How to Read a

Birth Chart
Vedic Astrology Made Simple

by

Dinesh S. Mathur
CONTENT

i. Preface............................................................................... ix

Chap. Description Page

No. No.
1. Birth Chart, Houses, Signs, Navamsha,...................... 1
Aspects, Karakas, Three Elements that
govern any aspect of life, consultations,
strength of planets and houses
2. Relationships between planets and................................. 51
between planets and houses, general
analysis of a birth chart, Medicine,
surgery, engineering, profession
3. Vimshottari Dasa........................................................... 90
4. Analysis of Transits....................................................... 110
Preface
This is a small book. It is an attempt to bring Vedic
astrology within the understanding of all those who have
even the slightest interest in this great legacy of India.
This knowledge has come down to us over centuries and
has not naturally remained in its original form. The
interpolations and even some distortions have made it
an intricate, uncertain and highly subjective subject. A
feeling has come about that unless one had supra-sensory
abilities, it was difficult to reach any conclusion in a birth
chart through astrological knowledge available today.
This necessarily meant that astrology of India was not
based on rational principles. The deduction would be that
only those who had the innate ability to exercise extra­
sensory powers could avail of the luxury to delve into
the art of prediction. Nothing can be farther than the
truth.
My effort in this book has been to lay down clearly
the principles that are fundamental to analysis of a birth
chart. These principles are just a handful. Once these
are understood, a birth chart can be easily deciphered. I
have given illustrations at every stage to make matters
clearer. The size of the book has been kept at the barest
minimum. There are several such primers already
available on the shelves of bookshops. This would not be
another but one that would have much practical use to
the readers. The proof of the pudding lies in the eating!!

DS Mathur
Bhopal
April 25, 2008
Birth Chart 1

Chapter 1

(Birth Chart
Houses, Signs, Navamsha, Aspects, Karakas,
Three Elements that governs any aspect of life,
consultations, strength of planets and houses

The birth chart-Its configuration according

to the North and South Indian traditions-
Significations of houses-Signs-Ayanamsha-
Preliminary analysis of a birth chart-
Navamsha and Divisional Charts-Aspects and
their nature-Planets- Sensitive point-
Karakas-Three elements that govern any
aspect of \ife-Sambandha-Retrograde planets-
Constellations- Strength of planets-Strength
of houses-Use of three elements-Emergence
of karaka properties

Ashoknagar is a small town in Central Indian state

of Madhya Pradesh. I was posted there as a young Sub-
Divisional Magistrate in 1974. Gwalior was the biggest
town in the vicinity. It was the headquarters of the
Divisional Commissioner. Ashokanagar was connected
to Gwalior through a poor quality road and its
connection with Guna, which was its district
headquarters, was dependent on the weather. Heavy
showers would cut if off from Guna. One could then go
to Guna only by train. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate had
a big bungalow with spacious grounds. Next to it at a
2 How to Read a Birth Chart

short distance was the court of the Sub-Divisional Officer

and his office. The bungalow was later appropriated by
the Additional Collector and subsequently by the
Collector who has now been stationed there. The town
had an old venerable pundit who was an astrologer too.
He used to call on each newly arrived Magistrate and
would give him a reading for life, gratis. The better the
promise articulated through the birth chart the bigger
would be the welcome to the pundit for the rest of the
tenure of the Magistrate. I had reached Ashoknagar on
posting on a Sunday. The next Sunday the pundit arrived
at my residence and requested my mother to show him
my birth chart. The rolls of the chart were duly produced.
The pundit looked at the charts and spoke of a
scintillating career, good children and a healthy life. I
was intrigued by the ease with which the pundit had
unfolded the course of my future life. Astrology appeared
to me an interesting area of study. Ashoknagar did not
have a bookshop where I could go and pick up a book or
two on the subject. 1 waited therefore. 1 shifted to
Gwalior on posting in October 1975. Browsing through
the collection of AH Wheeler there on Indian astrology,
I came across a small book on astrology. It was a well-
written book on basic principles of astrology. I read
through the primer very quickly. It only whetted my
appetite for more. I brought home the writings of BV
Raman and ploughed through them at my leisure. I then
read Gopesh Kumar Ojha. I was not satisfied with either.
I decided to start reading classics in the original. This
took me to Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra, Phaladeepika,
Brihajjatakam, Chamatkara Chintamani,
Jatakadeshmargachandrika, Saravali, Jataka Parijat,
Mansagari, Hora Sara, Laghuparashari, Sarvartha
Chintamani, Uttar Kalamrit, Bhavartha Ratnakara,
Sanketnidhi, etc. I also got to know that the system that
Birth Chart 3

Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra propounded was called

the Parashari system. This is the system that is
commonly used in India, though many other systems are
also in vogue.

The Birth Chart and its Various Configurations:

It was a unique experience to learn the birth chart.
Understanding the basic principles of the chart was a
major step in demystification of astrology. I was familiar
with the North Indian style chart as I had been seeing it
off and on throughout, but I did not know as to how it
was interpreted. It is as follows:
Chart 1-1
I learnt that a birth
chart was the map of the
sky as it existed at the time
of birth of an individual at
a given place. A chart had
twelve houses. Each house
was of 30° length. The
houses followed a
particular order and each
house represented certain
specific areas of life. The
first house was in the
centre upper part of the chart as indicated through the
Roman numeral one in the diagram. Other houses
followed in anti-clockwise order. The layout of the
houses was as shown in the diagram. The Roman
numbers I, II, III etc. identify house number one, two,
three etc. These numbers for houses are not given in
practice. The houses are counted from the first house,
which is called the ascendant or lagna.
4 How to Read a Birth Chart

Significations of Houses
It was interesting to know that:
The First House stood for the self, place of birth, head
and brain, and physical body. To know the conditions at
the time of birth one had to study the first house. This
house had to be judged for the state of physical body.
The Second House stood for wealth, (right for males
and left for females) eye, speech, face, mouth, throat,
family, etc. This house had a major bearing on the state
of one’s bank balance. By examining this house one could
assess the state of the family of the individual whose
chart was under study.
The Third house stood for younger siblings,
neighbours, short journeys, arms, courage, lower throat,
upper chest and lungs, etc. Whether one would have
younger siblings, and if yes, their number could be
assessed by the study of this house. Trouble in the parts
of body indicated by this house could also be identified
when we study this house.
The Fourth House stood for home, movable assets,
mother, mind, vehicle, education, immovable property,
heart, lower lungs, etc. The nature of one’s education
could be foretold by the examination of this house.
The Fifth House stood for children, intelligence,
romance, abdomen, kidneys, etc. Romantic involvements
and short term relationships could be examined through
this house.
The Sixth House stood for injury, disease,
displeasure, enemy, service, debt, fraud, pets, small
intestines, etc. The time and nature of illness one would
suffer from can be foretold through the study of this
house.
Birth Chart 5

The Seventh House stood for business, trade,

partnership, marriage, spouse, male genitals, large
intestines, etc. This house requires a close study for
information on long-term relationships that an
individual would have.
The Eighth House stood for longevity, grave danger,
grief, death, secrets, female genitals, rectum, etc. The
length of life and the nature of death, whether by illness
or injury, can be told by examining this house.
The Ninth House stood for father, religion, long
journey, fortune, higher studies, thighs, etc.
The Tenth House stood for high status, profession,
joints, knees, etc.
The Eleventh House stood for reunion, return, gain,
success, elder siblings, shins, calves, etc.
The Twelfth House stood for loss, separation,
departure, depletion, reduction, emancipation from
worldly existence, spiritual achievement, ankles, feet,
toes, etc.
My interest was further aroused when I started
reading about the signs of the zodiac. These signs are
twelve equal segments of the ecliptic each containing a
cluster of stars. The ecliptic, as we know, is the apparent
path of the sun among the stars. The signs are Aries,
Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio,
Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. This is the
order in which they appear in the sky. Each sign is
ascribed a number according to its position in the order
of signs. The order of the signs is fixed. Thus Aries is
number one as it is the first sign, Libra is number seven,
as it is the seventh sign from Aries, Capricorn is number
ten, and so on.
6 How to Read a Birth Chart

In a birth chart the house numbers are not written.

In a North Indian style chart a number in a house
indicates the sign that the house has. The digits 1, 2, 3,
etc. in the above Chart 1-1 identify the signs in the
houses. Thus the fourth house has Scorpio (number
eight), ninth house has Aries (number 1), etc. The South
Indian style chart is given below. In Chart 1-1 the first
house has number 5. This is sign Leo. This means that
the ascendant is in Leo. In Chart 1-2 it is indicated by
marking the house as Asc. If we wish to represent the
above Chart 1-1, which is in North Indian style, in the
southern style, it shall appear in the following manner.
However, the traditional South Indian chart would
neither have the numerals in chart 1-2 nor the arrows.
The numerals have only been inserted to tell the reader
the number of each house. The position of signs in each
house is fixed. The position of Aries and other signs in
any South Indian style chart would remain unaltered.
The arrows show the direction in which the signs occur.
Aries being in the top left centre, Taurus is to the right
of Aries, Gemini to the right of Taurus, etc., till we finally
reach Pisces, which is to the left of Aries:
Chart 1-2
In North Indian style
8 9 10 11 chart the places of houses
Pisces Aries Taurus are fixed. The signs are
shown in the chart. In
7 12� South Indian style chart
the places of signs are
fixed. The houses are
1
•• 6
Ase indicated by the location of
the ascendant, but the
number of each house is
5 4 3 2 not separately shown. In
Birth Chart 7

every South Indian style chart Aries would be at the

place shown. In South Indian style chart the numbers of
houses shown in Chart 1-2 are not given. Chart 1-1 would
be shown in this style as Chart 1-3. By looking at the
ascendant in Chart 1-3 it would be presumed that the
second house would be in Virgo for which the place is
fixed in the chart and so on. The planets are shown in
the signs in which they are located. In the following chart
the Sun and Rahu are in Aries, Venus is in Gemini,
Ascendant in Leo, Ketu in Libra, Mars in Scorpio, the
Moon and Jupiter in Sagittarius, Saturn in Capricorn
and Mercury in Pisces:
Chart 1-3

Each sign has a length of 30°. I was amazed to find

that signs were similar in the astrology of ancient
Babylonia, Greece and India. When the means of
communication were virtually non existent, to have had
this kind of overpowering similarity is very difficult to
explain. It appeared uncanny.
I also learnt to calculate a birth chart but that
knowledge has now become redundant since there are
very good computer programmes available for this job.
These programmes make accurate birth charts.
8 How to Read a Birth Chart

A birth chart shows the sign of zodiac that was rising

on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. This would
be the first house. The next sign after the sign rising in
the first house would be the second house and so on till
the twelfth house. It was explained to me that in the
Parashari system normally the rising sign is taken as
the first house. This is also called the ascendant or lagrta,
and the subsequent signs are the subsequent houses. The
positions of planets are calculated for the time and place
of birth and each planet is placed in the sign that it
occupied at that time. The position of planets in various
signs at the time of birth is shown in the chart. Let us
take as an illustration Chart 1-4. Here the Sun at the time
of birth was in Aquarius, the Moon in Sagittarius, Mars
in Taurus, Mercury in Capricorn, Jupiter in Pisces,
Venus in Capricorn, Saturn in Cancer, Rahu in Libra,
and since Rahu and Ketu are always 180° apart, Ketu
was in Aries at the time of birth. Their exact degrees are
also given with the chart. This is how these nine planets
are shown in this chart.

Signs of the Zodiac

The Sun and Moon own one sign each. All other
planets except Rahu and Ketu own two signs. The
important thing to learn was the characteristics of signs.
The signs are generally movable, fixed or common; and
are fiery, earthy, airy or watery. The first sign Aries is
movable, the second Taurus fixed and the third Gemini
common; this would be repeated again and again till we
reach Pisces, which would be common. The first sign
Aries is fiery, the second Taurus earthy, the third Gemini
airy, and the fourth Cancer watery. This would be
repeated in groups of four till we reach Pisces, which
would be watery. The characteristics of signs are stated
as follows:
Birth Chart 9

Aries is a movable sign. The cluster of stars called

Aries appears as a ram in the sky. Mars owns it. A
movable sign has a tendency to expedite matters. It
shows movement. Events caused through a movable sign
are not permanent. Aries is also a fiery sign. A fiery sign
shows anger and aggression. Diseases caused through a
fiery sign have inflammation and fever as their
characteristics. All fiery signs represent the East. Its
place is in mines and scrub forest. Being the first sign it
stands for the head. It is a barren sign and therefore
does not promote productivity. A person born when this
sign is rising or with his Moon in this sign would be slim,
muscular, aggressive and dashing. He would also be
liberal and confident. He would be attractive to the
opposite sex. When the ascendant is in a sign, the
physical characteristics of the sign are more visible; the
mental characteristics become predominant when the
Moon is in the sign. In an infrequent situation when the
lagna and rashi (the sign in which the Moon is placed in
a birth chart) are in the same sign, both the physical
and mental characteristics of the sign would be clearly
evident.
Taurus is a fixed sign. Venus owns it. It appears as a
bull in the sky. A fixed sign promotes accumulation,
stability and permanence. It inclines to, being a fixed
sign, painstaking and detailed work. Disease caused
through the fixed sign would be chronic and long lasting.
Being the second sign it relates to face, mouth, throat
and eyes. It is an earthy sign. Its places are farms and
forest. An earthy sign literally relates to matters of this
physical world. All earthy signs represent the South. The
individual would be stocky in built. He would have bright
eyes, a clear complexion, thick neck and dark hair. He
would also be steady and patient. He would like good
food, wish to be wealthy and enjoy good things of life.
10 How to Read a Birth Chart

He would be careful with his money.

Gemini is a common sign. Mercury owns it. It
promotes philosophical and intellectual bent of mind. It
is also prone to be serene and harmonious. To some
extent the sign tends to be sentimental. This sign appears
as a couple in the sky. It therefore represents more than
one and promotes multiplicity. It is a barren sign like
Aries. An individual having a barren sign in the V house
from the ascendant may find it difficult to have children.
This sign promotes indecisiveness. Gemini is an airy
sign. All airy signs are accommodative and vocal, and
they represent the West. It is the third sign. It represents
the lower neck, upper chest, shoulders and arms. Its
places are gambling dens, parks and gardens. The
individual would be tall, upright, and restless. He would
have a long nose and arms. He would like travelling. He
would be versatile and have several interests. He would
like intellectual pursuits.
Cancer is the fourth sign. The Moon owns it. It
appears as a crab in the sky. It has all the characteristics
of a movable sign being one itself. It represents lungs,
chest, heart, and breasts in the human body. Its place is
water and sand on the banks of water-bodies. It is a
watery sign. It therefore causes interest in spirituality
and religion. Persons with prominent watery signs
become psychic. Such individuals would be sympathetic,
receptive, accommodating and emotional. The watery
signs are mute in nature. Speech impediments would
develop if other factors were also present in the chart.
The upper part of a person having his ascendant in this
sign or the Moon placed in it would be larger than the
lower and he would develop a paunch later in life. All
watery signs represent the North.
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12 How to Read a Birth Chart

poisonous reptile. The individual would be above

average in height and would have a well-proportioned
body. He will have a commanding presence. His intuition
would be developed. The occult would attract him. He
would also be intelligent, forceful and determined. The
sex urge is strong in this individual and he may have
relations with several females. He may talk roughly and
he may be revengeful.
Sagittarius is common and fiery. Jupiter owns it. It
appears as a creature, which is half human with a bow
and arrow having the hind parts of a horse in the sky.
Its place is in the stables. It promotes multiplicity. It
represents blood and thighs. He would be tall and
handsome. Religion would attract him. He would be
intuitive and truthful, and a man of principles. He would
like travelling and would go for higher education.
Capricorn is a movable and earthy sign. Saturn owns
it. It appears as a crocodile like aquatic animal in the
sky. The animal is the carrier of Goddess Ganga. Its place
is major water-bodies. It represents the joints. The
individual would be lanky in early years but would put
on some weight later in life. Eyes would be deep set. He
would be practical, economical and methodical. He
would work hard and be honest. He would decide quickly
and organise well. He faces difficulties in life.
Aquarius is fixed and airy. Saturn owns it. It governs
ears, shins and calves. It appears as a womb or water
pot in the sky. Its place is a water-body. The individual
would be tall and slim. He would be fair and good-
looking. He is a person who takes up public causes and
pursues them steadfastly. He is a careful person.
Birth Chart 13

Pisces is common and watery. Jupiter owns it. It

appears as two fish in the sky. Its places are the ocean
and major lakes. It governs feet. The individual would
be short and plump. He would be imaginative, romantic
and psychic. He would be humane, generous and helpful.

Ayanamsha
Vedic astrology is sidereal unlike the astrology of
the West, which is tropical. It takes into account the
precession of the equinox. This precession is called the
ayanamsa. The positions of celestial bodies shown in a
birth chart are as they appear in the sky. The Sun, for
example, if it is shown in Pisces in a birth chart, would
on physical observation of the sky at that time, be
actually found in that sign. This is not true of the Western
astrology where the positions in the sky are not always
as reflected in the birth chart.

Preliminary Analysis of a Birth chart

I was advised to learn the characteristics of houses
and signs by heart and see as to which house was related
to another. A very sound advice was given to me. I was
told that I should take up a chart and see how a
particular aspect had arisen in the life of an individual
due to the interaction of two houses. For example, let us
take the following chart and analyse it according to the
relationship between houses. We will revert to this
concept again later but this is a preliminary exposure
of the reader to this very important exercise in predictive
astrology.
14 How to Read a Birth Chart

Chart 1-4

Female, February’ 25, 1976, 0401 hours, 26° N14’, 78°E10', Time Zone
0530 hours East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 10sll° 55’19” Rahu Venus 9sl2°55’18” Moon
Moon 8sl3°53’6” Venus Saturn 3s3°24’14” Saturn
Mars ls27°41’8” Mars Rahu 6s21°59’ll” Jupiter
Merc 9sl6°56’18” Moon Ketu 0s21°59’ll” Venus
Jupiter lls29°53’0” Mercury Ascdt 8s23°ll’56”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.
Birth Chart 15

This lady is a doctor. She deals with diseases. This is

her profession. The VI house in the chart stands for
disease, surgery and injuries. The X house in the chart
stands for profession. The VI house has Taurus. Venus
owns it. The X house has Virgo. Mercury owns it. Both
the planets are together in Capricorn. This is the II house
of wealth. Her wealth is related to her profession, disease
and surgery. The XI house of income has Libra. Venus
owns it. It is with the owner of the X house of profession
in the house of wealth. Thus her income is related to her
profession, which is based on disease and surgery. The
VII and X houses have the same owner Mercury. She
married a colleague of hers. Her marriage is thus closely
related to her profession. We will take up another chart
for such study.
16 How to Read a Birth Chart

Ven Ket
Sat

Asc Sun
Navamsa
Mer Mar

Rah Mon Jup

Male. December 28, 1945, 1216 hours, 27°N43, 85°E19, 0530 hours
East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 8sl3°5’ 13” Ketu Venus 8s4°38’20” Ketu
Moon 6s4°27’34” Mars Saturn 2s29°32’43” Jupiter
Mars 3s6°24’ 13” Saturn Rahu 2s6°50’42” Rahu
Merc 7s21°l’5O” Mercury Ketu 8s6°50’42” Ketu
Jupiter 6sl°15’26” Mars Ascdt lls25°20’58”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

This individual got a lot of property from his father.

Notice the owner of the IV house that stands for property
placed in the IX house that stands for father. He had
major income from property and lands. The house of
income and gains is the XL It has Capricorn. Saturn owns
this house. It is placed in the IV house. He was killed by
his own son. The son is represented by the V house from
the ascendant. This house has Cancer. The Moon owns
this sign. Death is represented by the VIII house. The
Moon has occupied this house. Thus his son is closely
related to his death. This individual got his position after
the death of his father. The owner of the house of death
is Venus. It occupies the X house that represents a
position. At the same time, the owner of the house of
Birth Chart 17

profession and high status Jupiter is placed in the VIII

house.
A close study of the relationship between various
houses in the chart was a very interesting exercise. It
was also very edifying since it was the first, though a
very elementary indication, that astrology did actually
work despite much cynicism that is expressed in certain
quarters.
The characteristics of the signs are very important
in predictive work. I did not realise it when I started
reading astrology. The details mentioned for each sign
sometimes appeared trivial. The importance of these
details dawned on me much later and I had to go back to
the initial chapters and read carefully again the
description of the signs. There are certain issues of
timing of events, matters relating to certain aspects of
life like more than one marriage etc. that depend solely
on these characteristics of the signs. For example, when
in a male chart Venus is placed in a dual sign of Mercury
such as Gemini or Virgo or has influence of Mercury on
it, it would cause the individual to either get married
more than once or he may have more than one woman
as a partner in sex in his life. A thorough grounding in
the details regarding the signs is of utmost importance.

Navamsha and Divisional Charts

The signs are divided for the purposes of analysis in
different equal parts and charts are erected in this
manner. The division can be in two, three, four, five, six,
seven, eight, nine etc. equal parts. The most important
such division is the nine parts division called the
navamsha. A sign is divided in nine equal parts. The
extent of each part is 3°20’. This section of the zodiac is
18 How to Read a Birth Chart

called a navamsha as it is the ninth part of 30 degrees. It

is then determined as to in which navamsha the rising
point of the ascendant is placed. The navamsha in which
each planet is placed is also then determined.
The method to determine the navamsha in which a
planet or celestial point is placed is simple. First
determine the number of navamsha in which a planet is
placed in a sign. For example, the Sun at 15°53’54” in
Cancer shall be in the fifth navamsha of Cancer. It has
completed first four navamshas in the sign and it is in
the fifth navamsha. When a planet is in a movable sign
(Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn) count as many signs
from the sign in which the planet is placed as the number
of navamsha in which the planet is placed. The sign so
determined shall be the navamsha sign in which that
planet would be placed. Let us take the illustration given
above. When we count from Cancer, Scorpio is the fifth
sign. The navamsha sign in which the Sun shall be is
Scorpio. When a planet is in a fixed sign (Taurus, Leo,
Scorpio or Aquarius) count from the ninth sign in which
the planet is placed. If the Sun were at 15°53’54” in Leo,
the ninth sign from Leo will be Aries. We will count the
fifth sign from Aries, which is Leo itself. The Sun will be
in Leo navamsha. By the way, when a planet is in the
same navamsha as the sign that it occupies, the planet
is called Vargottama. Here the Sun is Vargottama. When
the planet is in a common sign (Gemini, Virgo,
Sagittarius or Pisces) count from the fifth sign from the
sign in which the planet is placed. For example, if the
Sun were at 15°53’54” in Virgo, we will count from
Capricorn. The Sun would be in Taurus navamsha. Let
us suppose Gemini was rising at 8°52’33” at the time of
birth. Gemini is a common sign. We will therefore
determine the fifth sign from Gemini. It is Libra. The
rising point is in the third navamsha. The third sign from
Birth Chart 19

Libra is Sagittarius. Therefore the point of ascendant is

in Sagittarius navamsha.
Having determined the navamsha signs that each
planet and the ascendant occupy, we can erect a chart
called the navamsha chart. How is this done? We place
the navamsha sign that the point of ascendant occupies
in the ascendant of a new blank chart. This would be
the sign of ascendant in the navamsha chart. We then
place signs in the subsequent houses in the order in
which they occur. We insert each planet in the sign in
the chart that the planet occupies in the navamsha.
Suppose the point of ascendant in the birth chart
occupies Cancer navamsha. The ascendant of the
navamsha chart shall be Cancer. The second house will
have Leo, the third Virgo, etc. till we reach the twelfth
house, which will have Gemini. Suppose the Sun is in
Virgo navamsha. It shall be shown in Virgo in the
navamsha chart. This would be the III house from the
ascendant in the navamsha chart. Then suppose the
Moon is in Gemini navamsha. It shall be shown in Gemini
in the navamsha chart. This would be the XII house from
the navamsha chart ascendant. We will place all the
planets in this manner in the chart. We will get a new
chart. This is called the navamsha chart for that
particular birth chart.
We can erect any divisional chart in this manner.
The divisional charts are specific charts for certain
aspects of life. For example, the third division of a sign
chart is called the Dreshkan chart. It is studied to find
out about matters relating to the third house,
particularly the younger siblings. The sixth division of
a chart is called the Sashtamsa. It is used to study
matters relating to the VI house, particularly illnesses,
accidents, disputes and injuries, in depth. The navamsha
chart is studied to analyse in detail not only the married
20 How to Read a Birth Chart

life and fortune of the individual, but it has many other

uses as well, as we will see in due course. The tenth
division of a sign chart is called the Dasamsha. It is
examined to predict about the profession of the
individual. This is an interesting field of study but we
will only use the navamsha chart in this book.

Aspects and their nature- Sensitive point

I was advised to study the aspects that the planets
project. This is not an astronomical phenomenon. It is
an astrological principle based on the distance of planets
from each other or from other important celestial points.
Planets influence affairs of other planets and houses by
projecting aspects to them. Each planet projects an
aspect to the seventh sign from the sign it occupies and
to the planets placed in the seventh sign. Since houses
are the same as the signs, we can say that a planet in a
house would project an aspect to the seventh house from
it and to any planet that occupies the seventh house.
There are some special aspects too. Mars projects aspects
to the fourth and eighth signs as well. This means that
Mars projects aspects to the IV, VII and VIII houses from
the house it occupies. Jupiter projects aspects to the fifth
and ninth signs too. The aspect of Jupiter would be on
the V, VII and IX houses from the house it occupies.
Saturn projects aspect to the third and tenth signs as
well. This means that Saturn would project aspects to
the III, VII and X houses from the house that it occupies.
There is no unanimity over aspects that Rahu and Ketu
project but the majority view is that they project aspects
to the fifth, seventh and ninth signs from where they
are placed.
As we know, a specific point in a sign rises at the
time of birth. Let us presume it is 7° when Sagittarius
was rising at the time of birth at a given location.
Birth Chart 21

Sagittarius would be the first house or ascendant. The

rising point in Sagittarius would be the sensitive point
in the sign. Any influence that the point receives would
affect the house most fundamentally. The second house
shall be Capricorn. The same degree i.e., 7° in Capricorn
would be the sensitive point in the second house. This
would be true for all the twelve houses.
The nature of aspects had also been taught to me. If
the sign that receives the aspect has a sign that is
inimical to the planet that is projecting the aspect, the
influence so extended by the planet would not be of a
favourable nature. Let us take Saturn placed in Gemini.
It would aspect Leo from Gemini. The Sun owns this sign.
The Sun and Saturn are natural enemies. Therefore the
aspect of Saturn on Leo would be an inimical aspect and
the influence of Saturn extended to the III house from
Gemini would not be conducive to the welfare of the
affairs that the house having Leo represents. Let us
examine the aspects in Chart 1-5. Mercury is at 21°l’5O”
in Scorpio. The ascendant is at 25° 20’58'’ in Pisces.
Therefore the sensitive point of each house would be at
this degree. Mercury by its seventh aspect influences
the III house. The sensitive point of the III house is at
25° 20’58” in Taurus. The aspect projected by Mercury
to the III house would therefore be considered to be
close. The Moon is at 4°27’34” in Libra. Mars projects an
aspect to Libra. It is at 6°24’13” in Cancer. The aspect
that Mars projects to the Moon is close.
Over the course of time I have now given up use of
aspects, unless they are close, in my analysis of a birth
chart. A close aspect is one that is generally within 5° of
the position of the planet that is receiving the aspect.
For example, suppose Jupiter is at 6° and it is projecting
an aspect to Mars that is placed at 18°. The aspect would
be at a point at 6° and therefore would be away from the
22 How to Read a Birth Chart

position of Mars by 12°. This is not a close aspect and

should not be taken into account for the purpose of
analysis. If however, Mars were at 7° the aspect shall be
within one degree of Mars and shall be a strong and close
influence on the planet. We have to make some margin
for the aspects of the Sun and Moon. We generally take
the aspect of the Sun to be close if it is within 10° and of
the Moon if it is within 8°. I as a rule never use the aspects
of Rahu and Ketu.
We know that an aspect could be on the house too.
How do we determine if the aspect on the house is close?
We know that a point in a sign rises at the time of birth
on the eastern horizon. Let us take as an illustration that
9° of Sagittarius was rising when the birth took place.
This would be the sensitive point of the ascendant. Each
house shall have the point at the same degree as the
sensitive point. For example, the II house would be in
Capricorn. Its sensitive point would be at 9° in Capricorn.
The III house would have its sensitive point in Aquarius,
etc. Let us suppose that Jupiter is placed in Aries at 22°.
It would project an aspect to Sagittarius at 22°. This
aspect is 13° away from the sensitive point of the sign
that was rising at birth. This aspect cannot be called a
close aspect. We will not consider such distant aspects
on a house but an aspect within 5° would have its impact
on the house and it should be taken into account. As
before, if we are considering the aspect of the Sun or
Moon we will consider an aspect upto 10° and 8°
respectively as close.

Planets and Karakas

It was interesting to know that even the Sun and
Moon were included among the nine planets that Vedic
astrology has used. The planets are the Sun, Moon, Mars,
Birth Chart 23

Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. I

studied each planet as thoroughly as the signs. Each
planet governs certain matters of life. For example, the
Moon governs the mind, mother, home, water, etc. There
is no other planet that governs these matters besides
the Moon. The Moon is called the karaka for these
matters. The karaka is called the significator in English.
The karaka properties of each planet have been
described in more details later.
Each planet is friendly with some planets and
inimical to some others. A planet could also be
indifferent to some other planets. It is always good to
remember these natural inclinations of the planets since
they are of use in the analysis of a birth chart. I will give
this relationship in a tabular form.
Planet Friendly Inimical Indifferent
Sun Moon, Mars, Venus, Saturn, Mercury
Jupiter, Ketu Rahu
Moon Sun, Mercury — Mars, Jupiter,
Venus, Saturn,
Rahu, Ketu
Mars Sun, Moon, Mercury Venus, Saturn,
Jupiter, Ketu Rahu
Mercury Sun, Venus Moon Mars, Jupiter,
Saturn, Rahu,
Ketu
Jupiter Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus Saturn, Rahu
Mars, Ketu
Venus Mercury, Saturn, Sun, Moon Mars, Jupiter,
Rahu Ketu
Saturn Mercury, Venus, Sun, Moon, Jupiter
Rahu Mars, Ketu
Rahu Mercury, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, —
Saturn Jupiter, Ketu
Ketu Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus Saturn, Rahu
Mars, Jupiter
24 How to Read a Birth Chart

We will now consider the general characteristics of

planets.
The Sun owns the sign Leo. It is exalted and therefore
well inclined in Aries and debilitated and therefore
difficult in Libra. Its mooltrikona sign is Leo. A
mooltrikona sign is the one, which is considered to be
the dominant sign of that planet. The Sun is friendly with
the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Ketu. It is inimical to Venus,
Saturn and Rahu. Its animosity to Saturn is intense. It
is indifferent to Mercury. The relationships of planets
have already been given in a table. The Sun is the karaka
for physical body of the individual, his father,
government, high status, authority, right eye in the
males and left in females, heart, a temple and abdomen.
Therefore an examination of any of these matters must
take into account the condition of the Sun in the chart.
I have noticed that in a chart that had a debilitated Sun
or one that was placed in an inimical sign, the father of
the individual has either had a difficult life, or he was
not well inclined to the individual. The use of the karaka
in predictive work is of fundamental importance.
The Moon owns the sign Cancer. It is exalted in
Taurus and debilitated in Scorpio. Its mooltrikona sign
is in Taurus. It is friendly with the Sun and Mercury
and indifferent to the remaining. It is not inimical to
any planet. It is the karaka for the mother, mind, breasts,
lung, face, infancy, place of birth, residence, emotions,
ovaries, uterus, bladder, pregnancy, left eye in males,
right eye in females and sleep.
Mars owns two signs, viz., Aries and Scorpio. It is
exalted in Capricorn and debilitated in Cancer. Its
mooltrikona sign is in Aries. It is friendly with the Sun,
Moon, Jupiter and Ketu. It is inimical to Mercury. It is
indifferent to the remaining. It is a karaka for younger
Birth Chart 25

siblings, blood relations, immovable property, enemies,

disputes, litigation, competition, injuries, weapons,
muscle and male genitals.
Mercury owns Gemini and Virgo. It is exalted in
Virgo and debilitated in Pisces. Virgo is its mooltrikona
sign. It is friendly with the Sun and Venus, and inimical
to the Moon, though the latter is not so inclined to it. It
is indifferent to the remaining. It is a karaka for early
childhood, sense of smell, communications, speech,
writing, education, friends, small intestines, maternal
uncle and business. It has the tendency to multiply the
number of any aspect of life that it influences.
Jupiter owns Sagittarius and Pisces. Its mooltrikona
sign is in Sagittarius. It is exalted in Cancer and
debilitated in Capricorn. It is friendly with the Sun,
Moon, Mars and Ketu. It is inimical to Mercury and Venus
and indifferent to the remaining. It is a karaka for
wealth, sense of hearing, happiness, liver, gall bladder,
pancreas, income, gain, good fortune, higher learning,
husband, religious inclination, and elder siblings. It
increases the bulk of any aspect of life that it influences.
Venus owns Taurus and Libra. Its mooltrikona sign
is Libra. It is exalted in Pisces and debilitated in Virgo.
It is friendly to Mercury, Saturn and Rahu. It is inimical
to the Sun and Moon. It is indifferent to the remaining.
It is a karaka for wife, romance, vehicle, jewellery,
poetry, music, dance, fine arts, female genitals, kidneys,
throat, sexual act and coitus. It makes any aspect of life
that it influences lovelier or luxurious.
Saturn owns Capricorn and Aquarius. The latter is
its mooltrikona sign. It is exalted in Libra and debilitated
in Aries. It is friendly to Mercury, Venus and Rahu. It is
inimical to the Sun, Moon, Mars and Ketu. It is
indifferent to Jupiter. It is the karaka for debt, disease,
26 How to Read a Birth Chart

obstacles, humiliation, danger, longevity, loss,

deprivation, separation, profession, large intestine, hair,
teeth, rectum, agriculture, common man, bodily exertion
and worry. It makes any aspect of life that it influences
uglier and more desiccated.
Rahu is said to own Aquarius. According to another
view it owns Virgo. This concept is used only in the sense
that Rahu when placed in any of these two signs is
considered good. Similarly it is exalted in Taurus and
debilitated in Scorpio. Its mooltrikona sign is Gemini. It
is friendly to Mercury, Venus and Saturn. It is inimical
to the Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Ketu. It is the karaka
for sins, vices, filth, journey abroad, diplomacy,
incarceration, malignant or untreatable diseases, fraud
and stranger. It gives any aspect of life that it influences
a foreign link. It also brings in an ‘outsider’ or ‘outside
element’ in whatever it influences. It also introduces
waywardness in a particular aspect of life. When Rahu
influences Venus, the individual turns sexually
promiscuous.
Ketu is said to own Scorpio and also it is exalted in
it. Sagittarius is its mooltrikona sign. It is debilitated in
Taurus. It is friendly with the Sun, Moon, Mars, and
Jupiter. It is inimical to Mercury and Venus. It is
indifferent to Saturn and Rahu. It is a karaka for extra­
sensory perceptions, siddhis (spiritual powers),
spiritualism, nirvana, ghosts, tantra and black magic.
Rahu and Ketu are points of intersection of the orbits
of the Sun and Moon. Hence these are not physical
entities. Rahu deals with physical matters, Ketu with
spiritual and supra-sensory.
Birth Chart 27

Three Elements that Govern any Aspect of Life

Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra is the magnum opus
on traditional Parashari system of Vedic astrology. It
has stated that the same number of house from a karaka
should be examined for a particular aspect of life as the
house from the ascendant. In simple terms I was told
that if we take up examination of children in a birth
chart, we have to examine the V house from the
ascendant. Jupiter should also be examined as it is the
karaka for children in a chart. The V house from Jupiter
therefore will also show matters relating to children.
Similarly, if we wish to study matters relating to the
father of the individual we should examine the IX house
from the ascendant. The Sun is the karaka for the father.
Hence the IX house from the Sun should also be
examined for matters relating to father. Therefore for
each aspect of life there would be three elements that
need close scrutiny, viz., (i) the karaka, (ii) the house
from the ascendant, and (iii) the same number of house
from the karaka. We will talk more about it at the close
of this chapter.
To facilitate determination of these elements the
following table is very useful. Suppose we wish to
examine the physical body. We find from the table that
the I house from the ascendant is the house for the body,
and the Sun is the karaka. Therefore the I house from
the Sun would also be an element for the study of the
body. If we wish to examine matters relating to the upper
part of the lungs, we notice from the table that the Moon
is the karaka for this organ and the III house from the
ascendant would be the relevant house. Therefore the
third element would be the III house from the Moon. If
28 How to Read a Birth Chart

we wish to examine matters relating to journeys abroad

in a chart, from the table we notice that Rahu is the
karaka for such journeys and the IX house from the
ascendant relates to them. Therefore the third element
would be the IX house from Rahu.
Matter Karaka House
Body Sun 1
Head Sun 1
Right eye (in males)/Left eye Sun 2/12
(in females)
Heart Sun 4
Stomach / Abdomen Sun 5
Fire/Inflammation Sun 6
Father Sun 9
Rank/status/fame Sun 10
Place of worship Sun 12
Infancy Moon 1
Place of birth Moon 1
Face/Mouth Moon 2
Upper half/lower half of Lungs Moon 3/4
Breasts Moon 4
Mind Moon 4
Mother Moon 4
Place of residence/Home Moon 4
Emotion/Emoting Moon 5
0 varies/ut er us/b ladder Moon 7
Pregnancy Moon 7
Residence at a distant place Moon 7
Sea cruise Moon 8
Birth Chart 29

Left eye (in males)/Right eye Moon 12/2

(in females)
Sleep Moon 12
Blood relations Mars 2
Courage Mars 3
Younger siblings Mars 3
Immovable property Mars 4
Enemies/clisputes/Litigation Mars 6
Accident Mars 6
Competition Mars 6
Injury Mars 6
Male genitals Mars 7
Killing Mars 8
Blood Mars 9
Early childhood Mercury 2
Smell/Nose Mercury 2
Speech Mercury 2
Communication/Letter Mercury 3
Short journey Mercury 3
To write Mercury 3
Education Mercury 4
Family/Clan Mercury 4
Friends Mercury 4
Relatives Mercury 4
Intelligence Mercury 5
Intestines, small Mercury 6
Maternal uncle Mercury 6
Business Mercury 7
Trade Mercury 7
30 How to Read a Birth Chart

Wealth/Bank balance Jupiter 2

Hearing, sense of Jupiter 3/11
Happiness J upiter 4
Liver Jupiter 4/5
Love for the divine Jupiter 5
Gall Bladder Jupiter 5
Scholarship J upiter 5
Pancreas Jupiter 6
Husband Jupiter 7
Prominence in society Jupiter 7
Good fortune J upiter 9
Pilgrimage/long inland journey Jupiter 9
Religious inclination Jupiter 9
Management Jupiter 10
Elder siblings Jupiter 11
Income/gain Jupiter 11
Jewellery Venus 2
Poetry Venus 2
Music/dance Venus 3
Lower Neck Venus 3
Upper Neck/Throat Venus 2
Vehicle Venus 4
Romance Venus 5
Kidneys Venus 6
Partnership Venus 7
Sexuality Venus 7
Sex act Venus 7
Wife Venus 7
Female genitals Venus 8
Birth Chart 31

Sexual pleasure Venus 12

Hair Saturn 1
Teeth Saturn 2
Agriculture Saturn 4
Common man/masses Saturn 4
Discomfort Saturn 4
Debts Saturn 6
Disease/obstacles Saturn 6
Intestines, large Saturn 6/7
Servant/subordinate Saturn 6
Bodily exertion Saturn 6
Worries Saturn 6
Danger Saturn 8
History Saturn 8
Longevity Saturn 8
Rectum Saturn 8
Sorrow Saturn 8
Joints Saturn 10
Profession/Deed/Livelihood Saturn 10
Feet Saturn 12
Riots Rahu 4
Diplomacy/Diplomat Rahu 5
Paternal Grandfather Rahu 5
F raud Rahu 6
Stranger Rahu 6
Maternal Grandmother Rahu 7
Malignant/Undiagnosable or Rahu 8
untreatable disease
Vice/filth/sin Rahu 8
32 How to Read a Birth Chart

Journey abroad Rahu 9

Imprisonment/Physical restraint Rahu 12
Paternal Grandmother Ketu 12
Maternal Grandfather Ketu 12
Spiritual pursuit/Nirvana Ketu 12
Superconsciousness/Extra Sensory Ketu 12
Perception/Occult powers

Sambandha
Planets tend to get into close relationships with
other planets. These relationships are called sambandha.
I was told that when these relationships between planets
are overlooked, serious failures arise in predictions. Two
planets are said to be in sambandha in the five following
ways:
(i) They are placed in each other’s sign. For example,
the Moon is placed in Aquarius and Saturn in
Cancer. The Moon would be in a sign of Saturn and
vice-versa. This is called an exchange.
(ii) The two planets are in the same sign. This is called
an association between them.
(iii) The owner of a sign projects an aspect to a planet in
that sign. For example, if Mercury is placed in Aries
and Mars projects an aspect to Mercury, Mercury
and Mars shall be in sambandha. It is hereby
clarified that we will consider the aspect from one
sign to the other and we will not take into
consideration the distance in the aspect for
determining the sambandha.
(iv) A planet in a sign projects an aspect to the owner of
the sign. Let us take Saturn in Gemini and Mercury
in Pisces. Saturn projects an aspect to Mercury.
Birth Chart 33

Mercury and Saturn are in sambandha in this

manner. Here too the distance between the aspect
and the position of the planet would not be taken
into account.
(v) Each planet is in a constellation of the other. I have
taken up description of the constellations a little
later.
Let us see what sambartdhas exist in Chart 1-5. The
Sun is associated with Venus and Ketu. The Moon is
associated with Jupiter. Mars is placed in the sign of
the Moon and it projects an aspect to it. Jupiter is in a
sign of Venus and vice-versa.

Retrograde planets
The motion of the planets was also a fascinating field
to study. The first exposure to retrograde movement of
planets left me amazed. How could planets change
directions and start to move backwards?!’ Related to it
was the natural law defying status of the planet when it
stood stationary’’ I later learnt that the retrograde
motion or stationary status was only observed. When the
planets are observed from the Earth they sometimes
appear to be moving backwards or seen to be motionless
but no planet ever changed directions and started
moving backwards for any period of time in real physical
terms. No planet also ever stood still in its path. They
were in constant unidirectional motion, but the
retrograde and stationary status of the planets had
certain significance in astrological analysis. This status
is indicated in the ephemeris and the astrology softwares
too point it out when a birth chart is calculated. The
Sun and Moon are never stationary or retrograde. Rahu
and Ketu are always moving in the reverse direction. A
retrograde planet, except Rahu and Ketu, during its
34 How to Read a Birth Chart

period has the inclination to reverse the normal trend

of events. A person out on an outward journey would
decide to terminate the journey and start the return
during the period of a retrograde planet, and vice-versa.

Constellations
A nakshatra or constellation is a division of the sky,
identified by the prominent star in it that the Moon
passes through during its monthly cycle, They are
different from the signs. The constellations are twenty­
seven in number. Each birthstar has corresponding
Sanskrit sounds which would belong at the beginning
of the name of an individual born under that nakshatra.
The principle technique for deducing the name is to see
which nakshatra the moon was in at the moment of birth;
this gives four possible sounds. A refinement is to pick
one sound out of that four that relates to the Pada or
division of the Nakshatra. Each Nakshatra has four
Padas and four sounds and each Pada is of equal width.
Each planet including the Nodes Rahu and Ketu owns
three constellations under the Vimshottari period
system. The Vimshottari period system is the most
preferred method of timing events in life. We will study
it in the next chapter. The constellations are groups of
stars. The Moon, on an average, stays in each
constellation for slightly longer than a day. Therefore,
these are also called the Lunar Mansions. The extent of
the constellations and their owners are as follows:
Birth Chart 35

End points of the Constellations and their owners

1. Ashwini 0sl3°20’ Ketu 14. Chitra 6s6°40’ Mars
2. Bharini 0s26°40’ Venus 15. Swati 6s20° Rahu
3. Krittika lsl0° Sun 16. Vishakha 7s3°20’ Jupiter
4. Rohini ls23°20’ Moon 17. Anuradha 7sl6°40’ Saturn
5. Mriga- 2s6°40’ Mars 18. Jyeshtha 8s0°0’ Mercury
shirsa
6. Ardra 2s20° Rahu 19. Mool 8sl3°20’ Ketu
7. Punar- 3s3°20’ Jupiter 20. Poorva- 8s26°40' Venus
vasu sadha
8. Pushya 3sl6°40’ Saturn 21. Uttara- 9sl0° Sun
sadha
9. Aslesha 4s0°0’ Mercury 22. Shravan 9s23°20’ Moon
10. Magha 4sl3°20’ Ketu 23. Dhani- 10s6°40’ Mars
shtha
11. Poorva 4s26°40’ Venus 24. Shatbhi- 10s20° Rahu
Phalguni shaka
12. Uttara 5sl0° Sun 25. Poorva lls3°20’ Jupiter
Phal­ Bhadra-
guni pada

The houses, signs and planets are the three elements

through the interaction of which events happen in the
life of an individual. The constellations are also
important but their ownership and quality only are
relevant. I was advised to learn these two aspects of the
constellations. They have specific deities ruling them.
The constellation Ashwini lies wholly in the sign
Aries. Ketu owns this constellation under the
Vimshottari period system. The constellation is governed
by the celestial Ashwini Kumars. These are twins and
are superb horsemen. They are healers. They are quick
and energetic. A planet owning a constellation or placed
36 How to Read a Birth Chart

in it would have the quality that the constellation

inherently possesses. Hence during the Vimshottari
period of Ketu the individual would tend to be energetic,
quick and the planet would have a tendency to bring
about a cure or relief. Any other planet placed in this
constellation would also show a similar tendency.
Bharani comes next to Ashwini. It also lies wholly in
Aries. Its ruler is Yama, the dreaded god of Death.
Bharani is therefore capable of taking away life, or for
that matter anything that is dear and precious. However,
the removal from possession is carried out by Bharani
only when the term of life of the item is over. Nothing is
taken away prematurely. Bharani is also representative
of discipline. It is harsh, powerful, hot, formidable and
fierce. Venus owns this constellation. Hence I was
advised that Venus, when related to Saturn and the XII
house from Saturn, becomes a strong factor for
separation and removal. Any planet placed in this
constellation or related to Venus, and related to Saturn
and to the XII from it would also separate. Saturn as we
know is the karaka for separation and removal. We can
notice from the above table that the XII house from
Saturn is also the house for separation and removal.
When in addition Venus or any planet described above
is also related to the VIII house from Saturn it would
most probably cause death. Let us take an illustration.
Suppose Mars is placed in Bharani. Suppose Mars is
related to Saturn and the VIII and XII houses from natal
(position of Saturn at birth) Saturn. Mars in such a
situation would be likely to cause death. Mars would
have given the same result had it been related to Venus
and Saturn and to the VIII and XII houses from Saturn.
Krittika is the third constellation in the list. It is
considered the nakshatra where power is born. The Sun
owns it. Its governing deity is the Fire or Agni. Its
Birth Chart 37

tendency is therefore to burn. It removes negativity by

the process of burning and thus purifies. It is involved
in the process of cooking too. The Sun related to the X
house from its natal position would give power to the
individual. A planet placed in this constellation, and
related to the Sun and the X house from it would also
cause the individual to attain power.
Unlike Bharani, Rohini tends to create. It promotes
growth and fertility. The Moon owns this constellation.
The Moon, as we know is the mother. It nurtures. The
Moon in relation to Jupiter and in the XI house from it
would cause matters to flourish. Any planet in this
constellation or related to the Moon, and related to
Jupiter and the XI house from Jupiter would also make
matters to flourish.
Mrigashirsha is the constellation for the divine
ambrosia Soma. This constellation also represents the
seeker and guide. Mars owns this constellation. The
constellation imparts happiness and pleasure. Hence
Mars related to Jupiter and the IV house from Jupiter
tends to cause happiness. Any planet placed in this
constellation or related to Mars, and related to Jupiter
and the IV house from it would likewise cause happiness.
Rudra rules Aridra constellation. Rahu owns this
constellation. The God Siva, in his fierce form, resides
in this constellation. Hence for trouble caused by Rahu,
prayer to Lord Siva is highly beneficial. Rahu related to
Mars and to the VI or VIII house from Mars would cause
violent situations. A planet placed in this constellation
or related to Rahu, and related to Mars and the VI or
VIII house from Mars would also similarly cause violent
situations.
Jupiter owns Punarvasu. Its ruling deity is Aditi, the
mother of gods. She has been mentioned nearly eighty
38 How to Read a Birth Chart

times in the Rig Veda but her exact nature is vague. Aditi
is often asked to guard the one who petitions her or to
provide him or her with wealth, safety, and abundance.
It is evident in the hymns to her that she is often called
to free the petitioner from different hindrances,
especially sin and sickness. Later Prithvi and Aditi
become virtually identified in the Brahamanas. She
therefore stands for patience and productivity. The
constellation stands for restoration, return and
restitution. Jupiter therefore when related to the XI
house from its birth position (natal position) is inclined
to cause recovery, restitution or return. Any planet in
this constellation and related to Jupiter and the XI house
from it would also give similar results.
Pushya means to strengthen, nourish and preserve.
It creates spiritual energy. Brihaspati, the Lord of Divine
Wisdom rules over this constellation. Saturn owns this
constellation. Hence Saturn related to Jupiter and the
XI house from Jupiter is considered good for
preservation and strengthening. A planet in this
constellation or related to Saturn, and related to Jupiter
and the XI house from it would likewise give similar
results.
Aslesha is the primal serpent. It represents poison
and inimical temperament. It represents the kundalini.
It literally means the one that entwines or embraces.
Mercury owns this constellation. It is therefore taken
that if Mercury were related to Mars in a chart, and to
the VI house from Mars, it would not cause injury but
promote enmity. Similarly, a planet related to Mars and
the VI house from Mars when placed in this constellation
or related to Mercury would cause enmity.
Magha is the constellation of ancestors. It gives the
capacity to shed the body. It changes the state. It
represents death. Ketu rules this constellation.
Birth Chart 39

Therefore when Ketu is related to Saturn and the XII

house from Saturn, it would radically change the
situation the individual is in. In addition when it is also
related to the VIII house from Saturn, it becomes highly
potent to cause death. Any planet that occupies this
constellation or is related to Ketu, and is related to
Saturn and the houses as stated previously would cause
changes or death.
Poorva Phalguni is ruled by Aryaman, the god
governing associations and contracts. It stands for
procreation that especially has the sanction of the
society. Venus is the owner of the constellation. Venus
therefore related to Jupiter and the V house from natal
Jupiter becomes a major positive factor for birth of
children. Any planet placed in this constellation or
related to Venus, and related to Jupiter and the V house
from it, would cause birth of children. Aryaman is also
another name for the Sun. Hence the Sun is correctly
taken as the representative of son when related to
Jupiter and the V house from Jupiter.
Uttar Phalguni is ruled by Bhaga. In Rigveda Bhaga
is portrayed as the god who supervises the distribution
of goods and destiny to each man corresponding to his
merits. It is therefore the ruler of destiny for each
individual. The Sun owns this constellation. Therefore
when the Sun is related to Jupiter and in any manner to
the IX house from Jupiter, it becomes a powerful factor
of destiny. A planet placed in this constellation or related
to the Sun, and related to Jupiter and the IX house from
it would similarly become a giver of good destined
results.
Savitur rules the constellation Hasta. It has the
inherent ability to help individual immediately achieve
what he is aspiring for. The Moon owns this
constellation. Hence Moon in relation to Jupiter and the
40 How to Read a Birth Chart

XI house from it becomes a powerful agent for early

fulfilment of wishes. A planet placed in this constellation
or related to the Moon, and related to Jupiter and the XI
house from it, would cause early fulfilment of wishes.
Chitra is the god of righteousness, truth and law as
its ruler. It governs the fruits of our good deeds (karmas)
to materialise. Mars owns this constellation. Hence Mars
in relation to Jupiter and the IX or XI house from it
becomes a boon giver. Any planet placed in this
constellation or related to Mars, and in similar
relationship with Jupiter and the concerned house too
would give results to this nature.
Vayu, the god of wind rules Swati. It moves,
transforms in a destructive manner, causes confusion
and scatters. Rahu owns this constellation. Hence Rahu
in relation with Saturn and with the XII house from
Saturn would be a major factor for disruption and
confusion. A planet placed in this constellation or related
to Rahu, and related to Saturn and the XII house from
Saturn, would also cause similar results. Swati imparts
knowledge of space as also Chitra.
The god of heat and lightening rules the Vishakha
constellation. It gives long-term gains and productivity.
Jupiter owns this constellation and therefore when it is
related to the XI house from its natal position it acts as
an agent of long-term gains and productivity. When a
planet is placed in this constellation and is related to
Jupiter and the XI house from Jupiter, it would cause
long-term gains to the individual.
Anuradha is a constellation that rules honour. It
makes the individual honorable and it treats others too
in the like manner. Saturn owns this constellation. Hence
Saturn related to the Sun and the X house from the Sun
makes the individual honorable. A planet in this
Birth Chart 41

constellation or related to Saturn, and related to the Sun

and the X house from the Sun would cause the individual
to become honorable.
Jyeshtha means the hero, the eldest one, the senior
most, the chief one, the preferred one or something
supremely glorious. It is governed by Indra, the ruler of
gods. It is ruled by Mercury. Therefore when Mercury is
related to the Sun and the X house from it, it shows a
pre-eminent person; when it is related to Mars and the
III house from it, it shows a person of immense courage
and valour. A planet placed in this constellation or
related to Mercury, and also related to the Sun and the
X house from the Sun would make a person
distinguished. When the planet is placed in this
constellation or it is related to Mercury, and it is also
related to Mars and the III house from Mars, it would
make the person courageous.
Moola is the constellation of destruction. It breaks
and ruins. It means the root. It therefore relates to the
basic and fundamental. It relates to the foundation. It
involves hard work. Ketu owns this constellation. Hence
Ketu in relationship with Saturn and the VIII house from
Saturn would cause fundamental changes of destructive
and very basic nature. A planet in this constellation or
in relation with Ketu, and with Saturn and the VIII house
from Saturn, would give similar results.
Purvashadha represents energy derived from water.
In the present day world it is symbolic of
hydroelectricity. Venus owns this constellation.
Uttarashadha represents victory. The Sun owns this
constellation. Hence the Sun in relation with Jupiter and
the XI house from it would give victory to the individual.
A planet in this constellation or in relationship with the
42 How to Read a Birth Chart

Sun, when related to Jupiter and the XI house from it

would give an individual success.
Sravan is the constellation of learning, hearing and
listening. The Moon owns this constellation. We know
that Jupiter is the karaka for the faculty of hearing and
the III and XI houses stand for the two organs of hearing.
Hence the Moon related to Jupiter and the III or XI house
from Jupiter would affect the ears. A planet related to
the Moon or placed in this constellation, and related to
Jupiter and the III or XI house from Jupiter would affect
the ears.
Dhanishta represents abundance, prosperity and
fame. Mars owns this constellation. Hence Mars in
relation with Jupiter and the II house from Jupiter
would cause much wealth. Any planet in relationship
with Mars or when placed in this constellation, and
related to Jupiter and the II house from it, would cause
wealth.
Shatabhishak has the unique ability to cure and to
delete difficulties through destruction of sins. This is
through repentance and divine grace. Rahu owns this
constellation. This is the positive side of Rahu. Rahu
when related to Jupiter and the IX house from Jupiter
becomes capable of causing such fine changes. A planet
related to Rahu or placed in this constellation, when
related to Jupiter and the IX house from it, would give
very favourable results in difficult times.
Poorva Bhadrapada is a spiritual constellation. It
makes the individual spiritual and generous. He begins
to see the divine in all beings. He even becomes a guru.
Jupiter owns this constellation. Jupiter related to the
IX house therefore becomes a highly spiritual planet. A
planet placed in this constellation or related to Jupiter
and the IX house from it would also give similar results.
Birth Chart 43

Uttara Bhadrapada causes rain and promotes

growth. Saturn owns this constellation. Saturn when
related to Jupiter tends to give such good results.
Revati nourishes, facilitates and promotes. Mercury
owns this constellation. Mercury, when related to Ketu
and the XII house from Ketu, promotes separation from
life, nirvana or final emancipation from the cycle of birth
and death. A planet in this constellation or related to
Mercury, when also related to Ketu and the Xll house
from Ketu, would give similar results.
I was astounded to see the entirely different
perspective, capability and meaning the constellations
gave to the planets. This opened a new window to the
analysis of birth charts.

Strength of a Planet
A planet could be strong, of average strength or
weak. How do we determine the strength? The classical
way is to calculate the Shadbala of the planet. This is a
set of very intricate and tedious calculations. These
calculations are beyond the ken and capacity of an
average astrologer who is not an arithmetician. Shadbala
can be calculated through a computer programme easily
but in my opinion its utility in predictive practice is
limited. It is more useful to consider the happiness or
otherwise of a planet due to its location in a sign,
navamsha and constellation. This is akin to the
Vimshopakabala, which is another way of calculating
the strength of a planet. When the planet is very happy
due to good company that it is in, it is capable of giving
very good results, the quantum of good would be
substantial and it would transmit its happiness to the
individual. The latter too would feel happy, contented
and at peace during its sub-period. In case the inclination
44 How to Read a Birth Chart

of the planet is to harm the individual, a happy planet

may not do so to any appreciable extent as it would be
in a good mood. When the planet is very unhappy, even
if it is inclined to cause good it would not be capable of
causing any benefit to the individual. In case it is
inclined to cause harm, it would do so in a substantial
measure. A happy planet is a strong planet; an unhappy
planet is a weak planet. We should consider the following
to determine the strength of a planet:
(i) The sign in which the planet is placed in a birth
chart. When the planet occupies an incompatible
(inimical or debilitated) sign it would earn a
negative point. When would a sign be incompatible?
It would be so when the owner of the sign is
incompatible with the planet. When the planet
occupies a compatible sign (exalted, mooltrikona or
friendly) it would earn a positive point. A neutral
sign would not make any contribution.
(ii) The sign in which the planet is placed in the
navamsha chart. When the planet occupies an
incompatible sign (inimical or debilitated) it would
earn a negative point. The planet would get a
positive point if it occupies a compatible sign
(exalted, mooltrikona, or friendly). A neutral sign
would not make any contribution.
(iii) The constellation that the planet occupies. If the
planet were compatible with the owner of the
constellation it would earn a positive point. In case
the planet is not compatible with the owner of the
constellation, the contribution would be a negative
point and when the planet is indifferent to the owner
of the constellation there would be no contribution.
(iv) The sambandha, if any, the planet has with other
planets should be considered. A sambandha with a
Birth Chart 45

compatible planet would give a positive point, and

with an incompatible planet a negative point. When
the sambandha is with an indifferent planet, there
would be no contribution.
After analysing a planet on the above lines we
should total the positive and negative points scored.
If the planet has more positive than negative points,
it would be considered strong. The more net positive
points it gets the stronger it shall deemed to be.
(v) The owner of the sign in which the planet is placed
is called the dispositor of the planet. The strength
of the dispositor of a planet shall also add to the
strength of a planet. Therefore, having determined
the strength of the dispositor in the above manner,
we should take it into account for finally
determining the strength of a planet. Suppose the
planet has negative three points and the dispositor
has positive three points, the planet would not be
considered weak, though it would also not be strong.
When a planet is found weak but has a strong
dispositor its weakness would be balanced to some
extent.
A planet that has good strength shall be inclined to
influence a planet or house strongly. If it is weak its
effect shall not be noticeable.
A strong planet shall help matters represented by it
as a karaka and by the house that it owns to prosper.
The individual will not be worried over these matters.
Matters represented by the house shall materialise easily
and early. Matters for which the planet is the karaka
shall also give happiness to the individual. A weak planet
shall not be able to help matters represented by the
house that the planet owns prosper. The individual will
have little happiness from matters for which the planet
46 How to Read a Birth Chart

is a karaka. Thus, we can at a glance determine the areas

of life that would give happiness to the individual and
those that would be areas of concern for him by assessing
the strength of each planet. I was shown a chart in which
Jupiter and the owner of the V house from the ascendant
were weak. The owners of the II and XI houses were not
weak. Jupiter, as we know is the karaka for children,
wealth and gains. The individual had remained
disturbed over the affairs relating to his children, but
his income and wealth were reasonably satisfactory and
he never had much worry to in regard to these two.

Strength of a House
The strength of a planet is a useful concept. The
analysis of longevity would be seen to be dependent on
the strength of a planet. Saturn is the karaka for
longevity. When Saturn and the owner of the VIII house
from the ascendant are strong and the Sun representing
the physical body is strong, the individual should tend
to live longer. But for the determination of longevity the
strength of the first and VIII houses is also very relevant.
Hence I was advised to learn to determine the strength
of a house too.
We should consider the following to determine the
strength of a house:
(i) The occupant of the house. In case the occupant is
incompatible (debilitated in the sign or inimical)
with the owner of the house, such incompatibility
would attract a negative point. If the occupant is a
compatible planet (exalted in the house or friendly)
with the owner of the house, such compatibility will
contribute a positive point. When the occupant is
indifferent to the owner, the contribution will be
zero.
Birth Chart 47

(ii) The aspect of the owner of the house. Even a weak

planet projecting aspect to its own house shall
strengthen the house. Here the distance of aspect is
not material. This would contribute one positive
point.
(iii) The strength of the owner of the house should be
taken into account to determine the strength of the
house.
After analysing a house on the above lines we should
total the positive and negative points. If the house
has more positive than negative points, it will be
considered strong. The more net positive points it
gets the stronger it shall deemed to be.

Use of Three Elements

As we know, any particular aspect of life is governed
by three elements namely, (i) the karaka, (ii) the
concerned house from the ascendant, (iii) the concerned
house from the karaka. The happiness that an individual
would get from any aspect of life would be directly
proportional to the strength of these elements. In case
they are all very strong, the individual would have
happiness in full measure, if majority are strong, he
should be quite satisfied with that aspect of life, but if
only one is strong, he may have worries. Generally it is
observed that no element is fully strong but some are
reasonably strong and one or two are under par in
strength. We have to therefore make our judgement
independently in each case.
Let us dwell on this concept a little more. This is of
very fundamental nature and requires a clear
understanding.
48 How to Read a Birth Chart

The houses and planets together determine the

affairs of human life. If we take up the X house of
profession, the elements that would govern it are, the
karaka Saturn, the X house from the ascendant, and the
X house from Saturn. We can make an assessment of the
strength of each planet and house in the above manner
and determine whether the individual is going to be
happy with his professional life or not. When most of
the elements enumerated above are reasonably strong,
the individual would have a smooth sailing in his career.
In case this is not so, and the elements are mostly weak,
he would face many ups and downs.
The use of these elements is also made in
determining the nature of the aspect of human life under
consideration. From the above table we know that Mars
is a planet that rules disputes, injuries and weapons. If
Mars influences the elements for profession, the
individual would adopt a profession that would have
something to do with disputes, injuries and weapons. If
these elements receive the influence of Mercury, the
individual would have a profession that has something
to do with teaching, reading, reporting or writing. In
real life, however, it is never so clear cut. These elements
generally receive influence from more than one planet.
The planets that influence also vary in their respective
strength. We then have to make a judicious inference,
but the basic principle remains. The planets that
influence these elements leave their imprint on the
profession or any other aspect that we are studying in
the life of the individual.

Emergence of Karaka Properties

Each karaka governs a good number of aspects of
human life. It is noticed that in each chart, some
Birth Chart 49

significations of a karaka appear more prominently than

its other significations. For example, Mars is the
significator for younger siblings, valour, property,
accidents, disputes, killing etc. In some charts the
signification of younger siblings is prominent but not
accidents, in another killing is a prominent signification
but not valour, in the third property is important but
not the other significations of Mars. Why does it happen
this way?
The houses with which a karaka is related determine
its propensity to bring certain significations of it more
prominently than others. For example, let us take Mars
again. When Mars is related to the III houses from the
ascendant and its natal position, it would prominently
show results relating to younger siblings and valour,
when it is related to the VI houses from the ascendant
and its natal position, the individual would be involved
with disputes, litigation, accidents, injuries, surgeries
etc., when Mars is related to the VIII house from the
ascendant and itself it would incline the individual to
violent acts like murders. We can say the same for any
karaka. When Saturn gets related to the VI houses from
the ascendant and itself, it becomes a potent element
for causing obstructions, worry, and disease; in case it
is related to the VIII houses from the ascendant and its
own natal position, it would cause sorrow, breaks,
humiliation etc. prominently in life; and when it gets
related to the XII houses from the ascendant and its own
position at birth, it would be inclined to cause losses,
deprivation, depletion and denial. The question still
remain as to how do we distinguish between the results
of a karaka that arise out of the same house. For example,
if Mars were related to the VI houses from the ascendant
and its natal position, would it cause damage, disputes
or injuries?
50 How to Read a Birth Chart

In the above situation we have to take help of other

karakas. A dispute is an issue of the mind. It rests in the
mind. If the mind were so inclined, a dispute would
flourish, not otherwise. Hence unless Mars is related to
the Moon, it would not be able to cause a dispute even
when it is related to the two VI houses. But when it is
related to the Moon the Moon should also be prominently
indicating the mind. What does this mean? The Moon
would indicate the mind when it is related to the IV
houses from the ascendant and itself. So a Mars in the
chart that is related to the VI houses from the ascendant
and itself, and a Moon in the same chart that is related
to the IV houses from the ascendant and itself would
together generate an inclination or ambience for
disputes, not otherwise. What happens when Mars,
inclined to cause damage, disputes or injuries, is related
to the Sun? The Sun would indicate the physical body
when it is related to the ascendant. Hence such a Sun
and a Mars that shows accidents or injuries would show
damage to physical body. What happens when a karaka
indicating a signification prominently is related to
another karaka?
Let us presume that a Mars that indicates the
signification of damage prominently is related to Venus.
If Venus is related to the V houses from the ascendant
and its own natal position, the girl friend of the
individual, if he is a male, or the boy friend would get
hurt. In case Venus is related to the IV houses from the
ascendant and itself, the vehicle of the individual would
get damaged. If the relationship of such a Mars were
with a Venus that is related to the VII houses from the
ascendant and itself, the wife of the male individual
would get hurt.
Birth Chart 51

Chapter 2

relationships between planets

52 How to Read a Birth Chart

The houses do not give their results themselves. They

are inert and inactive. The active principle is the planet.
Each planet gives its own results, and results of other
planets and houses with which it is related. Hence it is
important to understand the mechanics behind this. A
planet would give results of a house only when it is
related to that house. A planet relates two houses to each
other when it is related to both. Thus houses get related
to each other through planets. An overall picture of the
life of an individual is a study of inter-relationship
between various houses and planets. When two houses
are related to one another, some significations of one
react with those of the other creating a unique
characteristic of life, and vice-versa. As an illustration,
suppose the VIII house is related to the X. The VIII house
represents setbacks and breaks, and the X profession. A
conclusion can be drawn from the chart therefore that
the concerned individual would in all probability face
setbacks or there would be breaks in his profession in
life. The VIII house also represents death. Hence a
conclusion can also be drawn that the death of the
individual would be on account of his profession. The X
house represents high status. The third conclusion
therefore can be that the individual would get a high
position as a consequence of a death. This is generally
the case in monarchies. The heir apparent gets elevated
to the throne at the passing away of the earlier monarch.
One is therefore faced with a multiplicity of possible
conclusions arising out of relationship between two
houses. How does one sift the grain out of this chaff?
This would be clearer to the reader as he progresses
through this chapter, and later in the course of this book
he would get his answer to this and many other queries,
but first the most basic. How is a planet related to a
house?
Relationships between planets 53

Relationship of a Planet with a House

A planet, including a Lunar Node, i.e., Rahu or Ketu,
can be related to a house in different ways. These are as
follows:
(a) The planet occupies a house. This means that the
planet is placed in that house. This is the strongest
relationship of a planet with a house. When a planet
occupies a house, it will give results relating to that
house. In Chart II-l ahead Saturn occupies the III
house from the ascendant. Hence Saturn is related
to this house.
(b) The planet owns a house. A planet will give results
of the houses that have the signs that it owns. For
example, if a house has Libra, Venus would be
related to that house, as Venus owns this sign. In
Chart II-1 Moon is related to the IX house from the
ascendant since it owns the house.
(c) A planet shall be related to a house if it projects an
aspect to its sensitive point within 5°. In case it is
the Moon that projects the aspect the distance could
be till 8°; if it is the Sun this could be upto 10°. This
is a specific relationship.
(d) A planet shall be related to a house if it projects an
aspect within the stipulated distance as stated above
to a planet occupying the house. This is also a
specific relationship. In the chart under
consideration, Jupiter is also related to the V house
from the ascendant since it projects an aspect to
Venus within 2°.
These are two basic and two specific relationships
between planets and houses. Finer relationships
emerge from the basic ones. We consider these finer
relationships based on the sign, navamsha and
54 How to Read a Birth Chart

constellation placements of each planet.

(e) The owner of the sign in which a planet is placed
relates the planet to the house that the owner
occupies. We call the planet that owns the sign in
which the planet is placed the dispositor of the
planet. In the following chart the Moon is related to
the V house from the ascendant since the Moon is
in Libra. Venus owns it. Venus is the dispositor of
the Moon. Venus occupies the V house.
Chart II-1

Rah
Ven

Mer
Sun Jup
Mar Mer
Sun
Mai
Sat
Rah
Ven
Asc Mon Ket

Jup
Sat Mon
Ven
Ket Sun
Ven Me
Sun
Mer
HUVOUIBU

Jup Rah
Moni
Asc
Mar
Relationships between planets 55

Elizabeth Taylor, February 27, 1932, 0215 hours, London, UK,

0W10, 51N30, GMT.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 10sl4°22’32” Rahu Venus lls24°14’40” Mercury
Moon 6s22°41’05” Jupiter Saturn 9s7°23’59” Sun
Mars 10s8°39’28” Rahu Rahu lls3°22’42” Saturn
Merc 10sl4°32’55” Rahu Ketu 5s3°22’42” Sun
Jupiter 3s22°16'08” Mercury Ascdt 7sl7°27’41”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.
(f) A planet shall occupy a sign in the navamsha chart.
The owner of this sign shall be in a house in the
birth chart. The planet shall be related to this house
in the birth chart. In the above chart Rahu occupies
Leo in the navamsha chart. The Sun owns Leo. The
Sun is in the IV house in the birth chart. Hence Rahu
would be related to the IV house from the ascendant.
(g) A planet in a sign in the navamsha chart would be
related to the house that has the same sign in the
birth chart. In the above illustration Rahu in Leo in
the navamsha chart would be related to the X house
from the ascendant in the birth chart as that house
has the Leo sign.
(h) We next take the constellation that a planet
occupies. The owner of the constellation shall be
placed in some house in the birth chart. The planet
shall be related to this house. In the above chart
Venus is in Revati constellation of Mercury. Mercury
occupies the IV house from the ascendant. Hence
Venus is related to the IV house.
(i) A planet shall be related to a house if it is related
to its owner. The relationship between planets
is described ahead.
56 How to Read a Birth Chart

The above are the ways in which a planet could

be related to a house. A planet could be related
to a house in more ways than one. As, in Chart
II-1 Jupiter owns the V house from the ascendant
but at the same time it is in sambandha with
Rahu and Venus and it is therefore related to
the house; and, Jupiter is also related to the V
house as it projects a very close aspect to Venus
that occupies the house. The traditional
understanding has been that a planet could be
related to a house only if it owned; occupied, or
projected aspect to a house. This was too
restricted a definition and it did not explain the
behaviour of planets in many cases.

Relationship of a Planet with another Planet

We should now try to understand the ways in which
a planet could be related to another planet. Two planets
can be related to each other in the following ways:
(a) They are in sambandha with each other in the birth
chart. We have already studied the relationships
that generate sambandha. In Chart II-l Jupiter is
in sambandha with Rahu and Venus.
(b) They are in sambandha in the navamsha chart.
Saturn and Jupiter are in sambandha in the
navamsha chart in Chart II-1 as Saturn is in a sign
of Jupiter and vice-versa.
(c) A planet placed in the sign of a planet in the birth
chart shall be considered related to that planet.
Mars, Mercury and the Sun are related to Saturn in
Chart II-1 as these three planets are in Aquarius.
(d) A planet occupying the sign of a planet in the
navamsha chart shall be considered related to that
Relationships between planets 57

planet. The Moon is related to Mars in Chart II-1 as

it is in Aries in the navamsha chart.
(e) A planet occupying the constellation of a planet shall
be considered related to that planet. Ketu in Chart
II-1 is related to the Sun as it occupies its Uttar
Phalguni constellation.
(f) When two or more planets are placed in the same
constellation of a planet, they would be related to
each other though they may be in different signs.
(g) Two planets would be related if the dispositor of
one were in sambandha with the dispositor of the
other in the birth or navamsha chart. The dispositor
of Mars, Mercury and the Sun in Chart II-1 is in
sambandha with the dispositor of Rahu and Venus
in the navamsha chart. Therefore these planets are
related to each other.
(h) If a planet were placed in a sign in the navamsha
chart it would be considered associated with any
planet that occupies the same sign in the birth chart.
Jupiter occupies Capricorn in the navamsha chart
in Chart II-1. This is the sign that has Saturn in the
birth chart. Hence Jupiter and Saturn are
considered related.

Effect of Relationship between Two Planet-

Intermingling of Karaka Properties of Planets
When two planets are either associated with each
other or form a sambandha by exchanging signs, it is of
considerable importance. In such a situation the karaka
properties of the two planets mingle and create specific
effects. When a planet is in a sign, constellation or
navamsha of a planet, it would take on the karaka
properties of the planet that owns the sign, constellation
58 How to Read a Birth Chart

or navamsha, but it would not be vice-versa. Since the

sign, constellation or navamsha is an inert element it
would not receive and pass on to its owner the properties
of the planet that occupies it. To clarify, when Mars
occupies Libra, Mars would take on karaka qualities of
Venus, but Venus would not receive any karaka qualities
of Mars through Libra. A planet related to the other in
ways other than those described so far in this paragraph
would also adopt karaka properties of and pass on its
own to the other. Since this is an important matter I was
advised to study such inter-mingling of influence very
carefully.
When the Sun is associated with (this phrase covers
different shades of relationships between two planets
described above) the Moon the individual would have a
dignified mind or mother. The reason is obvious: the Sun
stands for dignity, and the Moon represents mother or
the mind. Since the Sun stands for fire, the association
would cause the mind of the individual to be of quick
temper. The temper could be fiery. Since the Moon stands
for residence and the Sun for imposing appearance, the
association could cause the residence of the individual
to be imposing. The Sun stands for the father and the
Moon for sentimentality. The father of the individual
could be of sentimental nature. This combination also
represents a temple of the Goddess. The Sun represents
a temple and the Moon Goddess. Such an individual
sometimes makes a temple his home. There would be
will to power in the individual. These are some of the
deductions that could be made for a chart in which these
two planets are associated. Obviously all such
conclusions would not be true. We will have to find out
those that would be true for a particular chart. This can
be done through the use of other methods that are being
described in this primer.
Relationships between planets 59

The association of the Sun with Mars would make

the younger siblings of the individual dignified or they
may be in positions of authority. Mars stands for the
younger siblings. The individual is likely to get injured.
Mars stands for injury and the Sun for the physical
human body. The individual could also expect to have
surgery on his eye (right or left according to the gender),
heart or the abdomen. Mars stands for surgery and the
Sun for eye, heart and abdomen. The individual may
have something to do with the property of the
government. The Sun represents the authority or
government and Mars property. Since Mars is the planet
that causes disagreements and litigation, the individual
may have disagreements with his father. Mars also
stands for force. The individual may force his father into
an act or position. The Sun represents a place of worship
and Mars property. The individual may own or have
something to do with a place of worship. The individual
may also be involved with litigation relating to a place
of worship, as Mars is also a karaka for litigation. The
individual may commit regicide. The Sun stands for the
king. Mars is also a karaka for murders and
assassinations.
The Sun associated with Mercury gives interesting
results. This is the well publicised Budha-Aditya yoga.
Mercury is the karaka for speech and writing. The
individual may talk impressively. His writings may
become well known. He may do very well at studies since
Mercury represents studies and the Sun renown. He may
write or speak on matters relating to governance and
public administration. The maternal uncle of the
individual may attain a high position. Mercury stands
for the maternal uncle. The individual may have good
ability for computation. Mercury stands for computation.
He may make a mark for himself in society through
60 How to Read a Birth Chart

business. Mercury stands for business. The individual

may have business dealings with the government or he
may trade in electrical goods.
The Sun associated with Jupiter is also a very good
combination. The individual would have more sons than
daughters. The father of the individual may have some
influence on the children of the individual. It makes the
individual well known for his wealth. The individual may
attain a high status in life. He may have a bulky
constitution. He may be big boned. The Sun stands for
the physical body and bones, and Jupiter for large built.
He may develop a paunch. The Sun represents abdomen
and Jupiter stands for bulk. Persons suffering from
enlarged heart also have this combination. The
individual gains from fire and electricity. The Sun stands
for fire and Jupiter for gain. He may have expertise in
handling fires or electricity. His father could be wealthy
or he may gain through his father. He may be a renowned
scholar. Jupiter stands for a scholar or an intellectual.
He may be a highly placed manager. He could be a gyan
yogi or a person who tries to reach the Divine through
his intellect. He could be a management or financial
expert. Jupiter stands for finance or management. He
may be working in the finance department of the
government.
Venus in association with the Sun would give the
individual impressive cars or vehicles. He may have
something to do with vehicles propelled by fire or
electricity. He may have romantic alliances with highly
placed partners and a male may get married to one such
person. A female individual may have sex with highly
placed persons. The individual could excel in fine arts.
A female having this combination may have much
authority.
Relationships between planets 61

Saturn with the Sun tends to involve the individual

with a government job. He may reach a high or
authoritative position in his profession. Highly placed
persons may cause trouble to him. He may suffer from
eye, heart or abdominal ailments. He would be prone to
face danger from fire or electricity. His death may be
due to heart trouble or serious disease in the abdominal
region. The rare cancer called retinoblastoma is also
indicated by this combination. In this disease, the cancer
starts from the retina and spreads to the rest of the body.
The individual’s father may lead a tough life. He may
also keep indifferent health. The individual may take
up a profession in collaboration with his father, or he
may adopt the same profession as his father. His father
might have been in service. His father would pass away
in the lifetime of the individual. Building a place of
worship would cause unending trouble to him.
The Sun with Rahu hints at restraint on the
individual by the government. Rahu represents
restraint. He could be put behind bars by the
government. It also shows that the individual may travel
abroad. He may have to deal with foreign (Rahu)
governments (Sun) and he may earn renown abroad. He
may misuse his position of authority and commit
reprehensible acts. Rahu represents such acts. He may
defraud the government or his boss. Rahu represents
fraud.
The Sun with Ketu makes the father of the individual
spiritual. The individual could suffer physical trouble
from spirits, black magic or tantric practices. He may
himself earn fame in the field of spiritual practices, black
magic, tantra or control of the spirits. He may be a
renowned expert of mantras.
62 How to Read a Birth Chart

The association of the Moon with Mars tends to make

the individual hot headed, stubborn, aggressive and
courageous. His mother may be slim and energetic. The
individual may suffer surgery or injury in his eye, chest
or the lungs. He may also suffer damage to his home. A
female individual may undergo surgery on her breasts
or reproductive organs. The individual may be involved
with his younger siblings. There would always be a
possibility of the individual meeting with accidents
involving water. His mother may also be prone to
injuries. She could also be hotheaded.
An individual having the Moon with Mercury
becomes intellectually inclined. His mind finds studying,
reading and writing engrossing. His speech would be
pleasant and non controversial. His maternal uncle
would be a friendly person. The individual may trade in
liquids. He may be close to his maternal uncle. He may
pursue more than one interest at a time. The individual
would like change and travelling. He may have step
mothers.
The association of the Moon with Jupiter makes the
individual scholarly, interested in management, finance
and religion. It makes the females busty. Elderly women
would help individual make wealth. The individual is
likely to have more daughters. His mother would be of
heavy built. The individual gains through liquids. He
becomes an expert in water resource management and
its harvesting. He lives in a spacious house.
Venus and the Moon together incline the individual
to have good aesthetic sense. He would be of romantic
nature and would tend to enjoy company of females. He
would be fun loving. He would be good looking and
attractive to the opposite sex. He may not be a steady
marriage partner. He may deal in aquatic vehicles. He
Relationships between planets 63

would have a beautiful mother. He could emote well and

be a good actor.
The individual becomes of a serious disposition when
the Moon associates with Saturn, but he may have
inferiority complex. He finds it difficult to relate to
highly sophisticated persons. He would be a
disciplinarian. He may even suffer from depression. He
would be interested in agriculture and history. He would
take up his profession very seriously. He tends to go into
the details of a matter and does not like slip-shod effort.
He may not be good looking. This combination makes
the individual prone to mental imbalance. His mother
too would keep poor health. His home would be Spartan
and would lack luxury. The mother of the individual
would pass away in his life time.
The individual undertakes cruises and long journeys
over water when Rahu joins the Moon in a chart. This
also makes the individual afraid of drowning. He may
even suffer from hydrophobia. The individual shows
keen interest in matters relating to foreign countries.
His mind remains engrossed in the mundane, unpleasant
and unhealthy matters. He would have fear of the
unknown and phobias. He turns into a cheater and an
unreliable person. He does not like meeting new people.
He would be an introvert and would like to keep his own
company.
A person interested in the occult, the unknown
phenomenon, spiritual matters, and love for the divine
and an urge for nirvana is produced when the Moon joins
Ketu.
Mars in association with Mercury produces ability
in the engineering field. It may also cause harsh speech
in the individual or such speech that generates tension
64 How to Read a Birth Chart

and discord. The individual may take up business in

machines. It also tends to increase the number of
younger siblings. He may have younger brothers more
than sisters. It causes injuries to the maternal uncle. It
may also cause disputes with maternal uncle. The
individual may have several immovable properties. This
shows a certain propensity in the individual to take up
printing and press related jobs.
Mars in association with Jupiter would energise the
ability of Jupiter to cause gain and wealth. It increases
the number of elder brothers as compared to sisters. This
combination increases the mass of the body but reduces
the fat that Jupiter generally tends to produce. Hence
the individual would be heavily muscular. Disputes
relating to income, wealth, with elder siblings, and
scholars are also seen in some cases. The combination is
good for success at litigation. It causes injury to elder
siblings and they become prone to surgeries. In female
charts it is not good for the well being of the husband as
he becomes liable to injuries and surgeries. It is also not
good for marital cordiality if found in a female chart.
The individual tends to acquire or deal in large
properties. It is not good for religious development as
mental placidity for such progress is difficult to attain
under this combination.
Mars with Venus is the well known combination for
heightened sex urge since it imparts energy to the libido.
He prefers rough sex. The younger siblings are generally
good looking and talented in fine arts. This is a
combination that shows automobile engineering,
architecture and interior decoration. The individual may
get injured in the throat or neck. This combination is
not conducive to cordial romantic relationships. It
causes tension in it. Short term relationships tend to go
sour. In a male chart the combination of Mars with Venus
Relationships between planets 65

points to marital discord, injury to wife and

preoccupation of wife with immovable property. This
combination in some cases promotes wife beating and
her murder. Romantic involvement of the individual may
end in murder of or serious injury to the partner. This
combination tends to give younger sisters. The
individual goes in for elegant property.
Mars with Saturn is a difficult combination as the
individual suffers injuries in the course of his service
and faces disputes and trouble at work place. His
younger siblings keep indifferent health, have troubled
mind and face incessant tension. The individual lands
up in litigation due to immovable properties and such
properties remain a constant source of trouble and
worry to him. It is frequently seen that he suffers loss of
property and younger siblings. His relations with his
younger brothers and sisters deteriorate and they are a
source of humiliation, sorrow, loss and trouble to him.
Separation from them is always preferable. One or more
younger siblings may pass away in the lifetime of the
individual. The individual seldom wins at litigations.
Muscular atrophy and blood disorders are the
commonest diseases that this combination promotes. A
person having this combination would not have good,
muscular body. Since Saturn represents servants and
people of lower strata of society, the individual would
face trouble from such people. He faces trouble from
aged persons too.
Mars, when combined with Rahu, shows disputes and
troubles abroad leading to incarceration there; failing
which he may get injured and be hospitalised there. It
also promotes urge to acquire property abroad or dealing
in it. Disputes caused by fraud with strangers and due
to nefarious dealings are common. Such situations
sometimes lead to bloodshed and heinous crimes. This
66 How to Read a Birth Chart

combination makes mafia dons and underworld

criminals. The younger siblings of the individual have
dealings abroad or they migrate. It is not good for their
liberty. The individual may deal in properties relating
to jails, monasteries, hospitals, asylums or the like.
Mars with Ketu makes the younger siblings spiritual.
Disputes arising out of spiritual activities are also
possible. Properties where such activities are pursued
are represented by such a combination. Litigation over
religious property is common.
Mercury associated with Jupiter makes a person a
business manager. This is a strong indicator for the
person to write scholarly treaties, or he may give
discourses on religious topics. The individual earns from
writing, publishing or speaking. He may be good at
commerce. He may perhaps have twins. In a female chart
this combination could portend more than one marriage.
This makes the maternal uncle of the individual of a
heavy build. This combination increases the number of
elder siblings.
Mercury with Venus tends to multiply the number
of spouses of a male. It imparts good ability in music,
painting and dance. The individual talks very well and
pleasantly. Since Mercury is a neuter, its association
with Venus impacts the libido adversely. It dampens the
sex drive and reduces the power. He may have several
vehicles.
When Saturn combines with Mercury it makes the
individual reticent. He may not be good at commerce.
He may be very economical with his words. He may be a
diligent student. He may face obstruction in his
education. There may even be breaks in it. He may
pursue more than one profession. He may not be close
to his maternal uncles. He may have thin arms. His
Relationships between planets 67

maternal uncles and aunts may pass away in his lifetime.

The individual is likely to suffer from some speech
disorder.
Mercury with Rahu is a bad combination since it
makes the individual a liar who commits frauds on
others through written or spoken word. The individual
may study abroad or he may take up writing or teaching
assignments either abroad or in collaboration with a
foreign party. He may use filthy language and may also
be engaged in writing objectionable literature.
Mercury with Ketu tends to produce a speaker on
spiritual and occult subjects or author of spiritual
literature.
Jupiter with Venus produces a luxurious life. In a
male chart it makes the wife prone to put on weight, in
a female the spouse turns out to be very handsome. In
any chart, the children of the individual are very
handsome. His religious life though remains
rudimentary, as he is too enamoured of good things of
life. His sex life remains within bounds of accepted
norms and decency. He may acquire big cars. The
married life of a male with this combination remains
balanced and happy, that of a female turns out to revolve
around sex and romance. This is an indication of birth
of more daughters than sons.
Jupiter with Saturn restricts the number of children
and tries to separate a female from her husband. It makes
the age difference between a female and her husband
noticeably large. The husband of a female may
predecease her when this combination is present in her
chart. Income and wealth could also be limited. The
individual may suffer financial setbacks. He becomes
dispassionate and takes to a disciplined religious life.
This combination could separate the individual from his
68 How to Read a Birth Chart

children or he may even see one of his children passing

away. He may not have elder siblings and if he does have
them, some of them may pass away in his lifetime. His
profession may flourish.
Jupiter with Rahu is the well-known Guru Chandala
yoga. The only good that results from it is the strong
possibility of gain from abroad or through a foreign
party. A female may marry out of her community and an
individual may decide to adopt a stranger. The
individual may change his religion. Matters relating to
the wealth of the individual, elder siblings or his children
could take him to the jail. He has to be careful with his
elder siblings since they may not hesitate to mislead him
or in committing a fraud on him.
Ketu in association with Jupiter is excellent for
religious and spiritual life. This may even be passed
down to the children of the individual.
Venus with Saturn dampens the sex drive. It could
produce same sex inclination in individuals. Romantic
involvements do not last long and males find their
marriages failing. Short term relationships get into
complications. Vehicles turn out to be a source of much
loss and trouble. The individual may take to professions
where good aesthetic sense stands him in good stead. A
male may lose his wife in his lifetime when this
combination is present in his chart. A male individual
may marry a spouse more senior in age than him.
Venus with Rahu is bad since it definitely gives a
tendency to bring in aberrations in sex life. It
deteriorates the quality of married life in a male chart,
and it gives rise to romantic involvements with persons
who are depraved or degenerates. This combination
inclines a male individual to marry either a foreigner or
a person of a different community than his. Imported
Relationships between planets 69

vehicles are indicated by this combination.

Venus with Ketu is a combination that pulls in
opposite directions. The spirituality of Ketu is offset by
the materialism of Venus. It would hamper the drive of
a well placed Ketu towards nirvana. It would make the
girlfriend or wife interested in extra-sensory perceptions
and similar other subjects. She may also be interested
in meditation and spiritual attainments. In a female
chart the boyfriend of an individual would be similarly
inclined.
Saturn with Rahu is a bad combination since it
would be ever inclined to put the individual behind bars
for debts and insolvency. He may be hospitalised for
serious illnesses. This is a combination for cancers. A
person with this combination has to be careful when
visiting abroad as he may suffer losses there. Its good
side could be its ability to give an individual a job abroad.
The individual may become a diplomat. One with this
combination will have to be careful of his servants, as
they may dupe him and causing him much sorrow.
Saturn with Ketu points to attainment of
supernatural powers through penance and hard
spiritual practices. An individual with this combination
may work in an organisation engaged in a field related
to occultism or spiritualism.

Effect of Relationship between Three or More

Planets
When there is a relationship between two planets
the karaka properties of these two mingle and create a
unified effect. The same would be the mechanics when
three or more planets join together. A very rudimentary
illustration would be as follows: Suppose the Sun,
Jupiter and Venus join together. The (Sun = highly
70 How to Read a Birth Chart

placed) + (Venus = female) + (Jupiter = wealthy). This

combination would signify a highly placed and rich
woman.

Relationship between Houses- General Analysis

of a Birth Chart
I was told time and again that houses are inactive
entities. They are only receptacles. It is the agency of
the planets that mixes the contents of one receptacle
with that of the other, thus creating a unique
characteristic of life. A house on its own cannot forge a
relationship with another house. When a planet is
related to two houses, a relationship is generated
between the two through the planet. A planet could
associate with a planet in one house and be placed in
the navamsha chart in the other. This can be understood
in this manner. In Chart II-2 ahead, Mars is in Libra
associated with Venus in the IV house. Venus occupies
Aquarius in the navamsha chart. Aquarius is the VIII
house in the birth chart. Thus the IV and VIII houses in
the chart would get related. Clearly, a planet can cause
relationship between several houses, and such
relationships could be formed by several planets
independently.
There is another aspect that has to be kept in mind.
Would a relationship between two houses forged by any
planet give the same results? Suppose we are considering
a relationship between the IV and VI houses formed
through the Moon. This relationship is likely to manifest
itself through the mind. Hence there could be a dispute
relating to a matter referred to by the IV house or worry
Relationships between planets 71

about such a matter, but if the relationship is generated

through the Sun, there could be injury or involvement
of government as the Sun is the karaka for physical body
and the government. These subtle nuances will have to
be kept in mind when analysing the relationships.
Following is the birth chart of Roy Horn. Siegfried
and Roy are two German-American entertainers who
72 How to Read a Birth Chart

Chart II-2

Sat Sun

Ven Mon
Mer Rah
Navamsa
Ket

Mar
Jup Asc

Roy Horn, Male, October 3, 1944, 2357 hours, Nordenham,

Germany, 53°N29”, 8°E58, 0100 hour East of GMT.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 5sl7°30’50” Moon Venus 6sl3°55’8” Rahu
Moon 0sl2° 39’7” Ketu Saturn 2sl7°21’46” Rahu
Mars 6s0°29’19” Mars Rahu 3sl°15’l” Jupiter
Merc 5s4°52’21” Sun Ketu 9sl°15’l” Sun
Jupiter 4s21°49’3” Venus Ascdt 3s9°13’6”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

From the details given earlier, it is obvious that the

profession that Horn was pursuing was a dangerous one.
Relationships between planets 73

Danger is indicated by the VIII house. Profession is

shown by the X house hence there should be relationship
between these two houses in his chart. The X house has
Aries with Mars placed therein. A glance at the chart
would show that the Moon and Mars are in sambandha
in the chart since the Moon occupies the sign of Mars
and receives its aspect. The VIII house has Aquarius.
Venus is associated with Mars in the birth chart in Libra.
It occupies Aquarius in the navamsha chart. Hence
Venus relates Mars to the VIII house in the birth chart.
Venus is a planet for entertainment. When it relates the
two houses danger in a profession that is related to
entertainment is shown. Since Mars and the Moon are
in sambandha, the X house gets related to the VIII house.
Since the profession of this person was for the
entertainment of people there should be relationship
between the V and X houses too. This is obvious as Mars
owns both the houses. He was destined to get a serious
injury while in the process of entertaining. An episode
of injury is shown by the VI house, physical body by the
I. There has to be a relationship between these two
houses in the chart. The I house has Cancer, the VI
Sagittarius. The Moon and Mars are in sambandha.
Hence Mars also shows the physical body. Jupiter, the
owner of Sagittarius, and Mars are associated in the
navamsha chart.
We have seen that relationship between houses gives
rise to certain happenings in life. However such
relationship between houses could give rise to several
possibilities. The question arises as to which of the many
possibilities would be the correct one. Here we make use
of the karakas. Let us take an example. Suppose there is
relationship between the IV and VI houses in the chart.
The IV house stands for mother, property, vehicle,
education etc. The VI stands for obstacles, fraud.
74 How to Read a Birth Chart

litigation, disease, accident, etc. Therefore when the two

houses are related the mother of the individual could
meet with accidents in life, the individual may get
involved in litigation relating to property or vehicle, his
mother may keep poor health, he may suffer from mental
trouble, he may be defrauded with respect to his vehicle,
etc. These could be a few of the various possibilities.
The matters listed for the IV house have several
karakas, viz., the Moon stands for the mother and mind;
Mars for property; Mercury for education; and, Venus
for vehicle. For the matters relating to the VI house also
there are several karakas, namely, Mars stands for
accidents and litigation; Saturn for obstacles and
disease; and, Rahu for fraud.
We are aware that each happening in life has three
broad elements governing it, e.g., the karaka, the house
from the ascendant and the house from the karaka.
Therefore each element should be related to its
counterpart for a matter to materialise in life. Suppose
we talk of a fraud relating to property. The elements for
property are (i) Mars, (ii) the IV house from the
ascendant, and the (iii) IV house from Mars. For fraud
the elements are (i) Rahu, (ii) the VI house from the
ascendant, and the (iii) VI house from Rahu. If an
individual has to suffer from fraud relating to property
each element should be related to its counterpart. Hence
(i) Mars should be related to Rahu, (ii) the IV house from
the ascendant should be related to the VI house from
the ascendant, and (iii) the IV house from Mars should
be related to the VI house from Rahu. In such a situation
we can say with reasonable degree of certainty that the
individual would face fraud on his property in his life.
Let us take this analysis further. Let us presume that
in another chart the IV and VI houses from the ascendant
Relationships between planets 75

are found to be related but Mars is not related to Rahu,

it is related to Venus and the Moon. Venus represents
vehicles and the Moon mother. The likelihood would be
that the individual would have disputes or may be
litigation with his mother and his vehicle may be
damaged due to an accident, but he would not face any
fraudulent act relating to his property since Mars is not
related to Rahu. How do we confirm as to whether the
individual would suffer damage to his vehicle or he
would have disputes with his mother or both? The three
elements for vehicle are (i) the karaka Venus, (ii) the IV
house from the ascendant, and (iii) the IV house from
karaka Venus. We have seen that the first two are
related. The third set of elements should also be related
before we can say that the vehicle is likely to be damaged.
We take the IV house from Venus. In case this house is
related to the VI house from Mars, we can say that the
individual may have his vehicle damaged in an accident,
but if there is no such relationship, this happening will
not materialise even though two out of the three
elements are related. For mother the three elements are
(i) the karaka Moon, (ii) the IV house from the ascendant,
and the (iii) IV house from the Moon. When the Moon
and Mars are related, we can say that the two karakas
are related, and when the IV and VI houses are related,
we can conclude that the relevant houses from the
ascendant are related but still any dispute with the
mother would not arise until the IV house from the Moon
and the VI house from Mars are also related.
We will take one more illustration before we
conclude on this concept. Suppose there is a relationship
between Mars and Saturn, and the III and VI houses from
the ascendant. Since Mars stands for younger siblings
and since Saturn stands for disease, we may presume
that at least one of the younger siblings of the individual
76 How to Read a Birth Chart

would keep poor health. This cannot be a reality in the

life of the individual until the III house from Mars and
the VI house from Saturn are also related. What happens
when Saturn and Venus are related in a male chart and
the VII house from Venus and the XII house from Saturn
are also related? This would raise a possibility that there
would be separation between the couple, but it cannot
be concluded firmly till the VII and XII houses from the
ascendant are also likewise related. This is only to
emphasise that all the three elements for a characteristic
must be related. When only two are related but not all
three, the characteristic would not be visible in the life
of the individual.
Let us take some charts to study the above concept
further. We begin with Roy Horn’s chart. He was badly
mauled by a wild beast. This means that he was severely
injured. The elements for injury are (i) Mars, (ii) the VI
house from the ascendant, and (iii) the VI house from
Mars. Since any injury is sustained by the physical body,
we should examine the elements for it too. These
elements are (i) the Sun, (ii) the ascendant and (iii) the
first house from the Sun. Let us first see if element (i) of
injury relates to element (i) of body. The Sun is in a
constellation of the Moon. We had earlier seen that the
Moon and Mars are in sambandha in the chart. Hence
the Sun is related to Mars. Let us take up the second set
of elements. Whether the ascendant is related to the VI
house from it? Mars and Jupiter are associated in the
navamsha chart. Jupiter owns the VI house from the
ascendant. The third element should now be taken up.
The first house from the Sun is Virgo. Mercury owns it.
Relationships between planets 77

It is with Venus in the navamsha chart. Venus there is

in sambandha with Jupiter that owns the VI house from
Mars in the birth chart. This analysis therefore shows
that the individual is likely to suffer injury at some stage
in his life.
Elizabeth Taylor’s chart is important. We know that
she had gone through several marriages. Let us see if
the three elements when studied show divorces in her
life. Marriage in a female chart is shown by (i) Jupiter,
(ii) the VII house from the ascendant and (iii) the VII
house from Jupiter. Separation is shown by (i) Saturn,
(ii) the XII house from the ascendant, and, (iii) the XII
house from Saturn. Saturn occupies Pisces and Jupiter
Capricorn in the navamsha chart. They are thus in
sambandha as each is in the sign of the other. The VII
and XII houses from the ascendant are related because
Venus owns both of them. The VII house from Jupiter is
in Capricorn. The XII house from Saturn is in Sagittarius.
Since Jupiter and Saturn are related these elements are
also related. Hence it is clear that there would be divorce
and separation in her married life.
The chart below is of a person who met with several
accidents in his life and had to suffer fractures. He met
with accidents in March 1970 and September 1975. Both
the accidents were major and he had to be hospitalised.
The chart thus must show two characteristics, namely,
accidents and hospitalisation. We will first study
accidents in the chart, and then the tendency to be
hospitalised.
78 How to Read a Birth Chart

Chart II-3

Sat
Mar Jup

Ket Mon
Lagna
Sun
Mer
Rah

Asc Ven

Male, August 21, 1941, 1050 hours, 25°N27’, 77°E40’, 0530 hours
East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 4s4°42’40” Ketu Venus 5s7°12’3” Sun
Moon 3sl5°14’24” Saturn Saturn ls5°8’l” Sun
Mars lls28°47T6” Mercury Rahu 4s29°50’35” Sun
Merc 4s6°57’41” Ketu Ketu 10s29°50’35 Jupiter
Jupiter ls24°34’3” Mars Ascdt 6s9°55’18”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

The body as we know is represented by three

elements viz. (i) the Sun, (ii) the ascendant and the (iii)
Relationships between planets 79

first house from the Sun. Injury and accident is

represented by (i) Mars, (ii) the VI house from the
ascendant and the (iii) VI house from Mars. Mars in this
chart is in Revati constellation of Mercury. Mercury is
with the Sun, hence a relationship between the Sun and
Mars exists in this chart. The owner of the ascendant is
Venus. It is in sambandha with Jupiter that owns the VI
house from the ascendant. The I house from the Sun is
Leo, which is the VI house from Mars. Hence the chart
shows that the individual is prone to get injured.
Rahu is the planet that puts a person under restraint,
whether it is through being put in jail or in hospital.
The XII house also shows restraint. Therefore for
hospitalisation the three elements would be (i) Rahu,
(ii) the XII house from the ascendant, and (iii) the XII
house from Rahu. We notice that the Sun and Rahu are
together in Leo in the birth chart. The owner of the
ascendant is in the XII house from the ascendant. The
XII house from Rahu has Cancer and the Moon. The I
house from the Sun is Leo with the Sun, Mercury and
Rahu. Jupiter occupies this sign in the navamsha chart.
The Moon is in Pushya constellation of Saturn and
Jupiter are together in the birth chart. The chart shows
a possibility of hospitalisation.

Use of Nature of Signs and Constellations

We have studied the characteristics of various
planets. Mercury is a planet that imparts multiplicity to
any aspect of life that it influences. We know that
Elizabeth Taylor had several marriages. Let us see if her
chart shows so. Marriage in a female chart has the
following elements: (i) Jupiter, (ii) the VII house from
the ascendant, and (iii) the VII house from Jupiter. If
there are going to be several marriages each of these
80 How to Read a Birth Chart

elements has to have influence of Mercury on it. Jupiter

is in Aslesha constellation of Mercury. Jupiter is in
sambandha with Rahu and Venus. Venus is in Revati
constellation of Mercury. Venus is also associated with
Mercury in the navamsha chart. Mercury is in a
constellation of Rahu. Therefore Mercury has very
extensive influence on Jupiter. If we study the
constellation in which Jupiter is we notice that Aslesha
has the tendency to cause enmity and disagreement!!
Hence she had disagreements with her several husbands
one after the other. Let us take up the second element.
The VII house from the ascendant has Taurus. We have
seen that Venus too has reasonably extensive influence
of Mercury on it. Venus is in Revati. The influence of
Revati is also of separating nature. The last element is
the VII house from Jupiter. This is in Capricorn. Mercury
is placed in a sign of Saturn. The latter is in a
constellation of the Sun. Mercury and the Sun are
associated in Aquarius. A negative sign in this chart is
the association of Rahu with Venus. We notice that the
three elements for sexual life, namely, (i) Venus, (ii) the
VII house from the ascendant and the (iii) VII house from
Venus are all related to Rahu. She should have shown
notorious promiscuity, but it was not so. The reason is
that Mercury was in Shatabhishak constellation that
tries to keep matters in balance. Two points emerge from
this analysis-firstly, Mercury has multiplied the number
of marriages and husbands, and secondly, the
Relationships between planets 81

constellations have also imparted their influence on the

state of affairs.
Saturn is a planet that delays matters. Whenever all
the three elements relating to an aspect of life receive
influence of Saturn, that aspect gets delayed in
manifesting or happening in life. In case Saturn
influences Jupiter, the V house from the ascendant and
the V house from Jupiter, the individual would have
children late in life. In case a girl has influence of Saturn
on Jupiter, the VII house form the ascendant and the
VII house from Jupiter, she would get married late after
many obstacles and worries. Saturn also reduces the
bulk of any matter that it influences. Suppose Saturn
influences the Sun, the ascendant and the first house
from the Sun. The individual would be thin and
emaciated.
Jupiter has the tendency to increase the bulk of any
aspect of life that it influences. An individual would be
heavy if Jupiter influences the Sun, the ascendant and
the first house from the Sun.
Rahu introduces a foreign element in the aspect of
life that it influences. When elements governing
marriage in a male chart get the influence of Rahu, the
individual marries outside his community or marries a
foreigner. Let us take an illustration. The lady whose
chart is given below married a gentleman from a
different community.
82 How to Read a Birth Chart

Chart II-4

Female, February 25, 1976, 0401 hours, 26° N14’, 78°E10’, Time Zone
0530 hours East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 10sll° 55’19” Rahu Venus 9sl2°55’18” Moon
Moon 8sl3°53’6” Venus Saturn 3s3°24’14” Saturn
Mars ls27°41’8” Mars Rahu 6s21°59’ll” Jupiter
Merc 9sl6°56’18” Moon Ketu 0s21°59’ll” Venus
J upiter lls29°53’0” Mercury Ascdt 8s23°ll’56”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

Jupiter is the karaka for marriage. Mercury owns

both the VII houses from the ascendant and Jupiter.
Relationships between planets 83

Rahu occupies a constellation of Jupiter. Rahu occupies

a sign of Venus and it is associated with Venus in the
navamsha chart. Venus and Mercury are together in the
birth chart. The influence of Rahu on all the three
elements is clearly seen.
Ketu is a spiritual planet and when it influences the
elements for the mind it turns the individual to
spiritualism. The elements for mind are (i) the Moon,
(ii) the IV house from the ascendant, and (iii) the IV
house from the Moon. Let us take the following chart of
Shri Yogananda Paramhansa. .
84 How to Read a Birth Chart

Male, January 5, 1893, 2038 hours LMT, Gorakhpur, UP, India,

26°N45’, 83°E24’, Time Zone 0533 hours East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 8s 23° 12’46” Venus Venus 7s 24° 44’30” Mercury
Moon 4s 03° 14’27” Ketu Saturn 5s 20° 13’27” Moon
Mars 11s 13° 18’54” Saturn Rahu 0s 12°41’37” Ketu
Merc 8s 00° 55’28” Ketu Ketu 7s 12°41’37” Rahu
Jupiter 11s 23° 51’23” Mercury Ascdt 4s 06° 38’32”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

The Moon is in a constellation of Ketu. The IV house

from the ascendant is in Scorpio. The dispositor of Ketu
is Venus. It occupies Scorpio. The IV house from the
Moon is the same as the IV house from the ascendant.
Hence this individual would be a spiritual person. He
died abroad. Let us see if his chart shows this, (i) Saturn,
(ii) the VIII house from the ascendant, and (iii) the VIII
house from Saturn are the elements for death. The
elements for a foreign place are (i) Rahu, (ii) the IX house
from the ascendant, and (iii) the IX house from Rahu.
Saturn and Rahu are associated in the navamsha chart.
The owner of the IX house is placed in the VIII house
from the ascendant. The VIII house from Saturn is in
Aries. The IX house from Rahu is in Sagittarius. Jupiter
and Mars are associated in the birth chart. That he would
pass away in a foreign country is clearly seen through
his chart.
Nature of Education-Medicine-Surgery-Engineering-
Education Abroad-Determination of Profession-
Teaching-Job Abroad
The birth chart clearly shows the direction in which
life would proceed and the kind of achievements one can
expect from a person. More on this can be found in my
How to Time an Event. I would end this chapter with
some general remarks on determination of nature of
Relationships between planets 85

education and profession. A look at the table of karakas

given in the first few pages would show the specific area
of study and activity each planet is capable of making
an individual take up. Let us first study the area of study.
The nature of education is governed by elements that
determine education. These are (i) Mercury, (ii) the IV
house from the ascendant, and, (iii) the IV house from
Mercury. We know that the Sun rules public
administration, authority and fire; the Moon
gynaecology, emotions and water; Mars machines, force
and energy; Mercury writing, reporting and
computation; Jupiter serious literature, finance and
management; Venus fine arts and light literature; Saturn
agriculture and history; Rahu diplomacy and study of
society, and Ketu magic, metaphysics and the occult.
These are just a few areas listed for each planet. We can
enlarge the list and also refine it, but for a small book
like this, it is not considered necessary. We have first to
determine the exact nature of field of study a planet
would determine through its influence on the three
elements. Let us take up Mercury to understand this
concept. Mercury and the II house represent speech;
with the III house it represents communication and
writing; with the IV house it represents education; with
the VI house it represents computation; and, with the
VII house it represents business. Therefore in a chart if
Mercury were related to the VII houses from the
ascendant and itself it would represent business. When
Mercury so related to the VII houses is also related to
the IV houses from itself and the ascendant, the
education that the individual would receive would be
related to commerce and business. When Jupiter is
related to the X houses from itself and the ascendant it
would indicate management. When it also influences
Mercury and the two IV houses alongwith the influence
86 How to Read a Birth Chart

of Mercury that we have just examined above, the

individual would study business management. Suppose
Saturn is related to the VIII houses from the ascendant
and itself it would indicate history. When it is related to
Mercury, and the two IV houses, the individual would
study history. A broad analysis of the course of study
can easily be thus made. What makes an individual study
medicine? Saturn related to the VI house from itself and
the ascendant would be an agent for disease. Saturn of
this nature related to Mercury, and the two IV houses
would make the individual study disease. Mars related
to the VI houses from itself and the ascendant would be
an agent for causing injury or surgery. When the
elements for education receive the influence of Saturn
that is an agent for disease and of Mars that is an agent
for surgery, the person concerned would study causing
wounds to deal with disease-he becomes a surgeon. What
makes an individual an engineer? Mercury related to
the two VI houses from itself and the ascendant would
incline the individual to study mathematics; Mars
related to the two VI houses from itself and the ascendant
would incline him to study machinery and force. These
two would produce an engineering related education
when they influence the elements for it.
The elements of education related to the elements
for journey abroad would cause the individual to take
his education abroad. The elements for journey abroad
are (i) Rahu, (ii) the IX house from the ascendant and
(iii) the IX house from Rahu. As we know item (i) of each
set should be related together, item (ii) of each set should
similarly be related and so should the item (iii) of each
set.
Let us now study profession. The elements for
profession are (i) Saturn, (ii) the X house from the
ascendant, and (iii) the X house from Saturn. We can now
Relationships between planets 87

determine the inclination of a planet. Planets that

influence these three elements would produce a
profession according to their inclination. What makes a
teacher? Mercury related to the II houses from the
ascendant and itself would give a profession that
involves much speaking. Mercury also related to the IV
houses from the ascendant and itself would give a
profession that would involve speaking for teaching.
When Mercury is not related to the II houses and it is
related to the III and IV houses from the ascendant and
itself, it would give a profession that would involve the
individual in writing for the purpose of teaching.
Mercury related only to the III houses from the
ascendant and itself would give a writing, reporting or
broadcasting career.
We can analyse the location of profession in the same
way as we have studied for education. If the elements
for profession were related to the elements for journey
abroad, the individual would take up a profession
abroad.
A question is generally raised as to whether a person
would take up service or he would do business and be
self-employed. Saturn, the VI house from the ascendant
and the VI house from Saturn show service. When each
of these elements relates to its counterpart in the set of
elements for profession, the individual would take up
service. For business the elements are Mercury, the VII
house from the ascendant and the VII house from
Mercury.
There is another question put to the astrologer time
and again as to how well a person would get along with
his mother or father, or for that matter virtually any
relative. When a person does not get along with another
obviously there is difference of opinion between the two
of them. It could either lead to open hostility or each
88 How to Read a Birth Chart

would not like the other and avoid him. Mars would be
the main actor in this drama. Hence (i) Mars, (ii) the VI
house from the ascendant, and (iii) the VI house from
Mars would be the elements. Suppose a person does not
get along with his mother. The three elements of
difference of opinion would operate with the elements
for mother viz., (i) the Moon, (ii) the IV house from the
ascendant, and (iii) the IV house from the Moon. We take
up a concrete case. The following is the chart of a male
who hates his mother.
Chart II-6

Ket
Ven Jup

Sat

Mar Mon
Sun
Ket
Jup
Asc Rah
Mer

Mon Ket
Ven 6
Asc
Sun
Navamsa
Mar
Rah 8
Mer
Jup Rah Ven
Sat Jup Sat
Relationships between planets 89

Male. February 5, 1977, 0440 hours, 18°N57’, 72°E49’, 0530 hours

East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 9s22°29’57” Moon Venus lls8°59’36” Saturn
Moon 4s2°26’33” Ketu Saturn 3sl9°41’23” Mercury
Mars 9s2°58’13” Sun Rahu 6s3°23’31” Mars
Merc 8s28°28’33” Sun Ketu 0s3°23’31” Ketu
Jupiter 0s28°20’49” Sun Ascdt 8sl2°42’50”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

A noticeable feature in this chart is the almost exact

aspect Mars has on the Moon. Mars is in sambandha with
Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter is in sambandha with
Mercury. The owner of the VI house is in the IV. Thus
there is a contact between the house of difference of
opinion with the house that represents mother. The third
element is the relevant house from the Moon and from
Mars. The IV house from the Moon is in Scorpio. The VI
house from Mars is in Gemini. It is clear from the
sambandhas that have been enumerated above between
Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon that Scorpio and
Gemini are related. Hence the elements governing the
mother are related to the elements that stand for
difference of opinion. The individual consequently does
not get along with his mother.
A careful study of significations of houses and
planets and the relationships that develop between them
would give all the answers that we seek.
90 How to Read a Birth Chart

Chapter 3

Vimshottari Dasa
Major-period - Sub-period - Inter-period

Having understood the principles stated in the

previous chapter we could make a general reading of a
birth chart. But even now we do not have the competence
to predict the time when a particular development would
take place in life. For example, we are now capable of
saying that Elizabeth Taylor’s marriage would break
down and separation would take place, but we cannot
fix the time when it would happen. This is a very
important and interesting side of study and we need to
develop skill to be able to satisfy the requirements of a
consulter. Having given a general reading of the chart,
the question next put to the astrologer is on the probable
time of events.

Vimshottari Dasas-Major-period
We start with the concept of periods. When we talk
of periods we mean that at any given moment of time
certain planets would be governing the life of an
individual. We can fix the time of operation of different
planets and thus deduce the probable events that could
happen while the planet was operating. There are more
than fifty varieties of periods that can be used to fix a
time frame of events to happen in life, but the most
important and widely used is the Vimshottari period
CVmD1s99aoVB aDa ri

K’K2V7oL vRHL 2-AKL AKL 2-VL 8R0’L K’K2V7L 2-v2L °VL °8D0HL K2DH’L
ARL2-AKLG881i
,VL HV2V97ARVL 2-VL J0vRV2KL 2-v2L °8D0HL GVL 8JV9v2ARWL
v2L vR’L 2A7VL vRHL vKKVKKL 2-VA9L A7JvM2L 8RL 2-VL ARHA5AHDv0iL
hVRV9v00’oL 2°8L 89L v2L 2-VL 78K2L 2-9VVL KDM-L J0vRV2KL v9VL
HV2V97ARVHL vRHL 2-VA9L AR2V9vM2A8RL AKL vRv0’KVHiL SDM-L vRL
vRv0’KAKL 2V00KL DKL vG8D2L 2-VL 29VRHL 8jL 0AjVL 2-v2L °8D0HL 2v1VL
J0vMVL HD9ARWL 2-VL 8JV9v2A8RL 8jL 2-VKVL J0vRV2KiL c2L AKL
2-V9Vj89VL A7J892vR2L 28L DRHV9K2vRHL 2-VL 7V2-8HL j89L
HV2V97ARARWL 2-VKVL J0vRV2KiL c2L AKL H8RVL ARL 2-VL j8008°ARWL
7vRRV9i
,VL 2v1VL 2-VL J8KA2A8RL 8jL 2-VL k88RL v2L 2-VL 2A7VL 8jL GA92-L
vRHL GvKVHL 8RL 2-v2L J8KA2A8RL °VL V9VM2L vL 2A7VL j9v7ViL b-VL
k88RL °8D0HL GVL ARL vL M8RK2V00v2A8RiL ,VL -v5VL v09VvH’L KVVRL
2-v2L VvM-L M8RK2V00v2A8RL -vKL vRL 8°RV9iL ,-VRL 2-VL k88RL AKL
ARL vL Jv92AMD0v9L M8RK2V00v2A8RL v2L 2-VL 2A7VL 8jL GA92-L 2-VL
7v689 JV9A8HL 8jL 2-VL 8°RV9L 8jL 2-VL M8RK2V00v2A8RL °8D0HL GVL
2v1VRL 28L GVL 9DRRARWL v2L GA92-iL b-AKL °8D0HL GVL 2-VL
mtador..s tL 7v689 JV9A8HL vRHL 2A7VL j9v7VL J9VJv9VHL 8RL
2-AKL GvKAKL AKL Mv00VHL 2-VL mtador..s tV hsdsdiL w00L 2-VL RARVL
J0vRV2KL -v5VL 2-VAA L 7v689 JV9A8HKL DRHV9L 2-VL mtador..s tL
hsdsdiL b-VL 7v689 JV9A8HL 8jL 2-VL SDRL 9DRKL j89L nL ’Vv9KoL 8jL
2-VL k88RL j89L asL ’Vv9KoL kv9KL rL ’Vv9KoL Tv-DL ayL ’Vv9KoL
.DJA2V9L anL ’Vv9KoL Sv2D9RL agL ’Vv9KiL kV9MD9’L arL ’Vv9KoL IV2DL
rL ’Vv9KoL vRHL mVRDKL fsL ’Vv9KiL lVJVRHARWL 8RL 2-VL J8KA2A8RL
8jL 2-VL k88RL ARL vL M8RK2V00v2A8RL °VL MvRL HV2V97ARVL 2-VL
Gv0vRMVL 8jL 2-VL 7v689 JV9A8HL 2-v2L 9V7vARKL 28L GVL
V4JV9AVRMVHL v2L GA92-iL pV2L DKL 2v1VL vRL A00DK29v2A8RiL SDJJ8KVL
2-VL k88RL AKL v2L dBxs'L ARL bvD9DKiL c2L °8D0HL GVL ARL u-v9vRAL
M8RK2V00v2A8RL v2L GA92-iL b-AKL M8RK2V00v2A8RL K2v92KL v2L fnBxseL
ARL w9AVKL vRHL VRHKL v2L asBL ARL bvD9DKiL mVRDKL 8°RKL 2-AKL
M8RK2V00v2A8RiL tVRMVL 2-VL 7v689 JV9A8HL 8jL mVRDKL °8D0HL
GVL 9DRRARWL v2L 2-VL 2A7VL 8jL GA92-iL b-VL k88RL -vHL v09VvH’L
M98KKVHL gBL ARL 2-AKL M8RK2V00v2A8RL GVj89VL GA92-L 2881L J0vMVL
vRHLA2L-vHLK2A00L28LM85V9LxBfs'LARLA2iL,VL1R8°L2-v2
92 How to Read a Birth Chart

4°20’=4.33°. We also know that each constellation has a

length of 13°20’. Venus has a total major-period of 20
years. Therefore proportionately the major-period of
Venus would last for the first 4.33X20/13.33=6.5 years of
life. After Venus the major-period of the Sun would run
for 6 years, then of the Moon for the next lOyears, etc.,
in the given order. The aggregate of nine periods is 120
year hence the name Vimshottari. Each major-period has
sub-periods of all the nine planets running one after the
other starting with the sub-period of the planet of which
the major-period is running. Thus in the event of the
major-period of the Sun starting, the first sub-period
would be of the Sun, followed by those of the Moon, Mars,
Rahu etc. We need not go into much mathematical
intricacies as a computer would do all this in the most
competent manner. We must know, most assuredly, its
use. That is what I am now proceeding to tell.
We will first discuss the major-period. A planet in
its major-period would give results of its own
significations, of the significations of other planets with
which it is related, and of the houses with which it has
relationship. These three categories of results do not
occur separately but in a holistic manner. The
appearance of the results would happen according to
the sub-periods that occur in the major-period. We have
yet to study the effect of the sub-periods, which would
be taken up shortly. Let us take up a simplistic view.
Suppose a major-period would cause three results,
namely, result relating to the job of the individual, loss
and income/gain. This means that the individual would
get a job, he would gain income from the job, he may
lose his job and he may lose his income. The major-period
would cause combinations of these three results to
appear. The next question would be when would which
kind of result appear? This would depend on the sub-
Vimshottari Dasa 93

periods. We will study them a little later in this chapter.

In the nine sub-periods that would run one after the
other, it is possible that, depending on the inclination
of one sub-period none of the three results may
materialise, in one of the other eight two out of three
may take place, and in one all three may appear. What is
being emphasised here is that if two results out of three
were to happen, they would appear as a composite result.
If the two results are that the individual gets a job and
therefore his income improves, the result would be of
the kind that would cause an impression that the income
improved since the individual had got a job. If the first
result were relating to job, the second to income and
the third to loss, the composite result most likely would
be that the individual lost his income since he lost his
job.
Here again the three elements that govern any event
in life come into play. Let us take up Elizabeth Taylor’s
chart to understand the working of major-periods. A
major-period planet would give results relating to an
aspect of life when it is related to all the elements that
govern that aspect of life.
Chart III-l
94 How to Read a Birth Chart

x, Jup / \
Sat Mon
Ket\10/ ' \ 8/
Ven.XZ V1
Ket Sun'TX Mar XX 7
Ven MeV \ /
Sun / \Q/
Mer
Navamsa / Sat
X. / 3 X.
Jup Rah
MoniXf 'Xj5 Rah
Asc y' 2 x. / 4 X.
Mar

Elizabeth Taylor, February 27, 1932, 0215 hours, London, UK,

0W10. 51N30, GMT.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 10sl4°22’32” Rahu Venus lls24°14’40” Mercury
Moon 6s22°41’05” Jupiter Saturn 9s7°23’59” Sun
Mars 10s8°39’28” Rahu Rahu lls3°22’42” Saturn
Merc 10sl4°32’55” Rahu Ketu 5s3°22’42” Sun
J upiter 3s22° 16*08” Mercury Ascdt 7sl7°27'41”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

She had a divorce on February 1, 1951. The major­

period of Saturn was running at that time. Does Saturn
give result relating to marriage? The three elements for
marriage are (i) karaka Jupiter, (ii) the VII house from
the ascendant, and the (iii) VII house from karaka
Jupiter. Saturn is in Capricorn in the birth chart. Jupiter
is in Capricorn in the navamsha chart where Saturn is
in Pisces. Thus Saturn and Jupiter are related in a
multiple manner. Firstly, Jupiter is in the same sign in
the navamsha chart where Saturn is placed in the birth
Vimshottari Dasa 95

chart; secondly, Jupiter and Saturn have exchanged

signs in the navamsha chart, and thirdly, Saturn
occupies a sign of Jupiter in the navamsha chart. Taurus
is the VII house from the ascendant. Venus is in Pisces
in the birth chart where Saturn is placed in the
navamsha chart. Further, Venus is in a navamsha sign
of Saturn. Thus Venus and Saturn too are related in two
ways. The VII house from Jupiter is in Capricorn where
Saturn is placed in the birth chart. Thus Saturn is related
to the three elements relating to her marriage. Saturn
therefore would give results relating to her marriage in
its major-period. We know that Saturn is a karaka for
separation and loss. Since it is related to Jupiter, karaka
for marriage in a female chart, it may give results
relating to its signification in its major-period. One of
the significations is separation. The XII house from the
ascendant is in Libra. Venus, as we know, is related to
Saturn. The XII house from Saturn is Sagittarius.
Jupiter, as we know, is related to Saturn. Thus, Saturn
would also cause loss and separation in its major-period.
We know that Sagittarius is a house of family, being the
II from the ascendant. Hence a separation in family is
seen.
Chart III-2
96 How to Read a Birth Chart

Male, January 5, 1893, 2038 hours LMT. Gorakhpur, UP. India,

26°N45’, 83°E24’, Time Zone 0533 hours East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 8s 23° 12’46” Venus Venus 7s 24° 44’30” Mercury
Moon 4s 03° 14’27” Ketu Saturn 5s 20° 13’27” Moon
Mars 11s 13° 18’54” Saturn Rahu 0s 12°41’37” Ketu
Merc 8s 00° 55’28” Ketu Ketu 7s 12°41’37” Rahu
J upiter 11s 23° 51’23” Mercury Ascdt 4s 06° 38’32”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

The above birth chart is that of Shri Yoganand

Paramhamsa, a saint of very exalted spiritual stature.
His mother died on April 26, 1904 in the major-period of
Venus. Mother is represented by (i) the Moon, (ii) the IV
house from the ascendant, and (iii) the IV house from
the Moon. Let us see if Venus would give results relating
to his mother.
Saturn has a very close aspect on Venus in the birth
chart. Saturn and the Moon are in sambandha in the
navamsha chart. Therefore Venus and the Moon are
related. Venus occupies Scorpio, which is the IV house
from the ascendant. The IV house from the Moon is in
also in Scorpio. Hence clearly Venus is going to give
results relating to the mother of the individual. Venus
Vimshottari Dasa 97

is related to Saturn. The loss would have the same

elements as before (i) Saturn,(ii) XII house from the
ascendant, and (iii) the XII house from Saturn. The XII
house from the ascendant has Cancer and the XII house
from Saturn has the Moon placed in the house. Since
the Moon and Venus are related Venus is related to both
these houses. Therefore the major-period of Venus would
cause loss or separation from mother. This loss is caused
by death. The elements for death are (i) Saturn, (ii) the
VIII house from the ascendant, and (iii) the VIII house
from Saturn. We know that Venus is related to Saturn.
The VIII house from the ascendant is in Pisces. Venus is
clearly related to the VIII house from the ascendant since
the dispositor of Venus is in this house. The VIII house
from Saturn is in Aquarius. Venus occupies this sign in
the navamsha chart. We can therefore conclude that the
mother of the saint would pass away in this major-period.

Sub-period
Let now study the sub-period in more detail. The
major-period, as we have seen, extends from six years
in the case of the Sun to twenty years for Venus. It is
virtually impossible to time any event by mere use of
the major-period. We have to make use of the sub-period
to bring the span of time for any event to two to three
years or slightly more.
As we have seen, each major-period has nine sub­
periods running in it. The first one is that of the planet
of which the major-period is running. For example, if
the major-period of Jupiter has started, the first sub­
period would be of Jupiter. Thereafter the next sub­
period of Saturn in the order of the sub-periods would
run followed by that of Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon,
Mars and Rahu.
98 How to Read a Birth Chart

We have seen that a major-period would give results

relating to a particular matter only in case the major­
period planet is related to the karaka for that event. This
is equally true for the sub-period. Suppose we are asked
a question as to whether a sub-period in a major-period
would cause birth of a child. In case the major-period
planet is related to Jupiter but the sub-period planet is
not so related, we can straight away say that childbirth
in that sub-period would not be possible. So this is the
first qualification for the sub-period planet. It has to be
related to the concerned karaka if a particular event has
to happen in it. The major-period planet and the sub­
period planet have to relate to the same relevant house
from the karaka for the event to take place. Again, if the
question is of birth of a child, the major-period and sub­
period planets have to relate to the V house from the
karaka Jupiter for the event to happen. In case the
major-period planet is so related but the sub-period
planet is not related to the concerned house, the event
would not happen in that sub-period. Therefore the
second criterion for the sub-period planet is that it
should be related to the concerned house from the
karaka. It is only the third criterion that changes in the
case of the sub-period planet. Whereas the major-period
planet has to be related to the concerned house from
the ascendant, the sub-period planet must relate to the
concerned house from the major-period planet. Let us
understand this clearly.
Suppose we are considering the sub-period of planet
S in the major-period of planet M. Suppose the question
put to us is whether a child would be born to the
concerned individual in this sub and major-periods. If a
child is to be born in the major-period, the major-period
planet should be related to the V house from the
ascendant. But this condition does not apply to the sub-
Vimshottari Dasa 99

period planet. The sub-period planet is not required to

be related to the V house from the ascendant. It has to
relate to the V house from the position of the major­
period planet. Therefore the three conditions that are
necessary for a sub-period planet to give the expected
result are: (i) It should be related to the concerned
karaka, (ii) It should be related to the concerned house
counted from the location of the major-period planet,
and, (iii) it should be related to the concerned house from
the karaka. We will notice that it is only the second
condition that has altered. Instead of taking the
concerned house from the ascendant we have taken it
from the location of the major-period planet.
Having understood the above, let us revert to the
birth chart of Elizabeth Taylor. We will now consider
the sub-period in which she got divorced. She got the
divorce on February 1, 1951. At that time the sub-period
of Ketu was running in the major-period of Saturn. Ketu
should give results relating to her marriage. This means
it should first be related to Jupiter. We can see from the
chart that Jupiter is in sambandha with Venus. Ketu and
Venus are together in the navamsha chart. Ketu is
therefore related to Jupiter. The second condition is that
Ketu should be related to the relevant house from the
karaka. The VII house from Jupiter is in Capricorn.
Saturn is placed in this house. Ketu occupies Aquarius
navamsha. Its owner is placed in Capricorn. Hence Ketu
is related to this house too. The third condition is that
Ketu should be related to the VII house from Saturn,
the major-period planet. The VII house from Saturn is
in Cancer where Jupiter is placed. We have already seen
that Ketu is related to Jupiter. Therefore Ketu is related
to this house. Ketu would therefore cause results relating
to the marriage of the individual in its sub-period in the
major-period of Saturn.
100 How to Read a Birth Chart

If a divorce has to happen, Ketu must be related to

(i) Saturn, (ii) the XII house from the karaka Saturn, and
(iii) the XII house from the major-period planet Saturn.
We have seen that Ketu is related to Saturn. The XII
house from Saturn is in Sagittarius. Ketu and Jupiter
are related as we have already seen. Hence the individual
got divorced in this sub-period.
Sometimes we find it difficult to select the right sub­
period planet out of the nine that are at our disposal.
Depending on the nature of the event we should first
short list those planets in a major-period that are related
to the concerned karaka. Suppose we wish to know as
to when we would be going abroad in a major-period.
We know that the karaka for journey abroad is Rahu.
Hence only those planets that are related to Rahu can
take the individual abroad. All other planets would have
to be rejected. Suppose out of the nine only three qualify
in this manner. This means that it is likely that in one of
the sub-periods of these three planets would the
individual go abroad. We now take the ninth house from
Rahu in the birth chart. Only that planet of the three
that is related to this house would be capable of taking
the person abroad in its sub-period. This may reduce
the number of the likely planets from three further. We
should then examine each remaining planet to find as
to which of them is related to the IX house from the
major-period planet. It is very likely that the individual
would go abroad in that sub-period.
Here one should understand that an event that is
not likely to happen in a major-period cannot happen in
a sub-period of that major-period. The reason is obvious.
If an event is not likely to take place in the 6, 10, 16 etc.
years of a major-period, how can it happen in a span of
two years or so within this larger span? Taking the logic
of the previous paragraph, we can determine the major­
Vimshottari Dasa 101

period in life when an event, say, death of the mother of

an individual would happen. The mother would die only
in that major-period the planet of which is related to
the Moon and Saturn. Having short listed these planets
we proceed further and should be able to finalise the
planet in the major-period of which mother may pass
away. Once the major-period has been determined a
similar exercise would tell us the sub-period in which
this event would happen. This gives us a few years in
which it would take place, but even this is not good
enough.

Inter-period
Therefore we take recourse to inter-periods. They
are in sub-periods what sub-periods are in major­
periods. The average span of an inter-period is a few
months hence the predictive use of inter-period is
immense. The principles remain the same. An event
would happen in an inter-period when the inter-period
planet is related to (i) the concerned karaka, (ii) to the
concerned house from the karaka, and (iii) to the
concerned house from the position of the sub-period
planet. It should be noticed that the change takes place
only in the third condition. Let us again go back to
Elizabeth Taylor’s chart. The divorce on February 1, 1951
happened inter-period of Mars in the sub-period of Ketu
in the major-period of Saturn. Let us first see if Mars is
related to Jupiter and Saturn. Mars is in a constellation
of Rahu, which is in sambandha with Jupiter. Mars
occupies a navamsha of Saturn. It appears that Mars
prima facie is the right inter-period planet. Let us now
see if Mars is related to the VII house from Jupiter and
XII house from Saturn. The VII house from Jupiter is in
Capricorn where Saturn is placed. We have seen that
102 How to Read a Birth Chart

Mars is placed in a navamsha of Saturn. Hence Mars is

related to this house. The XII house from Saturn is in
Sagittarius. Mars occupies this sign in the navamsha
chart. Lastly we have to see if Mars is related to the VII
and XII houses from Ketu. These are Pisces and Leo
respectively. Mars is related to Jupiter and it is with
the Sun in the birth chart. It is obvious therefore that
divorce would come through in the inter-period of Mars
in the sub-period of Ketu in the major-period of Saturn.
This inter-period lasts from January 12, 1951 to February
4, 1951. This is a span of 23 days in which the event took
place on February 1, 1951. The use of inter-periods
therefore makes the predictions worthwhile since they
relate to a reasonably brief span of time.
Since inter-periods cover a small length of time, even
a slight change in the birth time by a few minutes brings
about drastic change in the inter-period planet. The
accuracy of birth time is therefore very important. An
inaccurate time would be of no help to us in the analysis
of inter-periods. When the time of birth given is not very
accurate, we will have to confine our attention to the
major-period and the sub-periods.
We will take up the chart of the individual who does
not like his mother and see if this sentiment is still so in
his mind. We have already studied this chart in the
previous Chapter. The major-period of the Sun is
current. It started in October 2002 and it would end in
October 2008. The Sun is associated with Mars and it is
in a constellation of the Moon. Hence there is no chance
of improvement in relationship between the mother and
son in this major-period. The next major-period would
be of the Moon. This would only see the tension
worsening.
Vimshottari Dasa 103

Chart III-3

Mon Ket

Asc
Sun
Navamsa
Mar
Rah 8
Mer
Jup Rah Ven
Sat Jup Sat

Male, February 5, 1977, 0440 hours, 18°N57’, 72°E49’, 0530 hours

East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 9s22°29’57” Moon Venus lls8°59’36” Saturn
Moon 4s2°26’33” Ketu Saturn 3sl9°41’23” Mercury
Mars 9s2°58’13” Sun Rahu 6s3°23’31” Mars
Merc 8s28°28’33” Sun Ketu 0s3° 23*31” Ketu
J upiter 0s28°20’49” Sun Ascdt 8sl2°42’50”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

We can time events in a chart through the use of the

above principles with satisfactory ease, but many a time
104 How to Read a Birth Chart

a question is put as to how would the major-period of a

planet be for the individual. Let us take up this now.
I do not know much about the details of life of the
individual of chart III-3 but 1 was told that he had been
suffering losses in his business. The Sun is in sambandha
with Saturn in the birth chart. Saturn indicates certain
unpleasant things like ill health, obstacles, worries,
humiliation, sorrow, break in enterprise, losses and
separation. Let us examine the aspect of loss a little more.
The Sun and Saturn are in sambandha in Chart III-
3. Saturn is with Mercury in the navamsha chart. The
XII house from Saturn is Gemini. The Sun is related to it
through Saturn as seen above. The Sun is clearly related
to Scorpio since it is with Mars. Hence the Sun shows
losses. In what? In business. How? Mercury is the karaka
for business and the VII house stands for it. The Sun is
related to Mercury and the VII houses from the
ascendant and Mercury.
Let us consider the analysis of major-period a little
more through the use of a chart to understand as to how
an assessment can be made of possible events in a major­
period. We should first see the planets with which the
major-period planet is related. Suppose the major-period
planet is related to Mars. We know that the houses for
some of the significations of which Mars is a karaka are
the III, IV, VI and VIII houses. We should then see
whether the major-period planet is related to any of
these houses from the ascendant. In case it is not related
to any of them, the major-period planet would not cause
any matters relating to the significations of Mars to
appear in its major-period. But suppose the major-period
planet is related to the IV house from the ascendant. We
should then see if the major-period is also related to the
IV house from Mars. In case this relationship exists, it
Vimshottari Dasa 105

would mean that the major-period planet is related to

(i) Mars, (ii) the IV house from the ascendant, and (iii)
the IV house from Mars. These three elements describe
immovable property. Therefore the major-period would
give results relating to property in its major-period.
We will take up the following chart of a lady. She
has been a TV artiste since an early age and had made
some name and place for herself in that field. She
subsequently took up a job with the government as a
scientist and is continuing with it. Her husband left her
and went abroad in June 2006 for better prospects. Till
September 2007 he had not gained any success in his
endeavour and was dependent on his wife for support.
This had been weighing on the mind of the lady since
the financial resources of the family were getting
depleted fast.
The chart of the above lady is as follows:
106 How to Read a Birth Chart

Mar Asc
Sun Jup Mon
Mer Mar
i2Sun
Rah Mer
Sat
Navamsa Rah
Sat
Ket

Ven
Ven
Female, December 15, 1961, 0130, 28°N39’, 77°E13’, 0530 hours East
of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 7s29°17’6” Mercury Venus 7sl8°51’2” Mercury
Moon 10s29°14’8” Jupiter Saturn 9s4o28’16” Sun
Mars 7s29°16’4” Mercury Rahu 3s26°26’45” Mercury
Merc 7s28°26’49” Mercury Ketu 9s26°26’45” Mars
Jupiter 9sl3°29’3” Moon Ascdt 5sl5°53’23”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

She was running the major-period of Ketu in 2006-

07. Ketu is with Jupiter and Saturn. In a female chart
this could mean separation from husband. The VII house
from the ascendant is in Pisces. Jupiter is the owner of
the house. Ketu is therefore related to the house. The
VII house from Jupiter is in Cancer. Rahu occupies this
sign. In the navamsha chart Rahu and Saturn are
together. Saturn as we know is associated with Ketu.
Therefore Rahu relates Ketu to the VII house from
Jupiter. Ketu is likely to cause matters relating to her
marriage to come to the fore. Since Ketu is related to
Vimshottari Dasa 107

Rahu and the IX house from Rahu, there is a strong

possibility that matter relating to a foreign country
should be involved, but Ketu has to be related to the IX
house from the ascendant for such an eventuality to
arise. This house is in Taurus. Ketu is in a navamsha of
the Sun. The latter is associated with Venus in the birth
chart. Further, Ketu is in a constellation of Mars, which
too is associated with Venus. Thus Ketu shows that
during its major-period matters relating to husband in
conjunction with a foreign country would come to the
fore. Since Ketu is with Jupiter and it is related to the II
and XI houses from the karaka Jupiter it points to the
possibility that money and income would also be matters
that could appear prominently in this major-period
provided Ketu is also related to the II and XI houses from
the ascendant. We have seen that this is so. Since Ketu
is related to the XII houses from the ascendant and
Saturn as well the major-period Ketu should also cause
financial loss and burden.
The person whose chart is being given below lost
his infant son in 1975 when major-period of the Sun was
going on.
Chart III-5
108 How to Read a Birth Chart

Asc Mon Mar

Sat Ven
Rah
Navamsa
Ket Mer

Sun Jup

Male, September 15, 1944, 0703 hours, 22°N34’, 88°E24’, 0530 hours
East of Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 4s28°57’34” Sun Venus 5s20°38’07” Moon
Moon 4s01°44’46” Ketu Saturn 2sl6°23’39” Rahu
Mars 5sl7°57’04” Moon Rahu 3s03°19’41” Jupiter
Merc 4sl5°33’37” Venus Ketu 9s03°19’41” Sun
Jupiter 4sl7°49’25” Venus Ascdt 5s7°23’01”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

Let us see if the chart indicates loss of a child. Jupiter

is the karaka for children. Saturn is the karaka for death
and loss. Saturn is in sambandha with Mercury. Jupiter
and Mercury are associated. Thus the two karakas are
related indicating a sinister possibility in the chart. Ketu
occupies the V house from the ascendant. It is in a
constellation of the Sun, which occupies the XII house
from the ascendant. The Moon in the XII house from the
ascendant occupies Magha constellation of Ketu. This
constellation signifies death. Ketu is in the V house from
the ascendant. Therefore there is a close relationship
between the house of children and the house of loss. As
the loss has happened on account of death, the VIII house
from the ascendant should also be involved. Aries has
the VIII house. The Moon occupies this sign in the
Vimshottari Dasa 109

navamsha chart. The contact between the V, VIII and

XII houses is clearly seen in this chart. We should now
see if a relationship exists between the three houses from
the karakas. The V house from Jupiter has Sagittarius.
The VIII house from Saturn is in Capricorn, and the XII
house from Saturn is in Taurus. Jupiter and the Sun are
associated in Leo. Ketu is in a constellation of the Sun.
Thus the relationship between Leo and Capricorn is
clear. Jupiter is in a constellation of Venus, which owns
the XII house from Saturn. Thus the chart points to the
fact that the individual would suffer loss of a child
through death.
The question now would be the probable time for
death of the child. All the four planets in the XII house
from the ascendant appear capable of killing the child
but at a closer look we notice that the Sun occupies
Sagittarius in the navamsha chart, which is the V house
from Jupiter in the birth chart; the occupant of the VIII
house from Saturn is in a constellation of the Sun, and
the Sun is related to Saturn and the XII house from
Saturn. The Sun is equally strongly related to the V, VIII
and XII houses from the ascendant. Hence the likely
major-period in which there would loss of child would
be that of the Sun.
110 How to Read a Birth Chart

Chapter 4

Analysis of Transits
Transits-The principles of analysis of transits-
Transit of the major-period planet-Transit of
the sub-period and inter-period planet-
Transit of the Sun-Transit of the Moon

Even the inter-periods do not give us ‘to the day’

accuracy in prediction. For it we have to take recourse
to the transits or gochar. Planets keep moving in their
natural course in the sky. When we study the movement
of appropriate planets we are able to determine the day
on which an event that we are looking for would happen.
The method of analysis of daily movement of planets in
the sky is the same as we have studied so far. I put a
question to the gentleman from whom I was learning
gochar. It was not clear to me that the same nine planets
by their movement in the sky at any time could produce
entirely different events in the lives of millions of people.
The movement was common to all the persons at any
moment yet the events that were taking place were
entirely different. This is a very fundamental question
and if a satisfactory answer is found to it, the solution
to the riddle of transits becomes apparent. Let us study
this.
The houses are building blocks of events. Planets
help events take shape and materialise. Suppose the
owner of the V house in transit is either in the VI house
from the ascendant or is associated with the owner of
Analysis of Transits 111

the VI house. There would be a possibility that either

the child (V house) of the individual may fall sick (VI
house) or his girlfriend (V house) may have disagreement
(VI house) with him while the relationship between the
V and VI houses from the ascendant lasts. Similarly,
when the VII and XI houses develop relationship in
transit the individual may get married; and, when the
XI and IX houses get related in transit the individual
may go abroad. The relationship between houses that
develop according to transit of planets is the
fundamental building block of events. The planets both
transit and natal then play their roles. The karakas have
also to develop relationship with each other at the same
time. In case the V and VI houses get related through
transit of planets giving rise to a possibility of a child
falling sick, and if Jupiter and Saturn too get related at
the same time, this possibility gets confirmed. Then we
have to see if the V house from natal Jupiter is also
related to the VI house from natal Saturn in transit.
When all the three sets of elements are related at the
same time, the event should materialise, and would last
till the relationships survive. This is the basic principle
behind analysis of transits. We will now elaborate this.
The transit analysis becomes comprehensible once
we are able to look at the moving planets in a rational
manner. Transits must clearly show events. They may
not always be true as transits act in subservience to the
periods. Therefore unless a period shows a particular
event, even when it is shown by transits at any time, it
would not happen.
The transit of planets at any moment is studied with
respect to the birth ascendant. Let us take the following
birth chart. When we study the transit of planets at any
moment we will only see the signs in which the planets
were at that moment. The ascendant in the chart would
112 How to Read a Birth Chart

remain the same as at birth. In the case of the following

chart IV-1 the ascendant would remain in Leo. I think it
would be a good idea to draw up a transit chart for 1930
hours on March 29, 2008 as an illustration. Since the
ascendant has to remain the same as it was at birth, we
will not take into account the transit location. The place
of birth would continue to be the same for the individual
so that his ascendant does not change. Thus, only the
changed location of planets should be put in the chart.
We should not make any other change in it. Similarly,
the ascendant in the navamsha chart should also be
taken as it was at birth. The navamsha signs in which
planets were at any moment of time only would be
inserted.
Chart IV-1

Mar
Jup Rah

Lagna
Asc
Mon

Mer Ven Ket Sat

Sun
Analysis of Transits 113

Mon Asc
Mer
Sat
Rah
Jup Sat
Ven Rah
Navamsa Jup
Ven
Ket

Sun
Mar
Sun Mar
Male, January 5, 1893, 2038 hours Local Mean Time, Gorakhpur,
UP, India, 26°N45’, 83°E24’, Time Zone 0533 hours East of
Greenwich.
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 8s 23° 12’46” Venus Venus 7s 24° 44’30” Mercury
Moon 4s 03° 14’27” Ketu Saturn 5s 20° 13’27” Moon
Mars llsl3° 18’54” Saturn Rahu 0s 12°41’37” Ketu
Merc 8s 00° 55’28” Ketu Ketu 7s 12°41’37” Rahu
Jupiter lls23° 51’23” Mercury Ascdt 4s 06° 38’32”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

The transit chart for 1930 hours on March 29, 2008

would be as follows:
114 How to Read a Birth Chart

Chart IV-2

Transit

Sun Mar

Rah
Ven
Mer
Asc
Ket
Sat

Mon
Jup

Ket Asc Sat

Ven Mer

Mar Mon

Sun
Jup Rah

Transit positions at 1930 hours on March 29, 2008

Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun llsl5°16’44” Saturn Venus 10s26°34’39” Jupiter
Moon 8sll°40’40” Ketu Saturn 4s8°43’05” R Ketu
Mars 2sl5°40'32” Rahu Rahu 10s02°49'00” Mars
Merc 10s28o41’59” Jupiter Ketu 4s02°49’00” Ketu
Jupiter 8s25°52’29” Venus Ascdt 4s 06° 38’32”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

I would like to reiterate that the ascendants in the

birth and navamsha charts have remained the same.
Analysis of Transits 115

Only the positions of planets have changed and these

changed positions have been introduced in the charts.
Therefore it is very simple to make transit charts
Once a transit chart is made it would be analysed on
almost the same lines as a birth chart. The three elements
that represent an aspect of life in a transit chart are (i)
the karaka, (ii) the relevant house from the ascendant,
and (iii) the relevant house from the birth position of
the concerned karaka. Please notice that the only change
is in item (iii). Here we do not take the relevant house
from a karaka that is moving in transit or gochar, but
we take the position of the karaka at birth and take the
house from that position. There is a natural reason
behind it. The karakas associate and fall into
relationship in transit. This is true for all charts for that
moment. When two houses get related due to transit, it
would be true for all charts having that particular
ascendant. Therefore there is nothing to distinguish the
impact of transiting planets for that particular birth
chart. The only thing that would distinguish the impact
would be the third element: The relevant houses from
the natal karakas. In the above chart IV-1 we will not
take the position of karaka Mars as in Gemini where
Mars was on March 29, 2008 but we will take the position
of Mars in Pisces where it was at the time of birth and
count the relevant house from there. Once the two
karakas get related through transit, the two houses from
the ascendant get related as a result of transiting planets,
and the two houses from the natal karakas get related,
the event would be in readiness to take place, but this
experience of the event shall be funnelled to the
individual only through the transiting major-period
planet. Hence comes in the second principle that we have
clarified below.
116 How to Read a Birth Chart

Transit of Major-period Planet

The second principle is that the individual would
not experience the effect of the two sets of elements
getting related as above in transit until the major-period
planet gets related to the concerned sets of three
elements. Thus what we are saying is as below:
• The two sets of elements should get related during
transit, and,
• The major-period planet should, in transit, get
related to the two sets.
The third important issue is that the transit of the
major-period planet cannot make something happen that
is not promised by the concerned major-period. For
example, if the major-period of Mercury does not show
birth of a child, the transit of Mercury can never make
it happen. The argument is clear. The major-period of
Mercury runs for 17 years. If no child is promised in this
span of time, it is not possible that the event would
materialise just because transit of Mercury during this
span shows the event.
Having understood the above principles, analysis of
transit of the major-period planet is easy. Whenever the
major-period planet in transit gets related to the sets of
three elements enumerated above, it may give the result.
The next issue is to locate the event during transit.
Suppose major-period of Venus was going on in a chart
and it shows death of father during this major-period.
The likely moment would be when Venus simultaneously
gets related to the Sun and Saturn in transit. As had been
emphasised earlier, the Sun and Saturn are also moving
in transit. Whenever such a combination takes place, the
likelihood of death of father would be strong. Since we
must already have determined an inter-period in which
Analysis of Transits 117

the event is expected, transit of the planets would be

considered only in the brief span of the inter-period.
Let us analyse the transit position in the above chart
when the father of the individual died on August 1, 1942.
The event happened in the major-period of Rahu. The
transit chart for the day at 0000 hour is as follows:
Chart IV-3
Transit
118 How to Read a Birth Chart

Birth data-Male, January 5, 1893, 2038 hours LMT, Gorakhpur,

UP, India, 26°N45’, 83°E24’, Time Zone 0533 hours East of
Greenwich.
Transit positions:
Planet Longitude Owner/C Planet Longitude Owner/C
Sun 3sl4°50’38” Saturn Venus 2sl7°09’23” Rahu
Moon lls7°16'12” Saturn Saturn lsl6°51’19” Moon
Mars 4s6°34’53” Ketu Rahu 4sll°23’09” Ketu
Merc 3sl2o23’13” Saturn Ketu 10sll°23’09” Rahu
Jupiter 2sl8°29’23” Rahu Ascdt 4s 06° 38’32”
Owner/C means owner of the constellation in which the planet is placed.

We will analyse the transit of the major-period planet

Rahu. Since father has died Rahu should show father
and his loss. The karaka for the father is the Sun. Rahu
is in Leo and in the navamsha chart it is in Cancer where
the Sun is placed in the lagna chart. Rahu is thus related
to the karaka for father. The IX house from the ascendant
is Aries. Mars in transit is with Rahu in the lagna chart.
The IX house from natal Sun is in Leo where Rahu is
placed in transit. Therefore the major-period planet is
indicating that a matter relating to the father of the
individual would take place. Saturn is the karaka for
loss. Saturn is in Taurus in transit. Mars is with Rahu in
the lagna chart but in the navamsha it has gone to
Taurus. Thus Rahu is related to Saturn. The XII house
from the ascendant is in Cancer where the dispositor of
Rahu is placed in transit. The XII house from natal
Saturn is in Leo where Rahu is placed in transit. Rahu
is in Magha constellation, which stands for death. Thus
loss of father is clearly indicated by the major-period
planet. We have yet to determine the manner in which
this loss would happen. Would the father die? Rahu must
relate to the set of elements for death if this conclusion
is to be drawn. The set of elements is (i) Saturn, (ii) VIII
house from the ascendant, and (iii) the VIII house from
natal Saturn. We have already seen that Rahu in transit
Analysis of Transits 119

is related to Saturn. The VIII house from the ascendant

is in Pisces. Jupiter is in transit in a constellation of
Rahu. The VIII house from natal Saturn is in Aries. Mars
and Rahu are together in transit in Leo. Thus Rahu
shows loss due to death.

Transit of the Sub-period Planet

We will now take up the transit of the sub-period
planet. It should also be related to the karaka in transit
when the event is going to happen. It should be related
to the concerned house from the natal karaka and it
should relate to the concerned house from the natal
position of the major-period planet. We take up the above
illustration. His father died when the sub-period of Rahu
in the major-period of the same planet was running. We
have seen that Rahu was related to Saturn at that time
and it was also related to the IX house from the natal
karaka. We should only see if Rahu was related to the IX
house from natal Rahu, since it is also the major-period
planet. This house is in Sagittarius. Jupiter is in a
constellation of Rahu. The sub-period of Rahu in the
major-period of Rahu would give result relating to his
father. Let us see if the sub-period shows loss. We have
seen that Rahu was related to Saturn and the XII house
from it. The XII house from natal Rahu is in Pisces. We
know that Rahu and Jupiter are related. The VIII house
from natal Saturn is in Aries and as we have seen Mars
and Rahu are related. Thus the father passed away in
the sub-period of Rahu.

Transit of the Inter-period Planet

The transit of inter-period should also similarly show
the event. Like the other two periods, it should also be
related to the karaka for the event when the event is to
120 How to Read a Birth Chart

happen. The inter-period planet should also be related

to the concerned house from the natal karaka and the
concerned house from the natal position of the sub­
period planet. In the above illustration, the death
happened when the inter-period of Mercury was
running. Mercury and the Sun were together in transit
at the time when the death happened. The IX house from
natal Sun is in Leo. The Sun is with Mercury in transit.
The IX house from natal Rahu is in Sagittarius. Jupiter
is in a sign of Mercury in transit. Thus Mercury would
give results relating to the father. If Mercury has to cause
loss it should be related to Saturn. Saturn was projecting
a close aspect on Mercury in transit and it was in Gemini
navamsha. The XII house from natal Saturn is in Leo.
We know that Mercury was related to this house. The
XII house from the natal Rahu is in Pisces. The dispositor
of Mercury in transit is in Pisces, and Jupiter as we know
is related to Mercury. The VIII house from natal Saturn
is in Aries. Mercury in transit is with the Sun. The latter
is in sambandha with Mars in the navamsha chart. Thus
Mercury shows loss of father through death.
The father of the above individual died in the inter­
period of Mercury, in the sub-period of Rahu in the
major-period of Rahu and all the three period planets,
namely, Rahu, Rahu and Mercury independently show
the loss of the father in transit analysis.
We have to be careful of the movement of fast moving
planets in transit since these planets change positions
within hours in the lagna and navamsha charts and may
mislead the astrologer if he is not careful.
A very interesting point emerges. The three period
planets, i.e., the major, sub and inter-period planets must
relate to the same karaka in transit at the same time to
cause an event to happen. This makes the exercise of
Analysis of Transits 121

transit analysis much easier. We should take up detailed

analysis of only those spans of time in which during the
concerned inter-period all the three planets are related
to the same karakas in question. In the above chart, when
the father of the individual died the major, sub and inter­
period planets were related to the Sun and Saturn. It
becomes easy to therefore determine primci facie
whether the event would take place at a given time. This
is a rule of thumb.
The Sun and Moon are instruments to fix the time of
an event even closer. The Sun generally gives the time
of an event within a week or two, and the Moon does it
to within a day or two. The problem with the Moon of
course is its rapid movement. Its movement needs close
study.

Transit of the Sun and Moon

The transits of the Sun and Moon are analysed in
exactly the same manner as that of the major-period
planet. The Sun or the Moon would give a particular
result if the Sun were related to the concerned karaka,
the concerned house from the ascendant and the
concerned house from the natal karaka. We will take up
the above chart and see if the Sun indicates the event
on the given date. The Sun was in Cancer on the day the
father of the individual passed away. The Sun is the
karaka for the father. The IX house from the ascendant
is in Aries. On the given day the Sun and Mars were in
sambandha in the transit navamsha chart. The IX house
from the natal Sun is in Leo. The Sun owns it. It is
therefore clear that the Sun was indicating results
relating to his father. The Sun was under close aspect
from Saturn. The XII house from the ascendant is in
Cancer where the Sun is placed. The XII house from the
122 How to Read a Birth Chart

natal Saturn is in Leo. Therefore the Sun shows that the

individual was going to lose his father at that time.
The Moon is in a constellation of Saturn. It owns the
XII house from the ascendant and the XII house from
natal Saturn is in Leo. The Moon is in Virgo in the transit
navamsha chart. This relates him to the XII house from
natal Saturn. It can be seen that the Moon also shows
the same event.
Having determined a span of time through inter­
period we can reach the date of the event or near about
through the transit of the Sun and Moon.
We now reach the end of our expose of Vedic Indian
astrology. This is basically a story of my journey through
astrology over the last three decades-a journey that I
have performed alone. I have charted a different path,
away from the well trodden one. I have tried to enunciate
the basic principles as clearly as possible. All the
principles may not be fully clear to the reader at the
first go, but slight application would clarify them. What
is more important is the application of these principles
to live charts. The more number of charts one analyses
the better would he get at understanding the principles
of astrology. I can only say that there is nothing mystical
in Vedic astrology. The scheme of nature rests on
rational principles. Science is based on such principles.
Astrology also similarly rests on reason. It is for us to
unravel the fundamentals.