Goravani’s  
Vedic  Astrology    
Reference  
 
 
A  collection  of  the  necessary  reference  information    
for  the  modern  Vedic  Astrologer  
 
 
 
 
Copyright  ©  by  Das  Goravani  
All  Rights  Reserved  Internationally  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 
 
 

Contents  
 
 
Karakas- definition and use ...............................................................i
All Karakas, sorted alphabetically.....................................................1
1st House Karakas .............................................................................60
2nd House Karakas ............................................................................61
3rd House Karakas.............................................................................62
4th House Karakas.............................................................................64
5th House Karakas.............................................................................65
6th House Karakas.............................................................................67
7th House Karakas.............................................................................68
8th House Karakas.............................................................................70
9th House Karakas.............................................................................72
10th House Karakas...........................................................................73
11th House Karakas...........................................................................74
12th House Karakas...........................................................................75
Sun Karakas .......................................................................................76
Moon Karakas....................................................................................78
Mars Karakas .....................................................................................81
Mercury Karakas ...............................................................................85
Jupiter Karakas ..................................................................................88
Venus Karakas ...................................................................................92
Saturn Karakas...................................................................................95
Rahu Karakas.....................................................................................98
Ketu Karakas .....................................................................................100
Aries Karakas.....................................................................................102
Taurus Karakas ..................................................................................103
Gemini Karakas .................................................................................104
Cancer Karakas..................................................................................105
Leo Karakas .......................................................................................106
Virgo Karakas....................................................................................107
Libra Karakas.....................................................................................108
  

Scorpio Karakas .................................................................................109

Sagittarius Karakas ............................................................................110
Capricorn Karakas .............................................................................111
Aquarius Karakas...............................................................................112
Pisces Karakas ...................................................................................113
Varga Divisions-by sign number .......................................................115
Varga Divisions-by sign symbol........................................................163
Dashas-length of 3rd level in days.....................................................211
Nakshatra Information Tables............................................................223

 
 Nakshatras   5  

 
Nakshatras  
 

Signs
Rasis
This table shows the signs with their rulers, sanskrit names and symbols etc.

Sign Sanskrit Meaning of Symbol Type SEX Planetary

Name Sanskrit Name Lord
Aries Mesha Ram a Fire M Mars
Taurus Vrishaba Bull b Earth F Venus
Gemini Mithuna Embracing Couple c Air M Mercury
Cancer Karkata Circle d Water F Moon
Leo Simha Lion e Fire M Sun
Virgo Kanya Daughter f Earth F Mercury
Libra Thula Where you stand g Air M Venus
Scorpio Vrishchika Scorpion h Water F Mars
Sagittarius Dhanus Bow (the weapon) i Fire M Jupiter
Capricorn Makara Alligator & Shark j Earth F Saturn
Aquarius Kumbha Pot or Jug k Air M Saturn
Pisces Meena Fishes l Water F Jupiter

 
6   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    

 
Nakshatras  
 
 
 
The  tables  in  this  chapter  cover  Nakshatras,  or  the  27  fixed  stars  of  Vedic  Astrology.    
The  stars  with  two  signs  (such  as  Kritika)  are  the  ones  whose  domain  crosses  the  
border  between  the  two  signs  listed.    The  Abreviation  column  shows  the  
abreviation  used  in  the  Varga  tables  within  this  book.      
 
#   Name Lor Sign(s Gun Gana Type Symbol Demigod Abrev.
1     Ashvini   dQ )a Tam
a Deva   Dhar Horse  Head   Asvini   ASVIN  
2     Bharani   ! a a  
Raja   Manush ma  
Artha   Vagina   Kumars  
Yamaraj   BARA
3     Kritika   A a b Raja   ya  
Rakshas Kama   Razor   Agnidev   N  
KRIT
4     Rohini   E b Raja   a  
Manush Moks Chariot   Lord   K  
ROHI
5     Mrigashira   F b c Tam ya  
Deva   ha  
Moks Deer  Head   Brahma   Candrama   N  
MRIG
6     Ardra   P c a  
Tam Manush ha  
Kama   Head   Lord   A  
ARDR
7     Punarvasu   K c d a  
Satv ya  
Deva   Artha   Bow   Rudra  
Sri  Aditi   A  
PURN
8     Pushya   L d a  
Tam Deva   Dhar Flower   Brihaspati   A  
PSHY
9     Ashlesha   B d a  
Satv Rakshas ma  
Dhar Serpent   Nagas   A  
ASHL
1   Magha   Q e a  
Tam a  
Rakshas ma  
Artha   Palanquin   Pitris   E  
MAGH
0    
1 Purva   ! e a  
Raja   a  
Manush Kama   Front  Legs   Bhaga   A  
PVPH
1    
1 Phalguni  
Uttara   A e f Raja   ya  
Manush Moks of  Cot  legs  of   Aryaman  
Back   A  
UTPH
2    
1 Phalguni  
Hasta   E f Raja   ya  
Deva   ha  
Moks Cot  
Palm   Suryadev   A  
HAST
3    
1 Chitra   F f g Tam Rakshas ha  
Kama   Pearl   Visvakarm A  
CHIT
4    
1 Swati   P g a  
Tam a  
Deva   Artha   Sapphire   Vayu   a   R  
SWAT
5    
1 Vishakha   K g h a  
Satv Rakshas Dhar Potters   Indra  &   I  
VISHA  
6    
1 Anuradha   L h a  
Tam a  
Deva   ma  
Dhar Wheel  
Umbrella   Agni   Mitra   ANUR
7    
1 Jyeshtha   B h a  
Satv Rakshas ma  
Artha   Umbrella   Indra   A  
JYESH  
8    
1 Mula   Q i a  
Tam a  
Rakshas Kama   Crouching   Nritta   MULA  
9    
2 Purva   ! i a  
Raja   a  
Manush Moks Lion  
Front  of   Apas   PVAS
0    
2 Ashadha  
Uttara   A i j Raja   ya  
Manush ha  
Moks square  
Back  of   Visvadev   H  
UTAS
1    
2 Ashadha  
Shravan   E j Raja   ya  
Deva   ha  
Artha   square  
Arrow   Sri  Visnu   H  
SHRA
2    
2 Dhanistha   F j k Tam Rakshas Dhar Drum   Vasus   V  
DHAN
3    
2 Satabishak   P k a  
Tam a  
Rakshas ma  
Dhar Flower   Varuna   I  
SATA
4    
2 Purva   K k l a  
Satv a  
Manush ma  
Artha   Front  Legs   Ajaikapad   B  
PVBD
5    
2 Bhadrapad  
Uttara   L l a  
Tam ya  
Manush Kama   of  Cot  legs  of   Ahirbudhn
Back   P  
UTBD
6    
2 Bhadrapad  
Revati   B l a  
Satv ya  
Deva   Moks Cot  
Fish   ya  
Pushan   P  
REVA
7   a   ha   T  
 Nakshatras   7  

 
Nakshatras  
 
This  table  shows  further  information  regarding  the  27  Nakshatras  or  stars.    The  
main  information  regarding  the  stars  appears  in  the  preceding  table.    The  ~  symbol  
used  in  the  Sex  column  indicates  neuter,  or  no  sex/gender  classification  applies  to  
this  sexless  star.    In  the  Caste  column,  the  terms  used  are  from  the  Vedic  Varna-­
Ashrama  System  of  classifying  persons  by  their  qualities  and  work  propensities.    
Below  are  some  brief  descriptions  to  help  the  person  unfamiliar  with  Varna-­‐
Ashrama  Dharma  and  the  caste  classifications:  
 
Brahmin   the  highest  class-­‐  priestly,  saintly,  learned,  reliable,  clean,  respected  
Kshatriya   The  warrior  caste,  government  officers,  officials,  kings,  leaders  
Vaisya     mercantile,  businessperson,  landlord,  money-­‐oriented  person  
Sudra   the  skilled  worker  who  serves  Brahmins,  Vaisyas  and  Kshatriyas  
Servant   simple  worker,  no  skills,  no  family  tree,  does  any  work  
Lower     low  standards,  no  matter  what  work,  don't  follow  any  religious  
principles  
Butcher   Vicious,  killer,  meat  eater,  non-­‐scriptural  persons  
Lowest   Those  who  are  opposed  to  the  Vedic  systems,  the  demonic  
 
Varna  means  ones  caste,  or  work  classification  in  society,  and  Ashram  means  one's  
stage  of  life,  ranging  from  student  life,  to  married  life,  to  later  marriage/partial  
renunciation,  to  full  renunciation.    The  Caste  classifications  refer  only  to  the  Varna  
part  of  the  system.    In  the  Bhagavad  Gita,  Sri  Krishna  describes  how  He,  the  
Supreme  Lord,  is  the  source  of  the  natural  and  omnipresent  caste  system.    It  is  
natural  to  find  those  who  are  educated  and  caring  in  positions  of  leadership,  those  
who  are  martial  in  positions  of  enforcement,  those  who  are  money  oriented  
running  businesses,  and  those  who  are  none  of  the  above  serving  the  above.    These  
are  the  Brahmin,  Kshatriya,  Vaisya  and  Sudra.    In  direct  translation,  the  priest,  the  
warrior,  the  businessman  and  the  worker.    However,  it  is  understood  that  these  
four  top  classes  are  following  religious  principles  like  honesty  and  cleanliness.    
Below  the  worker  class,  or  sudras,  there  are  the  outcastes.    They  are  out  because  
they  choose  to  live  outside  the  directives  of  the  Vedic  religious  systems  meant  for  
regulating  the  health  of  human  society.    Because  they  are  unrestricted  in  their  

 
8   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    

 
Nakshatras  
 
carnal  passions  and  pleasures,  they  are  threats  to  themselves  and  others.    Hence,  
contact  with  them  is  avoided  by  the  4  higher  castes.  
 
 Nakshatras   9  

 
Nakshatras  
 
Further  Information  regarding  the  Nakshatras:  
 
#   Name   Sex   Body  Part   Caste  
1   Ashvini   M   Top  of  foot   Vaisya  
2   Bharani   F   Sole  of  foot   Lower  
3   Kritika   F   Head   Brahmi
n  
4   Rohini   F   Forehead   Sudra  
5   Mrigashira   ~   Eyebrows   Servant  
6   Ardra   F   Eyes   Butcher  
7   Punarvasu   M   Nose   Vaisya  
8   Pushya   M   Face   Kshatri
ya  
9   Ashlesha   F   Ears   Lowest  
10   Magha   F   Lips/Chin   Sudra  
11   Purva  Phalguni   F   Right  hand   Brahmi
n  
12   Uttara  Phalguni   F   Left  hand   Kshatri
ya  
13   Hasta   M   Fingers   Vaisya  
14   Chitra   F   Neck   Servant  
15   Swati   F   Chest   Butcher  
16   Vishakha   F   Breasts   Lowest  
17   Anuradha   M   Stomach   Sudra  
18   Jyeshtha   F   Right  torso   Servant  
19   Mula   ~   Left  torso   Butcher  
20   Purva  Ashadha   F   Back   Brahmi
n  
21   Uttara  Ashadha   F   Waist   Kshatri
ya  
22   Shravan   M   Genitals   Lowest  
23   Dhanistha   F   Anus   Servant  
24   Satabishak   ~   Right  Thigh   Butcher  

 
10   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    

 
Nakshatras  
 
25   Purva  Bhadrapad   M   Left  Thigh   Brahmi
n  
26   Uttara   M   Lower  legs   Kshatri
Bhadrapad   ya  
27   Revati   F   Anklrs   Sudra  
 
 Tables   11  
 

Fateful  Degrees  of  the  planets  in  signs  

(Mrtyubhagas)  
 
Several  of  the  classical  works  including  Jataka  Parijata,  Sarvartha  Cintamani  and  
others  have  listed  degree  points  in  the  signs  which  are  specifically  evil  for  the  
planets  involved  and  indicate  death  to  the  native  when  a  Muhurtha,  birth,  or  other  
point  are  under  consideration.  
 
  a b c d e f g h i j k l
0 20   9   12   6   8   24   16   17   22   2   3   23  
2 1 8   25   22   22   21   1   4   12   18   20   20   10  
2 2 26   12   13   25   24   11   26   14   13   25   5   12  
F 19   28   25   23   29   28   14   21   2   15   11   6  
B 15   14   13   12   8   18   20   10   21   22   7   5  
K 19   29   12   27   6   4   13   10   17   11   15   28  
! 28   15   11   17   10   13   4   6   27   12   29   19  
L 10   4   7   9   12   16   3   18   28   14   13   15  
P 14   13   12   11   24   23   22   21   10   20   18   8  
Q 8   18   20   10   21   22   23   24   11   12   13   14  
Man 23   24   11   12   13   14   8   18   20   10   21   22  
di
   
2 1 As  per    Jataka  Parijata,  Saravali  and  Sarvartha  Cintamani  
   
2 2 As  per    Brihat  Pajapatya  and  Phaladipika  
 

Auspicious  Degrees  for  the  moon  

(Pushkarabhagas)  
 
The  following  auspicious  points  for  the  moon  are  mention  in  the  Jataka  Parijata.  
 
  a b c d e f g h i j k l
2 21   14   18   8   19   9   24   11   23   14   19   9  
 

 
12   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Conditions for the planets #1

(Avasthas)
How the planets behave in their various conditions:

When a planet His

Occupies: Condition
will be:
Exaltation or Mulatrikona Blazing
Own Sign Confident
Friends Sign Happy
Benefic vargas Calm
Where he can shine brightly Capable
Overcome by another planet Tortured
Enemy vargas Dejected
Malefic vargas Base
Set or disapeared Failing
Debilitated Afraid

Conditions for the planets #2

(Avasthas)
How the planets feel in their various conditions:

When a planet His Feeling Sanskrit

Occupies: (state) will name for
be: this state:
The 5th house in conjunction Ashamed Lajjita
with any of the Sun, Mars,
Saturn, Rahu or Ketu
It's Exaltation or Mulatrikona Conceited Garvitha
positions
An inimical house or Hungry Kshudhitha
conjunct Saturn, or inimical
planet or receiving inimical
aspect
In a watery sign, aspected or Greedy Thrushitha
conjoined by an inimical
planet, and not relieved by
benefic aspect or conjunction
In a friends house, conjoined Delighted Muditha
by a friend or Jupiter,
aspected by another friend
Eclipsed by the Sun and Agitated Kshobhitha
aspected by enemies or
malefics.
 Tables   13  
 

Elemental Lords
Although all the planets and signs have elemental control and affect functionality, the 5
main elements in themselves are overlorded as follows. Ether can be understood as
space devoid of all other substances.

Element: Sense Controller:

Ether Sound Jupiter
Earth Smell Mercury
Fire Vision Mars
Air Touch Saturn
Water Taste Venus

House Names, Significators

(Bhavas and Bhava Karakas)
The Bhavas or houses have Karakas or significators which hold sway over the affairs of
that house, no matter whether they lord the house or not, and no matter where they are in
the chart. For example, Jupiter is the 5th house Karaka. As such, he has sway over the
affairs of the 5th house, such as children, no matter where he is in the chart and no
matter which houses he lords. Some of the houses have more than one Karaka.

Houses   Sanskrit   Meaning  of   Karaka(s)

Name     Sanskrit  
for  House   Name  
1   Tanu   Body   Sun  
2   Dhana   Wealth   Jupiter  
3   Sahaja   Brother   Mars  
4   Sukha   Happiness   Moon/Mercury  
5   Suta   Son   Jupiter  
6   Ripu   Enemy   Saturn/Mars  
7   Jaya   Spouse   Venus  
8   Mrityu   Death   Saturn  
9   Dharma   Religion   Sun/Jupiter  
10   Karma   Work   Jupiter/Sun/Mercury/Sa
turn  
11   Labha   Gain   Jupiter  
12   Vyaya   Loss   Saturn  

 
14   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Body Parts ruled by Houses

This table shows the parts of the body ruled by the different houses.

Houses   Body  Part  

1   Head,  body  in  general  
2   Face,  eyes,  tongue,  mouth,  throat,  teeth  
3   Breasts,  ears  
4   Heart,  chest  
5   Belly,  womb  
6   Lower  abdomen  
7   Lap  
8   Genitals  
9   Thighs,  hips  
10   Knees,  back  
11   Legs  
12   Feet  
 Tables   15  
 

Types of Houses
Houses have a number of classifying names. A house may fall into more than one type.
Each house with a list of the house types it belongs to is listed below. Note that
Quadrant and Kendra are two names for the same thing as are Trikona and Trine. A
translation of the name types follows these two tables.

Houses   Types  
1   Quadrant,  Kendra,  Trikona,  Trine  
2   Succedant,  Apachaya,  Maraka  
3   Upachaya,  Cadent,  Longevity  
4   Quadrant,  Kendra,  Apachaya  
5   Succedant,  Apachaya,  Trine,  Trikona  
6   Trik,  Patita,  Cadent,  Dusthana  
7   Quadrant,  Kendra,  Apachaya,  Maraka  
8   Trik,  Succedant,  Apachaya,  Longevity,  
Dusthana  
9   Cadent,  Trine,  Trikona  
10   Upachaya,  Quadrant,  Kendra,  Apachaya  
11   Upachaya,  Succedant,  Apachaya  
12   Trik,  Patita,  Cadent,  Dusthana  

Here is the same list, but listed the other way.

Types   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12  
Quadrant  /                          
Kendra  
Succedant                          
Cadent                          
Trikona  /  Trine                          
Dusthana                          
Apachaya                          
Upachaya                          
Maraka                          
Longevity                          
Trik                          
Patita                          

 
16   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Translation for house type names:

Anglular  Houses   Quadrant  /  

Kendra  
Following  an  angle   Succedant  
Following  a   Cadent  
Succedant  
A  triangular  house   Trikona  /  Trine  
House  of  difficulty   Dusthana  
  Apachaya  
  Upachaya  
House  of  death   Maraka  
House  of  longevity   Longevity  
  Trik  
Fallen   Patita  
 Tables   17  
 

Places of strength for planets

The following table lists the places where each of the planets gains strength or prefers to
be located so as to give strong results. Keep in mind that if a planet is at the very
beginning of a house, then it has very little strength and even the below conditions will
not make it strong.

0 2 F B K ! L P
Exaltati Aries Taurus Makara Virgo Cancer Pisces Libra
on
Own Leo Cancer Aries Gemini Sagitta Taurus Capric
Signs Scorpi rius Libra orn
o Pisces Aquari
us
Other Pisces Sagitta Scorpi All Aries
Signs Sagitta rius o signs Taurus
rius when Cancer
retrogr Virgo
ade Scorpi
o
Sagitta
rius
Drekka His own Her His Own Own Her His
na drekkan own own vargas vargas own own
a drekka drekka vargas drekka
na na na
Hora Hiw Her Moon's
own own Hora
Hora Hora
Weekda Sunday Tuesda Wedne Thursd Friday Saturd
y Monda y s. ay ay
y
Navams His own Her His His His Her
a navams own own own own own
a navam navam navam navam navam
sa sa sa sa sas
Passag Norther
2 Southe Southe Norther Norther Southe
e n rn 2 rn2 n2 n2 rn2
Part of Middle At Night Day Middle Afterno
day of day night Time and of day on
(10th (4th Night (10) as
house) house) also
1st/4th
In signs When At the In the In the In the In the At the
entering end of first middle middle middle last
a sign signs portion of of of portion
s of signs signs signs s of
signs signs
Other Start of When When When Is In the During In the
unique a aspect Retrogr separa strong 6th, his 10th
places friendly ed by ade te from in his 12th, own house
of Navams benefic the sign of 3rd Dasha
strength a s Sun debilita and 4th
: tion, houses
Capric
orn
When Prospe Promot Conjun Strong
" " waxing rity es ct the in
when good Moon planeta
in 10th qualitie ry war
house s in the
lagna
When Prospe When During
" " not in rity retrogr the
the when ade moons
Riksha debilita dark
Sandhi ted half
s1
When In the
ahead 7th
of the house
Sun

 
18   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

1 The Riksha Sandhis are the 3 places in the zodiac where both a star and a sign change takes
place at the same point in the zodiac. This takes place at the end of the water signs Cancer,
Scorpio and Pisces. Therefore, the last quarters (padas) of Ashlesha, Jyeshta and Revati are
considered very bad places for the moon to be for all purposes.

2 The passages, whether Northern or Southern, refer to when the planets pass in their ecliptics
either above (Nothern) or below (Southern) the equator.

Removal of malefic effects

Certain planets can remove the malefic effects caused by other planets. This the various
planets can do when endowed with sufficient dignity or strength. As you go down the
following list, each successively listed planet can, to the degree that it is endowed with
strength, remove the evils caused by all of the planets preceding it in the list. Again,
the key here is how much strength the planets are endowed with. To this end, the Shad
Bala system should be consulted.

In order of their ability to cancel all the preceding planet's malefic effects:
Rahu
Mercury
Saturn
Mars
Venus
Jupiter
Moon
Sun (especially when in his northern course)

Wakefulness of planets
Planets have states of wakefulness, dreaming and sleeping. These states are another way
of understanding the effects of a planet's placement. The following table shows where
planets are awake, dreaming, and sleeping.

Awake.......... Exaltation............Own signs ............Own Vargas

 Tables   19  
 

Dreaming ....Friendly Signs.....Friendly Vargas

Sleeping .......Enemy Signs .......Enemy Vargas......Debilitation

Body parts rulership

The parts of the body are ruled in part by the Drekkanas, or one third divisions of the
houses. The following table shows which drekkanas rule which body parts. Important
Note: If the lagna falls within the first decanate (drekkana) of the sign, then the order
shown below is followed in terms of the 1st, then 2nd, then 3rd drekkanas. Otherwise, if
the rising angle falls in the 2nd drekkana of the sign involved, then the 2nd rules what is
listed under "1st" below, and the 3rd rules what's listed under the "2nd" and the 1st rules
what's listed under "3rd" below. Thus, the drekkana in which the ascendent falls is the
true "1st", and the other two follow suit, in a rotating fashion.

  1st  Drekkana   2nd  Drekkana   3rd  Drekkana  

1st  House    Head   Neck   Pelvis  
2nd      "    "        Right  Eye   Right  Shoulder   The  genital  
3rd      "    "        Right  Ear   Right  Arm   Right  Testicle/Ovary  
4th      "    "        Right  Nostril   Right  Side   Right  Thigh  
5th      "    "        Right  Cheek   Right  Heart   Right  Knee  
6th      "    "        Right  Jaw   Right  Chest   Right  Calf  
7th      "    "        Mouth   Navel   Legs  
8th      "    "        Left  Jaw   Left  Chest   Left  Calf  
9th      "    "        Left  Cheek   Left  Heart   Left  Knee  
10th      "    "        Left  Nostril   Left  Side   Left  Thigh  
11th      "    "        Left  Ear   Left  Arm   Left  Testicle/Ovary  
12th      "    "        Left  Eye   Left  Shoulder   Anus  

The use of the above chart is as follows for example: If a malefic planet occupies a
certain drekkana, then there will be an ulcer or wound on the location indicated as
above. A benefic aspect on the same drekkana will reduce it to only a spot and not an
ulcer. The nature of the planets can indicate the origin of the troubles. This is only one
example of the uses of the above.

 
20   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Exaltations and Mulatrikonas

This table shows the exaltation, mulatrikona, own, and debilitated positions for the
planets. The places assigned as exaltation, own, etc., for Rahu and Ketu are not agreed
upon or listed in all the standard classics as the same.

Planet Exaltation Mulatrikona Own Sign(s) Debilitation

Sun 10º Aries 1-10º Leo Leo 10º Libra
Moon 3º Taurus 4-30º Taurus Cancer 3º Scorpio
Mars 28º Capricorn 0-18º Aries Aries, Scorpio 28º Cancer
Mercury 15º Virgo 16-20º Virgo Gemini, Virgo 15º Pisces
Jupiter 5ºCancer 0-13º Sagittarius Sagittarius, Pisces 5º Capricorn
Venus 27º Pisces 0-10º Libra Taurus, Libra 27º Virgo
Saturn 20º Libra 0-20º Aquarius Capricorn, Aquarius 20º Aries
Rahu Taurus Cancer Aries Scorpio
Ketu Scorpio Capricorn Libra Taurus

Combustion
This table shows the distances from the Sun where combustion begins to take place for
each of the planets. Combustion greatly weakens the planets ability to act. Some
planets have a different figure for when they are retrograde, or moving backwards. All
figures mean "when within this distance from the Sun". For example, when the Moon is
within 12" from the Sun, it begins combust, or weakened by the effulgence of the Sun.

Planet When When

Direct Retrograde
Moon 12º
Mars 17º
Mercury 14º 12º
Jupiter 11º
Venus 10º 15º
Saturn 15º
 Tables   21  
 

Sun's Movements through Signs

The Sun moves through the zodiac in 365.25 days and since the Western calendar is
based on this rotation, the days upon which the Sun enters the 12 signs are regular as
shown below. (It is interesting to note that, in America, tax collection day is on April
15, when the Sun, Karaka for Government, has just entered it's zone of exaltation. )

The Sun From To

is in:
Aries 4/14 5/13
Taurus 5/14 6/13
Gemini 6/14 7/15
Cancer 7/16 8/15
Leo 8/16 9/15
Virgo 9/16 10/16
Libra 10/17 11/15
Scorpio 11/16 12/14
Sagittarius 12/15 1/13
Capricorn 1/14 2/12
Aquarius 2/13 3/13
Pisces 3/14 4/13

 
22   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Length of Major Periods

This table shows the length of the major periods of the 9 planets as under the
Vimshottari Dasha system. The total of the 9 major periods is 120 years. Vimshottari
means "120", hence the name Vimshottari Dasha.

Planet Length of
Major Period
in years
Sun 6
Moon 10
Mars 7
Rahu 18
Jupiter 16
Saturn 19
Mercury 17
Ketu 7
Venus 20

Friendships of Planets
This table shows the natural friendships and enmities between the planets. These are the
permanent situations between the planets and are useful in many situations of judgement
in Vedic astrology. However, friendships are adjusted for each rising sign as well. As
for Rahu and Ketu, some texts count Jupiter, Venus and Saturn as their friends.

Planet Friends Enemies Neutrals

Sun Moon, Mars, Jupiter Saturn, Venus Mercury
Moon Sun, Mercury none all others
Mars Sun, Moon, Jupiter Mercury Venus, Saturn
Mercury Sun, Venus Moon Mars, Jupiter, Saturn
Jupiter Moon, Mars, Sun Mercury Saturn
Venus Mercury, Saturn Sun, Moon Mars, Jupiter
Saturn Mercury, Venus Sun, Moon, Mars Jupiter
 Tables   23  
 

Planetary Characteristics #1
The following table is the first of a series of tables showing the characteristics of the
planets. The column Aspect of person is of course not a complete understanding of the
things that the said planet stands for in the person.

Planet Type Aspect Direction Element Color

of person
Sun Malefic Soul East Fire Ruby Red
Moon Depends 1 Mind NorthWest Water White
Mars Malefic Drive South Fire Red
Mercury Depends 2 Intelligence North Earth Green
Jupiter Benefic Divinity NorthEast Ether Gold Yellow
Venus Benefic Love SouthEast Water Rainbow
Saturn Malefic Restrictions West Air Darkness

1 The moon becomes benefic when waxing and malefic when waning, malefic when
new and benefic when full.
2 Mercury becomes benefic when asscociated with benefics and malefic when
associated with malefics, both either by conjunction or aspect, thus it is considered
mutable.

 
24   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Planetary Characteristics #2
The following table shows additional characteristics of the planets.

Planet Sex Strength 1 Body Part

Sun Male 2 Stomach
Moon Female 3 Chest
Mars Male 7 Head
Mercury Neutral 8 Neck &
Shoulders
Jupiter Male 5 Waist & Genitals
Venus Female 4 Face
Saturn Neutral 6 Thighs
Rahu Female 1 Legs
Ketu Neutral 1 Legs

1The strength column refers to the natural strength of the planets, also called Naisargika
Bala, , 1 being the strongest, 2 the next strongest, etc.
 Tables   25  
 

Planetary Aspects
The following table shows the aspects of the planets. Note that not all texts agree on the
aspects cast by Rahu and Ketu. Also, most astrologers do not use any of the aspects less
than 100% in their practice. However, because the sastras give the other aspects, we
have listed them here. The numbers listed stand for the houses from the planet aspected.
For example, in the case of Mars, it casts it's 100% aspect upon the 7th, 4th and 8th
houses from itself. In all cases in astrology, you begin counting from the house where
the planet resides as 1, The house next to it as 2 and so on up to 12.

Planet 100 % 75% 50 % 25%

Sun 7 4 8 9 5 3 10
Moon 7 4 8 9 5 3 10
Mars 7 4 8 9 5 3 10
Mercury 7 4 8 9 5 3 10
Jupiter 7 5 9 4 8 3 10
Venus 7 4 8 9 5 3 10
Saturn 7 3 10 4 8 9 5
Rahu / Ketu 7 5 9 2 10 3 4 6 8

Age of the Planets

The following table shows the age of planets in signs. The degrees column is how far a
planet is through a sign.

Degrees Odd Signs Even

Signs
0 - 6º Child Dead
7 - 12º Teenage Old
13 - 18º Young Young
19 - 24º Old Teenage
25 - 30º Dead Child

 
26   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Dwadasamsha Meanings
The following table gives meanings for the 12-fold divisions of the signs. The idea is
that each house or sign can be further divided by 12, and like the houses themselves, the
12-fold divisions of the houses have their own sub-meanings as shown here. The table
gives the house, then the degrees of that house framing each 12th division, and then the
karakatwa or significance of each division. The From and To numbers are in degrees
and minutes. For example, 2.31 means 2º 31', or 2 degrees and 31 minutes.

House From Through Significance

1 0.00 2.30 Bodily color
1 2.31 5.00 Body
1 5.01 7.50 Head
1 7.51 10.00 Stomach
1 10.01 12.50 Thoughts
1 12.51 15.00 Miseries and Sufferings
1 15.01 17.50 Fame or Renown
1 17.51 20.00 Religious Devotion (Bhakti)
1 20.01 22.50 Heppy Celebrations
1 22.51 25.00 Joys of Life
1 25.01 27.50 Age
1 27.51 30.00 Future Births

House From Through Significance

2 0.00 2.30 Family (Kutumbha)
2 2.31 5.00 Riches
2 5.01 7.50 Eyes
2 7.51 10.00 Tongue
2 10.01 12.50 Treaures
2 12.51 15.00 Truthfulness
2 15.01 17.50 Scriptural Knowledge
2 17.51 20.00 Concentration
2 20.01 22.50 Motives
2 22.51 25.00 Precious Metal
2 25.01 27.50 Gems & Jewels
2 27.51 30.00 Yogic Siddhis (Mystic Perfections)
 Tables   27  
 

House From Through Significance

3 0.00 2.30 Merriment
3 2.31 5.00 Servants
3 5.01 7.50 Music and Voice
3 7.51 10.00 Courage
3 10.01 12.50 Younger Brother/Sisters
3 12.51 15.00 Ailments of the ear
3 15.01 17.50 Ear ornaments
3 17.51 20.00 Family possessions
3 20.01 22.50 Sincerity and Faithfulness
3 22.51 25.00 Success
3 25.01 27.50 Longevity
3 27.51 30.00 Debts

House From Through Significance

4 0.00 2.30 Mother
4 2.31 5.00 Education
4 5.01 7.50 Vehicles
4 7.51 10.00 Good actions
4 10.01 12.50 Business
4 12.51 15.00 Home
4 15.01 17.50 Success
4 17.51 20.00 Comforts
4 20.01 22.50 Buried Treasures
4 22.51 25.00 Leisure activities
4 25.01 27.50 Cattle
4 27.51 30.00 Pilgrimages

 
28   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

House From Through Significance

5 0.00 2.30 Maternal Grand Father
5 2.31 5.00 Maternal Uncles
5 5.01 7.50 Past Birth
5 7.51 10.00 Holy Scriptures
5 10.01 12.50 Children
5 12.51 15.00 Pregnancy
5 15.01 17.50 Mantras
5 17.51 20.00 Discrimination
5 20.01 22.50 Intellect
5 22.51 25.00 Brothers
5 25.01 27.50 Future Birth
5 27.51 30.00 Yogic Practices

House From Through Significance

6 0.00 2.30 Physical Weakness
6 2.31 5.00 Mental Troubles
6 5.01 7.50 Wounds and Injuries
6 7.51 10.00 Enemies
6 10.01 12.50 Drowning
6 12.51 15.00 Quarrel with Cousins
6 15.01 17.50 Incurable Diseases
6 17.51 20.00 Debts
6 20.01 22.50 Thefts
6 22.51 25.00 Sexual Diseases
6 25.01 27.50 Poison
6 27.51 30.00 Imprisonment
 Tables   29  
 

House From Through Significance

7 0.00 2.30 Family Atmosphere
7 2.31 5.00 Cohabitation
7 5.01 7.50 Marriage Partner
7 7.51 10.00 Marriage
7 10.01 12.50 Law Suits
7 12.51 15.00 Step Children
7 15.01 17.50 Regal Honors
7 17.51 20.00 Presitge
7 20.01 22.50 Trade
7 22.51 25.00 Second Wife
7 25.01 27.50 Death or Death Like Condition
7 27.51 30.00 Relations with Children

House From Through Significance

8 0.00 2.30 War, Destruction, Demise
8 2.31 5.00 Mob Fury
8 5.01 7.50 Fall from Heights
8 7.51 10.00 Chronic Ailments
8 10.01 12.50 Uselss Ventures
8 12.51 15.00 Disgrace
8 15.01 17.50 Monetary Losses
8 17.51 20.00 Homicide
8 20.01 22.50 Cheating
8 22.51 25.00 Danger from Poisons
8 25.01 27.50 Imprisonment
8 27.51 30.00 Defeat

 
30   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

House From Through Significance

9 0.00 2.30 Father
9 2.31 5.00 Ancestral Property
9 5.01 7.50 Charity
9 7.51 10.00 Good Fortune
9 10.01 12.50 Repair of Holy Places
9 12.51 15.00 Educational Institutions
9 15.01 17.50 Renewing
9 17.51 20.00 Initiation
9 20.01 22.50 Yogic Practices
9 22.51 25.00 Practical Religious Works
9 25.01 27.50 Spiritual Knowledge
9 27.51 30.00 Renunciation (Sannyas)

House From Through Significance

10 0.00 2.30 Righteous Deeds
10 2.31 5.00 Occupations & Business
10 5.01 7.50 Acquisition of Property
10 7.51 10.00 Compassion
10 10.01 12.50 Actions
10 12.51 15.00 Patatial Dwellings
10 15.01 17.50 Bhakti or Devotion
10 17.51 20.00 Prowess
10 20.01 22.50 Fame
10 22.51 25.00 Fertility
10 25.01 27.50 Costly Clothes
10 27.51 30.00 Foreign Place
 Tables   31  
 

House From Through Significance

11 0.00 2.30 Elder Brothers and Sisters
11 2.31 5.00 General Prosperity
11 5.01 7.50 Relations with opposite sex
11 7.51 10.00 University Education
11 10.01 12.50 Prosperity through property
11 12.51 15.00 Vehicles
11 15.01 17.50 Peace
11 17.51 20.00 Precious Clothes and Decorations
11 20.01 22.50 Drama, Dance and Music
11 22.51 25.00 Religious Meetings
11 25.01 27.50 Influence with government
11 27.51 30.00 Voyage

House From Through Significance

12 0.00 2.30 AImless Journeys
12 2.31 5.00 Foreign Residence
12 5.01 7.50 Expenses
12 7.51 10.00 Expensive Enjoyments
12 10.01 12.50 Pleasure of the bed
12 12.51 15.00 Punishment
12 15.01 17.50 Marital Happiness
12 17.51 20.00 Sorcery and Mystic Works
12 20.01 22.50 Trade Involving Voyages
12 22.51 25.00 State after Death
12 25.01 27.50 Selfless deeds
12 27.51 30.00 Religious Austerities

 
32   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Indian lunar months

This table shows the names of the months used in India. The first column is the
common name used by most of India. The second is the names applied by the
Vaisnavas, and as used by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas of Bengal. Also, the Vaisnavas
(along with other sectionos of India) begin the lunar months not on the new moon, but
rather on the full moon. Thus, months may begin a fortnight later in some sections of
the country.

Common Name Vaisnava Name Corresponds to

Chaitra Visnu March-April
Vaisagh Madhusudana April-May
Jyestha Trivikrama May-June
Ashada Vamana June-July
Sravana Sridhara July-August
Bhadra Hrsikesa August-September
Aswin Padmanabha September-October
Kartika Damodar October-November
Margshir Kesava November-December
Pausa Narayana December-January
Magha Madhava January-February
Phalguna Govinda February-March
 Tables   33  
 

Tithi Names
(Lunar days)
This table shows the names of the lunar days of the months. These lunar days are known
as tithis. The lunar month is divided in two parts- the waxing or growing half, and the
waning or shrinking half. The bright half is known as shukla and the dark half as
krishna. Since there are only 15 tithis, they repeat in each half of the month. Thus, to
identify a day you need to say 3 things- the tithi, the month, and the half of month. For
example, the 11th day of the dark half of the month of Kartika would be known as
ekadasi kartika krishna. The tithis have been associated with certain acts which are
listed below. This is in no way conclusive or restrictive. The subject of muhurta or day-
selecting astrology is much more complicated than this listing . The main purpose of
this listing is to give the names of the tithis.

Tithi Tithi Name Good for

#
1 Pratipat Brahminical ceremonies and rituals
2 Dvitiya Laying of foundations for houses
3 Tritiya Tonsure, hair cut etc.
4 Caturthi Destruction of competitors, obstructions
5 Pancami Taking medication, emetics, tonics for the first time
6 Sasti Getting new friends, coronation, etc.
7 Saptami Construction and purchase of vehicles, taking journeys
8 Astami Taking up of arms, fortifications
9 Navami Ruining or removing obstructions, competitors
10 Dasami Meritorious and pious deeds, worship of holy persons
11 Ekadasi Fasting and worship of Visnu
12 Dvadasi Fire sacrifices
13 Trayodasi Making friends, enjoyment of sensual pleasures
14 Caturdasi Inauspicious day
15 Purnima (full) Propitiation of the ancestors
15 Amavasya (new) Propitiation of the ancestors

 
34   Vedic  Astrology  Reference    
 

Tithi-Nakshatra Affinity
This table shows the tithis and the particular nakshatra that the tithi has an affinity with.
When the Moon is under the named nakshatra on the named tithi, then that tithi is
considered very good for success in undertakings begun on that tithi.

Tithi Tithi Name Has affinity with

# the Nakshatra
1 Pratipat Rohini
2 Dvitiya
3 Tritiya Sravana
4 Caturthi Bharani
5 Pancami Mrgasira
6 Sasti Krttika
7 Saptami Jyestha
8 Astami Satabhishak
9 Navami
10 Dasami
11 Ekadasi Ardra
12 Dvadasi Hasta
13 Trayodasi Purva Phalguni
14 Caturdasi Aslesha
15 Purnima (full) Uttara Asadha
15 Amavasya (new) Magha
 Tables   35  
 

Temporary FriendShip Table

(Tatakalik)
This table show

Permanent Temporary Combination

(Naisargika) (Tatkalik)
Friend (Mitra) + Friend = Best Friend
(Adhi Mitra)
Friend + Enemy = Neutral
Enemy (Satru) + Enemy = Great Enemy
(Adhi satru
Enemy + Enemy = Neutral
Neutral (Sama) + Friend = Friend
Neutral + Friend = Friend

Average Daily Motions

Planets Average Daily
Motion
The Sun 1
The Moon 13- 15
Mars 65- 15
Mercury 65-100
Jupiter 5-15
Venus 62-82
Saturn 2
Node 3