ascendants, Rahu and Saturn become functional benefics and
hence the Yoga does not cause too much damage. Also if this occurs in the 3rd house or 11th house, the Yoga can give
much material success to the individual in addition to some blockages in progress. It is the worst to be formed in the
8th, 12th, 1st or 2nd house of a horoscope. Dignity of saturn and rahu and aspects on the combination are vital to be
considered before giving blanket predictions of disaster related to the bhaav where both these planets are situated
together

XVI) Gaj-Kesari Yoga – This yoga is a positive one. It is formed when Moon and Jupiter are in Angles to each other. This
implies when Moon and Jupiter are in positions which are 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th from each other in the horoscope. In this
case the individual gets strength to moon (mind) and Jupiter (luck and growth) and is lucky and successful due to good
judgement and emotional status. The person might be spiritually inclined and be lucky to have blessings from some
mentor/ guru in life. However the dignity of moon and jupiter is vital to be seen as well as the functional nature of
moon and jupiter in the horoscope as per the ascendant.
XVII) Guru- Mangal Yoga – When mars and Jupiter either conjunct or are in opposition to each other (1st or 7th from
each other) and both have good dignity in the horoscope, the actions of the individual are energetic and righteous
more often than not. This is as Mars represents actions/ energy and Jupiter is righteous and expansive by nature

XVIII) Visha Yoga – Visha = poison. When Saturn is deep conjunct with Moon in the basic horoscope, this negative yoga
is formed. Such a person has a tendency to depression as well as psychological issues in life, especially if moon is low
in dignity/ shadbal. They seem to be very serious in nature and will easily get upset and sad over trivial issues.
However if both planets are in good dignity, then the person can get mass fame as well. This is because saturn
represents the masses (general people) and Moon represents fame

XIX) Angaarak Yoga – When Mars and Rahu conjunct in a horoscope, the person is prone to anger and violence. Such
individuals can have a big ego or anger issues and can go off the handle in a second. They can be normal one minute
and violent the next. Typically this will affect the bhaav such a yoga is placed in very negatively. However the damage
is much lower in the 3rd or 11th bhaavs where such a combination can give great material benefits to the person. On
the positive side, if the planets are in good dignity, such a person has a never ending fighting spirit and can do
wonders as sportsmen, army or police personnel or fields where great courage and activity is required

XX) Chandra Mangal Yoga – When Moon and Mars are in conjunction or opposition, this Yoga is formed. By itself it is a
positive yoga which gives a sharp mind and powers of concentration to the person. It makes the person logical and
‘street wise’ which in turn gives them a good ability to make money. However if the planets involved are low in dignity
and/ or afflicted, the person will have anger issues along with blood disorders as well as bad relations with one’s
mother

I will discuss more positive and negative yogas in part III. The idea is not to cover the entire list of 1000s of yogas. But
to give a good taste for the few important ones which will get a student’s mind thinking about Yogas in the right
direction

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Yogas – Part III

Part three for the Yoga Primer-

XXI) Yogada & Maha Yogada – These are based on Jamini principles. Please refer to rashi drishti concept articles if
you are not aware of how Rashi drishtis work (example a planet in a dual sign will aspect all the other dual signs via the
Rashi aspect). Also remember that among special Lagnas, HL = Hora Lagna (indicates wealth) and GL = Ghati Lagna
indicates power and authority.

Now if a planet aspects both the Lagna and the HL, then its a Yogada Yoga giving Wealth and prosperity
If the planet aspects both the Lagna and the GL, then the forming Yogada yoga gives Power & authority

Likewise if a planet aspects all 3 – Lagna, HL and GL then a Maha Yogada yoga is formed which gives power, wealth
and authority to the native
These yogas get activated during the dasas of the planet which is involved in forming the Yogada or Maha Yogada
yogas

XXII) Naabhasa Yogas – These Yogas are very broad/ generic in nature. I do not pay much heed to them. These are
formed when the 7 planets (except Rahu/ Ketu) are placed in x number of signs. x can range from 1 to 7. Depending on
‘x’ a specific yoga is formed which can be positive or negative. Example when x =1, Gola yoga is formed which is
negative. When x = 4, Kedaara yoga is formed which is positive. It is important to know that Naabhasa yogas do exist,
although I do not give them much importance as they are very broad Yogas and will not act independently. Hence I do
not discuss these in detail here

XXIII) Kaal- Sarp Yoga– When all the 7 planets excluding the nodes are situated on one side of the Rahu- Ketu axis,
Kaal Sarp yoga is formed. Please refer to the article on Kaal-Sarp Yoga in the advanced Topics section which details
this yoga in depth. Generally, this is deemed as a negative formation

XIV) Amala Yoga – When only natural (not functional) benefics occupy the 10th house from the Lagna or Moon, this
yoga is formed. It makes the person virtuous in his actions in day to day life for which he will earn a good reputation in
society. Example Capricorn Lagna and only Venus sits in the 10th house of Libra sign, Amala Yoga is formed, in this
case a strong one as Venus is in Mooltrikona sign and if non combust and direct in motion, will be strongly placed

XV) Kalpdruma/ Parijata – This is a highly strong and potent Yoga which generally elevates the entire horoscope and
hence the potency of other positive Yogas in the horoscope to a large extent. This Yoga is based on the dipositor
principle. As mentioned before, a planet gains strength when its sign and/ or Navamsa depositor is in high dignity
(example own house or exalted).

Parijata Yoga is formed when the Lagna lord, its depositor and the Rashi and Navamsa depositors of the depositor of
Lagna lord are all situated in a Kendra (1,4,7,10) or Kona (1,5,9) and are in high dignity – i.e. exalted or own house and
not combust (bright).

This Yoga increases the vitality of the entire horoscope and the other positive yogas in the horoscope will manifest
more intensely due to this Yoga being present in a horoscope

XVI) Shubha Yoga – A Kartaari yoga as has been discussed before. This is positive. It forms when the 12th house and
2nd house deposit generically benefic planets (Jupiter, venus, mercury and Moon). This gives strength to the Lagna (as
it is helmed between 2 benefics) and if the lagna also has a benefic, this is even stronger

XVII) Ashubha Yoga – A Paap Kartaari yoga (negative) where the 12th and 2nd house deposit generically malefic
planets (Saturn, rahu, ketu, mars, Sun). Since Lagna is now helmed between malefics, the power and auspiciousness of
the 1st house is greatly reduced

XVIII) Pravrajya Yoga – When 4 or more planets are situated in the same sign, especially if in a Kendra or Kona house,
this Yoga forms. The more the number of planets, the stronger the Yoga. This indicates too much energy in one aspect/
area of life and hence a mismatch of energies in a particular aspect of life for the individual. Such people will come
across as having intense personalities and over a long period of time, they tend to become detached towards the
materialistic pursuits of life. Keep in mind that detachment does not equate to sainthood always. Even a person going
through the daily grind can have a tendency to be detached to his daily work. This yoga is especially pronounced if it
occurs in the 10th bhaav as 10th bhaav represents our career/ job/ social status and Karma (actions)

XXIX) Tapaswi Yoga – Tapaswi means a Saint. When Saturn, Ketu and Venus are either conjunct (same sign) or in
exact trines to each other (same nakshatra) then this Yoga occurs. Saturn is a detaching planet by nature. Ketu
represents Moksha or renunciation and detachment from all materialistic pursuits of life. Venus on the other hand
represents the pleasures and attachments of life including romance, marriage, wine/ dine, luxuries, vehicles, etc. When
Venus is conjunct or affected by the austere planets Saturn and Ketu, the person will not be attached to materialistic
pursuits in life. They will either not have too much materialistic possessions, or even if they do, they will not be
attached to money/ materialism too much. They generally tend to like dedicated, altruistic and austere pursuits in life

XXX) Vasumati Yoga – This is a positive and wealth giving yoga. Upaachya bhaavs are – 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th.
These bhaavs improve with age and time as life progresses. When a lot of generic benefics (Jupiter, venus, mercury
and Moon) are placed in Upaachya bhaavs, this Yoga occurs. Thus if all 4 of the generic benefics are placed strongly in
the 3rd, 6th, 10th or 11th bhaav of a horoscope, a potent Vasumati Yoga is formed which gives wealth and status to
the native

So we have covered 30 kinds of important Yogas (both good and bad). As I mentioned before, there are thousands of
permutations and combination possible of the planets and hence as many Yogas in theory. This list of 30, is hence, far
from comprehensive. The reader is advised to read 300 important combinations by Dr. B.V.Raman for an indepth dive
into Yoga formation.

That said, the last 3 articles serve to enlighten the reader with some very important Yogas which the reader should
familiarize themselves with for a good reading of a horoscope in addition to the other chapter in this “Lessons” series.

Some important Special Lagnas

An important topic in addition to the topics I have covered for a student of astrology is – Special Lagnas or Vishesika
lagnas

As you know by now that Udaya lagna (rising sign) along with Moon lagna and sun lagna & Arudha lagna are always
important for a comprehensive analysis of a horoscope, Parasara delineated some “Special” lagnas (Vishesika) lagnas
that should be seen in order to analyze particular aspects of life like power/ name & fame or Wealth/ affluence in a
native’s horoscope.
The mathematical analysis of deriving these lagnas is an advanced topic and not the point of discussion in this article.
This article is designed for a beginner to make aware of these lagnas and not to overlook them while analyzing the
horoscope holistically. For now rely on your software’s ability to correctly calculate these lagnas and know that these
lagnas are very sensitive to time of birth, which should hence be known as accurately as possible to rely on this
analysis.

Basic methodology remains the same – Treat the special lagna sign as the lagna and analyze all the
planets and Yogas from there, very much like you would analyze from the rising sign (ascendant)

I) Hora Lagna (HL)

Shows up as HL in the JHora software. This lagna is to be utilized to analyze the financial status or well being of the
individual. Treat the sign in which HL is placed as the lagna and analyze the horoscope from it. Important is to see the
strength of the HL sign lord and placement as well as aspects on that lord and the sign. Also look at the 2nd house and
11th house from the HL sign and their lords as well as their placement. The stronger the better. When HL lord is
exalted and well placed, especially in a non dusthana (6,8,12) position from the HL sign, it bodes very well for the
financial status of the individual.

Dont forget, however, that this analysis is in addition to guaging the strength of 2nd lord from lagna and Arudha lagna
as well and not independent of it. Example is the chart of Warren Buffet below (Click to expand view)

Note HL in Gemini at about 12 degrees. Firstly HL sits in a Kendra sign and deposits Jupiter as well as Mars which are
functional benefics for the Saggitarius ascendant.

Most importantly Mercury as the ruler of gemini is exalted in Virgo. Mercury is in 10th from lagna and 4th from HL (both
kendra positions) and causing a strong Bhadra mahapurush yoga. It is also placed with its friend venus. Hence HL lord
is exceptionally strong and placed centrally.

2) Ghati Lagna (GL)

Shows up as GL in the JHora software. This lagna is to be seen for analyzing the power and authority of an individual.
Indirectly that can also refer to the status of individual in society as well as his/ her rise in career.

Look in the Warren Buffet horoscope again. GL falls in Virgo! Needless to explain in detail as we just discussed the
position of Mercury which is very strong. So both GL and HL fall in Mercury signs, the rule of which is deeply exalted
and strongly placed in Kendra. Further note that GL falls in the 10th house itself. Which is by default the sign of
professional success and power in a horoscope. This triply reinforces the analysis of Mercury as lord of 10th in 10th
being great.

Hence for an astrologer looking at Mercury placed exalted in 10th causing a mahapurush yoga and hence good rise in
life, noticing that GL coincides with 10th house should strengthen his belief in his prediction of a great career and
social status of an individual

Lets take another example of Bill Gates. See the horoscope below-
HL is in Capricorn. Ruler of Capricorn co-rules the 2nd house from HL and is saturn. Saturn is exalted deeply in Libra
and in the 10th house (kendra) from HL causing Sasa yoga (mahapurush) from HL lagna. Not just that, saturn is deeply
conjunct its best friend Venus which is also in its Mooltrikona sign and hence very strong itself. Considering HL as
Capricorn, this is a double whammy in positivity. It causes Malavya mahapurush yoga as well as Sasa yoga and a
conjunction of 2 deep friends both of which have great dignity.

Now look from Arudha lagna (AL) which is the image to the world. AL is virgo with mercury exalted in the lagna itself
causing bhadra mahapurush yoga. 2nd to Virgo for wealth is Libra sign in which saturn is exalted and venus in own
sign. This corroborates the reading from HL

Now look at GL or Ghati lagna power/ fame/ authority. In this case GL lies at 28 degrees in Libra. The lord of Libra is
Venus in own sign at around 28 degrees! not just that, it is joined by an exalted best friend Saturn at similar degrees!
This shows tremendous name fame and rise in career. Dont forget when you look at the horoscope treating Libra as
lagna, saturn becomes Yoga karaka as it rules 4th and 5th signs and hence a great functional benefic. When such a
benefic is deeply exalted with its best friend Venus in its own house, this is a tremendous and powerful Raj Yoga of
success.

3) Indu Lagna (IL)

To be utilized exactly like HL explained in #1 above. It is used to see the financial well being of an individual. Note that
Planets placed in Kendra or Kona position from IL give good wealth in their dasas whereas planets in 3,6,8,12th from IL
will cause financial problems to an individual

Kota Chakra

Following up on my Analyzing Basics – Transits (II) another tool I frequently use is the Kotachakra.

I think it is a Gem of a tool which is inherently unknown or underutilized by the average skilled astrologer. This concept
heavily utilizes transit through nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) which lies at the epicenter of traditional Jyotish vidya.

This tool is to be used Complementary to the Transit analysis (I) & (II) and not standalone, atleast not in the beginning.
It can be used to accurately foretell Warning periods (as per transits) when the native is likely to undergo misfortunes/
miseries. Due to the inherent malefic nature of planets Saturn, Rahu & Ketu and their slow movement through the
zodiac, I utilize this more frequently for Saturn, Rahu & Ketu Mada dashas (MDs) and Antar dashas (ADs)

the concept can be summarized by considering the horoscope as a Fort (Kota) and comprised of 28 nakshatras. The
advanced user should be aware that in addition to the regular 27, Abhijit nakshatra (between Sravana & Uttar Ashada)
is considered to signify ‘Victory’ and has its ruling deity as Brhama himself. Kota Chakra will include this Nakshatra –
partly for mathematical completion of 7 ‘arms’ of 4 Nakshatras each

The Chakra is comprised of 4 concentric rectangular shapes that comprise of –

1) Stambha Pillar (Heart or inner wall)

2) Durgantara Pillar (Inner wall)

3) Prakaara Pillar (outer wall)

4) Bahya Pillar (Exterior)

the Natal lord of the Moon sign becomes the Lord of the Fort or Kota Swami & the Natal Moon Nakshatra lord becomes
the Fort Guard

Kotachakra (From JHora tool with illustrations of Exit & Entry routes towards the Stambha)

Basic idea is that the 4 nakshatras inside the Stambha form the Heart or epicenter of the individual and Malefics,
especially Rahu/ Ketu & Saturn transiting in it cause misery and problems (especially when these planets are in inimical
signs or debilitated in transit). Likewise the transit of Jupiter or Venus in the Stambha gives good luck and protection
against various evils.

As a normal planet moves from one Nakshatra to another the Entry and Exit routes into the Stambha are shown as an
example below. In general it is good to have benefics like Jupiter, Venus and Mercury transiting the interior 2 zones –
Stambha and Durgantra & the malefics in the exterior 2 zones. When a malefic is on the Exit route, it is good as it
intends to move away and a malefic in the Entry route is negative as it signifies the problem heading towards the
central region.

During transits when all 3 – Saturn, Rahu and Ketu enter the Stambha and Jupiter is not in the interior 2 zones or is on
an exit route, grave problems or long term negative events will precipitate. The strength of the transiting planet has to
be kept in mind while predicting.

Also important to note that for a retrograde planet, the routes reverse as they are moving in the opposite direction.
Hence for Rahu/ Ketu, the Entry is always the exit route and vice-versa.
The faster moving planets are also to be considered, but since they move fast their effects both positive and negative
don’t usually bring serious consequences unless the slower negative planets are also aligning negatively and Jupiter/
Venus are not offering much support.

This tool is always to be used in tandem with the dasas and usual transit monitoring and not independently. however
this can help pinpoint highly negative periods when planets will create potential vulnerable periods of negativity in an
individual’s life.

Exmple for the horo of a native born on sep 18, 1981 at 1612 hrs, chandigarh, India and running Rahu MD, the present
transit (as of 4/21/2015) looks like the following-

(notice how Rahu and Ketu are in the Stambha and have entered the Stambha via an entry route. In terms of Rahu, this
route has been – Vishaka, Swait, Chitra and now in Hast tara in Virgo)-

Saturn Dasha – Generic Effects

Since Saturn is one of the most dreaded Dashas, I chose to compile a few generic factors to look out for. Keep in mind
this has to be used Liberally and NOT Literally. Other planets, strengths, aspects, divisionals etc have to be kept in
mind before coming to any conclusion regarding Saturn or for that matter any other planet. Still the points below can
be used as good yardsticks for a generic analysis of Saturn-

1) Saturn mahadasha or even antar to some extent operating before age 36 usually gives struggles and blockages
even when Saturn is placed well and a functional benefic (ruling good houses)

2) Saturn dasha as the 6th dasha (all born in dasha of sun) is generally very strong and can elevate a person to great
heights if Saturn is strong in horoscope

3) Saturn dasha as 4th dasha gives more trouble than normal even when Saturn is well placed
4) Saturn MD if operating after age 56 will have a very high predisposition to KILL before it ends. Only those will very
good karma in life escape it alive in general. More the person has SINNED in his/ her life, more the physical/ mental
agony in Saturn MD after 56

5) Saturn when conjunct with Mars or Rahu within 8 degrees in D1 will give bad results almost through out in its dashas

6) Saturn in 12th house, especially in a separative sign (Aries, Leo and Saggi – fire signs) will give very bad results and
ensure a big downfall in life. Can even be a scandal, bankruptcy or defamation/ court case/ jail

7) Saturn is worst in 1, 4, 8 and 12 (except in exaltation, own signs)

8 ) Saturn gives mischievous results (both good and bad) in mercury signs of gemini and virgo

9) Best placements are 3,6 and 11 of course as upachyaas…in 10th can be tricky…can give a delay in career…if
afflicted can destroy career and image…if exalted/ own house and well aspected can lift a person to dizzy heights even
if functional malefic…example Leo rising…saturn is malefic owning 6 and 7…but if saturn is placed in 10th house of
taurus (friendly sign) with venus and jupiter, it can give tremendous rise in professional life especially banking industry
in this particular example

10) 9th placement is good if in a good sign and aspected by Jupiter or conjunct Jupiter and/ or Venus or Mercury

11) Saturn when at exact ascendant degree will give life long chronic health issues…severe if Saturn is in inimical
camp and mild if own house/ exalted/ friendly sign

12) Even though sadhe satti is stressful to all (especially when Saturn is plus or minus 5 degrees from moon)…see what
houses Saturn owns from moon and lagna…these houses will be activated during sadhe satti….so example for
Taurus…9th and 10th will be activated…meaning job changes/ higher education and or travel related changes…but not
without Hard work and initial struggle and effort

13) When Saturn is retro and sun almost exact 180 degrees opposite of Saturn, Saturn typically gives good results in
its MD

14) However if Saturn – sun exact opposition is in the 1-7 axis, marriage is almost certainly denied or extremely
delayed (>42 yrs of age)

15) Saturn feels agitated in the signs of Aries, Cancer, Leo & Scorpio and tends to give more delay and struggle in
these signs

16) Saturn conjunct Ketu (especially same nakshatra) is highly negative for career of a person and unless aspected by
a strong Jupiter or Venus, such a combination will bring tremendous hardships in the career of an individual. If Mars
joins the mix, career will be a drag completely and the person has to toil a lot for minor returns and has a challenging
environment at work at all times.

17) If both lagna & Moon sign are in Venusian signs of Taurus or Libra, Saturn achieves a high order benefic status and
will usually give rise in its dashas, albeit after some initial setbacks/ delays and hard work

18) Saturn conjunct Sun is not very bad unless within 8 degrees (causing combustion). Typically such people take duty
seriously and have a disciplined nature. Saturn is highly negative when closely conjunct with Mars, Rahu or Ketu in the
horoscope.

19) Saturn close conjunct with Moon is not good and will tend to give depression and loneliness to the person at most
times. Such people carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, so to speak and are usually seen with a serious
expression almost always. However when both planets are strong (Moon and Saturn) and if both are related to the 4th
house along with an aspect of Jupiter, the person can be a darling of the masses and achieve mass fame. (4th house
related to the masses and popularity and Saturn is Karaka for the masses. Moon is the Karaka for fame and image of a
person)

Rahu Dasha – Generic Effects

Continuing from the Saturn MD generic rules, I hereby contribute the same for Rahu (As Rahu dasha is perhaps the 2nd
most dreaded dasha after Saturn)

(Disclaimer – these are all from my own experiences of thousands of horoscopes and hence just my opinion. Also use
these Liberally & Not Literally in a horoscope)

1) Rahu being the generic agent of change, generally its dasha will bring changes, movement, travel and rapid
changes of circumstances

2) Rahu in movable signs – Aries, cancer, libra and capricorn will bring more changes than other signs, likewise rahu in
1,4,7, and 10th bhavs will give more changes

3) Rahu is strong in Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, Libra & Aquarius. In all others it gives weak and relatively negative
results unless conjoined by a functional benefic in the horoscope

4) From my personal observations, rahu rules Aquarius and Virgo. Hence it acts as a yogakaraka for Taurus, Gemini
signs

5) Rahu is not good in Jupiter’s sign but tends to give good results in Jupiter’s taras (nakshatras)

6) If Rahu is with a planet in the same nakshatra and the other planet is a strong benefic….rahu gives excellent results
in its dasha
whereas the other planet is UNABLE to express itself fully in its own dasha (even though the other one still remains
good)

7) Best axis for rahu- ketu is rahu in 6th and ketu in 12th

8 ) 2nd best is rahu in 3rd and ketu in 9th

9) Rahu gives meddlesome results in the 8th and 12th house which can be drastic if afflicted by malefics and
debilitated (scorpio and saggitarius)

10) I consider both taurus and gemini as exaltation for rahu and cancer as Mooltrikona and virgo as own house

11) As a side note…Mercury sitting in rahu Nakshatra can become extremely unpredictable in its own dasha and if bad
aspected be very bad in
results especially if mercury is retrograde

12) Rahu although a friend of shani does not tend to give good results in capricorn where it feels contrained and
becomes too much “saturnine” in its effects

13) Rahu and Saturn in the same house is NOT good. Even in 11th it can give gains but problems with elder siblings
and friends. The Infamous “Shraapit” Yoga can be terrible if there are no benefic aspects and the conjunction is within
5 degrees. If the rashi depositor is weak, it can be threatening

14) Rahu and Saturn in 8th can cause Multiple sclerosis and paralysis. In 12th causes hospitalization/ incarceration for
a long time if not aspected well. However if Saturn is a functional benefic, results are not that bad

15) Rahu tends to give better results after age 42

16) The nakshatra lord of Rahu is perhaps more important (functionality, Shadbala and placement) than even rashi lord
of Rahu

17) Rahu when in Saturn’s nakshatra and Saturn is functional benefic will give good results ONLY AFTER a lot of hard
work and struggle

18) Aries, Cancer, Scorpio, Saggi & Capricorn placed Rahu – expect better results in 2nd half of dasha, others first half.
Pisces relatively same (depending on antardasha and transits)
19) Even though best transits of Rahu are 3,6 and 11. It gives good results in ALL Kaam trikona (3, 7 & 11) and Artha
trikona bhaavas (2, 6 & 10)and bad in moksha trikona and bhagya trikona bhavas

20) Rahu when transiting 9th from itself is BAD (marana karaka sthana for Rahu)

21) Rahu Mahadasha of 18 yrs will tend to fluctuate from Good to Bad to Good with an approximate cycle of 37 months
(2 signs of Rahu)

22) In terms of material achievement and experience, Rahu MD can be perhaps one of the most intense and powerful
among all 9 planets and can give materialistic rise like no other planet.

Bhaav Aspects – A complete Picture

Aspects of planets form an integral and highly important part of Jyotish. The reader would be aware of the 1st and
7th aspects of the planets and the special ‘full’ aspects of Mars on 4th, 8th houses, Saturn on 3rd and 10th houses and
Jupiter on 5th and 9th houses.

I consider Rahu & Ketu to have a 5th and 9th aspect but ONLY on the trinal Nakshatra in which they reside in and not
the entire sign, however, it is to be noted that this is disputed and some astrologers do not consider the aspects of
nodes at all. The reader can make their own judgement, in my experience, they aspect the houses 5th and 9th to them
but mostly in the depositing nakshatra of that bhaav only. Some astrologers, inclusive of JHora’s author, treat Ketu as
Mars and hence aspects of Ketu as 4th and 8th to its position as well.

However in addition to this are partial aspects which are also to be seen. Partial aspects consist of each planet
aspecting the sign 4th and 8th to it with a ¾ of an aspect and a sign 10th from it with a 1/4th aspect. Further, each
planet aspects the 5th and 9th signs from it with a ½ aspect (Except Jupiter which aspects these signs with a 100%
aspect). Lastly each planet aspects a sign 3rd from it by a 1/3rd aspect except Saturn which of course aspects the sign
3rd from it with a 100% aspect.

Two other things are to be kept in mind-

The degree of the planets and the Bhaav Madhya of each house is important as the aspects are full on the exact
degree and get more diffuse with each passing degree from that point

When analyzing the effects of a planet on a sign, the COMPOUND relation of the planet with the owner of the sign has
to be noted. Compound relation is the combination of permanent and temporary friendships and has already been
discussed in detail in the ‘Dignity of Planets’ article

Finally for each bhaav, I advise adding up the Positive, Neutral and Negative aspects (again this is from compound
relationship plus taking into consideration the functional nature of the planet with the lagna lord). This can be
calculated and tabulated as the example below.

Note- you can right click over a chart (D1 in this case) and select “Aspect Table with Relationships”. However don’t
forget to put a 100 in a manual table you make for a planet that is in a bhaav. Technically when a planet is in a bhaav,
its effect on that bhaav is ‘Full’ but by default most softwares only look at aspects and hence tend to ignore the planet
actually placed in the bhaav in their calculation.

Few important noteworthy points-

This is a highly useful tool giving a quick breakup of the kind of aspects each bhaav has in a horoscope

Horoscope should also be checked from the Moon and Arudha Lagna (AL) for a complete analysis

The more aspects a Bhaav has, the more prominent its results in an individual’s life

Bhaavs that have low aspects (both negative and positive) will tend to not manifest much in the individual’s lifetime
The more the positive and Neutral aspect on a bhaav, more easily will its results manifest

If the Negative aspects are much higher in proportion, it indicates a damage to the given bhaav and its significations
and at the very minimum lots of delays/ obstacles/ problems with that bhaav

In addition to looking at the aspects as described above, look at the dignity, shadbala and placement of the owner of
the bhaav. Even if the bhaav has negative aspects, but the owner is strong and well situated, the native will overcome
the deficiencies of the bhaav with time. If the owner in such a situation is weak and low dignity as well, complete
destruction of the bhaav and its significations is highly likely which will be triggered by transit of Saturn over the bhaav
or its owner and/ or dasa of the owner/ planets in the bhaav

Malefic aspects on 3rd and 11th bhaavs are not very negative as these are Upaachya bhaavs (improve over time) and
since malefics aspects on these bhaavs can still give courage and income respectively. However it can be negative for
youngers and elder siblings of the native if too much negative aspectual strength falls on the 3rd or the 11th bhaavs.

Example for the horo (Sep 18, 1981 @ 1612 HRS in Chandigarh, India)-
In this case it is noted that 6th and 8th bhaavs have low overall aspects (<300) and so will manifest to a limited extent
in this native’s life. Also note how the 3rd bhaav has a low positive aspect and a relatively higher negative and neutral
aspect. This will ensure courage/ effort in the individual but deny younger siblings to the native (and if younger siblings
are there, they will have major personal or professionals issues in life to contend with)

A Note on Divisional Charts

Since I assume the audience here (in this series of articles) is intermediate to advanced in their knowledge of
astrology, I will take the liberty of not explaining basic terminologies or assumptions which form an integral part of
such writings. I wish to discuss a few topics I am asked about very frequently-

(I) Planets in Navamsa affect you later in life?

D9 or Navamsa on a physical manifestation represents the spouse/ marriage and the dignity of planets and hence is to
be consulted for marital matters along with its status as one of the most important of all divisionals.

The reason for this high importance of D9 is the fact that it is akin to the fruit if D1 or rasi chart is the tree. Navamsa
signifies the real dignity of a planet as it represents the dignity of the learnings the planet gives via its dasa or early in
the early part of life.

In a spiritual context it is the crystallized thought process one develops after learnings and experiences in life and thus
the concept of it triggering later in life or later in a dasa

This is the logic that goes behind a planet strong in Navamsa giving better results later in life or later in the course of
its dasa as the Navamsa will depict your internal/ soul’s learning from what the planet offered in its dasa

Another point to keep in mind is that the concept of exaltation and debilitation holds more value in D1 than any other
harmonic including navamsa. Exaltation comes in particular sign nakshatra and degree for each planet due to deeply
specific reasons as per sage parasara. But keep in mind as an example moon is exalted in the second pad of krittika
which is the first navamsa of taurus. In the second navamsa of taurus moon becomes mooltrikona. BUT..in Navamsa or
dasamsa or any other divisional 2nd pad of krittika does NOT fall after first in Krittika etc. In other words the ‘lengths’
are immaterial in the harmonics

Hence in any divisonal, even though the software will spit out a degree in that divisonal the planet has, it is
insignificant as exaltation is defined for D1 as the nakshatras dont exist in divisonals as they become mathematical
points. So a deeply exalted Moon in 2nd Pad of Krittika, will not give bad results later in life or later in its dasa!

So what does it mean? A planet in its own ‘shade’ i.e. own rashi or mooltrikona rashi is stronger than an exalted planet
in a divisonal like navamsa or any other divisional. Hence Jupiter is preferable to have in Saggi or Pisces in any
divisional as opposed to Cancer as far as shadbala or manifestation of results is concerned.

(II) Is Saturn better to be in Capricorn/ Aquarius as opposed to Libra in Navamsa?

Aquairus is best followed by Capricorn and then Libra. Also a Virgottam planet is strong too (unless the virgottam is
happeing in an inimical sign for the planet) Hence Virgottam in Aries will not be good as Saturn is debilitated and
agitated in Aries as it considers Mars as a mortal enemy

mathematically the saptvarga component of shadbala contributes about 60-65% of entire shadbala potential for a
planet. Saptvarga as you know is one of the components of Sthana Bala for a planet.

From an understanding perspective a planet in own sign in a divisonal is precipitating that energy deeply as its
signifying it’s own energy. As an example, in a divisional sun in aries is precipitating the energy of mars much of which
is not really sun’s agenda. However it is still good as Sun considers Mars to be a great friend, but Sun is best placed in
Leo in terms of any divisional (from a mathematical perspective of strength as well)

(III) Are Yogas to be considered in Divisional Charts?

This is highly controversial among Vedic astrologers. In my humble experience and knowledge, the answer is NO!
Divisionals are not independent charts by themselves. They provide deep rooted and specific information in particular
areas of life but have to be seen in context of the D1 chart and not independently read for Yogas etc. That does not
mean one should not observe the interactions of planets in divisionals as they all have a meaning, but a Gajakesari
Yoga in a divisional is irrelevant in the absolute context as the yoga is not physically occurring. Physical manifestation
of planets is happening ONLY in the D1 chart and hence Yogas in the divisionals are mathematical formulations and not
‘Live events’ actually influencing the person in the physical manifestion of day to day life.

I advocate the Rashi Tulya Navamsa methodology. As an example in Navamsa if Jupiter is placed in cancer and in Rasi
chart it is placed in Virgo as the 9th house, then Jupiter is also affecting the 7th house of the chart as Cancer will be the
7th bhaav in the lagna chart. hence the significations of Jupiter in 9th in D1 will manifest or ‘Ripen’ through 7th bhaav
significations which can include spouse/ partnerships or foreign lands (all 7th features)

Another important point to note is that if a planet is Virgottam in any divisional, it will tend to give the effects of that
Chart significations very strongly. Example say Capricorn lagna and Mercury in 9th house (ruling 6th and 9th) and
virgottam in navamsa (in virgo in navamsa). Now this Mercury even though doesn’t rule the 7th house or marriage or
even if not related to Moon (lord of 7th house) will still tend to precipitate marriage or marriage related effects for the
native as D9 (navamsa) is also the chart of marriage and Mercury has become Virgottam in that particular Harmonic.
So such results can precipitate in the dasas of Mercury regardless of no apparent connection of Mercury with the 7th
bhaav of marriag in this case.

Likewise a planet Virgottam in Dasamsa will tend to give career/ job related effects very strongly in its dasas and a
planet Virgottam in D3 will tend to give sibling related effects in its dasas etc.

Conditional Dasa Systems

Conditional Dasas (Nakshatra Dasa Category)

As I mentioned in Analyzing Basics – Dasas (I), Vimshottari is a dasa which is applicable to all. (except perhaps the very
old, the very young or mentally challenged where the mental faculties are very poor as signified by Moon)

Certain dasa systems are applicable when certain criteria is met ONLY. An important point to note here is that the
great sage Parasara (father of Jyotish) established that when more than 1 dasas are applicable in a horoscope, the
‘Rarer’ one should be given prime importance.

So as a default take Vimshottari to be applicable to everyone (100%) or atleast >90% of individuals

Now lets take an example of Chaturseeti Sama dasa. This dasa is applicable ONLY if 10th lord is in the 10th house of
the horoscope. Statistically speaking, 1/12th of people will have 10th lord in the 10th house. This implies 100 x 1/12 or
8.34% of people.

Now it is clear that 8.34% is much more rare than more than 90% of people. hence in this case, give Chaturseeti Sama
dasa more importance than Vimshottari. BUT keep in mind Vimshottari is always applicable and hence can not be
ignored!

I explained how Vimshottari is calculated in the last writeup. I will not be explaining the mathematics behind the
special dasas I mention here due to the fact that each has a detailed logic which requires a lot of analysis. At this stage
this is not required for the reader. Good news is that JHora will give you all these dasas, if you need them and the need
for manual calculation does not arise

Underlying theme for all planetary dasas remains the same. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd level planetary periods are important
to analyze carefully along with transits to dictate events during any given time for the native.

I give some important conditional dasa systems below for the knowledge of the reader-

(1) Chaturseeti Sama Dasa as I already mentioned is applicable when 10th lord is in the 10th house (Rarity = 8.34%
of population)

(2)Dwi-Saptati Sama Dasa – Applicable when Lagna lord is in the 7th house OR 7th lord is in the Lagna (Rarity =
16.68% of population)
(3) Shat-Trimsa Sama Dasa – Applicable when birth is daytime in Sun’s Hora or at night time in Moon’s Hora. Hora =
hour lord or the planet that rules the hour of birth. This is seen as an output on front page of JHora. (Rarity = 11.11% of
population)

(4) Dwadasottari Dasa – If Lagna is in Venusian Amsa. Amsa can be many kinds. So the definition will change as per
the reader hence a bit controversial. I take Navamsa as the meaning. (Rarity = 16.67% of population)

(5) Sataabdika Dasa – If Lagna is Virgottam. Meaning the same sign rising in the ascendant and the Navamsa. (Rarity
= 11.11% of population)

(6) Panchottari Dasa – If langa has Cancer in D1 and Cancer is rising in D12 divisional chart as well. (Rarity <1% of
population)

(7) Shashti- Hayani Dasa – If Sun is in the Lagna. (This does sound a bit vague but nonetheless can be a good
research topic. I have not yet correlated this dasa with many case studies) (Rarity = 8.34% of population)

As you notice when any of these dasas are applicable in a chart, they will be more ‘Rare’ than Vimshottari. But
importantly 2 of these might be applicable example a chart can have Sun in lagna and 10th lord in 10th. In this case 3
dasas are applicable – Vimshottari, Shashti – Hayani & Chaturseeti Sama dasa

Now in the above bullets, you will notice that out of these Shashti Hayani and Chaturseeti sama dasa are applicable in
8.34% of the people. So what should the astrologer do?

Typically see if Sun is stronger than the 10th lord sitting in 10th in terms of shadbala, dignities and other factors we
have already learnt in some of the lessons before. It becomes a judgement call. The Stronger one will have the
prominent dasa.
That said, in reality all will operate to some extent. Meaning all the 3 above as Vimshottari is always applicable.

Point is not to overwhelm the astrologer, but to help support or negate events that she sees in one dasa in another
dasa system.

An important Observation here for the reader is that many of these conditional dasa systems DO NOT
recognize Rahu/ Ketu in the planetary periods. The underlying cause is that these dasas are giving
prominence to something Other than the Moon (from which Vimshottari is calculated). Rahu/ Ketu are the
Nodes of the Moon and act on a subconscious level as strong Karmic forces from previous lives. Their
applicability is more from a Lunar perspective than otherwise and hence the absence of these periods in
some of the Conditional dasas.

Istha Phala/ Kashta Phala

This is an extremely important and often overlooked topic as well.

For any planet-

Istha Phala = The ability to do Good

Kashta Phala = Ability to Harm/ create problems

The numeric value of these features, lets call them IP and KP in short for this article, depends mostly on 2 factors –

I) The Distance from Sun – The farther a planet is from the Sun, the higher its IP. This is attributed to the fact that
planets close to the sun start becoming invisible due to the sheer brightness of the sun and hence lose their own
‘lusture’. The farther a planet is from the sun, the brighter its own appearance in the sky. This is most clearly visible for
the Moon for obvious reasons. Exactly opposite to the Sun, the Moon is Full and bright and conjunct to the Sun is the
New Moon or Amavasya where the moon is fully dark.
Likewise, for other planets (except Rahu-Ketu) the farther they are from the Sun, the brighter they will be.
Within the same context, safe to mention here without getting into details, is the fact that the outer planets – Mars,
Saturn and Jupiter get retrograde when far away from the Sun and hence when Retrograde planets will generally have
a higher IP.

II) Distance from Point of Exaltation – The closer a planet is to its point of deep exaltation, the higher its IP and
lower its KP. Vice-versa is also true.

Now when you add the points (I) & (II) an important point to note is that a low IP DOES NOT automatically imply a high
KP. It might, but not necessarily.

As an example assume Saturn at 15 degrees in Libra. This Saturn is within 5 degrees of its deepest exaltation point at
20 degrees of Libra and hence will have a very low KP and a high IP by default. Now assume Sun is at 10 degrees of
Libra. Now Saturn being so close to Sun will drastically reduce the IP of Saturn however will NOT increase the KP. Hence
such a Saturn will have a very low KP and a low IP. On the other hand notice how Sun is at exact debilitation point.
Hence Sun will have a very high KP and almost NIL IP.

Another example – Moon at 3 degrees Taurus with Sun in Scorpio at 3 degrees will have a full IP (100%) and zero KP as
its fully bright and also in deep exaltation.

Important features to know about IP & KP –

1) These are not parts of the standard Shadbala calculation for a planet’s strength

2) The mathematical range varies from an absolute number of 0 – 60. 60 is the highest IP for any planet and 0 in the
lowest

3) Rahu-Ketu are excluded in this analysis as they are not real bodies or planets

4) High IP planets tend to give their promised results easily in their dasas as opposed to high KP planets. A planet with
a high KP will tend to throw many obstacles in the native’s path during its dasa. However the final result is not dictated
by IP/ KP. Its dicated by the functional nature, dignity, Yogas etc the planet is involved in.

5) If a planet is functionally benefic and good in dignity and shadbala and involved in good yogas, it will give very good
results in its dasas. However if this planet has a low IP, the results will still come albeit after some initial setbacks and
with more ‘hesitancy’ or a reduced ‘fluency’ than if planet also had a high IP

6) Contrary to pt. 5 above, if the planet is strongly malefic by rulership, dignity etc and has a low IP also, it will create
grave problems in its dasas and might even detroy all significations of houses it rules, sits in and aspects

7) More than the planet itself, the IP of the Rashi, Nakshatra and Navamsa depositor of a planet is very crucial. This is
because these planets act like a source for nourishment for the deposited planet from where the planet get its
‘Poshaak’ or Food. If a planet is deposited in a Rashi and Nakshatra of a planet with a very high IP and low KP, such a
planet will have a lot of good energy to feed from and will give good/ benefic results.

8) Good Yogas should ideally form in signs and nakshatras owned by planets with high IP and low KP so that these
Yogas can easily fructify. If the reverse of low IP and high KP is true, then the Yogas will manifest to a lower intensity
and that too after initial struggles and hurdles in the path

9) Generic Benefics – Jupiter, Venus, Moon & Mercury form a greater Nourishment providers than the natural malefics –
Saturn, Mars & Sun. However this is just a relative comparison and it is always desirable to have a planet with a higher
IP as opposed to a low IP

JHora will spit out the numerical values of these in the ‘Strengths’ tab as do other softwares. As a general
guideline, a planet with less than 20% IP is a very low IP. This implies an IP below 12 (in the 0 – 60 range)
as very low. Typically any IP value above 30 is Very good and IP values above 45 are excellent.

Vimsopaka Bala – The Planetary ‘Report Card’ of Excellence

I) Parasara defined the prominent divisional charts that affect the major areas of life an individual.

More so, he even gave a weighted scheme to be attributed to the divisional charts while analyzing the divisionals in a
Quantitative analysis to be able to ‘objectify’ each planet’s score in the different charts.

Higher the score – better the results a planet gives in its Vimshottari and other dasas as the planet is well
placed to fructify the results of various facets of life that these divisional charts rule.

First, let us understand the scheme given by Parasara. He suggests 6 of the divisional charts to be given importance
with a weightage scheme as follows-

Rasi chart or D1 – 6 points

Hora or D2 – 2 points

Drekkana or D3 – 4 points

Navamsa or D9 – 5 points

Dwadsamsa or D12 – 2 points

Trimsamsa or D30 – 1 point

For a total score of 20 potential points for any given planet.

As I mentioned before, exaltation and debilitation do not hold much value in the divisional charts. In order of
decreasing ‘benefic nature’ (ability to do good) the ranking is-

Mooltrikona House> Own House> Best Friend> Friend> Neutral> Enemy> Great Enemy

So Parasara also defined the weightage to be given to each of these placements. Let’s say as an example 100% to
Mooltrikona, 90% to own house etc. So assuming a planet is Mooltrikona in D1 and own house in Navamsa (D9) etc.
then we get (100% of 6) + (90% of 5) +….(likewise contribution from other divisionals as above) for a total score out of
20.

The score out of 20 will give you a good numeric value of how the planet behaves in its dasa in terms of
“Contentment” level. The reason is implicit. These divisionals represent various aspects of life. Example D9
represents marriage and partnerships along with the dignity of planets. D3 represents our siblings, co-borns, friends
etc. or in other words the support system we have in life etc. So if a planet is well placed in more of these divisionals,
more fulfilling will its dasa feel overall.

JHora spits out this score in the “strengths” tab of the software. This is out of 20 and the higher the better. As a
general rule, at or above 10 makes for a good dasa and below 10 will lead to a dasa ‘lacking’ in many
facets of life (even if the planet is otherwise strongly placed in terms of shadbala etc.).

Since JHora will do the calculations for you, the reader can thus utilize this accordingly after having understood the
logic behind these calculations.

II) On a side note, when I perform a deep dive study on a chart, I tend to use my own weightage
scheme. This is because I feel the context of relative importance has shifted in the contemporary times. Let’s say D3
(help and satisfaction from siblings) might still be important but much less than what it was in the yester years of Joint
families and siblings working in related family work/ business etc.

As a disclaimer, the above point is subjective in the context of each individual and no sweeping generalizations can be
made. I make no claims to the validity of my own analysis except that it is based on my understanding of what is
important in today’s world to the average astrology reading seeker. As an example career is vital to most people today
and the original scheme of Parasara does not include Dasamsa (D-10) for career whereas I do.

Now to help the reader understand via an example, please see the horoscope we have discussed before – Sep 18, 1981
at 1612 HRS and 27 seconds in Chandigarh, India

The first pic shows various divisionals and the planetary placements. The second picture shows the JHora calculated
Vimsopaka Bala calculations and finally the third pic shows a spread sheet I utilized to calculated this via a separate
“weightage” system to the different divisional charts for a few of the planets of the same horoscope. The score is
hence different from the JHora provided output but more meaningful from my vantage point of analysis.

The advanced reader can, after understanding the above logic, make her own calculations/ spreadsheets when diving
deep into a horoscope.

Picture 1

Picture 2
Picture 3

PS: Vimsopaka Bala has another Related but separate analysis scheme called as Vaiseshikamsa scheme.
The reader should not confuse these as they are related but separate calculations

Vaiseshikamsa – The brother of Vimsopaka Bala

I detailed Vimsopaka Bala as a planetary score card in the previous article.

A related/ similar topic is Vaiseshikamsa.

The concept is very similar to the Vimsopaka scheme.

The planetary position is noted in various Vargas (divisional charts) and the number of Vargas in which
the planet is Exalted, Mooltrikona or Own house is counted. This score is used to analyze the strength of
the Raj Yogas that the planet is involved in. The higher the score, the stronger the ‘depth’ or power/
ability to deliver the Raj Yogas the planet is involved in.

An important difference is the exclusion of the importance of exaltation in Vimsopaka and its inclusion in
Vaiseshikamsa.

There are 4 different schemes or groups as per which Vaiseshikamsa can be analyzed. These are-

(1) Shadvarga

“Shadvarga” implies “six divisions”. It includes the divisional charts – (1) D-1, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4)D-9, (5) D-12, and, (6)
D-30.

(2) Sapta varga

“Sapta varga” means “seven divisions”. It includes the divisional charts – (1) D-1, (2) D-2, (3)D-3, (4) D-7, (5) D-9, (6)
D-12, and, (7) D-30.

(3) Dasa varga

“Dasa varga” means “ten divisions”. These comprise of – (1) D-1, (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.

NOTE: This is the most important Scheme as it was heavily emphasized by Parasara and is the most widely used as
well.

(4) Shodasa varga

“Shodasa varga” means “sixteen divisions”. These include – (1) D-1, (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.

Lets discuss the Dasa Varga scheme more as it is the most vital of the 4, even though others can be employed as well.
JHora gives you an option to quickly find these values for all the 4 schemes. As an example for our Sep 18, 1981 at
1612 HRS, Chandigarh, India horoscope, Figure 1 one shows the Vaiseshikamsa for all the 4 schemes mentioned here.

As per the score you get (when you count the number of times a planet is in either exaltation, mooltrikona or own sign
in the Vargas mentioned above) the names of such conditions of the planets are mentioned below for reference. So as
an example a planet in 6 such positions will be called to be in the state of ‘Paravatamsa’

Paaijatamsa – 2,
Uttamamsa – 3,
Gopuramsa– 4,
Simhasanamsa – 5,
Paravatamsa – 6,
Devalokamsa – 7,
Brahmalokamsa – 8,
Airaavatamsa– 9,
Sridhamamsa – 10

Points to know-

– Typically the higher this score for a planet, the greater is its ability to form strong yogas which last longer as well as
opposed to a planet that has a score of 1 or 0. A score of 4 or more is high for any planet. A score of 6 or more is very
high and the involved planet becomes very strong and well placed.

– The lords of Kendra (1,4,7,10) in Rasi chart (D1) are very beneficial to have with a high score and so are the lords of
the trine houses (1,5,9)

– If 2 planets cause a Raj Yoga and both have a score of 4 or higher, then the resultant Raj yoga is strong. The higher
the score, the stronger it is. If one planet has a score of say 3 and other of 6, the planet that has 6 will tend to give the
results of the Raj Yoga in a more florid manner than the planet that has a score of 3.

Figure 1
In this horoscope, Moon, Mars, Venus & Saturn have especially high Vaiseshikamsa scores whereas Sun has a very poor
score of 0 in the Das Varga scheme.

The above is for the intermediate reader. Now here is an addendum for the advanced user-

Parasara also mentioned that while calculating Vaiseshikamsa, a planet in “Swarudha” is a good
placement, which will be given a score of 1 or equivalent to being exalted or own house (with some over-
riding or canceling factors as shown below)

So what does Swarudha mean? and what exactly are the overriding factors?

It is unfortunately unclear and lost in translation from the old verses. JHora gives the advanced user an option to play
with these Vaiseshikamsa settings and from experience I utilize the following settings-

“AL of rashi taking Kendra lords and not the planets in Kendras as good placements”

The overriding conditions as hinted by Parasara that I select are as follows in Figure 2

Figure 2
Harsha Bala (Happiness Level of Planet)

Another quantitative measure of strength is Harsha Bala which is yet another underutilized and less understood
measure of strength of a planet.

It is more extensively utilized in “Varshaphala” charts or Solar return charts (which are to be charted for each year in a
native’s life as the chart of the exact moment when the longitude of the Sun is exactly the same as the longitude Sun
had at birth)

“Harsha” literally translates into happiness. This metric measures the happiness level of any planet and can range from
0 -20 in its scale.

0 –>Low

5 –>Medium

10 –>Good

15 –>Excellent

29 –>Exceptionally Happy Planet!

The happier the planet, more fulfilling will its results be in its dasas/ transits. By experience a planet with
a score of 10 or more gives good results and 5 gives low to medium results. A planet with a score 0 is
agitated and does tend to give results smoothly.

Caveat is, this is a measure to be used in addition to other strength indicators and not independently.
Note – Rahu/ Ketu as shadowy planets/ nodes are not considered in this scheme

How is Harsha Bala Calculated?

Four specific points are measured in Harsha Bala, each contributing a score of a maximum of 5 points each and hence
a perfect score of 20 is possible, which would indicate an Ecstatic planet (very happy planet). These 4 points are –

I) House the planet is placed in

Each planet gets the 5 points when in a particular house out of the 12 houses. The logic behind each is lengthy and not
discussed here but as a tip it relates to the places where planets have good directional strength, have their basic
characteristics matching with the agenda of the house/ bhav etc. I mention the house where each planet gets the 5
points. Sun in 9th, Moon in 3rd, Mercury in 1st, Jupiter in 11th, Mars in 6th, Saturn in 12th, Venus in 5th.

II) Placement in Exaltation sign or Own/ Mooltrikona sign

If the planet is exalted or situated in its own house, it gets 5 points, else not. This is straight-forward.

III) Sex of the House (not sign) the Planet is placed in

The houses 1,2,3,7,8,9 are feminine. The rest are masculine. When a female planet sits in a feminine house, it gains 5
pts and likewise a male planet in a masculine house gains this strength else not.

Note- this is sex of the House and NOT Sign (example Taurus is a feminine sign but if Taurus is in the 4th house and a
planet is placed in Taurus, it is in a Masculine House)

IV) Varsha Pravesha or Entry of the Solar year during day or Night

If the Solar yr chart enters after Sunset and before Sunrise (technically night time) the female planets get 5 pts of
strength and likewise the male planets get 5 pts. each if the Solar yr is entered during the day time. This point is the
reason why this particular strength is more relevant for Solar return charts or Varshaphala charts.

Generic Effects of Ketu (South Node)

Following up on Saturn and Rahu articles, here are some generic effects on Ketu and its Maha dasa (MD). As
mentioned before, these are generic in nature. They can be applied broadly to individual horoscopes with the
disclaimer that in any individual horoscope, a multitude of factors will affect the final outcome for a given horoscope
and hence ‘Generic’ rules can not be blindly applied to each horoscope.

1) Ketu MD will be better for individuals with lagna and rashi (moon sign) as Cancer, Leo, Scorpio and Pisces.

2) For Capricorn lagna, ketu co rules 11th house and if conjunct of aspected by a strong Mars, can give monetary gains

3) Ketu conjunct any yoga karaka planet (example mars for Cancer/ Leo ascendants and Venus for Saturn ruled
ascendants) will give excellent results in its MD

4) Typically Ketu conjunct Jupiter is a very good combination which gives a balanced and spiritual thought process,
satisfaction in life and if related to 2nd house or 11th house in a horoscope, big monetary gains or money inflow

5) In contrast, Ketu conjunct Saturn or in same nakshatra as Saturn (trinal to Saturn) gives a detached and serious
mind which has a tendency to austerity in life. If venus involves in the mix, being the karaka for material pleasures, the
combination of Saturn- Ketu- Venus can produce a saintly person with a detached mentality towards worldly comforts.

6) Saturn closely conjunct with Ketu and having no aspect of a benefic like Jupiter or Venus will surely give severe
troubles in the career of a native (Saturn is karaka of work and ketu is a karaka of moksha or the loss of worldly
pursuits of pleasures/ comforts/ day to day hustling/ job)

7) Ketu should be considered exalted in Scorpio and Saggitarius and Mooktrikona in Pisces

8) Ketu should be considered debilitated in Taurus and Gemini

9) Ketu will internalize the energy of any planet it conjuncts. Example – Ketu conjunct Mars will magnify the energy
levels of Mars but instead of inflating anger/ ego or aggression, it will make the individual highly controlled in emotions
and the native will be able to channelize their energy towards any goal they set out to achieve
10) Ketu with Moon gives strong powers of concentration and a personality which appears cold and detached in terms
of emotions. If this combination happens in a fixed sign like Taurus or Leo, the person will appear extremely placid and
cold in their emotional nature

11) Ketu with Mercury will give good mathematical skills if Mercury is strong and the person has a good analytical and
penetrative mind which can make for good lawyers, professors and researchers

12) Ketu in Lagna and or close to moon also gives psychic/ intuition powers

13) Whenever Ketu and Mars are in conjunction (especially within 5 degrees) in the 1st, 6th, 8th or 11th houses, the
chances of accidents/ surgeries goes very high. If this combination is not aspected by Jupiter/Venus and is aspected by
Saturn, the accident/ injury can be lethal in intensity

14) Ketu MD usually brings a period of 7 yrs when a person can feel dis-satisfied in their career and general growth.
Typically changes of any kind don’t come easily at all and a person can find hard to change status-quo in life

15) During Ketu MD, when Ketu transits over the natal degree of Saturn, Ketu, Rahu or Mars in a chart, negative
events, especially of a sudden nature can be expected

16) As per point # 15 above, whenever Ketu transits over a planet, sudden effects related to its rulership can be
predicted. Example Ketu transiting right over the 9th lord when Ketu MD is running can trigger very sudden effects
related to father/ boss/ guru or employer

17) Ketu in its own nakshatra (which will be the 1st nakshatra in the fiery signs of Aries, Leo and Saggi) becomes very
intense. Further, such a ketu tends to have a tendency to separate the person from the relative or significations the
said bhaav signifies. Example for a Leo ascendant, if Ketu is in saggi in its own nakshatra, there will be a tendency for
Ketu to give problems related to children (5th bhaav) and if Jupiter the lord of 5th is ill placed/ weak, then Ketu can give
tragic results related to the child of a native (especially male child)

18) Ketu is a karaka for sudden events and accidents. Its position is 6th and 8th house if close to the bhaav Madhya
(close to the most effective point of the house) will always tend to predispose an individual to accidents and injuries/
surgeries

19) Ketu conjunct the Sun or Moon can give problems with eyes/ eyesight. With the Sun it also gives a predisposition to
have bone fractures in life and problems with the spine. If sun and ketu are conjunct and well placed/ strong in dignity,
the Ego and nature of a person is highly spiritual and balanced and their father might also be a spiritually inclined
person.

20) Best positions for Ketu for material achievements is 3rd, 6th and 11th. For spiritual progress, Ketu in 12th is great
when strong and aspected by Jupiter or Saturn

21) Ketu is highly unstable and explosive in 8th house and pre-disposes a person to secretive acts/ questionable
actions which can bring trouble eventually to the native and his finances

22) When Ketu-Sun-Mars all combine in the 6th or 8th house, there can be death and destruction from Fire/ weapons or
even wild animals

23) Ketu combined with Jupiter, Saturn and Venus foretells a saint of a high order

24) As with Rahu, the placement and dignity of the rashi and Nakshatra depositor of Ketu is of vital importance along
with planets that conjunct and aspect Ketu to determine the final outcome of Ketu in a horoscope. Stronger the dignity
and placement of the dipositors, better the results Ketu will provide in its dasas

25) Generically Ketu will act like Mars and hence the Yogas Mars is involved in the horoscope along with the dignity of
Mars in the horoscope will ascertain the outcome of Ketu

26) Since Ketu dasa is sandwiched between Mercury (17 yrs) and Venus (20 yrs), if mercury and venus are strong
benefics in a chart, the dasa of Ketu will also tend to provide positive results. Likewise if Mercury and venus are
negative in a chart, the 7 yrs of Ketu will tend to underperform even if Ketu is otherwise well placed
27) Ketu placed in the 7th house will give a delay in marriage and a lack of interest in marriage/ partner even after
marriage. If this Ketu is also conjunct venus and Mars, there will be a complete lack of interest in physical desires in the
native which will effect the marriage and their partner in a negative manner

Generic Effects of Mars (Mangal/ Kuja)

In continuation to the series for the generic malefics, which for obvious reasons, invoke more fear and hence questions
directed to me by people, this article talks about Mars. Mars teaches via sudden and usually irreversible lessons as
opposed to Saturn that teaches via long term hard work/ delay.

Lesson of Mars is caution and patience if the lesson of Saturn is Perseverance.

The bhaav (house) where Mars is placed shows us where the energy and actions of a person are and where their
passions are. This can also be the domain where they will be ready to fight as a warrior/ soldier and can be highly
protective of the significations of the bhaav where Mars sits in a horoscope.

In this ‘Generic effects’ series, I have covered Saturn, Rahu & Ketu earlier. Remaning malefics are Mars and Sun
(although Sun is a limited general malefic). This topic covers Mars. As always, use this liberally and not literally. It can
not be blindly applied to each horoscope.

1) Mars will give good results for Leo and Cancer ascendants (and rashis- or moon sign) as it is a Yoga Karaka for these
signs

2) Mars will give great results when placed in the signs of Leo and Cancer! (yes Cancer too even though
debilitated!)

3) Mars when in Cancer is debilitated will give good results as long as its Shad bala is good and Moon is
strong. This is because-
a) It is 4th from Aries and 9th from Scorpio and hence in Yoga Karaka position from its own houses
b) It is in a house of a friend (albeit debilitated)
c) Unlike other planets, Mars being a young fierce warrior, doesn’t really lose its vigor every and hence doesn’t weaken
too much even when debilitated
d) However it is vital to have Mars in a Kendra position from ascendant and have Moon either in Cancer itself or very
strong in dignity (example exalted) to create a Neecha Bhanga Rajyoga for Mars when Mars is in Cancer

4) Mars in the signs of Aries, Cancer, Scorpio or Capricron in a Kendra house (loses most of its venom and becomes a
benefic and Yoga causing planet). However the aspects on it and the strength of rasi and nakshatra depositor is vital to
note

5) If BAV score of mars is 4 or more in a horoscope, mars will give good results

6) Mars is functionally the worst planet for Gemini and Virgo ascendants and causes trouble for these ascendants

7) For Scorpio ascendants, even though the lagna lord, it is functionally meddlesome at best as its main sign falls in the
dusthana 6th house. However in this case if it is placed in the 1st, 3rd or 6th bhaav, it will give great overall results

8) A strong mars in the 3rd bhaav gives strength, courage and dynamism to the individual. However it can cause
‘Bhaavo karaka Naashe’ or destroying its own signification of 3rd – which would imply no younger siblings (especially
brothers) or severe issues in the lives of younger siblings

9) Mars is best placed in the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th bhaavs. In the 10th it gains directional strength and will gives
ability to work hard, ability to lead/ administrative abilities and makes the person a ‘go-getter’

10) Mars in 6th, 8th and 11th bhaavs will tend to give injuries and accidents. In the 8th bhaav, these can be severe if
other malefics join in with no benefic aspects/ associations.

11) Mars in 1st can give headaches/ migraines and temper issues. If this happens to be the sign of Cancer, the
functional results will be good as Mars is a Yoga Karaka, but Mars will nonetheless give a snappy and emotional/
tantrum oriented nature to the person and sudden outbursts of anger as well. The individual can be moody and suffer
from anxiety and emotional dependency on a person/ object of their affection
12) Mars with Rahu makes for ‘Angarak Yoga’. On the negative side this gives sudden anger issues and a predisposition
to violence in the individual or an involvement in negative/ hidden/ shady activities. However it can also make a person
a warrior in day to day life – someone who wont quit at any level of adversity and has great fighting spirit. Such people
can make for great sportsmen and law enforcement personnel and have a never ending energy, especially if this
combination forms in the 3rd or 6th bhaav

13) Mars with Saturn also makes for a person who will face one too many adversities in life, sometimes inflicted by
their own temperamental behavior and sometimes by fate/ chance. They are hard workers in general and can be
workaholics. Saturn solidifies the properties of Mars and such people can be very disciplined (opposite of lazy) and
focused towards their goals. They also have a tendency to easily get into confrontations with any authority figure – be
it their own boss/ parents/ partners or even the government

14) Mars with Jupiter is a good Yoga in general known as Guru- Mangal yoga. It typically manifests in an energetic
person who utilizes his energy towards good deeds rather than otherwise and are typically righteous in their actions.
However Mars being ego and Jupiter being inflation or enlargement of any signification can also sometimes bring
downfall due to over confidence or egoistic issues in life, especially if the mix is in a negative bhav or involves Rahu as
well.

15) Mars with Venus makes for a very passionate person who will put energy into areas related to comforts and
luxuries of life be it wining/ dining, romance, music/ arts and even love affairs. Such people will be very passionate
about the affairs related to the bhav where this conjunction takes place

16) Mars with Moon makes for a determined person who can also be very emotional. There will be a predisposition to
blood disorders (like anaemia etc) in such individuals depending on the dignity of the planets. Their mothers are
usually a strong influence in their lives and they can at times be like bullies in their behavior due to mars ruling their
emotions. Mars with Sun calls for an egoistic personality which is also very determined in nature (especially if forming
in a fixed sign). Such people are proud, extrovert and straightforward in their actions and can have good leadership
abilities if the planets have good dignities

17) Mars with Mercury gives energy and impulse to speech and communication as well as logical thinking abilities of a
person. They can make good salesmen, orators, media/ journalists and accountants/ finance professionals. However in
a negative context, this can give nervous/ anxiety issues and an overtly aggressive/ abusive speech especially when
connected to the 2nd bhaav and devoid of positive mitigations from other planets and yogas

18) Mars in 4th bhav has no direction and is more often than not unwelcome. Unless in great dignity, such a mars will
give anxiety and restlessness in the mind of the individual along with anger issues. Typically not good for the health
and longevity of the mother as well unless mitigated by other factors

19) Mars is a Karaka for landed properties and real estate. If strong and connected to the 4th bhaav and the lord of 4th
house, it can give much real estate to the person

20) An afflicted Mars of low strength in 6th house typically points to involvement in court cases and litigation and
danger from thieves/ enemies not just legally but even for bodily harm if Rahu is involved in the mix

21) Mars in 1st, 12th, 4th, 7th and 8th makes a person Manglik – which supposedly causes problems in marriage. This
concept is over rated and the overall dignity of Mars and other aspects have to be considered before reaching any
conclusion. Keep in mind this makes for 5/12th of the world’s population or about 42% of people. Obviously not all of
them can have major marriage issues.

22) Mars matures at the age 28. At this age, Mars will show its full promise in the horoscope – good or bad and this will
be amplified if the Vimshottari MD of Mars is operating at this time

23) Mars MD of 7 yrs can be a very fruitful time if a person disciplines their energy properly towards their goals. Many a
times it ends up being a period when a person accomplishes many long term constructive projects of their life as long
as they remain focused and disciplined. A disciplined Mars is like an army soldier- trained and ready for any negative
situation which is its strength. A lazy, untrained and lethargic soldier on the other hand will more than likely lose not
just the battle but get harmed in the process

24) Hanumaan is the diety related to Mars and Tuesday is the day of Mars or ‘Mangal’ or ‘Kuja’ as its called in Hindi/
Sanskrit

25) Many negative situations can be avoided during MD of Mars by avoiding impulsive and knee jerk decisions. Most
damage done during Mars periods invariably comes from sudden actions and decisions taken at the spur of the
moment without due diligence and logic/ rationality backing it. When controlled well, Mars energy can take a person to
dizzy heights in their fields

Generic Effects of Sun (Surya/ Ravi)

Last in the series of ‘Generic effects’ of the ‘general’ malefics (as opposed to functional malefics – which of course
depends on the houses ruled by the planets) is Sun

Sun is a hot, masculine, dominant and kingly/ royal planet. It is not really a generic malefic unlike Rahu, Ketu, Saturn
and Mars. Instead Sun can be and is life giving and warm in its nature. However, it is still considered a mild general
malefic by nature due to its hot disposition and intense nature.

When close to any planet, it makes the other planet invisible due to Sun’s own intense brightness and this
phenomenon in astrology is known as combustion. The combust planet loses some of its ability to do good in certain
ways and loses Istha Phala, which has been explained already in another article on this site.

Likewise, whichever bhav (house) Sun sits in, gets hot/ burnt to some extent at the least and hence this nature of Sun
makes it a mild malefic in the context of Vedic Astrology.

What is to be kept in mind about Sun besides the domain where Leo sign falls and sun is placed in the chart, the place
where Sun is placed in the chart also becomes an angle from which the horoscope can be analyzed in addition to the
regular lagna and Moon rasi charts. This is the reason why even the ‘astrology illeterate’ has heard of the sun sign and
its implications. Sun represents our soul and inherent characteristics/ tendencies and nature and hence the sign where
sun is placed along with the bhav (house) where sun is placed is very important in general.

Below are the important points that help paint the canvas via a broad stroke brush for the analysis of Sun in a
horoscope. As always, use liberally not literally and consider these to be a part of the analysis and not the entire
analysis itself for any given horoscope.

1) Sun is placed best in the 10th and 11th houses. When placed strongly in the 10th or 11th houses, it can ensure a
job/ income through a Government job or atleast a semi-government organization, especially if sun is in its own sign –
Leo

2) A strong Sun in the 11th bhav also shows powerful connections/ social circle for the individual and some of their
friends might be famous or powerful personalities

3) Sun is not well placed in the Moksha trikona – 4th, 8th and 12th bhaavs. In the 4th bhav it has zero directional
strength and the 4th is for inner peace/ happiness and internal/ private life of an individual. Sun here gives a nature
prone to anger and frustration and fights at home due to ego and impatience. In the 12th bhav sun is ‘Marana Karaka’
or in a death like state when Sun is placed in bad dignity in the 12th house, the person will not get any favors from the
Government and/ or father or father like figures in life. They might also encounter problems with the tax collection
agencies of their land

4) Sun in the 3rd house gives courage and if in good dignity, the person performs honorable deeds in life. When ill
placed in the 3rd, the actions of a person become questionable and of lose morals

5) Along with Jupiter, Sun is the karaka (significator) for morality in a person. Its close affliction with Saturn and/ or the
nodes causes wavering or questionable moral standards in life

6) In the 6th house, an afflicted Sun gives diseases in the lower spine and heart. Also if aspected by Mars can give
injury from Fire or wild animals

7) Sun is almost never well placed in the 7th house unless in great dignity and well aspected. This is because the 7th
house represents marriage/ partnership and Sun brings in Ego into the picture which spoils the significations of any
partnership in general. Further the spouse of the person can be hot headed and egoistic/ dominant by nature

8) Sun does not do well very close to the nodes – Rahu and Ketu. From experience Sun with Rahu gives a bloated ego
or some delusional high standards the person believes they have in their own ability, unless this is well aspected by
other planets. On the other hand, Sun with Ketu intesifies the fire element and can literally ‘ burn through’ the
signification of the house this combination sits in (if within 3 degrees of each other, then the effect is intense). This
combination can be very good in the 3rd, 10th and 11th bhaavs
9) As with other malefics, sun in a Upaachya house (houses that improve with time) or 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th is good

10) Sun with Saturn can give a serious nature/ disposition to the person. Such people take heavy responsibility in life
and by itself is not as bad a conjunction as typically believed to be. However ideally the degrees should be atleast 8
degrees or more to avoid Saturn getting combust and agitated. Saturn in vedic folklore, even though of opposite nature
of sun and its mortal enemy is also the Son of Sun and hence Sun always has a soft corner for Saturn in its heart.

11) Sun with Jupiter is a good combination but can also give an inflated ego to the person, especially if this occurs in
the ascendant, if other conditions permit, the person can become famous and do well in the fields of politics, medicine
or teaching

12) Sun with Venus makes a good hearted person but the relationships (romantic ones) will tend to suffer, especially
for a male. If Venus is weak in dignity and deep combust (within 3 degrees) then the person might have sexual
problems (example low sperm count in males) and will typically have to make compromises in their love life to make
any relationship work long term.

13) Sun with Mars is a hot combination which is good for leadership abilities and an energetic/ determined nature. If
this occurs in a fiery sign of Aries, Leo and Saggi, it will give an active, extroverted nature to the individual (unless it is
in the 8th or 12th house, when the characteristics will lie dormant in the personality of the individual). If this
combination occurs in the 10th bhaav, it makes for good management skills and the person can quikcly rise up in the
corporate ladder at their workplace from hard work, will power and playing the ‘politics’ well in any organization

14) Sun and Mercury combination occurs very frequently and as long as Mercury is outside 6 degrees orb or sun, this
typically gives a good communicative/ analytical thought process to the person as long as mercury is in good dignity.

15) Sun and Moon together is an important combination which ensures the following-
a) the sign where these 2 are placed should definitely be treated as an alternative lagna in addition to the regular
lagna and the chart be read from that sign. if it occurs in the ascendant itself, then the person’s characteristics are
heavily dominated by the nature of that sign as all 3 lagnas become the same
b) It implies that the soul (sun) and mind/ emotions (moon) of the person lie in the same direction which, if in sync with
the lagna and other main planets of the horoscope imply a focused personality which can be highly satisfied from
within
c) Moon will become dark by definition and hence the significations of the house ruled by Moon can suffer to some
extent
d) This combination is good for Libra and Scorpio lagnas in general as it means a combination of the 9th and 10th or
the 10th and 11th lords which is generally good if the combination occurs in good dignity and aspects

16) Sun’s maha dasa (MD) is of just 6 yrs. Hence Sun tends to overrule the effects of the antar dasa lords
to some extent. Hence as per the placement and dignity of sun itself in the horoscope, the effects should
be adjudged as the 2nd lord dasas will tend to play a relatively minor role in the MD.

17) Typically rulers of the 8th and 12th houses give adverse results. However as per Parasara, Sun and
Moon are exceptions. When Sun rules the 8th house (Capricorn lagna) or 12th house (Virgo Lagna) then it
becomes neutral for the ascendant and by itself does not give good or bad results. However caution
should be used while utilizing this principle as Sun will still tend to give negative results, at least related
to health, for Capricorn lagna individuals as it is enmical to the lagna lord Saturn. For Virgos, since sun is
neutral to Mercury, it will give the results as per its house placement and also the aspects/ conjunctions
with other lords

18) Sun is a functionally good planet for the lagnas-

Aries, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius

19) Sun is functionally negative for Lagnas-

Gemini, Pisces and to some extent Capricorn as explained in #17 above

20) Sun is Neutral for Cancer lagnas and will give results solely on the basis of its placement and aspects for Cancer
ascendant individuals as 2nd house lord is an impressionable neutral and will tend to mimic the effects of its house
placement and conjunctions with other house lords

21) Sun will typically give good results in the first 10 degrees of a house, especially a male house or all odd signs –
Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius. In Libra this does not happen as Sun falls to its lowest power in this sign
and more specifically at 10 degrees in the sign
22) As explained in another article on this site, generally good to have Sun in Aries or Leo signs in any divisional chart,
but Leo is better than Aries in any divisional chart. Only in rasi chart or D1 is Aries even more powerful than Leo as
Aries is the exaltation sign. In the divisional charts, Sun is stronger in Leo than in Aries

23) Sun in Sagittarius behaves a bit counter-intuitive for the first 10 or so degrees. Even though a fiery
sign and a house of a friend – Jupiter, Sun should ideally be well placed and strong here. Which it is. But
there is a caveat – In this sign, Sun has to assume the Dharma upholding duty of a king (Sagittarius being
the natural 9th sign of the zodiac) and hence Sun has to shed its powerful kingly role of dominance and
be a more gentle upholder of peace and dharma (duty). This is the reason why Sun’s Istha phala actually
goes down in Sagittarius for some initial degrees before starting to rise again. Note that sun does not
become weak due to the above reasons, however, it has to shed its regular ego and brilliance towards a
more gentle fatherly/ law abiding guru role in this sign and hence feels somewhat constrained to its
general nature in this sign

24) If you are a follower of Tropical astrology, please read the article Sidereal vs. Tropical on this site for clarification of
your actual sun sign as per the Sidereal system as opposed to the tropical (western) astrology system.

How to Judge a Mahadasha

This is one of the most important topics in Jyotish. Something that sets Jyotish apart from other western & middle
eastern schools of astrology – the powerful tool of dasas for timing of events.

In this article, I will be discussing only nakshatra based dasas & in particular Vimshottari dasa as it the most widely
utilized and researched nakshatra dasa. The article assumes a mid to high level knowledge of the basics of parasari
Jyotish.

The points mentioned below are a time tested summary of various Parasari, Nadi & Jamini principles in the context of
Phalit Jyotish (actual predictive astrology)

When judging how a Maha dasa (MD) will be in terms of predictive principles, follow the following rules. They are not
in any particular order of preference, yet the ones mentioned on the top of the list will tend to be more important than
the ones towards the end of the list. Yet this is just a relativistic importance, all factors are important and this list is not
exhaustive. It is meant to be sufficient for mid to advanced user in the daily application of her horoscope analysis.
There are many fine tuning factors in addition to the ones mentioned below, however, at this stage I recommend these
to be sufficient for an astrologer wishing to fine tune their predictive skills-

Bhaav the planet sits in from Lagna. This bhaav will be highlighted all through the dasa. Functional Nature of bhaav is
MOST important. Generally 6,8,12 bhaavs are not good. However as an example virgo for Libra ascendant and cancer
for Leo ascendant are still functionally good domains

Find the commonality of the planets general significations and the bhaav. These will be seen repeatedly/ continuously
during the dasa. Example Jupiter in 9th bhaav. Common significations are – Luck/ Fortune, higher education, wisdom,
Guru, long distance travel, fame etc.

How close the planet is from Bhaav madhya (Bhaav madhya of each house is the same degree as the lagna is in the
chart). Planets within 8 degrees of a bhaav madhya are strong to give the effects of the bhaav. The closer the stronger.
Approaching the bhaav madhya is slightly stronger than retreating from the bhaav madhya. A planet within 3 degrees
of bhaav madhya can give very intense results of the said bhaav. This concept is called ‘Residential strength’

The bhaavs the planet aspects fully (7th for all planets & special full aspects for Mars, Jupiter & saturn as well as
5th/9th aspect for Rahu/ Ketu). If a planet has strong residential strength as in #3 above, by definition its aspects to
the other bhaavs will be strong as well

Rashi depositor of the planet. Its placement from Lagna as well as its relative placement from the dasa lord. Generally
planets in 6/8/12 from lagna or from the dasa lord is not good. Best placements are 1,4,5,7,9,10 & 11.
Example Moon in Taurus for capricorn ascendant, with depositor Venus in 10th house in Mooltrikona. Now the depositor
is a Yoga karaka (high benefic) for capricorn and sits in the 10th house in MK and hence great. However, from Moon the
location of depositor Venus becomes 6/8. Thus even though both Moon and Venus in this situation are strongly placed
in great bhaavs, the 6/8 nature of depositor placement will bring success after some struggles during MD lord Moon

In context of #5 above, the planet ‘s Balaadi avastha dictates the strength of connection it has with the depositor. The
stronger the connection, the better it is-
a) 12 to 18 degrees in a rashi (strongest)
b) In general a planet between 5 to 25 degrees of a rashi has a good connection with its rashi depositor
c) A planet that is Virgottam (same sign in Navamsa) has a strong connection with its rashi depositor even if it is in the
last or first 3 degrees of a rashi!

Look at the planets that conjunct the dasa lord within 15 degrees (NOTE that even if the said conjunct planet is in the
next or previous sign, as long as it is within 15 degrees, treat it as conjunct). This conjunct planet will be activated in its
FUNCTIONAL nature throughout the mahadasha of the planet
Example Capricorn ascendant, Jupiter in 9th at 15 degrees and saturn in 9th at 20 degrees. In Jupiter MD, Saturn will be
activated as well. Saturn rules 1st and 2nd for Capricorn and hence a functional benefic. Jupiter will deliver these
results in its MD.

Look at all the planets that have a full aspect on the MD lord. Note- in case of special aspects, it is possible that the MD
lord doesnt aspect planet X but planet X aspects the MD lord. Example Cancer ascendant and Mars in 7th, Jupiter in
10th. Now in Jupiter MD, Mars effects will be seen doubly strong, one as its rashi depositor and bhaav (Aries) and
secondly as Mars has a 100% aspect on Jupiter (assuming degree of aspect is below 15) even though Jupiter in this
case has no aspect on Mars

Look at all the planets trinal to the MD lord within 15 degrees, the same rule as #7 will apply. Example for Virgo
ascendant if Mercury in ascendant at 10 degrees. Then any planet in Sagittarius after 25 degrees and upto 25 degrees
in Capricorn are trinal to Mercury

Like conjunction, for Trinalilty, closer the degrees to exact trinal of 120 degrees, stronger the effect. The effect
becomes almost 0 beyond 15 degrees seperation in either conjunction or trinality

Treat the MD lord point as lagna and analyze the chart from there. The overlap of good or bad yogas from Lagna will be
exhibited cleanly through out the MD of the planet

Look at the nakshatra the planet sits in from Moon. planets in 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 9th are good functionally. 3rd, 5th
and 7th are bad with 7th being the worst. 2nd and 9th are the best as they represent Sampat & Param Mitra tara

Look at the functional nature of the Nakshatra depositor lord as well as the placement and dignity of the planet –
nakshatra depositor. Stronger the nakshatra depositor, the better

Look at the navamsa depositor of the planet. Its generic and functional nature and dignity of the navamsa depositor
from the lagna

Look at the generic nature of planets aspecting as well as ahead and behind one house from the MD lord. An MD lord
which has a generic benefic ahead of it and behind it will give better results as it is in a shuba kartaari yoga. reverse
for malefics and mixed for mixed impact. This works both for the next and previous sign as well as within the same
sign.
Example saturn MD. Saturn sits in Virgo at 20 degrees. Venus in Libra at 10 degrees and Mercury in virgo at 2 degrees.
This means saturn has a benefic planet both ahead and behind it. However in the above example even if Mercury is in
Leo at 20 degrees or venus is in virgo at 29 degrees, the enclosing nature on saturn remains the same. It is not altered
in terms of this data point

Look at the planet in 2nd house from the MD lord. Any planet in the 2nd house from MD lord is what ‘comes out’ of the
dasa or is accumulated out of the MD. The dignity and functional nature of any planet in the 2nd from MD lord will be
reflected in the entire MD of the dasa lord

Look at the Ishta Phal of the rasi, nakshatra and Navamsa depositors for the MD lord. The higher the score, the more
the ease with which the results will flow out. Low ishthaphala does not deny good results, rather creates more
obstacles in the path of the delivery of results of the MD

Even though, these seem a lot, these are some basics that have to be seen. Please note, I didn’t even mention the
houses ruled by the MD lord as it is always secondary to these points above.

Repeat the above analysis from Arudha Lagna as well. As the Bhaav Madhya of every bhaav is the lagna degree, for
Arudha lagna analysis, it is the degree of the lagnesh or ruler of lagna (from which Arudha Lagna is calculated).
Example Aries lagna with Mars in Gemini at 25 degrees. Arudha lagna becomes Leo with the most effective point being
25 degrees
Ideally the above analysis has to be repeated from Karakamsha lagna as well (navamsa sign of Atmakaraka). Over
time, one realizes the relative weight-age of these impacts, especially if they are contradictory to each other

Which Lagna to use?

Another dilemma affecting most- from beginners to seasoned astrologers, is which lagna (ascendant) to use?

Rising sign -Lagna (ascendant) ofcourse, but how about Moon sign or Sun sign, etc.

This is a complex topic & has no simple answer. However a definitive guideline is to approach this with a thought –
‘which lagna(s) are more specific?’. For example the basic lagna in D1 changes every 2 to 3 hours in general and is
much more specific than the moon sign which changes every 2 to 3 days on average, which in turn is more specific
than the sun sign which changes once every month.

Consider the following logic for picking focal signs for analysis (which ascendant to use)-

Which lagna is more specific?

Which sign has more overlap of multiple lagnas (example if moon & sun sit in D1 lagna itself, now 3 lagnas are the
same sign and hence becomes very specific)

Which sign among the list below has most representation (most planets in it or aspecting it)

Which sign/ bhaav is the strongest (bhaav bal is a complex topic & I would recommend BV Raman’s treatise on it.
However w/o getting too mathematical, bhaavs with strong lords and those with more natural benefics sitting or
aspecting are stronger)

In reality, the following focal points, or signs from which a horoscope needs to be analyzed-

Basic ascendant or rising sign (Lagna) – Most important always

Moon sign

Sun sign

Arudha Lagna (perhaps 2nd most important after #1 as it is the manifestation of ‘Maya’ or how the outwardly word
perceives us and events around us)

Karakamsa Lagna (sign where Atmakaraka planet is placed in Navamsa) to be treated as Lagna in D1 and chart read
from there

Pucca Lagna (sign where lagna lord is placed). Example Leo lagna and sun in taurus. Then Taurus becomes the Pucca
lagna

Naam Lagna (from the phonetic 1st letter of name of the individual)

Jeeva Lagna (sign where Jupiter is placed for males & Venus for females) – this is considered extremely important in
most Nadi Jyotish schools. In my experience is perhaps number 3 in the list of importance, but that is just my opinion
from individual experiences

Any sign where 3 or more planets are placed – as this becomes a high energy sign in the chart

Dasa lagna – Treating MD lord sign as lagna during the Vimshottari dasa period of a given planet
So the goal eventually is to see patterns that repeat from multiple lagnas. The more the repetition, the more the
‘guarantee’ that the deciphered prediction from the Yogas (good or bad) will fructify. Always to be kept in mind is the
basic rule that even though many of the lagnas can strongly modify or alter the overall effects of planets and individual
yogas/ avayogas, nothing can completely change or alter the basic D1 Lagna chart, which is always the foundation for
the entire chart.

I suggest always utilizing #1,2,3,4 & 8 into a chart reading along with any dominant sign in a chart. During dasa
interpretation, dasa lagna is vital as well