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Other Indicators of Compatibility

This is a huge field of study because there are so many different factors to look at, and of
course not all astrologers agree on the relative importance of the different techniques.
One of the techniques which is most important, however, is the reading of the two charts
together, by matching the rashis and overlaying one chart on top of the other (Synastry).
This can give a very detailed picture of how the energies of the different grahas resonate
with each other, by determining planetary aspects and other influences.

For example, if Mars in the female chart and Venus in the mans chart are in the same
sign, then there is likely to be a strong sexual attraction and a happy married life.
Likewise, if the 7th lords of each partner are favorably disposed to each other, such as 5/9
or 3/11, or even conjoined, then this could be an indicator of marital harmony.

In addition, one can look at the relative positions of all the grahas and Ascendant to see if
these influences are mutually compatible (e.g. 5/9) or challenging (such as the 6/8
relationship). One should also compare friendliness of the Ascendant lords in the couples
rashi chart, Chandra Lagna and Venus Lagna charts, and Navamsha charts.

When studying the individuals chart, essentially one must look at the chart as a whole for
supporting a marriage or relationship. Naturally, one looks at the status of the 7th house
and for any beneficial or malefic aspects, or hemming in by malefics (Papa Kartari Yoga)
or benefics (Subha Kartari Yoga). For a successful relationship, the main planets that
should be strong by placement and aspect are the lagna lord, 7th lord and 7th house
karaka, Venus; the 7th lord in a dusthana house could bring many problems. The presence
of good yogas will also contribute to a good marriage, such as the lagna lord and 7th lord
being in a mutual 5/9 relationship; a 6/8 relationship here could also be very challenging
as could malefics 7th from Venus. In addition, the karaka for husband in a ladys chart
(Jupiter) and for wife in a mans chart (Venus) should also be strong by placement and
aspect.

Mars placed in houses 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 and 12 (Kuja Dosha) is said to bring many problems to
marital relationships (unless the other person has the same affliction), since in this
position it afflicts the houses of home, happiness, marriage, sex and family life. Some
astrologers regard any malefic (particularly Saturn) in these positions as causing
disturbance to marriage, while others also look at Kuja Dosha from the Moon and from
Venus. Clearly, it is a very common problem, and a wonder that any marriages survive at
all!

One must not overlook the Navamsha chart. It is said to be the chart of the spouse
because the 9th divisional chart relates to the 9th house, and hence to our soul or inner
person, our divine purpose. In fact, as one matures, both in age and spiritually, the
Navamsha chart is said to become more and more evident in the life of the person, and
for this reason it is sometimes known as the fruit of the tree. A close examination of the
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whole chart is thus important, but in particular the 1st and 7th houses and their lords. The
techniques of synastry can then be applied to both Navamsha charts of the couple, and
also to one persons rashi with the others Navamsha. However, an accurate birth time is
important here.

Finally, choosing a good Muhurta for the marriage date is essential to give the couple the
great support of Nature, while studying the charts for dasha and gochara compatibility
can indicate times of potential conflicting interest.

An alternative system for measuring compatibility has been recently described by Arastu
Prabhakar in The Times of Astrology, in which 6 factors are considered, each scoring 6
points, giving a maximum total of 36 points.

The 6 factors are:

1. Matching of the Ascendant, Lagna lords and Rajayogakaraka planets in the two
charts.
2. Matching of the 7th house and 7th house lords.
3. Matching of the natural significators for marriage.
4. Matching of the 7th houses from the Moon, and their lords.
5. Matching of the 7th houses from Venus.
6. Overall influence on the 7th houses in each chart.

Case Study
The partners in this mature couple have been together for 6 years and are now planning to
get married. Their Kuta score is 5.5 out of 36, so one has to ask the question: where are
the good indicators of compatibility in their charts? While all of the above techniques
have their value, I find that combining the two charts together, and then looking at the
various aspects that the planets make to each other, to be the most useful. In this way, one
can evaluate how one partner experiences the planetary energies of the other.

Birth Details: Male, 24 April 1938, 5.15 am BST, 3W35, 54N33 UK

Lady, 4 May 1952, 6.30 pm, Darjeeling, India
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There are many, many factors to consider, but some of the more important
ones are:

1. Planets supported by the great beneficial influence of Jupiter, especially the

Moon.
2. A connection between the Ascendants and/or Luminaries in the two charts,
3. Benefic influences on the Moon in general.
4. Support for the planet of love and comfort, Venus, particularly from Moon,
Jupiter or Venus.
5. A mutual influence between the sexual planets Mars and Venus.
6. The influence of the nodes, particularly with the Sun, Moon or Ascendant.
suggesting possible karmic bonding.

Firstly, the mans Jupiter in Aquarius aspects both the ladys Ascendant and Moon, so she
will feel very supported in the relationship, and his Sun is in a favorable 5/9 relationship
with her Moon, while his strong exalted Sun (at 10 degrees, its maximum point of
exaltation), Venus and Mercury (in Aries) all aspect her Ascendant.
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From discussions with the female client, her personal experience is indeed one of feeling
supported and cared for in the relationship. It is interesting that she describes her partner
as being a wise and old soul, for her natal Jupiter (in Aries) aspects both his Ascendant
and Moon in his Navamsha.

When the two Navamsha charts are compared together, her Jupiter (in Gemini) aspects
his Ascendant (and his Venus) and his Jupiter (in Scorpio) aspects her Ascendant. In
addition, her Sun in Navamsha (in Libra) connects with his Navamsha Ascendant (Libra)
and there are favorable 3/11 relationships between each persons Sun and the others
Moon, and each persons Jupiter and the others Moon.

When there is a connection between the couples Lagna, Sun and Moon, either by
conjunction or opposition, there is usually good rapport and a warm connection between
the partners. This is indeed the case with this couple. However, this principle does not
apply to a conjunction of two Suns, because this would suggest a conflict of two egos.

Interestingly, the lady does describe her partner as being somewhat competitive, and we
only have to look to the sign of Aries to see the presence of two exalted Suns in
competition. This naturally gives a very intense interaction, but if we look to the
Navamsha chart of the lady, we see that her Sun is debilitated. While appearing self-
confident to others, she relates that on the inside she does not feel self-confident. It is
possible, therefore, that his strong Sun may give support to her weakened Sun in the
Navamsha chart.

The 7th lords in both rashi charts are associated by mutual aspect. There also appears to
be an intense romantic attraction due to the association between each Venus in Aries in
the natal charts. In the Navamsha charts, where Venus is lagna lord of both charts, the two
planets are also associated by aspect, indicating a strong mutual attraction. The Mars-
Venus opposition in the combined natal charts will also give strong sexual attraction, and
the Mars-Mars aspect suggests a passionate encounter.

There are also some challenging influences which should not be overlooked. In
particular, the Ascendants and Moons have a 6/8 relationship in the rashi charts, while
there is a 4th (square) aspect of Mars onto each others Moon in the rashi chart, and a
mutual Mars-Moon opposition in the Navamsha charts, indicating the presence of some
conflict. Furthermore there is a difficult Saturn-Saturn opposition while the ladys Rahu
is very closely conjoined with the mans Jupiter in Aquarius (8 minute orb of influence).

The Vedic Astrologer, therefore, has an enormous responsibility when judging the
suitability of two people for marriage, and I feel that one should always try to focus on
the positive influences, while at the same time suggesting possible areas of disagreement
and conflict that can be worked on. In this particular case, the lady feels deeply supported
in the relationship by a mature man who is able to support her humanitarian work as a
healer, therapist and teacher.
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Conclusion
In addition to providing a compatibility score, the Kuta System can be used to identify
where there is a blockage in the energy flow between two individuals in a relationship.
When this is integrated with an overall assessment of the combined planetary influences,
taken by reading the two charts as one, together with appropriate and supportive
astrological counseling, an effective appraisal of the planetary dynamics existing within
the relationship can hopefully be realised.