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
1320' 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 natives 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 natives

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 sensitivepoint 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 140) 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:
6
Rasi (Sign) D-1
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 47Effects 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 mainlyLaghu 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, 30, 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, 15, 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, 10, Dreshkanna
This chart deals with Co-born and sources of happiness on
account of inner posture of personality (Swaroopa).
4. D-4, 7 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, 4 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 - 320 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 - 3 - 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 - 230 Dwadasamsa (suryamsa).
-Parents, elders and heritage. \
9. D-16 - 15230 Shodasamsa (Kalamsa)
-Vehicles, Luxuries, Happiness, Inner strength of the
character.
10. D-20 - 130 Vimsamsa
- Spiritualism, worship of deity, leaning towards a particular
sect.
11. D-24 - 115 (Siddhamsa) - Chaturvimamsa
- Education, Learning, success in competition.
12. D-27-1640 Bhamsa Nakshatramsa
Saptavisamsa
Strength and weakness indicated by planets.
13. D-30 - 1- 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,Moonmind,Mars-phyiscal strength,Mercury-speech,Jupiterwisdom,Venus happiness,Saturn-sorrow,Rahu-ego,Ketumistakes.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 Dcharts 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 Dchart, 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
articleConcpt 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 houseTHIS 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.