The key components for vedic astrology are rasis, nakshatras, houses, and grahas. In the vedic astrology landscape, firstly, the rasis and nakshatras represent the background. Secondly, the houses represent the themes and finally, the grahas represent the actors. Each of these dimensions has multiple options. There are 12 rasis., 27 nakshatras, 12 houses, and 9 grahas. Every astrologer must know the characteristics of the options in each of these dimensions. In this blog we look at Rasi characteristics.

The work of the astrologer is to look for recurring patterns while evaluating a chart using each of these dimensions. For example, Sun in Leo in Magha nakshatra in the first house indicates the confluence of leadership themes. Sun is the King among grahas. Leo is the fiery rasi representing leadership. Magha nakshatra is represented by a throne. The first house indicates the self. Another example is Mars in Aries in Krittika nakshatra in the 3rd house indicates aggression using the hands. Mars is the commander-in-chief. Aries is a fiery rasi. Krittika nakshatra’s symbol is a sharp blade. The 3rd house represents courage and hands.

Rasis form the backdrop in which the grahas and houses act. It is critical to understand the rasi characteristics to understand how the rasis can shape the impact of the grahas in the respective houses.

There are 12 rasis. Here are their characteristics.

Rasi	Symbol	Lord	Characteristics tied to symbol or lord	Other characteristics
Aries	Ram	Mars	Extroverted, angry, impulsive, violent, accident prone, motivated, ambitious, pioneer, roamer	Lives away from home, disagreement with mother, head injuries
Taurus	Bull	Venus	Physically and mentally strong, materialistic	Sharp intellect, good writers, strong interest in food, good for career, submissive to spouse
Gemini	Twins - Male holding a club Female holding instrument	Mercury	Twins, dual nature - personality, mind, and career, materialistic, reliance on intelligence	Expenditures through children, sexual enjoyment, unstable health
Cancer	Crab	Moon	Highly emotional, confused, formidable intellect, likes home life	Friendship is important, disappointment with children, chronic diseases, unnatural death
Leo	Lion	Sun	Regal, striking appearance, important father, interest in spirituality, self-interest	More bluster than courage, lucky with property, neglects younger siblings, dominates spouse
Virgo	Young woman - holding wheat and fire	Mercury	Maiden, shy, lack of worldly skills, trades that are detail oriented, analysis and calculations	Unusual thoughts, difficulty with children, higher chance of accidents and surgery, interest in hygiene
Libra	Scales	Venus	Mercantile, public professions, excessive spending, fashion conscious	Ignores wise advice, influenced by bad company, friends and clubs important, enduring marriage
Scorpio	Scorpion	Mars	Rigid, maverick, penetrates secrets, poison, chemistry, drugs	Death, occult, ambitious, brave, dominates partner, tough relationship with gurus, travels
Sagittarius	Centaur holding a bow ready to shoot arrow	Jupiter	Aims high, competitive, can win over enemies, intellectual	Lucky, blunt speakers, charitable, dual careers, spiritual inclination
Capricorn	Crocodile with upper body of deer	Saturn	Ambitious, forceful, slow progress in career, conservative	Gain through property, money minded, miserly, dissatisfied with roots and family, doting parents, religious hypocrite
Aquarius	Man with tilted pitcher	Saturn	Enjoys gathering knowledge, timid, idiosyncratic, keeps secrets, slow career progress	Alternate gains and losses, likes friends and societies, not excited by money
Pisces	Two fishes swimming in opposite directions	Jupiter	Contradictory ambitions and ideals, loves to teach, two marriages,	Can be taken advantage of, good for children, hospital involvement

The key components for vedic astrology are rasis, nakshatras, houses, and grahas. In the vedic astrology landscape, firstly, the rasis and nakshatras represent the background. Secondly, the houses represent the themes and finally, the grahas represent the actors. Each of these dimensions has multiple options. There are 12 rasis., 27 nakshatras, 12 houses, and 9 grahas. Every astrologer must know the characteristics of the options in each of these dimensions. In this blog we look at Nakshatra characteristics.

The work of the astrologer is to look for recurring patterns while evaluating a chart using each of these dimensions. For example, Sun in Leo in Magha nakshatra in the first house indicates the confluence of leadership themes. Sun is the King among grahas. Leo is the fiery rasi representing leadership. Magha nakshatra is represented by a throne. The first house indicates the self. Another example is Mars in Aries in Krittika nakshatra in the 3rd house indicates aggression using the hands. Mars is the commander-in-chief. Aries is a fiery rasi. Krittika nakshatra’s symbol is a sharp blade. The 3rd house represents courage and hands.

Nakshatras form the backdrop in which the grahas and houses act. It is critical to understand the nakshatra characteristics. This helps us understand how the nakshatras can shape the impact of the grahas in the respective houses.

There are 27 nakshatras. Here are their characteristics.

Nakshatra	Symbol	Diety	Characteristics tied to symbol or diety	Other characteristics
Ashwini	Head of a Horse	Ashwini Kumaras	Twins, equestrian - fine appearance, swift, amiable manners, medicine, healing	Happy-go-lucky disposition, stuttering, fond of ornaments, intelligent
Bharani	Vulva	Yama	Personal breakthroughs preceded by struggles	Social transformation, nurturing, creative
Krittika	Razor	Agni	Sharp and cutting nature, appetite, cooking, digestion	Heroic deeds, adoption, inventors
Rohini	Cart	Brahma	Growth oriented, conveyances	Sensual, beautiful, good at arts
Mrigashirsha	Deer	Moon	Timid, shy and nervous, fidgety, tender,, changing	Enchanting, fickle
Ardra	Teardrop	Rudra	Loss or disappointment, malicious	Diplomacy, self-centered, deal with dead things, primal energies like atomic research
Punarvasu	Quiver of arrows	Aditi	Freedom, unbounded, adaptive, resourceful, focused	Noble, philosophical, teachers
Pushya	Udder of cow	Brihaspati	Nourishing, abundance, growth	Aristocrats, ministers, gurus
Ashlesha	Coiled serpent	Nagas	Deceit, secretive, poisonous	Wisdom, insight, blunt, disliked by others
Magha	Royal throne	Pitris	Regal, tactful, diplomatic, traditional, support from ancestors	Opportunities, corporate heads
Purvaphalguni	Front legs of bed	Bhaga	Rest, relaxation, carefree nature	Creation, marriage, entertainment
Uttaraphalguni	Back legs of bed	Aryaman	Helpful, patrons	Amorous, adventurous
Hasta	Hand	Sun	Controlling, repetitive	Followers, witty, not reliable
Chitra	Jewel	Vishvakarma	Indefatigable, unconquerable, architect, artists	Fond of books, analytical, balanced thinkers
Swati	Young sapling	Vayu	Delicate, influenced, Learner	Thoughtful, spiritual, religious
Vishakha	Triumphal arch	Indragni	Successful, focused on goals, dictators, aggressive	Courageous, egocentric
Anuradha	Triumphal arch	Mitra	Goal oriented, devoted to friends, lead and manage organizations	Live abroad, good with numbers
Jyeshta	Protective talisman	Indra	Fame, glory, occult, hidden things, elder, protection	Inventive, imaginative,
Moola	Roots tied in a knot	Nirriti	Calamity, material destruction, contrarian, restraint, bondage	Research oriented - getting to the bottom of things, medicine
Pruvaashadha	Winnowing basket	Apah (water)	Strong desire to improve situation, aggressive	Good debators, pervasive, universal
Uttaraashadha	Elephant tusk	Vishvadevas	Honest, sincere, remover of obstacles, sharp and penetrate	New beginnings that become successful
Shravana	Three footprints	Vishnu	Hearing, oral traditions, knowledge, scholars	Kind, charitable, humanistic
Dhanishta	Drum	Vasus	Optimistic, ambitious, prosperous, related to sound	Marital discord
Shatabhisha	Empty circle	Varuna	Separation, confinement, cloaks	Scientific, mystical, prefer solitude, rare diseases
Purvabhadrapadha	Front legs of funeral cot	Ajaikapada	Destruction, respectfulness, passionate, fearful	Anger, fanatics, terrorists
Uttarabhadrapadha	Back legs of funeral cot	Ahirbudhya	Planned evil, more restraint than purva	Practitioners of tantra
Revati	Drum	Pushan	Rich, nurturing, safe travels, related to time	Protection, shelter, hospitality, foster care

The key components for vedic astrology are rasis, nakshatras, houses, and grahas. In the vedic astrology landscape, firstly, the rasis and nakshatras represent the background. Secondly, the houses represent the themes and finally, the grahas represent the actors. Each of these dimensions has multiple options. There are 12 rasis., 27 nakshatras, 12 houses, and 9 grahas. Every astrologer must know the characteristics of the options in each of these dimensions. In this blog we look at Graha significance.

The work of the astrologer is to look for recurring patterns while evaluating a chart using each of these dimensions. For example, Sun in Leo in Magha nakshatra in the first house indicates the confluence of leadership themes. Sun is the King among grahas. Leo is the fiery rasi representing leadership. Magha nakshatra is represented by a throne. The first house indicates the self. Another example is Mars in Aries in Krittika nakshatra in the 3rd house indicates aggression using the hands. Mars is the commander-in-chief. Aries is a fiery rasi. Krittika nakshatra’s symbol is a sharp blade. The 3rd house represents courage and hands.

Grahas are the actors in the vedic chart. It is critical to understand the graha significance to understand how the actors shape the destiny of the chart.

There are nine grahas. I use the term grahas instead of planets to avoid scientific confusion. Here are their main significances.

Graha	Relations/People	Body Part	Primary Significance	Secondary Significance
Sun	Father	Soul, heart, head	Fame, government, authority	Pitta
Moon	Mother	Face, blood	Emotions, beauty	Public, liquids
Mercury		Skin, nervous system	Commerce, speech, writing, communication	Education, rational mind, volatile, versatile
Venus	Spouse, wife	Sex organs, kidney	Marriage, desires, vehicles	Fine arts, harmony, sensuality
Mars	Husband, siblings	Liver	Courage, pride, property	Anger, arrogance, pride
Jupiter	Teacher, children	Fat	Wealth, knowledge, growth, optimism	Spirituality, advisers, councilors
Saturn	Servants, workers	Legs	Longevity, death, suffering, chronic disease	Renunciation, separation, isolation
Rahu / Ketu	Foreigners		Ambition, disguises, deception	Suddenness, revenge, poisons

The key components for vedic astrology are rasis, nakshatras, houses, and grahas. In the vedic astrology landscape, firstly, the rasis and nakshatras represent the background. Secondly, the houses represent the themes and finally, the grahas represent the actors. Each of these dimensions has multiple options. There are 12 rasis., 27 nakshatras, 12 houses, and 9 grahas. Every astrologer must know the characteristics of the options in each of these dimensions. In this blog we look at House significance.

The work of the astrologer is to look for recurring patterns while evaluating a chart using each of these dimensions. For example, Sun in Leo in Magha nakshatra in the first house indicates the confluence of leadership themes. Sun is the King among grahas. Leo is the fiery rasi representing leadership. Magha nakshatra is represented by a throne. The first house indicates the self. Another example is Mars in Aries in Krittika nakshatra in the 3rd house indicates aggression using the hands. Mars is the commander-in-chief. Aries is a fiery rasi. Krittika nakshatra’s symbol is a sharp blade. The 3rd house represents courage and hands.

Houses represent the themes in a chart. For example, wealth, family, home, vehicles, education,… It is critical to understand house significance to evaluate different themes in a person’s chart.

There are twelve houses starting with the lagna as the first house. Here are their main significances.

House Number	Body Part	Primary Significance	Secondary Significance	Other Significance
1	Body, Head	Health, Vitality, Self	Appearance, Behavior, Character	Infancy, Birthplace
2	Face, Mouth, Tongue	Family, Wealth (accumulated)	Speech, Oral Traditions	Food, Death
3	Hands and arms	Siblings, courage (Strength)	Classical arts, hearing, writing. communications	Neighbors, short journeys
4	Chest. heart	Mother, education, vehicles, property	Home, happiness, morals	Ancestors
5	Belly	Children, creativity, entertainment	Intellect, discrimination	Teaching, mantras, advice
6	Waist, liver	Enemies, illnesses, debts	Anxieties, accidents	Service, routines
7	Groins, Kidney	Spouse. partnerships, business	Desires, adultery, controversies	Death
8	Sexual organs	Chronic disease, bankruptcy, longevity	Taxes, inheritance	Occult, research
9	Thighs	Father, guru, higher learning	Luck, devotion	Foreign travel, pilgrimage
10	Knees	Profession, business	Honors, prestige, fame	Government, authority
11	Calves	Income from career, gains, elder siblings	Friends, clubs	Hopes, wishes, goals
12	Feet	Loss, expenditure, liberation, renunciation	Sleep, bed pleasures	Immigration, confinement

Clients will often ask an astrologer if the up-coming Saturn or Jupiter maha dasha effects are good or bad. To answer this question, we should understand what dasha and bukthis are in vedic astrology. The better question, actually, is how to determine the effects of an upcoming maha dasha?

There are two kinds of chart analysis. The first kind is static in nature. This can be looking at graha strengths, identifying yogas, or analysis graha aspects. These don’t change with time. The second kind is dynamic in nature. In this we look at transits and dashas. Dynamic analysis can predict when certain results will fructify.

The most common dasha system used by vedic astrologers is the Vimshottari dasha system. This system assigns specific years to each of the nine grahas, totaling a 120 year cycle. The sequence and number of years is given below.

1. Ketu = 7 years
2. Venus = 20 years
3. Sun = 6 years
4. Moon = 10 years
5. Mars = 7 years
6. Rahu = 18 years
7. Jupiter = 16 years
8. Saturn = 19 years
9. Mercury = 17 years

Here is the ten step method to assess the effects of a maha dasha. Note: the dasha lord is just the graha itself. So, the dasha lord of the Jupiter dasha is Jupiter. The dasha lord of the Moon dasha is Moon…

1. Natural malefic or benefic nature of the dasha lord

The dasha of a natural benefic like Jupiter will be beneficial, while the dasha of a natural malefic Rahu would be harmful. Jupiter and Venus are always natural benefics. Mars, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu are always natural malefics. The Sun is cruel. Moon and Mercury can be benefic or malefic depending on factors listed in this blog.

2. House occupied by the dasha lord

The dasha lord will give the results of the house it sits in. For example, if the dasha lord is in the 4th house, matters related to mother, property, vehicles, and education will be activated during the dasha. Positive houses like the kendras (1,4,7,10) and trikonas (1,5,9) are better than negative houses like the trik (6,8,12) houses.

3. Houses owned by the dasha lord

The dasha activates the houses owned by the dasha lord. Example, for a Gemini ascendant, Jupiter’s dasha activates the seventh and tenth houses. This brings into focus seventh house themes like spouse and partnerships and tenth house themes like career and profession. Ownership of positive houses (kendras and trikonas) is better than ownership of negative houses (trik).

4. Yogas involving the dasha lord

For a Gemini ascendant, if Jupiter is in the 10th house, the chart has Hamsa mahapurusha yoga. The effects of this yoga will materialize in the Jupiter dasha. The timing of yogas is very important. Experiencing a pancha mahapurusha yoga in your thirties and forties is very different from experiencing the same in your eighties and nineties.

5. Matters signified by the dasha lord

Every graha signifies certain matters. For example, Moon signifies mother and emotions, which would be themes during the Moon maha dasha.

6. Strength of the dasha lord

A graha is strong if it is exalted or in its own sign. A graha is weak if it is debilitated or combust.

Grahas don’t work in isolation. They sit in someone else’s rasi and nakshatra. Grahas are aspected by other grahas and grahas aspect other grahas. So, the analysis should include these factors as well.

7. Analysis of the Dispositor of the dasha lord

The dispositor is the lord of the rasi the dasha lord sits in. For example, Moon influences the dasha of Mercury in Cancer because Moon rules Cancer. Moon’s strength plays a significant part in Mercury’s dasha.

8. Analysis of the Nakshatra lord of the dasha lord

In this case we use the nakshatra lords given for vimshottari dasha. If Mercury is in Pushya nakshatra, then Saturn has an influence as the nakshatra lord.

9. Analysis of the grahas conjoint or aspecting the dasha lord

For example, a strong malefic Rahu/Ketu conjoint the dasha lord can weaken the beneficial effects of the dasha lord.

10. Analysis of the grahas aspected by the dasha lord

For example, if a strong benefic Jupiter aspects a weak Mercury, the dasha can show improvement in education and intelligence, matters related to Mercury.

The basic components of vedic astrology are the rasis (signs), the nakshatras, the bhavas (houses), the grahas (planets), and the lagna.

The vedic chart represents the positions of the grahas in the sky as seen from the Earth. The ecliptic is the apparent annual path of the Sun around the Earth. The grahas zig-zag in a narrow zone, of about 8 degrees, around the ecliptic called the zodiac. The zodiac forms the backdrop for the chart.

Rasis and Nakshatras

The zodiac is divided into 12 rasis and 27 nakshatras. Therefore, the rasis and the nakshatras represent the environment in which the story of our life is enacted. For example, Aries is energetic and fiery. Any graha in this rasi will imbibe those qualities. Please click through to learn about the characteristics of the rasis and the nakshatras.

Grahas and Bhavas

The grahas and bhavas represent the different aspects of our lives. These can be the people in our life like our father, mother…, the physical objects in our lives like property, vehicles, job… , and our physical attributes like intelligence, courage….

Vedic astrology considers nine grahas. Seven of the nine are visible grahas – Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn. The other two Rahu and Ketu are mathematical points, where the Moon’s orbit cuts through the ecliptic on its northern and southern course. For example, Mars represents our younger siblings, property, and courage.

There are twelve bhavas in the chart, numbered one through twelve. For example, the fourth bhava represents our mother, property, and emotions.

Please click through to learn the significances of the bhavas and grahas.

The lagna

Finally, the lagna is the degree rising on the eastern horizon at the time and place of our birth. The lagna represent our self, or us. This is the single most important factor in the chart.

The study of astrology, in short, is to understand the interactions of these basic components of vedic astrology to help us gain a better understanding of our self and our destiny.

What happens when two grahas establish a sambandha or connection? The blog on relationships gives more details about the different kinds of sambandha. In this blog, we will mainly look at conjunction and mutual aspect of two grahas. Chapter 15 of Saravali covers the results for all combinations involving two of the seven true grahas; excluding Rahu and Ketu.

The image below summarizes the results of the conjunction of two grahas into three buckets – positive, negative, and neutral.

The grahas in the image go from the most benefic, Jupiter, to the most malefic, Saturn. The top left section combines two benefics resulting in positive results. The bottom right section combines two malefics resulting in negative or neutral results.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the greatest benefic and hence it always gives positive results for all the combinations it is involved in.

• Venus and Jupiter – educated, great debater, virtuous, blessed with good sons, wife, and wealth.
• Mercury and Jupiter – noted dancer, scholar, singer, instrumentalist, wise and happy.
• Moon and Jupiter – firm in relationships, modest, respectful, wealthy, virtuous, and intelligent.
• Sun and Jupiter – virtuous, minister to the King, gains through friends, good mind, wealthy, famous, spiritual. Good for the teaching profession.
• Mars and Jupiter – artisan, Vedic expert, intelligent, expert in speech, wise, and skilled.
• Saturn and Jupiter – heroic, wealthy, chief of a city, and famous. Good for politicians.

Venus

Venus is the second most benefic graha. Therefore, its association is mostly positive, with neutral results when associated with Mars and Saturn.

• Mercury and Venus – rich, studies the scriptures, good in speech, knows to sing, make fun, and likes scents and flowers.
• Moon and Venus – endowed with flowers, incense, and clothes, dutiful, expert in buying and selling.
• Sun and Venus – skilled, mighty, and wealthy. can lead to weak-sight in old age.
• Mars and Venus – chief among his men, a mathematician or astrologer. It can cause unhappiness in the marital front, be a gambler, and a liar.
• Saturn and Venus – skilled in the trades – barber, painter, sculptor, boxer – like to wander, and own animals.

Mercury

Mercury is benefic if it associates with benefics and becomes malefic if it associates with malefics. Therefore, its combinations are both benefic and malefic.

• Moon and Mercury – poet, wealthy, amiable to his spouse, beautiful, smiling faced, and virtuous.
• Sun and Mercury – noble, good speech, strong, learned, and beautiful.
• Mars and Mercury – architect, unlucky spouse, little wealth, works with metals and medicine.
• Saturn and Mercury – contract debts, be proud, deceitful, good speech, poet, fickle-minded.

Moon

The Moon is the least of the benefics.

• Sun and Moon – wealthy, metallurgist, light-hearted, subservient to the spouse, deceitful, affected eyesight.
• Mars and Moon – valorous, boxer, brave in war, suffers from bodily imbalances. Good for craftsman dealing with mud, leather, and minerals.
• Saturn and Moon – not wealthy and not virtuous.

Sun

Sun is the least malefic of the malefic grahas

• Mars and Sun – splendorous and valorous. also dull-witted, sinful, aggressive, and a liar.
• Saturn and Sun – metallurgist, virtuous and mindful fo his duties. difficulties with spouse and children.

Mars

• Saturn and Mars – metallurgist, deceitful, thief, fond of quarrels.

Yogas are unique to vedic astrology. There are thousands of yogas and every chart has some yogas. Not all yogas are equal, though. A select few called Raja Yogas, can make a person a King. Every classical vedic astrology text has a chapter on these Raja Yogas. However, there are times when a chart will have a few Raja Yoga and the person may not feel like a King. This brings us to the combinations that cause Raja Yoga Cancellations.

In general, the Raja Yoga forming planets should be strong and not affected by natural malefics. The blog on how to analyze yogas gives more details.

In this article, though, we will consider other combinations (Yoga Bhangas) in a chart that can cause Raja Yoga cancellations. Chapter 39 of Saravali states – when a chart has Raja Yogas and Yoga Bhangas the stronger of the two will prevail.

These Yoga Bhangas can be classified into four sets. The first set involves three or more weak grahas, excluding Rahu and Ketu. The second set involves a weak Sun or Moon. This shows the importance of the luminaries, especially for power and fame. The third set looks at omens. Finally, the last set shows weaknesses, but wouldn’t jump out as Yoga Bhangas.

Many weak grahas

There are many variants of this. These Bhangas have three of more debilitated, combust or poorly placed (6,8,12) grahas.

1. Greater than three debilitated grahas
2. Debilitated Moon + 2 or more of the four (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun) debilitated + one of the four debilitated in the ascendant.
3. Three debilitated grahas + Jupiter debilitated or combust + Aquarius ascendant
4. Four debilitated or combust grahas + no natural benefic in Kendras or conjoint the Moon (no positive support).
5. Five debilitated grahas
6. Five grahas that are combust or in an enemy’s sign + Sun of Moon not exalted.
7. All natural malefics in debilitation or in an enemy’s sign + all natural benefics in the 6th, 8th, or 12th house.
8. Sun, Mars, and Saturn in 3rd, 6th, and 7th house respectively + weak Moon aspecting lagnesh + no natural benefics in Kendras + natural benefics are combust

Weak Sun or Moon

Sun and Moon are the two luminaries. Raja Yogas thrive when one or both of them are strong. Conversely, Yoga Bhangas are created when either of them is weak.

1. Sun debilitated at exactly 10 degrees, which is the Sun’s deepest point of debilitation.
2. Moon debilitated at 3 degrees – Moon’s deepest point of debilitation + Moon is weak (a new Moon)
3. Chart has Kemadruma yoga and the Moon has no aspects from any grahas (isolated Moon)
4. New Moon + Moon aspected by natural malefics + no aspect from natural benefics + Sun in Leo in navamsa
5. New Moon without aspect from any graha + new Moon in last navamsa of a movable sign, or 8th navamsa of a fixed sign, or 1st navamsa of a dual sign.

Omens

1. Meteor, earthquake or thunder at the time of birth
2. Ascendant in trisankhu nakshatra + Saturn in ascendant + fall of a comet

Miscellaneous – Not as obvious

1. Ascendant is vargottama + no aspect on the ascendant – this is a head-scratcher!
2. Debilitated Venus in the navamsa (D-9) – even a slight weakness in Venus can affect a Raja Yoga.
3. No natural benefics in Kendra
4. Jupiter debilitated in ascendant (capricorn) + Moon not in cancer