How to judge the effects from divisional charts

G.K. Goel
B.Sc., B.E.
INTRODUCTION

Zodiac is a circular belt of 360°, stretching about 9° north and 9° south of the Ecliptic
(apparent path of Sun around earth) within which the planets and the moon remain in course of
their movement. The zodiac is divided into 12 equal sectors, each of 30° and each sector is called
a Rasi (sign). In Indian astronomy, the initial point from which the longitude of the Sign Aries is
measured is a fixed point on the ecliptic (which is exactly opposite the reference star CHITRA -
spices 16). This means that Nirayana longitude of star Chitra will always be 180° for any Epoch.
This is the basis for calculating the true Chitrapaksha Ayanamsa.
Yet again, this belt is divided in 27 equal sectors, each of 13°20' and each of such sectors
called Nakshatra. Rasis and Nakshatras, though mathematical in nature, are recognized by
different set of stars in the sky. The astronomical constellations, representing Rasis and
Nakshatras, sometimes overlap each other and sometimes wide apart.
The tropical signs always commence from V.E.POINT, which is receding in the back
ground of stars with mean motion of about 50’.3 per year. In Astronomical terminology, this is
called as ‘FIRST POINT OF ARIES’. Tropical signs are not linked with constellations. This
Zodiac is very important as it controls seasonal cycles, Sun rise/set, ascending degree on eastern
horizon for a given epoch. In Vedic era, seasons like Madhu, Madhava etc are identified with the
help of this zodiac.
This concept is beautifully explained by Varaha Mihira in Chapter I Shloka 4 in ‘Brihat
Jataka’ as under:
“The (twelve) signs of the Zodiac are commencing with the first point of Aries and of (the
asterism of) Aswini. Each sign consists nine stellar quarters. The circle formed by the 12 signs
represent the head, face, breast, heart, belly, navel, abdomen, genital organ, two thighs, two
bones, two ankles and two feet of “KALAPURUSHA”. (The terms) Rasi, Kshetra, Griha, Riksha,
Bha, Bhavana are synonymous terms.”
This Shloka consists of 72 letters, thus indicates that “Nirayana” and “Sayana” Zodiac both
consisting of 12 (twelve) signs are separating with each other by about one degree in 72 years
along the ecliptic (the total Dasa periods assigned to seven planets from Sun to Saturn\o is also 72
years (5+21+7+9+10+16+4) in Kalachakra Dasa Scheme of Maharishi Parasara - BHP - 47/33).
1. The Varga (Divisional) Charts
It is not possible to access subtle areas of the native’s life with the help of bare Sign Chart
and Nakshatras. Sage Parasara teaches us sixteen different Vargas. Each Varga chart is specific in
itself, and deals in some specific areas of life.
Kalyan-Varma says in ‘Saravali’( Sloka 12 and 17):
 In above Shlokas, Saravali indicates that each sign is getting divided in 150 parts with the
help of Shodhasvargas (the whole Zodiac is divided in 1800 parts). It is just impossible to
understand or move an inch in ‘HORASHASTRA’ without the help of Varga charts.

The predictive astrology is based on three main pillars, namely,

1. Bhava (also called houses – meaning abode of planets)
2. Signs and
3. Planets
Maharishi Parasara has precisely explained this concept to his disciple Maitraye
in chapter 3, slokas 4, 5 and 6 of BPHS:
“Those, celestial bodies are called the planets (Grahas) that move through the
Nakshatras (or asterisms) along the Zodiac (Bhachakra). The Zodiac comprises
of 27 asterisms from Aswin to Revati and also divided in 12 equal parts known as
signs (Rashis) from Aries to Pisces. The Zodiac sign which contains the rising
(ascending) point at the time of Birth is called Lagan (ascendant)”. Based on the
ascendant and the planets joining and separating from each other, the native’s
good and bad fortune is deducted”.

Parasara has given the concept of Bhavas (houses) along with 12 signs in
the above narration. This is called the compartmental system of houses. In
this, system the whole sign in which the degree of rising€ ascendant falls
is considered the first house and subsequent sign as 2nd house and so on.
The longitude of the ascending point becomes the most sensitive points of
the ascendant i.e.1st house, and the sensitive points of other house will be
30° apart. The sensitive point of 10th house will fall in 10th sign from
ascending sign and will have the same longitude as that of the ascending
point in Lagan. In this system M.C. is not considered as the Mid-point or
cusp of 10th house. M.C. is however given prime-importance due to it and is
widely used for many other important purposes.

Parasara continued to narrate the description of the planets, signs, various Kinds
of ascendants, up-Grahas and importance of Deeptamsa of 15° on either side of
sensitive-point of ascendant and other houses etc. (Deeptamsa means an
effective Zone of 15° on either side of the sensitive-point of ascendant, or
sensitive points of other houses). [The importance of various ascendants and
upgrahas will be narrated in subsequent articles ].
After listening to the above narration, Maitreya enquired from Sage Parasara:
In this scheme, the nativity (sign chart) also acts as one of the Bhava chart.

The other 15 kinds of Bhava Vargas (divisional charts) are for specific
purposes and these can be obtained by dividing signs (Rishis) into components
and then arranging these components in a specified harmonic order.
The division of any Varga chart that contains ascending degree will act first
Bhava of that varga. Each Varga chart will have 12 Bhavas (with the exception in
Hora-Varga chart)
The each house of a varga will be identified by a Zodiac sign and will be
called the abode or house of the sign lord.

BPHS gives clear instruction for construction of each Varga. In this manner each
sign is divided in 150 unequal parts (the arc of largest part is 30’ and smallest is
1’40”) and each part will have specific characteristics, which could be ascertained
by constructing separate divisional charts. (This also laid down the foundation of
Nadi Astrology).

These Vargas are placed in four schemes called Shadvarga, Saptavarga, Dasavarga and
Shodhasvarga. Hora-Shastra indicates resource, potential, promise and materialization of an
event with the help of these Vargas.
Resource is accessed with reference to a particular bahava , its occupants ,lord , and
planets associated with bhava and with their Avasthas and various kinds of strengths. Thus, Sign
and Bhava dasas play important role in indicating the resource available to the native at a given
moment of time in the life.
Vyankatesh Sharma in ‘Sarvarth Chintmani’ has put utmost importance on Shadvargas and
Shashtyamsa-varga to judge the POTENTIAL of the nativity.
Each of the 16 Vargas indicate the PROMISE in some specific areas of life assigned to
them. But the real potential of each sign, house and planet with whose help the promise is
materialized in real life, can be judged with the help of Shadvargas. This important difference in
Shadvargas and Shodhasvarga should always be remembered. This is the reason; Shadvarga Bala
is of prime importance in assessment of a nativity as well as Mahurta.
‘BRIHAT JATAKA’, deals mainly in Shadvargas.
Vimsopaka strength of 20 Rupas is divided in Shadvargas as under by Sage Parasara:
Rasi (Sign) D-1 — 6
Hora D-2 — 2
Drekkana D-3 — 4
Navamsa D-9 — 5
Dwadasamsa D-12 — 2
Trimsamasa D-30 — 1
Total — 20 Rupas
15 points of Vimsopaka Bala (out of total of 20 points) is allotted to Rasi (6), Navamsa (5)
and Drekkana (4). As such, Rasi, Navamsa and Drekkana Vargas hold prominent and important
place in the Shadvarga scheme.
Varga charts provide 192 bhavas representing variety of aspects of human
life. Thus the prediction about any aspect of life is based on following three
factors;
1. Bhavas – Provided by sixteen Varga charts
2. Bhava lords – Lords of the signs which occupy a particular Bhava.
3. Karka of each Varga and Bhava :
Karkas are of three categories namely Bhava, Sthir and Char karakas;
-This can be studied with help of chapter 32 of BPHS – Planetary
Karkatwas
Parasara further says in Sloka 2,3,and 4 of chapter 47- Effects of dasas:
The effects are of two kinds;
a. General –Based on functional nature of planets –This depends on
lordship of planets in D-1 chart mainly- Laghu Parasari is the best
guide.
b. Main-based on the placement , aspects and yogas formed by the
planets
c. Strength of the planets , namely – Shadbala , Vimshopakbala and
Astakvarga strength
LIST OF SIXTEEN VARGA CHARTS

Sage Parasara has narrated 16 varga charts which are given below.
Each varga chart has a specific portfolio, purpose and signification.

1. D-1, 30º, Main Sign (birth) chart.

This is the basic chart. Each sign is synonym to a Bhava (house). This chart
indicates physical body and its related activities. The other divisional charts are
sub-divisions of this chart.
2. D-2, 15º, Hora chart
This chart deals with sustenance, mannerism, and attributes of the native.
Parasara says this chart deals with Sampatti. The word Sampatti does not mean
only material wealth but all means of sustenance including mannerism, nature
and attitude towards life as a whole.
3. D-3, 10º, Dreshkanna
This chart deals with Co-born and sources of happiness on account of inner
posture of personality (Swaroopa).
4. D-4, 7º 30’, Chathurthamsa – Turyeeamsa
This chart indicates fortune, fixed assets both in the form of property and worldly
attachments. Due to this reason, this chart is also called Turyeeamsa as saints
do not have worldly attachments.
5. D-7, 4º 17’ 8”.57 – Saptamsa
This chart indicates progeny.
P[;’-0Beside this ,it indicates cosmic creative ability to maintain cosmic order.
Thus, this chart is indicative of God gifted creative imagination or destructive
illusion.
6. D-9 - 3º20’ Navamsa – Dharmamsa
This chart is most important in predictive Astrology. If main sign chart (D-1) is
considered as body, then this chart will be synonym to heart - the basic prime-
mover.
This chart indicates spouse, partners and skills of the native.
7. D-10 - 3º - Dasamsa (Swargamsa)
Parasara says that this chart indicates “Mahat Phalam” (the result which
indicates the standing and status of the native in society on account of the
interaction of fate and action).

8. D-12 - 2º30’ – Dwadasamsa (suryamsa).

-Parents, elders and heritage. \
9. D-16 - 1º52’30” – Shodasamsa (Kalamsa)
-Vehicles, Luxuries, Happiness, Inner strength of the character.
10. D-20 - 1º30’ – Vimsamsa
- Spiritualism, worship of deity, leaning towards a particular sect.
11. D-24 - 1º15’ – (Siddhamsa) - Chaturvimamsa
- Education, Learning, success in competition.
12. D-27-1º6’40” – Bhamsa – Nakshatramsa – Saptavisamsa
Strength and weakness indicated by planets.

13. D-30 - 1º- Trimsamsa

In this chart degrees are lumped to-gather in a group and each sign is divided in
five such groups.
This chart indicates evils, inclination of natural traits based on Trigunas – Swatic,
Rajas and Tamas.
D-2 and D-30 charts are complimentary to each other and act at different planes
in the life.
14. D-40 – 45’ – Chatvarimsamsa (40th part of a sign) - Khavedamsa
(Swavedamsa)
-Matrilineal legacy.
15. D-45-40’ – Akashvedamsa
- Patrilineal legacy
16. D-60-30’ – Shastyamsa
Past Karma – rinanubandh, repayment of deeds of the past lives. D-1 and D-60
are complementary to each other. D-1 chart indicate when and D-60 tells why,
events happen in the life of the native.

Each of the 16 divisional charts consists of 12 houses, assigned to a Zodiacal

sign, which is in turn owned by a planet. (D-2 (Hora chart) and D-30 (Trimsamsa
chart) are exception to this rule.
In fact Varga (harmonic) charts are considered at five levels, namely;
1.The physical plane-the first cycle covers the charts D-1 to D-12 and covers
such matters as the physical bodyD-1,means of sustenance (sampanata) D-2.
Co-bornD-3, property and fortune d-4, Power and D-5, PHYSICAL LABOUR and
disease D-6, Progeny D-7. Death D-8,spouse D-9, Karma and WORK D-10,
gains and punishment
D-11,parents D-12. However ,Parasara did not include Vargas D5,D6,D8,AND
D11 in shodhash varga scheme.
2.The conscious mental plane-Twelve charts D13 to D24 are possible ,but
Parasara has restricted to- Shodasamsa (16=12+4) D16ruling over mental
happiness,luxuries,vehicles etc, VIMSAMSA (20=12+8)D20 ruling over occult
studies,spiritualism,religiosity etc ,and Chaturvimsamsa (24=12+12) D24-
RULING Siddhis, accomplishments in €wS any branch of learning and vocational
studies ,success in competitions.

3.Third cycle-the sub-conscious mental plane : Out of possible D25 to D36

charts.
Parasara included , Sptavimsaamsa(27=24+3) D27 showing strength and
weaknesses of the native.e.g.Sun-soul,Moon-mind,Mars-phyiscal
strength,Mercury-speech,Jupiter-wisdom,Venus –happiness,Saturn-
sorrow,Rahu-ego,Ketu-mistakes.Trimsamsa (30=24+6) D30-Leo and Cancer, the
signs covered in D-2, are not included in D-30, which is dealing in ‘Naidhanam’ or
‘Death and Disease’.
4.Fourth level-World of sprit or pitras-Only two charts are included namely-
Khavedamsa (40=36+4)D40MATERNAL ANCESTORS, and
Akshavedamsa(45=36+9)D-45 Paternal ancestors.
5.Fifth level-Past births of the native himself-The relevant chart here is
‘Shashtiamsa’ (60=48+12)D60-indicating heritage of the past Karma, which are
responsible for present birth. In Shodhas Varga scheme , D60 is of prime
importance. A planet in malefic shashtiamsa is not capable to give lasting good
results on account of the past bad Karma.

METHOD OF JUDJMENT OF DIVISIONAL CHARTS

1. D-1 is the basic and main birth chart. All yogas are to be judged in this chart..
2. D-1 is also one of the divisional Bhava chart. The principle of compartmental
house division is to be applied, as explained above in this article. ALL VARGA
CHARTS ARE BASICALLY BHAVA CHARTS.
3. Planetary aspects :
All 9(Nine) planets have Full aspect on 7th Rashi. Mars aspects 4th and 8th, Jup. 5th and
9th and Saturn 3rd and 10th, in addition to 7th aspect, from its placement. These aspects
are also used for assessment of sambandha among planets which results in formation of
Rajyogas as well as khal yogas etc IN ALL Varga charts.
The 4th and 8th aspects of all the seven from Sun to Saturn also aspect with 75%
strength ,which is also of considerable importance , as such planets placed in 6th and 10h
house from a house or planet exert considerable influence on it

Both the nodes have influence aspects on 5th ,9th and 12th houses and these aspects are not
used to form sambandha.

4. Rasi Dristi :

(a) All rasis aspect three Rasis.

(b) Dual Rasis aspect each other
(c) Fixed Rasis aspect moveable Rasis except adjacent rasi
(d) Moveable Rasis aspect fixed Rasis except adjacent Rasis.
5. These aspects will be applicable in all divisional charts, irrespective of their
method construction.
6. All yogas will be considered in divisional charts also.
7. Functional Maleficance or Beneficence of planets is accessed in D-1 chart only.
Other divisional charts make €them more or less malefic or benefic depending on
their placement in a house or sign, keeping the basic functional nature of the
planet intact.
8. Mater the rules and principles as laid down by Parasara, Jaimini, Varaha Mihira,
Satyachariya and other classic writers for judgment of a nativity.
9. The effects of the yogas will be experienced in the Dasa periods of planets and
rasis.
 THE following basic principles should be noted for handling D-charts.

1. The most important factors for consideration in D-charts are :

(a) Placement of planets in Kendra and Trikona houses and then in 2nd and 11th
houses
(b) These placements are strengthened if the planets are in Vargottama (both by sign
or house), Exaltation, Mooltrikona, own house, friends house, or in the sign of
natural benefics.
(c) The planets in 3,6,8,12 houses are of no avail even if good by sign.
(d) Malefics in 3rd and 6th will strengthen the chart. But there are some exceptions:

(i) Mars in 6th in all D- Charts does good, as he aspects the lagna. Other Malefics
give some good in the beginning only.
(ii) Mercury even in 8th house of D-4 charts gives good results.
(iii) Generally it is believed that Saturn does not bad in 8th house, thus, Saturn in
D-8 lagna also does not considered as bad

2. Even if a Planet is powerfully placed in D-1 Chart, it does not give good results if
badly placed in D chart for the specific portfolio of D chart and vice versa.

- Any incident, such as marriage, joining service, birth of child - If dasa lord is placed in
bad houses in concerned D-chart, may not end in happiness.
-Accession, victory in election - should be judged from D-11.
-UCHA with Neecha or any planet with his enemy - not good.
-Planet placed in 8th of D-chart does not harm if aspected by Jupiter.
-In the case of house wife- D-9 should be studied.
-In D-11 chart, a planet placed in 4th house give property and vehicles, in 7th marriage, in
10th status, in 5th progeny. And so on.
-Yoga, planetary conjunction, mutual aspect, exchange in signs has its effects in D-charts
also

-Yoga karaka planet of D-1 chart, will give some good effects even if debilitation in other
D- charts provided placed in a good house.

-Karaka principle is also applicable to D-charts

-OUT of all powerful positions, the most important are
(i) Vargottama (both rasi and Bhava) ,Kindly refer an article’Concpt of
Vargottama’ earlier posted on this site
(ii) Exaltation
(iii) Mooltrikona
(iv) own house
(v) Digbala
(vi) Placement in kendra, Trikona and 2nd and 11th houses.
• Even if planets are in exaltation, Mooltrikona and own sign, but placed in , 3,6,8
and 12 houses, are of not much use.
• In Rasi chart, the signs which are placed in 4,5,9 and 10 house, the planets in
such signs in Vargas show merit, particularly if Kendra lords are placed in
Trikona and Visa versa.
• The planets placed in Rashis, which occupy 6,8 and 12 houses in D-1 Rasi
chart, loose lot of their Beneficence even if strongly placed in D-charts.e.g. if
sign Cancer IS Falling in 6th house of D-1 chart, any planet placed in Cancer
in any Varga chart will give indications of 6th house. Please study Madhya
Parasari.
• If any yoga is formed in D-1 rasi chart, and such yoga also manifests in D-Charts,
then these yogas will enhance the yoga results according to the portfolio of
concerned D-chart(s)this creates vargottama effect.
• The conjunction of planets in D-charts modifies the effects. Guru, if not in
debilitation improves the results.
• In D-charts lords of lagna and karya bhava are very important.
• A debilitated planet in D-chart gives bad effects, even placed in good
Bhavas/until debilitation is not cancelled.
a. Debilitated planet, if placed in Kendra houses and is lord of 6H,8H or 12H
in D-1 or in the concerned Varga , will give yoga karka results. This is the
reason that Jupiter placed in debility in Kendra houses always do some
good . If these planets are in vargottama , then they become even more
auspicious.
• Similarly, a planet in exaltation, if is also lord of 6H,8H or 12H of D-1 chart or of
concerned Varga chart does immense harm.However , if this planet is in
vargottama , it will do only good.
• If D-lagna is in vargottama it is an indication of very good effect, provided lagna
lord is well placed. If lagna lord goes to 8th house, the D-chart will give only
dreamy effects. The excellent results are felt if lagna lord is strong and placed in
good houses and signs.Vargottama lagna if aspected by more than one planet, will
yield to yoga results.
• BHAVA VARGOTTAMA GIVE EXCELLENT RESULTS. If a planet is
bhava vargottama in D-9 chart will give marriage,D-3 co-born ,D-24
education etc irrespective of house placement,,
• Exalted planet if aspects by friendly planets will give excellent results (in such
cases Moon , Mars , Saturn and Venus give yoga results and Sun ,Jupiter and
Mercury give only good results.)
• 3rd and 8th are death like places. In D-9 to wife, in D-10 to profession etc. Death
means severance. A planet in 3rd in D-10 causes retirement from service.
• 2nd house is neutral and planet placed there in gives similar results.
• If more planets aspects D-Lagna, it becomes strong.
• Benefic yogas in D-charts give immense good. Malefic yogas spoil the results. 2nd
and 12th place from any house is very important for a Bhava.
• Similar to 2 and 12, 3-11, 4-10, 5-9, 6-8 and 1-7 places are also important.
• Argala and upchaya places hold key to prediction because Argala places
intervene/influence the effect of a house and upchaya places are responsible
for the upliftment of the bhava in life. However 3 and 6 position should be in
malefic influence.
• Similarly any planet placed in a Bhava provides argala or becomes upchaya
to some bhavas.e.g.
• Suppose Rahu is placed in 8th house, it will ACT AS UPCHAYA PLACE
FOR 3RD, 6TH 10TH AND 11TH HOUSES. The signification of these houses
will improve if Rahu is in auspicious influence.Similarly, a benefic in 8th
house will provide argala on 5th, 7th and 11th houses and improve the
signification of these houses.
• Malefic in 3rd house- THIS provide benefic argala on the concerned
houses.e,g.Lagna lord Sun in 3rd house will strengthen lagna. This is the
reason, whenever debilitated Sun and Saturn are in Apoklim houses , they
enhance material signification of their respective Angular houses owned by
them.
• In D-12, association of ketu with Moon or Sun is bad for parents.
• Malefics in 12,1,2 or 6,7,8 or 4,8,12 or 5,8,9 are bad for the indication of bhava.
Benefics in these places do good.
• The bhava lord in a good Shashitiamsa D-60 will enhance the benefic effects
and visa-versa
• The bhava whose lord is in a benefic SHODASAMSA D-16 ( Kalamsa) will
flourish.
• If lords of 6th, 8th and 12th houses are in exaltation and are placed in angular
houses in a varga chart will not yield to good results, but lords of these
houses in debility and placed in angular houses yield to vipreetraj yoga.
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