Jyotish is considered to be one of the Vedangas (part of Vedas) propounded by lord Brahma by the scientific study of which human beings can accomplish virtue. Jyotish shastra or the science of Vedic astrology, is a compilation of 4,00,000 verses (vide Narada Purana, II.50.2). Vedic astrology has mainly three branches – Siddhanta (the principle), Jataka or Hora (astrology for individuals) and Samhita (astrology for masses).

• Siddhanta, also known as Ganita, deals with the mathematical calculations, the methodology of calculating planetary positions, knowledge about time, place, direction, lunar and solar eclipses, their rising and setting, planetary movements, conjunctions, retrogression, etc.

• Jataka (Hora) deals with the techniques of interpretation of horoscopes of individuals. It describes signs, planets, their qualities, family situations/ circumstances at the time of birth, arishta (mishaps), longevity of the native, different dasha systems and their results, profession (sources of livelihood), ashtakavarga, varied types of yogas, results of planetary positions in different houses, signs, nakshatras, aspects of planets, planetary combinations, female horoscopy, circumstances at the time of death, cases of unknown birth time, etc. The term ‘Hora’ has been applied to ‘Jataka’ or natal astrology, as well as to the ‘Muhurta’ or electional astrology (i.e., selecting the appropriate moment to commence an undertaking).

• Samhita is that branch of astrology which is related to masses and is a compilation of varied subjects like the results of rising and setting of planets, appearance of different types of comets, varied types of chakras, predicting about rainfalls, earthquakes, natural disasters and epidemics, results of planetary movements on kingdoms, nations, masses and commodities, etc.

The Geocentric System

It is a human tendency to refer to other things in relation to oneself. Sitting in a moving train, we see things passing by the train – trees, farms, hutments, etc. A common question arises in our mind – which is the station coming next? At the back of our mind we do know that it is not the station which is going to come, it is the train which will reach the next station. Similarly we refer to the rising and setting of the Sun. But we do know that it is not the Sun which is rising or setting, it is the spin of the earth which makes it appear so.

Because we feel stationary on the solid earth, the sky seems to spin around us in complicated ways. In our quest to understand what we see, our ancients had evolved a most innovative and powerful tool.

As nothing is stationary in the universe, whether it is a satellite or a planet or even a star, it is convenient to imagine our position in the universe – the earth – as its centre and the whole of the universe moving around us in constant motion. Thus considering the relative positions and movements of all heavenly bodies with respect to the earth is the Geo-centric system. On the other hand, when we consider the relative position of planets (including the earth) in respect of the Sun, it forms the basis of the Helio-centric system. Vedic astronomy and astrology are essentially geo-centric in their concept.

The Earth

The earth is spherical and rotates from west to east around its axis. The axis of the earth is an imaginary line which, passing through its centre, connects its two poles, the north pole and the south pole. Another imaginary line running across the largest circumference of the earth, equidistant from its poles and running in an east-west direction, is called the equator.

The Celestial Sphere

Think of the sky as a great, hollow, crystalline sphere surrounding the earth. Imagine the stars to be attached to the inside of the sphere like thumbnails stuck in the ceiling. The sphere takes one day to rotate, carrying the Sun, the Moon, the planets and the stars from east to west. We know that the sky is not a great, hollow, crystalline sphere. The stars are scattered through space at different distances, and it isn’t the sky that rotates once a day. It is rather the earth that rotates once in a day around its axis. It is convenient as a model of the sky. This model of the sky, the Celestial sphere, is an imaginary hollow sphere of very large radius (infinity) surrounding the earth and to which the stars seem to be attached. On this imaginary sphere the celestial equator, the celestial poles, and other reference points are marked as they are done on the earth; these represent the extensions of the equator and the poles, etc., of the earth into infinity.

Zodiac

The earth takes one year to complete its rotation around the Sun. From the earth, it appears that the Sun moves around the earth. This apparent path of the Sun is known as ecliptic. An imaginary belt of 18 degrees width with ecliptic in its centre is known as the zodiac. Many groups of stars appear to have been studded on this imaginary belt. Vedic astrology recognizes 27 such groups of stars called nakshatras.

The zodiac encircles the earth like a circle consisting of 360 degrees. If this circle is divided into 27 equal parts, each part will be of 13 degrees and 20 minutes arc, known as a nakshatra. Each nakshatra is further divided into 4 quarters (padas or charanas), of 3 degrees and 20 minutes arc each.

Twelve divisions of the zodiac will have an arc of 30 degrees each, known as rashis (or signs).

The above figure shows rising of the Sun in the eastern horizon. The line passing through the centre of the Sun is the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun created by its ‘revolution’ around the earth during its annual journey. The group of stars, referred to as the nakshatras, are the fixed reference points in the zodiac used to locate the position of the Sun, the Moon and other heavenly bodies. All the planets considered in Vedic astrology for the purpose of interpretation, do not decline beyond the belt of the zodiac. They may be on the ecliptic or towards the north or sourth of the ecliptic depending on their latitude with reference to the ecliptic.

For example, the orbit of the Moon is inclined at an angle of 5 degrees to the ecliptic. The Moon does not go beyond 5 degrees on either side of the ecliptic. The orbit of the Moon cuts the ecliptic at two point. In its orbit, when the Moon is on the ecliptic while moving from south of ecliptic to north, this point is known as Rahu or the ascending node of the Moon and when the Moon is on the ecliptic while moving from north of ecliptic to south of ecliptic, this point of intersection is known as Ketu or the descending node of the Moon.

The point of sunrise with respect to the observer keeps changing during the year. If A is the point of sunrise when the Sun is at vernal equinox (around March 21 every year), the point of sunrise will appear to move northwards till it reaches the summer solstice (B) on or around June 21.

from this point it will start its southernly journey (Dakshinayana) during which it reaches the autumnal equinox (again A) around September 23 and further until it reaches winter solstice (C) around December 22. At this stage it starts its northward journey (Uttarayana).

Tropical Zodiac

The most crucial point in the division of a circle is to know the starting point of the circle. The point where the ecliptic cuts the celestial equator is known as equinox. There are two such equinoxes – the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox. When the Sun is passing from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, it cuts the equator at vernal equinox. When the division of the circle of the zodiac is with reference to vernal equinox as its starting point, the zodiac is referred to as the Sayana (or tropical) zodiac, the divisions of this zodiac into twelve equal parts are the Sayana rashis, and the positions of planets in this zodiac represent the Sayana longitudes of the planets.

The Precession of Equinoxes

If we could watch the sky for a few hundred years, we would discover that the north celestial pole is moving slowly with respect to Dhruva (Polaris) star. The celestial poles and the celestial equator, supposed to be the fixed reference marks, are moving very slowly because of the slow change in the direction of Earth’s axis of rotation. This slow top-like motion is called precession. Earth’s axis sweeps around in a cone, taking almost 26,000 years for each sweep.

Precession is caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon. Because earth is not a perfect sphere – it has a slight bulge around its equator – Sun and Moon pull on it, trying to make it spin upright in its orbit. This forces earth’s axis to precess.

The result of this precession is that vernal equinox, the cutting point of the ecliptic and the celestial equator, drifts westward on the ecliptic by an approximate angle of 51 seconds of an arc each year. So we have a new vernal equinox every year and hence a new staring point of the Sayana zodiac. This results in the shifting of the Sayana signs.

Sidereal Zodiac

The Vedic system does not depend on this shifting zodiac and relies on a fixed point on the zodiac as its starting point. There is no clear cut demarcation of this starting point in the zodiac. Some consider this point to be 180 degrees opposite to the Chitra nakshatra. Some consider it to be slightly to the east of the Revati nakshatra, while still others opine differently.

When the division of the circle of the zodiac is with reference to the Vedic starting point, the zodiac is referred to as the Nirayana (or Sidereal) zodiac, the twelve equal parts are the Nirayana rashis, and the positions of planets in this zodiac represent the Nirayana longitudes of the planets.

The angular difference between the vernal equinox and the Vedic starting point of the zodiac is known as the Ayanamsha. When the Vedic starting point is with reference to Chitra nakshatra, the Ayanamsha is refered to as the Chitrapaksha Ayanamsha. According to this system the first point of Sayana zodiac and Nirayana zodiac coincided in the year 285 A.D. The corresponding value of this Ayanamsha on January 1997 is 23°48'56".

Grahas (planets) :

   The words “planet” and “star” are used in a slightly different sense in astrology than in astronomy. For example, Sun (a star) and Moon (a satellite of earth) are called planets in astrology, along with Mars etc. Basically, a graha or a planet is a body that has considerable influence on the living beings on earth. Distant stars have negligible influence on us, but Sun, Moon and planets in the solar system have a great influence on our activities. So the word graha (or planet) is used to describe them.        Seven planets are considered in Indian astrology. They are – Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. In addition, two “chaayaa grahas” (shadow planets) are considered in Indian astrology – Rahu and Ketu. These are also called “the north node” and “the south node” respectively (or the head and tail of dragon). Rahu and Ketu are not real planets; they are just some mathematical points. Apart from these 9 planets, there are 11 moving mathematical points known as Upagrahas (sub-planets or satellites).

    We also have lagna (ascendant), which is the point that rises on the eastern horizon as the earth rotates around itself. In addition, we have some mathematical points known as “special ascendants".

Sanskrit Name English Name Abbreviation Gender Guna

Surya (सूर्य�) Sun Sy or Su M Sattva

Chandra (चंद्र) Moon Ch or Mo F Sattva

Mangala (मंगल) Mars Ma M Tamas

Budha (बुध) Mercury Bu or Me N Rajas

Brihaspati (बृहस्पति�) Jupiter Gu or Ju M Sattva

Shukra (शुक्र) Venus Sk or Ve F Rajas

Shani (शति�) Saturn Sa M Tamas

Rahu (राहु) North Lunar Node Ra M Tamas

Ketu (के�ु) South Lunar Node Ke M Tamas

Planets in maximum exaltation, mooltrikona (own sign), and debilitation, are:[12]

Graha Exaltation Mooltrikona Debilitation Sign Rulership

Sun 10° Aries 4°-20° Leo 10° Libra Leo

Moon 3° Taurus 4°-20° Cancer 3° Scorpio Cancer

Mars 28° Capricorn 0°-12° Aries 28° Cancer Aries, Scorpio

Mercury 15° Virgo 16°-20° Virgo 15° Pisces Gemini, Virgo

Jupiter 5° Cancer 0°-10° Sagittarius 5° Capricorn Sagittarius, Pisces

Venus 27° Pisces 0°-15° Libra 27° Virgo Taurus, Libra

Saturn 20° Libra 0°-20° Aquarius 20° Aries Capricorn, Aquarius

Rahu and Ketu are exalted in Taurus/Scorpio and are also exalted in Gemini and Virgo.

The natural planetary relationships are:[13]

Graha Friends Neutral Enemies

Sun Moon, Mars, Jupiter Mercury Venus, Saturn

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

Mars Sun, Moon, Jupiter Venus, Saturn Mercury

Mercury Sun, Venus Mars, Jupiter, Saturn Moon

Jupiter Sun, Moon, Mars Saturn Mercury, Venus

Venus Mercury, Saturn Mars, Jupiter Sun, Moon

Saturn Venus, Mercury Jupiter Sun, Moon, Mars

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

Zodiac

Imagine a belt or a path in the sky, some 18 degrees of are in

width, running around the earth in an east-west direction. Groups of stars, to all appearance fixed, are studded along this imaginary belt. Twenty seven (or twenty eightl) such groups ofstars are   in Vedic astrology. Because of lack ofapparent motion, these are called as Nakshatras. This imaginary belt, with nakshatras studded on it, is called the zodiac.The zodiac forms the reference point for fixing up the position of any planet or star in the sky. Since it encircles the earth, it is comprised of 360 degrees. The twenty-seven nakshatras being evenly placed on it each have a span of 13°2O' arc. The various nakshatras are numbered from one to twenty-seven.In contrast to the fixed nakshatras, there are the movingheavenly bodies called the Grahas. These move along the zodiac from the west to the east. They derive their name from the fact that, while moving against the background of the nakshatras, they appear to get hold of one nakshatra after the other (graha = to catch hold 00. Vedic astrology recognises nine grahas. They are the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Of these, the Sun is a star, the Moon is a satellite of the earth, Rahu and Ketu are mere mathematical points on the zodiac, while the remaining ones are planets. 

Rasis (zodiac signs) :

The positions of all these planets, upagrahas, lagna and special lagnas in the zodiac  are measured in degrees, minutes and seconds from the start of the zodiac (which is a fixed point in the sky). These positions are measured as seen from earth and they are called “geocentric positions". These positions are measured in longitude and sphuta. When watched from earth, the longitude of any planet in the skies can be from 0°0'0'' (0 degrees 0 minutes 0 seconds) to 359°59'59''. It should be noted that 0°0'0'' corresponds to the beginning of the zodiac.Sidereal zodiac is also an imaginary belt of 360 degrees (as viewed from earth), divided into 12 equal parts. Each twelfth part (of 30 degrees) is called sign or rashi. The zodiac (sky) lasts 360° as mentioned above and it is divided into 12 equal parts. They are called “rasis” (signs). English names, Sanskrit names, two-letter symbols and values of the start longitude and the end longitude (in degrees, minutes and seconds) of all twelve rasis are given in below table.

Rasi name

Sanskrit Name Symbol Start End

Aries Mesha Ar 0°0'0'' 29°59'59''Taurus Vrishabha/ Ta 30°0'0'' 59°59'59''Gemini Mithuna Ge 60°0'0'' 89°59'59''Cancer Karkataka/ Cn 90°0'0'' 119°59'59''

Leo Simha Le 120°0'0'' 149°59'59''

Virgo Kanya Vi 150°0'0'' 179°59'59''

Libra Thula Li 180°0'0'' 209°59'59''

Scorpio Vrischika Sc 210°0'0'' 239°59'59''

Sagittarius Dhanus Sg 240°0'0'

' 269°59'59''

Capricorn Makara Cp 270°0'0'' 299°59'59''

Aquarius Kumbha Aq 300°0'0'' 329°59'59''

Pisces Meena Pi 330°0'0'' 359°59'59''

Number Sanskrit Name Western/Greek Name Tattva (Element) Quality Ruling

Planet

1 Meṣa (मेष) "ram" Aries (Κριός "ram") Tejas (Fire) Cara Mars

(Movable)

2 Vṛṣabha (वृषभ) "bull" Taurus (Ταῦρος "bull") Prithivi (Earth) Sthira (Fixed) Venus

3 Mithuna (मिमथु�) "twins" Gemini (Δίδυμοι "twins") Vayu (Air) Dvisvabhava (Dual) Mercury

4 Karkaṭa (कक� ट) "crab" Cancer (Καρκίνος "crab") Jala (Water) Cara (Movable) Moon

5 Siṃha (सिसंह) "lion" Leo (Λέων "lion") Tejas (Fire) Sthira (Fixed) Sun

6 Kanyā (कन्र्या) "girl" Virgo (Παρθένος "virgin") Prithivi (Earth)

Dvisvabhava (Dual) Mercury

7 Tulā (�ुला) "balance" Libra (Ζυγός "balance") Vayu (Air) Cara (Movable) Venus

8 Vṛścika (वृश्चि%क) "scorpion" Scorpio (Σκoρπιός "scorpion") Jala (Water) Sthira (Fixed) Mars

9 Dhanus (ध�ुष) "bow" Sagittarius (Τοξότης "archer") Tejas (Fire) Dvisvabhava (Dual) Jupiter

10 Makara (मकर) "sea-monster"

Capricorn (Αἰγόκερως "goat-horned")

Prithivi (Earth)

Cara (Movable) Saturn

11 Kumbha (कुम्भ) "pitcher" Aquarius (Ὑδροχόος "water-pourer") Vayu (Air) Sthira (Fixed) Saturn

12 Mīna (मी�) "fish" Pisces (Ἰχθεῖς "fish") Jala (Water) Dvisvabhava (Dual) Jupiter

Rashi Notation

If a planet is at 221°37', then you can find from above table that it is between 210°0'0'' and 239°59'59''. So, that planet is in Scorpio (or Vrischika). Its advancement from the start of the rasi occupied by is 11°37'. Its position in the zodiac (221°37') is shown by some people by the notation 11°37' in Sc or simply 11 Sc 37. This means “advanced by 11°37' from the start of Sc (Scorpio)".

The whole zodiac is nothing but a manifestation of Lord Vishnu’s body. Aries is thehead. Taurus is the face. Gemini is the arms. Cancer is the heart. Leo is the stomach.Virgo is the hip. Libra is the space below navel. Scorpio is the private parts.Sagittarius is the thighs. Capricorn is the knees. Aquarius is the ankles. Pisces is thefeet. These are the limbs that rasis in the natural zodiac stand for. Because we are all partof the Supreme energy governing this world, the above mapping applies to us too.For example, we should pay attention to Leo for analyzing stomach problems and toPisces for analyzing problems related to feet and so on.

The Sage Parashara gives many details about each rasi. There is a lot of information we can learn about each sign by delving into this information. This table has several of the important attributes of each rasi.   

Sign Element Modality Polarity Guna Feet Appearance Lord Aries Fire Moveable Male Rajas Quadruped Prominent Mars Taurus Earth Fixed Female Rajas Quadruped Long Venus Gemini Air Dual Male Rajas Biped Even Mercury Cancer Water Moveable Female Sattwa Watery /

Insect Bulky Moon

Leo Fire Fixed Male Sattwa Quadruped Large Sun Virgo Earth Dual Female Tamas Biped Medium Mercury Libra Air Moveable Male Rajas Biped Medium Venus Scorpio Water Fixed Female Tamas Insect Slender/

Hairy Mars

Sag Fire Dual Male Sattwa Biped/ Quadruped

Even Jupiter

Capricorn Earth Moveable Female Tamas Quadruped/ Watery

Large Saturn

Aquarius Air Fixed Male Tamas Biped Medium Saturn Pisces Water Dual Female Sattwa Footless Medium Jupiter

It is through the Rasis (signs) that the planets express their nature as psychological forces and as house / sign lords. The planet that rules the house / sign will be the Lord of any planet that is contained in it and determine the energy behind what is produced through the house.

n Indian Astrology when a zodiac is divided into twelve equal parts, each such part has an extension of 30 degrees of arc. Such a division is called a sign or Rasi.  

There are 12 houses of Rasi's.

No Indian System of Houses1 Mesha (21-March to 20-April )2 Vrishaba (21-April to 20-May )3 Mithuna (21-May to 20-June)4 Karkata (21-June to 20-July)5 Simha (21-July to 20-August)6 Kanya (21-August to 20-September)7 Tula (21-September to 20-October )8 Vrischika (21-October to 20-November )9 Dhanus (21-November to 20-December)10 Makara (21-December to 20-January )11 Kumbha (21-January to 20-February)12 Meena (21-Februaryto 20-March)

Lords of Houses

Each Rasi has a planet assigned to it as Lord of the House.

No Houses Lord of House1 Mesha Kuja (Mars)2 Vrishaba Sukra (Venus)3 Mithuna Buddha (Mercury)4 Karkata Chandra (Moon)5 Simha Surya (Sun)6 Kanya Buddha (Mercury)7 Tula Sukra (Venus)8 Vrischika Kuja (Mars)9 Dhanu Guru (Jupiter)10 Makara Sani (Saturn)11 Kumbha Sani (Saturn)12 Meena Guru (Jupiter)

Exalted Houses

Each planet has a point in the zodiac where it attains maximum strength. The houses where they have the maximum strength are called the houses of exaltation. 

                   Planets and their exaltation houses (Uchacha)

No Planet Exalted House1 Ravi (Sun) Mesha2 Chandra (Moon) Vrishaba3 Kuja (Mars) Makara4 Budha (Mercury) Kanya5 Guru (Jupiter) Karkata6 Shukra (Venus) Meena7 Sani (Saturn) Tula

Debilitated Houses

Each planet has a point in the zodiac where it has the minimum strength. The houses where the planets have the minimum strength are called the houses of debilitation.

Planets and their debilitated houses

No Planet Debilitated House

1 Ravi (Sun) Tula2 Chandra (Moon) Vrischika3 Kuja (Mars) Karkata4 Buddha (Mercury) Meena5 Guru (Jupiter) Makara6 Shukra (Venus) Sukra7 Sani (Saturn) Mesha

Period of stay of Planets in each House

Planet Period of StaySun 30 daysMoon 2 1/4 daysMars 45 daysMercury 30 daysJupiter 1 yearVenus 30 daysSaturn 2 years & 6 monthsRahu 1 year & 6 monthsKetu 1 year & 6 months

Types of Houses

Movable (Chara) Fixed (Sthira) Common  (Dwiswabhava)Mesha Vrishaba MithunaKarkata Simha KanyaTula Vrischika DhanuMakara Kumbha Meena

Houses or Bhavas:

Another important concept is “house” (Sanskrit name: bhava). In each chart, houses can be found with respect to several reference points and the reference points most commonly employed are lagna and special lagnas. Starting from the rasi occupied by the selected reference point and proceeding in the regular order across the zodiac, we associate each rasi with a house (first, second etc). Always the rasi containing the reference point chosen is the 1st house. Next rasi is the 2nd house. The rasi after that is the 3rd house. We proceed until the 12th house like that.If no reference point is specified when houses are mentioned, it means that lagna is used as the reference.

Our lives here on Earth through our physical bodies are shown through the Bhavas. The Sanskrit term literally means, "Coming into existence, Birth.  It is through what is shown through the houses that our karma is born materially. It is here that Purusha is expressed as Prakriti in a world of consequence. Each house has many attributes, yet underneath there is a deeper concept key to that house. Different houses stand for different matters. Looking at the rasis and housesoccupied by various planets, we can say a lot of things about the person.

In Hindu astrology, the natal chart is the bhava chakra (Sanskrit: chakra, 'wheel'.) The bhava chakra is the complete 360° circle of life, divided into houses, and represents our way of enacting the influences in the wheel. Each house has associated karaka (Sanskrit: karaka, 'significator') planets that can alter the interpretation of a particular house.

House Name Karakas Meanings

1 Lagna Sun outer personality, physique, health/well-being, hair, appearance

2 Dhana Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Moon wealth, family relationships, eating habits, speech, eyesight, death

3 Sahaja Mars natural state, innate temperament, courage, valor, virility, younger siblings

4 Sukha Moon inner life, emotions, home, property, education, mother

5 Putra Jupiter creativity, children, spiritual practices, punya

6 Ari Mars, Saturn acute illness, injury, openly known enemies, litigation, daily work, foreigners, service

7 Yuvati Venus, Jupiter business and personal relationships, marriage, spouse, war, fighting

8 Randhara Saturn length of life, physical death, mokṣa, chronic illness, deep and ancient traditions

9 Dharma Jupiter, Sun luck, fortune, spirituality, dharma, guru, father

10 Karma Mercury, Jupiter, Sun, Saturn

dream fulfillment, knees and spine, current karmas, career, sky themes (being 12am/mid heavens

11 Labha Jupiter gains, profits from work, ability to earn money, social contexts and organizations

12 Vyaya Saturn loss, intuition, imprisonment, feet, foreign travel, moksha

Chakras (charts)A “chart” (Sanskrit name: chakra) is prepared with the information of rasis occupied by all planets. For preparing any chart, we need to first determine the rasis occupied by all planets, upagrahas, lagna and special lagnas. In the visual representation of a chart, there are 12 boxes (are some other visual areas) with each representing a rasi. All planets, upagrahas and lagnas are written in the boxes corresponding to the rasis they occupy.

There are 3 popular ways of drawing charts in India: (1) South Indian style chart ruled by Jupiter (rasi based), 

 In the south Indian style of casting a chart, the position of the zodiacal signs, from Aries to Pisces always remains fixed, as shown in the picture below left. The counting of the houses and the positioning of the planets is done clockwise, as shown in the picture below right. This changes from individual chart to chart. So it can be said that the south style chart follows the fixed sign method. The sign which becomes the ascendant or lagna is marked with the words As or Asc or Lagna. In some cases astrologers also draw two parallel lines at the top corner of the ascendant, the way we cross a bank cheque, to mark the ascendant(2) North Indian style diamond chart ruled by Venus (bhava based) and

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

This type of chart, which is popular in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Orissa and Bengal, is drawn differently and follows the fixed sign method of the south style chart, but the charting is done anti-clockwise as shown in the picture bellow.

North Indian

South Indian

In rasi-based chart drawing formats, a rasi is always at a fixed position. Ar is always inone particular position and Ta is in another position and so on. Planets, lagna etc areplaced in the box (or the visual area) representing the rasi occupied by it. In bhavabasedchart drawing formats, a bhava (house) is always at a fixed position. Lagna(denoted by “Asc” for ascendant) is always in a particular visual area of the chart andthe 2nd, 3rd etc houses are in fixed positions.

Varga chakras (divisional charts)

We saw that charts can be drawn with the information of which planet occupieswhich rasi. Based on the longitude of a planet, we can find the rasi occupied by itand mark its position in rasi chart.In addition, we have what are known as “divisional charts” (Sanskrit name: vargachakras). These are based on dividing rasis into 2 parts, 3 parts, 4 parts and so on.

We divide each rasi into n parts and map each part to a rasi again. Based on the rasisoccupied by planets in these divisional mappings, we draw divisional charts (orharmonic charts). Each divisional chart throws light on a specific area of one’s life.In each divisional chart, we find houses and analyze the chart as if it were anindependent chart. 

There are sixteen varga (Sanskrit: varga, 'part, division'), or divisional, charts used in Hindu astrology]

Varga Divisor Chart Purpose

Rasi 1 D-1 Natal chart

Hora 2 D-2 Overall wealth

Drekkana 3 D-3 Siblings

Chaturtamsha 4 D-4 Properties

Trimshamsha 5 D-5 Morals, ethics, spiritual values

Saptamsha 7 D-7 Children

Navamsha 9 D-9 Spouse, Etc.

Dashamsha 10 D-10 Earning Career

Dwadashamsha 12 D-12 Parents, Grandparents

Shodhashamsha 16 D-16 Vehicles

Vimshamsha 20 D-20 Upasana-s, Sādhana-s

Chaturvimsha 24 D-24 Education (higher)

Saptavimshamsha 27 D-27 Vitality

Khavedamsha 40 D-40 Quality of life

Akshavedamsha 45 D-45 (From here on out,the birth time must be absolutely precise or the divisional chart is incorrect!!)

Shastiamsha 60 D-60 Used to differentiate between twins, etc., etc.

The science of Vedic astrology stands on the basis of 4 pillars –(1) grahas or planets, (2) rasis or signs, (3) bhavas or houses, and, (4) varga chakrasor divisional charts.

Nakshatras (constellations)

In Vedic astrology, the zodiac is divided into 27 nakshatras. Each nakshatra has alength of 360º/27 = 13º 20'. The first nakshatra, for example, stretches from thebeginning of Aries to 13º 20' in Aries. The second nakshatra stretches from there to26º 40' in Aries. The third nakshatra stretches from there to 10º in Taurus.

Each nakshatra is again divided into 4 quarters. They are called padas (legs/feet).The length of a nakshatra pada is 3º 20'.

# Name Location Ruler Pada 1 Pada 2 Pada 3 Pada 4

1 Ashvinī (अश्चि)�ी) 0 – 13°20' Aries Ketu चु Chu चे Che चो Cho ला La

2 Bharanī (भरणी) 13°20' – 26°40' Aries Venus ली Li लू Lu ले Le पो Lo

3 Krittikā (कृश्चि-का) 26°40' Aries – 10°00' Taurus Sun अ A ई I उ U ए E

4 Rohini (रोतिहणी) 10°00' – 23°20' Taurus Moon ओ O वा

Va/Ba वी Vi/Bi वु Vu/Bu

5 Mrigashīrsha (म्रृगशीषा�) 23°20' Taurus – 6°40' Gemini Mars वे

Ve/Beवो Vo/Bo का Ka की Ke

6 Ārdrā (आद्रा�) 6°40' – 20°00' Gemini Rahu कु Ku घ Gha ङ Ng/Na छ Chha

7 Punarvasu (पु�व�सु) 20°00' Gemini – 3°20' Cancer Jupiter के Ke को Ko हा Ha ही Hi

8 Pushya (पुष्र्य) 3°20' – 16°20' Cancer Saturn हु Hu हे He हो Ho ड Da

9 Āshleshā (आश्लेषा) 16°40' Cancer – 0°00' Leo Mercury डी Di डू Du डे De डो Do

10 Maghā (मघा) 0°00' – 13°20' Leo Ketu मा Ma मी Mi मू Mu मे Me

11 Pūrva or Pūrva Phalgunī (पूव� फाल्गु�ी) 13°20' – 26°40' Leo Venus �ो Mo टा Ta टी Ti टू Tu

12 Uttara or Uttara Phalgunī (उ-र फाल्गु�ी) 26°40' Leo – 10°00' Virgo Sun टे Te टो To पा Pa पी Pi

13 Hasta (हस्�) 10°00' – 23°20' Virgo Moon पू Pu ष Sha ण Na ठ Tha

14 Chitrā (चिचत्रा) 23°20' Virgo – 6°40' Libra Mars पे Pe पो Po रा Ra री Ri

15 Svātī (स्वा�ी) 6°40' – 20°00 Libra Rahu रू Ru रे Re रो Ro �ा Ta

16 Vishākhā (तिवशाखा) 20°00' Libra – 3°20' Scorpio Jupiter �ी Ti �ू Tu �े Te �ो To

17 Anurādhā (अ�ुराधा) 3°20' – 16°40' Scorpio Saturn �ा Na �ी Ni �ू Nu �े Ne

18 Jyeshtha (ज्र्येष्ठा) 16°40' Scorpio – 0°00' Sagittarius Mercury �ो No र्या Ya र्यी Yi र्यू Yu

19 Mūla (मूल) 0°00' – 13°20' Sagittarius Ketu र्ये Ye र्यो Yo भा Bha भी Bhi

20 Pūrva Ashādhā (पूवा�षाढ़ा) 13°20' – 26°40' Sagittarius Venus भू Bhu धा Dha फा

Bha/Pha ढा Dha

21 Uttara Ashādhā (उ-राषाढ़ा)26°40' Sagittarius – 10°00' Capricorn

Sun भे Bhe भो Bho जा Ja जी Ji

22 Shravana (श्रवण) 10°00' – 23°20' Capricorn Moon खी

Ju/Khiखू Je/Khu

खे Jo/Khe

खो Gha/Kho

23 Shravishthā (धति�ष्ठा) or Dhanistā 23°20' Capricorn – 6°40' Aquarius Mars गा Ga गी Gi गु Gu गे Ge

24 Shatabhishā (श�श्चिभषा)or Shatataraka 6°40' – 20°00' Aquarius Rahu गो Go सा Sa सी Si सू Su

25 Pūrva Bhādrapadā (पूव�भाद्रपदा) 20°00' Aquarius – 3°20' Pisces Jupiter से Se सो So दा Da दी Di

26 Uttara Bhādrapadā (उ-रभाद्रपदा) 3°20' – 16°40' Pisces Saturn दू Du थ Tha झ Jha ञ Da/Tra

27 Revatī (रेव�ी) 16°40' – 30°00' Pisces Mercury दे De दो Do च Cha ची Chi

The zodiac according to Indian Astrology comprises of 360 degrees. There are 27 Nakshatras or constellations in it.Therefore, the value of each constellation is 13 degrees and 20 minutes when measured from the fixed initial point. These 27 Nakshatras(stars) complete the entire circle of 360 degrees of the zodiac. A forecast based on the transit/ correlation/inter - relation of planets in relation to the Nakshatras is more accurate than the results predicted on the basis of any other system.

What is your Nakshatra (star)?

You can find it from the table given below. If you know the longitude of the Moon at the time of your birth in your natal chart calculated according to the Indian/ Vedic system, go to the 3 rd column and go down till it lies between the two values given in the row above and below. Your Nakshatra or star would be the one given in the 2ndcolumn the one at the start of range of longitude of your Moon.

No Nakshatra(Star) Longitude Sign-Deg- Min Lords1 Aswini 00-00-00 Ketu2 Bharani 00-13-20 Venus3 Kritika 00-26-40 Sun4 Rohini 01-10-00 Moon5 Mrigasira 01-23-20 Mars6 Aridra 02-06-40 Rahu7 Punarvasu 02-20-00 Jupiter8 Pushya 03-03-20 Saturn9 Aslesha 03-16-40 Mercury

10 Magha 04-00-00 Ketu11 Poorvaphalguni 04-13-20 Venus12 Uttaraphalguni 04-26-40 Sun13 Hasta 05-10-00 Moon14 Chitra 05-23-20 Mars15 Swati 06-06-40 Rahu16 Visakha 06-20-00 Jupiter17 Anuradha 07-03-20 Saturn18 Jyehsta 07-16-40 Mercury19 Moola 08-00-00 Ketu20 Poorvashadha 08-13-20 Venus21 Uttarashadha 08-26-40 Sun22 Sravana 09-10-00 Moon23 Dhanshita 09-23-20 Mars24 Satabisha 10-06-40 Rahu25 Poorvabhadrapada 10-20-00 Jupiter26 Uttarabhadrapada 11-03-20 Saturn27 Revati 11-16-40 Mercury

Each Nakshatra or star that comes under Indian Astrology has an astronomical name associated with it and which is referred to by the Western Astrologers and Astronomers.

Table with Astronomical name equivalent of Indian Nakshatras.

No Nakshatra Astronomical Name1 Aswini Beta Arietis2 Bharani 35 Arietis3 Kritika Eta Tauri4 Rohini Aldebaran5 Mrigasira Lambda Orionis6 Aridra Alpha Orionis7 Punarvasu Beta Geminorium8 Pushya Delta Cancri9 Aslesha Alpha Hydroe10 Magha Regulus11 Poorvaphalguni Delta Leonis12 Uttaraphalguni Beta Leonis13 Hasta Delta Corvi14 Chitra Spica Virginis -Vegus15 Swati Arcturus16 Visakha Alpha Libroe17 Anuradha Delta Scorpio18 Jyehsta Antares19 Moola Lambda Scorpio20 Poorvashadha Delta Sagittari

21 Uttarashadha Sigma sagittari22 Sravana Alpha Aquiloe23 Dhanshita Beta Delphinum24 Satabisha Lambda Aquarius25 Poorvabhadrapada Alpha Pegasi26 Uttarabhadrapada Gama Pegasi27 Revati Zeta Piscum

Nakshatras - their English translation, symbolic Deities and Animals &   The distribution of the padas of the 27 nakshatras in the 12 houses.

Tithis

In lunar calendar, one day stands for one tithi. Tithi or lunar day is a period in whichthe difference between the longitudes of Moon and Sun changes by exactly 12°.

When Sun and Moon are at the same longitude, a new lunar month of 30 tithis starts.As time progresses, Moon will go ahead of Sun. When Moon’s longitude is exactly12° greater than Sun’s longitude, the first tithi or lunar day finishes and the second

tithi starts. When Moon’s longitude is exactly 24° greater than Sun’s longitude, thesecond tithi finishes and the third tithi starts. When Moon’s longitude is exactly 36°greater than Sun’s longitude, the third tithi finishes and the fourth tithi starts. And soon. You can see that Sun-Moon longitude differential will be (12 x n)° after exactly ntithis.A lunar month consists of 30 tithis. Each month is divided into two fortnights(pakshas). During Sukla/Suddha paksha or the brighter fortnight, Moon is waxing.During this paksha, Moon is ahead of Sun by an amount that is between 0º and 180º.During Krishna/Bahula paksha or the darker fortnight, Moon is waning. During thispaksha, Moon is ahead of Sun by an amount that is between 180º and 360º.At the end of a month, Sun-Moon longitude differential will be (12 x 30)°, i.e., 360°.That means that Moon will finish one cycle around the zodiac and catch up with Sunagain. So Sun and Moon will be at the same longitude again. Then a new monthstarts.We can find the tithi running on a day from the longitudes of Sun and Moon usingthe following procedure.(1) Find the difference: (Moon’s longitude – Sun’s longitude). Add 360° if the resultis negative. The result will be between 0° and 360° and will show how advancedMoon is with respect to Sun.(2) Divide this result by 12°. Ignore the remainder and take the quotient.(3) Add 1 to the quotient. You get a number from 1 to 30. That will give the index ofthe tithi running.(4) Refer to Table 3 and find the name of the tithi. There are 15 tithis and the sametithis repeat in the brigher and darker fortnights. For example, it can be seen fromthe table that the 22th tithi out of the 30 tithis is in Krishna paksha and it is

Saptami. So the 22nd tithi is “Krishna Saptami”. We write the classification offortnight (Sukla or Krishna) first and then write tithi name. “Sukla Saptami”stands for “Saptami” in the brighter fortnight (sukla paksha), i.e. the 7th tithi.“Krishna Saptami” stands for “Saptami” in the darker fortnight (krishna paksha),i.e. the 22nd tithi.

Yogas :

Add the longitudes of Sun and Moon. Remove 360º from the sum if it is greater than360º. Divide the sum by the length of one nakshatra (13°20' or 800'). Ignore fractions and take the integer part. Add 1 to it and the result is the index of the yoga running.Refer to Table 5 and find the yoga corresponding to the index.

Karanas

Each tithi is divided into 2 karanas. There are 11 karanas: (1) Bava, (2) Balava, (3)

Kaulava, (4) Taitula, (5) Garija, (6) Vanija, (7) Vishti, (8) Sakuna, (9) Chatushpada,(10) Naga, and, (11) Kimstughna. The first 7 karanas repeat 8 times starting from the2nd half of the first lunar day of a month. The last 4 karanas come just once in amonth, starting from the 2nd half of the 29th lunar day and ending at the 1st half of thefirst lunar day.

Hora

Each day starts at sunrise and ends at next day’s sunrise. This period is divided into24 equal parts and they are called horas. A hora is almost equal to an hour. Thesehoras are ruled by different planets. The lords of hora come in the order ofdecreasing speed with respect to earth: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercuryand Moon. After Moon, we go back to Saturn and repeat the 7 planets.The first hora of any day (i.e. a period of one hour following sunrise) is ruled by thelord of the weekday (Sun for Sunday, Moon for Monday, Mars for Tuesday,Mercury for Wednesday, Jupiter for Thursday, Venus for Friday and Saturn forSaturday). After that, we list planets in the order mentioned above.For example, let us take 9:40 pm on a Wednesday on which sunrise was at 6:10 am.The time elapsed since sunrise is 21:40 – 6:10 = 15:30. So the 16th hour since sunrisewas running then. This is ruled by the 16th planet from Mercury. After subtractingmultiples of 7 from 16, we get 2. So the hora (hour) is ruled by the 2nd planet fromMercury. From the list given above, we see that the 2nd planet from Mercury isMoon. So Moon’s hora runs at 9:40 pm.

Panchaanga

Panchaanga means “one with 5 limbs”. Almanacs published in India with planetarypositions are traditionally called panchaangas. Along with the planetary positions,they give the start and end times of tithi, vaara (week day – Sunday, Monday etc),nakshatra, yoga and karana running on each day. These five are the limbs ofpanchaanga.When we choose a muhurta (an auspicious time for starting a venture), we shouldchoose an auspicious tithi, vaara, nakshatra, yoga and karana.

Dasa Systems

Dasa systems are a hallmark of Vedic astrology. Vedic astrology has hundreds ofdasa system. Each dasa system divides one’s life into periods, sub-periods, sub-subperiodsand so on. All the periods are ruled by different planets or rasis. Some dasasystems are planet-based and some are rasi-based. Each dasa system is good atshowing events of a specific nature. For each dasa system, we have some standardrules, based on which we analyze the natal chart and attribute different results todifferent periods and sub-periods. Each dasa system comes with rules for dividing

one’s life into periods and sub-periods and rules for attributing different results todifferent periods, based on the planetary positions in the natal chart. These periodsare called “dasas” or “mahadasas” (MD). Sub-periods are called “antardasas” (AD).Sub-sub-periods are called “pratyantardasas” (PD).Some dasas are good at showing matters related to longevity and death. They arecalled “ayur dasas” (dasas of longevity). Some dasas are good at showing generalresults. They are called “phalita dasas” (dasas of general results).Mind is a very important part of our existence and Moon governs it. Some dasas arecomputed based on the nakshatra occupied by Moon and they are called “nakshatradasas”. Some dasas are based on the rasis occupied by planets and they are called“rasi dasas”.

The dasha system shows which planets will be ruling at particular times in Hindu astrology. There are several dasha systems; however, the primary system used by astrologers is the Vimshottari dasha system. The first maha dasha is determined by the position of the natal Moon. Each maha dasha is divided into subperiods called bhuktis. Vimshottari dasha lengths are:

Maha Dasha Length Bhuktis

Ketu 7 Years Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury

Venus 20 Years Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu

Sun 6 Years Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus

Moon 10 Years Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun

Mars 7 Years Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon

Rahu 18 Years Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars

Jupiter 16 Years Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu

Saturn 19 Years Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter

Mercury 17 Years Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn

Drishtis – the planetary aspectsDrishti (Sanskrit: drishti, 'sight'.) In Hindu astrology, the aspect is to an entire sign, and grahas only cast forward aspects:[18]

Graha Houses

Sun 7th

Moon 7th

Mercury 7th

Venus 7th

Mars 4th, 7th, 8th

Jupiter 5th, 7th, 9th

Saturn 3rd, 7th, 10th

Rahu 5th,7th,9th

Ketu No aspect

Gocharas – the transits

Gochara (Sanskrit: gochara, 'transit'.) In Hindu astrology, a natal chart shows the actual positions of the grahas at the moment of birth. Since that moment, the grahas have continued to move around the zodiac, interacting with the natal chart grahas. This period of interaction is called gochara.[19]

Yogas – the planetary combinationsYoga (Sanskrit: yoga, 'union'.) In Hindu astrology, yogas are planetary combinations placed in specific relationships to each other.[20]

Kalasarpa Yoga is a dangerous yoga. If all planets (excepting Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) are 1-side of Rahu & Ketu, it becomes Kala-Sarpa Yoga.

[]Dig bala – the directional strengthDig bala (Sanskrit: dig bala, 'directional strength'.) Graha-s gain strength when they are placed in specific cardinal houses:[21]

House Grahas Direction

1st Jupiter, Mercury East

4th Venus, Moon North

7th Saturn West

10th Sun, Mars South

The Vedic System of Calculating the Ascendant

The most important point in the construction of a horoscope is the Ascendant. The ascendant is the point of cutting of the ecliptic by the eastern horizon of a place.

The earth spinning on its axis in a linear movement takes 24 hours to complete one rotation. But what exactly is the duration of a day? There are many types of days prevalent.

Sidereal day: The time taken by earth to spin one complete rotation of 360 degrees on its axis. Average duration of one sidereal day is 23 hrs, 56 min, 4.091 sec.

Savana day: The duration of time between one sunrise to another sunrise is a Savana day. For people living in northern hemisphere, from winter solstice day onwards, the sunshine hours (dinamana) increases and night hours (ratrimana) decreases. As the sunrise every day is earlier than the previous day, the duration of the savana day is less than 24 hours till the Sun reaches its maximum declination at summer solstice. After that the dinamana reduces and the ratrimana increases. Since the sunrise of every day is later than the previous day, the duration of the savana day is more than 24 hours till it reaches the winter solstice again.

Mean Solar Day: The average of all the days of a year. It’s duration is equal to 24 hours.

The Vedic system recognises a day as the duration of time from one sunrise to the next sunrise. This span, known as a Savana day, is measured in units of ghatis. One Savana day is equal to 60 ghatis and each ghati is divisible into 60 palas or vighatis.The earth continuously spins on its axis in a west to east direction. For a person situated on the surface of the earth, different signs of the zodiac appear to rise in the eastern horizon and set in the western horizon. With the completion of one rotation of the earth, all the twelve signs of the zodiac rise and set during one sidereal day.

Rashimana (Oblique Ascension)

Rashimana is the rising periods of signs of the zodiac. As there are twelve equally divided signs of the zodiac and it takes approximately 24 hours for all the signs to rise, therefore, one sign should take about two hours to rise in the eastern horizon. But it’s not so. As the plane of the ecliptic is inclined at an angle of 23.5 degrees to the plane of the celestial equator, the rising time of different signs is not uniform. The time taken by different groups of signs at the equator is given in Table 1.

Table 1.Time taken by different group of signsto rise at the Equator

Group Signs

Rashimana inAsus Hours

I Aries Virgo Libra Pisces 1674

1h51m36s

II Taurus Leo Scorpio Aquariu

s1795

1h59m40s

III Gemini

Cancer

Sagittarius

Capricorn

1931

2h08m44s

Rashimana values are calculated for Sayana signs and are measured in units of Asus. One unit of Asu is equivalent to 4 seconds of sidereal time. Rashimana values vary from one latitude to another. These values once calculated for any place do not change from year to year.

Charakhandas (Ascensional Differences)

Variations in the rising of different signs at different latitudes can be calculated with the help of Charakhandas or ascensional differences for those latitudes.To know the Charakhandas of a particular place with the help of ‘Hindu Dial’, measure the length of the mid-day shadow, on the day of the equinox, of a shanku of 12 units length (please refer to Astrology Primer # 5, Vol.1, No.5). Put this figure at three places and multiply the first figure with 10; second with 8 and; third with 10 divided by 3. This gives the Charakhandas for I, II, and III groups of signs respectively. These Charakhanda values are in palas or vighaties. To convert these values to asus, multiply the charakhandas by six.

Signs of Long Ascension and Short Ascension

For people living in the northern hemisphere of the earth, on the day of winter solstice, when the Sun is at zero degrees Sayana Capricorn, the sunshine hours are the shortest. With the rising of the Sun, sign Capricorn rises in the eastern horizon followed by other signs in sequence. At the time of sunset, the point rising at the eastern horizon would be 180° opposite the Sun’s longitude (thus zero degrees Cancer). Therefore, during the daytime signs Capricorn to Gemini rise in the shortest duration of time, while at night the signs Cancer to Sagittarius take the longest duration of time.

Signs of Short Ascension* Signs of Long Ascension*

10 - Capricorn11 - Aquarius12 - Pisces1 - Aries2 - Taurus3 - Gemini

4 - Cancer5 - Leo6 - Virgo7 - Libra8 - Scorpio9 - Sagittarius

* For northern hemisphere; for southern hemisphere short and long ascension rashis are reversed.

When the Sun is at summer solstice (zero degrees Sayana Cancer) during the daytime signs Cancer to Sagittarius spend the longest duration of time to rise and during night signs Capricorn to Gemini take the shortest duration of time.

Sign which takes longer time in rising than the time taken by same sign at the equator, is the sign of long ascension and the sign which takes shorter time in rising is the sign of short ascension. Signs Capricorn to Gemini are short ascension signs while Cancer to Sagittarius are long ascension signs for norther latitudes. Reverse is the case for people living in the southern latitudes.

As the latitude of the observer increases, the duration of signs of long ascension become much longer while the duration of signs of short ascension become much shorter.

Calculation of rising times of different signs (Rashimana) for a particular place

After knowing the Charakhandas of a particular place, we can calculate the rashimana of different signs. Add the Charakanda values, in asus, to the rashimana values at the equator in their respective groups for signs of long ascension and subtract the Charakhandas from their respective groups for signs of short ascension.

Correlation of the earth with the Zodiac

Calculation of ascendant for any given moment is an effort to establish a relationship between the horizon of the observer on the earth with the zodiac.

The earth is spinning continuously on its axis. To an observer, being located on the surface of the earth, it appears that the earth is stationary and the sky with all the stars and heavenly bodies is drifting towards the west after rising in the east.

To establish a relationship of the earth with the zodiac, we have to refer to some identifiable point on the zodiac. The rising, setting or the meridian passage of this point is to be observed to find out the actual position of this point at any given moment of time for the place of location of the observer. Once we know the position of one point of the zodiac, we can relate the other points of the zodiac with respect to this identifiable point.

This identifiable point could be a star or a planet or the vernal equinox (zero degrees Sayana Aries point) of the zodiac. When we observe the passing of the Vernal Equinox on the meridian of a place, it is zero hours Sidereal time for that place. Sidereal time at any given moment indicates the time elapsed since the vernal equinox crossed the meridian of that place.

The Indian system makes use of the position of the Sun in the zodiac to establish a link between the earth and the zodiac. At the time of sunrise, the centre of the Sun is touching the eastern horizon. Sunrise is considered to be the beginning to the day and that day remains in force till the next sunrise. The duration of this day is considered to be equal to sixty ghatis. One ghati is roughly equal to 24 minues of time.

The longitude of the Sun is identical with the cusp of the sign rising at the time of sunrise. A track of the number of ghatis and palas passed since sunrise is kept and is called Ishtakaala.

Since the rashimana values are for Sayana signs, the longitude of the Sun is also considered in Sayana values.

Inputs to calculate the Ascendant

In order to calculate the cusp of the ascendant, we need the following:1. The time of sunrise at the required place on the relevant day.2. The Sayana position of the Sun at the time of sunrise at the place in question. In case the available ephe-meris provides the nirayana position of the Sun, the Sayana position may be obtained by adding to it the appropriate ayanamsha.3. The ishtakala or the duration of time elapsed from the time of sunrise.4. Rashimana or the duration of the rising of different signs at the particular latitude of the place.

Steps to Calculate the Ascendant

The following steps describe the method of calculation of the ascendant for a given place at a given date and time. For example, let’s calculate the ascendant rising at Gurdaspur, India (latitude 32°N02' longitude 75°E31') on April 1, 1997 at 12.00 hours IST.

Step 1. Calculate the Charakhandas

On the ‘Hindu Dial’, measure the length of the mid-day shadow, on the day of the equinox, of a shanku of 12 units length.

Length of the equinoctial shadow of a Shanku of 12 units at different latitudesLati-tude

Length(units)

Lati-tude

Length(units)

Lati-tude

Length(units)

Lati-tude

Length(units)

Lati-tude

Length(units)

Lati-tude

Length(units)

01° 0.21 11° 2.33 21° 4.60 31° 7.21 41° 10.43 51° 14.8202° 0.42 12° 2.55 22° 4.85 32° 7.50 42° 10.80 52° 15.3503° 0.63 13° 2.70 23° 5.09 33° 7.79 43° 11.19 53° 15.9204° 0.84 14° 2.99 24° 5.34 34° 8.09 44° 11.58 54° 16.5205° 1.05 15° 3.21 25° 5.59 35° 8.40 45° 12.00 55° 17.1306° 1.26 16° 3.44 26° 5.85 36° 8.71 46° 12.42 56° 17.7907° 1.47 17° 3.66 27° 6.11 37° 9.04 47° 12.87 57° 18.4608° 1.69 18° 3.90 28° 6.38 38° 9.37 48° 13.33 58° 19.2009° 1.90 19° 4.13 29° 6.65 39° 9.72 49° 13.80 59° 19.9710° 2.11 20° 4.37 30° 6.93 40° 10.06 50° 14.30 60° 20.78

The length of the shadow at Gurdaspur (32 degrees latitude) from the above table is 7.5. Now multiply this figure with 10, 8, and 10/3 respectively to get the Charakhanda values in palas or vighatis.

I 7.5 x 10 = 75 palasII 7.5 x 8 = 60 palas

III 7.5 x 10/3 = 25 palas

Multiply each with 6 to convert the values in asus.

I 75 palas x 6 = 450 asusII 60 palas x 6 = 360 asusIII 25 palas x 6 = 150 asus

The derived values of 450, 360 and 150 are the charakhandas for I, II and III groups of signs respectively.

Step 2. Calculate the Rashimana

The Rashimana for different groups of signs at the equator are:

Group Signs RashimanaI 1, 6, 7, 12 1674 asusII 2, 5, 8, 11 1795 asusIII 3, 4, 9, 10 1931 asus

To the above rashimanas we apply the Charakhanda corrections as worked out above to obtain the rashimana for different signs at the latitude in question. Add the Charakandas to their respective groups for signs of long ascension and subtract the Charakhandas from their respective groups for signs of short ascension.

Group SignsRashimana inAsus hr-mn-sc

  Short Ascension    I 1, 12 1674 – 450 = 1224 1:21:36II 2, 11 1795 – 360 = 1435 1:35:40III 3, 10 1931 – 150 = 1781 1:58:44  Long Ascension    I 4, 9 1931 + 150 = 2081 2:18:44II 5, 8 1795 + 360 = 2155 2:23:40III 6, 7 1674 + 450 = 2124 2:21:36

Step 3. Find out the Sunrise time

From the ephemeris, calculate the sunrise time on the given date for the place of birth. For Gurdaspur the sunrise time is 6h:20m:40s (IST).

Step 4. Find out the Sayana Sun

Again from the ephemeris, calculate the position of Sayan Sun at the time of sunrise. If the available ephemeris provides the longitudes of planets in nirayana values, add the ayanamsha to the Sun’s longitude to get the Sayana value. The nirayana longitude of the sun at the time of sunrise on April 1, 1997 is 11s17°31'16". Adding to this the ayanamsha value on the given date, i.e., 23°49'06", we get the Sayana longitude of the Sun at the time of sunrise as 0s11°20'22". This also indicates the longitude of the ascendant at the time of sunrise.

Step 5. Find out the Ishtakala

Ishtakala is the time elapsed since the time of sunrise to the time of birth. Traditionally the time of birth is recorded in ishtakala only. Since in our example the time of birth is in hours-minutes, etc., it can be converted to ishtakala by subtracting the time of sunrise from the time of birth.

Time of birth : 12h:00m:00sSunrise time : 06h:20m:40sIshtakala in hrs. : 05h:39m:20s

Step 6. Cusp of the Ascendant

From Step 4 above, we know the sign that the sun is in at sunrise and, therefore, the cusp of the sign rising at the time of sunrise. The duration of this sign being known (Step 2), it is possible to work out how much of this sign has yet to rise above horizon and how much time it will take to do so.

Long. of Sun (Cusp at sunrise): = 0s11°20'22"Bal. of sign Aries yet to rise: (30°00'00" – 11°20'22") = 18°39'38"Time taken by 30 degrees of Aries to rise: = 1h:21m:36s (Step 2)Time taken by 18°39'38" of Aries to rise:(1:21:36 / 30°) x 18°39'38" = 0h:50m:45s

After 50m:45s of sunrise (i.e. from 7h:11m:25s onwards), the sign Taurus will start and last for 1h:35m:40s (i.e., upto 8h:47m:05s). The next sign Gemini (with a duration of 1h:58m:44s) lasts until 10h:45m:49s. Cancer (duration of 2h:18m:44s) lasts until 13h:04m:33s which includes our time of birth (12 noon). Thus we have Cancer rising at 12 noon.

Time elapsed from the onset of Cancer lagna upto the time of birth (12:00:00 – 10:45:49) = 1h:14m:11s

Arc of Cancer rising in 2h:18m:44s = 30°Arc of Cancer rising in 1h:14m:11s =(30° / 2:18:44) x 1:14:11 = 16°02'30"

Thus we get the cusp of ascendant at 12 noon as Cancer 16°02'30". This is the Sayana value. Reduce the ayanamsha from this value to obtain the cusp of the ascendant in nirayana value. Thus the nirayana ascendant would be:3s16°02'30" – 23°49'06" = 2s22°13'24" or Gemini rising at 22°13'24".

Nine Planets in vedic astrology

In Hindu Astrology there are nine planets or Grahas. These include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter,Sun, Moon,Saturn Rahu and Ketu, which are astronomical points formed where the moons orbit intersects the apparent path of the Sun around the earth.  Each planet is considered to be having masculine, feminine or neutral characteristics as well .

Grahas and their equivalents in Western Astrology

Indian Grahas Western Names SexRavi Sun MasculineChandra Moon FeminineKuja Mars MasculineBudha Mercury NeutralGuru Jupiter MasculineSukra Venus FeminineSani Saturn NeutralRahu Dragon's Head FeminineKetu Dragon's Tail Neutral

Rahu and Ketu

The Moons apparent path intersects the ecliptic obliquely at two points called the nodes. The point where the Moon crosses the ecliptic from south to north is called the ascending node or Rahu, where it crosses the ecliptic from north to south is called descending node or Ketu. These two points are 180 degrees apart and their movement is constantly  retrograde, meaning, against the normal direction of movement of planets. Rahu and Ketu are given special status and considered as planets in Indian astrology.But they are not included in Western Astrology. Rahu and Ketu take approximately eighteen years and ten days to complete one round of the zodiac .

Grahas' Relationships

Each planet or Graha considers another planet as friend, enemy or equal. Some relationships are not mutual, for example, while one planet considers another as a friend, the second planet in turn may not see the first one as a friend. Mercury and Moon are examples.

Grahas (Planets) Friends Equals Enemies

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

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

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

Mercury Sun, Venus, Rahu Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, MoonJupiter Sun, Moon, Mars Saturn, Rahu Mercury, VenusVenus Mercury, Saturn, Rahu Jupiter, Mars Sun, MoonSaturn Mercury, Venus, Rahu Jupiter Sun, Moon, MarsRahu Mercury, Venus,Saturn Jupiter Sun, Moon, MarsKetu Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Rahu Jupiter Sun,Moon, Mars

Grahas And Gemstones

Each graha (planet) of Indian astroogy has a gem stone associated with it. The nine stones corresponding to the nine planets are called the Navaratna group of stones

Planets Gemstones Image

Ravi (Sun) Ruby

Chandra (Moon) Pearl

Kuja (Mars) Coral

Budha (Mercury) Emerald

Guru (Jupiter) Yellow Sapphire

Sukra (Venus) Diamond

Sani (Saturn) Blue Sapphire

Rahu (Dragon's Head) Gomed

Ketu (Dragon's Tail) Cat's Eye

.Grahas (Planets )& Associated Colors

Grahas (Planets) Colors Image

Ravi (Sun) Red

Chandra (Moon) White

Kuja (Mars) Red

Budha (Mercury) Green

Guru (Jupiter) Yellow

Sukra (Venus) White

Sani (Saturn) Blue

Rahu (Dragon's head) Smoke

Ketu (Dragon's Tail) Smoke

Grahas (Planets) and their Respective Elements

Graha (Planet) Element Image

Mercury Earth

Sun Fire

Saturn Air

Jupiter Ethereal

Venus, Moon Water

Grahas (Planets) & Associated Characters

Character Ravi (Sun) Chandra(Moon) Kuja (Mars) Budha(Mercury)Color Copper White Red GreenSex Male Female Male EunuchElement Fire Water Fire EarthGod Agni Varuna Subramanya VishnuMetal Copper Gems Gold BrassBodyPart Bone Blood Marrow SkinGrains Wheat Paddy Lentil GreengramSeasons Summer Winter Summer AutumnTaste Pungent Salt Acidity MixedResidence Place of Worship Springs Fire Playground Character Jupiter Venus SaturnColor Gold/Silver White/Yellow Blue/BlackSex Male Female EunuchElement Ether Water AirGod Indra Indrani BrahmaMetal Silver Diamond IronBody Parts Brain Semen MusclesGrains Bengalgram Beans SesameSeasons Snow Spring All SeasonsTaste Sweet Sour AstringentResidence Store-house Bed-room DustBin

The Nava-Grahas or Nine Planets

Sun or Surya is a royal planet and the king in astrology. He represents the soul, will power, father,

paternal relations, the king or the high officials. Its hot and angry, colour is red, metal is gold and

gem is ruby. Sun represents the eastern direction.

The sun stays in each rasi for one month and takes one year to complete the round of the zodiac.

Its motion is quite fixed and a lot of Indian festivals are as per the suns entry into the various signs.

For example on January 14 it enters Makara and this day is celebrated as Makara Sankranti, On

April 13th/14th it enters Mesha and this day is celebrated as Baisakhi. The change in seasons is

also linked to the suns entry into various signs and nakshatras. He is the Pitrukaraka or planet

connected with father.

Given bellow are the basic qualities and nature of the 9 planets. However based on your Lagna

and where these planets are placed they give different results. 

Moon or Chandra is also a royal planet and is the queen in astrology. He represents the mind,

emotions, sensitivity, the mother, house and domestic comforts, milk, sea and all things connected

with the sea, hotel and food industry, textiles and apparels. Its cold and calm, Its color is white,

direction north-east, metal is silver and gem is pearl. The moon is the fastest moving of the 9

planets and takes approximately 2-1/2 days to travel a sign. When the sun and moon are in the

same rasi it is called Amavasya or new moon day or the 1st day of the dark fortnight. The lunar

days or Tithi changes with every 12 degree difference between the sun and the moon. When the

sun and the moon are in the exact opposite signs or 180 degrees apart, it is called Poornima or the

full moon day or the 1st day of the bright fortnight. He is the Matrukaraka or planet connected with

mother.

The sign in which your Moon is placed in the birth chart is called your Janma Rasi. The star

constellation in which your Moon is placed is called your Janma Nakshatra. 

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

brothers & sisters, armed forces, the police forces, commanders, administrators, men in high

position, land, engineering, metals, real estate agents and surgery. Its metal is copper and gem is

coral, color is red and direction south.

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

brother.

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

short journeys, medical profession, trade, computers and the web, astrology and knowledge of the

shastras, accounts, mathematics, journalism, printing and publishing. Its metal is bronze, gem is

emerald, color is green and direction north.

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

from astrological point of view.

Jupiter or Guru or Brihaspati is known as the "Devaguru" or the guru of the Gods. He represents

higher knowledge, spirituality, priests, temples, teachers, research & scientists, layers & judges,

children and knowledge of the sastras and astrology. Its color is yellow, metal gold, gem yellow

sapphire and direction north - east. Jupiter takes about one year to travel a sign. He is the

Putrakaraka or planet connected with children.

Venus or Shukra is the "Daityaguru" or the guru of the demons. He represents spouse, sex life,

kidneys and sex organ, dance, music, arts, gems and jewelers, wines, bars, gambling places,

acting, fashion, cosmetics and beauty products. Its metal is silver, gem is diamond, direction is

south-east and colour is white.

Venus takes about a month to travel a sign and completes the round of the zodiac in 12 months.

From astrological point of view it is always within 48 degrees of the sun. He is the Kalatrakaraka or

planet connected with spouse.

Saturn or Shani is the servant in astrology. He represents hard work, sorrow, old men, servants

and the lower level workers, people in the iron and steel industry, municipality and drainage works.

A well placed Saturn can bestow excellent power, prestige, name and fame and a badly placed

Saturn can devastate you. Its metal is iron, color is blue, gem is blue sapphire and direction is

west.

Saturn is the slowest moving of the 9 planets and takes approximately 2-1/2 years to transit a sign

and completes the round of the zodiac in 30 years. He is the Udyogakaraka or planet connected

with profession.

Rahu or Dragons Head or North Node represents, foreigners, foreign countries, foreign travel,

engineering and the technical trades, smoke, old men, grand parents, theft, gambling, drinking,

nonconformists, the underworld and the bad elements in the society. Its color is black, metal

mixed-metal and gem is Gomedh.

Rahu takes approximately 1-1/2 years to travel a sign and hence completes the round of the

zodiac in 18 years.

Ketu or Dragons Tail or South Node represents grand parents, technical trades, spiritual

inclinations, superstitions and electronics. Its colour is brown and gem is cat's eye. Ketu is always

in the opposite sign to Rahu, i.e., exactly 180 degrees away. Ketu also takes approximately 1-1/2

years to travel a sign and hence completes the round of the zodiac in 18 years.

Each of these 9 planets produce different results, and at times totally opposite results, while placed

in the 12 different rasis. Again each has some good results and some bad results in each sign.

This is an important aspect of astrology which must be remembered. 

While placed at various specific distances from the sun, the planets Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus

and Saturn become retrograde or appear to move in the backward direction. Sun and moon do not

have any retrograde motion. The motion of Rahu and Ketu is always opposite to that of the other

planets.

The seven main planets rule the seven days of the week.

Sun rules Sunday.

Moon rules Monday.

Mars rules Tuesday.

Mercury rules Wednesday.

Jupiter rules Thursday.

Venus rules Friday.

Saturn rules Saturday.

Rahu and Ketu do not rule any day

The nine planets placed in the twelve zodiac signs produce various effects. The nine planets placed in twelve houses from lagna produce various effects. The lords of the twelve houses from lagna, while placed in the twelve different houses from lagna produce various effects. This is a bit complicated. 9x12+9x12+12x12 = 360 combinations to remember.

One of the reasons Vedic Astrologers can size-up a chart and predict outcomes so quickly is because each planet rules certain houses depending on the Asc. So, for a Libra Asc, the best planet is Saturn, because of its lordship of houses 4 and 5, whereas Jupiter is not so good for a Libra, due to its rulership of houses 3 and 6. This is a very

important principle to remember, as the first planet a Vedic Astrologer should look for is the best planet for a Lagan and then the not-so-good planets. I cannot stress enough how important this procedure is.

Vas (Vedic Astrologers) can also size things up quickly based on how a planet is placed - by sign, aspect, house placement/rulership, and so on. Once you have been doing VA (Vedic Astrology) for awhile, it just sort of comes to you in a flash; I know that's how it works for me. When I look at a chart, and I see Mars placed in the 5th house for a Sag Asc, and I see that the person is due for a Mars Dasa in a minute, it all comes together for me, and it takes about a minute or two. It's really that simple.

Dasas, in a major way, are better at evaluating the overall tenor and tone of a person's life than Western Astrology, especially if that Dasa's a long one. Say, for example, you have a person in a Saturn Dasa, and that Saturn is in Aries (very bad) in the 7th house, for a Libra Asc. Now, keep in mind that Saturn's Dasa will last for about 19 years, and in this case, it started in the early 1990s. Right off the bat, you can expect there to be a lot of pain associated with relationships - loneliness, heavy burdens, frustration, a hard time getting into or keeping relationships going, will be a big theme. Things like this are very important.

The easiest way to evaluate Dasas are to just roll with what the natural significations of that planet are, along with the house that it sits in these are the areas in which you will be able to see clearly how Dasas will operate for that person, and you will be able to see the effects right away, especially if that planet stands out somehow.

There are a lot of subtleties of Dasa interpretation and in due course, I will write more about this. But I will say right now, that your ability to correctly assess a Dasa is solely dependent upon the nature of the relationship you make and have with the Planets.

The closer you become at one with the meanings of the Planets, the better you will be able to feel their ebb and flow.

Now, what we have to remember, in Vedic Astrology, is that there are TWO kinds of planets: benefic (good) and malefic (bad). On top of that, there are TWO kinds of planetary states:

1. Natural Benefics and Natural Malefics2. Functional Benefics and Functional Malefics

The Natural Benefics are: Moon, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter.The Natural Malefics are: Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.

Functional benefic and malefic status depends on the Asc, and is another reason why the Asc is so important. Really, it is the only reason why most Vedic Astrologers want this kind of info, so they can get a handle on what planets are good and which ones are not so good. For any Asc, planets ruling the 6, 8, or 12 houses are not good.

ANY planet ruling the Asc is automatically good; planets ruling the trines (5 and 9) are also good. Planets ruling the Kendras (angular houses) are usually good as well. Planets ruling the 2 and 11 houses can be mixed, depending on other factors.

When Planets run their Dasas, what has to be kept in mind is whether the planet is inherently good or bad, and whether it rules a good or bad house. This is the first thing you should look for.

Dasa Sandhi...

This is when a Planet either just begins its Dasa, or is nearing the end of its Dasa. Classical books say that a planet that runs both its major and minor periods at the same time is not good; for example, Rahu/Rahu. This is because that Dasa is just getting off the ground, and is like the dawn or the sunset - it's neither day or night, and there is an

intermingling of energies going on, so it's not considered good. Same goes for the end of a Dasa, like Rahu/Mars, because the Dasa is losing strength.

How Planets Placed in Dasa Lord's Signs Impact the Quality of Said Dasa...

Benefic planets that are placed in the Dasa Lord's signs can greatly improve the overall strength and significations of said Dasa. On the other hand, malefic planets occupying said Dasa Lord's signs can greatly harm the Dasa, and the results it can give. Take for example, Venus Dasa running in a chart, with Mars in Taurus, and Rahu in Libra. On top of that, Venus is placed in the 12th house, and Mars is placed in the 6th. Now, Venus, here, is greatly damaged by both the occupancy of malefics in its signs, as well as naturally malefic Mars aspecting Venus. This means that, although there may be a great deal of sex going down here (12th house placement of Venus, the aspect of Mars, Mars is a sexual planet, Rahu is in Venus' signs, and Venus also rules sex), trying to get into a stable relationship is going to very difficult, and if any of these planets has a tie-in to the 7th house from either the Asc or the Moon, then it could be disastrous for the native.

Take another example, Jupiter Dasa with Mercury in Sag and Venus in Pisces. Now, because there are two natural benefics placed in Jupiter's Signs, Jupiter's Dasa will be very good, especially along educational/intellectual and romantic lines. This is a simple rule that cannot be overlooked.

Dasa of Rahu and Ketu...

Rahu and Ketu don't own any signs, and as such, can be difficult to interpret. One way I have found helpful is to see whether Rahu occupies signs of Mercury, and if Ketu occupies signs of Jupiter. They tend to do better in these signs, and, if other factors agree, can even bring very good and pleasant results. But even when the Nodes are excellently placed, they still have to give some trouble and confusion, because they are, after all, natural malefics.

If Rahu and Ketu are angular, their effects will really be felt during their Dasas; so a lot will depend on other factors in the horoscope, as well as the Node's dispositors.

Rahu can, under certain conditions, give Raja-Yoga results. If Rahu is placed in a Kendra (angular house) while at the same time, it is aspected by the ruler of that Kendra, it will give Raja Yoga. Same will be true if a natural benefic aspects Rahu in the same position. Many famous people have such combinations - just last night, I spoke of Vanessa Del Rio's chart, she has this. So did Princess Di.

The Importance of Planetary Distances in Dasa Interpretation...

The way in which planets are placed from each other is vitally important; if they are 1/1, 1/7, 5/9/, or 4/10, chances are good that Dasas will flow into each other with little problem. However, if planets are 2/12 or 6/8 from each other, their Dasas will be very rough - one will end and another will start "off-key" so to speak. This accounts for why some people just seem to go off into something all together different in their lives, from one path to another. This is also why people can be doing very well in their lives and all of a sudden, things go haywire, even if that planet isn't all that badly placed in the horoscope. Planets being in good relationship to one another is very important in Dasa analysis.

House Placement of the Dasa Lord...

The house a planet is placed in will really come to the forefront during its Dasa. Additionally, certain houses are better than others. Planets placed in the Konas (trines, 5 and 9) will tend to do better than planets placed in the Triks (6, 8, or 12). Planets placed in Kendras will really exert a lot of power during their Dasas, as the Kendras are the Power Zones of the Horoscope. Planets placed in the 2 and 11 houses will give results dependent on whether they are naturally benefic or malefic, and on other factors.

There are other factors, but the above should help you out in learning how to analyze the strength and overall trend of a Dasa.

Kalasarpa Dosha & its effects

What is Kalasarpa dosha?

In any native's chart, the remaining seven houses are in the clutches of Rahu and Ketu is called Kalasarpa dosha..

Savya Kala Sarpa Dosham: 

From Rahu to Ketu all the houses are filled it is Savya Kalasarpa Dosham 

Apasavya Kala Sarpa Dosham 

From Ketu to Rahu all the houses are filled, it is called Apasavya Kala Sarpa Dosham. 

In Astrological science, Rahu is termed as the Head and Ketu is termed as tail of Sarpa. The Vedic pundits terms that the Kalasarpa yogam is most dangerous one in ones life span. 

In the natal chart from lagna to seventh house if this yoga is there the first half is more miserable and from seventh house to twenth house, the second half of the life is harmful. In the natal chart if other yogas are not there, the native will be jobless; habitituated to bad habits leads miserable life, unmarried. etc., 

If in the natal chart: 

1. From Ravi is placed from Rahu in 8th house it is termed as Sarpa Dosha. 

2. From Chandra to 8th house, Rahu or Ketu it is termed as Sarpa Dosha 

3. From natives' horoscope, from lagna 6, 7, and 8 houses is Rahu is there it is Sarpa Dosha. 

4. From lagna of either Rahu or Ketu are placed in Trokona it is Sarpa dosha. 

Different Types of Kala Sarpa Yogams

1. From lagna to seventh house the planets are (Ravi,Chandra,Kuja,Budha,Guru,Sukra and Sani) are placed between Rahu and Ketu is know Ananta Kala Sarpa Dosham.

EFFECTS: Troubles in family life, and chronic health problems.

2.From Second house to seventh house if these planets are placed it is known as GULIKA KALASARPA DOSHAM

EFFECTS: Financial and domestic troubles.

3. From third house to ninth house, it is known as VASUKI KALA SARPA DOSHAM.

EFFECTS: Problems with brothers and sisters

4.From Forth house to tenth house, it is known as SANKAPALA KALA SARPA DOSHAM.

EFFECTS; Problems with mother, vehicles and at residence.

5. From Fifth house to eleventh house, it is known as PADMAKALA SARPA YOGAM.

EFFECTS: Problems with spouse/husband and with children.

6.From Sixth house to twelfth house it is known as MAHA PADMA KALA SARPA DOSHAM.

EFFECTS: Health problems, debts, problems with enemies.

7. From seventh house to lagna, it is known as TAKSHAKA KALA SARPA YOGAM.

EFFECTS: Loss in business and problems in matrimonial life.

8. From eight house to second house, it is known as KARKOTAKA KALA SARPA YOGAM.

EFFECTS: Problems with wife and accidents.

9. From ninth house to third house, it is known as SANKACHOODA KALA SARPA YOGAM.

EFFECTS: Problems with father, heavy bad luck etc.,

10. From tenth house to fourth house, it is known as GHATAKA KALA SARPA YOGAM.

EFFECTS: Problem in business and job fonts.

11. From eleventh house to fifth house, it it known as VISHADHARA KALA SARPA YOGAM.

EFFECTS:: Problems in financial business terms.

12. From twenth house to sixth house, it is known as SESHANAGA KALA SARPA YOGAM.

EFFECTS: Mounting expenditure and severe problems with enemies.

Note: For remedies please be in touch with our team

uja Dosha & its effects

Kuja Dosha and its effects

A simple survey shows that as many as 40% of the people in the Universe will be under the influence of Kuja Dosha. Every one of us, at one time or the other, will hear about Kuja. The word is more prominently heard when horoscopes of the bride and bridegroom are studied before their marriage. Unfortunately, in almost all of the cases, we tend to be very much worried about the presence of the Kuja dosha in the natal charts that we begin to feel that certain things in life, such as marital life for instance, will get disturbed or worse they are deprived of. Before we proceed further, it is important for us to be clear that Kuja is not a matter to be afraid of and it is not the end of the world for them. Matters pertaining to the intensity of the Kuja Dosha and its cancellation play major roles and we shall attempt to study about Kuja, Kuja dosha and various related aspects.

About Kuja

'Kuja' means 'burning coal' or 'a fair person'. Kuja is identified with Lord Kartikeya - the God of War. He is the son of Lord Shiva. Kartikeya was born with six heads. He killed the invincible demon Taraka and released the Devas from Taraka's oppression. These qualities of Kuja depict strength, courage and the protective quality of Kuja. Thus, Kuja is known as the protector of dharma and the purpose in life, which each of us follow.

Another notion of Kuja is that 'Ku' stands for 'Earth' and 'Jha' means 'birth'. Hence, Kuja will mean 'the son of Earth'. He is brought up by six Krutika stars resulting with six faces because he is fed by six star mothers. That is reason why he is also called Shanmuka.

Kuja dosha in horoscope

One of the biggest misconceptions and fears in the Hindu society with respect to marriage is the presence of Kuja Dosha in the natal horoscope. Kuja dosha occurs, when Kuja is placed in the ascendant, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house of the natal chart. However, majority of the astrologers include the 2nd house also in the Kuja dosha list. People in whose natal chart Kuja is placed in the above positions are under the influence of Kuja.

Kuja is considered to be a commander-in-chief among all planets. It symbolizes immense courage, aggression, vitality, confidence and warrior qualities. It drives the fire of independent spirit and sense of purpose among individuals.

Notions about Kuja dosha:

Some of the most common misconceptions about the planet Kuja is that if a person is born on a Tuesday, he is said to be dominated by Kuja. This, however is not true. Kuja in his own house or exaltation will considerably reduce the ill effects of the Kuja Dosha. The most famous misconception about being a Kuja is that if he/she is married to a non-Kuja, then the spouse is bound to die. The above can be seen in a few cases, where Kuja is severely afflicted; overall strength of the horoscope also needs to be checked.

Common effects with respect of Kuja in the natal chart

Kuja in the first house - quarrelsome on even minor issues; combative and dominating in relationship.

Kuja in the 2nd house - harsh speech.

Kuja in the 4th house - aggressive emotional nature, which may effect the career-front, with frequent changes in profession.

Kuja in the 7th house - a lot of energy; differences with family members.

Kuja in the 8th house - early death of the mate.

Kuja in the 12th - financial losses, many enemies and repressed anger.

According to Parasara's Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra, if Kuja is placed in the lagna, 4th, 7th ,8th and 12th houses, without any aspect or conjunction of the benefit planets, then the husband of such a women certainly have an early death. Hence it is understood that if Kuja has an aspect of a benefit or is conjunct with a benefit, then there is no dosha.

An exception to this however exists. "If a woman with the widowhood yoga marries a man with a similar yoga of loss of spouse, then such yoga will get cancelled." Hence the second exception given by him is that Kuja Dosha is canceled, if both the girl and the boy have Kuja Dosha.

Exceptions to Kuja dosha

Kuja dosha gets canceled in some special conditions as defined below:

When Kuja is in its own sign Mesha, exalted Karkataka or in the houses owned by planets considered to be his friends viz., Ravi, Guru and Chandra.

If Kuja is in the 2nd house, but in the signs of Mithuna or Kanya.

If Kuja is in the 4th house, but in Mesha

If Kuja is in the 7th house, but in Karkataka or Makara.

If Kuja is in the 8th house, but in Pisces.

If Kuja is in the 12th house, but in Vrushaba or Tula.

For Karkataka and Simha lagnas, Kuja is a yoga Karkataka and so no dosha wherever it is placed.

For Kumba lagna, if Mars is in the 4th or 8th house.

If benefic Guru or Sukra occupies the ascendant.

If Kuja is in conjunction or aspected by Guru or Chandra.

If Kuja is in conjunction or aspected by Ravi, Budha, Sani or Rahu.

Kuja Dosha is considerably reduced, if Sani aspects the houses owned by Kuja, but subject to the other planetary positions in the natal chart. Remember that even if a person has severe Kuja Dosha, after the age of 28, the effects of Kuja Dosha are reduced.

General remedies to Kuja dosha

People who are afflicted with severe Kuja Dosha should marry a person having the same quantum of Dosha. Also such people should worship Lord Hanuman daily, by recitingHanuman Chalisa. They should visit the temple of Lord Hanuman on Tuesdays. Another remedy is to keep an idol of Kesariya Ganapati in the pooja room and worship Him everyday.

Basic Concepts of Astrology The sky as seen from earth appears as a sphere with earth as its centre. This hypothetical sphere is called Celestial Sphere or Celestial Globe.Our solar system is very very small as compared to our universe. The distances of stars seen in the sky are so huge that they hardly appear changing their positions in the celestial sphere even in thousands of years. In other words the celestial sphere appears like a black hollow sphere on which stars are fixed on its surface from inside. Obviously the structure made by stars practically does not change with time.Since the planets of our solar system including Sun and Moon are comparatively much nearer, they can be seen moving in the Celestial Globe. In Indian Astrology all such heavenly bodies which appear moving are called Grahs(planets). Because our earth moves around the Sun on almost a circular path, the Sun appears moving around the Earth on a circular path on the Celestial Sphere from west to east. All the other planets (Grah) also appear moving along this circle from west to east, on a 9 degree wide path, which is called Zodiac.(Do not confuse with the daily apparent motion of heavenly bodies which is from east to west which is due to rotational motion of earth.)In ancient time only 5 planets namely Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were known, as they can be seen by naked eyes. If Sun and Moon are also included the number of planets(Grahas) becomes 7.

What are Rahu and Ketu? Sun and Moon both move around the earth on an apparent circular paths, with their centres as the centre of earth. The two circles cut each other on two points. These two points are 180 degree apart from each other. Because of the movement of the path of Moon, the two cut points also move on the zodiac from east to west, i.e. opposite to other planets. It takes around 18 years in completing one revolution. These two points are called Rahu and Ketu. It is why "No Moon" and "Full Moon" falling near these two points cause Solar and Lunar eclipses respectively and it appears that Rahu and Ketu are trying to swallow Sun and Moon.The total number of planets thus becomes 9.

What are Signs i.e. Rasis. and Nakshatras

All the planets move on a about 9-degree wide circular path on the Celestial Sphere with its centre as the viewer on the earth. This path is known as Zodiac. The 360 degrees of the Zodiac is divided into 12 signs or Rasis, each having 30 degrees, as indicated below:

Rasi No.

Degree Rasi / SignLords of

Rasi Greater than or equal to Less than

1 0 30 Mesh / Aries  Mars 2 30 60 Vrishabh / Taurus  Venus 3 60 90 Mithun / Gemini  Mercury 4 90 120 Kark / Cancer  Moon 5 120 150 Simha / Leo Sun  6 150 180 Kanya / Virgo  Mercury  7 180 210 Tula / Libra  Venus  8 210 240 Vrishchik / Scorpio  Mars  9 240 270 Dhanu / Sagittarius Jupiter  10 270 300 Makar / Capricorn Saturn  11 300 330 Kumbh / Aquarius Saturn 12 330 360 Meen / Pieces Jupiter 

The Zodiac is also divided into 27 parts, each having 13 degree and 20 minutes size, which are called Nakshatras or Constellations.These are as indicated below:

Nakshatra No.

Degree NakshatraGreater than or equal to

Less than

1 0 13/20 Ashwani 2 13/20 26/40 Bharani 3 26/40 40/00 Krittika 4 40/00 53/20 Rohini 5 53/20 66/40 Mrigashira 6 66/40 80/00 Ardra 7 80/00 93/20 Punarvasu 8 93/20 106/40 Pushya 9 106/40 120/00 Ashlesha

10 120/00 133/20 Magha 11 133/20 146/40 Purva Phalguni 12 146/40 160/00 Uttara Phalguni 13 160/00 173/20 Hasta 14 173/20 186/40 Chitra 15 186/40 200/00 Swati 16 200/00 213/20 Vishakha

17 213/20 226/40 Anuradha 18 226/40 240/00 Jyeshtha 19 240/00 253/20 Moola 20 253/20 266/40 Purva Sharha 21 266/40 280/00 Uttara Sharha 22 280/00 293/20 Shravan 23 293/20 306/40 Dhanishtha 24 306/40 320/00 Shatabhisha 25 320/00 333/20 Purva.Bhadrapad 26 333/20 346/40 Uttara Bhadrapad 27 346/40 360/00 Revati

The Nakshatras and Rasis (Signs) are recognized by the structure made by the stars on that part of zodiac and their names are also given as the structure appears. The planets appear moving over the Rasis/nakshatras. The planets move with different speeds, as indicated below:

Planet Time Taken to cross one Rasi

Moon 2.5 Days Mercury On average one month Venus On average one month Sun One Month Mars 1.5 Months

Jupiter One Year Rahu/Ketu 1.5 Years

Saturn 2.5 Years Uranus 7 Years Neptune 15 Years

Pluto 40 years The speeds of Sun, Moon, Rahu and Ketu are almost constant, while other planets change their speeds. Rahu and Ketu move from east to west while all other planets move from west to east. The planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto some time move in opposite direction ( for short duration) i.e. from east to west. This motion is called retrograde(Vakri) motion.We know that the earth receives radiations and other influences from the sky. These influences are not same from all parts of the sky. Each rasi (sign) or nakshatra has its own influence depending on the radiation coming from part represented by it. The influence of a planet therefore is affected by the Rasi occupied by it.

BIRTH CHART Birth chart is presentation of planets and Zodiac in the sky, relative to native at the time of birth. For casting birth chart/horoscope, we must know the position of planets in the zodiac and the position of the zodiac w.r.t. to the native. Lagna is

required for getting the position of Zodiac.What is Lagna

Due to rotational motion of the earth on its axis (one rotation in 23 Hours and 56 Minutes), the entire zodiac appears rotating arround the earth from east to west. Obviously it also takes 23 Hours and 56 Minutes for one rotation. The Rasi rising in east at the time of birth is defined as lagna. The persons born in same lagna would have received almost similar cosmic influences if planets are ignored. Therefore Lagna plays a important role in making forecasts about a person. The effect of a planet is dependent on the lagna.

What are Bhavas(Houses) The Lagna is defined as first house of the birth chart of the person. The next rasi is called second house, the next to it is called 3rd house and so on. The influence on a planet depends on (1) the rasi occupied it (2) the lagna of the native (3) the bhava in which the rasi occupied by the planet falls.

The following table describes what a bhava represents: SN

HOUSE/BHAVA REPRESENTATION

1 First Self, health, entire body, overall personality, head2 Second Face, right eye, money3 Third Brother/sister, bravity, neck, small journey

4 Fourth Mother, mind, heart, mental peace, education, vehicle, house

5 Fifth Chidren, intelligence, stomach6 Sixth diseases, enemies, abdomine7 Seventh spouse, married life, urogenital system8 Eighth life/death,9 Ninth fortune, religious deeds, fame, long journey10 Tenth father, job11 Eleventh income, profit12 Twelfth expenditure, loss, left eye

 How To Make Predictions BENEFIC AND MELEFICS

Jupiter, Venus and Mercury are "SHUBH" OR benefic planets.

Saturn, Mars, Sun, Rahu and Ketu are "PAP" or melefic planets.

Moon is in neither of the categories. Sun is supposed to be a bit different from melefic. It is sometimes called "KROOR" or cruel planet instead of melefic.

UCHCH AND NEECH

  SUN MOON MARS MERCUR JUPITE VENUS SATURN

Y R

UCHCH RASI

1 Mesh (Aries)

2 Vrishabh (Taurus)

10 Makar (Capricorn)

6 Kanya (Virgo)

4 Kark (Cancer)

12 Meen (Pieces)

7 Tula (Libra)

NEECH RASI

7 Tula (Libra)

8 Vrishchik (Scorpio)

4 Kark (Cancer)

12 Meen (Pieces)

10 Makar (Capricorn)

6 Kanya (Virgo)

1 Mesh (Aries)

FRIEND'S RASI 4,8,9,12   4,5,9,12 2,6,7,10,11 1,5,8 3,6,10,11 2,3,6

ENEMY'S RASI

2,3,6,7,10, 11   2,3,6,7,10

, 11 1,4,5,8,9,12 2,3,6,7,10, 11

1,4,5,8,9,12

1,4,5,8,9,12

LORDSHIP OF A BHAV

Lord of a bhav is the lord of the sign (Rasi) falling in that bhav. For example in the Simha Lagna Chart(Chart having Leo as ascendent), the Simha Rasi falls in first house hence, lord of first house would be Sun. Similarly, Vrischik (Scorpio) rasi falls in 4th house hence lord of 4th house will be Mars.

GOOD AND BAD BHAVAS

 Kendra  Bhavas 1,4,7 and 10 are called "Kendras". These are good places. Trikona  Bhavas 1,5,9 are called "Trikonas". These are also good places. Triks  Bhavas 6,8, and 12 are called Triks. Thases are bad bhavas Other  Other bhavas 2,3,11 are medium bhavas.A planet sitting in good bhav gains power, while sitting in bad bhav looses strength. A planet sitting in own rasi, uchch rasi or friends rasi gains strength, while sitting in neech rasi or in enemy's rasi looses strength.

If a lord of a house is sitting in a good bhav or in own rasi/uchch rasi or friends rasi the aspects related to that bhav are enhansed,

Similiarly, If a lord of a house is sitting in a bad bhav or in neech rasi or in enemy's rasi the aspects related to that bhav are decreased,

Melefic planets sitting in a bhav reduces good results and increases bad results of the bhav.

Benefic planets sitting in a bhav reduces bad results and increases good results of the bhav.

Apart from above there are other things used in Vedic Astrology for making prediction. There are certain combnations of planets, called "YOGA", play important role in making predictions. Vimshottary dasha and gochar movement of

planets are used for making predictions for different age of the native. Astrology helps a person to select the right business sector. Every person has an area where he/she may be successful in terms of business. With the changes of economic condition, a successful business man may fail due to bad time. But during this time Astrology may guide us. It is quite true that technically there is no way to predict the upcoming situation. But Astrology may help during this period. Business Astrology is the only tool which provides the information through which you may predict the future situations and you may prepare for the challenges much ahead than others. It helps you to understand the opportunity that may come in the way of your life and you will able to plan for the risks.

There are two sides of Business Astrology

     a) Analyse the horoscope of a person who wants to know about his or her business potential or fate in future or current year. With the help of Astrology you are also able to know the rate of profit or loss for a particular business. It will also provide you that which business suits you most. The problems are related to business and its solutions may also be provided by the Astrological system. This also provides you the suggestions that what can make your business most successful.

To make a successful business, the native should choose a business aligned with the lord of 7th house in horoscope. You need to know that your 7th house lord is. And what the most suitable area of business is.

As per Business Astrology, if 7th lord is strong, then it makes person a successful business man irrespective of the business line (Even though right path gives most positive result). Check for your Business Astrology Profile for Free in Moon Astro Here.

If there are planets on the 7th house, then those planets also need to be considered. Significant of good planets make lots of positive luck in the business. Where -as Bad planets (Those who are bad for the ascendant of the horoscope or who are enemy to the 7th lord) introduce negative lucks or negative constraints in the business against its success. If a business man starts losses after introducing a new person, then his/her birth chart must be verified with the factors.

Mercury is a key planet for a business man. It makes a person intelligent, wise and it also helps to take right decisions. It is a planet for communication as well. Strong Mercury makes a person successful in business.

In Business Astrology, if Saturn, Venus, Sun and Mars are in 7th House with no other planets, then it make a person a good businessman.

If a person has weak 7th house lord or weak Mercury, then the person should not go for a business. But the person may go for a job.

    b) Second part is not about a person, but about the business itself. It determines the time of birth of the business and the line of business. Line of business is the most important factor which also aligns with ruling planets. For example, if the planet for the business is Jupiter, then the best suitable lines are related to education, learning, astrology, financial guide, etc. Instead of these businesses, if real estate business is chosen, then it will be ruled by Saturn (Enemy of Jupiter). This will give adverse effect to the business and it will be a real difficult to gain success in longer term.

Same way, in Astrology a birth chart needs to be calculated for the business from the time it has started. Ascendant, Moon sign and Sun sign will help to proceed further.

If the business is already running and its needs to improve the bottom line, then Lord of 7th and 11th house is most important factor for the business. In consideration of the birth chart, it’s easy to calculate the next 100 years of Ups and downs in luck with time which may help the owners to plan and use remedies available.

Correct line of business

I have mentioned line of business several times, but what are they? Every planet rules over a metal, element, colour, stone, etc. He also rules over a line of business. Favourable planet gives more benefits in his favourable business line. There are big list of business categories. Lots of different line of business is getting introduced, which are also critical for us to determine the ruler.

. Ruling Planet Line of favorable business as per Business Astrology Sun Any business related to government clients Moon Cotton, Water, Food. Saturn Land, Real State, Steel Venus Garments, any entertainment business Mercury Telecomm, Communication, news, media, marketing, broker Mars Car, War equipments Jupiter Education, Learning, consulting Rahu Gambling, lottery, Business deals with black money Ketu Business like IT, Politics.

Remedy There are several remedies available if you can identify the problems. If there is a problem, there

must be a solution.

If a person’s 7th house lord is weak or Mercury is weak, then you should use Business Astrology remedies for them (like, colour, gem stones, etc.). If this is a small business and it is related to a place, then business place should be correctly chosen (as we have a Vaastu section covering this). You can -not control the birth time of your baby, but if you are starting a new business then inauguration time should be selected by an astrologer who has the knowledge of what we discussed above. If there are problems in the running business, like loss, or some obstacles, then 7th House needs to be analysed and the lord of 7th house , mercury, Mars should be analysed with the current Planetary positions.