Glossary of terms.

Abhijit

Also: Abhijit nakshatra, Abhijeet, 28th nakshatra, Vega

Abhijit is the 28th nakshatra of the older Vedic lists, a short segment in Capricorn usually reckoned from 6°40′ to 10°53′20″, that is, the last pada of Uttara Ashadha plus the first fifteenth of Shravana. Its name means victorious, it is presided over by Brahma and it is associated with the star Vega. The standard 27-fold scheme used for dashas leaves it out, but muhurta and some chakra methods keep it. It is distinct from Abhijit Muhurta, the midday period of the same name.

See also Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Abhijit Muhurta, Muhurta

Abhijit Muhurta

Also: Abhijit Muhūrta, Abhijeet Muhurat, midday muhurta

Abhijit Muhurta is the eighth of the fifteen daytime muhurtas, the roughly 48-minute window centred on local noon. Its length is one fifteenth of the actual daylight, so it is longer in summer. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as powerful enough to overcome many other flaws of the day, and it is often used when no better muhurta can be found. Many traditions do not use it on Wednesdays. It is named after, but not the same as, Abhijit, the intercalary nakshatra.

See also Muhurta, Abhijit, Budhavara, Dinamana

Adhi Yoga

Also: Adhi Yog, Chandradhi Yoga

Adhi Yoga forms when natural benefics (Mercury, Jupiter and Venus) occupy the 6th, 7th and 8th houses from the Moon. Classical texts such as Phaladeepika say it makes the native a ruler, minister or commander, according to how many benefics take part and how strong they are, with health, comfort and victory over opponents. Some authorities also apply it from the Ascendant. The benefics should be free from malefic association and not combust for the yoga to hold.

See also Chandra Lagna, Benefic, Raja Yoga

Adhika Masa

Also: Adhik Maas, Purushottam Maas, Mala Masa, intercalary month

Adhika Masa is an extra lunar month inserted into the Hindu calendar to keep lunar months in step with the solar year. It occurs when a lunar month contains no sankranti (solar ingress), roughly every 32 to 33 months, or seven times in nineteen years. The extra month takes the name of the month that follows it. Traditionally it is called Purushottama Masa and dedicated to Vishnu, and it is considered unsuitable for weddings, housewarmings and other auspicious beginnings, but good for devotion.

See also Kshaya Masa, Chandra Masa, Sankranti, Synodic month

Adhomukha nakshatras

Also: Adho Mukha, downward-facing nakshatras

Adhomukha (downward-facing) nakshatras are the nine nakshatras that muhurta texts associate with going downward and inward: Bharani, Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Vishakha, Mula, Purva Ashadha and Purva Bhadrapada. They are traditionally chosen for work that goes into the earth or below the surface, such as digging wells and tanks, laying foundations, mining and research into hidden matters, and are avoided for raising structures.

See also Urdhvamukha nakshatras, Tiryakmukha nakshatras, Muhurta

Agami Karma

Also: Āgāmi, Aagami Karma, future karma

Agami Karma is the karma arising from present actions whose fruit will come in the future, in this life or later ones. The Tattva Bodha, a Vedanta primer attributed to Adi Shankara, lists it with Sanchita and Prarabdha as the three kinds of karma. Some traditions treat Agami as the same as Kriyamana, and others distinguish Kriyamana as the action and Agami as its deferred result. Either way it represents the part of the future that present conduct still shapes.

See also Kriyamana Karma, Sanchita Karma, Prarabdha Karma, Karma

Agni Tattva

Also: Agni Tattwa, fire element, fire signs

Agni Tattva is the fire element, and the fire signs are Mesha, Simha and Dhanu. Classical texts associate fire with energy, drive, courage and purpose, and among the grahas the Sun and Mars are fiery. The fire signs are the 1st, 5th and 9th of the natural zodiac, the same positions as the Dharma Trikona of houses, which links the element to purpose and right action. The element of the rising sign and Moon sign is one way astrologers describe temperament.

See also Mesha, Simha, Dhanu, Dharma Trikona

Ahoratra

Also: Ahorātra, civil day, day and night

Ahoratra is a full day and night together, reckoned in Indian tradition from one sunrise to the next. The word joins ahas (day) and ratri (night); Varahamihira derives the term hora from it by dropping the first and last syllables, though scholars trace hora to Greek. Classical time-keeping divides the ahoratra into 60 ghatis of 24 minutes, or 30 muhurtas of 48 minutes. Because the Hindu day begins at sunrise, a birth before dawn is traditionally assigned to the previous weekday for Panchanga purposes, even though the calendar date has changed.

See also Dinamana, Ratrimana, Sunrise and sunset, Muhurta

Akhanda Samrajya Yoga

Also: Akhand Samrajya Yog, undivided empire yoga

Akhanda Samrajya Yoga, the yoga of an ‘undivided empire’, is commonly defined as the lord of the 2nd, 9th or 11th house occupying a kendra from the Moon while Jupiter rules the 2nd, 5th or 11th house. Because of the Jupiter condition it can form only for fixed-sign Ascendants: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. It was popularised in modern times through B. V. Raman’s collection of classical combinations. Texts describe lasting authority and wide influence, and definitions vary between sources.

See also Chandra Lagna, Guru, Sthira Rashi, Raja Yoga

Akriti Yoga

Also: Akriti Yog, Ākṛti Yoga, shape yogas

Akriti Yogas are the 20 Nabhasa yogas defined by the shape (akriti) the seven planets make across the houses. Examples include Gada, when all planets occupy two adjacent kendras; Shakata, when they fill the 1st and 7th houses; Yupa, Shara, Shakti and Danda, when they fill four consecutive houses beginning from the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th; and Chakra and Samudra, when they occupy six alternate houses. Classical texts give each shape its own result.

See also Nabhasa Yoga, Shakata Yoga, Sankhya Yoga

Akshavedamsha (D45)

Also: Akṣavedāṁśa, D45

The akshavedamsha (D45) divides each sign into forty-five parts of 40′. Movable signs count from Aries, fixed signs from Leo and dual signs from Sagittarius. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra assigns it to all general indications, and many modern practitioners associate it with character and the paternal lineage. Like the D40 and D60, it changes every few minutes and depends on an accurate birth time.

See also Varga, Shodashavarga, Rectification

Amala Yoga

Also: Amal Yog, Amalakirti Yoga

Amala Yoga forms when only a natural benefic occupies the 10th house from the Ascendant or from the Moon. Amala means ‘spotless’, and classical texts such as Phaladeepika describe a reputation that remains untarnished, ethical conduct and lasting prosperity. The 10th house is the house of action and public standing, so a benefic there is read as good deeds and a good name. The yoga is weakened if a malefic joins or aspects the 10th, or if the benefic is debilitated.

See also Karma Bhava, Benefic, Chandra Lagna

Amanta

Also: Amānta, Amavasyant, new-moon-ending month

Amanta is the lunar month system in which each month ends on Amavasya, the new moon. It is followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and is the reckoning used in classical astronomical texts. Under Amanta, the bright fortnight of a month comes first, followed by the dark fortnight. Shukla Paksha dates carry the same month name in both systems, but a Krishna Paksha date is named one month earlier under Amanta than under Purnimanta.

See also Purnimanta, Chandra Masa, Amavasya

Amatyakaraka

Also: Amātyakāraka, AmK, minister significator

The Amatyakaraka is the planet with the second-highest degree in its sign, the minister or adviser to the Atmakaraka. In Jaimini practice it is read for career, profession, the means of livelihood and the people and resources that support a person’s aims. Its placement in the natal chart and in the Dashamsha (D10) is commonly studied for work themes, and its relationship with the Atmakaraka is traditionally read as showing how well aims and means cooperate.

See also Atmakaraka, Chara Karaka, Dashamsha (D10)

Amavasya

Also: Amāvasyā, Amavas, new moon, Darsha

Amavasya is the new moon, the lunar day on which the Sun and Moon are conjunct and the Moon is invisible. Technically it is the thirtieth tithi, ending at the exact conjunction. In the Amanta calendar it closes the lunar month. Amavasya is traditionally dedicated to the ancestors (pitris), with offerings called tarpana, and is generally avoided for starting new ventures in Muhurta. Solar eclipses fall only on Amavasya.

See also Purnima, Tithi, Amanta, Surya Grahan

Amrit Kaal

Also: Amṛta Kāla, Amrita Kalam, Amrit Kalam, Amrita Ghati

Amrit Kaal is a daily favourable period tied to the Moon’s nakshatra, the counterpart of Varjyam. Each nakshatra has a fixed point, counted in ghatis from its start, where a window of four ghatis begins, about 96 minutes for a nakshatra of average length and scaled to its actual duration. South Indian panchangas print it daily, and muhurta practice treats it as a good window for important beginnings. It should not be confused with Amrit Choghadiya, which comes from a different system.

See also Varjyam, Nakshatra, Choghadiya, Muhurta

Amrita Siddhi Yoga

Also: Amṛta Siddhi, Amrit Siddhi Yog

Amrita Siddhi Yoga is a favourable pairing of each weekday with one specific nakshatra: Sunday with Hasta, Monday with Mrigashira, Tuesday with Ashwini, Wednesday with Anuradha, Thursday with Pushya, Friday with Revati and Saturday with Rohini. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as highly auspicious for beginnings. They also note that certain tithis cancel it and can turn it unfavourable, so it is not used without checking the tithi.

See also Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, Guru Pushya Yoga, Vara, Nakshatra

Amsha

Also: Aṁśa, Ansh, division, part

Amsha means a part or division, and in Jyotish it refers both to a subdivision of a sign and to the divisional chart built from it. It appears as a suffix in varga names, such as navamsha (ninth part) and dashamsha (tenth part). The word is also used for degrees of longitude, and in the Vaisheshikamsha scheme for the dignified divisions a planet occupies. A planet’s amsha position is traditionally read as showing how its promise is refined in a particular area of life.

See also Varga, Divisional chart, Vaisheshikamsha, Degree

Amshayu

Also: Aṁśāyu, Amsayu

Amshayu is one of the classical longevity (ayurdaya) methods, in which each planet contributes years according to the navamsha it occupies, counted from Aries. The method is attributed to Satyacharya and favoured by Varahamihira, who applies it when the lagna is the strongest of lagna, Sun and Moon. Additions are made for exaltation, own sign and vargottama placements, and reductions for other conditions. Praman Jyotish studies it as part of the tradition but does not use it to predict death or lifespan.

See also Ayurdaya, Pindayu, Navamsha (D9)

Anapha Yoga

Also: Anaphā Yoga, Anafa Yoga

Anapha Yoga forms when any planet other than the Sun occupies the 12th house from the Moon; Rahu and Ketu are excluded. It is one of the three lunar yogas of Brihat Jataka, with Sunapha and Durudhara. Classical texts describe good health, a well-formed body, a pleasing and dignified personality, comforts and a good name, with the details coloured by the planet involved. A benefic forming it is read more favourably than a malefic.

See also Sunapha Yoga, Durudhara Yoga, Kemadruma Yoga, Chandra

Angaraka Yoga

Also: Angarak Dosh, Angarak Yog, Mars-Rahu conjunction

Angaraka Yoga forms when Mars is conjunct Rahu, and in some definitions Ketu. Angaraka, ‘burning coal’, is a Sanskrit name of Mars. It is a later, popular formulation rather than a yoga found in the major classical texts. It is traditionally read as heightened energy, impulsiveness or temper that needs channelling, while more positive readings see drive, courage and technical skill. The house, the sign and Mars’s dignity set the tone.

See also Mangala, Rahu, Yuti, Dosha

Antardasha

Also: Antardaśā, Bhukti, sub-period

An antardasha is a sub-period within a mahadasha, the second level of a dasha system. In Vimshottari each mahadasha is divided among all nine planets in the same fixed order, starting with the mahadasha lord itself. Its length is proportional: mahadasha years multiplied by the sub-lord’s years, divided by 120. So Venus in Saturn runs 19 x 20 / 120 = 3 years 2 months. Astrologers read the antardasha lord in relation to the mahadasha lord to refine timing. In South India it is often called bhukti.

See also Mahadasha, Pratyantardasha, Vimshottari Dasha

Anumana

Also: Anumāna, inference

Anumana is inference, knowledge reached by reasoning from a sign to what it indicates, as smoke indicates fire. It is the second praman. Chart interpretation is a form of anumana: from planetary positions and periods, likely outcomes are inferred, which is why it must be checked against evidence.

See also Praman, Pratyaksha, Karmic Backtest

Anupalabdhi

Also: non-perception

Anupalabdhi is knowledge of absence through non-perception: knowing there is no jar on the table because none is seen where one would be seen. It is the sixth praman of the Bhatta Mimamsa and Advaita schools. In a Karmic Backtest, an expected event that did not happen is evidence too.

See also Praman, Arthapatti, Karmic Backtest

Anuradha

Also: Anurādhā, Anuradha nakshatra, Anusham

Anuradha is the seventeenth nakshatra, spanning 3°20′ to 16°40′ Scorpio. It is ruled by Saturn and presided over by Mitra, the god of friendship and agreements, and its symbol is a lotus or an archway. It is Deva gana with deer yoni and is classed as Mridu (soft). It is traditionally read as a star of devotion, loyalty and cooperation, able to flourish in difficult conditions as a lotus does in mud.

See also Shani, Mridu nakshatras, Vrishchika

Apoklima

Also: Āpoklima, cadent houses

The apoklima houses are the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th, those that fall away from the kendras. The word comes from the Greek 'apoklima', 'declining', and entered Indian astrology with other Greek terms. In Shadbala's Kendradi Bala a planet in an apoklima house receives 15 virupas, the lowest of the three groups, so classical texts regard such planets as less prominent. Despite this, the group includes the 9th, the most auspicious trikona.

See also Kendra, Panaphara, Kendradi Bala, Yavanajataka

Ardra

Also: Ārdrā, Aridra, Adra, Thiruvathirai

Ardra is the sixth nakshatra, spanning 6°40′ to 20° Gemini, and is usually identified with the star Betelgeuse. It is ruled by Rahu and presided over by Rudra, the storm form of Shiva, and its symbol is a teardrop or a gem. It is Manushya gana with dog yoni and is classed as a Tikshna (sharp) nakshatra. The name means moist, and it is traditionally read as the storm that clears the air: effort, upheaval and renewal through intensity.

See also Rahu, Tikshna nakshatras, Mithuna

Argala

Also: Argalā, intervention, bolt

Argala is the Jaimini concept of intervention, where planets in certain houses from a reference point influence its affairs. Planets in the second, fourth and eleventh from a house form primary argala, and the fifth forms secondary argala. Each can be obstructed (Virodhargala) by planets in the twelfth, tenth, third and ninth respectively, with the stronger group prevailing. Classical texts add that malefics in the third create a special argala of their own.

See also Virodhargala, Jaimini Sutras, Bhava

Ari Bhava

Also: Ari Bhāva, sixth house, Ripu Bhava, Shatru Bhava, Roga Bhava

Ari Bhava is the sixth house, the house of enemies, obstacles and illness. Classical texts read from it competition, disputes, debts, disease, daily work, service and the capacity to overcome difficulty. It is both a dusthana and an upachaya house, so natural malefics placed here are traditionally said to defeat opposition. Mars is its karaka, with Saturn also listed. When its lord sits in another dusthana, classical texts describe Harsha Yoga, a form of Viparita Raja Yoga.

See also Dusthana, Upachaya, Harsha Yoga

Arishta Yoga

Also: Arisht Yog, Arishta

Arishta Yoga is a general classical term for combinations said to indicate misfortune, illness or danger to health, especially in early life. Arishta means ‘misfortune’ or ‘calamity’. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Brihat Jataka and Saravali devote chapters to them, alongside arishta-bhanga rules that cancel them, such as a strong Jupiter or a strong Ascendant lord in a kendra. Praman Jyotish explains the idea for historical understanding but does not use arishta yogas to predict death, illness or catastrophe.

See also Balarishta, Yoga Bhanga, Ayurdaya

Artha

Also: Arth, prosperity, wealth

Artha is prosperity, livelihood and material security, the second of the four purusharthas. In a chart it is read through the artha trikona: the 2nd house of accumulated wealth and family resources, the 6th of daily work, service and effort, and the 10th of career and public standing. Classical texts treat artha as a legitimate aim of life when it is pursued within dharma, providing the stability from which the other aims can be served.

See also Artha Trikona, Dhana Bhava, Karma Bhava, Purushartha

Artha Trikona

Also: Artha Trikoṇa, houses of wealth

The Artha Trikona is the group of the 2nd, 6th and 10th houses, which relate to artha, material security and livelihood. It is one of four trines matching the four aims of life (purusharthas). The 2nd shows accumulated wealth, the 6th daily work and service, and the 10th career and status. These are also the earth-sign positions of the natural zodiac. A chart with emphasis here is traditionally read as focused on work, resources and practical achievement.

See also Artha, Dharma Trikona, Kama Trikona, Purushartha

Arthapatti

Also: Arthāpatti, postulation

Arthapatti is postulation, knowing something because nothing else explains the facts. The classic example: a man who fasts by day yet stays well fed must be eating at night. It is one of the six pramanas, accepted mainly by the Mimamsa and Vedanta schools.

See also Praman, Anupalabdhi

Arudha Lagna

Also: Ārūḍha Lagna, AL, A1, Pada Lagna

Arudha Lagna is the Arudha Pada of the ascendant, showing how a person is perceived and the status or image they present to the world. It is found by counting from the lagna to its lord and the same number again, with the standard exceptions. Classical texts read houses from the Arudha Lagna for material and social matters, for example the eleventh from it for gains and the twelfth for expenses, while the lagna itself describes the person’s inner self.

See also Arudha Pada, Lagna, Upapada Lagna

Arudha Pada

Also: Ārūḍha Pada, Arudha, Pada, image of a house

An Arudha Pada is a derived sign showing how the matters of a house appear or manifest in the world, its image rather than its essence. To find it, count from the house to the sign holding its lord, then count the same number again from the lord. If this lands on the house itself or the seventh from it, the tenth from that point is taken instead (the usual Parashari exception). Each of the twelve houses has its own pada, labelled A1 to A12.

See also Arudha Lagna, Upapada Lagna, Dara Pada, Bhava

Aryabhata

Also: Āryabhaṭa, Aryabhatta

Aryabhata was an Indian mathematician and astronomer born in 476 CE, who wrote the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE at Kusumapura, near present-day Patna. He proposed that the daily motion of the stars is caused by the Earth’s rotation on its axis, gave an accurate value for pi (3.1416), and explained eclipses by the shadows of the Earth and Moon rather than by Rahu. His work founded a major school of Indian astronomy and underpins the mathematical side of Jyotish.

See also Aryabhatiya, Brahmagupta, Ganita

Aryabhatiya

Also: Āryabhaṭīya, Aryabhateeyam

The Aryabhatiya is Aryabhata’s astronomical and mathematical treatise, composed in 499 CE in 121 verses across four sections: Gitikapada (large units of time and parameters), Ganitapada (mathematics), Kalakriyapada (time reckoning and planetary positions) and Golapada (the celestial sphere). Its compact verse and use of an alphabetic numeral system made it a demanding but influential text. Commentaries by Bhaskara I and later scholars carried its methods across South India.

See also Aryabhata, Ganita, Surya Siddhanta

Ashlesha

Also: Āśleṣā, Aslesha, Ashlesa, Ayilyam

Ashlesha is the ninth nakshatra, spanning 16°40′ to 30° Cancer. It is ruled by Mercury and presided over by the Nagas, the serpent deities, and its symbol is a coiled serpent. It is Rakshasa gana with cat yoni and is classed as Tikshna (sharp). Its last pada forms one side of the Ashlesha to Magha gandanta, and it is one of the six Gandamoola nakshatras. It is traditionally read as a star of perception, attachment and hidden depth, the embrace that both holds and binds.

See also Budha, Gandanta, Gandamoola, Tikshna nakshatras

Ashraya Yoga

Also: Ashray Yog, Āśraya Yoga

Ashraya Yogas are the three Nabhasa yogas based on the type of sign the seven planets occupy. Rajju forms when all are in movable signs, Musala when all are in fixed signs, and Nala when all are in dual signs. Ashraya means ‘support’ or ‘refuge’. Classical texts describe Rajju as restless and fond of travel, Musala as steady and proud, and Nala as adaptable but uneven in fortune. Because all seven planets must share one sign type, these yogas are rare.

See also Nabhasa Yoga, Rajju Yoga, Musala Yoga, Nala Yoga

Ashtakavarga

Also: Ashtakvarga, Aṣṭakavarga, eightfold division

Ashtakavarga is a point-based system measuring how much support each sign receives from eight reference points: the seven planets and the Ascendant. For each planet, every reference point contributes a bindu (benefic point) to particular signs counted from its own position, as tabulated by Parashara and Varahamihira. The tables are used especially to time transits: a planet crossing a sign with many points is traditionally expected to give better results. The combined Sarvashtakavarga always totals 337 points.

See also Bhinnashtakavarga, Sarvashtakavarga, Bindu, Gochara

Ashtakoota

Also: Ashta Koota, Ashtakuta, Aṣṭakūṭa, 36 gunas

Ashtakoota is the eightfold system of marriage matching, which scores the Moon positions of two charts across eight kootas worth 36 points in total. The kootas and their maximum points are Varna 1, Vashya 2, Tara 3, Yoni 4, Graha Maitri 5, Gana 6, Bhakoot 7 and Nadi 8. Custom commonly treats 18 or more as acceptable and higher scores as more harmonious, but the classical authorities also allow individual doshas to be cancelled, and a thorough reading looks past the total to both full charts.

See also Guna Milan, Kundali Milan, Nadi Koota, Bhakoot Koota

Ashtama Shani

Also: Aṣṭama Śani, Ashtama Sani, Saturn in the eighth from the Moon

Ashtama Shani is Saturn’s transit through the eighth sign from the natal Moon, lasting about two and a half years. The eighth is one of the houses from which classical texts say Saturn’s transit is not favourable, and it is traditionally associated with obstacles, delays and inner change. In North India the same transit is one of the two called dhaiya. Its practical effect depends on Saturn’s natal strength, Ashtakavarga points and the running dasha.

See also Shani, Dhaiya, Sade Sati, Randhra Bhava

Ashtamangala Prashna

Also: Aṣṭamaṅgala Praśna, Ashtamangalya Prashna

Ashtamangala Prashna is an elaborate form of Kerala Prashna named after the eight auspicious objects (ashtamangala) set out at the start of the enquiry. The astrologer typically takes a set of cowrie shells, divides them into three heaps and counts the remainders by eight to obtain numbers that are read alongside the chart, the Arudha and observed omens. Prashna Marga describes the procedure in detail, and it is widely used in Kerala temple and family enquiries.

See also Kerala Prashna, Deva Prashna, Prashna Marga, Nimitta

Ashtami

Also: Aṣṭamī, Athe, eighth tithi

Ashtami is the eighth tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 84° to 96° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half, so Shukla Ashtami sits around the first quarter Moon. It belongs to the Jaya group, and its presiding deity is commonly given as Shiva (Rudra). Krishna Janmashtami falls on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (Shravana in the purnimanta reckoning), and Durga Ashtami falls within Navaratri. Muhurta texts often avoid Ashtami for marriage and similar beginnings, though it is favoured for devotional observance.

See also Tithi, Jaya tithi, Krishna Paksha, Purnimanta

Ashtamsha (D8)

Also: Aṣṭāṁśa, D8

The ashtamsha (D8) divides each sign into eight parts of 3°45′. It is not among the sixteen vargas of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, though it appears in some other sources. Where used, it is associated with unexpected events, adversity and transformation, the themes of the eighth house. It is a supplementary chart with limited classical support, and Praman Jyotish does not use it to predict death or calamity.

See also Varga, Randhra Bhava, Divisional chart

Ashtottari Dasha

Also: Aṣṭottarī Daśā, Ashtottari, 108-year dasha

Ashtottari dasha is a 108-year planetary period system using eight planets and leaving out Ketu. The periods are Sun 6, Moon 15, Mars 8, Mercury 17, Saturn 10, Jupiter 19, Rahu 12 and Venus 21 years. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra gives it as applicable when Rahu is in a kendra or trikona from the lagna lord (but not in the lagna); another common rule links it to day or night birth and the lunar fortnight. It is popular in parts of eastern and southern India alongside Vimshottari.

See also Conditional dasha, Vimshottari Dasha, Rahu

Ashwini

Also: Aśvinī, Ashvini, Aswini, Aswathi

Ashwini is the first nakshatra, spanning 0° to 13°20′ Aries. It is ruled by Ketu and presided over by the Ashvins, the twin physicians of the gods, and its symbol is a horse’s head. It is Deva gana with horse yoni and is classed as a Kshipra (swift) nakshatra, so muhurta texts favour it for journeys, treatment and quick undertakings. Its opening degrees form one side of the Revati to Ashwini gandanta, and it is one of the six Gandamoola nakshatras.

See also Ketu, Kshipra nakshatras, Gandamoola, Mesha

Asta

Also: combustion, combust, Moudhya, Astangata

Asta, or combustion, is the condition of a planet too close to the Sun to be seen. Classical texts give set orbs: Moon 12 degrees, Mars 17, Mercury 14 (12 when retrograde), Jupiter 11, Venus 10 (8 when retrograde) and Saturn 15. A combust planet is traditionally read as weakened in expressing its own significations. Rahu and Ketu are not considered combust. In Muhurta, periods when Jupiter or Venus is combust are traditionally avoided for weddings.

See also Heliacal rising, Surya, Avastha, Muhurta

Atiganda

Also: Atigaṇḍa, Atigand

Atiganda is the sixth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 66°40′ and 80°. The name means “great obstacle” or “great knot”. Muhurta texts traditionally list it among the unfavourable yogas and advise avoiding its opening portion (commonly the first six ghatis, about two hours and 24 minutes) for auspicious beginnings, rather than the whole yoga. Its reading at birth is described in the classical texts as mixed.

See also Nitya Yoga, Shobhana, Ganda, Muhurta

Atmakaraka

Also: Ātmakāraka, AK, soul significator

The Atmakaraka is the planet with the highest degree in its sign, treated in Jaimini astrology as the significator of the self or soul. It is the most important of the Chara Karakas, sometimes called the king of the chart. Its navamsha sign gives the Karakamsha, which classical texts read for the person’s deeper inclinations, spiritual path and life themes. When two planets share the same degree, commentators give different tie-breaking rules, and the choice of seven or eight karakas can change which planet qualifies.

See also Chara Karaka, Karakamsha, Amatyakaraka, Swamsha

Avastha

Also: Avasthā, planetary state

An avastha is the ‘state’ or condition of a planet, a qualitative measure that complements numerical strength. Classical texts describe several schemes: Baladi (age, by degree), Jagradadi (alertness, by dignity), Deeptadi (mood, by dignity and circumstance), Lajjitadi (emotional state, by association) and Shayanadi (activity, by an arithmetic formula). Parashara says a planet’s state colours how it delivers results, so two equally strong planets can express themselves very differently.

See also Baladi Avastha, Jagradadi Avastha, Deeptadi Avastha, Lajjitadi Avastha

Ayana Bala

Also: declination strength

Ayana Bala is the part of Kala Bala based on a planet’s declination north or south of the celestial equator. The Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Venus gain strength with northern declination, the Moon and Saturn with southern declination, and Mercury with either. The value ranges up to 60 virupas, and Parashara doubles the Sun’s Ayana Bala, which also serves as the Sun’s Cheshta Bala.

See also Declination, Kala Bala, Uttarayana, Cheshta Bala

Ayanamsha

Also: Ayanāṁśa, Ayanamsa, Ayanansh, precession correction

The ayanamsha is the angular difference between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs at a given date. It grows by about 50.3 seconds of arc a year, roughly one degree every 72 years, because of the precession of the equinoxes. Subtracting it from tropical longitudes gives the sidereal positions used in Jyotish. Different schools set the zero point differently, so values vary by up to about two degrees: Lahiri is the Indian government standard, while Raman, Krishnamurti and others remain in use.

See also Lahiri Ayanamsha, Precession of the equinoxes, Sidereal zodiac, Nirayana

Ayurdaya

Also: Āyurdāya, longevity calculation, Ayu

Ayurdaya is the classical method of estimating the span of life from the birth chart. Brihat Jataka and Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra give several systems, chiefly Pindayu, Amshayu and Nisargayu, and Varahamihira says to choose between them according to whether the Sun, the lagna or the Moon is strongest. Classical authors themselves acknowledge the difficulty of these calculations, and results differ widely between methods. Praman Jyotish studies ayurdaya as part of the tradition but does not use it to predict death or lifespan.

See also Pindayu, Amshayu, Nisargayu, Maraka

Ayushman

Also: Āyuṣmān, Ayushmaan

Ayushman is the third of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 26°40′ and 40°. The name means “long-lived” or “endowed with vitality”. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as favourable, especially for health-related matters and undertakings meant to last. A person born in Ayushman yoga is traditionally described as healthy, spirited and long-lived.

See also Nitya Yoga, Priti, Saubhagya

Badhaka

Also: Bādhaka, Badhakesh, Badhaka Sthana

Badhaka is the house of obstruction, and its lord (Badhakesh) is the graha said to bring hindrances whose cause is not obvious. For movable (chara) ascendants the badhaka house is the 11th, for fixed (sthira) ascendants the 9th, and for dual ascendants the 7th. The concept is especially prominent in the Kerala tradition and Prashna Marga, where it is linked to obstacles, illness and unseen influences, and some texts also tie it to danger to life. Praman Jyotish does not use it to predict death.

See also Chara Rashi, Sthira Rashi, Dwiswabhava Rashi, Prashna Marga

Bala

Also: strength, planetary strength

Bala means ‘strength’, and in Jyotish it refers to the measured power of a planet or house to deliver its results. Classical astrology uses several systems: Shadbala (six-fold planetary strength), Bhava Bala (house strength), Vimshopaka Bala (dignity across divisional charts) and Ashtakavarga (point-based support by sign). A planet may promise much by placement yet deliver little if its strength is low, so bala is the step between identifying a yoga and judging how fully it will show.

See also Shadbala, Bhava Bala, Vimshopaka Bala, Ashtakavarga

Baladi Avastha

Also: Baladi Avasthas, age states

Baladi Avastha divides each sign into five parts of 6° to describe a planet’s ‘age’: Bala (infant), Kumara (youth), Yuva (adult), Vriddha (old) and Mrita (dead). In odd signs the sequence runs from Bala at 0° to 6° through to Mrita at 24° to 30°; in even signs it is reversed. Classical texts say a Yuva planet gives full results, Kumara about half, Bala a quarter, Vriddha very little and Mrita almost none. The terms are technical and say nothing about lifespan.

See also Avastha, Odd and even signs, Jagradadi Avastha

Balarishta

Also: Bālāriṣṭa, childhood affliction

Balarishta is the classical term for chart combinations said to indicate health difficulties in early childhood, traditionally up to about the twelfth year. Texts such as Brihat Jataka and Saravali list many such combinations, often involving an afflicted Moon, and list just as many cancellations (arishta bhanga), for example a strong Jupiter in a kendra or a strong lagna lord. Modern medicine has changed the context entirely. Praman Jyotish explains the concept historically and does not use it to predict death or illness.

See also Arishta Yoga, Ayurdaya, Yoga Bhanga, Chandra

Balava

Also: Bālava, Balava karana, Baalav

Balava is the second of the seven movable karanas, the half-tithis that repeat through the lunar month. It first occurs in the first half of Shukla Dwitiya and recurs eight times a month, always following Bava. In one common list its presiding deity is Brahma. Muhurta texts traditionally regard Balava as favourable, particularly for religious ceremony, study and acts of charity.

See also Karana, Bava, Kaulava

Bava

Also: Bava karana, Bav

Bava is the first of the seven movable karanas, the half-tithis that repeat through the lunar month. It first occurs in the second half of Shukla Pratipada and then recurs every fourth tithi, eight times a month. In one common list its presiding deity is Indra. Muhurta texts traditionally regard Bava as favourable, suited to auspicious and constructive work, including beginnings of a lasting nature.

See also Karana, Balava, Pratipada

Beej Mantra

Also: Bija Mantra, Bīja mantra, seed mantra

A beej mantra is a short mantra built on seed syllables (bija) believed to carry the essence of a deity or graha. Each graha has its own; the Sun’s is commonly given as Om Hram Hrim Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah, and the Moon’s as Om Shram Shrim Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah. They are recited as japa, traditionally on the graha’s weekday and to a set count. Praman Jyotish describes the practice as part of the tradition and does not prescribe it out of fear.

See also Mantra, Japa, Navagraha

Benefic

Also: Shubha Graha, natural benefic, Saumya

A benefic is a graha whose nature is considered gentle and supportive. The natural benefics are Jupiter, Venus, Mercury when not joined by malefics, and a bright, waxing Moon. Classical texts say benefics protect the houses they occupy or aspect. Parashari astrology also judges planets by the houses they rule for a given ascendant, so a natural benefic can act as a functional malefic in a particular chart. Both views are read together.

See also Saumya Graha, Malefic, Functional benefic

Bhadra tithi

Also: Bhadrā, Bhadra tithis

Bhadra tithis are the second, seventh and twelfth tithis of each fortnight (Dwitiya, Saptami and Dwadashi). The name means “auspicious” or “good”, and muhurta texts traditionally recommend them for steady, constructive work such as building, agriculture and ceremonies. They should not be confused with the Vishti karana, which is also popularly called Bhadra and is avoided. Bhadra tithis are one of the conditions for the Dwipushkar and Tripushkar yogas.

See also Tithi, Dwitiya, Vishti, Tripushkar Yoga

Bhadra Yoga

Also: Bhadra Yog

Bhadra Yoga is one of the five Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas, formed when Mercury occupies a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house) in Gemini or Virgo. Gemini is Mercury’s own sign and Virgo is both its own sign and its exaltation. Classical texts describe intelligence, eloquence, learning, a youthful manner and skill in commerce, writing or analysis. Because Mercury stays close to the Sun, astrologers also check whether it is combust before giving the yoga full weight.

See also Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga, Budha, Kendra, Swakshetra

Bhakoot Dosha

Also: Bhakoot Dosh, Bhakuta Dosha, Rashi Dosha

Bhakoot Dosha arises when the two Moon signs are second and twelfth, fifth and ninth, or sixth and eighth from each other, so Bhakoot Koota scores 0 of 7. Classical texts cancel it when the two Moon signs share the same lord, as Aries and Scorpio do under Mars, or when their lords are natural friends, and some also accept a favourable Nadi or Tara score. Once these conditions are checked, many apparent cases turn out to be cancelled.

See also Bhakoot Koota, Graha Maitri Koota, Rashi lord, Dosha Samya

Bhakoot Koota

Also: Bhakoot, Bhakuta, Rashi Koota, Rashi Porutham

Bhakoot Koota is the seventh factor of Ashtakoota, worth 7 points, based on how far apart the two Moon signs are. When the signs are second and twelfth, fifth and ninth, or sixth and eighth from each other, it scores 0; every other relationship scores the full 7. Traditional texts associate the three unfavourable pairings with strain in finances, progeny and health respectively. A zero score is called Bhakoot Dosha and has well-known classical cancellations.

See also Bhakoot Dosha, Ashtakoota, Graha Maitri Koota, Dashakoota

Bharani

Also: Bharaṇī, Bharni, Bharanai

Bharani is the second nakshatra, spanning 13°20′ to 26°40′ Aries. It is ruled by Venus and presided over by Yama, the lord of dharma and of departed souls, and its symbol is the yoni, the womb. It is Manushya gana with elephant yoni, and muhurta texts list it among the Ugra (fierce) nakshatras. It is traditionally read as a star of bearing, restraint and transformation, holding something until it is ready to be born.

See also Shukra, Ugra nakshatras, Mesha

Bhaskara II

Also: Bhāskara II, Bhaskaracharya, Bhāskarācārya

Bhaskara II, also called Bhaskaracharya, was a 12th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer (1114 to about 1185 CE) who headed the astronomical school at Ujjain. His Siddhanta Shiromani, completed around 1150 CE, covers arithmetic (Lilavati), algebra (Bijaganita), planetary mathematics and the celestial sphere. His work includes early ideas related to differential calculus and remained a standard text of Indian astronomy for centuries. He is distinct from the earlier Bhaskara I.

See also Siddhanta Shiromani, Brahmagupta, Ganita

Bhava

Also: Bhāva, Bhav, house, Sthana

A bhava is one of the twelve houses of a chart, each governing a set of life areas, counted from the ascendant (Lagna). The 1st house is the self and body, the 7th partnership, the 10th career, and so on. Many Parashari astrologers use whole sign houses, where each sign is one house; others use a house system built around the house midpoints (Bhava Madhya), such as Sripati or the KP use of Placidus. A house is read through its sign, its lord, its occupants, aspects on it and its karaka.

See also Lagna, Bhavesh, Bhava Madhya, Whole sign houses

Bhava Bala

Also: house strength

Bhava Bala is the numerical strength of a house, calculated in Parashara’s system mainly from three factors: Bhavadhipati Bala (the Shadbala of the house lord), Bhava Dig Bala (based on the type of sign in the house) and Bhava Drishti Bala (aspects on the house cusp). Some methods add values for planets occupying the house and for day or night birth. The houses with the highest Bhava Bala are traditionally read as the areas of life that flourish most readily.

See also Bhava, Shadbala, Bhavesh, Bala

Bhava Chalit

Also: Chalit chart, Bhav Chalit, Chalit Kundli, house-cusp chart

Bhava Chalit is a version of the birth chart in which planets are placed by house boundaries rather than by sign. The houses are measured from the exact ascendant degree, usually with the Sripati method, so a planet near a sign edge may shift into the previous or next house. In the ordinary sign-based chart it would stay put. Astrologers use it to judge which house a planet actually delivers results for, though schools differ on how much weight it deserves compared with the whole-sign chart.

See also Bhava Sandhi, Bhava Madhya, Sripati house system, Whole sign houses

Bhava Karaka

Also: house significator

A Bhava Karaka is the graha that naturally signifies the matters of a particular house. Parashara's list includes the Sun for the 1st, Jupiter for the 2nd, Mars for the 3rd, the Moon for the 4th, Jupiter for the 5th, Mars for the 6th, Venus for the 7th, Saturn for the 8th, Jupiter for the 9th, the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn for the 10th, Jupiter for the 11th and Saturn for the 12th. Texts vary slightly. An astrologer checks the karaka's strength alongside the house and its lord.

See also Karaka, Karako Bhava Nashaya, Bhava

Bhava Lagna

Also: Bhāva Lagna, BL

Bhava Lagna is a special ascendant that starts from the Sun’s position at sunrise and advances one sign every five ghatis (two hours), matching the average speed of the rising sign. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra lists it with the Hora and Ghati Lagnas. It is used as a secondary reference for the self and physical constitution and is compared with the actual lagna when checking a birth time. It should not be confused with Bhava Chalit, a house system.

See also Hora Lagna, Ghati Lagna, Lagna, Bhava Chalit

Bhava Madhya

Also: Bhāva Madhya, house midpoint, Bhava Sphuta, mid-house

Bhava Madhya is the midpoint of a house, the degree at which the house is considered strongest. In classical Parashari house division, the ascendant degree is the Bhava Madhya of the first house and the midheaven that of the tenth, with the others found between them. A planet close to a Bhava Madhya is traditionally read as giving that house’s results fully. This differs from Western systems, where the calculated degree usually marks the start of a house.

See also Bhava Sandhi, Cusp, Sripati house system, Bhava

Bhava Sandhi

Also: Bhāva Sandhi, house junction, house boundary

A Bhava Sandhi is the junction between two houses, the boundary where one house ends and the next begins. In Parashari house division it lies midway between two Bhava Madhyas. Classical texts say a planet sitting on a sandhi is weakened, as it belongs fully to neither house. Sandhi positions are why a planet can appear in one house in the sign chart and another in the Bhava Chalit chart.

See also Bhava Madhya, Bhava Chalit, Cusp, Rashi Sandhi

Bhavartha Ratnakara

Also: Bhāvārtha Ratnākara, Bhavartha Ratnakaram

Bhavartha Ratnakara is a South Indian astrological text attributed to an author named Ramanujacharya (not the Vedanta philosopher), of uncertain date. It is organised by lagna, listing for each ascendant the planetary combinations traditionally said to produce wealth, status, learning and other results, with attention to functional benefics and malefics. B. V. Raman’s English translation made it widely known, and it is valued for its practical, ascendant-specific yoga rules.

See also Lagna, Functional benefic, Raja Yoga, Yoga

Bhavat Bhavam

Also: Bhāvāt Bhāvam, house from house, derivative houses

Bhavat Bhavam, 'from house to house', is the principle that the house as far from a given house as that house is from the ascendant also signifies its matters. The 7th from the 7th is the 1st, the 4th from the 4th is the 7th, and the 9th from the 9th is the 5th, so each pair shares themes. The same technique of turning the chart underlies derived readings, such as the 3rd from the 7th (the 9th) for the spouse's siblings. It is widely used across Parashari practice.

See also Bhava, Bhavesh, Karako Bhava Nashaya

Bhavesh

Also: Bhāveśa, Bhavadhipati, Bhava lord, house lord

Bhavesh is the lord of a house, the graha that rules the sign occupying that bhava. The placement, strength and associations of a house lord show how the matters of that house unfold, and Parashara devotes a chapter to the results of each lord in each house. For example, if Simha falls on the 10th house, the Sun is the 10th lord, and its position tells a great deal about career. Specific lords have their own names, such as Lagnesh for the 1st.

See also Bhava, Lagnesh, Dispositor, Rashi lord

Bhinnashtakavarga

Also: BAV, individual ashtakavarga

Bhinnashtakavarga is the individual ashtakavarga table of a single planet, showing how many bindus (0 to 8) it receives in each of the twelve signs. Seven are prepared, one each for the Sun to Saturn, and some astrologers add one for the Ascendant. Each planet’s total is fixed: Sun 48, Moon 49, Mars 39, Mercury 54, Jupiter 56, Venus 52 and Saturn 39. A planet transiting a sign with 4 or more bindus in its own table is traditionally read as favourable there.

See also Ashtakavarga, Sarvashtakavarga, Bindu, Kakshya

Bhratrikaraka

Also: Bhrātṛkāraka, BK, sibling significator

The Bhratrikaraka is the planet with the third-highest degree in its sign, the Chara Karaka for siblings. Jaimini practitioners read it for brothers and sisters, courage and initiative, and, in some lineages, for the guru or spiritual teacher. It is the Jaimini counterpart to Mars as the natural significator of siblings and to the third house. Its strength and placement from the Atmakaraka are studied rather than its position alone.

See also Chara Karaka, Sahaja Bhava, Mangala

Bhrigu

Also: Bhṛgu, Maharishi Bhrigu, Bhrigu Rishi

Bhrigu is one of the great Vedic sages (saptarishis in some lists), to whom tradition attributes the Bhrigu Samhita, a vast collection of pre-written horoscopes said to describe the lives of people yet to be born. Manuscripts in his name are held by families in several places in India, notably Hoshiarpur in Punjab. Historians regard these as later compilations. His name is also attached to techniques such as Bhrigu Bindu and the Bhrigu Nandi Nadi.

See also Bhrigu Samhita, Bhrigu Bindu, Nadi Granthas, Parashara

Bhrigu Bindu

Also: Bhṛgu Bindu, BB, Bhrigu point

Bhrigu Bindu is a sensitive point in the chart found at the midpoint between the Moon and Rahu, measured in the zodiacal direction from Rahu to the Moon. It is a modern technique that its proponents link to the Bhrigu tradition, rather than a rule found in the major classical texts. Practitioners watch transits of slow planets, particularly Jupiter and Saturn, over this point, and read them as marking significant developments in the house where it falls.

See also Rahu, Chandra, Gochara, Bhrigu

Bhrigu Chakra Paddhati

Also: BCP, Bhrigu Chakra method

Bhrigu Chakra Paddhati (BCP) is a timing method in which each house of the chart is activated in turn for one year of life: the first house in the first year, the second house in the second, and so on, repeating every twelve years. The activated house, its lord and the planets in it are read for the themes of that year, alongside dashas and transits. It is a modern method presented by its proponents as derived from the Bhrigu tradition.

See also Bhava, Gochara, Dasha, Jupiter progression

Bhrigu Nandi Nadi

Also: Bhṛgu Nandi Nāḍī, BNN

Bhrigu Nandi Nadi is a Nadi text framed as a dialogue in which Nandi explains chart readings to the sage Bhrigu. It reads planets as karakas rather than relying on houses, links planets in trines and adjacent signs, and times events by the transit of Jupiter and other slow planets over natal positions. Its methods form the basis of the modern Bhrigu-Nadi method, published in English by R. G. Rao.

See also Bhrigu-Nadi method, Trinal connection, Jupiter progression, Bhrigu

Bhrigu Samhita

Also: Bhṛgu Saṁhitā, Bhrigu Sanhita, Bhrugu Samhita

Bhrigu Samhita is a body of astrological readings traditionally attributed to the sage Bhrigu, said to contain pre-written horoscopes for many individuals. Manuscripts under this name are held by families and centres in several places, notably Hoshiarpur in Punjab, and they differ widely in content and format. Their origin, dating and authenticity are debated, and no single critical edition exists. The name is also used for published works of predictive combinations attributed to Bhrigu.

See also Bhrigu, Nadi Granthas, Bhrigu Nandi Nadi, Palm-leaf manuscript

Bhrigu-Nadi method

Also: BNN method, Bhrigu Nandi Nadi technique, Nadi astrology technique

The Bhrigu-Nadi method is a modern set of chart-reading techniques drawn from Bhrigu Nandi Nadi and related Nadi texts. It largely ignores houses and the lagna, reading planets as karakas (Jupiter for the male native, Venus for the female, Saturn for career) and connecting planets placed in trines and in adjacent signs. Events are timed by transiting or progressed Jupiter and Saturn meeting these combinations. R. G. Rao is credited with popularising it in English.

See also Bhrigu Nandi Nadi, Trinal connection, Jupiter progression, Nadi Jyotish

Bindu

Also: benefic point, dot

A bindu is a benefic point in ashtakavarga, marking that a reference planet or the Ascendant supports a given sign. Bindu means ‘dot’. Each planet’s table holds 0 to 8 bindus per sign, and more bindus indicate stronger support for transits through that sign. Conventions differ: in some texts and regions the rekha (line) marks the benefic point and the bindu the malefic one, so any table should be read with its convention stated.

See also Rekha, Ashtakavarga, Bhinnashtakavarga

Birth time

Also: time of birth, Janma Samay, TOB

Birth time is the clock time at which a person was born, conventionally taken as the first breath or first cry. It is the most sensitive input in a chart: the ascendant moves about a degree every four minutes, and divisional charts such as the Navamsha and Shashtiamsha can change with a difference of a few minutes. Dasha dates also depend on the exact Moon position. Where the time is uncertain, astrologers use rectification, testing candidate times against known life events.

See also Rectification, Lagna, Local Mean Time, Time zone correction

Brahma

Also: Brahma yoga, Brahm

Brahma, as a Panchanga term, is the twenty-fifth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 320° and 333°20′. It is named after Brahma, the creator. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as favourable, particularly for learning, teaching, sacred study and religious ceremony. A person born in Brahma yoga is traditionally described as learned, trustworthy and discerning.

See also Nitya Yoga, Shukla, Indra, Brahma Muhurta

Brahma Graha

Also: Brahmā Graha, Brahma

Brahma Graha is a planet singled out in the Jaimini system as the creator or sustainer of the chart, from whose sign the Sthira Dasha begins. It is chosen from among the lords of the sixth, eighth and twelfth houses counted from the stronger of the lagna and the seventh house, favouring the strongest one placed in an odd sign in the visible half of the chart; commentators give different rules for Saturn and the nodes. It belongs to the classical longevity scheme, which Praman Jyotish does not use to predict death.

See also Sthira Dasha, Rudra Graha, Maheshwara Graha

Brahma Muhurta

Also: Brāhma Muhūrta, Brahm Muhurat, pre-dawn hour

Brahma Muhurta is the fourteenth muhurta of the night, the 48-minute period that ends one muhurta before sunrise, so roughly 96 to 48 minutes before dawn. Its name links it with Brahma and with sacred knowledge. Yoga, Ayurveda and dharma texts traditionally recommend it for waking, meditation, prayer and study, describing the mind as especially clear then. Its clock time shifts with the season because it is measured from the actual local sunrise.

See also Muhurta, Sunrise and sunset, Ratrimana, Abhijit Muhurta

Brahmagupta

Also: Brahmagupta Acharya

Brahmagupta was a 7th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer (born 598 CE) from Bhillamala in present-day Rajasthan. He wrote the Brahmasphutasiddhanta in 628 CE and the Khandakhadyaka, a practical astronomical handbook, in 665 CE. He gave rules for arithmetic with zero and negative numbers and methods for solving quadratic and indeterminate equations. His astronomical works were later translated into Arabic and influenced Islamic astronomy.

See also Aryabhata, Bhaskara II, Ganita

Brihat Jataka

Also: Bṛhajjātaka, Brihajjataka, Brihat Jatakam

Brihat Jataka is Varahamihira’s major work on natal astrology, composed in the 6th century CE in about 28 chapters of dense Sanskrit verse. It covers sign and planet definitions, strength, longevity, yogas, the effects of planets in signs and houses, and female horoscopy. The 10th-century commentary of Bhattotpala became a standard reference, and later texts such as Saravali and Phaladeepika build on it. It is one of the oldest surviving complete natal texts in the Indian tradition.

See also Varahamihira, Laghu Jataka, Saravali, Jataka

Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra

Also: Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra, BPHS, Parashara Hora

Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra is the foundational text of Parashari natal astrology, presented as a dialogue in which the sage Parashara teaches his disciple Maitreya. It covers signs, houses, divisional charts, yogas, strength, Ashtakavarga and many dasha systems, including Vimshottari. Its present form has a complex history: historians date it much later than its traditional attribution, and printed editions (such as those translated by R. Santhanam and G. C. Sharma) differ in content and chapter count. It remains the primary reference for most Indian astrologers.

See also Parashara, Vimshottari Dasha, Shodashavarga, Jaimini

Brihat Samhita

Also: Bṛhatsaṁhitā, Brihatsamhita

Brihat Samhita is Varahamihira’s encyclopaedic work on the samhita branch of Jyotish, composed in the 6th century CE in over a hundred chapters. It covers planetary movements and eclipses in relation to weather, harvests and public affairs, as well as omens, architecture (vastu), iconography, gemstones, perfumes, animals and signs of character. It is valued today as much by historians of Indian science and culture as by astrologers, and it is the chief classical source for mundane astrology.

See also Varahamihira, Samhita, Brihat Jataka, Shakuna

Budha

Also: Budh, Saumya, Mercury

Budha is Mercury, the graha classical texts associate with intellect, speech, writing, trade, calculation and adaptability. It rules Mithuna and Kanya, is exalted in Kanya (deepest at 15°) and debilitated in Meena (deepest at 15°). Mercury is said to take on the nature of the planets it joins, benefic with benefics and malefic with malefics. It never strays more than about 28° from the Sun, so it often appears in the same or an adjacent sign. Its Vimshottari Dasha lasts 17 years, and it rules Wednesday.

See also Mithuna, Kanya, Budhaditya Yoga

Budhaditya Yoga

Also: Budh Aditya Yog, Nipuna Yoga, Sun-Mercury conjunction

Budhaditya Yoga is the conjunction of Mercury (Budha) and the Sun (Aditya) in the same sign, traditionally read as intelligence, skill and communicative ability. Because Mercury never moves more than about 28° from the Sun, the two share a sign in a large share of charts, so the yoga is common. Astrologers therefore check whether Mercury is combust (commonly within 14° of the Sun, or 12° when retrograde), the sign and the house before giving it weight. It is also called Nipuna Yoga.

See also Budha, Surya, Asta, Yuti

Budhavara

Also: Budhavāra, Budhvar, Saumyavara, Wednesday

Budhavara is Wednesday, the weekday ruled by Mercury. Its first planetary hour at sunrise belongs to Mercury. Muhurta texts traditionally treat it as a mixed (sadharana) day, suited to study, writing, trade, contracts, communication and beginning education. Ganesha is widely worshipped on Wednesdays. Some traditions avoid Abhijit Muhurta on Wednesday. On Wednesday Rahu Kaal falls in the fifth eighth of daylight, roughly 12 to 1.30 p.m. with a 6 a.m. sunrise.

See also Vara, Budha, Abhijit Muhurta, Rahu Kaal

Celestial latitude

Also: ecliptic latitude, Vikshepa, Shara

Celestial latitude is the angular distance of a body north or south of the ecliptic. The Sun’s latitude is always essentially zero, the Moon can reach a little over 5 degrees, and the planets vary, Venus and Mars sometimes going further. Charts are drawn from longitude alone, but latitude matters for eclipses, which need the Moon close to the ecliptic, and for Graha Yuddha, where the Surya Siddhanta tradition judges the winner partly by latitude. Sanskrit texts call it vikshepa or shara.

See also Celestial longitude, Graha Yuddha, Lunar nodes, Ecliptic

Celestial longitude

Also: ecliptic longitude, Sphuta, Bhoga, planetary longitude

Celestial longitude is the position of a body measured along the ecliptic, from 0 to 360 degrees, starting at 0° Aries. It is the single most used number in Jyotish: a planet’s longitude fixes its sign, nakshatra, pada and divisional-chart placements. In Sanskrit it is the sphuta of a planet. Longitudes can be tropical (Sayana) or sidereal (Nirayana), differing by the ayanamsha. For example, a sidereal longitude of 125° means 5° of Simha (Leo), in Magha nakshatra.

See also Celestial latitude, Ecliptic, Nirayana, Degree

Chamara Yoga

Also: Chamar Yog

Chamara Yoga forms when the Ascendant lord is exalted in a kendra and aspected by Jupiter, or, by an alternative rule, when two benefics occupy the 1st, 7th, 9th or 10th house. A chamara is the yak-tail whisk carried as a royal emblem, so the name points to honour. Classical texts describe wisdom, eloquence, learning, recognition from those in authority and a long, respected life.

See also Lagnesh, Guru, Kendra, Ucha

Chamatkar Chintamani

Also: Camatkāra Cintāmaṇi, Chamatkara Chintamani

Chamatkar Chintamani is a short classical text describing the effects of each planet in each of the twelve houses, attributed to Narayana Bhatta and generally dated to around the 16th century. Its title means the wondrous wish-fulfilling jewel. Being compact and memorable, it has long been popular in North India as a quick reference for house placements, and several Hindi and English commentaries exist. Its delineations are traditionally read as tendencies to be weighed against the whole chart.

See also Bhava, Graha, Phaladeepika

Chandra

Also: Candra, Chandrama, Soma, Moon

Chandra is the Moon, the graha classical texts associate with the mind, emotions, the mother, nourishment and public life. It rules Karka, is exalted in Vrishabha (deepest at 3°) and debilitated in Vrishchika (deepest at 3°). Because it moves about 13° a day, its position fixes the birth nakshatra, the starting point of the Vimshottari Dasha and the reference for most transit reading. A bright, waxing Moon is treated as benefic. Its dasha lasts 10 years, and it rules Monday.

See also Karka, Janma Rashi, Luminaries

Chandra Bala

Also: Candra Bala, Chandrabalam, Moon strength

Chandra Bala is the strength of the transiting Moon for a particular person, judged by its sign counted from their natal Moon sign. Muhurta texts traditionally consider the Moon favourable in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th and 11th signs from the natal Moon, and some add the 2nd, 5th and 9th in the bright fortnight. The 8th from the natal Moon (Chandrashtama) is the position most consistently avoided. Chandra Bala is read with Tara Bala.

See also Tara Bala, Janma Rashi, Transit from the Moon, Chandra

Chandra Grahan

Also: Candra Grahaṇa, lunar eclipse, Chandra Grahanam

Chandra Grahan is a lunar eclipse, when the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon and its shadow falls on the Moon. It can happen only on Purnima (full moon) with the Moon near Rahu or Ketu. Unlike a solar eclipse, it is visible from the whole night side of the Earth and can be total, partial or penumbral. Tradition observes a sutak period and uses the time for prayer and mantra. In Jyotish it is noted in mundane astrology and when it falls on natal planets.

See also Surya Grahan, Purnima, Lunar nodes, Grahana Yoga

Chandra Kala Nadi

Also: Candrakalā Nāḍī, Chandrakala Nadi, Deva Keralam

Chandra Kala Nadi, also known as Deva Keralam, is a large Sanskrit Nadi text notable for its use of the 150-part Nadi Amsha division and its many example charts. It is traditionally attributed to an author named Achyuta and is associated with Kerala. It gives detailed combinations for wealth, relationships, profession and other matters, and was made widely available in English through R. Santhanam’s translation in three volumes.

See also Deva Keralam, Nadi Amsha, Nadi Granthas

Chandra Lagna

Also: Moon chart, Moon ascendant, Chandra Kundali

Chandra Lagna is the practice of treating the Moon’s sign as the first house and reading the chart from there. Since the Moon represents the mind in Jyotish, the Chandra Lagna is traditionally read for emotional life and lived experience, and classical texts advise checking results from both the ascendant and the Moon. Transits, Sade Sati and many yogas (such as Gajakesari and Kemadruma) are reckoned from the Moon. Sudarshana Chakra adds the Sun as a third reference point.

See also Lagna, Surya Lagna, Janma Rashi, Sudarshana Chakra

Chandra Masa

Also: Cāndra Māsa, lunar month, Chandramas

A Chandra Masa is a lunar month in the Indian calendar, running either from new moon to new moon (Amanta) or from full moon to full moon (Purnimanta). The twelve months, Chaitra to Phalguna, take their names from nakshatras near the full Moon. A lunar month is identified by the solar ingress (sankranti) that occurs within it; a month with no sankranti becomes an Adhika Masa. Festivals and vratas are dated by Chandra Masa, paksha and tithi.

See also Amanta, Purnimanta, Saura Masa, Adhika Masa

Chandra-Mangala Yoga

Also: Chandra Mangal Yog, Moon-Mars yoga

Chandra-Mangala Yoga forms when the Moon and Mars are conjunct, or in mutual aspect across the 1st and 7th from each other. Classical texts associate it with earning through enterprise, trade and bold action, and some describe income from unconventional sources and a sharp, restless temperament. The yoga is read as stronger when both planets are well placed by sign and house, and as more mixed when either is debilitated or afflicted.

See also Chandra, Mangala, Mutual aspect, Dhana Yoga

Chara Dasha

Also: Cara Daśā, Jaimini Chara Dasha, sign dasha

Chara Dasha is the best-known Jaimini dasha, a system of periods ruled by signs rather than planets. It usually begins from the lagna, running forward or backward through the zodiac depending on the sign group, and each sign’s period is found by counting from the sign to its lord, less one, up to a maximum of twelve years. Several calculation variants exist (K. N. Rao’s version is widely taught, and other lineages differ), so results should state the method used.

See also Narayana Dasha, Jaimini Sutras, Dasha, Arudha Lagna

Chara Karaka

Also: Cara Kāraka, variable significator, temporary karaka

Chara Karakas are significators assigned to planets by their degree within a sign, so they change from chart to chart. The planet with the highest degree (ignoring the sign) becomes the Atmakaraka, the next the Amatyakaraka, and so on down to the Darakaraka with the lowest degree. Traditions differ on whether seven planets (Sun to Saturn) or eight (adding Rahu, measured backwards from 30°) are used; Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra describes the eight scheme, while many Jaimini teachers use seven. They contrast with the fixed Sthira Karakas.

See also Atmakaraka, Darakaraka, Sthira Karaka, Naisargika Karaka

Chara nakshatras

Also: Chala nakshatras, movable nakshatras

Chara (movable) nakshatras are the five nakshatras that muhurta texts classify as mobile: Punarvasu, Swati, Shravana, Dhanishta and Shatabhisha. They are traditionally chosen for activities that involve motion or change, such as setting out on journeys, buying vehicles, starting gardens and beginning processes that are meant to keep moving. The Muhurta Chintamani pairs this group with Monday, the day of the ever-changing Moon.

See also Muhurta, Dhruva nakshatras, Muhurta Chintamani

Chara Rashi

Also: Cara Rāśi, movable signs, cardinal signs

The Chara Rashis are the four movable signs: Mesha, Karka, Tula and Makara. Classical texts associate them with initiative, movement and change, and they begin each season. The quality affects several techniques: in Jaimini astrology a movable sign aspects all fixed signs except the one next to it, and for movable ascendants the 11th house is the house of obstruction (badhaka). In muhurta, movable signs are traditionally preferred for travel and new ventures.

See also Sthira Rashi, Dwiswabhava Rashi, Badhaka, Rashi Drishti

Chaturashiti Sama Dasha

Also: Caturaśīti Sama Daśā, 84-year dasha

Chaturashiti Sama dasha is a conditional 84-year planetary period system in which seven planets (Sun to Saturn, without the nodes) each rule an equal 12 years. The sequence is counted from Swati nakshatra to the birth nakshatra. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra applies it when the lord of the tenth house occupies the tenth house. The word sama means equal, referring to the identical period lengths.

See also Conditional dasha, Karma Bhava, Swati

Chaturdashi

Also: Caturdaśī, Chaudas, fourteenth tithi

Chaturdashi is the fourteenth tithi of each lunar fortnight, the day before the full Moon or the new Moon. It belongs to the Rikta (“empty”) group, and its presiding deity is commonly given as Shiva. Krishna Chaturdashi is the monthly Shivaratri, and Maha Shivaratri falls on the Krishna Chaturdashi of Magha (Phalguna in the purnimanta reckoning). Narak Chaturdashi and Anant Chaturdashi also fall on it. As a Rikta tithi it is traditionally avoided for auspicious beginnings.

See also Tithi, Rikta tithi, Amavasya, Purnima

Chaturmas

Also: Cāturmāsya, Chaturmasya, Chaumasa

Chaturmas is the four-month sacred period from Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi) to Prabodhini Ekadashi (Kartika Shukla Ekadashi), roughly July to November. Tradition describes it as the time of Vishnu’s yogic sleep, and it coincides with the monsoon. Marriage and house-warming are traditionally avoided, while vows, fasting, study and pilgrimage are encouraged. Hindu and Jain monastics customarily stay in one place during these months.

See also Ekadashi, Vrata, Dakshinayana, Kharmas

Chaturthamsha (D4)

Also: Caturthāṁśa, Turyamsha, D4

The chaturthamsha (D4) divides each sign into four parts of 7°30′. The parts are assigned to the sign itself and to the fourth, seventh and tenth signs from it. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra links it with fortune (bhagya), and in practice it is used to study property, residence, vehicles and the sense of settled well-being associated with the fourth house. It is one of the sixteen principal vargas.

See also Varga, Sukha Bhava, Shodashavarga

Chaturthi

Also: Caturthī, Chauth, Chavithi, fourth tithi

Chaturthi is the fourth tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 36° to 48° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half. Its presiding deity is Ganesha in most lists, so Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi and the monthly Sankashti fast on Krishna Chaturthi. It belongs to the Rikta (“empty”) group, and muhurta texts traditionally avoid it for auspicious beginnings such as marriage, while treating it as suitable for work that removes or ends something.

See also Tithi, Rikta tithi, Vrata, Krishna Paksha

Chaturvimshamsha (D24)

Also: Caturviṁśāṁśa, Siddhamsha, D24

The chaturvimshamsha (D24) divides each sign into twenty-four parts of 1°15′. Odd signs count from Leo and even signs from Cancer, so the divisions move through the signs from the Sun’s and Moon’s signs. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra assigns it to learning and knowledge, and it is read for education, scholarship and academic achievement. It is also called siddhamsha and is studied alongside the fourth and fifth houses and Mercury and Jupiter.

See also Varga, Sukha Bhava, Putra Bhava, Shodashavarga

Chatushpada

Also: Catuṣpada, Chatushpad, Chatushpada karana

Chatushpada is the second of the four fixed karanas, occurring once each lunar month. It falls in the first half of Amavasya, the new Moon tithi. The name means “four-footed”, and in one common list its presiding deity is Vrisha, the bull. Muhurta texts traditionally associate it with cattle and animals, and some recommend it for ancestral rites (shraddha), while it is generally avoided for ordinary auspicious beginnings.

See also Karana, Amavasya, Shakuni, Naga

Chatusphuta

Also: Catuḥsphuṭa, Chathusphutam

Chatusphuta is a sensitive point in Kerala Prashna calculated by adding the Sun’s longitude to the Trisphuta (ascendant plus Moon plus Gulika), again reducing the total to within 360°. Prashna Marga uses its sign, nakshatra and relationship to the other sphutas as further indicators of the querent’s condition. It is the middle step between Trisphuta and Panchasphuta.

See also Trisphuta, Panchasphuta, Kerala Prashna

Chatussagara Yoga

Also: Chatusagara Yoga, four oceans yoga

Chatussagara Yoga forms when all four kendras (the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses) are occupied by planets. The name means ‘four oceans’, an image of a reputation reaching in every direction. Classical texts describe fame, prosperity, good children and a respected position. Some versions require benefics or strong planets in the kendras, and as with any yoga its results depend on the dignity of the planets involved.

See also Kendra, Raja Yoga

Cheshta Bala

Also: Chesta Bala, motional strength

Cheshta Bala is motional strength, the part of Shadbala based on a planet’s apparent motion, calculated for Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. Retrograde motion earns the highest value, up to 60 virupas, with lesser values for stationary, slow, direct and fast motion; the classical calculation uses the planet’s cheshta kendra. For the Sun the value is taken from Ayana Bala, and for the Moon from Paksha Bala. It is one reason retrograde planets are traditionally read as strong.

See also Vakri, Shadbala, Planetary speed, Stationary planet

Chhatra

Also: Chatra, Chhatra Rashi, umbrella sign

Chhatra, meaning umbrella, is a derived sign used in Kerala Prashna alongside the rising sign (udaya) and the Arudha. Prashna Marga calculates it from the Arudha, the rising sign and the Sun’s seasonal path (vithi), and treats the three signs together as a triad for judging the question. The relative strength and condition of the udaya, Arudha and Chhatra are compared, and practitioners describe slightly different procedures for finding it.

See also Prashna Arudha, Kerala Prashna, Prashna Marga

Chhaya Graha

Also: Chāyā Graha, shadow planet

Chhaya Graha means 'shadow planet', the classical name for Rahu and Ketu. They have no physical body: they are the two points where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic, and eclipses occur only when the Sun and Moon are near them, which is why tradition links them to eclipses. They move backward through the zodiac, always 180° apart, taking about 18.6 years for a full cycle. Most Parashari astrologers read them through their sign lord and the planets they join.

See also Rahu, Ketu, Lunar nodes, Surya Grahan

Chitra

Also: Citrā, Chitta, Chithirai, Spica

Chitra is the fourteenth nakshatra, spanning 23°20′ Virgo to 6°40′ Libra, and contains the star Spica. It is ruled by Mars and presided over by Tvashtr (Vishvakarma), the celestial architect, and its symbol is a bright jewel. It is Rakshasa gana with tiger yoni and is classed as Mridu (soft). Lahiri Ayanamsha is defined by placing Spica at 180°, exactly at the start of Libra, in the middle of this nakshatra. It is traditionally read as design, beauty and brilliant making.

See also Mangala, Mridu nakshatras, Lahiri Ayanamsha, Tula

Choghadiya

Also: Chaughadiya, Chogadiya, Chaughadia

Choghadiya is a popular western Indian system that divides daytime and night-time into eight parts each, roughly 90 minutes apiece, and labels each by quality. The seven types are Amrit (Moon), Shubh (Jupiter), Labh (Mercury) and Char (Venus), considered good or usable, and Udveg (Sun), Kaal (Saturn) and Rog (Mars), considered unfavourable. The first daytime Choghadiya belongs to the weekday’s lord. It is widely used in Gujarat and Rajasthan for travel and business, and is a folk method rather than a classical one.

See also Muhurta, Hora (planetary hour), Vara

Conditional dasha

Also: Sopadhika dasha, special dasha

A conditional dasha is a timing system that Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra says applies only when the chart meets a specific condition. Examples include Ashtottari (Rahu’s placement from the lagna lord), Shodashottari (lagna hora and lunar fortnight), Dwadashottari (Venus navamsha lagna) and Chaturashiti Sama (tenth lord in the tenth). Vimshottari, by contrast, is treated as universally applicable. Practitioners disagree on whether the conditions are strict requirements or pointers to an additional useful system.

See also Ashtottari Dasha, Shodashottari Dasha, Chaturashiti Sama Dasha, Vimshottari Dasha

Cusp

Also: house cusp, Bhava Sphuta, house boundary

A cusp is the calculated degree that defines a house, but what it marks depends on the system. In Western and KP astrology the cusp is the start of a house: in KP the Placidus cusp and its sub lord decide the matters of that house. In classical Parashari usage the calculated degree is the Bhava Madhya, the house’s midpoint, and the boundary is called the Bhava Sandhi. Knowing which convention a chart uses avoids confusion when comparing readings.

See also Bhava Madhya, Bhava Sandhi, Cuspal sub-lord, Placidus house system

Cuspal interlink

Also: CIL, cuspal interlinks, cusp interlink theory

Cuspal interlink is a development of KP that judges a house by the houses its cuspal sub-lord connects to through its star and sub, forming links between cusps. For example, the fifth cusp sub lord linked to the second, fifth and eleventh cusps is traditionally read as supporting childbirth. It was systematised by later KP practitioners, notably Sunil Gondhalekar, alongside the four-step theory, and is not universally accepted among KP astrologers.

See also Cuspal sub-lord, Four-step theory, KP promise

Cuspal sub-lord

Also: CSL, cusp sub lord, sub lord of the cusp

The cuspal sub-lord is the sub lord of the degree on a house cusp, calculated with the Placidus house system. It is the central tool of KP judgement: whether the matters of a house are promised is decided by the houses the cuspal sub-lord signifies through its star lord. For example, the seventh cusp sub lord signifying the second, seventh and eleventh houses is traditionally read as supporting marriage. Because cusps move fast, it is sensitive to birth time.

See also Sub lord, KP promise, Cusp, Placidus house system

Dainya Parivartana Yoga

Also: Dainya Yoga, Dainya Parivartan Yog

Dainya Parivartana Yoga is an exchange of signs involving the lord of the 6th, 8th or 12th house with the lord of any other house. Dainya means ‘wretchedness’ or ‘want’, and classical texts such as Phaladeepika describe obstacles, fluctuating fortunes or opposition in the affairs of the houses involved. Of the 66 possible exchanges, 30 are Dainya. Many astrologers note that an exchange between two dusthana lords can behave like Viparita Raja Yoga, so it is read in context rather than as simply adverse.

See also Parivartana Yoga, Maha Parivartana Yoga, Viparita Raja Yoga, Dusthana

Dakshinayana

Also: Dakṣiṇāyana, Dakshinayan, southern course of the Sun

Dakshinayana is the half-year during which the Sun moves southward. Astronomically it begins at the June solstice, around 21 June, and runs to the December solstice. In traditional reckoning it is dated from Karka Sankranti, the Sun’s sidereal entry into Cancer in mid-July. It is traditionally called the night of the gods and includes Chaturmas, when weddings are customarily avoided in many regions, and Pitru Paksha. It is considered well suited to spiritual practice and worship of the ancestors.

See also Uttarayana, Solstice, Sankranti, Chaturmas

Dala Yoga

Also: Dal Yog

Dala Yogas are the two Nabhasa yogas based on benefics and malefics in the kendras. Mala (garland) forms when three kendras are occupied by benefics only, and Sarpa (serpent) when three kendras are occupied by malefics only. Dala means ‘petal’ or ‘group’. Classical texts read Mala as comfort, enjoyment and ease, and Sarpa as a harder, more effortful path. As with other Nabhasa yogas, the effects are said to run throughout life.

See also Nabhasa Yoga, Kendra, Benefic, Malefic

Dana

Also: Dāna, Daan, charity

Dana is charitable giving, one of the oldest forms of upaya. In Jyotish practice items associated with a graha are given on its weekday to someone in need: wheat and jaggery for the Sun, rice and white cloth for the Moon, yellow lentils or turmeric for Jupiter, black sesame or iron for Saturn. Texts stress the giver’s intention and a deserving recipient, and the Bhagavad Gita (chapter 17) describes giving without expectation as the highest kind. Praman Jyotish does not prescribe dana out of fear.

See also Upaya, Seva, Vrata, Vara

Dara Pada

Also: Dāra Pada, A7, Arudha of the seventh

Dara Pada is the Arudha Pada of the seventh house, showing how partnerships, business dealings and relationships appear in the world. It is labelled A7 and computed by the usual arudha rule from the seventh house and its lord. Practitioners read its relationship with the Arudha Lagna for the ease of dealings and cooperation; for instance, a Dara Pada in a kendra or trikona from the Arudha Lagna is traditionally read as supportive for partnerships and trade.

See also Arudha Pada, Arudha Lagna, Yuvati Bhava, Upapada Lagna

Darakaraka

Also: Dārakāraka, DK, spouse significator

The Darakaraka is the planet with the lowest degree in its sign, the Chara Karaka for the spouse and close partners. Jaimini practitioners read its sign, navamsha and condition for the nature of marriage and partnership, often together with the Upapada Lagna and Venus. Because it depends on the karaka scheme, using seven or eight karakas can change which planet becomes the Darakaraka, and practitioners should state which they use.

See also Chara Karaka, Upapada Lagna, Yuvati Bhava, Shukra

Daridra Yoga

Also: Daridra Yog, poverty yoga

Daridra Yoga is a group of combinations that classical texts associate with financial hardship, a frequently cited form being the lord of the 11th house placed in the 6th, 8th or 12th house. Daridra means ‘poor’. Parashara and later texts list many variants, including weak lords of the 2nd and 11th, or the Ascendant lord in a dusthana with malefics. As with every difficult yoga, cancellations exist, and the Ascendant, Jupiter and wealth combinations elsewhere in the chart are weighed before any conclusion.

See also Dhana Yoga, Labha Bhava, Dusthana, Yoga Bhanga

Dasha

Also: Daśā, Dasa, planetary period

A dasha is a planetary period, a span of years during which one planet is said to govern the unfolding of a chart. Dasha systems are the main timing tool of Jyotish: the birth chart shows what is promised, and the running dasha shows when it is likely to be felt. Periods nest inside one another (major, sub and sub-sub periods). Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra describes many systems, and Vimshottari, a 120-year cycle keyed to the Moon’s nakshatra at birth, is the one most widely used today.

See also Mahadasha, Antardasha, Vimshottari Dasha, Dasha lord

Dasha lord

Also: Dashanatha, Dasheshwara, period ruler

The dasha lord is the planet that rules a given dasha or sub-period. Its natal condition (sign, house, dignity, strength, aspects and the houses it owns) is traditionally read as indicating what the period brings. A dasha lord also gives results of its dispositor and of planets conjunct it. When reading nested periods, astrologers look at the relationship between the mahadasha lord and antardasha lord, for example whether they are friends and how they are placed from each other.

See also Mahadasha, Antardasha, Dispositor, Bhavesh

Dasha Sandhi

Also: Daśā Sandhi, dasha junction

Dasha sandhi is the junction between two mahadashas, when one planetary period ends and the next begins. It is traditionally read as a time of transition, when the themes of the outgoing lord wind down and those of the incoming lord begin to show, and change of circumstance is common. Practitioners differ on its width: some take the last few months of the old period, others a span on both sides. It describes a shift, not a fixed outcome.

See also Mahadasha, Dasha lord, Vimshottari Dasha

Dasha Shesha

Also: Daśā Śeṣa, balance of dasha, dasha balance at birth

Dasha shesha is the balance of the first dasha remaining at birth. In Vimshottari it is found from the unexpired portion of the Moon’s birth nakshatra: that fraction of the nakshatra’s 13°20′ is multiplied by the full years of the nakshatra lord. For example, if the Moon has covered half of Ashwini at birth, 3 years 6 months of Ketu’s 7-year dasha remain. Every later dasha date follows from this figure, so an accurate Moon longitude and ayanamsha matter.

See also Vimshottari Dasha, Janma Nakshatra, Ayanamsha

Dashakoota

Also: Dasha Koota, Das Porutham, ten poruthams, Dashakuta

Dashakoota is the tenfold matching system used mainly in South India. Its ten kootas, called poruthams in Tamil, are Dina, Gana, Mahendra, Stree Deergha, Yoni, Rashi, Rashyadhipati, Vashya, Rajju and Vedha. Most practitioners mark each as agreeing or not rather than totalling 36 points, and many treat Rajju and Vedha as essential. Several factors overlap with Ashtakoota under different names, while Nadi is usually absent from the standard ten.

See also Porutham, Rajju (matching), Vedha (matching), Ashtakoota

Dashami

Also: Daśamī, Dasami, tenth tithi

Dashami is the tenth tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 108° to 120° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half. It belongs to the Purna (“full”) group, and its presiding deity is commonly given as Yama (Dharmaraja). Ashvina Shukla Dashami is Vijayadashami (Dussehra), traditionally regarded as so auspicious that new ventures and learning are begun on it without a separate muhurta. Muhurta texts generally treat Dashami as favourable, especially in the waxing half.

See also Tithi, Purna tithi, Shukla Paksha

Dashamsha (D10)

Also: Daśāṁśa, D10, career chart

The dashamsha (D10) divides each sign into ten parts of 3°. For odd signs the count begins from the sign itself, and for even signs from the ninth sign from it. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra assigns it to great deeds and power, and it is widely used to study career, profession, status and public achievement. It is read alongside the tenth house of the rashi chart, and its lagna changes every ten to twelve minutes, so birth time matters.

See also Varga, Karma Bhava, Dashavarga, Amatyakaraka

Dashavarga

Also: Daśavarga, ten divisions

Dashavarga is the scheme of ten divisional charts formed by adding the dashamsha (D10), shodashamsha (D16) and shashtiamsha (D60) to the saptavarga. In its Vimshopaka weighting, out of twenty points, the D60 carries 5, the D1 3 and each of the other eight 1.5. It is also the basis of the best-known Vaisheshikamsha names: a planet dignified in two of these vargas is in parijatamsha, three in uttamamsha, and so on.

See also Saptavarga, Vimshopaka Bala, Vaisheshikamsha, Shodashavarga

Declination

Also: Kranti, Krānti

Declination is the angular distance of a body north or south of the celestial equator, the projection of the Earth’s equator onto the sky. The Sun’s declination swings between about 23.4 degrees north at the June solstice and 23.4 degrees south at the December solstice. In Jyotish, declination (kranti) is used in Ayana Bala, a component of Shadbala, and in calculating day length, sunrise and the ascendant. It is measured from the equator, not the ecliptic, so it differs from celestial latitude.

See also Right ascension, Ayana Bala, Solstice, Uttarayana

Deeptadi Avastha

Also: Diptadi Avastha, Deeptadi Avasthas

Deeptadi Avastha is a scheme of nine or ten planetary moods, depending on the text, based on dignity and circumstance. Examples include Deepta (radiant) when exalted, Swastha (at ease) in its own sign, Mudita (delighted) in a great friend’s sign, Shanta (calm) in a friend’s sign, Deena (poor) in an enemy’s sign and Khala (mischievous) when debilitated, with further states for combustion, planetary war and malefic association. Classical texts use these moods to colour how a planet’s results feel.

See also Avastha, Ucha, Neecha, Asta

Deeptamsha

Also: Dīptāṁśa, orb, Deeptansh

Deeptamsha is the orb of influence of a planet in Tajika astrology, the number of degrees on either side within which its aspects operate. The standard values are Sun 15°, Moon 12°, Mars 8°, Mercury 7°, Jupiter 9°, Venus 7° and Saturn 9°. For two planets, the aspect is considered active when their separation from exact aspect is within half the sum of their orbs. It determines whether yogas such as Ithasala can form.

See also Tajika aspect, Ithasala Yoga, Easarapha Yoga

Degree

Also: Ansha, Amsha, arc degree

A degree is one 360th part of a circle, the basic unit for measuring positions along the zodiac. Each sign spans 30 degrees, each nakshatra 13 degrees 20 minutes and each pada 3 degrees 20 minutes. A degree divides into 60 minutes of arc, and a minute into 60 seconds. In Sanskrit it is called ansha (amsha), and classical texts attach meaning to specific degrees, such as the exaltation degree of each planet and the Mrityu Bhaga and Pushkara Bhaga points.

See also Minute of arc, Celestial longitude, Paramoccha, Pushkara Bhaga

Deva Gana

Also: Dev Gan, Deva Gaṇa, divine temperament

Deva Gana is the divine temperament group of nine nakshatras: Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana and Revati. People with the Moon in these nakshatras are traditionally described as gentle, generous, idealistic and guided by principle. In Gana Koota two Deva charts receive the full 6 points and Deva with Manushya also scores well, while Deva with Rakshasa scores low in most tables.

See also Gana, Gana Koota, Manushya Gana, Rakshasa Gana

Deva Keralam

Also: Devakeralam, Chandra Kala Nadi

Deva Keralam is the alternative name of Chandra Kala Nadi, a Sanskrit Nadi text associated with Kerala. It is best known for grading results by the Nadi Amsha, the 150-fold division of each sign, and for numerous charts analysed by planetary combinations and divisions. Details of its authorship and date are uncertain, and different manuscripts vary.

See also Chandra Kala Nadi, Nadi Amsha, Kerala Prashna

Deva Prashna

Also: Deva Praśna, Devaprashnam, temple prashna

Deva Prashna is a Kerala Prashna conducted on behalf of a temple to understand the wishes of the deity and the condition of the shrine. It is usually held before major renovations, festivals or reconsecration, and may run over several days with a panel of astrologers. Findings are read from the Prashna chart, the Ashtamangala numbers and omens, and are typically expressed as recommended rituals or corrections to temple practice.

See also Ashtamangala Prashna, Kerala Prashna, Prashna

Dhaiya

Also: Ḍhaiyā, Dhaiyya, Small Panoti, Laghu Kalyani

Dhaiya (from dhai, two and a half) is the North Indian name for Saturn’s transit through the fourth or the eighth sign from the natal Moon, each lasting about two and a half years. It is sometimes called a small panoti, in contrast to the longer Sade Sati. The fourth-house dhaiya is traditionally linked to home and peace of mind, the eighth to obstacles and change. Its results depend on the natal chart and running dasha, and it is read calmly as a phase.

See also Ashtama Shani, Sade Sati, Shani, Kantaka Shani

Dhana Bhava

Also: Dhana Bhāva, second house, Kutumba Bhava, house of wealth

Dhana Bhava is the second house, the house of wealth and family. Classical texts read from it accumulated resources, family of origin, speech, food, the face and early learning. It is part of the Artha Trikona and, with the 11th, a key house for Dhana Yogas. Jupiter is its karaka. Because it is the 12th from the 3rd, a longevity house, classical texts also count it as a maraka sthana, a role Praman Jyotish does not use to predict death.

See also Maraka Sthana, Artha Trikona, Dhana Yoga

Dhana Yoga

Also: Dhan Yog, wealth combination

Dhana Yoga is a combination of the lords of the wealth houses, chiefly the 2nd and 11th, with the lords of the 1st, 5th and 9th, traditionally read as a capacity to accumulate wealth. Parashara and later texts describe many variants, including links between the 5th or 9th lord and the 2nd or 11th lord, and particular placements of Venus, Jupiter or Mercury. The strength of the planets and the dashas that run decide how much is traditionally expected, so Praman Jyotish reads it as potential rather than a guarantee.

See also Dhana Bhava, Labha Bhava, Lakshmi Yoga, Raja Yoga

Dhanishta

Also: Dhaniṣṭhā, Dhanishtha, Shravishtha, Avittam

Dhanishta is the twenty-third nakshatra, spanning 23°20′ Capricorn to 6°40′ Aquarius. It is ruled by Mars and presided over by the eight Vasus, deities of abundance, and its symbol is a drum. It is Rakshasa gana with lion yoni and is classed as Chara (movable). Its first two padas lie in Capricorn and the last two in Aquarius, and the Panchaka period begins in its second half. It is traditionally read as wealth, rhythm, music and a gift for timing.

See also Mangala, Panchaka, Chara nakshatras, Kumbha

Dhanu

Also: Dhanus, Dhanush, Sagittarius, the Archer

Dhanu is the ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius, spanning 240° to 270°. It is ruled by Jupiter and is a dual, fiery, odd (masculine) sign, symbolised by an archer who is half horse. Its first 10° are Jupiter's moolatrikona. It contains Mula, Purva Ashadha and the first pada of Uttara Ashadha. Classical texts describe it as principled, expansive and devoted to learning and dharma. It is a back-rising sign, and some texts give it as Ketu's exaltation sign.

See also Guru, Agni Tattva, Dwiswabhava Rashi, Kharmas

Dharma

Also: Dharm, right conduct, duty

Dharma is right conduct, duty and the order that sustains life, the first of the four purusharthas. In a chart it is read through the dharma trikona, the 1st, 5th and 9th houses, with the ninth house (Dharma Bhava) showing faith, teachers, higher learning and fortune earned through right action. Jupiter is the natural significator of dharma and wisdom. Classical thought holds that artha and kama are best pursued within the bounds of dharma.

See also Dharma Trikona, Dharma Bhava, Purushartha, Guru

Dharma Bhava

Also: Dharma Bhāva, ninth house, Bhagya Bhava, Pitru Bhava

Dharma Bhava is the ninth house, the house of dharma, fortune and the teacher. Classical texts read from it righteousness, faith, higher learning, gurus, long journeys, pilgrimage and luck. It is regarded as the most auspicious trikona. Jupiter is its main karaka, with the Sun for the father. Parashara reads the father from the 9th, while some astrologers prefer the 10th. The link of its lord with the 10th lord forms Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga.

See also Trikona, Dharma Trikona, Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga

Dharma Trikona

Also: Dharma Trikoṇa, houses of dharma

The Dharma Trikona is the group of the 1st, 5th and 9th houses, which relate to dharma, purpose and right conduct. It is the first of four trines that divide the twelve houses among the four aims of life (purusharthas): dharma, artha, kama and moksha. The 1st shows the self, the 5th intelligence and merit, and the 9th faith, teachers and fortune. A chart with strong planets here is traditionally read as oriented towards principle and meaning.

See also Trikona, Dharma, Artha Trikona, Purushartha

Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga

Also: Dharma Karmadhipati Yog, 9th and 10th lord yoga

Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga is a connection between the lord of the 9th house (dharma) and the lord of the 10th house (karma), which Parashara treats as the most powerful form of Raja Yoga. The link may be conjunction, mutual aspect or exchange of signs. Classical texts read it as a career aligned with purpose and ethics, bringing recognition through right conduct. For a Taurus Ascendant, Saturn rules both the 9th and 10th houses and is therefore the yogakaraka.

See also Raja Yoga, Dharma Bhava, Karma Bhava, Yogakaraka

Dhriti

Also: Dhṛti, Dhruti, Dhriti yoga

Dhriti is the eighth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 93°20′ and 106°40′. The name means “steadfastness” or “fortitude”. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as favourable, particularly for undertakings that need patience and persistence, such as laying foundations. A person born in Dhriti yoga is traditionally described as patient, steady and contented.

See also Nitya Yoga, Sukarma, Shula

Dhruva

Also: Dhruva yoga, Dhruv

Dhruva is the twelfth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 146°40′ and 160°. The name means “fixed” or “steady”, as in the Pole Star. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as favourable for permanent undertakings such as building a house, laying foundations or planting trees. The same word also names the fixed nakshatras, a separate classification.

See also Nitya Yoga, Vriddhi, Vyaghata, Dhruva nakshatras

Dhruva Nadi

Also: Dhruva Nāḍī, Satya Nadi

Dhruva Nadi is a Nadi text giving results for planets and ascendants, traditionally associated with the sage Satyacharya and sometimes referred to by the name Satya. It is known mainly through partial publications and translations, which set out results for planets in particular signs, divisions and houses. Scholars and practitioners treat its authorship, date and relationship to other Satya works as uncertain, and editions differ in scope.

See also Nadi Granthas, Saptarishi Nadi, Nadi Jyotish

Dhruva nakshatras

Also: Sthira nakshatras, fixed nakshatras, Dhruva

Dhruva (fixed) nakshatras are the four nakshatras that muhurta texts classify as stable and permanent: Rohini, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha and Uttara Bhadrapada. Because their nature is lasting, they are traditionally chosen for work meant to endure, such as laying foundations, entering a new home, planting, coronations and long-term agreements. Texts such as the Muhurta Chintamani pair this group with Sunday, which shares its fixed quality.

See also Muhurta, Muhurta Chintamani, Griha Pravesh Muhurta, Chara nakshatras

Dhuma

Also: Dhūma, smoke

Dhuma is the first of the five upagrahas derived from the Sun, its name meaning 'smoke'. Parashara calculates it by adding 133°20′ (four signs and 13°20′) to the Sun's longitude. The other four points of the group are derived from it in turn. Classical texts regard Dhuma as malefic and say it harms the house it occupies. Few modern practitioners give it much weight, but it is part of the full classical calculation.

See also Upagraha, Vyatipata (upagraha)

Dig Bala

Also: Digbala, directional strength

Dig Bala is directional strength, gained when a planet sits in the house linked with its most powerful compass direction. Jupiter and Mercury are strongest in the 1st house (east), the Sun and Mars in the 10th (south), Saturn in the 7th (west), and the Moon and Venus in the 4th (north). The value is 60 virupas at that point and falls evenly to zero at the opposite point. Traditional readings say a planet with Dig Bala acts with confidence in the affairs of its house.

See also Shadbala, Kendra, Virupa

Dinamana

Also: Dinamāna, day length, Dinman

Dinamana is the length of daytime, from sunrise to sunset, at a given place and date. It is traditionally expressed in ghatis and palas (one ghati is 24 minutes). Dinamana changes through the year and with latitude, being longest near the June solstice in the northern hemisphere. It is needed for many classical calculations: dividing the day into eight parts for Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda and Gulika Kaal, finding Hora Lagna and Ghati Lagna, and computing some components of Shadbala.

See also Ratrimana, Ahoratra, Rahu Kaal, Sunrise and sunset

Dispositor

Also: depositor, final dispositor, sign ruler

A dispositor is the lord of the sign in which a graha sits; that planet is said to be 'disposed' by it. If Jupiter is in Tula, Venus is Jupiter's dispositor, and Venus's own condition affects how Jupiter can deliver its results. Jyotish also uses the nakshatra lord in a similar way, especially in KP. The idea of a single 'final dispositor' for the whole chart comes mainly from Western astrology and is not a classical Jyotish technique.

See also Rashi lord, Bhavesh, Star lord

Divisional chart

Also: Varga, D-chart, harmonic chart

A divisional chart is a chart derived from the birth chart by dividing each sign into a set number of parts and assigning each part to a sign, so that a planet’s position is recast at a finer scale. It is named by the number of divisions, D1 to D60. Each is used to examine a particular life area in detail, always alongside the main rashi chart. Higher divisions change quickly with birth time: the D60 shifts roughly every two minutes, so they need an accurate time.

See also Varga, Rashi chart (D1), Navamsha (D9), Rectification

Dosha

Also: Dosh, affliction, flaw

A dosha is a chart condition that classical or popular astrology treats as an affliction or imbalance, such as Mangal Dosha or Pitra Dosha. The Sanskrit word means ‘fault’ or ‘flaw’. Most doshas have defined formation rules and equally defined cancellation conditions, and several popular doshas are later or regional additions rather than rules found in Parashara. Praman Jyotish reads a dosha as one factor among many, checks whether it is cancelled, and weighs it against the chart as a whole rather than treating it as a verdict.

See also Mangal Dosha, Dosha Samya, Yoga Bhanga, Pitra Dosha

Dosha Samya

Also: Dosha Saamya, Dosh Samya, dosha balancing

Dosha Samya is the principle that a dosha in one partner’s chart is balanced when the other chart carries a comparable one. It is most often applied to Mangal Dosha: when both charts have Mars in the sensitive houses (1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th, counted from Lagna, Moon or Venus), the match is traditionally treated as balanced. More broadly it covers comparing the overall weight of malefic influence in both charts, as Papasamya does numerically. It sits alongside the many classical cancellations of Mangal Dosha itself.

See also Mangal Dosha, Papasamya, Kundali Milan

Double transit

Also: Jupiter-Saturn double transit, dual transit

Double transit is the principle that a significant event is more likely when both Jupiter and Saturn, by transit, influence the same house or its lord, through occupation or aspect. It was popularised in modern Indian astrology by K. N. Rao, drawing on older practice, and is typically counted from the lagna as well as the Moon. For example, marriage is often studied when both touch the seventh house or its lord. It works as a filter alongside the dasha, never on its own.

See also Gochara, Guru Gochara, Shani, Dasha

Drekkana (D3)

Also: Dreṣkāṇa, Drekkana, Decanate, D3

The drekkana (D3) divides each sign into three parts of 10°. In the Parashari method the first part goes to the sign itself, the second to the fifth sign from it and the third to the ninth, keeping each division within the same element. It is traditionally read for siblings, courage and initiative, and the classical drekkana descriptions are also used in medical astrology. Other drekkana schemes (such as Jagannatha and Somanatha) exist for special purposes.

See also Varga, Sahaja Bhava, Drekkana Bala, Shadvarga

Drekkana Bala

Also: decanate strength

Drekkana Bala is the part of Sthana Bala based on which third of a sign a planet occupies, matched to the planet’s gender. Male planets (Sun, Mars and Jupiter) gain 15 virupas in the first drekkana (0° to 10°), neuter planets (Mercury and Saturn) in the second (10° to 20°), and female planets (Moon and Venus) in the third (20° to 30°). In any other drekkana the score is zero.

See also Drekkana (D3), Sthana Bala

Drik Bala

Also: Drig Bala, aspectual strength

Drik Bala is aspectual strength, the part of Shadbala that adds strength for benefic aspects a planet receives and subtracts it for malefic aspects. Parashara uses graded aspect values, in which a full aspect counts 60 virupas and partial aspects count less, rather than the whole-sign aspects used in everyday chart reading. One quarter of the net value is taken, with some rules adding the aspects of Jupiter and Mercury in full. It is the only Shadbala component that can be negative.

See also Drishti, Shadbala, Benefic, Malefic

Drishti

Also: Dṛṣṭi, aspect, glance

Drishti is a graha's aspect, its 'glance' or influence cast on other houses and planets. In the Parashari system every planet fully aspects the 7th house from itself, and Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have additional full aspects (Mars the 4th and 8th, Jupiter the 5th and 9th, Saturn the 3rd and 10th). Parashara also describes partial aspects of lesser strength. The Jaimini system uses a different, sign-based scheme called Rashi Drishti. An aspect colours the house it falls on with the nature of the aspecting planet.

See also Poorna Drishti, Vishesha Drishti, Rashi Drishti, Mutual aspect

Dur Yoga

Also: Duryoga, Dur Yog

Dur Yoga forms when the lord of the 10th house occupies the 6th, 8th or 12th house. Dur means ‘bad’ or ‘difficult’. Phaladeepika describes efforts that go unrewarded, work that benefits others more than oneself, and a career that brings little recognition. As with any yoga, the dignity of the 10th lord, benefic aspects and supporting career combinations elsewhere in the chart are weighed before a conclusion, and a dusthana lord in a dusthana can also form Viparita Raja Yoga.

See also Karma Bhava, Dusthana, Yoga Bhanga, Viparita Raja Yoga

Durmuhurta

Also: Durmuhūrta, Durmuhurtam, Dur Muhurat

Durmuhurta is one of the inauspicious muhurtas fixed for each weekday, a period of about 48 minutes that muhurta texts avoid for beginnings. Each weekday has one or two, identified by their position among the fifteen muhurtas of the day or night, so their clock times move with sunrise and sunset. Telugu and Tamil panchangas print them daily next to Rahu Kaal and Varjyam. Different texts give slightly different positions for some weekdays.

See also Muhurta, Varjyam, Rahu Kaal, Vara

Durudhara Yoga

Also: Durdhura Yoga, Dhurdhura Yoga, Durudharā Yoga

Durudhara Yoga forms when planets other than the Sun occupy both the 2nd and the 12th houses from the Moon, so the Moon is flanked on each side; Rahu and Ketu are excluded. It is one of the three lunar yogas of Brihat Jataka, combining the effects of Sunapha and Anapha. Classical texts describe wealth, generosity, comforts, vehicles and a good reputation. The planets involved, and whether they are benefic or malefic, colour the result.

See also Sunapha Yoga, Anapha Yoga, Kemadruma Yoga, Chandra

Dusthana

Also: Duḥsthāna, Trika, Trik Bhava, difficult houses

The dusthanas are the 6th, 8th and 12th houses, the 'difficult places' (also called trika). Classical texts link them with obstacles and illness (6th), sudden change and hidden matters (8th) and loss and withdrawal (12th), and planets ruling or occupying them are read with care. They are not simply bad: the 6th gives the strength to overcome, the 8th depth and research, the 12th spiritual release. When a dusthana lord occupies another dusthana, classical texts describe Viparita Raja Yoga.

See also Ari Bhava, Randhra Bhava, Vyaya Bhava, Viparita Raja Yoga

Dwadashamsha (D12)

Also: Dvādaśāṁśa, D12

The dwadashamsha (D12) divides each sign into twelve parts of 2°30′, counted from the sign itself, so each sign contains a miniature of the whole zodiac. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra assigns it to parents, and it is also read for ancestry and inherited tendencies. It is one of the six vargas of the shadvarga, used for strength assessment, and it is examined alongside the fourth and ninth houses and the Sun and Moon of the main chart.

See also Varga, Shadvarga, Sukha Bhava, Dharma Bhava

Dwadashi

Also: Dvādaśī, Baras, Duvadasi, twelfth tithi

Dwadashi is the twelfth tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 132° to 144° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half. It belongs to the Bhadra group, and its presiding deity is commonly given as Vishnu. Its chief practical role is parana, the breaking of the Ekadashi fast, which tradition says should be done within Dwadashi and after the first quarter of it has passed. Muhurta texts generally count Dwadashi as favourable for religious and charitable acts.

See also Tithi, Bhadra tithi, Ekadashi, Vrata

Dwadashottari Dasha

Also: Dvādaśottarī Daśā, Dwadasottari, 112-year dasha

Dwadashottari dasha is a conditional 112-year planetary period system using eight planets and leaving out Venus. The order and years are Sun 7, Jupiter 9, Ketu 11, Mercury 13, Rahu 15, Mars 17, Saturn 19 and Moon 21, counted from Revati nakshatra to the birth nakshatra. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra applies it when the lagna falls in a navamsha of Venus, that is, when the navamsha lagna is Taurus or Libra.

See also Conditional dasha, Navamsha Lagna, Shukra

Dwipushkar Yoga

Also: Dvipuṣkara Yoga, Dwipushkar Yog, Dvipushkara

Dwipushkar Yoga is a combination said to make the results of an action repeat twice. It forms when a Bhadra tithi (Dwitiya, Saptami or Dwadashi) falls on a Sunday, Tuesday or Saturday while the Moon is in Mrigashira, Chitra or Dhanishta. Muhurta texts traditionally recommend it for gains one wishes to see again, such as purchases or investments, and advise against actions whose repetition would be unwelcome, such as losses or borrowing.

See also Tripushkar Yoga, Bhadra tithi, Mrigashira, Dhanishta

Dwisaptati Sama Dasha

Also: Dvisaptati Sama Daśā, 72-year dasha

Dwisaptati Sama dasha is a conditional 72-year planetary period system in which eight planets (the seven visible planets and Rahu, without Ketu) each rule an equal 9 years. The sequence is counted from Mula nakshatra to the birth nakshatra. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra applies it when the lagna lord is in the seventh house or the seventh lord is in the lagna. It is used mainly within specialist study of Parashara’s conditional dashas.

See also Conditional dasha, Lagnesh, Yuvati Bhava

Dwiswabhava Rashi

Also: Dvisvabhāva Rāśi, Ubhaya Rashi, dual signs, mutable signs

The Dwiswabhava Rashis are the four dual signs: Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanu and Meena. The name means 'of two natures', and classical texts associate them with adaptability, learning and a mix of movement and stability. In Jaimini astrology the dual signs aspect one another. For dual ascendants the 7th house is the house of obstruction (badhaka), a rule that, combined with its role as a kendra and maraka house, gives the 7th a complex role in these charts.

See also Chara Rashi, Sthira Rashi, Badhaka

Dwitiya

Also: Dvitīyā, Dooj, Vidiya, second tithi

Dwitiya is the second tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 12° to 24° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half. It belongs to the Bhadra group, and its presiding deity is commonly given as Brahma. Shukla Dwitiya is usually the evening when the new crescent is first seen. Kartika Shukla Dwitiya is Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya), and Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya is the Rath Yatra of Puri. Muhurta texts generally count it as favourable for steady, constructive work.

See also Tithi, Bhadra tithi, Shukla Paksha, Krishna Paksha

Easarapha Yoga

Also: Īsarāpha, Ishrafa, Isharafa, separating aspect

Easarapha Yoga is the Tajika configuration in which a faster planet has already passed exact aspect with a slower one and is separating from it, while still within orb. It is the counterpart of Ithasala and is traditionally read as showing that the matter has already happened, is passing, or will not now come about in the manner asked. It is used especially in horary questions to distinguish past from coming events.

See also Ithasala Yoga, Deeptamsha, Tajika aspect

East Indian chart

Also: East Indian style, Bengali chart, Oriya chart

The East Indian chart is the format used in Bengal, Odisha and neighbouring regions, in which the signs are fixed as in the South Indian style. It is drawn as a square divided into nine sections with diagonal corners, with Mesha (Aries) in the top centre and the signs running anticlockwise. The ascendant is marked separately, as in the South Indian chart. The underlying data is identical to the other formats; only the drawing differs.

See also North Indian chart, South Indian chart, Rashi Chakra

Ecliptic

Also: Kranti Vritta, Bhachakra, path of the Sun

The ecliptic is the apparent yearly path of the Sun across the sky, seen against the background stars. It is the plane of the Earth’s orbit projected onto the sky, tilted about 23.4 degrees to the celestial equator. The zodiac is a band centred on the ecliptic, and planetary longitudes in Jyotish are measured along it. The Moon and planets stay close to it, and eclipses happen only when the Moon is near one of the two points where its orbit crosses the ecliptic, the lunar nodes.

See also Zodiac, Celestial longitude, Lunar nodes, Declination

Ekadashamsha (D11)

Also: Ekādaśāṁśa, Rudramsha, Labhamsha, D11

The ekadashamsha (D11) divides each sign into eleven parts of about 2°44′. It is not among the sixteen vargas of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra but is used in some modern traditions, where it is associated with gains, income and fulfilment of desires, the themes of the eleventh house, and is also called rudramsha. Calculation conventions differ between authorities, so it is treated as a supplementary chart.

See also Varga, Labha Bhava, Divisional chart

Ekadashi

Also: Ekādaśī, Gyaras, Ekadasi, eleventh tithi

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 120° to 132° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half. It belongs to the Nanda group and is sacred to Vishnu, observed twice a month as a fast, usually abstaining from grains. Each of the 24 Ekadashis in a year has its own name, such as Nirjala, Devshayani and Prabodhini. Fasting rules are strict about timing: Vaishnava calendars may shift the fast by a day when Dashami overlaps the dawn of Ekadashi.

See also Tithi, Nanda tithi, Vrata, Chaturmas

Ekadhipatya Shodhana

Also: single-lordship reduction

Ekadhipatya Shodhana is the second ashtakavarga reduction, applied after Trikona Shodhana to the pairs of signs ruled by one planet (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn each rule two). Cancer and Leo, ruled singly by the Moon and the Sun, are exempt. The rules depend on whether the signs hold planets and on their counts: for example, if both signs are occupied no reduction is made, and if neither is occupied and the counts differ, the larger is reduced to the smaller. The result feeds Shodhya Pinda.

See also Trikona Shodhana, Shodhya Pinda, Ashtakavarga

Ephemeris

Also: ephemerides, Panchang tables, planetary tables

An ephemeris is a table giving the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets at regular intervals, usually daily. Astrologers use it to cast charts and track transits. Printed ephemerides such as N. C. Lahiri’s Indian Ephemeris list sidereal positions directly, while Western ones list tropical positions that must be corrected by the ayanamsha. Most modern software computes positions from a digital ephemeris, commonly the Swiss Ephemeris, which is accurate to well under a second of arc.

See also Swiss Ephemeris, Ganita, Ayanamsha, Panchanga

Equal house system

Also: equal houses, equal house division

The equal house system divides the chart into twelve houses of exactly 30 degrees measured from the ascendant degree. In the Western form the ascendant degree begins the first house. In the form described in Parashari texts, the ascendant degree is the midpoint of the first house, so each house runs 15 degrees either side of its Bhava Madhya. It is simpler than quadrant systems, and gives the same houses at all latitudes.

See also Whole sign houses, Bhava Madhya, Sripati house system, Lagna

Equinox

Also: Vishuva, Viṣuva, Vernal equinox, Autumnal equinox

An equinox is one of the two moments each year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator and day and night are roughly equal everywhere. They fall around 20 March and 22 or 23 September. The March equinox defines 0° Aries in the tropical zodiac. In Sanskrit it is vishuva. Because of precession, the sidereal Mesha Sankranti (around 14 April) now falls about 24 days after the March equinox; the two coincided about 1,700 years ago.

See also Solstice, Tropical zodiac, Precession of the equinoxes, Ayanamsha

Fagan-Bradley Ayanamsha

Also: Fagan-Bradley, Western sidereal ayanamsha, SVP

The Fagan-Bradley Ayanamsha is the standard ayanamsha of Western sidereal astrology, developed by Cyril Fagan and Donald Bradley in the mid-twentieth century. It is a little under one degree larger than Lahiri. Western siderealists express it as the Synetic Vernal Point (SVP), the sidereal position of the equinox. It is rarely used in traditional Jyotish but appears as an option in most astrology software, so it is worth checking when a chart’s positions look slightly off.

See also Ayanamsha, Lahiri Ayanamsha, Sidereal zodiac

Folio

Also: leaf, olai, palm leaf folio

A folio is a single leaf of a manuscript, here usually a single palm leaf in a Nadi bundle. Nadi readers traditionally search through bundles of folios to find the one said to match the enquirer, and a full reading may span several folios arranged in chapters (kandams) on different life topics. Manuscript scholars number folios to track the order and completeness of a text, since leaves are easily lost or misordered.

See also Palm-leaf manuscript, Nadi Granthas, Nadi Jyotish

Four-step theory

Also: 4-step theory, KP four step, 4 step

The four-step theory is a later refinement of KP judgement that examines a planet in four steps: the planet, its star lord, its sub lord and the star lord of its sub lord. The first two show what houses are signified, and the last two show whether the result will be favourable or obstructed. It was developed by KP practitioners after Krishnamurti, notably Sunil Gondhalekar, and is not part of Krishnamurti’s original KP Readers, so not all KP astrologers use it.

See also Sub lord, Star lord, Significator, Cuspal interlink

Fruitful significator

Also: fruitful significators, confirmed significator

A fruitful significator is a significator of the relevant houses that also appears among the Ruling Planets at the time of judgement. KP practice selects these as the planets most likely to deliver the event, and uses them to identify the dasha, bhukti and antara periods and the transits through which a matter will materialise. Planets that are significators but not ruling planets are generally set aside for timing.

See also Significator, Ruling Planets, Antardasha

Functional benefic

Also: functional benefic planet, temporal benefic

A functional benefic is a graha that gives favourable results for a particular ascendant because of the houses it rules, whatever its natural nature. Following Parashara, lords of the trikonas (1st, 5th and 9th houses) are always auspicious, and a natural malefic that rules a kendra loses its harshness. For Makara ascendant, for example, Venus rules the 5th and 10th and is a strong functional benefic. Many astrologers weigh this house-based view above the natural one when judging a planet's dasha.

See also Functional malefic, Yogakaraka, Trikona, Kendradhipati Dosha

Functional malefic

Also: functional malefic planet, temporal malefic

A functional malefic is a graha that tends to give difficult results for a particular ascendant because of the houses it rules. Following Parashara, lords of the 3rd, 6th and 11th houses lean malefic, and the 8th lord is troublesome unless it also rules the Lagna. Natural benefics that rule kendras may also lose their good nature (Kendradhipati Dosha). For Mesha ascendant, for example, Mercury rules the 3rd and 6th. Placement, strength and yogas can still modify the outcome.

See also Functional benefic, Dusthana, Kendradhipati Dosha

Gajakesari Yoga

Also: Gaj Kesari Yog, Gajakesarī Yoga, elephant-lion yoga

Gajakesari Yoga forms when Jupiter is in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house) counted from the Moon. The name joins gaja (elephant) and kesari (lion). Classical texts describe intelligence, reputation, lasting prosperity and the ability to overcome opponents. Because Jupiter falls in a kendra from the Moon in roughly a third of all charts, astrologers weigh it carefully: the dignity of Jupiter and the Moon, combustion, debility and benefic aspects decide how much it delivers.

See also Guru, Chandra, Chandra Lagna, Kendra

Gana

Also: Gaṇa, Gan, nakshatra temperament

Gana is the classification of the 27 nakshatras into three temperaments of nine each: Deva (divine), Manushya (human) and Rakshasa (demonic). The labels describe disposition rather than moral worth. Deva is traditionally read as gentle and giving, Manushya as practical and worldly, and Rakshasa as independent, intense and self-protective. A person’s gana is taken from the Moon’s nakshatra and is used mainly in marriage matching, where Gana Koota carries 6 of the 36 points.

See also Deva Gana, Manushya Gana, Rakshasa Gana, Gana Koota

Gana Dosha

Also: Gan Dosh, Gana Dosham

Gana Dosha is the low Gana Koota score that arises when one partner’s birth nakshatra is Rakshasa gana and the other’s is Manushya or Deva. It is traditionally read as a difference in temperament that needs understanding on both sides. Classical and customary cancellations include the Moon-sign lords being the same or friendly, a favourable Bhakoot, and in some texts the groom’s nakshatra lying more than fourteen places from the bride’s. Sources differ, so the full match is weighed rather than this single factor.

See also Gana Koota, Rakshasa Gana, Manushya Gana, Dosha Samya

Gana Koota

Also: Gana Kuta, Gana Porutham, Gan Milan

Gana Koota is the sixth factor of Ashtakoota, worth 6 points, comparing the temperaments (Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa) of the two birth nakshatras. Matching ganas score the full 6. Deva with Manushya usually scores 5 or 6, Deva with Rakshasa 0 or 1, and Manushya with Rakshasa 0; tables differ slightly between sources and sometimes by which partner holds which gana. It is traditionally read as harmony of temperament and daily conduct. A low score is called Gana Dosha.

See also Gana, Gana Dosha, Ashtakoota, Dashakoota

Ganda

Also: Gaṇḍa, Gand

Ganda is the tenth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 120° and 133°20′. The name means “knot” or “obstacle”. Muhurta texts traditionally list it among the unfavourable yogas and advise avoiding its opening portion (commonly the first six ghatis, about two hours and 24 minutes) for auspicious beginnings. It is a separate idea from Gandanta, the junctions between water and fire signs.

See also Nitya Yoga, Shula, Vriddhi, Gandanta

Gandamoola

Also: Gand Mool, Gandmool, Gandamula, Moola dosha

Gandamoola refers to the six nakshatras on the gandanta junctions: Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati, ruled by Mercury, and Magha, Mula and Ashwini, ruled by Ketu. A birth with the Moon in one of them is called a Gandamoola birth, and the effects classical texts assign depend on the exact pada. Custom prescribes a Gandamoola shanti, often on the 27th day after birth when the Moon returns to the same nakshatra. Praman Jyotish reads it as one factor among many and does not treat it as cause for alarm.

See also Gandanta, Graha Shanti, Mula, Nakshatra

Gandanta

Also: Gaṇḍānta, Gandant, Gand

Gandanta is the junction where a water sign ends and a fire sign begins, at the ends of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, which coincide with the ends of Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati. Because sign and nakshatra boundaries meet there, classical texts treat a Moon or Lagna at these points as a knot that calls for careful reading. Its width varies by source, from a narrow band of a degree or less to a full pada of 3°20′ on each side. Tithi and lagna gandanta follow the same principle.

See also Gandamoola, Rashi Sandhi, Ashlesha, Revati

Ganita

Also: Gaṇita, Siddhanta, mathematical astronomy, Ganita Skandha

Ganita is the mathematical and astronomical branch of Jyotish, which calculates where the planets are. Also called Siddhanta, it covers planetary positions, the calendar, eclipses, sunrise, the ascendant and house cusps. Every prediction depends on it, since an error in calculation carries through to every reading. Its classical texts include the Surya Siddhanta, the Aryabhatiya of Aryabhata and the Siddhanta Shiromani of Bhaskara II. Today most Ganita work is done by software built on modern ephemerides, though the classical formulas remain part of training.

See also Skandha, Surya Siddhanta, Ephemeris, Aryabhatiya

Gara

Also: Garaja, Gara karana, Garaj

Gara, also called Garaja, is the fifth of the seven movable karanas, the half-tithis that repeat through the lunar month. It first occurs in the second half of Shukla Tritiya and recurs eight times a month, following Taitila. In one common list its presiding deity is Bhumi, the Earth. Muhurta texts traditionally regard Gara as favourable, especially for agriculture, sowing, land and household work.

See also Karana, Taitila, Vanija

Ghati Lagna

Also: Ghaṭī Lagna, GL, Ghatika Lagna

Ghati Lagna is a special ascendant that starts from the Sun at sunrise and moves one sign every ghati, a unit of 24 minutes, so it covers the whole zodiac in under five hours. Classical texts associate it with power, authority and position, and planets linking the lagna, Hora Lagna and Ghati Lagna are read in some yogas for status. Because it moves so quickly, it is sensitive to birth time and is sometimes used in rectification.

See also Hora Lagna, Bhava Lagna, Rectification

Gnatikaraka

Also: Jñātikāraka, Jnatikaraka, GK, kinsman significator

The Gnatikaraka is the Chara Karaka for relatives, rivals and obstacles, the second-lowest in degree among the karakas. It is the sixth karaka in the seven-planet scheme and the seventh in the eight-planet scheme. Classical texts connect it with cousins and extended family, competition, disputes, debts and health challenges, much as the sixth house is read. It is described neutrally as showing where effort and resolve are called for.

See also Chara Karaka, Ari Bhava, Darakaraka

Gochara

Also: Gocara, Gochar, transit

Gochara is the transit of planets through the signs at any given time, read against the birth chart. In Jyotish transits are traditionally reckoned mainly from the natal Moon sign, with each planet said to give favourable results from certain houses (Jupiter from the 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th, for example) and to be modified by vedha. Classical practice treats transits as triggers that operate within what the dasha allows, not as independent predictions.

See also Transit from the Moon, Gochara Vedha, Double transit, Dasha

Gochara Vedha

Also: Gocara Vedha, transit obstruction, Vedha

Gochara vedha is the rule that a planet’s favourable transit from the natal Moon is obstructed when another planet transits a paired point at the same time. For example, Jupiter’s good result in the 11th is blocked by a planet in the 8th. The pairs are set out in texts such as Phaladeepika. Two exceptions are traditional: the Sun and Saturn do not obstruct each other, nor do the Moon and Mercury. Vedha refines transit reading; it is not a separate prediction.

See also Gochara, Transit from the Moon, Phaladeepika

Gopuramsha

Also: Gopurāṁśa

Gopuramsha is the Vaisheshikamsha grade given to a planet dignified in four vargas of the dashavarga scheme. The name comes from the gopuram, the monumental gateway tower of a South Indian temple, and classical texts traditionally link it with property, a good home and standing in the community. It sits between uttamamsha (three vargas) and simhasanamsha (five).

See also Vaisheshikamsha, Uttamamsha, Simhasanamsha

Graha

Also: Grah, planet, celestial influencer

A graha is one of the nine celestial influences read in a Jyotish chart. The Sanskrit word comes from a root meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp', describing something that takes hold of a person's experience. The nine are the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. Because the Sun and Moon are not planets in modern astronomy and the nodes are mathematical points, 'graha' is better translated as 'influencer' than 'planet'.

See also Navagraha, Chhaya Graha, Luminaries

Graha Maitri Koota

Also: Graha Maitri, Rashyadhipati Koota, Maitri Koota, Graha Maitram

Graha Maitri Koota is the fifth factor of Ashtakoota, worth 5 points, comparing the natural friendship between the lords of the two Moon signs. If the lords are the same planet or mutual friends it scores 5; one friend and one neutral scores 4; both neutral 3; one friend and one enemy 1; one neutral and one enemy half a point; and mutual enemies 0. It is traditionally read as mental wavelength and ease of understanding, and it is also used to cancel Bhakoot Dosha.

See also Naisargika Maitri, Rashi lord, Bhakoot Dosha, Ashtakoota

Graha Shanti

Also: Grah Shanti, Graha Śānti, planetary pacification

Graha Shanti is a ritual of pacification for a particular planet, usually combining mantra japa, homa, worship and charity. Its classical outlines appear in the graha shanti section of the Yajnavalkya Smriti and in the remedial chapters of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. It is traditionally performed when a graha is judged afflicted or at the start of its dasha. The tradition frames it as propitiation and inner preparation, not as a bargain. Praman Jyotish does not sell it or prescribe it out of fear.

See also Navagraha Shanti, Upaya, Homa, Mahadasha

Graha Yuddha

Also: planetary war, Graha Yudh, Grahayuddha

Graha Yuddha, planetary war, occurs when two of the five true planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn) come within one degree of longitude of each other. The Sun, Moon and nodes do not take part. Classical texts declare one planet the winner and the other defeated, with the loser traditionally weakened. Traditions differ on how the winner is found: the Surya Siddhanta favours the planet further north in latitude or brighter, while many modern astrologers use the planet with the lower longitude.

See also Yuddha Bala, Yuti, Celestial latitude, Surya Siddhanta

Grahana Yoga

Also: Grahan Dosh, Grahan Yog, eclipse yoga

Grahana Yoga forms when the Sun or the Moon is conjunct Rahu or Ketu in the birth chart. Grahana means ‘eclipse’, and the combination echoes the astronomical fact that eclipses occur when the luminaries are near the lunar nodes. It is traditionally read as a clouded or intensified expression of the luminary: the Sun for confidence and the father, the Moon for the mind and the mother. Many astrologers require a close conjunction in degrees, and the label ‘dosha’ is a modern usage.

See also Luminaries, Rahu, Ketu, Surya Grahan

Griha Pravesh Muhurta

Also: Gṛha Praveśa, Griha Pravesh Muhurat, Grihapravesham, house-warming muhurta

Griha Pravesh Muhurta is the auspicious time chosen for first entering a new home. Muhurta texts traditionally favour the lunar months of Magha, Phalguna, Vaishakha and Jyeshtha, fixed and gentle nakshatras such as Rohini, Mrigashira, the three Uttaras, Chitra, Anuradha and Revati, and a fixed rising sign. They avoid Rikta tithis, Amavasya, Chaturmas and times when Jupiter or Venus is combust. Regional practice differs on details such as permitted weekdays.

See also Muhurta, Chaturmas, Rikta tithi, Rohini

Gulika

Also: Gulik, Gulikan, son of Saturn

Gulika is an upagraha associated with Saturn, calculated from the portion of the day or night that Saturn rules. The day (or night) is divided into eight parts assigned to the seven grahas in weekday order, and Gulika is the ascending degree at a point in Saturn's portion. Classical texts treat it as a strong malefic influence on the house it occupies. Traditions disagree on whether Gulika and Mandi are the same point or two different ones computed at the start and middle of Saturn's portion.

See also Mandi, Upagraha, Gulika Kaal

Gulika Kaal

Also: Gulika Kāla, Gulikai, Kuligai, Gulika Kalam

Gulika Kaal is a period of about 90 minutes each day, one eighth of daylight, associated with Gulika, the son of Saturn. It falls in the 1st eighth of daylight on Saturday, 2nd on Friday, 3rd on Thursday, 4th on Wednesday, 5th on Tuesday, 6th on Monday and 7th on Sunday. South Indian tradition holds that what begins in Gulika Kaal tends to repeat, so it is avoided for undesirable events but sometimes chosen for purchases one hopes to repeat. Its calculation is related to, but not identical with, the Gulika point in a chart.

See also Gulika, Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda, Shani

Guna Milan

Also: Gun Milan, Gun Milap, Guna matching, 36 guna

Guna Milan is the popular name for Ashtakoota matching, in which each of the 36 points is called a guna. The score is calculated only from the Moon’s nakshatra and sign in each chart, which is why two people born a day apart can score very differently with the same partner. Common rules of thumb treat under 18 as weak, 18 to 24 as acceptable, 25 to 32 as good and above 32 as excellent, though these bands are custom rather than classical. The total should be read with Nadi, Bhakoot and Gana doshas, their cancellations and the wider charts.

See also Ashtakoota, Kundali Milan, Nadi Dosha

Guru

Also: Brihaspati, Bṛhaspati, Guru Grah, Jupiter

Guru is Jupiter, the graha classical texts treat as the greatest natural benefic, associated with wisdom, teachers, children, dharma, wealth and good counsel. It rules Dhanu and Meena, is exalted in Karka (deepest at 5°) and debilitated in Makara (deepest at 5°), with its moolatrikona in the first 10° of Dhanu. It aspects the 5th, 7th and 9th houses from itself and spends about a year in each sign. Its Vimshottari Dasha lasts 16 years, and it rules Thursday.

See also Dhanu, Meena, Guru Gochara, Gajakesari Yoga

Guru Chandala Yoga

Also: Guru Chandal Dosh, Jupiter-Rahu conjunction

Guru Chandala Yoga forms when Jupiter is conjunct Rahu, and in some definitions Ketu, in the same sign. It is largely a later, popular formulation rather than a major classical yoga, and definitions vary. It is traditionally read as a disturbance to Jupiter’s wisdom, ethics or guidance, sometimes shown as unorthodox or rebellious views, and sometimes as original thinking. Astrologers weigh the closeness of the conjunction, Jupiter’s dignity and the sign, and a strong Jupiter is said to prevail.

See also Guru, Rahu, Yuti, Dosha

Guru Gochara

Also: Guru Gocara, Jupiter transit, Brihaspati Gochar

Guru Gochara is the transit of Jupiter, which spends about a year in each sign and completes the zodiac in roughly twelve years. Classical texts say Jupiter’s transit is favourable in the 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th signs from the natal Moon, subject to vedha from planets in the 12th, 4th, 3rd, 10th and 8th respectively. Jupiter’s aspects in transit are also used, notably in the double transit rule. Its effect is read within the running dasha.

See also Guru, Gochara Vedha, Double transit, Jupiter return

Guru Pushya Yoga

Also: Guru Puṣya, Guru Pushya Nakshatra, Guru Pushyamrit

Guru Pushya Yoga is the combination of a Thursday with the Moon in Pushya nakshatra, one of the most sought-after muhurtas in North and West India. Pushya is ruled by Saturn and presided over by Brihaspati, so its meeting with Jupiter’s weekday is traditionally read as especially nourishing. It is widely chosen for buying gold, property and vehicles, starting study and opening accounts. Classical tradition nonetheless excludes Pushya for marriage, and muhurta texts still check the tithi and other factors.

See also Pushya, Guruvara, Ravi Pushya Yoga, Amrita Siddhi Yoga

Guruvara

Also: Guruvāra, Guruvar, Brihaspativar, Thursday

Guruvara is Thursday, the weekday ruled by Jupiter. Its first planetary hour at sunrise belongs to Jupiter. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as one of the most favourable weekdays, suited to education, religious ceremony, marriage, finance and seeking counsel from teachers. Thursday with Pushya nakshatra forms Guru Pushya Yoga, widely chosen for purchases and new ventures. On Thursday Rahu Kaal falls in the sixth eighth of daylight, roughly 1.30 to 3 p.m. with a 6 a.m. sunrise.

See also Vara, Guru, Guru Pushya Yoga, Rahu Kaal

Hamsa Yoga

Also: Hans Yog, Haṁsa Yoga, swan yoga

Hamsa Yoga is one of the five Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas, formed when Jupiter occupies a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house) in Sagittarius, Pisces or Cancer. Sagittarius and Pisces are Jupiter’s own signs and Cancer is its exaltation. Hamsa means ‘swan’, a symbol of discernment. Classical texts describe wisdom, righteousness, respect from others and a teaching or spiritual inclination. The result is weighed through Jupiter’s strength, associations and dasha periods.

See also Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga, Guru, Kendra, Ucha

Harsha Bala

Also: Harṣa Bala, delight strength

Harsha Bala is a strength measure used in Tajika annual charts, made up of four components worth 5 units each, for a maximum of 20. They are placement in a favoured house (Sun ninth, Moon third, Mars sixth, Mercury first, Jupiter eleventh, Venus fifth, Saturn twelfth), placement in own or exaltation sign, gender agreement between planet and house, and day or night birth agreement. A higher score is read as a planet able to give its results readily.

See also Panchavargiya Bala, Varsheshwara, Bala

Harsha Yoga

Also: Harsh Yog

Harsha Yoga is one of the three forms of Viparita Raja Yoga, formed when the lord of the 6th house occupies the 6th, 8th or 12th house. Harsha means ‘joy’. Classical texts describe good health, happiness, victory over opponents, a good reputation and freedom from the troubles the 6th house represents, such as disputes and debts. As with any yoga, the lord should be reasonably strong and not bound up with the lords of good houses.

See also Viparita Raja Yoga, Ari Bhava, Dusthana

Harshana

Also: Harṣaṇa, Harshan

Harshana is the fourteenth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 173°20′ and 186°40′, so it straddles the halfway point of the cycle. The name means “delight” or “joy”. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as favourable, especially for celebrations and pleasant undertakings. A person born in Harshana yoga is traditionally described as cheerful and fortunate.

See also Nitya Yoga, Vyaghata, Vajra

Hasta

Also: Hastā, Hast, Atham

Hasta is the thirteenth nakshatra, spanning 10° to 23°20′ Virgo. It is ruled by the Moon and presided over by Savitr, the solar deity of inspiration, and its symbol is an open hand. It is Deva gana with buffalo yoni and is classed as Kshipra (swift). Mercury’s exaltation point at 15° Virgo falls within it. It is traditionally read as a star of skill with the hands, craft, dexterity and practical intelligence.

See also Chandra, Kshipra nakshatras, Kanya

Heliacal rising

Also: Udaya, first visibility, Graha Udaya

Heliacal rising is the first morning a star or planet becomes visible in the east before dawn after being hidden in the Sun’s glare. It marks the end of combustion (asta) for a planet. Indian astronomy has calculated heliacal risings and settings since the Siddhantas, and Samhita texts note the rising of the star Agastya (Canopus). In Muhurta, the heliacal setting and rising of Jupiter and Venus are watched closely, because weddings are traditionally avoided while either is set.

See also Asta, Surya Siddhanta, Muhurta, Samhita

Homa

Also: Havan, Hawan, Homam, Yajna

Homa is a fire ritual in which offerings such as ghee, grains and sacred wood are made into a consecrated fire while mantras are recited. For graha homa, the Yajnavalkya Smriti assigns a wood (samidha) to each planet: arka for the Sun, palasha for the Moon, khadira for Mars, apamarga for Mercury, ashvattha for Jupiter, udumbara for Venus, shami for Saturn, durva for Rahu and kusha for Ketu. Praman Jyotish does not sell or arrange homas, and does not prescribe them out of fear.

See also Graha Shanti, Navagraha Shanti, Japa, Puja

Hora

Also: Hora Shastra, Horā

Hora is the interpretive half of Jyotish: what the computation actually means for one particular life. Classically it is the branch of the three skandhas that reads individual birth charts. In our practice this half is never automated; every interpretive line is written by hand by a named analyst.

See also Skandha, Phalita, Hora (planetary hour)

Hora (planetary hour)

Also: Horā, planetary hour, Hora chakra

A hora is a planetary hour, one twenty-fourth of the day, each ruled in turn by one of the seven visible planets. The sequence runs from the slowest planet to the fastest: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon, then repeats. The first hora at sunrise belongs to the weekday’s lord, which is how the order of weekdays arises. Traditions differ on whether horas are equal 60-minute hours or twelfths of the actual daylight and night. Horas are used to time short tasks.

See also Vara, Choghadiya, Muhurta, Sunrise and sunset

Hora chart (D2)

Also: Horā, D2, Hora varga

The hora chart (D2) divides each sign into two halves of 15°. In the Parashari method the first half of an odd sign belongs to the Sun (shown as Leo) and the second to the Moon (Cancer), and the reverse for even signs, so every planet lands in either Leo or Cancer. It is traditionally read for wealth and resources. Other hora schemes exist that use all twelve signs, and practitioners differ on which to follow.

See also Varga, Dhana Bhava, Shadvarga, Hora

Hora Lagna

Also: Horā Lagna, HL, wealth ascendant

Hora Lagna is a special ascendant that starts from the Sun’s position at sunrise and advances one sign for every hora (about one hour, or two and a half ghatis) of elapsed time. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra describes it among the special lagnas, and Jaimini practice reads it for wealth, resources and financial prosperity. Planets aspecting both the lagna and the Hora Lagna are traditionally read as supporting material well-being. Accurate birth time matters because it moves fast.

See also Ghati Lagna, Bhava Lagna, Varnada Lagna, Lagna

Hora Ratnam

Also: Horā Ratnam, Hora Ratna

Hora Ratnam is a 17th-century compendium of natal astrology by Balabhadra, a court astrologer in Mughal India. It gathers and quotes material from a very wide range of earlier texts, some of which survive only through its citations, and covers planetary natures, houses, yogas, dashas and longevity. Its value lies partly in preserving these sources. It has been translated into English by R. Santhanam.

See also Jataka, Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Saravali

Hora Sara

Also: Horāsāra, Horasara

Hora Sara is a classical text on natal astrology attributed to Prithuyasas, the son of Varahamihira, and so traditionally dated to the 6th century CE. Its name means the essence of hora (natal astrology). It follows and in places elaborates on Brihat Jataka, covering planetary strengths, yogas, the effects of planets in houses and signs, and longevity. It is less widely studied than its father’s work but is valued as an early companion to it.

See also Prithuyasas, Varahamihira, Brihat Jataka

Horary

Also: horary astrology, Prashna, question chart

Horary astrology answers a particular question from a chart cast for the moment the question is asked. The name comes from the Latin hora, hour. In India it corresponds to Prashna; in Western tradition it was developed in medieval and later works such as William Lilly’s Christian Astrology (1647). Horary charts are usually read for concrete, answerable questions, and practitioners stress that the question should be sincere and clearly framed.

See also Prashna, KP horary number, Prashna Lagna

Horoscope

Also: horoscope chart, birth horoscope, Kundli

A horoscope is a chart of the heavens for a given moment and place, used for astrological interpretation. The word comes from the Greek hōroskopos, the marker of the hour, originally meaning the rising degree. In Jyotish it usually means a person’s full birth chart and its derived tables. It is distinct from the short sun-sign forecasts printed in newspapers, which use only one factor and ignore the birth time, ascendant and dashas that a proper reading depends on.

See also Natal chart, Kundali, Lagna

Indra

Also: Aindra, Indra yoga

Indra, also called Aindra, is the twenty-sixth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 333°20′ and 346°40′. It is named after Indra, king of the gods. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as favourable, particularly for matters of authority, leadership and administration. A person born in Indra yoga is traditionally described as influential and well placed.

See also Nitya Yoga, Brahma, Vaidhriti

Indrachapa

Also: Indracāpa, Chapa, rainbow

Indrachapa is the fourth of the five sun-derived upagrahas, calculated by subtracting Parivesha's longitude from 360°. The name means 'Indra's bow', the rainbow. Classical texts treat it as malefic for the house it occupies. It is a calculated point without a physical body, and modern Parashari astrologers rarely use it outside detailed traditional work.

See also Parivesha, Upaketu, Upagraha

Indu Lagna

Also: Indu Lagna, Dhana Lagna, Moon ascendant for wealth

Indu Lagna is a special ascendant used to assess wealth. Each planet has a set value (kala): Sun 30, Moon 16, Mars 6, Mercury 8, Jupiter 10, Venus 12, Saturn 1. The kalas of the ninth lords from the lagna and from the Moon are added, divided by twelve, and the remainder is counted from the Moon’s sign. Classical texts read benefics in or aspecting that sign, and the dashas of planets there, as supportive of financial growth; the nodes are not given kalas.

See also Sree Lagna, Hora Lagna, Dhana Yoga, Chandra

Ishta Phala

Also: Ishta Bala, auspicious potential

Ishta Phala is a measure of a planet’s capacity to give favourable results, derived from its Uchcha Bala and Cheshta Bala. Parashara’s formula takes the square root of the product of the two, giving a value from 0 to 60. Read alongside its counterpart, Kashta Phala, it shows whether a planet’s results, particularly in its dasha, are traditionally expected to lean towards the helpful or the difficult, independently of how strong the planet is overall.

See also Kashta Phala, Uchcha Bala, Cheshta Bala, Shadbala

Ithasala Yoga

Also: Itthaśāla, Ithasala, Itthasala, applying aspect

Ithasala Yoga is the Tajika configuration in which a faster planet is applying to an exact aspect with a slower planet, within their combined orbs. It is the most important of the sixteen Tajika yogas and is traditionally read as showing that the matter connected with the two planets will come about. For example, in a horary chart, an Ithasala between the ascendant lord and the seventh lord is read as favouring agreement in a partnership question.

See also Easarapha Yoga, Deeptamsha, Tajika aspect, Kamboola Yoga

Jagradadi Avastha

Also: Jagradadi Avasthas, waking states

Jagradadi Avastha describes three levels of a planet’s alertness: Jagrat (awake) in its own or exaltation sign, Swapna (dreaming) in a friend’s or neutral sign, and Sushupti (deep sleep) in an enemy’s or debilitation sign. Classical texts say an awake planet gives full results, a dreaming one moderate results and a sleeping one little. It is the simplest avastha scheme and a quick read of a planet’s dignity.

See also Avastha, Swakshetra, Ucha, Neecha

Jaimini

Also: Jaimini Rishi, Maharishi Jaimini

Jaimini is the sage to whom the Jaimini Sutras (Upadesha Sutras), the root text of the Jaimini school of astrology, are attributed. Tradition names him a disciple of Vyasa, and a Jaimini is also credited with the Purva Mimamsa Sutras, though whether these are the same person is debated. The Jaimini system uses chara karakas, sign-based aspects (rashi drishti), arudha padas and sign-based dashas such as Chara Dasha. It is studied alongside, not instead of, the Parashari approach.

See also Jaimini Sutras, Chara Karaka, Chara Dasha, Parashara

Jaimini Sutras

Also: Jaimini Upadesha Sutras, Upadeśa Sūtra, Jaimini Sutram

The Jaimini Sutras are a terse classical Jyotish text, attributed to the sage Jaimini, that sets out a system of chart reading distinct from the Parashari mainstream. Written in four chapters of highly compressed aphorisms, it relies on coded wording, including the katapayadi number cipher, so commentaries disagree on many readings. Its signature tools are the Chara Karakas, Arudha Padas, sign aspects (Rashi Drishti), Argala and sign-based dashas such as Chara Dasha. Much of what is taught today as Jaimini astrology comes from later commentators and modern teachers rather than the sutras alone.

See also Jaimini, Chara Karaka, Arudha Pada, Chara Dasha

Jala Tattva

Also: Jala Tattwa, water element, water signs

Jala Tattva is the water element, and the water signs are Karka, Vrishchika and Meena. Classical texts associate water with feeling, receptivity, memory and nurture, and among the grahas the Moon and Venus are watery. The water signs are the 4th, 8th and 12th of the natural zodiac, matching the Moksha Trikona of houses. The end of each water sign, where it meets a fire sign, is a gandanta junction. Astrologers use the balance of elements as one description of temperament.

See also Karka, Vrishchika, Meena, Moksha Trikona

Janma Nakshatra

Also: Janma Nakṣatra, birth star, Janam Nakshatra, Moon nakshatra

The Janma Nakshatra is the lunar mansion the Moon occupied at birth, often called the birth star. Each nakshatra spans 13°20′ and is divided into four padas of 3°20′. The birth star determines where Vimshottari Dasha begins (its lord runs the first period), gives the traditional first syllable for a name, and underlies Tara Bala and the Ashtakoota compatibility factors. For example, a Moon in Rohini starts life in a Moon Mahadasha, since the Moon rules Rohini.

See also Nakshatra, Vimshottari Dasha, Pada, Tara Bala

Janma Patrika

Also: Janam Patri, Janampatri, Janma Patri, Tipana, horoscope document

A Janma Patrika is the written horoscope document prepared for a child after birth. Traditionally handwritten by a family astrologer, often as a long scroll, it records the birth date, time and place, the Panchanga details of that moment (tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga, karana), the chart, planetary longitudes and the dasha balance at birth. Families keep it for life and consult it for naming, marriage matching and important decisions. Printed and software versions follow the same structure.

See also Kundali, Panchanga, Dasha Shesha, Horoscope

Janma Rashi

Also: Janma Rāśi, Moon sign, Chandra Rashi, birth sign

The Janma Rashi is the sidereal sign the Moon occupied at birth, commonly called the Moon sign. In India, when people ask your rashi, they usually mean this rather than the Sun sign. It is the reference for transit readings, Sade Sati, daily and yearly rashiphal forecasts, and Ashtakoota marriage matching. Because the Moon moves about 13 degrees a day, it changes sign roughly every two and a quarter days, so the birth date alone may not settle it.

See also Chandra Lagna, Janma Nakshatra, Sade Sati, Gochara

Japa

Also: Jap, Japam, mantra repetition

Japa is the repeated recitation of a mantra, usually counted on a mala of 108 beads. It can be spoken aloud, whispered (upamshu) or repeated silently in the mind (manasika), and classical texts rank silent japa highest. Graha japa is often spread over days to complete a fixed count, and a customary rule follows it with a homa of one tenth of that count. Tradition values steady attention over speed. Praman Jyotish explains japa neutrally and does not prescribe it out of fear.

See also Mantra, Beej Mantra, Homa

Jataka

Also: Jātaka, natal astrology, genethliacal astrology, Hora Shastra

Jataka is natal astrology, the study of an individual’s chart cast for the moment of birth. The word means one who is born. It forms the core of the Hora branch of Jyotish and covers temperament, family, education, career, marriage, health and the timing of events through dashas and transits. Its main classical authorities are the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Varahamihira’s Brihat Jataka, Saravali and Phaladeepika. A Jataka reading is only as reliable as the birth data behind it.

See also Natal chart, Brihat Jataka, Kundali, Birth time

Jataka Parijata

Also: Jātaka Pārijāta, Jatakaparijata

Jataka Parijata is a classical natal astrology text by Vaidyanatha Dikshita, usually dated to around the 15th century CE, in eighteen chapters. It compiles and organises material from earlier works such as Brihat Jataka and Saravali, with extensive treatment of yogas, house effects, longevity and dashas. Its name refers to the parijata, the wish-fulfilling tree of heaven. It is widely studied in India, including through V. Subramanya Sastri’s English translation.

See also Vaidyanatha Dikshita, Saravali, Brihat Jataka

Jaya tithi

Also: Jayā, Jaya tithis

Jaya tithis are the third, eighth and thirteenth tithis of each fortnight (Tritiya, Ashtami and Trayodashi). The name means “victory”, and muhurta texts traditionally consider them suited to competitive or decisive undertakings, overcoming opposition and legal or military matters. Individual Jaya tithis carry their own associations as well: Ashtami, for example, is often avoided for marriage even though it belongs to this generally supportive group.

See also Tithi, Tritiya, Ashtami, Trayodashi

Julian Day

Also: Julian Day Number, JD, Julian date

The Julian Day is a continuous count of days used by astronomers, starting from noon at Greenwich on 1 January 4713 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar. Because it runs without months, years or calendar reforms, it makes date arithmetic simple, and ephemeris software such as the Swiss Ephemeris converts every birth time into a Julian Day before computing positions. Indian astronomy has its own equivalent, the ahargana, a count of days from a chosen epoch such as the start of the Kali Yuga.

See also Swiss Ephemeris, Ephemeris, Kali Yuga, Sidereal time

Jupiter progression

Also: Guru progression, Jupiter transit in Nadi

Jupiter progression is a Nadi timing technique in which Jupiter, as karaka of the native in many Nadi readings, is moved through the chart to activate the planets it meets. Nadi practitioners use either its actual transit, which takes about twelve years to cross the zodiac, or a symbolic progression of one sign per year from its natal position. When it meets or forms a trine with a natal planet, the matters of that planet are read as coming to the fore.

See also Bhrigu-Nadi method, Guru Gochara, Trinal connection, Jupiter return

Jupiter return

Also: Guru return, Jupiter’s return

A Jupiter return is the time when transiting Jupiter comes back to its natal sign and degree, about every 11.9 years, so around ages 12, 24, 36, 48 and so on. The term is borrowed from Western astrology, where it is linked with growth and new beginnings. In Jyotish, Jupiter transiting its natal sign is read through its house position, ownership and the running dasha, and the twelve-year Jupiter cycle underlies the traditional Brihaspati samvatsara year count.

See also Guru, Guru Gochara, Saturn return, Samvatsara

Jyeshtha

Also: Jyeṣṭhā, Jyestha, Kettai, Antares

Jyeshtha is the eighteenth nakshatra, spanning 16°40′ to 30° Scorpio, and contains the red star Antares. It is ruled by Mercury and presided over by Indra, king of the gods, and its symbol is a circular amulet or an umbrella. It is Rakshasa gana with deer yoni and is classed as Tikshna (sharp). The name means eldest. Its last pada forms one side of the Scorpio to Sagittarius gandanta, and it is one of the six Gandamoola nakshatras.

See also Budha, Gandanta, Gandamoola, Vrishchika

Jyotish

Also: Jyotiṣa, Jyotisha, Vedic astrology, Indian astrology, Hindu astrology

Jyotish is the traditional Indian science of the lights, covering astronomy, calendar-making and astrology. The word comes from jyoti, light, and it is counted as one of the six Vedangas, the auxiliary disciplines of the Vedas. In practice it reads a chart cast for a moment and place, using the sidereal zodiac, the nine grahas, twelve houses, twenty-seven nakshatras and planetary periods called dashas. Its classical backbone for natal work is the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, alongside texts such as Brihat Jataka and Saravali.

See also Vedanga, Skandha, Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Navagraha

K. S. Krishnamurti

Also: Kunnathur Subramaniam Krishnamurti, KSK, Krishnamurti

K. S. Krishnamurti (1908 to 1972) was the Indian astrologer who founded Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP), a stellar system that refines house and planet judgement through the star lord and sub lord of each cusp and planet. He published his method in the KP Readers, six volumes, and the journal Astrology and Athrishta. He also defined an ayanamsha named after him, used in KP work. His system is especially popular for precise timing and horary questions.

See also Krishnamurti Paddhati, Sub lord, Krishnamurti Ayanamsha, Placidus house system

Kahala Yoga

Also: Kahal Yog

Kahala Yoga forms, in Parashara’s definition, when the lords of the 4th and 9th houses are in mutual kendras and the Ascendant lord is strong. An alternative rule forms it when the 4th lord is in its own or exaltation sign and joined or aspected by the 10th lord. Classical texts describe a bold, energetic and somewhat headstrong person who leads a group or small force. Its strength depends on the dignity of the lords involved.

See also Parvata Yoga, Sukha Bhava, Dharma Bhava, Lagnesh

Kakshya

Also: Kaksha, orbital subdivision

Kakshya is a subdivision of each sign into eight parts of 3°45′, used to refine ashtakavarga transit results. The eight kakshyas are ruled in order by Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, the Moon and the Ascendant, following the traditional descending order of planetary orbits. When a planet transits a kakshya whose lord contributed a bindu to that sign in the transiting planet’s own table, the transit is traditionally read as favourable during those degrees.

See also Ashtakavarga, Bhinnashtakavarga, Prastara Ashtakavarga, Gochara

Kala Bala

Also: Kaal Bala, temporal strength

Kala Bala is temporal strength, the part of Shadbala that depends on the time of birth. It includes Nathonnata Bala (day or night), Paksha Bala (lunar phase), Tribhaga Bala (which third of the day or night), Varsha-Masa-Dina-Hora Bala (lords of the year, month, weekday and hour), Ayana Bala (declination) and Yuddha Bala (planetary war). Different planets gain at different times: benefics favour the waxing Moon and malefics the waning Moon, for example.

See also Shadbala, Nathonnata Bala, Paksha Bala, Ayana Bala

Kala Sarpa Yoga

Also: Kaal Sarp Dosh, Kalsarp Yog, Kaal Sarpa Dosha

Kala Sarpa Yoga is the condition in which all seven visible planets lie on one side of the axis between Rahu and Ketu. The name joins kala (time) and sarpa (serpent). It does not appear in Parashara, Varahamihira or the other major classical texts; it is a later, largely modern formulation, and astrologers disagree about its validity, whether partial forms count and whether direction matters. Popular sources name twelve types by Rahu’s house. Praman Jyotish reads it, if at all, as a pattern of emphasis, not a curse, and does not sell remedies for it.

See also Rahu, Ketu, Lunar nodes, Dosha

Kalachakra Dasha

Also: Kālacakra Daśā, Kalachakra, wheel of time dasha

Kalachakra dasha is a sign-based dasha system derived from the pada (quarter) of the Moon’s birth nakshatra. Each pada maps to a sequence of nine signs, and the periods run in savya (direct) or apasavya (reverse) order depending on the nakshatra group. The sign lords’ years set each period’s length, and irregular jumps between signs, called gatis (such as manduka, the frog’s leap), are read as turning points. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra praises it highly, but its complexity means few practitioners use it routinely.

See also Pada, Conditional dasha, Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra

Kali Yuga

Also: Kaliyug, Kali Yug, Iron Age, Kali era

Kali Yuga is the fourth and last of the four yugas, traditionally lasting 432,000 years. By the reckoning of Aryabhata and the Siddhantas it began on 18 February 3102 BCE (Julian calendar), counted from midnight or sunrise at Ujjain depending on the text, when the mean planets were held to be aligned near the start of Aries. That date is the epoch for the Kali ahargana, the day count used in classical calculations. Puranic texts describe it as an age of declining dharma; the Kali year in 2026 is about 5127.

See also Yuga, Aryabhata, Julian Day, Surya Siddhanta

Kalidasa (astrologer)

Also: Kālidāsa, Kalidas

Kalidasa the astrologer is the name attached to Uttara Kalamrita and, by tradition, to Jyotirvidabharana, a text on muhurta. He is distinct from Kalidasa the classical Sanskrit poet, though Jyotirvidabharana itself claims that identity, a claim historians reject. Uttara Kalamrita is usually dated to around the 16th or 17th century, which suggests a later author. Little is known of his life, and scholars treat the attributions with caution.

See also Uttara Kalamrita, Muhurta

Kalyana Varma

Also: Kalyāṇavarmā, Kalyanavarma

Kalyana Varma was the author of Saravali, a major classical text on natal astrology. He is described as a ruler of a principality called Vyaghrataṭi, and is generally dated to around the 10th century CE, though some place him earlier. He states that he compiled his work from the teachings of earlier authorities, above all Varahamihira. His detailed delineations of planetary combinations influenced many later texts, including Phaladeepika.

See also Saravali, Varahamihira, Mantreswara

Kama

Also: Kāma, Kaam, desire

Kama is desire, enjoyment and emotional fulfilment, the third of the four purusharthas. It includes love and intimacy but also art, beauty, friendship and the pleasures of ordinary life. In a chart it is read through the kama trikona: the 3rd house of initiative and wishes, the 7th of partnership and the 11th of gains and fulfilled desires. Venus is its natural significator. Classical thought regards kama as healthy when it is guided by dharma.

See also Kama Trikona, Yuvati Bhava, Labha Bhava, Purushartha

Kama Trikona

Also: Kāma Trikoṇa, houses of desire

The Kama Trikona is the group of the 3rd, 7th and 11th houses, which relate to kama, desire and relationship. It is one of four trines matching the four aims of life (purusharthas). The 3rd shows effort and personal wishes, the 7th partnership and marriage, and the 11th gains and the fulfilment of desires. These are also the air-sign positions of the natural zodiac. Emphasis here is traditionally read as a life shaped by connection and aspiration.

See also Kama, Artha Trikona, Moksha Trikona, Purushartha

Kamboola Yoga

Also: Kambūla, Kambool, Kamboola

Kamboola Yoga is the Tajika configuration in which the Moon forms an Ithasala with planets that are already in Ithasala with each other, adding its support to the combination. Classical texts grade it by the dignity of the Moon and the other planets, from very strong to weak, and read a well-placed Kamboola as strengthening the promise of the matter. It is described in Tajika Neelakanthi among the sixteen yogas.

See also Ithasala Yoga, Chandra, Tajika Neelakanthi

Kantaka Shani

Also: Kaṇṭaka Śani, Kantaka Sani

Kantaka Shani (thorn Saturn) is Saturn’s transit through a kendra from the natal Moon, usually the 4th, 7th and 10th signs, with some traditions also counting the 1st, which overlaps Sade Sati. The term is common in South Indian practice. Each placement is traditionally linked to its house themes: the 4th to home and peace of mind, the 7th to partnerships, the 10th to work. As with any transit, results depend on the natal chart and running dasha.

See also Shani, Sade Sati, Kendra, Transit from the Moon

Kanya

Also: Kanyā, Virgo, the Maiden

Kanya is the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo, spanning 150° to 180°. It is ruled by Mercury and is a dual, earthy, even (feminine) sign, symbolised by a maiden in a boat. Mercury is both exalted (deepest at 15°) and in its own sign here, with its moolatrikona just after the exaltation degree, while Venus is debilitated (deepest at 27°). It contains the last three padas of Uttara Phalguni, Hasta and the first two padas of Chitra. Classical texts describe it as analytical, careful and service-minded.

See also Budha, Prithvi Tattva, Dwiswabhava Rashi

Karaka

Also: Kāraka, Karak, significator

A karaka is a graha that signifies particular people or matters in life. Jyotish uses several kinds: natural significators fixed for every chart (the Sun for the father, Venus for the spouse), house significators assigned to each bhava, and in the Jaimini system chara karakas ranked by degree within each chart. An astrologer reads a matter by combining its house, the lord of that house and its karaka, so the same topic is checked from more than one angle.

See also Naisargika Karaka, Bhava Karaka, Chara Karaka

Karakamsha

Also: Kārakāṁśa, Karakansh, Atmakaraka navamsha

Karakamsha is the navamsha sign occupied by the Atmakaraka, used in Jaimini astrology as a key reference point for the person’s nature and spiritual direction. Classical Jaimini sutras describe results by the planets placed in, or aspecting, the Karakamsha and the houses counted from it, for example the twelfth from it for spiritual inclinations. Traditions differ on whether to read these placements in the navamsha chart itself or by marking that sign in the birth chart; both approaches are in use.

See also Atmakaraka, Swamsha, Navamsha (D9)

Karako Bhava Nashaya

Also: Karaka Bhava Nasha, Kārako Bhāva Nāśāya

Karako Bhava Nashaya is the traditional maxim that a karaka placed in the house it signifies may weaken that house's matters. Common examples are Jupiter, significator of children, in the 5th house, and Venus, significator of marriage, in the 7th. Saturn in the 8th is usually cited as an exception. Practitioners differ on how strictly to apply it: many treat it as a caution to be weighed against the planet's dignity, aspects and lordship rather than a fixed rule.

See also Bhava Karaka, Karaka, Bhavat Bhavam

Karana

Also: Karaṇa, half tithi, Karan

A karana is half of a tithi, the time the Moon takes to gain 6° on the Sun. There are 60 karanas in a lunar month, drawn from eleven names. Seven movable karanas (Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, Vishti) repeat eight times, filling 56 slots. Four fixed karanas (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) occur once each, around the new Moon. Muhurta texts use the karana to fine-tune timing, and Vishti (Bhadra) is the karana most commonly avoided for auspicious beginnings.

See also Tithi, Panchanga, Vishti, Muhurta

Karka

Also: Karkataka, Kark, Cancer, the Crab

Karka is the fourth sign of the zodiac, Cancer, spanning 90° to 120°. It is ruled by the Moon and is a movable, watery, even (feminine) sign, symbolised by the crab. Jupiter is exalted here (deepest at 5°) and Mars debilitated (deepest at 28°). It contains the last pada of Punarvasu, Pushya and Ashlesha, and its final degrees meet Simha at a gandanta junction. Classical texts describe it as nurturing, protective and emotionally deep. It is a back-rising sign.

See also Chandra, Jala Tattva, Chara Rashi, Gandanta

Karma

Also: Karm, Karman, action and consequence

Karma is action and its consequence: the principle that every deliberate act leaves an impression that later ripens into experience. Vedantic tradition divides it into Sanchita (the accumulated store), Prarabdha (the portion ripening in this life) and Kriyamana or Agami (the karma being made now). Jyotish is traditionally understood as a way of reading how karma is ripening and when, not as a sentence that fixes it. The word also names the tenth house, Karma Bhava, in its sense of work and deeds.

See also Prarabdha Karma, Sanchita Karma, Kriyamana Karma, Karma Bhava

Karma Bhava

Also: Karma Bhāva, tenth house, Rajya Bhava, Karma Sthana

Karma Bhava is the tenth house, the house of action and career. Classical texts read from it profession, status, authority, reputation, public achievement and the work one does in the world. It is the strongest kendra, an upachaya house and part of the Artha Trikona. Parashara lists the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn as its karakas, and the Sun and Mars gain directional strength (Dig Bala) here. Career questions are refined with the Dashamsha (D10) chart.

See also Kendra, Artha Trikona, Upachaya, Dashamsha (D10)

Karmic Backtest

The Karmic Backtest tests your chart against events that have already happened in your life, scoring each match, before any prediction about your future is written. You supply dated events such as a marriage, a move or a change of job, and we check whether the chart's periods saw them. If the chart cannot explain your past, we do not use it to read your future.

See also Rectification, Praman Score, Dasha

Kashta Phala

Also: Kashta Bala, inauspicious potential

Kashta Phala is a measure of a planet’s capacity to give difficult results, the counterpart of Ishta Phala. It is calculated as the square root of the product of 60 minus Uchcha Bala and 60 minus Cheshta Bala, giving a value from 0 to 60. A planet near debility and moving fast scores high. Astrologers compare it with Ishta Phala to judge the tone of a planet’s dasha, reading it as a tendency rather than a fixed outcome.

See also Ishta Phala, Uchcha Bala, Cheshta Bala, Shadbala

Kaulava

Also: Kaulava karana, Kaulav

Kaulava is the third of the seven movable karanas, the half-tithis that repeat through the lunar month. It first occurs in the second half of Shukla Dwitiya and recurs eight times a month, following Balava. In one common list its presiding deity is Mitra, the deity of friendship and agreements. Muhurta texts traditionally regard Kaulava as favourable, especially for forming friendships, partnerships and alliances.

See also Karana, Balava, Taitila

Kedara Yoga

Also: Kedar Yog

Kedara Yoga is the Sankhya Nabhasa yoga formed when the seven planets occupy exactly four signs. Kedara means ‘field’ or ‘irrigated land’. Classical texts connect it with agriculture and land, usefulness to others, truthfulness and wealth earned through steady work. Like other Sankhya yogas it is applied only when no other Nabhasa yoga forms.

See also Sankhya Yoga, Nabhasa Yoga, Veena Yoga

Kemadruma Yoga

Also: Kemdrum Yog, Kemadruma Dosha

Kemadruma Yoga forms when there are no planets, apart from the Sun, Rahu and Ketu, in the 2nd and 12th houses from the Moon. Classical texts read it as a lack of support, with periods of loneliness, struggle or financial strain. The same texts give many cancellations, including a planet in a kendra from the Ascendant or the Moon, Jupiter aspecting the Moon, or a strong Moon. Because cancellations are common, a full Kemadruma is rare and is never read as a fixed fate.

See also Sunapha Yoga, Anapha Yoga, Yoga Bhanga, Chandra

Kendra

Also: angular houses, quadrants, Kantaka, Vishnu Sthana

The kendras are the four angular houses: the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th. Classical texts call them pillars of the chart (Vishnu sthanas), and planets placed in them are considered strong and prominent, with the 10th strongest. Several yogas depend on them, such as the Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas and Gajakesari Yoga. Parashara adds that natural benefics owning kendras can lose their beneficence (Kendradhipati Dosha), while a kendra lord linked to a trikona lord forms Raja Yoga.

See also Trikona, Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga, Kendradhipati Dosha, Raja Yoga

Kendradhipati Dosha

Also: Kendradhipatya Dosha, kendra lordship flaw

Kendradhipati Dosha is the principle that natural benefics lose their benefic quality when they rule a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house) without also ruling a trikona. Parashara states that benefic kendra lords give up their benefic nature, while malefic kendra lords give up their malefic nature. The effect is traditionally strongest for Jupiter and Venus, and for Mercury, especially for dual-sign Ascendants: for Gemini, Jupiter rules the 7th and 10th. The 1st house, also a trikona, is exempt.

See also Kendra, Functional malefic, Functional benefic, Benefic

Kendradi Bala

Also: angular strength

Kendradi Bala is the part of Sthana Bala that rewards placement in angular houses. A planet in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house) receives 60 virupas, in a panaphara (the 2nd, 5th, 8th or 11th) 30 virupas, and in an apoklima (the 3rd, 6th, 9th or 12th) 15 virupas. It reflects the classical view that planets in the angles act most visibly in the world.

See also Kendra, Panaphara, Apoklima, Sthana Bala

Kerala Prashna

Also: Kerala Praśna, Prasnam, Kerala horary

Kerala Prashna is the horary tradition of Kerala, known for combining the Prashna chart with the querent’s chosen Arudha, omens (nimitta), breath and special points such as Trisphuta. Its principal text is Prashna Marga, composed in Kerala in the seventeenth century. It is used for personal, family and temple questions, with Ashtamangala and Deva Prashna as its more elaborate forms.

See also Prashna Marga, Ashtamangala Prashna, Prashna Arudha, Trisphuta

Ketu

Also: south node, Dragon’s Tail

Ketu is the south lunar node, always exactly opposite Rahu, and treated in Jyotish as a shadow graha. Classical texts associate it with detachment, spirituality, past-life tendencies, sudden separations and moksha. In myth it is the headless body of Svarbhanu. It moves backward through the zodiac with Rahu, and its Vimshottari Dasha lasts 7 years; it also begins the dasha sequence, ruling Ashwini, Magha and Mula. Texts differ on its exaltation sign, with Vrishchika and Dhanu both cited.

See also Rahu, Chhaya Graha, Lunar nodes

Khala Parivartana Yoga

Also: Khala Yoga, Khala Parivartan Yog

Khala Parivartana Yoga is an exchange of signs between the lord of the 3rd house and the lord of any house other than the 6th, 8th or 12th. There are 8 such exchanges. Khala can mean ‘unsteady’ or ‘mischievous’, and Phaladeepika describes fluctuating fortune, sometimes good and sometimes difficult, with an impetuous temperament. Because the 3rd house governs effort and initiative, many modern readers interpret it as gains that come through repeated effort.

See also Parivartana Yoga, Maha Parivartana Yoga, Sahaja Bhava

Kharmas

Also: Kharmās, Kharamasa, Malmas, Dhanu Masa

Kharmas is the month-long period when the Sun transits Dhanu (Sagittarius) or Meena (Pisces), the two signs of Jupiter, roughly mid-December to mid-January and mid-March to mid-April. North Indian tradition avoids marriage, house-warming and similar ceremonies then, while encouraging devotion and charity. It ends with the Sun’s ingress into the next sign, as at Makar Sankranti. The name Malmas is sometimes also used for Adhika Masa, a different concept.

See also Dhanu, Meena, Makar Sankranti, Adhika Masa

Khavedamsha (D40)

Also: Khavedāṁśa, Chatvarimshamsha, D40

The khavedamsha (D40) divides each sign into forty parts of 45′. Odd signs count from Aries and even signs from Libra. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra assigns it to auspicious and inauspicious effects, and many modern practitioners associate it with the maternal lineage. Because each part is under a degree, the chart changes every few minutes of birth time and is only meaningful with an accurate or rectified time.

See also Varga, Shodashavarga, Rectification

Kimstughna

Also: Kiṃstughna, Kinstughna, Kintughna

Kimstughna is the fourth of the four fixed karanas and the first karana of the lunar month. It falls in the first half of Shukla Pratipada, immediately after the new Moon, and is followed by Bava. In one common list its presiding deity is Vayu, the wind. Unlike the other fixed karanas, muhurta texts often treat Kimstughna as favourable, suited to auspicious and religious work, which fits its place at the start of the waxing half.

See also Karana, Pratipada, Bava, Naga

KP horary number

Also: KP number, horary number 1 to 249, prashna number

The KP horary number is a number from 1 to 249 given by the person asking a question, used to cast a KP horary chart. Each number corresponds to one of the 249 sub divisions of the zodiac, and the starting degree of that sub is taken as the ascendant, with the other cusps calculated for the time and place of judgement. The method removes dependence on the exact moment of asking and was popularised by K. S. Krishnamurti.

See also 249 sub divisions, Horary, Ruling Planets, Prashna

KP promise

Also: promise, promise of the chart

In KP, the promise is whether a chart shows a matter as possible at all, judged before any timing is attempted. It is read from the cuspal sub-lord of the main house for the question: if that sub lord, through its star lord, signifies the houses favourable to the matter, the event is considered promised; if it signifies the opposing houses, it is considered denied or delayed. For example, the eleventh cusp sub lord is examined for fulfilment of desires.

See also Cuspal sub-lord, Significator, Krishnamurti Paddhati

Krishna Paksha

Also: Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa, Vadi, Badi, dark fortnight, waning Moon

Krishna Paksha is the dark or waning fortnight of the lunar month, from full moon to new moon. Its fifteen tithis run from Pratipada to Amavasya, and in north India it is often called vadi or badi. Many observances fall in it, such as Pitru Paksha, Janmashtami and the monthly Shivaratri. Classical texts treat a weak, waning Moon as less benefic, and Paksha Bala in Shadbala gives benefics less strength and malefics more during this fortnight.

See also Shukla Paksha, Paksha, Amavasya, Paksha Bala

Krishnamurti Ayanamsha

Also: KP ayanamsha, KP ayanamsa, Krishnamurti

Krishnamurti Ayanamsha is the ayanamsha used in Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP), the system developed by K. S. Krishnamurti. It differs from Lahiri by only about six minutes of arc, but KP divides the zodiac into 249 fine sub-divisions, so even that small gap can change a sub lord. KP practitioners therefore treat the choice as important. A revised New KP ayanamsha has also been proposed by some later KP teachers, and practice varies.

See also Krishnamurti Paddhati, K. S. Krishnamurti, Lahiri Ayanamsha, Sub lord

Krishnamurti Paddhati

Also: KP, KP astrology, KP system, Krishnamurti Padhdhati

Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP) is a twentieth-century system of Indian astrology developed by K. S. Krishnamurti that emphasises nakshatras and their subdivisions for precise timing. It uses the Placidus house system, the Krishnamurti Ayanamsha and a division of each nakshatra into nine unequal subs proportional to Vimshottari dasha years. Judgement rests mainly on the sub lord of each house cusp and on house significators, with Ruling Planets used to confirm timing. It is widely used for horary questions as well as birth charts.

See also K. S. Krishnamurti, Sub lord, Placidus house system, Krishnamurti Ayanamsha

Krittika

Also: Kṛttikā, Kritika, Karthigai, Pleiades

Krittika is the third nakshatra, spanning 26°40′ Aries to 10° Taurus, and corresponds to the Pleiades star cluster. It is ruled by the Sun and presided over by Agni, the fire god, and its symbol is a razor or flame. It is Rakshasa gana with sheep yoni and is classed as Mishra (mixed) in muhurta texts. Its first pada lies in Aries and the other three in Taurus, and the Moon’s exaltation point at 3° Taurus falls within it. Classical texts associate it with cutting, purifying and sharp discernment.

See also Surya, Mishra nakshatras, Ucha, Vrishabha

Kriyamana Karma

Also: Kriyamāṇa, Kriyaman Karma, current karma

Kriyamana Karma is the karma being created now through present choices and actions. In the classic image it is the arrow being aimed, still in one’s hands. Some of its results arrive within this life, and the rest joins the accumulated store. Many texts use Kriyamana and Agami interchangeably, while others use Kriyamana for present action and Agami for its future fruit. It is the domain of free will, and the part of karma that guidance from a chart is meant to inform.

See also Agami Karma, Karma, Sanchita Karma, Purushartha

Krura Graha

Also: Krūra Graha, cruel planet, harsh planet

Krura Graha means a 'harsh' or 'cruel' graha, a classical name for the natural malefics, especially the Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. It is often used interchangeably with Papa Graha, though some authors reserve 'krura' for the fiery Sun and Mars. The same adjective describes the odd signs, which are called krura in contrast to the gentle even signs. It indicates the nature of a planet's influence, not whether the outcome will be bad.

See also Malefic, Saumya Graha, Odd and even signs

Kshaya Masa

Also: Kṣaya Māsa, Kshay Maas, lost month, decayed month

Kshaya Masa is a lunar month that is dropped from the calendar because two sankrantis (solar ingresses) fall within it. This can only happen in the winter months, when the Earth is nearest the Sun and solar months are shortest, so it is rare, occurring at intervals of decades to over a century. In a year with a Kshaya Masa, two Adhika Masas also occur, one before and one after, so the year keeps its usual length. The rules for naming the months in such a year vary between calendar authorities.

See also Adhika Masa, Sankranti, Saura Masa, Chandra Masa

Kshipra nakshatras

Also: Laghu nakshatras, swift nakshatras, light nakshatras

Kshipra (swift) nakshatras are the nakshatras that muhurta texts classify as quick and light: Ashwini, Pushya and Hasta, with Abhijit added in many texts. Also called Laghu, they are traditionally chosen for tasks meant to be completed quickly and cleanly, such as trade, starting medicine, beginning study, travel and making ornaments. The Muhurta Chintamani pairs this group with Thursday.

See also Muhurta, Pushya, Abhijit

Kumbha

Also: Kumbh, Aquarius, the Water-bearer

Kumbha is the eleventh sign of the zodiac, Aquarius, spanning 300° to 330°. It is ruled by Saturn and is a fixed, airy, odd (masculine) sign, symbolised by a person carrying a water pot. Its first 20° are Saturn's moolatrikona. It contains the last two padas of Dhanishta, Shatabhisha and the first three padas of Purva Bhadrapada. Classical texts describe it as independent, principled and humanitarian. Some modern astrologers give Rahu co-rulership of Kumbha, which is not part of the core Parashari scheme.

See also Shani, Vayu Tattva, Sthira Rashi

Kundali

Also: Kuṇḍalī, Kundli, Kundly, birth chart, Janam Kundli

A Kundali is the Indian birth chart, a map of the sky at the moment and place of birth. It shows the ascendant, the twelve houses and the positions of the nine grahas in the sidereal signs, drawn in the North, South or East Indian format. In common usage Kundali (often spelt Kundli) refers to the whole horoscope, including divisional charts and dasha tables. The term is also used in Kundali Milan, the traditional comparison of two charts for marriage.

See also Natal chart, Janma Patrika, Rashi Chakra, Kundali Milan

Kundali Milan

Also: Kundli Milan, Kundli matching, horoscope matching, Kundali Milana

Kundali Milan is the traditional Indian practice of comparing two birth charts before marriage. In North India it usually centres on Ashtakoota (Guna Milan), a 36-point comparison of the two Moons’ nakshatras and signs, while South India uses the Dashakoota or Porutham system. A careful match goes beyond the score, weighing each chart’s seventh house, Venus, Navamsha and dasha timing, and checking doshas such as Mangal Dosha together with their classical cancellations. The score is a starting point for discussion, not a verdict on a relationship.

See also Ashtakoota, Dashakoota, Mangal Dosha, Navamsha (D9)

Labha Bhava

Also: Labha Bhāva, eleventh house, Aya Bhava, house of gains

Labha Bhava is the eleventh house, the house of gains. Classical texts read from it income, profits, fulfilment of desires, elder siblings, friends, networks and recognition. It is an upachaya house and the last of the Kama Trikona. Jupiter is its karaka. Classical texts say almost any planet placed in the 11th gives good results for gains, though its lord is counted among functional malefics, and for movable ascendants the 11th is the badhaka house.

See also Upachaya, Kama Trikona, Panaphara, Dhana Yoga

Lagadha

Also: Lagadha Muni

Lagadha is the sage to whom the Vedanga Jyotisha, the oldest surviving Indian text on astronomy and calendar-keeping, is attributed. Nothing is known of his life beyond this attribution, and the text’s date is itself debated, with estimates from around 1400 BCE to the later first millennium BCE. His work describes the solstices, a five-year luni-solar cycle and the nakshatras as markers for timing Vedic rituals.

See also Vedanga Jyotisha, Nakshatra, Solstice

Laghu Jataka

Also: Laghujātaka, Laghu Jatakam

Laghu Jataka is a shorter work on natal astrology by Varahamihira, a condensed companion to his Brihat Jataka. Laghu means small or light, and the text summarises the essentials of chart judgement in a compact form suited to study and memorisation. It was widely used as an introductory text, and commentaries including one by Bhattotpala survive. It is often read by students before moving on to the fuller Brihat Jataka.

See also Varahamihira, Brihat Jataka, Jataka

Lagna

Also: Ascendant, rising sign, Udaya Lagna, Janma Lagna

The Lagna is the ascendant, the sign and degree of the zodiac rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It becomes the first house of the chart and the reference point for all twelve houses, so it is traditionally treated as the most personal point in the horoscope, standing for the body and the self. The Lagna changes sign roughly every two hours and moves about one degree every four minutes, which is why an accurate birth time is essential.

See also Lagnesh, Tanu Bhava, Birth time, Chandra Lagna

Lagnesh

Also: Lagneśa, Lagna lord, ascendant lord, chart ruler

The Lagnesh is the planet that rules the sign on the ascendant. For a Tula (Libra) ascendant it is Venus; for Simha (Leo) it is the Sun. Classical texts treat its placement, dignity and strength as a key to the overall vitality and direction of the life, and a well-placed Lagnesh is traditionally read as supporting the whole chart. Its house position shows where the person’s attention and energy tend to flow, and its dasha is often a significant period.

See also Lagna, Rashi lord, Bhavesh, Tanu Bhava

Lahiri Ayanamsha

Also: Chitrapaksha Ayanamsha, Lahiri, Indian government ayanamsha

Lahiri Ayanamsha is the standard ayanamsha adopted by the Government of India for its official calendar. It was recommended in 1955 by the Calendar Reform Committee, whose work was led by the astronomer N. C. Lahiri, and it places the star Spica (Chitra) at 0° sidereal Libra, hence its other name, Chitrapaksha. Its value is a little over 24 degrees in the 2020s. It is the default in most Indian software and the most widely used ayanamsha in Parashari practice.

See also Ayanamsha, Raman Ayanamsha, Krishnamurti Ayanamsha, Chitra

Lajjitadi Avastha

Also: Lajjitadi Avasthas, emotional states

Lajjitadi Avastha is a scheme of six emotional states that Parashara uses to describe how a planet behaves by association: Lajjita (ashamed), Garvita (proud), Kshudhita (hungry), Trishita (thirsty), Mudita (delighted) and Kshobhita (agitated). For example, a planet is Garvita when exalted or in moolatrikona, and Lajjita when in the 5th house with Rahu, Ketu, the Sun, Saturn or Mars. Classical texts use these states to modify the results of the houses the planet rules.

See also Avastha, Moolatrikona, Deeptadi Avastha

Lakshmi Yoga

Also: Laxmi Yog, Lakṣmī Yoga

Lakshmi Yoga is a yoga of wealth and grace named after the goddess of prosperity. In Parashara’s definition it forms when the Ascendant lord is strong and the 9th lord occupies a kendra or trikona in its own, exaltation or moolatrikona sign. Classical texts describe wealth, learning, noble conduct, good looks and a respected position. Versions differ between texts, and some add conditions involving Venus, so the definition used should be stated when the yoga is cited.

See also Dharma Bhava, Dhana Yoga, Moolatrikona, Lagnesh

Living Blueprint

The Living Blueprint shows how your birth chart has shifted by today. It sets your Mula Blueprint (the promise at birth) beside your Vartamana Blueprint (where you actually stand), so the reading starts from your real position rather than from birth alone.

See also Mula Blueprint, Vartamana Blueprint

Local Mean Time

Also: LMT, local time, Sthaniya Samay

Local Mean Time is clock time based on the mean Sun’s position at a specific longitude, rather than on a standard time zone. It differs from zone time by four minutes for every degree of longitude away from the zone’s central meridian. For example, Kolkata at about 88.4°E runs roughly 23 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time, which is set for 82.5°E. Chart calculation converts the recorded birth time to Local Mean Time or Universal Time before finding the ascendant.

See also Time zone correction, Sidereal time, Birth time

Luminaries

Also: the lights, Sun and Moon, Surya and Chandra

The luminaries are the Sun and Moon, the two 'lights' among the grahas. In Jyotish they are the only grahas that never turn retrograde, and each rules a single sign, Simha and Karka. The angle between them defines the tithi, the lunar fortnight (paksha) and the lunar month, so the Panchanga is built on their relationship. Classical texts treat the Sun as the soul and the Moon as the mind, and read their mutual condition closely in every chart.

See also Surya, Chandra, Tithi, Paksha

Lunar nodes

Also: Rahu and Ketu, Moon’s nodes, north and south nodes, dragon’s head and tail

The lunar nodes are the two points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic. The north node, where the Moon moves northward, is Rahu, and the south node, exactly opposite, is Ketu. They are mathematical points rather than bodies, yet Jyotish counts them among the nine grahas. The nodes move backwards through the zodiac, completing a circuit in about 18.6 years and spending roughly 18 months in each sign. Eclipses occur only when a new or full Moon falls near them.

See also Rahu, Ketu, Mean node, True node

Magha

Also: Maghā, Makha, Makam, Regulus

Magha is the tenth nakshatra, spanning 0° to 13°20′ Leo, and contains the royal star Regulus. It is ruled by Ketu and presided over by the Pitris, the ancestors, and its symbol is a throne or palanquin. It is Rakshasa gana with rat yoni and is classed as Ugra (fierce). Its first pada lies on the Cancer to Leo gandanta, and it is one of the six Gandamoola nakshatras. Classical texts associate it with lineage, inheritance, rank and respect for tradition.

See also Ketu, Gandamoola, Ugra nakshatras, Simha

Maha Parivartana Yoga

Also: Maha Parivartan Yog

Maha Parivartana Yoga is an exchange of signs between the lords of any two of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th houses. Of the 66 possible exchanges, 28 are of this kind. Classical texts, notably Phaladeepika, describe prosperity, status, comforts and the support of fortune, with the houses involved showing where the benefits arise. An exchange between the 9th and 10th lords is especially valued because it also forms Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga.

See also Parivartana Yoga, Dainya Parivartana Yoga, Khala Parivartana Yoga, Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga

Mahabhagya Yoga

Also: Maha Bhagya Yog, great fortune yoga

Mahabhagya Yoga is a yoga of great fortune based on the sex of the native, the time of birth and the parity of signs. For a man it forms when birth is by day and the Ascendant, Sun and Moon are all in odd (masculine) signs; for a woman, when birth is by night and all three are in even (feminine) signs. Classical texts describe generosity, fame, prosperity, a long life and the capacity to delight others. Because it depends on day or night birth, an accurate birth time matters.

See also Odd and even signs, Luminaries, Birth time

Mahadasha

Also: Mahādaśā, Maha Dasha, major period

A mahadasha is the major period of a planet within a dasha system, the top level of the timing sequence. In Vimshottari the nine mahadashas run in a fixed order and last from 6 years (Sun) to 20 years (Venus), totalling 120 years. The mahadasha lord is traditionally read as setting the broad themes of that stretch of life, coloured by its placement, strength and the houses it rules. Each mahadasha is divided into antardashas, beginning with the mahadasha lord’s own sub-period.

See also Dasha, Antardasha, Vimshottari Dasha, Dasha lord

Mahendra Koota

Also: Mahendra Porutham, Mahendra, Mahendram

Mahendra Koota is one of the ten South Indian poruthams, satisfied when the groom’s birth nakshatra is the 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 22nd or 25th counted from the bride’s. It is traditionally read as a sign of prosperity for the household, the husband’s capacity to support the family and the blessing of children. It is usually considered desirable rather than essential, and its absence is weighed against the other agreements.

See also Dashakoota, Porutham, Stree Deergha

Maheshwara Graha

Also: Maheśvara Graha, Maheshwara

Maheshwara Graha is a Jaimini significator generally identified as the lord of the eighth house from the Atmakaraka, with exceptions when that lord is exalted, in its own sign or associated with the nodes. Classical texts link it with longevity and with liberation (moksha), since the eighth carries themes of the hidden and the transformative. Praman Jyotish discusses it only as a classical concept and does not use it to predict death.

See also Atmakaraka, Brahma Graha, Rudra Graha, Randhra Bhava

Makar Sankranti

Also: Makara Saṅkrānti, Makar Sankranthi, Pongal, Uttarayan festival

Makar Sankranti is the Sun’s entry into sidereal Makara (Capricorn), currently on 14 or 15 January. It is one of the few Hindu festivals fixed to the solar calendar, so its Gregorian date barely moves, drifting about a day later every 70 years or so because of precession. It is celebrated across India under names such as Pongal, Uttarayan and Maghi. Tradition treats it as the start of Uttarayana, although the astronomical northward turn happens at the December solstice.

See also Sankranti, Uttarayana, Makara, Saura Masa

Makara

Also: Makar, Capricorn, the Makara

Makara is the tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn, spanning 270° to 300°. It is ruled by Saturn and is a movable, earthy, even (feminine) sign, symbolised by the makara, a mythical sea creature with the head of a deer or crocodile. Mars is exalted here (deepest at 28°) and Jupiter debilitated (deepest at 5°). It contains the last three padas of Uttara Ashadha, Shravana and the first two padas of Dhanishta. Classical texts describe it as practical, patient and ambitious. The Sun's entry into it is Makar Sankranti.

See also Shani, Prithvi Tattva, Chara Rashi, Makar Sankranti

Malavya Yoga

Also: Malavya Yog, Mālavya Yoga

Malavya Yoga is one of the five Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas, formed when Venus occupies a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house) in Taurus, Libra or Pisces. Taurus and Libra are Venus’s own signs and Pisces is its exaltation. Classical texts describe refinement, artistic taste, comfort, vehicles, pleasant relationships and an appreciation of beauty. As with the other Mahapurusha yogas, its strength depends on Venus’s condition and the dashas that activate it.

See also Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga, Shukra, Kendra, Ucha

Malefic

Also: Papa Graha, Krura Graha, natural malefic

A malefic is a graha whose nature is considered harsh or testing. The natural malefics are Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu and the Sun (the mildest), along with a waning Moon and Mercury when joined by malefics. Classical texts say they can strain the houses they occupy or aspect, yet they do well in the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th houses. 'Malefic' describes the style of a planet's results, not something to fear, and a malefic can be a functional benefic for a particular ascendant.

See also Krura Graha, Benefic, Functional malefic

Manahoo Yoga

Also: Manaū, Manau, Manahu

Manahoo Yoga is the Tajika configuration in which an otherwise favourable aspect between significators is spoiled by a malefic, typically Mars or Saturn, that aspects or closes in on one of them within orb. Classical texts read it as indicating obstruction, delay or disappointment in the matter concerned, even where an Ithasala is present. Commentators differ on the precise conditions, and texts give it among the sixteen Tajika yogas.

See also Ithasala Yoga, Tajika aspect, Malefic

Manasa Nakshatra

Also: Manas nakshatra, Manasa, 25th nakshatra

The Manasa Nakshatra is the 25th nakshatra counted from the birth nakshatra, named from manas, the mind. Classical transit texts use it to read mental state: benefic transits over it are traditionally linked with contentment and clarity, and malefic transits with worry or unsettled thinking. It is one of the special nakshatras counted from the birth star, alongside Karma, Sanghatika, Samudayika and Vainashika, and is read together with the Moon’s own condition in the chart.

See also Vainashika Nakshatra, Janma Nakshatra, Chandra, Gochara

Mandi

Also: Māndi, Maandi

Mandi is an upagraha associated with Saturn, computed like Gulika from the part of the day or night that Saturn rules. It is especially important in the Kerala tradition, where Prashna Marga gives it considerable weight in both natal and horary charts. Some authorities treat Mandi and Gulika as the same point, while others calculate Gulika at the start and Mandi at the middle of Saturn's portion. Classical texts treat it as malefic for the house it occupies.

See also Gulika, Upagraha, Prashna Marga

Mangal Dosha

Also: Manglik, Mangalik, Kuja Dosha, Chevvai Dosham

Mangal Dosha, also called Kuja Dosha, is the placement of Mars in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house, which traditional marriage matching treats as a strain on married life. Traditions differ: some omit the 2nd house, and some check from the Moon and Venus as well as the Ascendant. Many cancellations are listed, including Mars in its own or exaltation sign, particular sign and house pairings, and a partner with a similar placement. On the broad definition it occurs in roughly half of all charts, so Praman Jyotish weighs it in full context and never as grounds for fear.

See also Mangala, Kundali Milan, Dosha Samya, Yuvati Bhava

Mangala

Also: Maṅgala, Mangal, Kuja, Angaraka, Mars

Mangala is Mars, the graha classical texts associate with energy, courage, conflict, siblings, land and technical skill. It rules Mesha and Vrishchika, is exalted in Makara (deepest at 28°) and debilitated in Karka (deepest at 28°), with its moolatrikona in the first 12° of Mesha. Besides the seventh-house aspect all planets have, Mars aspects the 4th and 8th houses from itself. It is a natural malefic, its Vimshottari Dasha lasts 7 years, and it rules Tuesday.

See also Mesha, Vrishchika, Mangal Dosha

Mangalavara

Also: Maṅgalavāra, Mangalvar, Bhaumavara, Tuesday

Mangalavara is Tuesday, the weekday ruled by Mars. Its first planetary hour at sunrise belongs to Mars. Muhurta texts traditionally class it as a fierce (ugra) day, suited to surgery, engineering, sport, competition and bold action, and many traditions avoid it for marriage, house-warming and lending money. It is widely kept as a day of devotion to Hanuman. On Tuesday Rahu Kaal falls in the seventh eighth of daylight, roughly 3 to 4.30 p.m. with a 6 a.m. sunrise.

See also Vara, Mangala, Rahu Kaal

Mantra

Also: Mantr, Mantram, sacred formula

A mantra is a sacred sound formula recited in worship and meditation. In Jyotish each graha has Vedic mantras, Puranic mantras such as those of the Navagraha Stotra attributed to Vyasa, and short beej mantras. Tradition prescribes a total count of repetitions for each graha; a frequently cited scheme sets 7,000 for the Sun and 23,000 for Saturn, though counts vary by text. Praman Jyotish explains mantra practice as part of the tradition but does not prescribe it out of fear.

See also Beej Mantra, Japa, Upaya, Navagraha

Mantreswara

Also: Mantreśvara, Mantreshwara

Mantreswara was a South Indian astrologer and the author of Phaladeepika. Tradition places him in the Tirunelveli region of present-day Tamil Nadu and describes him as a learned Brahmin who studied widely before writing. His dates are uncertain, with estimates ranging from the 13th to the 16th century. He drew on Varahamihira, Kalyana Varma and other earlier authorities, and his clear arrangement of their material made Phaladeepika one of the most practical classical handbooks.

See also Phaladeepika, Kalyana Varma, Varahamihira

Manushya Gana

Also: Manushya Gaṇa, Manav Gan, human temperament

Manushya Gana is the human temperament group of nine nakshatras: Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada and Uttara Bhadrapada. People with the Moon here are traditionally described as practical, ambitious and socially engaged, a blend of higher and ordinary motives. In Gana Koota two Manushya charts score the full 6 points, while Manushya with Rakshasa scores 0 in the standard table, the pairing usually called Gana Dosha.

See also Gana, Gana Koota, Gana Dosha, Deva Gana

Maraka

Also: Māraka, Marak, Marakesh

A Maraka is a graha that classical texts associate with the end of life, principally the lords of the 2nd and 7th houses and planets placed there. The logic is that the 8th and 3rd houses signify longevity, and the 7th and 2nd are the 12th from them, their 'loss'. Classical longevity methods examine maraka dashas within a lifespan already estimated by other means. Praman Jyotish does not use maraka to predict death; its periods are read as ordinary chapters of change in health, relationships or resources.

See also Maraka Sthana, Ayurdaya, Randhra Bhava

Maraka Sthana

Also: Māraka Sthāna, maraka houses

The Maraka Sthanas are the 2nd and 7th houses, which classical texts associate with the end of life. The reasoning is that the 8th house, and the 3rd (the 8th from the 8th), signify longevity, and the 12th from each of them, the 7th and 2nd, signify its loss. Their lords and occupants are called marakas. Praman Jyotish does not use the maraka houses to predict death; in everyday reading they remain the houses of wealth, family, marriage and partnership.

See also Maraka, Dhana Bhava, Yuvati Bhava, Ayurdaya

Margi

Also: Mārgī, direct motion, direct

Margi means direct: a planet moving forward through the zodiac in its normal direction. It is the opposite of vakri (retrograde). The word is also used for the moment a retrograde planet stations and turns direct again, as in Shani margi, Saturn turning direct. Transit forecasts often note when a slow planet turns margi, because it then moves forward over degrees it has already crossed, completing the effects associated with its retrograde loop.

See also Vakri, Stationary planet, Gochara

Maryada

Also: Maryādā

Maryada means dignity, propriety, a boundary that is not crossed. As one of our principles it means no fear-selling, no manufactured urgency, and no doshas sold back to the seeker. We do not sell gemstones, remedies or pujas.

See also Spashtata, Dosha, Upaya

Matrikaraka

Also: Mātṛkāraka, MK, mother significator

The Matrikaraka is the planet with the fourth-highest degree in its sign, the Chara Karaka for the mother. It is also read for nurturing, education and emotional security, echoing the fourth house and the Moon. In the seven-karaka scheme it additionally stands for the father, because the separate Pitrikaraka of the eight-karaka scheme is dropped. Classical texts study it alongside the Moon and the fourth house rather than on its own.

See also Chara Karaka, Sukha Bhava, Chandra

Mean node

Also: mean Rahu, Madhya Rahu, average node

The mean node is the calculated average position of the Moon’s node, ignoring short-term wobbles in the orbit. It moves smoothly backwards at about 3 minutes of arc a day, so a mean Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde. Classical Indian texts and many Parashari astrologers use the mean node, and it is the default in much Indian software. It can differ from the true node by up to about one and a half degrees, which is occasionally enough to change a sign or nakshatra.

See also True node, Lunar nodes, Rahu, Swiss Ephemeris

Meena

Also: Mīna, Meen, Pisces, the Fish

Meena is the twelfth and last sign of the zodiac, Pisces, spanning 330° to 360°. It is ruled by Jupiter and is a dual, watery, even (feminine) sign, symbolised by two fish. Venus is exalted here (deepest at 27°) and Mercury debilitated (deepest at 15°). It contains the last pada of Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati, and its end meets Mesha at a gandanta junction. Classical texts describe it as compassionate and spiritual. It is the only sign said to rise both ways (ubhayodaya).

See also Guru, Jala Tattva, Ubhayodaya, Gandanta

Mesha

Also: Meṣa, Mesh, Aries, the Ram

Mesha is the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, spanning 0° to 30° of the sidereal zodiac. It is ruled by Mars and is a movable, fiery, odd (masculine) sign, symbolised by the ram. The Sun is exalted here (deepest at 10°) and Saturn debilitated (deepest at 20°), and the first 12° are Mars's moolatrikona. It contains Ashwini, Bharani and the first pada of Krittika. Classical texts describe it as energetic, pioneering and direct. It is a back-rising (prishthodaya) sign.

See also Mangala, Agni Tattva, Chara Rashi

Minute of arc

Also: arcminute, Kala, Liptā

A minute of arc is one sixtieth of a degree, written with a single prime mark (for example, 13°20′). Classical Sanskrit calls it a kala or lipta. Minutes matter in Jyotish because many boundaries are fine: a nakshatra spans 800 minutes and a pada 200, and in Vimshottari Dasha a few minutes of the Moon’s position can move dasha dates by weeks. The Moon travels roughly 30 minutes of arc every hour.

See also Degree, Pada, Dasha Shesha, Celestial longitude

Mishra nakshatras

Also: Sadharana nakshatras, mixed nakshatras

Mishra (mixed) nakshatras are the two nakshatras that muhurta texts classify as combining gentle and sharp qualities: Krittika and Vishakha. Also called Sadharana (common), they are traditionally considered suitable for everyday work and for tasks with a mixed character, such as work with fire, metals and medicines. The Muhurta Chintamani pairs them with Wednesday, the day of Mercury, a planet that takes on the nature of what it joins.

See also Muhurta, Krittika, Vishakha

Mithuna

Also: Mithun, Gemini, the Twins

Mithuna is the third sign of the zodiac, Gemini, spanning 60° to 90°. It is ruled by Mercury and is a dual, airy, odd (masculine) sign, symbolised by a couple. It contains the last two padas of Mrigashira, Ardra and the first three padas of Punarvasu. Classical texts describe it as curious, communicative and versatile. It is a head-rising (shirshodaya) sign, and some texts give it as Rahu's exaltation sign, though others prefer Vrishabha.

See also Budha, Vayu Tattva, Dwiswabhava Rashi

Mitra Rashi

Also: Mitra Kshetra, friendly sign, friend’s sign

Mitra Rashi is a sign ruled by a friend of the graha placed in it. A planet in a friend's sign is considered reasonably comfortable, ranked below exaltation, moolatrikona and own sign, but above neutral and enemy signs. Whether a sign lord is a friend is judged by natural friendship, and in finer work by the compound fivefold relationship, which distinguishes a friend from a great friend (Adhimitra). For example, the Sun in Mesha, ruled by its natural friend Mars, is also exalted there.

See also Shatru Rashi, Sama Rashi, Panchadha Maitri

Moksha

Also: Mokṣa, Mukti, liberation

Moksha is liberation from the cycle of birth and death, the fourth and traditionally the highest of the purusharthas. In a chart it is read through the moksha trikona, the 4th, 8th and 12th houses, which describe inner peace, transformation and release, with the twelfth house as the house of final liberation. Ketu is the natural significator of moksha. Its emphasis in a chart is traditionally read as an orientation towards spiritual life rather than as loss.

See also Moksha Trikona, Vyaya Bhava, Ketu, Purushartha

Moksha Trikona

Also: Mokṣa Trikoṇa, houses of liberation

The Moksha Trikona is the group of the 4th, 8th and 12th houses, which relate to moksha, liberation and inner life. It is the last of four trines matching the four aims of life (purusharthas). The 4th shows inner peace, the 8th transformation and hidden knowledge, and the 12th release and letting go. These are also the water-sign positions of the natural zodiac. Emphasis here is traditionally read as an inward, reflective or spiritual orientation.

See also Moksha, Kama Trikona, Vyaya Bhava, Purushartha

Moola Dasha

Also: Mūla Daśā, Mula Dasha

Moola dasha is a planetary dasha in the Parashari tradition in which planets are sequenced by their placement in kendras, panapharas and apoklimas from the stronger of the lagna and seventh house, rather than by nakshatra. Period lengths follow the Vimshottari years, adjusted for the planet’s position. It has been revived in modern teaching, notably by Sanjay Rath, as a tool for reading the fruition of past karma. It is a specialist method, and conventions for calculating it vary between teachers.

See also Conditional dasha, Vimshottari Dasha, Kendra, Prarabdha Karma

Moolatrikona

Also: Mūlatrikoṇa, Mooltrikon, root trine

Moolatrikona is a special portion of a sign where a graha is considered strong, ranked just below exaltation and above its own sign. Parashara gives, for example, the Sun in the first 20° of Simha, Mars in the first 12° of Mesha, Jupiter in the first 10° of Dhanu and Saturn in the first 20° of Kumbha. For the Moon and Mercury the range sits in their exaltation sign after the exaltation degrees. Texts differ slightly on the exact ranges. The idea is used in dignity assessment and in Shadbala.

See also Ucha, Swakshetra, Saptavargaja Bala

Mridu nakshatras

Also: Maitra nakshatras, soft nakshatras, gentle nakshatras

Mridu (soft) nakshatras are the four nakshatras that muhurta texts classify as gentle and friendly: Mrigashira, Chitra, Anuradha and Revati. Also called Maitra, they are traditionally chosen for pleasant and creative undertakings, such as learning music and the arts, making friends, wearing new clothes and ornaments, and celebrations connected with marriage. The Muhurta Chintamani pairs this group with Friday, the day of Venus.

See also Muhurta, Vivah Muhurta, Muhurta Chintamani

Mrigashira

Also: Mṛgaśirā, Mrigasira, Mrigashirsha, Makayiram

Mrigashira is the fifth nakshatra, spanning 23°20′ Taurus to 6°40′ Gemini. It is ruled by Mars and presided over by Soma, the deity of the Moon and the sacred drink, and its symbol is a deer’s head. It is Deva gana with serpent yoni and is classed as a Mridu (soft) nakshatra. Its first two padas fall in Taurus and the last two in Gemini. It is traditionally read as a searching, curious star, restless in pursuit of what it seeks.

See also Mangala, Mridu nakshatras, Mithuna

Mrityu Bhaga

Also: Mṛtyu Bhāga, death degrees, Mrityu Amsha

Mrityu Bhaga refers to specific degrees in each sign that classical texts regard as sensitive for each graha and for the ascendant. A planet or Lagna falling exactly on its listed degree is traditionally read as weakened in giving good results. The degree lists appear in later classical works and differ between sources, so practitioners should state which list they follow. Praman Jyotish does not use Mrityu Bhaga to predict death; at most it is one minor indicator of a planet's weakness.

See also Pushkara Bhaga, Rashi Sandhi, Arishta Yoga

Mudda Dasha

Also: Muddā Daśā, Mudda, Vimshottari Mudda, annual Vimshottari

Mudda Dasha is the Vimshottari dasha compressed into a single year for use with the annual chart. The planetary periods keep their Vimshottari proportions within a year taken as 360 days, so Ketu runs 21 days, Venus 60, Sun 18, Moon 30, Mars 21, Rahu 54, Jupiter 48, Saturn 57 and Mercury 51. The starting period is found from the natal nakshatra advanced by the number of years completed, so the sequence shifts each year.

See also Varshaphal, Vimshottari Dasha, Patyayini Dasha

Muhurta

Also: Muhūrta, Muhurat, Muhurtham, electional astrology

A muhurta is a traditional unit of time, one thirtieth of a day and night (about 48 minutes, or two ghatis), and by extension the branch of Jyotish that chooses favourable times to begin things. There are 15 daytime and 15 night-time muhurtas, each lengthening or shortening with the season. Electional work combines the Panchanga limbs, the Moon’s transit, the rising sign and planetary conditions. Muhurta Chintamani (Daivajna Rama, around 1600) is the standard classical text.

See also Panchanga, Muhurta Chintamani, Abhijit Muhurta, Ahoratra

Muhurta Chintamani

Also: Muhūrta Cintāmaṇi, Muhurtha Chintamani

Muhurta Chintamani is the standard classical text on electional astrology (muhurta), written by Rama Daivajna of Kashi (Varanasi) in about 1600 CE. It gives rules for choosing auspicious times for marriage, house entry, travel, education, ceremonies and other undertakings, using tithi, nakshatra, vara, yoga, karana and the lagna. The commentary Piyushadhara by his nephew Govinda is often studied with it. Much of North Indian muhurta practice follows this text.

See also Muhurta, Panchanga, Vivah Muhurta, Neelakantha

Mula

Also: Mūla, Moola, Moolam

Mula is the nineteenth nakshatra, spanning 0° to 13°20′ Sagittarius, in the direction of the galactic centre. It is ruled by Ketu and presided over by Nirriti, the goddess of dissolution, and its symbol is a bundle of tied roots. It is Rakshasa gana with dog yoni and is classed as Tikshna (sharp). Its first pada lies on the Scorpio to Sagittarius gandanta, and it is one of the six Gandamoola nakshatras. The name means root, and it is traditionally read as getting to the root of things.

See also Ketu, Gandamoola, Tikshna nakshatras, Dhanu

Mula Blueprint

Your Mula Blueprint is the original promise of the natal chart, the shape your life was given at birth before choice and circumstance acted on it. 'Mula' means root or origin. It is the fixed reference against which your present path is measured.

See also Vartamana Blueprint, Living Blueprint, Kundali

Muntha

Also: Munthā, Muntaha, progressed ascendant

Muntha is a point in Tajika astrology that advances one sign per year from the natal ascendant; at age 0 it is in the lagna sign, at age 1 in the next sign, and so on, returning every twelve years. Its house position in the annual chart, its lord and the planets aspecting it are read for the tone of the year. Classical texts favour placement in the ninth, tenth and eleventh houses, among others, and describe placements in the dusthanas with more caution.

See also Varshaphal, Varsheshwara, Lagna

Murti Nirnaya

Also: Mūrti Nirṇaya, Paya, transit metal

Murti Nirnaya is a method of grading a slow planet’s transit by the house the transiting Moon occupies, counted from the natal Moon, at the moment the planet enters a new sign. The Moon in the 1st, 6th or 11th gives a gold (swarna) murti, 2nd, 5th or 9th silver (rajata), 3rd, 7th or 10th copper (tamra), and 4th, 8th or 12th iron (loha). Gold and silver are traditionally read as more supportive. It is used mainly for Jupiter, Saturn and the nodes, and conventions vary between almanacs.

See also Gochara, Transit from the Moon, Chandra

Musala Yoga

Also: Musal Yog

Musala Yoga is the Ashraya Nabhasa yoga formed when all seven planets occupy fixed (sthira) signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Musala means ‘pestle’, an image of solidity. Classical texts describe a proud, steady and determined person, learned and wealthy, respected and firm of purpose. Because all seven planets must fall in fixed signs, the yoga is rare.

See also Ashraya Yoga, Sthira Rashi, Nabhasa Yoga

Mutual aspect

Also: Paraspara Drishti, mutual drishti, Drishti Sambandha

A mutual aspect occurs when two grahas cast aspects on each other at the same time. Any two planets in opposite signs aspect each other through the 7th-house aspect; special aspects of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn create others. Parashara counts mutual aspect as one of the four ways planets become linked (sambandha), alongside exchange of signs, conjunction and one-way aspect. It is a key route to Raja Yoga, for example when a kendra lord and a trikona lord aspect each other.

See also Drishti, Yuti, Parivartana Yoga

Nabhasa Yoga

Also: Nabhas Yog, Nābhasa Yoga

Nabhasa Yogas are a family of 32 yogas based on the overall pattern the seven visible planets make across signs and houses, rather than on house lordships. Varahamihira’s Brihat Jataka and Parashara both describe them in four groups: Ashraya (3), Dala (2), Akriti (20) and Sankhya (7). Nabhasa means ‘of the sky’. Rahu and Ketu are excluded, and classical texts say these yogas show their results throughout life rather than only in a particular dasha.

See also Ashraya Yoga, Dala Yoga, Akriti Yoga, Sankhya Yoga

Nadi Amsha

Also: Nāḍyaṁśa, Nadiamsha, D150, Nadi division

Nadi Amsha is the division of each sign into 150 parts of 0°12′ each, the finest divisional chart used in Indian astrology (D150). Each part has its own name and set of results in Nadi texts, particularly Chandra Kala Nadi, and the order of the parts differs for movable, fixed and dual signs. Because the rising degree moves through a nadi amsha in under a minute, it requires an extremely precise birth time and is mainly used in Nadi traditions and rectification.

See also Chandra Kala Nadi, Divisional chart, Amsha, Rectification

Nadi Dosha

Also: Nadi Dosh, Naadi Dosha, Nadi Dosham

Nadi Dosha is the condition in Ashtakoota matching where both partners’ birth nakshatras fall in the same nadi, so Nadi Koota scores 0 of 8. North Indian practice treats it as the most significant koota dosha. Classical sources also list cancellations: the same Moon sign with different nakshatras, the same nakshatra with different Moon signs, and in several texts the same nakshatra in different padas; some add friendly Moon-sign lords. It is read in the context of the whole match, not as a verdict on its own.

See also Nadi Koota, Dosha Samya, Kundali Milan

Nadi Granthas

Also: Nāḍī Grantha, Nadi texts, Nadi scriptures

Nadi Granthas are the texts of the Nadi tradition, mostly preserved on palm leaves in Tamil, Sanskrit and related scripts and attributed to sages such as Agastya, Bhrigu, Shuka and the Saptarishis. Some are collections of individual readings; others, such as Chandra Kala Nadi and Bhrigu Nandi Nadi, record techniques and combinations. Only a portion has been published or translated, and dating and authorship are uncertain for most of them.

See also Nadi Jyotish, Chandra Kala Nadi, Saptarishi Nadi, Palm-leaf manuscript

Nadi Jyotish

Also: Nāḍī Jyotiṣa, Nadi astrology, Nadi reading, Naadi

Nadi Jyotish is a tradition of Indian astrology associated with palm-leaf manuscripts believed to contain readings for particular individuals, and with the distinctive techniques found in Nadi texts. Practitioners, especially in Tamil Nadu around Vaitheeswaran Koil, often locate a leaf using the enquirer’s thumb impression and a series of questions. The term also covers the analytical Nadi methods taught from published texts. The authenticity of individual leaf readings is debated, and practices vary widely between readers.

See also Nadi Granthas, Palm-leaf manuscript, Folio, Bhrigu-Nadi method

Nadi Koota

Also: Nadi Kuta, Nāḍī, Naadi, Nadi Guna

Nadi Koota is the eighth and highest-scoring factor of Ashtakoota, worth 8 points. The 27 nakshatras are assigned in a repeating back-and-forth order to three nadis, Adi (linked with vata), Madhya (pitta) and Antya (kapha), echoing the three doshas of Ayurveda. Partners in different nadis score 8 and partners in the same nadi score 0. It is traditionally read as physiological compatibility and the health of offspring, which is why North Indian practice gives it great weight.

See also Nadi Dosha, Ashtakoota, Guna Milan

Naga

Also: Nāga, Naga karana, Nag

Naga, as a Panchanga term, is the third of the four fixed karanas, occurring once each lunar month. It falls in the second half of Amavasya, the new Moon tithi. The name means “serpent”, and in one common list its presiding deity is the serpent (Phani). Muhurta texts traditionally consider Naga karana unsuited to auspicious beginnings, reserving it for harsh or permanent work. It is distinct from Naga Panchami, which falls on a Panchami tithi.

See also Karana, Amavasya, Chatushpada, Kimstughna

Naisargika Bala

Also: natural strength

Naisargika Bala is natural strength, a fixed value each planet carries regardless of the chart. In descending order: Sun 60 virupas, Moon 51.43, Venus 42.86, Jupiter 34.29, Mercury 25.71, Mars 17.14 and Saturn 8.57. The values follow the traditional order of the planets’ luminosity as seen from Earth, each step being one seventh of 60. It is added as a constant component of Shadbala and helps decide between planets that are otherwise equal in strength.

See also Shadbala, Virupa, Graha

Naisargika Karaka

Also: natural significator

A Naisargika Karaka is a graha's natural, fixed signification, the same in every chart. Classical texts give, for example, the Sun for the soul and father, the Moon for the mind and mother, Mars for siblings and courage, Mercury for speech and learning, Jupiter for wisdom and children, Venus for the spouse and pleasures, and Saturn for work, hardship and endurance. These fixed meanings sit alongside the Jaimini chara karakas, which change from chart to chart according to planetary degrees.

See also Karaka, Bhava Karaka, Chara Karaka

Naisargika Maitri

Also: natural friendship, permanent relationship

Naisargika Maitri is the natural, permanent friendship or enmity between grahas, the same in every chart. Parashara derives it from each planet's moolatrikona: the lords of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and 12th signs from it, and of its exaltation sign, are friends, and the rest enemies; a planet counted both ways is neutral. The Sun, for example, has the Moon, Mars and Jupiter as friends, Mercury as neutral, and Venus and Saturn as enemies. It is also the basis of Graha Maitri in compatibility matching.

See also Tatkalika Maitri, Panchadha Maitri, Graha Maitri Koota

Nakshatra

Also: Nakṣatra, Nakshatram, lunar mansion, birth star

A nakshatra is one of the 27 lunar mansions, equal segments of 13°20′ that divide the sidereal zodiac. The Moon passes through roughly one nakshatra a day and completes the circuit in about 27.3 days, so they are often called its daily stations. Each nakshatra has a ruling planet, a presiding deity, a gana, a yoni and four padas of 3°20′. The Moon’s nakshatra at birth sets the starting point of Vimshottari Dasha and underlies naming, marriage matching and muhurta. Older Vedic lists add a 28th, Abhijit.

See also Pada, Nakshatra lord, Janma Nakshatra, Vimshottari Dasha

Nakshatra Devata

Also: Nakshatra deity, Adhidevata, presiding deity

The Nakshatra Devata is the presiding deity of a nakshatra, as listed in Vedic texts such as the Taittiriya Brahmana. Each nakshatra has one: the Ashvins for Ashwini, Agni for Krittika, Prajapati for Rohini, Brihaspati for Pushya, the Pitris for Magha, Vishnu for Shravana and Pushan for Revati. The deity is traditionally read as describing the nakshatra’s underlying nature more deeply than its planetary lord, and honouring the devata of one’s birth star is a long-standing devotional custom.

See also Nakshatra, Nakshatra lord, Janma Nakshatra

Nakshatra lord

Also: Nakshatra swami, Nakshatresh, nakshatra ruler

The nakshatra lord is the planet that rules a nakshatra in the Vimshottari scheme. The nine grahas rule the 27 nakshatras in a fixed order, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury, repeated three times from Ashwini, Magha and Mula. The lord of the Moon’s nakshatra at birth gives the first mahadasha, and the unfinished portion of that nakshatra sets its balance. A planet is traditionally read as delivering results through its nakshatra lord as well as its sign lord, an idea KP develops as the star lord.

See also Vimshottari Dasha, Dasha Shesha, Star lord, Dispositor

Nakshatra Purushartha

Also: nakshatra motivation, nakshatra aim

Nakshatra Purushartha is the assignment of each nakshatra to one of the four aims of life: dharma, artha, kama or moksha. The sequence runs back and forth: Ashwini dharma, Bharani artha, Krittika kama, Rohini moksha, then Mrigashira moksha, Ardra kama, Punarvasu artha and Pushya dharma, continuing in this pattern with small variations between sources. The scheme belongs to later nakshatra literature and modern teaching rather than the major classical hora texts, so it is best read as a motivational colouring layered over the chart.

See also Purushartha, Dharma, Moksha, Nakshatra

Nakta Yoga

Also: Nakta, transfer of light

Nakta Yoga is the Tajika configuration in which two significators are not in aspect with each other, but a faster planet aspects both and carries the connection between them, like the transfer of light in Western horary. It is traditionally read as showing that the matter comes about through an intermediary, a go-between or the help of a third party. The intermediary must be faster than both significators and within orb of each.

See also Yamaya Yoga, Ithasala Yoga, Tajika aspect

Nala Yoga

Also: Nal Yog

Nala Yoga is the Ashraya Nabhasa yoga formed when all seven planets occupy dual (dwiswabhava) signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Nala means ‘reed’. Classical texts describe a clever, skilful and adaptable person, able to earn in several ways, though with wealth that rises and falls. Because all seven planets must fall in dual signs, the yoga is rare.

See also Ashraya Yoga, Dwiswabhava Rashi, Nabhasa Yoga

Nanda tithi

Also: Nandā, Nanda tithis

Nanda tithis are the first, sixth and eleventh tithis of each fortnight (Pratipada, Shashthi and Ekadashi). The fifteen tithis fall into five repeating groups of three, and Nanda, meaning “joy”, is the first. Muhurta texts traditionally associate Nanda tithis with pleasure, celebration and the arts, and consider them suited to festivities and enjoyable undertakings. The classification is used alongside the weekday, since certain tithi-group and weekday pairings are said to strengthen or weaken the day.

See also Tithi, Pratipada, Shashthi, Ekadashi

Narayana Dasha

Also: Nārāyaṇa Daśā, Phalita Dasha

Narayana Dasha is a sign-based dasha described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, used in the Jaimini tradition for timing the results of the chart. It starts from the stronger of the lagna and the seventh house, and each sign’s period is found by counting from the sign to its lord, with special rules for Saturn and Ketu and for dual signs. It can be applied to divisional charts, such as the navamsha for marriage or the dashamsha for career. Modern teachers differ on some calculation rules.

See also Chara Dasha, Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Dasha

Natal chart

Also: birth chart, nativity, radix, Janma Kundali

A natal chart is a diagram of the planets’ positions at the exact moment and place of a person’s birth. In Jyotish it is cast in the sidereal zodiac and is called the Rashi chart or D1, the foundation from which all divisional charts, dashas and transit readings are derived. It needs three inputs: date, time and place of birth. Because the ascendant moves roughly one degree every four minutes, an accurate birth time matters as much as the date.

See also Kundali, Rashi chart (D1), Lagna, Birth time

Nathonnata Bala

Also: Natonnata Bala, day-night strength

Nathonnata Bala is the part of Kala Bala based on whether birth falls by day or by night. The Sun, Jupiter and Venus are strongest at midday, and the Moon, Mars and Saturn at midnight, each scoring up to 60 virupas and falling to zero at the opposite time; the value is calculated from the time distance to midnight. Mercury always receives the full 60 virupas, being strong both by day and by night.

See also Kala Bala, Dinamana, Ratrimana

Navagraha

Also: Navagrah, Nav Grah, nine planets

The Navagraha are the nine grahas of Jyotish: Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. Together they form the full set of influences used to read a chart, time events through dashas and assess transits. They are also honoured as deities, and many South Indian temples keep a Navagraha shrine. The Vimshottari Dasha allots them 120 years in a fixed order: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury.

See also Graha, Vimshottari Dasha, Navagraha Shanti

Navagraha Shanti

Also: Navgrah Shanti, Navagraha Puja, Navagraha Homa

Navagraha Shanti is a pacification ritual addressed to all nine grahas together. The planets are installed in a traditional arrangement, with the Sun at the centre and each graha in its own direction, colour and grain, and are worshipped with mantras and a homa. It is customarily performed before weddings, housewarmings and other major beginnings, or when several planetary periods are considered demanding. Praman Jyotish does not sell or conduct this ritual, and does not prescribe it out of fear.

See also Graha Shanti, Navagraha, Homa, Puja

Navami

Also: Navamī, Naumi, ninth tithi

Navami is the ninth tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 96° to 108° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half. It belongs to the Rikta (“empty”) group, and its presiding deity is commonly given as Durga (Ambika). Chaitra Shukla Navami is Rama Navami, and Ashvina Shukla Navami is Maha Navami, the last day of Sharad Navaratri. As a Rikta tithi it is traditionally avoided for auspicious beginnings, though muhurta texts consider it suitable for decisive or combative undertakings.

See also Tithi, Rikta tithi, Shukla Paksha

Navamsha (D9)

Also: Navāṁśa, Navansh, D9, ninth-division chart

The navamsha (D9) divides each sign into nine parts of 3°20′, each equal to one nakshatra pada. Fire signs start their count from Aries, earth signs from Capricorn, air signs from Libra and water signs from Cancer. It is the most important divisional chart: traditionally read for marriage and the spouse, for dharma, and for the underlying strength of every planet. A planet well placed in the rashi chart but weak in the navamsha is said to give less than it promises.

See also Divisional chart, Vargottama, Navamsha Lagna, Pada

Navamsha Lagna

Also: Navāṁśa Lagna, D9 ascendant, Navansh Lagna

The navamsha lagna is the ascending sign of the navamsha (D9) chart, found from the navamsha that the rashi-chart lagna degree falls in. It changes roughly every thirteen minutes, so it is often a first check in rectification. It is used as a starting point for reading the navamsha as a chart in its own right, particularly for marriage and inner nature, and it is the condition for Dwadashottari dasha when it falls in Taurus or Libra.

See also Navamsha (D9), Lagna, Dwadashottari Dasha, Rectification

Navatara

Also: Navatārā, Tara chakra, nine taras

Navatara is the nine-star cycle counted from the birth nakshatra, which groups all 27 nakshatras into three rounds of nine taras. In order they are Janma (birth), Sampat (wealth), Vipat (danger), Kshema (wellbeing), Pratyak (obstacle), Sadhana (achievement), Naidhana (loss, also called Vadha), Mitra (friend) and Parama Mitra (great friend). Muhurta texts traditionally avoid the third, fifth and seventh taras for important beginnings. The same count underlies Tara Bala in the daily panchanga and Tara Koota in matching.

See also Tara Bala, Tara Koota, Janma Nakshatra

Neecha

Also: Nīca, Neech, debilitation, debilitated

Neecha is debilitation, the sign directly opposite a graha's exaltation, where it is considered weakest in dignity. The debilitation signs are: Sun in Tula, Moon in Vrishchika, Mars in Karka, Mercury in Meena, Jupiter in Makara, Venus in Kanya and Saturn in Mesha. Classical texts describe a debilitated planet as struggling to give its significations, but they also list many cancellation conditions (Neecha Bhanga), for example when the lord of the debilitation sign is in a kendra from the Lagna or Moon.

See also Ucha, Paramaneecha, Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga

Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga

Also: Neech Bhang Raj Yog, Nīcabhaṅga Rāja Yoga, cancellation of debility

Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga is the cancellation of a planet’s debilitation, which classical texts say can turn a weakness into a source of rise and achievement. Common conditions include the lord of the debilitation sign, or the lord of the planet’s exaltation sign, being in a kendra from the Ascendant or the Moon; the debilitated planet being aspected by its dispositor; or the planet being exalted in the Navamsha. Phaladeepika and other texts list these rules, but authorities differ on how many conditions are needed and whether cancellation alone creates a Raja Yoga.

See also Neecha, Yoga Bhanga, Raja Yoga, Navamsha (D9)

Neelakantha

Also: Nīlakaṇṭha, Neelakantha Daivajna, Nilakantha

Neelakantha, or Neelakantha Daivajna, was a 16th-century astrologer from a learned family of Kashi and the author of Tajika Neelakanthi, the standard Indian text on annual horoscopy. Tradition says he was associated with the Mughal court under Akbar. He was the elder brother of Rama Daivajna, author of Muhurta Chintamani. He should not be confused with the Kerala astronomer Nilakantha Somayaji of the same century.

See also Tajika Neelakanthi, Tajika, Muhurta Chintamani

Nimitta

Also: omen, Nimittas, portent

Nimitta means an omen or sign, and in Prashna refers to events and circumstances observed at the moment of the question that are read as indications about its outcome. These include the querent’s posture, words, direction and what they touch, as well as sounds, sights and people encountered. Prashna Marga devotes considerable attention to nimittas and treats them as complementary to the chart. The term overlaps with Shakuna, which leans more to external omens.

See also Shakuna, Kerala Prashna, Prashna Marga

Nirayana

Also: Nirāyana, sidereal, without ayana

Nirayana means without the ayana, and refers to positions measured in the sidereal zodiac, against the fixed stars. It is the system Jyotish uses for signs, nakshatras, houses and dashas. A Nirayana longitude is found by subtracting the ayanamsha from the Sayana (tropical) longitude. For example, with an ayanamsha of about 24 degrees, a planet at 10° tropical Taurus falls at about 16° sidereal Aries.

See also Sayana, Sidereal zodiac, Ayanamsha, Lahiri Ayanamsha

Nisargayu

Also: Nisargāyu, natural longevity

Nisargayu is one of the classical longevity (ayurdaya) methods, based on fixed natural years assigned to each planet: Moon 1, Mars 2, Mercury 9, Venus 20, Jupiter 18, Sun 20 and Saturn 50, totalling 120. These are adjusted for each planet’s position, as in Pindayu. Varahamihira applies it when the Moon is the strongest of Moon, Sun and lagna. The same numbers are used in some texts to describe stages of life ruled by each planet. Praman Jyotish does not use it to predict death or lifespan.

See also Ayurdaya, Pindayu, Amshayu

Nitya Yoga

Also: Nitya Yoga, Panchanga yoga, Sun-Moon yoga, Yog

Nitya Yoga is the Panchanga limb found by adding the sidereal longitudes of the Sun and Moon and dividing the total into 27 parts of 13°20′ each. It is different from the planetary combinations (yogas) read in a birth chart. The 27 yogas run from Vishkambha to Vaidhriti, each lasting on average about a day. Muhurta texts class most as favourable and a handful (such as Vishkambha, Atiganda, Shula, Ganda, Vyaghata, Vajra, Vyatipata, Parigha and Vaidhriti) as unfavourable, often only in their opening portion.

See also Panchanga, Vishkambha, Vaidhriti, Muhurta

Nodes in KP

Also: Rahu and Ketu in KP, KP nodes

In KP, Rahu and Ketu have no signs of their own and are said to act as agents of other planets. A node gives the results of planets conjoined with it, planets aspecting it, the lord of the sign it occupies and its star lord, and is often considered a stronger significator than the planets it represents. KP also gives the nodes aspects to the planets in the seventh from them, following the classical rule, though some practitioners add further aspects.

See also Rahu, Ketu, Significator, Lunar nodes

North Indian chart

Also: North Indian style, diamond chart, Uttara Bharatiya chart

The North Indian chart is a diamond-shaped chart format in which the houses stay fixed and the signs move. The ascendant always sits in the top central diamond, and the houses run anticlockwise from there. Each house is labelled with the number of the sign it contains (1 for Mesha, 2 for Vrishabha, and so on). This makes house relationships, such as kendras and trikonas, easy to see at a glance. It is the standard format across most of north and central India.

See also South Indian chart, East Indian chart, Bhava, Lagna

Odd and even signs

Also: Oja and Yugma Rashi, Vishama and Sama Rashi, masculine and feminine signs

Odd and even signs divide the zodiac alternately: the odd signs (Mesha, Mithuna, Simha, Tula, Dhanu, Kumbha) are called masculine and krura (harsh), and the even signs (Vrishabha, Karka, Kanya, Vrishchika, Makara, Meena) feminine and saumya (gentle). The distinction is used widely in calculation: it decides how several divisional charts, such as the Hora and Trimshamsha, are counted, and it underlies Ojayugma Bala in Shadbala, where the Moon and Venus gain strength in even signs and the others in odd signs.

See also Ojayugma Bala, Hora chart (D2), Krura Graha, Saumya Graha

Ojayugma Bala

Also: Ojayugmarasyamsa Bala, odd-even sign strength

Ojayugma Bala is the part of Sthana Bala awarded for a planet’s placement in odd or even signs in the Rashi chart and the Navamsha. The Moon and Venus gain 15 virupas for each even sign, while the Sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn gain 15 for each odd sign, so the maximum is 30 virupas. Oja means ‘odd’ and yugma ‘even’. It reflects the classical pairing of feminine planets with even signs and masculine or neuter planets with odd signs.

See also Odd and even signs, Sthana Bala, Navamsha (D9)

Outer planets

Also: Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, trans-Saturnian planets

The outer planets are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, bodies invisible to the naked eye and absent from classical Jyotish. They were discovered in 1781, 1846 and 1930, long after the core texts were written, so they have no sign rulership, exaltation, dasha period or role in the classical yogas. Most Parashari astrologers leave them out entirely. Some modern practitioners note their positions as supplementary factors, but there is no agreed traditional method for reading them.

See also Graha, Navagraha

Pada

Also: Pāda, Charan, Charana, nakshatra quarter

A pada is one quarter of a nakshatra, an arc of 3°20′, giving 108 padas around the zodiac. Each pada equals one navamsha, so the 108 padas map exactly onto the nine navamshas of each of the twelve signs: the first pada of Ashwini is the Aries navamsha, the second Taurus, and so on. Padas refine the reading of any planet’s nakshatra, and each carries a traditional syllable used when choosing a name, such as Chu, Che, Cho and La for the four padas of Ashwini.

See also Navamsha (D9), Nakshatra, Amsha

Paksha

Also: Pakṣa, fortnight, lunar fortnight

A paksha is a lunar fortnight, one half of the lunar month, made up of fifteen tithis. There are two: Shukla Paksha, the bright or waxing half, and Krishna Paksha, the dark or waning half. The word literally means wing or side. Every Panchanga date is written as a paksha and tithi within a named month, for example Kartika Krishna Amavasya for Diwali. Because tithis vary in length, a paksha lasts roughly 14 to 15 days.

See also Shukla Paksha, Krishna Paksha, Tithi, Synodic month

Paksha Bala

Also: lunar phase strength

Paksha Bala is the part of Kala Bala based on the lunar phase, measured by the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. Benefics gain strength as the Moon waxes towards full and malefics as it wanes towards new: a benefic’s value is that distance (up to 180°) divided by three, giving a maximum of 60 virupas, and a malefic’s is 60 minus that figure. Parashara doubles the Moon’s own Paksha Bala, which also serves as the Moon’s Cheshta Bala.

See also Kala Bala, Shukla Paksha, Krishna Paksha, Benefic

Palm-leaf manuscript

Also: Tala Patra, Olai Chuvadi, palm leaf

A palm-leaf manuscript is a text written on dried and treated leaves of the palmyra or talipot palm, the standard writing medium of South and Southeast Asia for many centuries. Letters were incised with a stylus and then darkened with soot or oil, and the leaves were strung together between wooden boards. Many Jyotish and Nadi texts survive in this form, and because leaves decay, most surviving copies are recopies of older originals.

See also Folio, Nadi Granthas, Nadi Jyotish

Panaphara

Also: Paṇaphara, succedent houses

The panaphara houses are the 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th, those that follow the kendras. The term is a Sanskrit form of the Greek 'epanaphora', one of several Greek loanwords that entered Indian astrology through works such as the Yavanajataka. In Shadbala, Kendradi Bala awards a planet 60 virupas in a kendra, 30 in a panaphara and 15 in an apoklima house, so planets here are of middling prominence.

See also Kendra, Apoklima, Kendradi Bala, Yavanajataka

Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga

Also: Panch Mahapurush Yog, Pañca Mahāpuruṣa Yoga, five great person yogas

Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga is a group of five yogas formed when Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus or Saturn occupies a kendra from the Ascendant in its own or exaltation sign. The five are Ruchaka (Mars), Bhadra (Mercury), Hamsa (Jupiter), Malavya (Venus) and Shasha (Saturn). Classical texts describe the native as taking on the finest qualities of that planet. Some authorities also count kendras from the Moon, and several texts say the yoga is spoiled if the planet is conjoined with the Sun or Moon.

See also Ruchaka Yoga, Bhadra Yoga, Hamsa Yoga, Malavya Yoga

Panchadha Maitri

Also: fivefold relationship, compound relationship

Panchadha Maitri is the fivefold compound relationship between two grahas, found by combining their natural and temporary relationships. Friend plus friend gives great friend (Adhimitra); friend plus enemy gives neutral; neutral plus friend gives friend; neutral plus enemy gives enemy; enemy plus enemy gives great enemy (Adhishatru). Parashara uses it to grade a planet's dignity in each divisional chart, and those grades are scored in Saptavargaja Bala, part of Shadbala.

See also Naisargika Maitri, Tatkalika Maitri, Saptavargaja Bala

Panchaka

Also: Pañcaka, Panchak, Dhanishta Panchaka

Panchaka is the period of about four and a half days each month when the Moon transits the last five nakshatras, from the second half of Dhanishta through Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada and Uttara Bhadrapada to Revati (Aquarius and Pisces). Muhurta texts traditionally avoid certain activities then, such as roofing a house, collecting firewood, making a bed and travelling south. North Indian tradition also names the Panchaka by the weekday it begins on. Everyday work is not restricted.

See also Nakshatra, Dhanishta, Revati, Muhurta

Panchami

Also: Pañcamī, Panchmi, fifth tithi

Panchami is the fifth tithi of each lunar fortnight, covering 48° to 60° of the Moon’s separation from the Sun in the waxing half. It belongs to the Purna (“full”) group, and its presiding deity is commonly given as the Nagas, the serpent deities. Shravana Shukla Panchami is Naga Panchami, and Magha Shukla Panchami is Vasant Panchami, dedicated to Saraswati and traditionally chosen to begin learning. Muhurta texts generally regard Panchami as favourable.

See also Tithi, Purna tithi, Shukla Paksha

Panchamsha (D5)

Also: Pañcāṁśa, D5

The panchamsha (D5) divides each sign into five parts of 6°. It is not among the sixteen vargas of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra but appears in other sources and in modern teaching, where it is associated with fame, authority, followers and the merit of past deeds (purva punya). Calculation conventions differ between authorities, so results vary between software. It is best treated as a supplementary chart rather than a primary one.

See also Varga, Putra Bhava, Divisional chart

Panchanga

Also: Pañcāṅga, Panchang, Panchangam, Hindu almanac

The Panchanga is the traditional Hindu almanac that describes each day through five limbs: tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga and karana. The name means “five limbs”. All five are calculated from the positions of the Sun and Moon, and together they describe the quality of a given moment. Astrologers use the Panchanga to choose muhurtas, fix festival and fasting dates and read the birth moment itself. Printed Panchangas differ by region (amanta or purnimanta months, local sunrise), so dates can vary by a day between them.

See also Tithi, Vara, Karana, Nitya Yoga

Panchasphuta

Also: Pañcasphuṭa, Panchasphutam

Panchasphuta is a sensitive point in Kerala Prashna obtained by adding Rahu’s longitude to the Chatusphuta, so that it combines the ascendant, Moon, Gulika, Sun and Rahu, reduced to within 360°. Prashna Marga reads where it falls, by sign, nakshatra and navamsha, as a composite indicator in health and well-being questions. Practitioners compare it with the Trisphuta and Chatusphuta rather than reading it alone.

See also Chatusphuta, Trisphuta, Rahu, Prashna Marga

Panchavargiya Bala

Also: Pañcavargīya Bala, fivefold strength, Panchavargeeya Bala

Panchavargiya Bala is the fivefold strength used in Tajika annual charts to rank planets, especially when choosing the year lord. It combines strength from five sources: sign (kshetra), exaltation (uchcha), hadda (unequal Perso-Arabic terms), drekkana and navamsha. Each component is scored and the total is reduced to a scale of 20 units (vishvas); a planet scoring roughly half or more is considered strong. Texts differ slightly in the exact scoring.

See also Varsheshwara, Harsha Bala, Bala

Panchottari Dasha

Also: Pañcottarī Daśā, 105-year dasha

Panchottari dasha is a conditional 105-year planetary period system using the seven visible planets without the nodes. The order and years are Sun 12, Moon 13, Mars 14, Mercury 15, Jupiter 16, Venus 17 and Saturn 18, counted from Anuradha nakshatra. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra applies it when the lagna is Cancer and also falls in the Cancer dwadashamsha. It is rarely used outside specialist study of the conditional dashas.

See also Conditional dasha, Dwadashamsha (D12), Karka

Papa Kartari Yoga

Also: Paap Kartari, malefic hemming

Papa Kartari Yoga forms when a house or planet is hemmed in by malefics, with malefics in the houses on either side of it. Kartari means ‘scissors’. Classical texts read malefic hemming as pressure or constraint on the house or planet enclosed, for example a Moon between malefics as a strained mind, or an Ascendant between malefics as effortful circumstances. The effect is moderated by benefic aspects and the strength of what is enclosed, and it is read as one factor to weigh, not a curse.

See also Shubha Kartari Yoga, Malefic, Argala, Yoga Bhanga

Papasamya

Also: Papa Samyam, Paapa Saamyam, Papa Samya

Papasamya is a South Indian method of comparing the total malefic influence in two charts before marriage. Malefics (usually Mars, Saturn, the Sun and Rahu, with Ketu in some schools) placed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 12th houses are counted from the Lagna, the Moon and Venus, and points are totalled for each chart. The groom’s total is traditionally expected to equal or exceed the bride’s. The weights given to each reference point and planet vary between traditions.

See also Dosha Samya, Mangal Dosha, Malefic

Paramaneecha

Also: Paramanīca, deep debilitation

Paramaneecha is the exact degree of deepest debilitation for a graha, 180° from its point of deepest exaltation. The values are: Sun 10° Tula, Moon 3° Vrishchika, Mars 28° Karka, Mercury 15° Meena, Jupiter 5° Makara, Venus 27° Kanya and Saturn 20° Mesha. In Shadbala a planet here scores zero Uchcha Bala. Classical texts still allow debilitation to be cancelled by other factors, so this point alone is not read as a fixed verdict.

See also Neecha, Paramoccha, Uchcha Bala

Paramoccha

Also: Paramochcha, deep exaltation, highest exaltation

Paramoccha is the exact degree of deepest exaltation for a graha, where its exaltation strength peaks. The classical values are: Sun 10° Mesha, Moon 3° Vrishabha, Mars 28° Makara, Mercury 15° Kanya, Jupiter 5° Karka, Venus 27° Meena and Saturn 20° Tula. In Shadbala, Uchcha Bala is greatest (60 virupas) when a planet stands exactly here and falls steadily to zero at the opposite point, its deepest debilitation.

See also Ucha, Paramaneecha, Uchcha Bala

Parashara

Also: Parāśara, Maharishi Parashara, Parasara

Parashara is the Vedic sage traditionally regarded as the father of Jyotish in its predictive form and the author of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. In the wider tradition he is the grandson of Vasishtha and the father of Vyasa, compiler of the Mahabharata, and a Vishnu Purana is also attributed to him. The mainstream school of Indian astrology is called Parashari after him. Historically, the texts carrying his name were compiled and edited over a long period.

See also Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Jaimini, Bhrigu

Parigha

Also: Parigha yoga, Parigh

Parigha is the nineteenth of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 240° and 253°20′. The name means an iron bar used to bolt a gate, suggesting obstruction. Muhurta texts traditionally advise avoiding the first half of Parigha for auspicious beginnings and regard the second half as usable. Some consider it suited to acting against opposition.

See also Nitya Yoga, Variyana, Shiva, Muhurta

Parijatamsha

Also: Pārijātāṁśa

Parijatamsha is the Vaisheshikamsha grade given to a planet dignified in two vargas of the dashavarga scheme. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra names it after the parijata, the wish-fulfilling tree of heaven, and traditionally links it with a comfortable and contented life in the areas the planet governs. It is the first step in a rising scale, followed by uttamamsha (three vargas) and gopuramsha (four).

See also Vaisheshikamsha, Uttamamsha, Dashavarga

Parivartana Yoga

Also: Parivartan Yog, sign exchange, mutual reception

Parivartana Yoga is a mutual exchange of signs between two planets, each occupying the sign ruled by the other, such as Mars in Taurus with Venus in Aries. The exchange binds the two houses involved, and each planet acts partly as if in its own sign. Phaladeepika divides exchanges into three kinds by the houses concerned: Maha (between auspicious houses), Dainya (involving a lord of the 6th, 8th or 12th) and Khala (involving the 3rd lord). Of the 66 possible exchanges, 28 are Maha, 30 Dainya and 8 Khala.

See also Maha Parivartana Yoga, Dainya Parivartana Yoga, Khala Parivartana Yoga, Swakshetra

Parivesha

Also: Pariveṣa, halo

Parivesha is the third of the five sun-derived upagrahas, found by adding 180° to the longitude of Vyatipata. The name means 'halo', as around the Sun or Moon. Classical texts treat it as malefic in its effect on the house it occupies. Like the others in the group, it is a calculated point with no physical body and is used, if at all, as a minor supplementary factor in chart reading.

See also Vyatipata (upagraha), Indrachapa, Upagraha

Parvata Yoga

Also: Parvat Yog, mountain yoga

Parvata Yoga, the ‘mountain’ yoga, forms in Parashara’s definition when benefics occupy kendras and the 6th and 8th houses are either empty or occupied only by benefics. An alternative rule forms it when the Ascendant lord and the 12th lord are in mutual kendras and aspected by benefics. Classical texts describe good fortune, eloquence, generosity, learning and leadership of a town or community. As always, the strength of the planets decides how fully it delivers.

See also Kendra, Benefic, Kahala Yoga

Patyayini Dasha

Also: Pātyāyinī Daśā, Patyamsa Dasha

Patyayini Dasha is an annual dasha used with Tajika charts in which periods are derived from the planets’ longitudes within their signs. The degrees of the ascendant and planets (ignoring signs) are arranged in ascending order, and the difference between each and the one before it, as a proportion of the total, fixes the length of each period within the year. Texts and software differ on whether the nodes and the ascendant are included.

See also Mudda Dasha, Varshaphal, Dasha

Phaladeepika

Also: Phaladīpikā, Phaladipika, Phala Deepika

Phaladeepika is a classical natal astrology text by Mantreswara in 28 chapters, valued for its clear, practical style. It covers signs, planets, houses, yogas, dashas, Ashtakavarga and transits, and its chapter on gochara, including the vedha pairs, is a standard reference. Its date is uncertain, with scholars generally placing it between the 13th and 16th centuries. The title means lamp of results. It is widely studied in South India and through its English translations.

See also Mantreswara, Gochara Vedha, Saravali, Ashtakavarga

Phalita

Also: Phalita Jyotisha, predictive astrology, judicial astrology

Phalita is the predictive side of Jyotish, which interprets calculated positions to describe results in life. The word means fruit-bearing: it deals with the phala, or fruits, of planetary placements, as opposed to Ganita, which only computes them. Natal astrology (Jataka), horary (Prashna), electional astrology (Muhurta) and annual charts (Varshaphal) are all forms of Phalita. Classical texts such as Phaladeepika, whose name contains the same root, are manuals of this interpretive craft.

See also Ganita, Jataka, Phaladeepika, Prashna

Pindayu

Also: Piṇḍāyu, Pindayur

Pindayu is one of the classical longevity (ayurdaya) methods, in which each planet contributes a number of years according to its distance from its exaltation point. The maximum contributions given by Varahamihira are Sun 19, Moon 25, Mars 15, Mercury 12, Jupiter 15, Venus 21 and Saturn 20 years, reduced for debilitation, combustion, enemy signs and placement in certain houses. Varahamihira applies it when the Sun is the strongest of Sun, Moon and lagna. Praman Jyotish does not use it to predict death or lifespan.

See also Ayurdaya, Amshayu, Nisargayu, Paramoccha

Pitra Dosha

Also: Pitru Dosh, Pitri Dosha, ancestral affliction

Pitra Dosha is a condition that popular astrology associates with unresolved obligations to ancestors (pitrs), commonly identified by affliction to the Sun, the 9th house or its lord, especially by Rahu, Ketu or Saturn. Definitions vary widely between regional traditions. Parashara discusses ancestral curses in the context of children, but the broad modern definition is later. Traditional responses include ancestral rites such as shraddha and tarpana during Pitru Paksha. Praman Jyotish reads it neutrally and does not prescribe rites out of fear.

See also Dharma Bhava, Surya, Rahu, Dosha

Placidus house system

Also: Placidus, Placidian houses

The Placidus house system is a time-based quadrant house system named after the 17th-century Italian scholar Placidus de Titis. It divides the time each degree takes to travel from horizon to meridian into thirds, producing houses of unequal size that can become very distorted at high latitudes. It is the most common house system in modern Western astrology and is the system used in Krishnamurti Paddhati, where Placidus cusps and their sub lords are central.

See also Krishnamurti Paddhati, Cusp, Cuspal sub-lord, Sripati house system

Planetary speed

Also: Gati, daily motion, Graha Gati, Atichara

Planetary speed is the rate at which a planet moves through the zodiac, usually given as degrees or minutes per day. Average daily motions are roughly: Moon 13°10′, Sun 59′, Mercury and Venus about 1 degree on average but varying widely, Mars 31′, Jupiter 5′, Saturn 2′ and the mean nodes 3′ backwards. Jyotish tracks speed for Cheshta Bala and for states such as atichara, when a planet moves unusually fast, and it explains why the Moon is used for timing.

See also Vakri, Stationary planet, Cheshta Bala, Gochara

Poorna Drishti

Also: Purna Drishti, full aspect

Poorna Drishti is a full aspect, a graha's glance at complete strength. Every planet casts a full aspect on the 7th house from itself; Mars also fully aspects the 4th and 8th, Jupiter the 5th and 9th, and Saturn the 3rd and 10th. Parashara describes the remaining aspects as partial: a quarter on the 3rd and 10th, half on the 5th and 9th, and three quarters on the 4th and 8th. Most practitioners read only full aspects in everyday chart work.

See also Drishti, Vishesha Drishti

Porutham

Also: Thirumana Porutham, Jathaka Porutham, Poruthams, Poruththam

Porutham is the Tamil word for agreement or fit, used in South India for each factor of marriage matching and for the matching process as a whole. The standard set is ten poruthams, the Dashakoota: Dina, Gana, Mahendra, Stree Deergha, Yoni, Rashi, Rashyadhipati, Vashya, Rajju and Vedha. Families in Tamil Nadu and Kerala commonly look for a minimum number of agreements, with Rajju and Vedha often treated as indispensable, alongside a comparison of the full charts.

See also Dashakoota, Rajju (matching), Kundali Milan

Praman

Also: Pramāṇa, Pramana

Praman means 'valid means of knowledge' in Sanskrit, the standard a claim must meet before it can be called true. Indian philosophy lists up to six such means, from direct perception to inference and reliable testimony. The whole practice is named for this principle: a prediction has to earn its standing by evidence, not by authority.

See also Pratyaksha, Anumana, Praman Score

Praman Jyotish

Also: Pramana Jyotish

Praman Jyotish is accountable Vedic astrology: a chart is tested against your verified past before anything is said about your future. Three classical systems are read independently, every disagreement is disclosed, and every prediction carries a Praman Score you can hold us to. We do not sell gemstones, remedies or pujas, and we do not use fear to close a sale.

See also Praman Method, Karmic Backtest, Tri-Darshan

Praman Method

Also: The Praman Method

The Praman Method is the sequence every reading follows: rectify the birth time, test the chart against your past, read it through three systems, and score each prediction. The Karmic Backtest checks the chart, Tri-Darshan Consensus compares the systems, and the Praman Score states how confident we are. Only predictions above the Publication Floor reach you.

See also Rectification, Karmic Backtest, Tri-Darshan, Publication Floor

Praman Score

Also: Pramāṇ Score, Pramana Score

Every prediction carries a Praman Score built from three things: how well your chart explained your verified past, how strongly all three systems agreed, and how confident we are in your birth time. It is a plain confidence grade that marks our own work. Nothing below a score of 71 is published.

See also Karmic Backtest, Tri-Darshan, Publication Floor

Prana Dasha

Also: Prāṇa Daśā, fifth-level period

Prana dasha is the fifth and finest level of a dasha system described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, a subdivision of the sookshma dasha. In Vimshottari a prana period lasts from minutes to a day or two. It is rarely used in ordinary consultation, since it presumes a birth time accurate to within seconds. Some practitioners use it experimentally in rectification or for timing within a single day, but most readings stop at the third or fourth level.

See also Sookshma Dasha, Dasha, Rectification

Pranapada

Also: Prāṇapada, PP, breath point

Pranapada is a sensitive point calculated from the Sun’s position and the time elapsed since sunrise, measured in vighatis (units of 24 seconds). Its name means the station of breath, and Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra uses it to test whether a birth time is plausible by checking its relationship with the lagna, typically requiring it in a trine or the seventh from it. It is also read for vitality and general well-being.

See also Rectification, Birth time, Gulika, Lagna

Prarabdha Karma

Also: Prārabdha, Prarabdh, Prarabdha, ripening karma

Prarabdha Karma is the portion of accumulated karma that has begun to bear fruit and shapes the present life. The classic image is an arrow already released from the bow, which must complete its flight. Jyotish tradition holds that the birth chart describes prarabdha. Some teachers further divide it into dridha (fixed), adridha (changeable) and dridha-adridha (mixed) karma, which is why tradition treats certain outcomes as responsive to effort and remedy and others as simply to be met with understanding.

See also Karma, Sanchita Karma, Upaya

Prashna

Also: Praśna, Prasna, Prashna Kundali, horary astrology

Prashna is the branch of Jyotish that answers a specific question from a chart cast for the moment the question is asked or received, rather than from a birth chart. It is useful when no reliable birth time exists and for focused matters such as a lost item, a journey or a decision. Classical sources include Prashna Marga and chapters of Brihat Jataka and Daivajna Vallabha. Kerala developed an especially elaborate Prashna tradition that also uses omens and special calculations.

See also Horary, Prashna Lagna, Prashna Marga, Kerala Prashna

Prashna Arudha

Also: Praśna Ārūḍha, Arudha Rashi, Kerala Arudha

Prashna Arudha is the sign selected by the querent, rather than calculated, used in Kerala Prashna as a key reference alongside the rising sign. Typically the enquirer places a gold coin or touches one of twelve squares representing the signs, or the sign is taken from the direction in which they stand. Prashna Marga reads the Arudha, the rising sign and the Chhatra together. It is distinct from the Jaimini Arudha Pada, which is calculated from a house lord.

See also Kerala Prashna, Chhatra, Prashna Lagna, Arudha Pada

Prashna Lagna

Also: Praśna Lagna, query ascendant, horary ascendant

Prashna Lagna is the ascendant of the chart cast for the moment of a question, representing the person asking and the question itself. The houses are then read from it: the seventh for the other party, the tenth for the outcome of an undertaking, and so on. Kerala practice weighs it together with the Arudha chosen by the querent, and KP horary replaces it with an ascendant derived from a number the querent gives.

See also Prashna, Prashna Arudha, KP horary number, Lagna

Prashna Marga

Also: Praśna Mārga, Prasna Marga

Prashna Marga is the principal Kerala text on horary astrology (prashna), composed in 1649 CE by a Namboothiri astrologer from Edakkad in north Kerala, in 32 chapters. Its name means the path of questions. It sets out the Kerala method of answering questions from the chart of the moment, including ashtamangala prashna, omens (nimitta) and the conduct expected of an astrologer. It also contains natal material and is translated into English by B. V. Raman.

See also Prashna, Ashtamangala Prashna, Kerala Prashna, Nimitta

Prastara Ashtakavarga

Also: Prastarashtakavarga, expanded ashtakavarga

Prastara Ashtakavarga is the expanded working grid behind a planet’s Bhinnashtakavarga, showing which of the eight contributors (the seven planets and the Ascendant) gave a bindu to each sign. Prastara means ‘spread out’. Instead of one count per sign, it records the source of each point, arranged in kakshya order. This lets the astrologer see which 3°45′ segments within a sign carry support, refining transit timing to a few degrees.

See also Bhinnashtakavarga, Kakshya, Ashtakavarga

Pratipada

Also: Pratipadā, Padyami, Parva, first tithi

Pratipada is the first tithi of each lunar fortnight, when the Moon is 0° to 12° ahead of the Sun (waxing) or of the opposition point (waning). It belongs to the Nanda group of tithis, and its presiding deity is commonly given as Agni. Shukla Pratipada of Chaitra opens the lunar new year in many regions (Ugadi, Gudi Padwa), and Ashvina Shukla Pratipada begins Sharad Navaratri. Classical muhurta texts treat Shukla Pratipada with some caution because the Moon is still very thin.

See also Tithi, Nanda tithi, Shukla Paksha, Amavasya

Pratyaksha

Also: Pratyakṣa, perception

Pratyaksha is direct perception, the first and most basic praman or valid means of knowledge. It is knowledge that comes through the senses without an intermediate step. In a reading, the events you have actually lived are the pratyaksha evidence a chart must answer to.

See also Praman, Anumana

Pratyantardasha

Also: Pratyantardaśā, Pratyantar Dasha, sub-sub-period

A pratyantardasha is the third level of a dasha system, a subdivision of an antardasha. It is calculated with the same proportional rule as the antardasha, dividing the antardasha among the nine planets in sequence, starting with the antardasha lord. In Vimshottari these periods range from a few days to several months. They are used to narrow the timing of events already indicated by the mahadasha and antardasha, and their accuracy depends heavily on a correct birth time.

See also Antardasha, Sookshma Dasha, Vimshottari Dasha

Pravaha

Also: Pravāha

Pravaha means 'current' or 'flow'. Pravaha windows mark periods as favourable, mixed or adverse across finance, relationship, health and career, so you can advance, adapt or protect. It does not remove free will; it tells you what you are moving with or against.

See also Dasha, Gochara, Muhurta

Pravrajya Yoga

Also: Pravrajya Yog, Sanyasa Yoga, renunciation yoga

Pravrajya Yoga forms when four or more strong planets occupy a single sign, a combination that Varahamihira’s Brihat Jataka connects with renunciation and the ascetic life. The strongest planet in the group is said to decide the kind of asceticism, and texts add that full renunciation does not follow if that planet is combust or defeated in planetary war. In modern practice it is read broadly as a strong spiritual or detached inclination, not necessarily leaving home.

See also Moksha, Graha Yuddha, Asta

Precession of the equinoxes

Also: precession, Ayana Chalana, axial precession

The precession of the equinoxes is the slow backward drift of the equinox points against the fixed stars, caused by a wobble in the Earth’s axis. It amounts to about 50.3 seconds of arc a year, one degree in roughly 72 years, and a full circle in about 25,800 years. Precession is the reason the tropical and sidereal zodiacs separate over time. The accumulated gap is the ayanamsha, which Jyotish subtracts to keep signs and nakshatras fixed to the stars.

See also Ayanamsha, Sidereal zodiac, Tropical zodiac, Equinox

Prishthodaya

Also: Pṛṣṭhodaya, back-rising signs

Prishthodaya signs are the 'back-rising' signs, said to rise hind part first: Mesha, Vrishabha, Karka, Dhanu and Makara. Several classical authors say planets placed in them tend to give their results towards the end of their dasha periods. The classification also appears in horary work, where a back-rising sign may suggest delay or a matter that unfolds late.

See also Shirshodaya, Ubhayodaya

Prithuyasas

Also: Pṛthuyaśas, Prithuyashas, Prithuyasa

Prithuyasas was a 6th-century astrologer, traditionally the son of Varahamihira, and the author of Hora Sara on natal astrology and Shatpanchashika, a short text of fifty-six verses on prashna (horary astrology). Shatpanchashika became a standard horary manual and was commented on by Bhattotpala. His work carried Varahamihira’s school into its next generation and supplied the prashna tradition with one of its earliest compact texts.

See also Hora Sara, Varahamihira, Prashna

Prithvi Tattva

Also: Prithvi Tattwa, earth element, earth signs, Bhumi Tattva

Prithvi Tattva is the earth element, and the earth signs are Vrishabha, Kanya and Makara. Classical texts associate earth with practicality, stability, material resources and patience, and among the grahas Mercury is earthy. The earth signs are the 2nd, 6th and 10th of the natural zodiac, matching the Artha Trikona of houses, which links the element to wealth and livelihood. Astrologers use the balance of elements in a chart as one description of temperament.

See also Vrishabha, Kanya, Makara, Artha Trikona

Priti

Also: Prīti, Preeti

Priti is the second of the 27 Nitya Yogas, in force while the combined sidereal longitude of the Sun and Moon is between 13°20′ and 26°40′. The name means “affection” or “love”. Muhurta texts traditionally regard it as favourable, especially for friendship, reconciliation, marriage negotiations and social gatherings. A person born in Priti yoga is traditionally described as affectionate, well liked and fond of pleasures.

See also Nitya Yoga, Vishkambha, Ayushman

Publication Floor

The Publication Floor is the minimum Praman Score a prediction needs before it is printed: 71. Roughly 8% of what we compute never reaches the client, because the three systems did not agree and we will not publish a prediction we cannot stand behind.

See also Praman Score, Tri-Darshan

Puja

Also: Pooja, Pūjā, worship

Puja is ritual worship in which offerings such as water, flowers, incense, light and food are made to a deity. The formal version, shodashopachara, has sixteen offerings. In Jyotish it may be directed to a graha or to the deity traditionally associated with it, and a Navagraha puja honours all nine together. Its purpose in the tradition is devotion and a settled mind rather than a transaction. Praman Jyotish does not sell or conduct pujas, and does not prescribe them out of fear.

See also Upaya, Homa, Navagraha Shanti

Punarvasu

Also: Punarvasū, Punarvasu nakshatra, Punartham, Castor and Pollux

Punarvasu is the seventh nakshatra, spanning 20° Gemini to 3°20′ Cancer, and corresponds to the stars Castor and Pollux. It is ruled by Jupiter and presided over by Aditi, the boundless mother of the gods, and its symbol is a bow and quiver. It is Deva gana with cat yoni and is classed as Chara (movable). Its first three padas fall in Gemini and the last in Cancer. The name means return of the good, and it is traditionally read as renewal and a safe homecoming.

See also Guru, Chara nakshatras, Karka

Punya Sahama

Also: Puṇya Sahama, Part of Fortune, Lot of Fortune

Punya Sahama is the Sahama of merit and fortune, the Tajika counterpart of the Part of Fortune. By day it is calculated as Moon minus Sun plus the ascendant, and by night as Sun minus Moon plus the ascendant, with the standard adjustment when the ascendant does not fall between the two. It is considered the most important Sahama, and its sign, lord and aspects in the annual chart are read for general good fortune in the year.

See also Sahama, Varshaphal, Luminaries

Purna tithi

Also: Pūrṇā, Purna tithis, full tithi

Purna tithis are the fifth, tenth and fifteenth tithis of each fortnight (Panchami, Dashami and Purnima or Amavasya). Purna means “full”, and muhurta texts traditionally regard these tithis as complete and supportive, suited to most auspicious undertakings. The fifteenth tithi is an exception in practice: Amavasya, although formally in this group, is usually avoided for new beginnings, while Purnima is widely favoured for religious observance.

See also Tithi, Panchami, Dashami, Purnima

Purnima

Also: Pūrṇimā, Poornima, Purnamasi, full moon

Purnima is the full moon, the fifteenth tithi of the bright fortnight, when the Moon is 180 degrees from the Sun. In the Purnimanta calendar it ends the lunar month. Many major festivals fall on it, including Guru Purnima, Holi and Sharad Purnima, and it is widely observed with fasting and worship. Lunar months take their names from the nakshatra near which the full Moon falls, for example Chaitra from Chitra. Lunar eclipses fall only on Purnima.

See also Amavasya, Shukla Paksha, Purnimanta, Chandra Grahan

Purnimanta

Also: Pūrṇimānta, Purnimant, full-moon-ending month

Purnimanta is the lunar month system in which each month ends on Purnima, the full moon. It is followed across most of north India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab. Under Purnimanta, the dark fortnight of a month comes first. The practical effect is that Krishna Paksha dates carry a month name one ahead of the Amanta name: Mahashivaratri falls in Phalguna Krishna under Purnimanta but in Magha Krishna under Amanta. The festival day itself is the same.

See also Amanta, Chandra Masa, Purnima

Purushartha

Also: Puruṣārtha, Purusharth, four aims of life

Purushartha refers to the four aims of human life: dharma (right conduct), artha (prosperity), kama (desire and enjoyment) and moksha (liberation). Jyotish maps them onto the houses as trikonas: the 1st, 5th and 9th for dharma, the 2nd, 6th and 10th for artha, the 3rd, 7th and 11th for kama, and the 4th, 8th and 12th for moksha. The word also means self-effort, and classical debates such as those in the Yoga Vasishtha weigh purushartha against daiva, fate.

See also Dharma Trikona, Artha Trikona, Kama Trikona, Moksha Trikona

Purva Ashadha

Also: Pūrvāṣāḍhā, Purvashadha, Purvashada, Pooradam

Purva Ashadha is the twentieth nakshatra, spanning 13°20′ to 26°40′ Sagittarius. It is ruled by Venus and presided over by Apas, the divine waters, and its symbol is a winnowing fan or an elephant’s tusk. It is Manushya gana with monkey yoni and is classed as Ugra (fierce). The name means the earlier invincible one, and it is traditionally read as conviction, purification and early victory.

See also Shukra, Ugra nakshatras, Dhanu

Purva Bhadrapada

Also: Pūrva Bhādrapadā, Purva Bhadra, Purvabhadra, Pooruruttathi

Purva Bhadrapada is the twenty-fifth nakshatra, spanning 20° Aquarius to 3°20′ Pisces. It is ruled by Jupiter and presided over by Aja Ekapada, the one-footed goat, a form of Rudra, and its symbol is the front legs of a funeral cot or a two-faced man. It is Manushya gana with lion yoni and is classed as Ugra (fierce). Its first three padas lie in Aquarius and the last in Pisces. It is traditionally read as intensity, austerity and idealism.

See also Guru, Ugra nakshatras, Meena

Purva Phalguni

Also: Pūrva Phalgunī, Purva Falguni, Pubba, Pooram

Purva Phalguni is the eleventh nakshatra, spanning 13°20′ to 26°40′ Leo. It is ruled by Venus and presided over by Bhaga, the god of fortune, delight and marital happiness, and its symbol is the front legs of a bed or a hammock. It is Manushya gana with rat yoni and is classed as Ugra (fierce) in muhurta texts. It is traditionally read as a star of rest, pleasure, creativity and affection after effort.

See also Shukra, Ugra nakshatras, Simha

Pushkala Yoga

Also: Pushkal Yog

Pushkala Yoga is commonly defined as the dispositor of the Moon, joined with the Ascendant lord, occupying a kendra or the sign of a close friend and aspecting the Ascendant, while a strong planet occupies the Ascendant. Pushkala means ‘abundant’. Classical sources describe wealth, sweet speech, fame and honour from those in authority. Definitions vary slightly between sources, and the strength of the planets involved is essential.

See also Chandra, Lagnesh, Dispositor

Pushkara Bhaga

Also: Puṣkara Bhāga, Pushkar Bhag, nourishing degree

Pushkara Bhaga is a single degree in each sign that classical tradition regards as especially nourishing for a graha placed on it. The commonly cited list includes, for example, 21° of Mesha and 14° of Vrishabha, though sources differ in detail. A planet on its Pushkara Bhaga is traditionally read as able to give good results even if otherwise weak. It is distinct from Pushkara Navamsha, which covers a whole navamsha segment rather than one degree, and is also used in Muhurta.

See also Pushkara Navamsha, Mrityu Bhaga, Muhurta

Pushkara Navamsha

Also: Puṣkara Navāṁśa, Pushkar Navansh

Pushkara navamshas are twenty-four specific navamsha divisions, two in each sign, that fall in signs of the natural benefics and are traditionally considered especially nourishing for a planet placed there. In fire signs they are the 7th and 9th navamshas, in earth signs the 3rd and 5th, in air signs the 6th and 8th and in water signs the 1st and 3rd. They are distinct from pushkara bhaga, which is a single degree in each sign.

See also Navamsha (D9), Pushkara Bhaga, Benefic

Pushya

Also: Puṣya, Pushyami, Pooyam, Tishya, Pukh

Pushya is the eighth nakshatra, spanning 3°20′ to 16°40′ Cancer. It is ruled by Saturn and presided over by Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, and its symbol is a cow’s udder or a flower. It is Deva gana with sheep yoni and is classed as Kshipra (swift). It is widely regarded as the most nourishing nakshatra for beginnings, although classical muhurta texts exclude it for marriage. Jupiter’s exaltation point at 5° Cancer falls within it, and a Thursday in Pushya forms Guru Pushya Yoga.

See also Shani, Guru Pushya Yoga, Kshipra nakshatras, Karka

Putra Bhava

Also: Putra Bhāva, fifth house, Suta Bhava, Vidya Bhava

Putra Bhava is the fifth house, the house of children and intelligence. Classical texts read from it children, creativity, discernment, learning, devotion, mantra and purva punya, the merit carried from past lives. It is a trikona, so its lord is always considered favourable, and it belongs to the Dharma Trikona. Jupiter is its karaka. Classical texts also examine it for speculative gains, and the 5th and 9th together are central to many Raja Yogas.

See also Trikona, Dharma Trikona, Guru

Putrakaraka

Also: Putrakāraka, PK, children significator

The Putrakaraka is the Chara Karaka for children, students and creative intelligence. In the seven-karaka scheme it is the planet with the fifth-highest degree in its sign; in the eight-karaka scheme, where Pitrikaraka takes fifth place, it is the sixth. It parallels Jupiter as the natural significator of children and the fifth house, and Jaimini readers also consider it for followers, disciples and the fruits of past merit.

See also Chara Karaka, Putra Bhava, Guru

Rahu

Also: Rāhu, north node, Dragon’s Head

Rahu is the north lunar node, the point where the Moon's path crosses the ecliptic heading north, treated in Jyotish as a shadow graha. Classical texts associate it with desire, amplification, the foreign and unconventional, and eclipses. In myth it is the head of the asura Svarbhanu, severed by Vishnu after he drank the nectar of immortality. It moves backward through the zodiac and its Vimshottari Dasha lasts 18 years. Its sign of exaltation is disputed: some texts give Vrishabha, others Mithuna.

See also Ketu, Chhaya Graha, Lunar nodes, Kala Sarpa Yoga

Rahu Kaal

Also: Rāhu Kāla, Rahu Kalam, Rahukalam, Rahu Kal

Rahu Kaal is a period of about 90 minutes each day that South Indian tradition avoids for starting important work. Daylight from sunrise to sunset is divided into eight equal parts, and Rahu Kaal is a fixed part for each weekday: the 2nd on Monday, 3rd on Saturday, 4th on Friday, 5th on Wednesday, 6th on Thursday, 7th on Tuesday and 8th on Sunday. It is a popular muhurta rule rather than a classical Parashari doctrine, and it applies to beginnings, not to activities already under way.

See also Rahu, Yamaganda, Gulika Kaal, Muhurta

Rahu-Ketu transit

Also: nodal transit, Rahu Ketu Gochar, Rahu Ketu Peyarchi

The Rahu-Ketu transit is the movement of the lunar nodes, which always stay opposite each other and move backwards through the zodiac, spending about eighteen months in each sign and completing the cycle in about 18.6 years. Classical texts say the nodes give favourable transit results in the 3rd, 6th and 11th signs from the natal Moon. Mean and true node positions differ slightly, so sign-change dates vary between almanacs. Their transits are read as shifts of emphasis along an axis of the chart.

See also Rahu, Ketu, Lunar nodes, Mean node

Raja Yoga

Also: Rajyog, Rāja Yoga, royal combination

Raja Yoga is a combination linking the lords of kendras (the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses) with the lords of trikonas (the 1st, 5th and 9th), traditionally read as a promise of status, authority and success. The link can be conjunction, mutual aspect or exchange of signs. Parashara gives the strongest form as the 9th and 10th lords combined. Classical texts say the results arrive mainly in the dashas of the planets involved, and a Raja Yoga formed by weak or afflicted planets is read as modest.

See also Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga, Kendra, Trikona, Yogakaraka

Rajju (matching)

Also: Rajju Porutham, Rajju Dosha, Rajju Koota

Rajju is a South Indian matching factor that groups the 27 nakshatras into five ‘cords’ linked with parts of the body: feet (Pada), hips (Kati), navel (Nabhi), neck (Kantha) and head (Shiro). If both partners’ birth nakshatras fall in the same rajju, the match is traditionally considered unfavourable, and many families treat this porutham as essential. Shiro rajju, for example, contains Mrigashira, Chitra and Dhanishta. It is unrelated to Rajju Yoga, a Nabhasa yoga.

See also Dashakoota, Porutham, Vedha (matching), Rajju Yoga

Rajju Yoga

Also: Rajju Yog

Rajju Yoga is the Ashraya Nabhasa yoga formed when all seven planets occupy movable (chara) signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Rajju means ‘rope’. Classical texts describe someone fond of travel and movement, restless, attractive in appearance and able to prosper away from home or in foreign lands. It should not be confused with Rajju in marriage matching, which is a separate compatibility test based on nakshatras.

See also Ashraya Yoga, Chara Rashi, Rajju (matching), Nabhasa Yoga