The Sanskrit word "Graha" is often taken as the equivalent of the English word planet.

This
is a very simplistic translation which hides the deeper meaning of this word. "Graha" refers to
an entity that has the power to "seize, lay hold of, or grasp". Therefore, Graha means "to
grasp meaning the planets possess, or take hold of us. This meaning is intimately related to
the meaning of the nakshatras (also called lunar mansions, or a 27-fold division of the
zodiac), which are described in similar terms.
Graha therefore goes beyond the word planet and describes the ability of celestial events to
either influence or predict occurrences on earth. This aspect is the fundamental reason that
astrology is not accepted by the scientific community, as this connection has no known
physical basis. Dr.Theja prefers to use the word "Graha instead of planet because it
conveys this deeper meaning. Besides, using the word planet would not be technically
correct. The nine Grahas ("Planets) are called Surya / Ravi (the Sun), Chandra / Sandu (the
Moon), Mangal / Kuja (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru / Brahpathi (Jupiter), Shukra / Sikuru
(Venus), Shani / Senasuru (Saturn), Rahu (Northern lunar node and Ketu (Southern lunar
node). The Sun is not a planet, it is a star. Rahu and Ketu are not planets, and indeed do not
even represent physical entities.
The Grahas are divided into two groups, according to their general auspicious and
inauspicious nature. The Sanskrit terms used to name these two groups are "Saumya or
benefic and "Krura" or malefic. The Waxing Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus are known as
benefices. The Sun, Saturn, Mars, Waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu are classified as malefic.
The nine planets (seven planets and the lunar nodes) have specific meanings, and
significations. The planetary rays manifest in various ways in our lives. A planet rules each
life experience and different stages of our lives. They are the key indicators of people and
different attributes or qualities we have. Understanding the true significations of the planets
in our lives will bring a higher consciousness, releasing us from their grasp or hold on us.
Rahu, Ketu, and the Planets influence each other in various ways. The ancient sages saw a
relationship between the movement of the planets and the ups and downs of human
experience. Vedic Astrology explores these variations in order to help us anticipate
challenges and comprehend their meaning.
Two planets in the same sign are conjunct. Planets in sign opposition are said to aspect
each other. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have special additional aspects. The sign in which a
planet is located is of great importance. f the sign is favourable to the planet, the qualities of
the planet are expressed more strongly and auspiciously. The person in question will enjoy
more benefits in different areas of life that are signified by the planets. Contrary, if the sign is
very unfavourable, the planet will turn inauspicious and may bring problems and struggle in
whatever area of life it represents.
Dr. Theja calculates all of these influences and many more. He has the ability to calculate
and analyse all of the complex influences of the planets and then present them to you in
ordinary language (nterpretations).

The Sun (Surya)

The Sun is the centre of the Solar System of planets used in Vedic Astrology. Therefore the
Sun rules all types of central things such as the central government, the centrally powerful
person in an organization, and so forth. n ourselves, the Sun rules our centre, which is our
soul. The Sun is the source of light for all other planets and beings, so the Sun rules in
astrology our centre of energy. As the source of energy in the Universe, so from the Sun's
placement in our charts we judge our level of energy.
The Sun represents the soul, the ego and the body of the individual, and therefore its
placement is of great importance. The Sun is best placed in Mesha (Aries) where it is called
exalted. Opposite from there, in Tula (Libra) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. The
sun is Lord of the sign Simha (Leo) and also of the house where Simha is located.
Sun signifies: Atma-Self, masculine, future, soul, physical body and health, heart,
life force, courage, ambitions, pride, dignity, ego, vitality, will power, stamina, sense of self,
power, fame, life, health, sovereignty and clothes, glory, inspiration, creativity, leadership,
Father, teachers, authority, law and order, bosses, political leader, Kings or Presidents. t
has anger but momentary. t's element is gold. East is represented by sun.
MedicaI AstroIogy: Heart, blindness, baldness, right eye, headaches
Gemstone: Ruby, Red Garnet
Day: Sunday
RuIes: Leo ExaItation: Aries DebiIitation: Libra
DirectionaI Strength: Tenth House

The Moon (Chandra)

The Moon is close to us, and reflects the light of the Sun. The Moon is the most visible
planet of all, to us here on Earth, because we can look at it so easily. t neither burns our
eyes, nor hides in the deep darkness of space, like the others. Rather, the Moon is up close
and personal, showing herself fully to us. The Moon is indeed very dear, close, and friendly.
t's light is very nice and pleasing. Her full bodily lustre each month is a rising sight to see.
Unlike Western Astrology where the Sun is most important, in Jyotish the Moon is the first
"Graha to look at and plays a central role in many calculations and predictive techniques.
The Moon rules the mind, the emotions, feelings, nursing, nurturing, mothering and the
overall life of the person. An afflicted Moon greatly shapes the personality in the direction of
the affliction, whether it is harshness of character, sadness of mind, or an angry and
aggressive nature. Similarly, benefic influences upon the Moon in a chart, or a well placed
Moon we could also say, bestows the reflections of helpfulness, peace of mind, cleanliness
all around, and so forth.
The Moon is best placed in the first few degrees of Vrishabha (Taurus) where it is called
exalted. Opposite from there, in Vrishika (Scorpio) it is least auspicious and called
debilitated. The Moon is lord of the sign Katrka (Cancer) and also of the house where
Cancer is located.
Moon signifies: t is a cold, calm and quiet planet and represents mind, reflective, feminine,
night, emotions, sensitivity, nurturing, security, past, past-lives, patterns of behaviour,
receptivity, caring for others, heredity, Mother, motherland, the public or masses, popularity,
inner contentment, money, general well-being, home, water, habits, subconscious mind,
growth in early childhood, fertility, breast, menstrual cycle, eyes, lungs, liquids and nurses.
Direction north-east, element is silver.
MedicaI AstroIogy: Breast, stomach, watery disturbances, edema, phlegm, left eye
Gemstone: Pearls, Moonstone
Day: Monday
RuIes: Cancer Exaltation: Taurus DebiIitation: Scorpio
DirectionaI Strength: Fourth House

Mars (MangaI)

Mars is the Ksatriya of the Gods, meaning the warrior. Mars rules aggression, weapons,
enforcement of law, emergencies, urgencies, weapons, energy, suddenness, rashness,
anger, the colour Red, and related items and matters.
There are points in all of us when we apply our energy and quickness, usually to prevent a
disaster, or to save a situation. For example, we move quickly to catch a falling glass object.
Mars likes to protect- we race to save a child from running into the street. f somebody is
hurt, we hurry to the scene. Mars people are often involved in causing bleeding with their
weapons or stopping bleeding with their medical equipment. The gun of the soldier kills
some and saves others. t's good to be on the right side of a person under the influence of
Mars. A weak Mars makes one easily tired, jittery, easily angered, and reactive. Mars
aspects 3 signs, the 4th, 7th and 8th signs from its own position.
Mars represents the energy, stamina and brothers of the individual. f well placed, it brings
strength and focussed energy, if poorly placed accidents and injuries. Mars is best placed in
Makara (Capricorn) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Katrka (Cancer) it is
least auspicious and called debilitated. Mars is lord of the sign Mesha (Aries) and Vrischika
(Scorpio) and also of the houses where these signs are located.
Mars signifies: Energy, action, passions, male influence, courage, strength, motivations,
anger, violence, determination, aggression, bluntness and boldness, injury, accidents, war,
chemists, fire, anger, surgery, initiative, motivation, courage, technical or mechanical ability,
sports - athletic, military figures, police, fires, physical strength, operations, , muscles, blood,
sexual vitality, weapons, machines, conflict, can inflict death, fire, selfish, criminal, goal
oriented action, self-righteousness, land, property and real-estate, brothers, enemies,
science, instruments, guns, knives. ts element is copper. ts colour is red and direction
south.
MedicaI AstroIogy: Blood, head, injuries, accidents, bleeding, headaches, high fevers,
inflammation, surgery, burns
Gems: Red Coral
Day: Tuesday
RuIes: Aries and Scorpio ExaItation: Capricorn DebiIitation: Cancer
DirectionaI Strength: Tenth House

Mercury (Bhudha)

Mercury is youthful and causes youthfulness or immaturity in the chart in the house it
resides. Mercury is the negotiator, so it rules in us the ability to be diplomats, negotiators,
deal-makers, or good liars. Mercury rules all types of communications, spoken and written. A
good Mercury in a chart makes for careers where speaking, studying, thinking, writing and
other scholarly thinking related matters are necessary. A bad Mercury can work towards
making a person dumb or odd in mental workings.
Mercury, being youthful, is neither mature nor convinced about anything for certain. He is
truly a gullible boy, so, he is easily influenced by other planets. Any planet with Mercury will
influence him. So Mercury is called "mutable" or "changeable". This reflects in the chart very
much. Mercury always stands for the thinking capacity in a person, which in Sanskrit would
be called your "Buddhi" or "intelligence". Mercury's Sanskrit name is therefore "Budha",
which also means "the intelligence".
Mercury represents the speech, intellect and friends of the individual. t is a very, adaptable
and curious planet. f afflicted, it gives speech problems and a poor discriminative ability. f
well placed it makes a person witty, easy going and skilful. Mercury is best placed in Kanya
(Virgo) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Meena (Pisces) it is least
auspicious and called debilitated. Mercury is lord of the sign Kanya (Virgo) and Mithuna
(Gemini) and also of the houses where these signs are placed. ts element is bronze and the
colour is green and direction north.
Mercury signifies: Mercury is talkative and tactful, but not harmful. t is a good trader,
mathematician, editor and publisher. t has excellent argumentative and analytical power and
mind. ntelligence, wisdom, speech, education, matters relating to communication such as
speech and writing, humour, trade, commerce, sales, education, ideas, thoughts, school,
analytical and rational mind, cognitive intelligence, sense of humour, youth, trickster, truth,
telephones, television, computers, travel especially short distances, childhood, aunts and
uncles, neighbours, adaptability, twins, astrology, nervous system. t represents memory,
throat, arms, maternal uncles.
MedicaI AstroIogy: Lungs, hands, arms, nervous system
Gemstone: Emerald, Green Tourmaline
Day: Wednesday
RuIes: Gemini and Virgo ExaItation: Virgo Debilitation: Pisces
DirectionaI Strength: First House

Jupiter (Guru)

Jupiter is the "Guru of the Gods". Jupiter is called "Guru" in Sanskrit. Guru means "teacher"
because he is "heavy with knowledge". Jupiter is also called Brihaspati (bree-haws-putt-tee).
Brihaspati is the name of the Guru of all the demigods in the higher planets. He is the
advisor, or teacher, of the demigods.
A good Jupiter in a chart which leans towards Jupiter in a positive way will grant good
relations with Priests, Law, Higher Education, the Legal system, the Financiers of the world,
and so on. Jupiter encourages righteousness when he is strong.
Jupiter is a large planet, and so rules largeness in things. Jupiter tends to expand things.
Wherever he sits and wherever he aspects in a chart will tend to grow based on Jupiter's
influence. For example, if Jupiter affects the Lagna, which rules the body, then the body will
tend to be large, or fatty. When a good Jupiter affects house ruling money then the money
will tend to grow. Jupiter in the second house or third, which rules speaking, will tend to
make the person speak often, and with a tone of divine advice, one of Jupiter's other natural
tendencies.
Gurus and advisers are always well wishers, so Jupiter is very giving or kind, and is known
as a great giver or granter of fortune. Jupiter is considered the most benefic planet, because
of his nature of always wanting to give and grant benedictions. Because children are an
expansion of life in many ways, as well as a gift from God, Jupiter rules children. Because
Jupiter represents God through his many advices he has a tendency to be related to the
ninth house, which rules God in our lives.
Jupiter represents knowledge, wisdom and the offspring of the individual. t is a planet of
expansion, growth and good fortune. Jupiter is best placed in Katrka (Cancer) where is
called exalted. Opposite from there, in Makara (Capricorn) it is least auspicious and called
debilitated. Jupiter is lord of the signs Dhanus (Sagittarius) and Meena (Pisces) and also of
the house where these sign are located. Jupiter aspects 3 signs, the 5th, 7th and 9th signs
from its own position.
Jupiter signifies: Spiritual teacher, guide, truth, religion, philosophy, spirituality, grace, law,
the great benefic, fortune, wealth, expansion, higher education like colleges, optimism,
generous, joy, luck, self-indulgent, excessive, faith, children, money, husband in a females
chart, long distance travel
MedicaI AstroIogy: Liver, hips, overweight, edema, high cholesterol, growths such as
tumors
Gem: Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Topaz, Citrine
Day: Thursday
RuIes: Sagittarius and Pisces ExaItation: Cancer Debilitation: Capricorn
DirectionaI Strength: First House

Venus (Shukra)

Venus is called Shukra in Sanskrit. Shukra literally means "semen", but more generally
means "refined things". Venus rules over all types of refined things that are desirable such
as art, music, flowers, love, beauty, etc. A well placed Venus in a chart that is well disposed
towards Venus will grant to the person a life full of "the good things" such as those things
mentioned above.
The Vedic way of understanding of life, and the process of elevation, is such that addiction to
material gratifications are known to be often "an-arthas" or "unnecessary". Too much stress
is laid upon material gratifications in ungodly societies. So, Venus is loved and followed
when the person or society is of the materialistic type. For Westerners, a good Venus is
considered a good thing, because it helps in bringing in material wealth, sense gratifications,
and all types of material fortunes. Famous, rich and beautiful people often have strong
Venus, as these blessings are highly desirable to the materialistic masses, who love to
worship such "achievements" in life. People in general are much more interested in the
"Lives of the Rich and Famous" than they are in the "Lives of the ntelligent and Devoted".
While Jupiter tends to give advice leading to surrender to higher principles, Venus gives
advice which works for us in the here and now. Jupiter is more about dharma, or religion for
higher principles, whereas Venus is more about a-dharma, or self serving ways. The entire
Vedic principle is to surrender to the greater laws of God, whereas Venus teaches us to
maximize things as they are now, for ourselves. But it is not that one is bad and one is good-
it's that priority has been established correctly. t is not wrong to have material quality in our
lives, or pleasures and enjoyments, but they should not direct us and dictate our actions
when higher principles of goodness are at stake.
Venus represents the enjoyment, taste, sexuality and relationships of the individual. t can
give a person a great sense of aesthetics and very pleasant personality, or sensual and
tasteless, dependant on how well it is placed in the chart. Venus is best placed in Meena
(Pisces) where is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Kanya (Virgo) it is least auspicious
and called debilitated. Venus is lord of the sign Vrishabha (Taurus) and also of Tula(Libra)
and of the houses where these signs are located.
Venus signifies: The feminine spirit, beauty, grace, charm, refinement, luxuries, wealth,
sensuality, vanity, charisma, glamour, good taste, sexual attraction, elegance, comforts, arts,
music, theatre, love, wife in a males chart, pleasure of the senses, sugar, affections,
conveyances, flowers.
MedicaI AstroIogy: Reproductive system, bladder, kidneys, and pancreas -diabetes
Gemstone: Diamond, White Sapphire, Clear quartz crystal
Day: Friday
RuIes: Taurus and Libra ExaItation: Pisces Debilitation: Virgo
DirectionaI Strength: Fourth House


Saturn (Shani)

Saturn is known for his ring. Saturn rules restrictions- or things that surround us on all sides.
All types of blocks, restrictions and obstacles are the ruling lot of Saturn. The wedding ring is
related to Saturn, because it represents a restriction that prevents certain types of actions-
namely, courting other spouses and therefore the ring is a symbol of a block or restriction.
Saturn is the outermost planet in the Vedic scheme of things, and so has "the last laugh".
Saturn is final, being the last one. Saturn rules all types of final things, or things which are
insurmountable. Saturn is "the bottom line" in many ways. Therefore, Saturn rules Death as
well as Unconquerable Time. All things decay in time, and Saturn rules this decay, or the
effects of old age. Saturn is old, and low, the worker, the downtrodden, and the dirty.
Saturn rules the colours Navy blue and black, which are akin to seriousness, coldness, and
finality. Things turn dark when they are dead, when the colour of life has gone out. The sky
is either blue or black because the distance we are looking at when we look at the sky is
always insurmountable, being such a far distance. When we look across the land the trees in
the distance are more "greyed out" than the closer trees, because that distance, being
insurmountable, takes on the dulling effects of Saturn. f something is hazy or unclear, it is
because it is "out of reach" and that is Saturn again.
When Saturn affects a house or planet in a chart, then it "shuts it down" to some degree, by
means of its strong oppressing power. Saturn has the ability to oppress anything. When it
aspects the Moon, or Mind, then the person feels the effects of Saturn in their mind, which
basically leads to depression.
Saturn is large and slow, and so it rules these things. Large slow things cause a lot of
pressure, and so does Saturn. When Saturn affects something, it slows it down, puts it under
pressure, and ultimately crushes it under its tremendous weight and restrictive power. On
the good side, these things give it rule over focus. Focus is a funny thing- it means
application of pressure for a certain goal. Saturn can make things it affects highly focused or
controlled, which at times is a very good quality.
Because of all these things, Saturn is considered a "first class malefic", or in other words, a
planet capable of doing great harm. But that is spoken from the angle of vision of the
materially oriented. Materially speaking Saturn is usually malefic, except when his reduction
and crushing capacity is used, in the chart, against the enemies of our material progress. For
example, if Saturn is situated in such a way as to crush the twelfth house, or the house of
losses, then our losses are crushed, which means we don't lose as much.
But Saturn has another good side. Consider the diamond- it is created from black coal under
great pressure for a long time. Saturn rules coal, pressure, and long periods of time. So,
Saturn creates the diamond, which is very beautiful and extremely hard. When a person is
under Saturn, they eventually become beautiful and hard, or shining and strong. The trials
and struggles that Saturn puts us through teach us hard lessons.
Therefore Saturn rules the side of the religious peoples which is strong in principal,
unbending, renounced from material motivations, and so forth. Saturn has a lot to do with the
dark blue colour worn by most Police officers, and the black worn by many Priests. Men
often wear dark suits to do business, because it promotes a no-nonsense, dead-serious
demeanour in their business dealings.
Saturn rules the low workers or Shoodras, as we say in Sanskrit. This is because he rules all
things low and difficult. Things which are cold, dark, hard and created under pressure are
ruled by Saturn, so he rules many types of metal like iron and steal, as well as the tools of
hard work. Because he is an old man, he rules old things.
Saturn is the slowest moving graha, and represents the more time related aspects in life:
endurance, sense responsibility, hard work, longevity and reclusion. t is typically described
as the bringer of grief and misery in life, but if it is auspiciously placed in a chart it will be
one's best insurance against poverty. Saturn is best placed in Tula (Libra) where is called
exalted. Opposite from there, in Mesha (Aries) it is least auspicious and called debilitated.
Saturn is lord of the sign Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius) also of the houses
where these signs are located.
Saturn signifies: Discipline, order, structure, dependable, stability, separation, solitude,
limitation, obstruction, poverty, death, disease, oppression, pessimistic, worry, fear, bad luck,
old age, delays, retards things, concentration, paralysis, depression, stunted, deprivation,
bondage, fixed assets, land, property, endurance and lasting, doubt, phobias, darkness,
sorrow, longevity, detachment, decay
MedicaI AstroIogy: geriatrics, death, bones and teeth, osteoporosis, arthritis, degenerative
diseases, dehydration, premature aging, cancer
Gem: Blue Sapphire, Amethyst
Day: Saturday
RuIes: Capricorn and Aquarius ExaItation: Libra Debilitation: Aries
DirectionaI Strength: Seventh House

Rahu (the Northern Lunar node)
Rahu is the point in the zodiac where the paths of the Sun and the Moon cross. f the Sun
and Moon in their movement meet in this point, then an eclipse takes place. Eclipses "seize"
the light of the Sun or the Moon, and it is this seizing quality that is characteristic for Rahu.
Rahu is not an actual planet-ball, as the other planets are, but a point in space that is of
great influence. The nodes Rahu and Ketu are always opposite each other in the Zodiac.
They are calculated from the orbits of the Sun and Moon in relation to the Earth. They are
gravitational line up points. They cause the Moon to actually wobble in it's orbit.
t is a scientific fact, that when the Moon gets close to the nodes in it's real orbit, that it
wobbles due to the gravitational pull of the point. So, when in a chart we see that the person
was born at a time when the Moon was close to one of the nodes (Rahu or Ketu) that the
mind is disturbed, since the Moon rules the mind. This is a fact which you will see played out
in the lives of those who have this. Since the nodes occupy two signs, roughly one sixth of
the population has this. However, it is strongest when the Moon is really close to the Node it
conjoins- or in other words, when the two are close by degrees within the sign- say within 5
degrees of each other. Then the effects become pronounced.
Rahu's nature is that of anger, upsetness, anxiety, suddenness and other things which we
would feel if we got our heads cut off right when we were getting something we wanted.
Think of it: Just when you are about to get what you always wanted, right then something
comes to totally ruin your plans. But, the secret is this: Anyone who is killed by the weapon
of Vishnu is also highly benefited spiritually, so this plays out in our lives as well. So, the
effects of Rahu can be said like this: Painful and troublesome, but ultimately for a higher
cause.
Rahu signifies: Fame, extremes, foreigners and foreign lands, fulfilment of worldly desires,
status, prestige, power, worldly success, outer success with inner turmoil, obsessive,
addictions, psychic, disturbances, collective trends, disturbances, poisons that destroy and
heal, medicine, drugs and alcohol
MedicaI AstroIogy: Plagues, epidemics, possessions, manic depression, insanity,
addictions,
hormonal imbalances, suicide, insomnia, hysteria, neurosis, nervous disorders, cancer
Gem: Hessonite Garnet (Gomehda)
ExaItation: Taurus DebiIitation: Scorpio
DirectionaI Strength: Tenth House

Ketu (The southern Iunar node)
Ketu is not really a planet, but rather a mathematically calculated point in the heavens.
Because of its lack of a "body" it represents uncertain, unexpected and unpredictable
phenomena. t is intelligent and relates to mathematics and other abstract knowledge.
Wherever Ketu sits in a chart there we will find the sucking black hole effect. t feels forever
like a hole into which we tend to want to put more and more of that thing to satisfy it. We
cannot get enough where Ketu sits- we feel the lack of that house in our lives very much.
Therefore many say that Ketu rules separations, cuts, loses and deprivations.
For the spiritually minded Ketu is very good, and for the materialistic, very bad. t is good for
the spiritually minded because it rules liberation from bondage. When Rahu's body was
separated from his head, the body no longer was under the influence of Rahu's mind, and so
was free. Ketu represents the ultimate freedom from ourselves, our spiritual liberation. Ketu
is very final in this sense.
n Vedic thought, liberation, called "Mukti" or "Moksha" is considered the highest goal of life.
After all our material role playing is through, we are to seek liberation from material bondage
and misidentification, and seek out union with God (Yoga means union). So, liberation is the
highest goal and Ketu is the "Moksha Karaka" or significator of Moksha in our charts.
When reading astrological books, one must remember that many of them were written, oddly
enough, from the materialistic viewpoint. ndeed, today also, many people who are into
astrology are into it for reasons of bettering their material positions, or finding out just how
good their life (here on Earth) is going to be. Therefore, the books often say that Jupiter is
the highest benefic. However, spiritually minded astrologers know that, in terms of real
spiritual development, Saturn is above Jupiter and Ketu is above Saturn. Jupiter rules
Wisdom, but Saturn rules Truth, yet Ketu rules Moksha, the highest achievement of all. So,
Ketu is the most spiritual planet, with Saturn being next in line, and Jupiter takes third place.
Ketu signifies: Loss, liberation, perception, wisdom, lack of confidence, negation, self
doubt, fantasies, confusion, indecision, illusions, drug addiction and alcoholism, psychic
influences, fire, injury, death, spiritual insight
MedicaI AstroIogy: Psychic disorders, radiation diseases, cancer, surgery and malpractice
Gem: Cat's Eye
ExaItation: Scorpio DebiIitation: Taurus
DirectionaI Strength: Twelfth House
First let us discuss the physical zodiac which is comprised of 12 main constellations also
known as signs or rashis ( Aries - Taurus - Gemini - Cancer - Leo - Virgo - Libra -
Scorpio - Sagittarius - Capricorn - Aquarius - Pisces ).
The zodiac is a band of stars that surrounds the earth like a ring. There are 12 main
constellations that form this great ring around us. The stars that we see in the night sky are
mostly very, very far away. Amongst the millions of stars in the night sky, the 7 planets and
two invisible planets in Vedic Astrology exist also, although they are much closer and they
move. Besides these few, very few, moving planets all the other stars are fixed out in space.
The zodiac is comprised of a band of these fixed stars, very far beyond the planets that form
our immediate solar system. So you could say that the fixed stars of the night sky which
includes the band called the zodiac altogether form the "back drop" of the sky or the back
drop against which our solar system is moving.
For example, in astrology, we always speak of which sign a planet is in. The planets are not
actually mixing in the stars at the sign, it is just that because the planet is circling with us
around the sun, looking from earth towards the planet in question, we always see some sign
of the zodiac as the back drop of that planet.
For example, picture yourself standing in the middle of a circular room. There are seven
other people with you in the room. You, yourself and the 7 other people are all walking in
circles around in the room. Some of you are closer to the wall, some of you are closer to the
middle. You are all walking at different speeds, but you are all walking around the central
point of the room. Some of you complete your circles around the center of the room on your
own path very quickly and begin again, circling again and again. While others, walking closer
to the outer edge, and perhaps walking slower due to their own natures, take longer to
complete their circle around the room.
The wall of the room surrounding all of you is painted with 12 different distinct colored
sections. One section is orange, the next section is green, the next section is red and so on.
You are walking on the 3rd or 4th ring out from the middle of the room. When you look to
your right or left you see the other walkers within the room. Whenever you look at any one of
them, you see a colored back drop behind them from your relative view point. For example,
you may look at the person on the 5th ring from the center, and when you look at them you
see that behind them is the green section of the wall which is 1/12 of the circular wall
surrounding all of you. f you were to refer to that person, you might say the 5th walker is in
the green section. Looking yet at another person, you may see an old man on the very most
outer ring, walking very slowly against the gray 1/12 of the back drop wall. You could then
say, the old man who is on the outer most ring is currently in the gray section as he walks
around the room.
n this way the various heavenly bodies known as grahas or planets are always, in relation to
our vision, situated in front of one of the signs of the zodiac which is behind them. Thus we
say that the planet is in a certain sign. t does not mean that the planet is actually in those
stars at this time, but simply that that constellation (sign) is the back drop far away behind
the planet as we gaze upon it. Apparently it is the will of the Lord that these relationships of
the planets to signs and the houses in relation to us, is how the effects of the Gods can be
read.
Our universe is so dependent upon the higher controlling demigods that what we see as our
planet, the 12 divisions of space surrounding it (the houses) and the other floating planets in
our solar system, are all actually a reflection of the dance of various demigods during the
minute fraction of their day that passes while we have an entire lifetime. Their thoughts at a
moment reflected in the planets, control our entire lives.
A real astrologer looks at the planets in a chart and having already become familiar with the
nature of the demigods that each planet represents, can immediately tell the mood and
effect upon the person whose chart it is. Vedic Astrology is actually a system of reading the
effects of the demigods based on their positioning within a chart.
These three elements, the planets, signs and houses are the most important fundamental
building blocks of Jyotish. One must become intimately familiar with the nature of these 33
items. Namely, 9 planets, 12 signs and 12 houses. After this there are 27 special stars or
Nakshatras. The 27 Nakshatras are the most important stars in the zodiac. They are spaced
roughly evenly around the zodiac and they control 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac
each. Studying the Nakshatras or special stars will come later. First one must become
familiar with the 33 main elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ZODIAC SIGNS
1. ARIES (Mesha)

Aries is the positive sign of Mars, cardinal fire, the beginning of the zodiac and the head of
the Cosmic Man (time personified), and a ram. As sign no. 1, Aries gives independence,
force, self-expression and a strong personal orientation in life. Aries types are dynamic,
aggressive, and competitive and possess much initiative. They often live in their heads and
can have a penetrating power of perception.
They have scientific and logical abilities and may be good at research and invention, the
development of new ideas. They are independent, adventurous and skillful in what they do.
They possess strong emotions and passions but usually remain in control of them. They are
often willful, impulsive or headstrong and can be critical or opinionated. Yet they can make
good psychologists once they learn to examine themselves.
Less evolved Aries types may be angry, impulsive and manipulative, pushing their way in life
and imposing their ideas and energies on others. Their impulses and instincts may drive
them. Though martial, their martial energy is expressed more through the mind than the
body. They are prone to argument but do not often resort to violence.
They may be a vain, self-indulgent or just overly preoccupied with themselves. While very
good at developing strategies, they may become victims of their own cunning.
They can think about things too much and can give themselves ulcers. Aries types can be
self-centered and are not always sensitive to others. They benefit from relationship to
balance them out. They are usually initiating a new phase of manifestation. Their key to
spiritual growth is to use their sharp minds to discover truth, not to promote themselves

2. TAURUS (Wurshabha)

Taurus is the negative sign of Venus, fixed earth, the face and neck of the Cosmic Man, a
bull. As sign no. 2, it gives a strong sense of relationship, partnership and communication of
feeling. Taurus types seek balance and harmony in individual relationships and in their
organization of their immediate environment.
Taurus people are very stable, enduring and fixed in their ways. They have a strong sense of
form and beauty and may become artists and poets. They are often attractive, particularly
when young, and like to adorn themselves. They can be very possessive and may become
businessmen, bankers or accumulate property. They are apt to be materialistic and sensual
and like comfort, beauty, luxury or adornment around them. Yet they easily develop taste,
refinement and grace.
They communicate with others well and associate readily with foreigners. They tend to
become obstinate and do not like to more from a position once they have accepted it as their
own. They are slow to anger but also slow to forgive and can even be cruel or insensitive to
those outside of their circle of association. They possess good memories but may become
sentimental or cling to the past. They like to live in their body and senses.
Taureans usually value stable and happy home and married lives. They can be very
romantic and devotional and are often votaries of the idea that all is love. They are attached
to the earth, often work with their hands and leave their mark of form on their practical
environment. Their mode is to acquire, preserve and refine. Spiritually they are also more
devotional and like tradition and ritual.
3. GEMINI (Mituna)

Gemini is the positive sign of Mercury, mutable air, the lower neck and shoulders of the
Cosmic Man, twins or a couple (a man and a woman). As sign no. 3, it gives an energetic
nature with a seeking of change and interchange, motion and invention.
Those in whom the influence of Gemini predominates are often nervous, restless and
agitated. They possess quickness and adaptability of body and mind but can exhaust
themselves through excessive activity. They have good intellects, along with excellent
powers of speech and communication and a good command of language.
They may be writers, journalists or poets, or secretaries or computer programmers. They are
good with information and statistics and may be scientists. There is a speculative side of
their minds, however, and they can pursue ideas for their own sake or get caught up in their
own unrealistic fantasies or worries. They usually love knowledge.
Gemini's are as mobile in human relationships as they are in mind and tend to marry more
than once or have several partners. They may be strongly sexually oriented but must be
careful, as their vital energy is not always as high as their imaginations.
They love stimulation and novelty and can get easily addicted to media or computer
influences. They like anything that excites their nervous system or increases their velocity in
life but thereby they can become hypersensitive or become neurotic.
Their agility of mind may cause them to become deceptive or unreliable and they can be
tricky and hard to pin down. They may be indecisive and never bring anything to fruition.
They are the most changeable of all types and always on the go, until their energy fails
them. Once they come to seek inner knowledge rather than outer knowledge and sensation,
they can become quite spiritual, as their energy is the most subtle and volatile of all the
signs.
. CANCER (Kataka)

Cancer is the sign of the Moon (an even or negative sign), cardinal water, and the chest of
the Cosmic Man, a crab. As sign no. 4, it shows a need for mental and emotional stability
and happiness. Cancer people are usually open, friendly, sympathetic, caring and nurturing,
as they are under the sign of the mother.
They value human relationship and the exchange of feelings, particularly on an intimate and
personal level. They usually have many people in their homes or friends coming and going,
including cooking or caring for them.
They seek popularity and are sensitive to the moods of the masses, through which they can
gain social or political influence and recognition. Yet they may be over emotionally sensitive,
shy, attached and dependent. They love their home and family but sometimes to the point of
narrow mindedness. n the same way they can love their community, country or religion in an
enclosure of feeling. Cancerians are devoted, loving and intuitive, often sensing immediately
the feelings of others. They can have powerful imaginations, yet may be bound by
subconscious fixations and attachments.
They are gentle, non-harmful but may become defensive or cowardly. They are just and
frugal but sometimes lack in wills, initiative and courage. They are receptive and can
become contemplative when they open up to the spiritual life and are usually of a devotional
bent of mind. Yet what they follow they will represent and project to the world at large.
Once they feel connected they gain confidence, initiative and power and can shine over
others like the Moon. Once they learn how to be receptive to truth, they can do great service
in life and act with great power.

5. LEO (Singha)

Leo is the sign of the Sun (positive), fixed fire the solar plexus of the Cosmic Man, a lion. As
sign no. 5, it shows a need for order and harmony around a central will and character
influence. Leo individuals possess a strong sense of self, character and will in life. They
know who they are and want others to recognize it.
They are often proud, bold, ambitious and aristocratic. They respond strongly and personally
to things and are dramatic, sometimes vain, in their self-expression. They like to attract
attention and may talk a lot about themselves. They like to shine in social situations and may
dominate others. They prefer to be the center of attention and value honor, respect and
prestige. They are often strong souls and possessed of fine principles and good intelligence.
They can be refined in their manners or philosophical in their outlook on life. Leos have
strong and noble hearts but can suffer from too powerful emotions or too much need for
attention. They do not always do well in partnership and tend to form alliances with inferiors
or to subordinate their partners to them. They may suffer from their children, as they do not
always give them enough independence.
They like to turn others into satellites, which may in turn rebel against them. f they can
control their pride they can develop much power of character that can take them through all
the highs and lows of life and grant them a spiritual perception. nwardly they can
development the greatness of soul and character. As they have a high standard for
themselves they can become very dejected if they fail or do not succeed as much as they
wish. Fallen Leo types can be among the most miserable of people.
. VIRGO (Kanya)

Virgo is the negative sign of Mercury, mutable earth, the intestines of the Cosmic Man, a
virgin.
Like their Gemini counterparts, under the influence of Mercury, Virgo types possess good
intellects, command of the language and nervous sensitivity. They make good teachers and
have a strong sense of the facts. They also can project the healing ray of Mercury and make
good doctors healers and can be good at yoga (particularly Hatha yoga).
They are more physical than Gemini's, like physical exercise and may excel as athletes.
Their knowledge has a more practical or informational side to it and they are often good at
trivia. Their knowledge is seldom theoretical. t is usually tied to some form or practical
manifestation. They make for good craftsmen, draftsmen or artists, as they have a strong
sense of form, line and detail. They may become actors, as they can easily learn how to
discipline their expression and project their emotions. Virgos are more method actors than
charismatic types, however.
Owing to their sensitive and changeable minds and nervous systems, they may become
neurotic. They often suffer from a nervous or variable digestion and elimination. They are
usually the weakest physically of the signs and can more likely come down with difficult to
treat disorders or chronic diseases, particularly problems involving the nervous system.
Their body-mind coordination may fail them. Sexually they tend to be shy when young but
are prone to excessive sexual activity when older, though it is seldom open or freely
expressed. Virgos are often fussy, discriminating and exacting about details and like
cleanliness and order.
Their discrimination sometimes has a spiritual orientation and they can be good at
philosophies like Vedanta that are built on purity and discrimination. They are possessed of
good and factual memories they are helpful and service oriented. They are good workers but
can suffer from overwork or lack of recognition in what they does.
7. LIBRA (ThuIa)

Libra is the positive sign of Venus, cardinal air, the lower abdomen of the Cosmic Man, the
scales or balance. As sign no. 7, it gives leadership, power and command of ideas. Libra has
a somewhat different meaning in the Vedic than in the western system. n its stronger
manifestation it is the sign of reformers, revolutionaries, prophets, idealists and fanatics.
Libra individuals have a strong sense of harmony, justice and balance, particularly in the
realm of ideas.
They want to see heaven on earth. They are sensitive, humanitarian, and excitable and have
the power to arouse and influence the masses. Their orientation is often political; in which
sphere they often become leaders, even great generals.
They love the truth and are devoted to their ideals but may go too far in their zeal and
become propagandists. They have a strong sense of the world or history as a whole as
moving towards some ideal.
Their idealism may also express itself through art and drama, which for them becomes a
vehicle of social change. They like fame and recognition and like to have an audience for
their ideas and have a strong social sense. Librans are usually attractive and have a
charisma that may become sexual.
They are not much concerned with home and family. But under the rule of Venus do like
beauty around them, sometimes much like Taurus types. They like to have circles of
beautiful or famous friends. They often like to live in the clouds and have strong connections
with the higher astral plane.
They can attune themselves to the love truth and thereby quickly learn to transcend the
world. By their sociable nature they are often successful and want to make a mark upon the
world. They like business situations that give them administrative power or ability to
influence others. Yet they can lose themselves in their goals and projects.
. SCORPIO (Wurshika)

Scorpio is the negative sign of Mars, fixed water the sexual organs of the Cosmic Man, a
scorpion. As sign no. 8 (2 x 4), it shows a need for balance and stability on a deeper or
psychic level.
Scorpio is a very profound and mysterious sign. As the negative or physical side of Mars,
Scorpio people are often soldiers, policemen or athletes. They like to use their martial force
on a physical level and can be prone to the use of force. They usually have good muscles
and like to exercise.
When mentally developed they have a good capacity for research and inquiry and may
become chemists or surgeons. More evolved Scorpio types like to explore the depths of the
mind and may have an interest in the occult and yoga (tantra). Their kundalini can often be
easily aroused for good or ill.
They may like trying to work with or overcome negative forces and see life as a battle
between light and darkness, with which they may become obsessed. They are often
fascinated with techniques or technologies for directing energy, either outwardly or inwardly.
Scorpions can be very intelligent and perceptive but prefer to remain behind the scenes or
do not express themselves quickly (not because they are slow but because they are
cautious).
Scorpio types are intense, secretive, introverted and sometimes troubled. They have an
active subconscious and must keep their emotions clear and pure, free of envy and
attachment, or they can get stuck on an emotional level.
Yet by this sensitivity they may develop a philosophical disposition and profound insight that
the other types attain to rarely. They can be caught in their solar plexus and the
accumulation of personal power. They need to surrender to the heart. The eagle, the
profundity of vision and transcendence needed to subdue the serpent, symbolizes the higher
side of Scorpio.

. SAGITTARIUS (Dhanu)

Sagittarius is the positive sign of Jupiter, mutable fire, the hips of the cosmic man, a horse,
centaur or archer. As sign no. 9, it shows grace, beneficence, completion and full harmony
(3 x 3), the manifestation of the will in action. Sagittarius individuals project the positive side
of Jupiter. They have a positive attitude in life, an expansive spirit, and a moral, religious or
philosophical disposition. They have a strong sense of principle, law and justice. They are
usually warm and friendly, dramatic and seek to develop their principles in life.
They make themselves noticed and can easily become active or involved with the expansion
of the social forces they open up to. On the other hand, they can be too conventional, too
law-abiding and overly moralistic, caught in some dogmatic idea. They may become lawyers,
religious leaders or successful businessmen. They like to be generous but like to stay within
the convention of the society, or the group or organization with which they are involved.
They possess critical minds and strong opinions but are prone to become self-righteous.
Their minds may be too discriminating and fault finding and they may be unable to see their
own limitations. Sagittarius are often athletic, though not always competitive, like the
outdoors, enjoy the wilderness, and become are lovers of nature
They have a sense of play or even partying, which may become self-indulgence or group
indulgence. They find it hard to settle down. They are lucky in life and things often come
easy for them.
The world often responds quickly and favorably to them. They can inherit much from father
or family. They are a helpful presence in any enterprise, as they bring much enthusiasm and
make good and devoted friends. Yet, however, successful they may be in the material world,
they usually retain some sense of higher aspiration and are attracted to religion or the
spiritual life.

10. CAPRICORN (Makara)

Capricorn is the negative sign of Saturn, cardinal earth, the knees of the Cosmic Man, a
crocodile. As sign no. 10, it shows the state of power, order and complete organization.
Capricorn is often the lowest and the highest of the signs in terms of achievement in life. t is
the sign of practical realization. On the material level, this can create much worldliness and
obstinacy and make people selfish. Less evolved Capricorn types may be sons of the earth,
farmers who know little beyond their farm.
Somewhat more evolved is the hardheaded Capricorn businessman who saves everything
for some eventual great gain. On the spiritual level, Capricorn can give the capacity to
manifest spiritual principles in daily life and practical work. Capricorn types are hardworking,
persevering, tenacious and have the power for eventual great accomplishments.
They usually have to work for themselves and learn to value everything that comes through
their own effort. They start slowly in life, often encounter many obstacles along the way, but
thereby create the energy for long term success. They are ambitious but often narrow in their
goals and rigid or cutting in their opinions. They can be shrewd at business and are often
good in science and technology, with a strong mathematical sense.
They tend to be traditional and may have much past life karma in traditional and oriental
cultures. They often need to learn more self-surrender; to take themselves less seriously and
to be less concerned about the outer form of things. They are often detached from their
emotions, either by lower sensate or higher intellectual or spiritual values, or by
conventionality or just being caught in the senses.

11. AQUARIUS (Kumbha)

Aquarius is the positive sign of Saturn, fixed air, the lower legs of the Cosmic Man, the pot or
the Water Bearer. As sign no. 11, it indicates the group and the need to understand what
individuality really is. Aquarius individuals are the most self-negative of all types. On a higher
level, they have more faith and the capacity to surrender the ego to the Divine. On a lower
level, they have more belief in others and tend to denigrate themselves towards the ego
demands of others or peer group influences. For this reason, they tend more towards sexual
deviations than the other signs.
They are prone to do what they are told not to do and to befriend those they are told to
avoid. n this way their energy can be blocked, dissipated, confused or darkened. On a
higher level, they are willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of all and may be strongly
humanitarian.
On a lower level, they may accept a subservient, servile or even degrading role in life, and
not protest against the injustice inflicted upon them. They like to take the side of the
oppressed, rejected the outcaste or disapproved elements of society. They often have much
guilt and like to blame themselves.
They act selflessly relative to what they repose their faith in. f that is the Divine they may
become saintly. f it is some criminal group, they can even become underworld leaders.
Aquarians may be eccentric and scattered in what they do, unclear as to who they are. They
lack charisma and often fail as political leaders to attract the masses. Yet by their faith and
devotion, they are often successful as religious leaders and teachers. The water they bring is
that of truth from their intuitive perception.
12. PISCES (Meena)

Pisces is the negative sign of Jupiter, mutable water, the feet of the cosmic man, the fishes.
As sign no. 12, it shows the complete display of all possibilities but not necessarily their
proper integration. Pisces individuals are emotional, expansive, intuitive and imaginative.
They are enthusiastic but not always wisely so. They like to influence others but are easily
influenced themselves and may be vulnerable or impressionable.
They are friendly and communicative and like people and can relate to a variety of people.
They can easily become dependent or make others dependent upon them. They are often
sentimental and easily moved by feelings, including those that are not genuine.
They are friendly and compassionate but can be moved by sympathy and pity. When
frustrated in life, they often develop self-pity. They are usually attached to the past for good
or ill and may accept the values of the culture and religion they are born into. However, they
are susceptible to missionary type influences and like demonstrations of faith. They like
ceremony and ritual enjoy music and can be good musicians.
Pisceans often lack in boundaries and may not have enough clarity and practicality. They
can be amorphous, hard to pin down and will appear so as to please others or reflect the
influence of the moment.
As a mutable and emotional sign, they tend towards emotional disorders and may have
sensitive digestive and nervous systems. They are not often good leaders but make good
followers or promoters.
They can lack in self-confidence or they can have too many impractical ideas about
themselves but wish to achieve a lot in life. They can become dependent on or addicted to
sugar or alcohol and often need special acknowledgement or approval. They need to control
their imaginations and develop more discrimination. Once they do this they can reflect the
creative joy of the soul.
1st house (Lagna Bhava):
1st house or so called Lagna is the most important of all the houses and determines the
longevity, overall well-being, general tendencies, physical appearance, longevity, body,
limbs, health, character and nature of the native. t specifically signifies the face and the
head.

2nd house (Dhana Bhava):
This house is also called 'Dhana stana' (wealth) house (stana means position) and deals
with money matters, one's deposits, income tax, customs, computers. t represents one's
family, early life, wealth, items relating to mouth and face, speech, food habits, vision in
general and right eye in particular.

3rd house (Bratru Bhava):
Called 'Bratru' (brother) house, this is the house of brothers and sisters (siblings), signifies
success through own efforts, courage, bravery, adventures, initiative, motivation, fine arts
(singing, dancing, directors), voice, matters relating to communication such as writing,
shoulders, arms, neck, throat, right ear, hands boldness and short journeys. One is made
singer by this house only.


th house (Shukha Bhava):
t is also called 'Matru' (mother) Bhava. Shukha means comforts. 4th house represents
mother, motherland, home life, fixed assets (such as land and property), conveyances (such
as cars), general happiness, comforts, academic degree, endings, passions, emotions,
matters of the heart, house, mental peace and education. t represents chest, particularly
lungs.

5th house (Putra Bhava):
This house is called as 'Putra' (children) Bhava' and represents children, intelligence, higher
knowledge, sense of destiny (poorvapunya), morals, pleasure, generousity, love affairs,
investments and speculations. t indicates stomach and gives professions of teacher,
principal and gynaecologist, right knee or leg.

th house (Satru Bhava):
This house is called 'Satru' (enemies) Bhava, that is house of enemies. t denotes
challenges from competitors or enemies, disease, medical or healing profession, debts,
subordinates such as workers, service oriented jobs, food, restaurants, police, military. t
governs digestive system, quarrels court and jobs done by hand, like typing.

7th house (KaIatra Bhava):

Also called 'Kalatra Bhava', it represents spouse, business partner, marriage, partners,
sexual passions, courts, residence in foreign lands, desire, generousity business or
employment in a private firm. t governs sexual organs and diseases thereof.

th house (Ayur Bhava):
Ayur means lifespan. Also known as 'Ayu sthana' it represents life force, longevity, spiritual
practices, intuition, psychic abilities, gains from wills, legecies, deeds, court cases and
insurance policies, chronic and long-term sickness, monetary gains from partner, secrets,
diseases related to reproductive system, anus, misfortunes, accidents, injuries, death,
underground wealth, historical things and monuments, parental property and mining

th house (Bhagya Bhava):
Called house of luck (fortune) and religion, it represents father or preceptor, virtuous nature,
faith, morals, law, long journeys, higher knowledge, medicine, pilgrimage, higher studies like
doctorate, long journeys, languages like Sanskrit, Roman and Hebrew. t also indicates
grand parents, grand children and mental aptitude towards Yoga and sadhana. t represents
hips.

10th house (Karma Bhava):
This house is called 'Karma sthana' and represents the acts one does. t signifies profession,
or what ever we do or career, respectability, fame, honors, activities that benefit society,
authority, government work, pilgrimages, father, politics, leadership and management. t
governs knees and Back.

11th house (Laba Bhava):
11th house is house of gains/profits or 'Labha' and represents sources of income, elder
brothers and sisters, friend's circle and legs. Gains through profession, ambitions, desires,
support from friends, eldest brother, paternal uncle.

12th house (Vyaya Bhava):
The house of loss and expenses is called 'Vyaya sthana' and covers bad habits,
confinement (such as prison), hospital, monastic life, misfortunes, long journeys, secret
enemies, connections with foreign countries, quests, and bed pleasure - comforts of the bed.
t also indicates export and import, also feet. Keeping away from home base or travell. Self-
realisation and spiritual liberation.
What are Nakshatras?
The Nakshtras, also called lunar mansions or constellations. n Jyotish or ndian astrology
there are 27-nakshatras prescribed by Parasara (ancient sage who founded Vedic
astrology).
The first nakshatra, Ashwini, starts at Aries 0'00'' degrees and ends at Aries 13'30''.
The next nakshatra, Bharani, starts at Aries 13'20'' and ends at Aries 26'40''.
Then Krittika starts at Aries 26'40'' and ends at Taurus 10'00''.
Then Rohini from Taurus 10'00'' to 23'20'' and so on, until Revati, which extends from
Pisces 16'40'' to Aries 0'00''
Two nakshatras take up 26'40'', which is 3'20'' short of one full sign ( a full sign is 30'00').
Therefore, 3'20'' is 1/4 of a nakshatra, and is called a nakshatra-pada, or simply a
pada(means step). As such, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and the 1st pada of Bharani.
Taurus contains padas 2- 4 of Krittika, Rohini, and the first 2 padas of Mrgasira. Each
nakshatra therefore contains 9 padas (note that 3'20'' x 9 = 30 degrees, or one full sign).
The notation Ashwini-1 means the 1st pada of Ashwini, Ashwini-2 the 2nd pada, and so on.
Aries then contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krittika-1, and Taurus contains Krittika-2,3,4,
Rohini, and Mgrasira-1,2.
Four signs contain 9 x 4 = 36 padas, or 9 full nakshatras. This happens 3 times, as indicated
by the breaks in the nakshatra table below. Aries - Cancer contain Ashwini - Ashlesha, Leo -
Scorpio contain Magha - Jyeshta, and Sagittarius - Pisces contain Mula - Revati.
Just like the signs, each nakshatra has a ruler or owner. Unlike the signs, Rahu and Ketu are
assigned rulerships. Ashwini is ruled by Ketu, Bharani by Venus, Krittika by Sun, then Mars,
Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury. The cycle then repeats in the same order two more
times. Note the order of nakshatra rulership is the same as the mahadasa order in the
vimshottari dasha scheme, as it must be, since this is how the vimshottari dasha order is
defined.
A table summarizing the nakshatras is given below.
Nakshatra RuIer Start
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashwini Ketu Ari 0-00
Bharani Venus Ari 13-20
Krittika Sun Ari 26-40
Rohini Moon Tau 10-00
Mrgasira Mars Tau 23-20
Ardra Rahu Gem 6-40
Punarvas Jupiter Gem 20-00
Pushya Saturn Can 3-20
Ashlesha Mercury Can 16-40
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Magha Ketu Leo 0-00
Poorvaphalguni Venus Leo 13-20
Uttaraphalguni Sun Leo 26-40
Hasta Moon Vir 10-00
Chitra Mars Vir 23-20
Svati Rahu Lib 6-40
Visakha Jupiter Lib 20-00
Anuradha Saturn Sco 3-20
Jyeshta Mercury Sco 16-40
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mula Ketu Sag 0-00
Poorvashadha Venus Sag 13-2
Uttarashadha Sun Sag 26-40
Shravana Moon Cap 10-0
Dhanishta Mars Cap 23-20
Satabisha Rahu Aqu 6-40
Poorva Bhadrapada Jupiter Aqu 20-00
Uttara Bhadrapada Saturn Pis 3-20
Revati Mercury Pis 16-40
The nakshatras act as a filter through which the grahas act. Take Sun at Aries 10-00; this
corresponds to Ashwini, which is ruled by Ketu. Sun therefore has an influence from Ketu,
and we need to look at the disposition of Ketu to fully understand the influence of Sun.
We continually emphasize the word graha here and in other articles in this web site. t is
explained there that the word graha means to grasp, or lay hold of. The entity that the
grahas are grasping onto are the nakshatras.
When one graha is in a nakshatra ruled by another graha, it acts to integrate the influences
of the two grahas. This integration is often important for providing balance. For example,
Jupiter is an expansive graha, and this is taken to be "good". On the other hand, too much
expansion can result in obesity, or excessive accumulation. Saturn, on the other hand,
indicates constriction, and is often considered "bad". When Jupiter and Saturn balance each
other it can provide for a very strong foundation which can result in "healthy growth", or
growth (expansion) with balance.

FoIIowing tabIe wiII show certain characteristics of 27 Naksharta
in Vedic AstroIogy
Nakshatra PeopIe and Professions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Aswinni horse-dealers, commandants, physicians, attendants, horse-riders,
merchants, handsome persons, traders, horse-grooms, army general,
hunter, astrologers, poets, ministers
2. Bharani those that feed on blood + flesh, cruel men, those engaged in killing,
imprisoning and beating others, low-born persons, those who are
devoid of courage, character or nobility, burial related jobs, menial jobs,
/,ncers, ,ctors, musici,ns, singers, those who pl, on music,l
instruments, the wicke/, hunters.
3. Krittika Brahmans who maintain and worship the sacred fire daily, those who
know of the sacred hymns and sacrificial rules, grammarians, miners,
barbers, Brahmans, potters, priests and astrologers, commentators,
gold miners, those who work on fire i.e. gol/smiths, bl,cksmiths etc.,
,rm comm,n/ers.
4. Rohini Observers of vows, merchandises, kings, wealthy persons, Yogins,
cart-men, husbandmen, liquor drinkers, men in authority, politicians,
entertainers, ascetic.
5. Mrigashira drinkers, men in authority, politicians, entertainers, ascetic
5 Mrigashira foresters (or forest-dwellers), those who partake of Soma
juice (in sacrifices), musicians, lovers, carriers of letters, lustful
persons, hunters, loafer, singers, s,crificers, offici,ting priests ,t
s,crifices, noble persons.
6. Ardra Murderers (executioners), animal-catchers, liars, adulterers, thieves,
rogues, creators of discord, cruel persons, charmers, sorcerers, those
well versed in raising goblins, black magic, butchers, fowlers,
prostitutes, oil mongers, w,shermen, /ers
7. Punurvasu the truthful, generous, pure (clean), rich, high-born, handsome,
intelligent, grain merchants, famous, merchants, servants, artisans,
bankers, c,;e-/wellers.
8. Pushyami sacrifice conductor, ministers, kings, fishermen and the like, virtuous
men and those that are engaged in big and small sacrifices, those
involved in physical exercise, persons eng,ge/ in ringing bells, those
who m,ke lou/ ,nnouncements (or those who li;e in h,mlets),
g,mblers.
9. AsIesha nurses, robbers, and all classes of physicians, artisans, sorcery.
10. Magha People rich in gold and corn, mountaineers, those devoted to parents
or the Manes, valiant people, traders, heroes, carnivorous beings,
women-haters, civil engineers, tr,/ers, go/owns, comm,n/ers of
eleph,nt-/i;isions or chief ministers.
11. PurvaPhaIguni Actors, young women, amiable persons, musicians, artists, boys,
dancers, fashion, painting, /e,lers in juices or ,rticles h,;ing the six
kin/s of t,stes, courtes,ns, ;irgins.
12. UttaraPhaIguni kind-hearted persons, the pure in conduct, modest, heretics, charitable
persons, the learned, very rich men, those who are devoted to their
duties, and kings, lawyer, judge, financiers, government/social service,
those with Vedic Knowledge, treasurers, hermits (or men/ic,nts),
w,ter.
13. Hasta thieves, advocates, those who travel in chariots, elephant-drivers,
artisans, men learned in the Vedas, traders, men of prowess,
speculator, gambling, b,rbers, potters, oil-m,nuf,cturers etc.,
phsici,ns, t,ilors (nee/le-workers), eleph,nt-c,tchers (or eleph,nts
,n/ croco/iles), h,rlots, g,rl,n/-m,kers (florists), p,inters.
14. Chitra persons skilled in making ornaments, dyeing (or painting), writing,
singing, perfumery, mathematicians, weavers, jewel examiners,
ophthalmic surgeons, architects, interior decorators, l,bourers eng,ge/
in the sinking of wells .
15. Svati traders, ascetic, unsteady friends, feeble characters, ascetics and
connoisseurs of wares, airplanes, rh,pso/ists ( b,r/s), spies, couriers,
ch,rioteers or stor-tellers, s,ilors, ,ctors, musici,ns, messengers,
tr,/ers.
16. Vishaka men devoted to ndra and Gani, those learned and skilled in handling
fire, engineers, merch,nts.
17. Anuradha men of prowess, heads of corporations, friends of the virtuous, lovers
of assemblies, tourists (or lovers of carriages), all honest persons in the
world, athletes, vehicle repair and sales, ministers, those th,t work with
wheels such ,s potters, oil-m,kers etc., those th,t be,t gongs or bell-
m,kers, frien/s, Ksh,tri,s.
18. Jyesta great battle heroes, those who are noted for pedigree, wealth and
fame, thieves, kings intent on conquests and commandants, kings,
their preceptors, those that receive royal patronage or honour, leaders
of Kshatriyas.
19. MooIa physicians, leaders of groups, those who deal in flowers, roots and
fruits, very wealthy persons, those who live only on fruits and roots,
w,rriors, those who /e,l in me/icin,l roots (/ruggists).
20. Purva Ashada tender-hearted people, navigators, wealthy persons, fishermen, the
truthful, pure, constructors of bridges/dams/canals, those who live by
water, meat seller.
21. Uttara Ashada Elephant drivers, wrestlers, devotees of Gods, warriors, persons
enjoying pleasures, men of valor, astrologers.
22. Sravana jugglers, the ever-active, the efficient, the energetic, the righteous,
devotees of Lord Visnu, the truthful, king's officers, eminent Br,hmins,
phsici,ns, priests.
23. Dhanishta Men w/o pride, eunuch, fast friends, men hated by women, women,
charitable persons, very wealthy, peaceful, conqueror of senses,
tre,surers, b,nkers ,n/ the like, heretics.
24. Shatabishak Snarers, anglers, bird killers, dealers in fish etc., boar-hunters, hunters,
washer-men, distillers and fowlers, phsici,ns, poets, /runk,r/s,
tr,/ers, politici,ns.
25. Purva Bhadra thieves, cowherds, murderous persons, niggards, those engaged in
despicable and roguish activities, those devoid of virtuous or religious
observances, those clever in single combat, phsici,ns, poets,
/runk,r/s, tr,/ers, politici,ns, g,mblers.
26. Uttara Bhadra Brahmans, those that are engaged in sacrifices, charity and penance,
ascetic, very wealthy persons, recluses, heretics, monarchs, ri;ers,
those who /well on ri;er-b,nks, c,rri,ge-m,kers, c,rpenters etc.
27. Revati traders, sailor, helmsmen, king's protgs, tr,;ellers ,n/ m,rching
troops
Note: Those in italic are derived from Brihat Samhita through a study of transit effects, the
other indications are directly stated from other works.
The Navamsha - th divisionaI chart or Varga
n Hindu astrology the horoscope may be broken down into several vargas, or divisions.
Although as many as 16 basic divisional charts exist, most astrologers only concern
themselves with the navamhsa or 1/9 division. Each varga chart relates to a certain house,
and this one corresponds to the 7th, the house of marriage. However, because the 7th is the
opposite of the lst, which is the most personal part of a horoscope, it has to do with a
person's relationship to society and all its functions. Therefore the navamsha is of great
importance, and no professional Hindu astrologer will attempt to analyze a birth chart without
it.
Although astrologers consult the navamsha for specific details of married life, the chart is
mainly used for its impact on a person's life in general, for this chart carries a good deal of
power to affect the actual birth chart. For example, if 4 or 5 planets in the navamsha are
exalted, or in their own signs, the original horoscope is tremendously strengthened in a
recognisable way. Naturally, if many planets are fallen in this divisional chart, the opposite
results would occur. Also, nearly all Hindu scriptures are emphatic about the fact that if a
planet is exalted in the birthchart but fallen in the navamsha, then the particular effects of
that planet will be extremely mixed, and in that planet's dasha (planetary period- will discuss
later) some amount of misery must be reaped. t should also be mentioned that the Hindu
scriptures are replete with planetary combinations and formulas involvng this varga. One
such basic and easily noted condition is what is known as vargothamamsa, or vargottama.
This occurs when a planet in the navamsha occupies the same sign as its horoscope
placement. This is a beneficial situation, and Hindu scriptures state that the planet will give
results similar to those given when posited in its own sign. A planet in its fallen sign, being
vargottama, is of course only worse off.
One must bear in mind, however. that the navamsha is not an actual horoscope but a
calculated one based upon the original. Therefore aspects and conjunctions in this chart
should never be used, despite the fact that some astrologers attempt to do so. Also, planets
are posited in signs in the navamsha, but there are no degrees for them.
The navamsha is essentially used to color the actual horoscope. There is no question that
specific results can be delineated from the proper use of the chart, but the conditions
revealed must be balanced with the natal horoscope. For example, if Jupiter is fallen in the
10th house of the navamsha, one may expect disturbances in the person's career. However,
the intensity of difficulties will depend upon the condition of the 10th house of the actual birth
chart.
There is one consideration, especially for Westerners, which must be taken quite seriously.
And that is that when a 30 degree sign is divided into 9 parts, each one is only 3 degrees 20
minutes. Therefore since 1 degree equals 4 minutes of arc, an error of 13 minutes in the
birth time throws this chart completely off. n many cases a mere 4 or 5 minute discrepancy
will give a wrong ascendant for the navamsha. Thus, it is nappropriate to use the houses in
the navamsha unless one is certain the birth time is exact, or unless events proving the
accuracy of the divisional chart have been witnessed. But although the houses may be
inaccurate due to an improper birth time, the planets in signs will not be affected. Therefore
even if one is not positive the birth time is exact, there is still great value in knowing what
signs the planets occupy in the navamsha.
( Note: P,rt of the ,bo;e text is from the book, Ancient Hin/u Astrolog for the mo/ern
Western Astrologer)
Meaning of Dashas?
The Horoscope or birth chart, gives the basic indications for an individual or event. For
example, Mars in the 3rd house (bhava) means success through one's own efforts. The
question then arises as to when this will occur; in one's youth, middle-age, old-age, or in a
mixture of these timeframes?
t may also happen that contradictory indications occur. How can these occurrences be
reconciled? f Mars is indicating success, but Sun indicates obstructions, how do we
integrate these opposing forces to arrive at a consistent picture of the birth chart?
The answers to these questions can be found in the dashas, which are systems used for
timing of events in Jyotish. f two grahas show opposing indications, it may indicate that each
will occur, but at different times. Part of one's life may show success and rise in career, while
other parts may show obstructions and struggle. The dashas allow a determination of when
these periods will express themselves, and to what degree. Both influences may also occur
simultaneously (success, but with much effort).

Planets Family

Vimshottari Dasha
There are many dasha systems available in Jyotish. Based upon the birth chart each system
has its own particular uses and rules for when they should be used. The most popular dasha
system is Vimshottari. This belongs to a class of dasha systems that are nakshatra-based .
Nakshatra-based systems use the nakshatras to calculate the start of the dasha cycle.
Vimshottari dasha, is calculated based upon the nakshatra position of Moon at birth which
determines the start of the dasha, and each graha from Sun - Ketu has a dasha period
associated with it. Suppose Moon is in Pisces at 16-10 (16 degrees, 10 minutes of arc) at
birth. Since there are 27 nakshatras of extent 13-20, this corresponds to the 26th nakshatra,
which is Uttara Bhadrapada, whose ruler is Saturn. Hence, this person was born into the
Saturn Vimshottari dasa period.
The length of each graha dasha period is given below.

Vimshottari Dasha Periods
PIanet Graha Length
( in years)
Sun 6
Moon 10
Mars 7
Rahu 18
Jupiter 16
Saturn 19
Mercury 17
Ketu 7
Venus 20
The vimshottari dashas occur in the order shown above. Summing the lengths of the dasas,
we arrive at 120 years; this is taken as the "natural" lifespan of a person living in Kali Yuga,
or current world cycle.

Sub-Periods
Life consists of cycles within cycles within cycles. This is reflected in the dasha scheme
through the sub-dashas or sub periods known as Bhukthi or Antardasha. Just as there are 9
major dasha periods, called mahadashas (maha means great, so mahadasha means great
period), there are also sub-periods. There is no limit to the number of sub-periods that can
be considered, but in most cases 2-4 are considered.
Each sub-period consists of the 9 graha periods, in the same order as shown above, starting
with the mahadasha period. For example, the Mercury dasha starts with the Mercury sub-
dasha, followed by Venus, Ketu, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, and ending with Saturn.
After this the Ketu mahadasa begins, with the sub-periods being Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon,
Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury.
The length of each sub-period maintains the same ratio as the length of the mahadasha
period. For example, the Mercury mahadasha lasts 17 years, which is 17/120 of the entire
Vimshottari dasha cycle. The Mercury sub-period of the Mercury mahadasha is therefore 17
x 17/120 = 12 months. The Venus sub-period of Mercury lasts 17 (length of Mercury
mahadasa) x 20 (length of Venus mahadasa)/120 = 2.83 years. n a similar way, the lengths
of all the sub-periods, sub-sub-periods, and so on can be calculated.

GeneraI indications during Dashas - PIanetary Periods

SUN - Dasha
The 6 year Sun dahsa will bring events relating to popularity, career advancement, authority
positions, influence and power, fame, recognition from elders and authority figures, and
dealings with the government. One's father may come prominently into focus, and if the Sun
is well disposed the father's life will improve. f afflicted, the opposite occurs. f the Sun is
weak and marred, there may be troubles with eyesight or the heart.

MOON - Dasha
Because the Moon is such a personal influence, this 10 year dasa is generally an extremely
significant period in the person's life. Therefore it will have to do with the person's physical
being, recognition from others, fulfilling one's greatest desires, and the most intimately
connected facets of life, whatever they may be for the individual. All of the Moon's
significations of course come into play, so one may expect dealings with females and the
mother, whose life will also be affected for better or worse, depending on the Moon's
disposition. These 10 years will be decidedly emotional, with more romance, sensitivity and
moodiness. This is an excellent time for working in the public eye and gaining a widespread
reputation, if the Moon is well disposed. n such cases it is also a common time for marriage
and great happiness. f the Moon is afflicted, this will be a very difficult period as far as
mental peace and general well being are concerned. The person would be susceptible to
slander, humiliation, accusations, personal downfall, and victimisation by others. Physical
ailments might involve the stomach, breast, or brain.

MARS - Dasha
During the 7 year Mars period, one generally has great energy and motivation for whatever
endeavours are indicated. Thus there may be rapid advancement and success. t is also a
common time for giving birth to sons, acquiring property, and associations with siblings
(mainly brothers). Many become independent or powerful. There may be greater sexual
passions and the possibility of surgery, accidents, injuries and physical ailments. Mars
periods favour mechanical or technical jobs as well as affiliations with military and the police
force. f the planet is afflicted, there is a danger of accidents, violence, cuts, burns, etc.
There might also be arguments, a rash temper, and illnesses of the blood, bone marrow, or
muscular system.

RAHU - Dasha
This period generally brings on a time of strong desires relating to Rahu's house placement
and the person's nature n general it is a long dahsa 18 years and thus is an indication of
deep and intense experience. n general, Rahu usually causes powerful misery during the lst
and last 2 or 3 years of its dasha. The nature of the results may vary tremendously. n some
cases the onset of the period brings the death or separation of a loved one, while for others
there may be scandal or personal downfall. But such events are difficult to pinpoint
beforehand with any certainty.
f there are aspects from benefics, or if Rahu is well placed, there may be great worldly
success and benefits. The person could be raised to a very high position of authority. This
may also occur if Rahu occupies a kendra or trikona and is aspected by the lord of any
kendra or trikona. f Mars, Saturn, or the lord of the 12th house aspects Rahu, the period
may give more than its usual share of difficulties.
Ancient Hindu sages have declared that in a Rahu dasha one may expect financial losses,
danger from snakes or poison, many illnesses, a troubled mind, humiliation, and failure.
However, in the 3rd, 6th, 10th, or 11th houses, where malefics are welcomed and in either of
Mercury's signs, excellent results will be reaped. Because Rahu is not an actual planet and
therefore does not signify a directed intelligence, the period is more a time of applying
already developed abilities rather than learning new talents. Hindu scriptures also maintain
that even when Rahu is well disposed, the benefits gained during the period will all be lost
during the close of the dasha. As Rahu represents a demon bent on sense gratification, its
dasha often causes even spiritual seekers to eat non vegetarian food.

JUPITER - Dasha
Unless Jupiter is afflicted, this 16 year dasa brings a period of prosperity, happiness, and
honor. There will be accomplishment and the fulfillment of one's desires. t is also generally
a time of spiritual growth and higher learning. As Jupiter rules children, this is a common
time for giving birth. f children are older, they will come more directly into the life, and the
eldest child may be affected for better or worse, depending on the condition of the planet. As
a benefic, Jupiter often gives many different kinds of opportunities, and marriage is therefore
common in this period. Also, one's standard of living may improve, and the person will enjoy
greater luxuries and comforts. Acquisition of finer cars is possible, as is the opportunity to
acquire property. n a spiritual country such as ndia, this period greatly favors associations
with Gurus and religious figures. One may undertake many holy pilgrimages. Long distance
travel is favoured in any case. f Jupiter is afflicted, all kinds of miseries are possible, as
one's luck is devastated and nearly all undertakings are subject to failure. There would also
be ailments involving allergies and the liver.

SATURN - Dasha
The Saturn dasha lasts 19 years and is characterized by sustained hard work in one's
career. Unless afflicted, this period may bring honor and advancement based upon one's
present and past efforts. t is a time of great discipline and of establishing a solid base for
one's career. The person may at this time build whatever tangible form and structure
elements are necessary for the years to come. Saturn dasha may also give gains in wealth,
authority, and power. There may be money from inheritances or from involvement in real
estate. As a malefic, Saturn gives excellent results in the upachaya houses (the 3rd, 6th. 10
th & 11 th), and when well aspected or well placed by sign.
f Saturn is afflicted, this dasha will bring restrictions, delays, poverty, hardship, illnesses,
and injuries. There may also be professional downfalls, loss of honor, and danger from
rheumatism or paralysis.
MERCURY - Dasha
During the 17 year Mercury dasha, one will experience a great emphasis on learning,
writing, speaking, and all intellectual endeavours. The person will delve deeply into the mind
and appreciate continuous psychological insights. Mercury is a planet of trade and
commerce, and therefore it is a common time of beginning business ventures or studies
related to business and commerce. There may also be involvement in radio, television,
accounting, publishing, sales, marketing, teaching, giving lectures, speeches and other such
Mercurial activities. f Mercury is unaspected by the Sun or any other malefic, then as a
benefic it promises happiness, prosperity, and other favourable effects. There will be
excellent results regarding the acquisition of all kinds of knowledge. For this reason, this
dasha confers successful associations with Gurus and spiritual teachers. n ndia, a person
entering this period is very likely to learn new mantras or yoga techniques. For the
Westerner, there is a strong chance of returning to college or night school.
f Mercury is afflicted, there will be mental troubles, depression, or instability. There might
also be nervous exhaustion as Mercury rules the nervous system. Merchants would be
subject to business losses commensurate with the degree of planetary affliction.

KETU - Dasha
Out of all the plantary periods. that of Ketu is perhaps the most difficult to accurately predict.
Ancient Hindu scriptures describe all sorts of miseries, such as poverty, sorrow, humiliation,
slanders, poisoning, strange illnesses, etc. n actuality, this 7 year dasha is apt to produce
some difficulties regarding the significations of Ketus house placement. Naturally, such
negative results are reversed if Ketu occupies either the 3rd, 6th. 10th. or 11 th house the
bhavas where malefics are welcomed.
As Ketu is otherworldly, it does not at all favour material benefits, but is an influence of
asceticism and non attachment. Like Rahu, if this shadowy planet is aspected by Mercury,
Venus, or Jupiter good effects will be reaped during its period. f Ketu occupies a kendra or
trtkona and is aspected by a lord of a kendra or trikona, then good effects again may be
expected. n the horoscope of a spiritual seeker, the dasha of Ketu will give excellent
spiritual, mystical, or psychic experiences.

VENUS - Dasha
The 20 year Venus dasha favors enjoyment of luxuries, comforts, romance, and married life.
When unafflicted, Venus gives abundant wealth, happiness, and pleasant associations.
There may also be involvement in artistic endeavors. This is a highly beneficial period for
actors, musicians, singers, and dancers. One's business activities may turn to dealings with
jewellery, sweets, entertainment, beauty salons, etc. n general, a person's attention during
Venus dasha is mainly on marriage and affairs of the heart. f Venus is ill disposed, such
activities will bring disappointment, sorrow and grief. Happiness is destroyed, and money
matters would also suffer. llnesses might involve the reproductive system or kidneys.
The descriptions given above for dashas are similarly applicable for bhuktis. t must be
understood that the dasha result is strongest, while the bhukti, which has a powerful effect,
is secondary in its influence. As has already been mentioned, the most specific
consideration in delineating dasha bhuktis are the houses ruled and occupied by the planets
involved, as well as planetary aspects.
Ashtakavarga (Ashta means eight and varga means division) is a system for assigning
strengths to planets (Grahas) and Houses (Bhavas) for use in transit (Gochara) analysis,
although it also finds use in natal chart interpretation. Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter,
Venus and Saturn and ascendant (lagna) participate in this system; Rahu and Ketu do not.
n the Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra, the basic reference for Vedic Astrology based upon
Maharishi Parasara (the ancient sage who founded Vedic Astrology), ashtakavarga is
described as a calculational method and a very powerful system that holds within it easy to
use predictive tools. This commentary also suggests that there is a deeper understanding on
which ashtakavarga is based upon and that perhaps holds even more profound knowledge.
Ashtaka means 8, and refers to the 7 primary planets (grahas) + lagna which contribute to
the ashtakavarga calculations. The basic principle is that from each house of a planet,
certain houses (bhavas) benefit, or receive strength. Although it is tempting to do so, we will
avoid judgemental terms such as good/bad or benefic/malefic, as their meanings are
somewhat ambigious. For example, falling down and scraping your knee might be
considered undesirable, but not so if you found a gemstone as you were getting up.
There are many types of ashtakavarga. For example, we can speak of the ashtakavarga of
each graha and lagna individually, and the combined ashtakavarga of the seven primary
grahas.
One of the main uses of ashtakavarga is in transit analysis.
Sarva Ashtakavarga
Sarva means sum or total, and sarva ashtakavarga is the value arrived in each bhava
(house) by adding the contributions from each graha. A controversy exists as whether or not
to add the contribution of the ashtakavarga of lagna. This is generally not done in keeping
with Parasara, and is not used by most astrologers. Nevertheless, there are differing
opinions on this matter. Excluding the ashtakavarga of lagna, the sum of the sarva
ashtakavargas over all 12 bhavas is 337.
The sarva ashtakavarga is a very simple and useful tool for transit analysis. To gain positive
results an average value of 25 points is sufficient. Some general guidelines about using the
sarva ashtakavarga are:
1. Grahas in signs where the sarva is between 15-20 have little effect
2. Grahas in signs where the sarva is between 20 and 25 (inclusive) have moderate effect
3. Grahas in signs where the sarva is between 25 and 30 have a good effect
4. Grahas in signs where the sarva is over and above 30 have a very good effect
Note that if a graha has moderate to strong effect on the sign it is in, this also affects the
signs it aspects. f the sarva is weak but the ashtakavarga of the graha of the sign it
occupies is large (4 or above), then its effect on the sign will be felt. f both the ashtakavarga
of the graha and the sarva are small, then the effect is weak. f both are large, then the effect
is large. f one is weak and the other strong, the graha can still have a strong influence on
the sign, depending on the size of the graha ashtakavarga and sarva values.
Take the above as guidelines, rather than as absolute rules. As you interpret more charts
and see for yourself how the ashtakavarga correlates with life events, you will develop a
good "feel" for their use.
Harmonic Charts (Vargas) In Jyotish
n Hindu astrology the horoscope may be broken down into several vargas, or divisions.
Although as many as 16 basic divisional (Shodashavarga) charts exist. The birth chart,
divides the zodiac into 12 equal portions of 30 degrees each. The natal chart is the most
fundamental chart in analysing an individual or event as it reveals the basic tendencies
inherent at a particular time.
There are other ways of dividing the zodiac, and these are represented in the vargas, or
harmonic charts, of Jyotish. There are 16 vargas defined in the Brihat Hora Shastra (one of
the basic references of Vedic Astrology) of Parasra (the founder of Vedic Astrology). Each
varga has a particular method of construction based upon the fundamental, or birth chart,
varga, and relates to a specific aspect of life. Most astrologers only concern themselves with
the navamsha or 1/9 division.
For example, the Navamsah varga is considered the most important varga after the main
natal chart as it provides insight into the moral and spiritual nature of an individual.
The 16 vargas (Shodashavarga) of Parasara and their meaning are listed below (the
numbers in brackets indicate the harmonic degree, or the number of divisions each sign is
broken into):
1. Rasi ( 1st Varga): Fundamental chart for basic indications
2. Hora ( 2nd Varga): Wealth, Masculine/Feminine Tendencie
3. Drekkana ( 3rd Varga): Siblings, Success through own efforts
4. Chaturthamsa ( 4th Varga): Fortunes, Well-being, Happiness, Emotion
5. Trimsamsa ( 5th Varga):
Dangers, Misfortune, Health problems,
Enmity
6. Saptamamsa ( 7th Varga): Children, Creative energy
7. Nadiamsa ( 9th Varga): Moral character, Ethics, Higher knowledge
8. Dasamsa (10th Varga): Power, Position, Livelihood, Achievements
9. Dwadasamsa (12th Varga):
karma, Parents, Subconscious mind,
Heredity
10. Shodasamsa (16th Varga): Property, Conveyances, Home
11. Vimsamsa (20th Varga):
Spiritual Progress, Capacity for devotion,
Religion
12. Siddhamsa (24th Varga): Educational achievements, Spiritual
knowledge
13. Bhamsa (27th Varga): Strengths/Weaknesses
14. Chatvarimsamsa (40th Varga):
Auspicious/nauspicious effects, Good/Bad
habits
15. Aksha Vedamsa (45th Varga): General indications, Moral and ethical nature
16. Shashtiamsa (60th Varga): Fine-tuning of graha influences


How to use the Varga Charts
Vargas which divide signs into 12 or less parts provide insight into the areas of life given by
the bhava (house) which is equal to the number of divisions. For example, the Navamsa
(harmonic 9th) provides insights similar to the 9th bhava, such as moral, ethical, and
religious character. The Hora (harmonic 2nd) relates to wealth, similar to the 2nd bhava.
A simple way to begin using the vargas is to look at the disposition of the lagna (ascendant)
ruler. For example, if in the Drekkana (harmonic 3rd), the lagna is Aries and Mars (the ruler
of Aries) is in the 12th bhava (house of loss, foreign associations), it may indicate a lack of
success in one's own efforts or loss due to foreign influences.
Another use of the vargas is for birth time rectification. n order to predict the future, it is first
necessary to predict the past in order to validate the correctness of the birth time. f the
indications of the chart and the actual life events do not agree, then it is necessary to rectify
the birth time to match the birth chart to the individual. As the birth time is modified to bring
the birth chart into agreement with one's life history, the varga charts will also change. f the
timing of an important event (such as starting a partnership) is known, then the birth time can
be modified to bring a particular varga chart into agreement with this event. Since the vargas
are constructed by dividing signs into a certain number of parts, the varga charts change
much quicker than the birth chart.
For example, in the birth chart the lagna changes sign once every 2 hours, on the average.
n Drekkana (3rd harmonic) the lagna changes every 40 minutes. For Navamsa, the lagna
changes every 13 minutes. For the Nadiamsa, the finest division of the zodiac (150/sign or
1,800 total), the lagna changes every 48 seconds, on the average. The more events that are
known, the more information that is available to determine accurate birth times. This is not a
particularly easy process to go through, but it is necessary when accurate birth times are not
available.