Vedic astrology, called Jyotish, means the science of light. Vedic science comes from the Vedas, one of the oldest spiritual scriptures of India. It was revealed to the great sages of India over 5,000 years ago. Astrology is one of the limbs of the Vedas. Vedic science is the science of self-knowledge. Through self-realization everything is known. This gives us the realization of the divine spirit in all things, and our connection, and unity to spirit. This in essence is enlightenment. In Vedic astrology the planets are viewed as the karmas of the soul. When change seems impossible but is necessary for our continued growth, Vedic astrology offers relief through remedialmeasures. Vedic Astrology is well known for its uncanny accuracy with predictions. Edgar Cayce, in one of his trance sessions, predicted that Sidereal astrology (Vedic astrology) would be the astrology of the future.

Astronomical Differences

Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, while Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac. The zodiac is the constellation of stars that encircle the earth, sometimes referred to as the zodiacal band. Tropical astrology is based on the Sun's movement around the Earth. The Sun creates the seasons. The sidereal system is based on the planets' relationship to the fixed stars and constellations. The stars are like a backdrop to the planets. They seem fixed, while the planets move across this backdrop. This backdrop, called the fixed stars, is not really fixed. Within a lifetime it seems to hardly move. Because of what is called the precession of the equinoxes, its rate of movement is approximately 1 degree every 72 years backwards.
The starting reference point of 0 degree of Aries is called the vernal point. In the Western system, the vernal equinox always marks the first day of Spring (March 21st spring equinox). The Sun on this day will always be at 0 degrees of Aries. But in Sidereal astrology this reference point to the constellation of Aries (the grouping of fixed stars in Aries) has shifted over time because of precession, which is due to a slight wobble or shift of the earth. At one point in time the two zodiacs did line up. Now the variation between the two is about 23 degrees 51 minutes. This is called the Ayanamsha. Of course there are different methods for calculating the ayanamsha, and the variation is small, but can make a major difference in chart calculation. I use the Lahiri system, which is the one most commonly used. The precession will continue to move backwards through the entire 12 constellations creating the ages of mankind.
From 0 degrees of Aries backwards 23 degrees 51 minutes will put the sidereal starting point at around 6 degrees 50 minutes of Pisces at this point in time (the year 2,001). The 12 signs surround the earth each 30 degrees, makes a perfect 360 degree circle called the Zodiac. Since it takes 72 years to move 1 degree backwards in the zodiac with precession we have around 6 degrees to finish out the sign of Pisces. Then 6 x 72 will equal around 432 years before we enter into the sign of Aquarius. This is what is referred to as the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. The Galactic center is the center of the universe. It directs the play of the 7 rays of creation. It is the creative force that emanates truth, life and intelligence.
According to Vedic astrology, the Sun's orbit was furthest from the Galactic center around 500 AD. This was when the vernal equinox was at the first degree of the constellation of Aries. This was the point of the greatest darkness on earth. Because of the precession of the equinoxes, we have further advanced nearing the constellation of Aquarius and getting somewhat closer to the galactic center, which will bring the age of enlightenment.
According to the Rig Veda we are currently in the Kali Yuga, which in Vedic text is a very Dark Age. There are 24,000 years in an entire cycle of humanity or ages of mankind. It takes about 12,000 in the ascending cycle towards a spiritually enlightened age, and another 12,000 in a waning or descending stage away from enlightenment. We are currently about 2,000 years into the ascending cycle, meaning we have 10,000 to go to come to the most enlightened stage or age of this planet. Western astrologers recognize the precession of the equinoxes in reference to the ages of mankind but do not relate it to an individual's natal chart.

Natal Chart

A natal chart is a map of the planets in the heavens at the time, place, year, and day of your birth. The geometrical relationships the planets have to each other as well as the signs (constellations) and placements are what describe a person's life. The symbolic meanings for the planets transcend time. They are sometimes referred to as "Archetypes". This map is fixed. But as the planets continue to move in the heavens they will form relationships to the planets that are fixed in your chart. The moving planets are called transits. Transits are a technique of prediction used in both Eastern and Western astrology.
To understand our astrological chart would be to understand our strengths, weaknesses and destiny. It can give us the insight to change what can be changed, to improve ourselves, and our life. It can make us conscious and aware of who we are and what we are doing. We can see clearly our purpose, talents, gifts, and head in the right direction. But most of all we will know when the time is right to make our moves, when we will be the most prosperous. Astrology will teach you how to time events for the most profit, and bring healing and happiness.
The calculations for an astrological chart starts with setting up the houses . The houses are determined by the sign that is rising on the eastern horizon at the exact time and place of birth. Vedic astrology uses the equal house system. This means that each house will contain in it a whole sign. Each sign is 30 degrees, there are 12 signs that are contained within the 12 houses. This is the 360 degree zodiacal band the circles the earth.

Planets and Signs

The planets are what move relative to the stars. The stars are in groups of 30 degrees, which constitute what we call the signs. This places the planets in a sign. The planets are the energy, the signs are the qualities of how the energy will be expressed. Here is an analogy; the planets are a ray of light, and the signs are like a colored glass. The planets will take on the flavor of that color in how it expresses its self. The area of our lives that this expression will occur will be in accordance to the house in the chart it is placed.
The sign that rises on the Eastern horizon is the Ascendant (Lagna in Sanskrit), this is the 1st house. The 2nd house will be the next sign that follows in the zodiac continuing through all 12 signs They're are 12 houses in a chart. This sign is crucial because it sets up the entire framework of your life, what areas of life your planets will be in.
Once the houses are set the planets are placed in these houses according to the exact degrees within each of the signs they were at the time of birth. There are 7 planets or grahas (Sun/Moon-the lights, Mercury , Venus , Mars , Jupiter , Saturn) plus the lunar nodes that Vedic astrologers use, additionally I use the 3 outer planets (Uranus , Neptune , Pluto ) used in Western astrology. Graha means "to grasp", which implies the planets take hold of us, or possess us. Each plant has specific meanings and certain energy. They rule over different parts of our lives, things, and people. The signs the planets are in will flavor the way it expresses itself. Aside from the sign a planet is in each planet rules a sign. Each of the 5 planets will rule 2 signs. The Sun and Moon (lights) each rule 1 sign. The outer planets were not discovered when the Vedic texts were written therefore do not have rulership over any signs. Rahu and Ketu are not actually planets, but rather the points on the ecliptic that the Moon crosses in its passage ascending the ecliptic (Rahu) and descending the ecliptic (Ketu). They do not have rulership either. The nodes of the Moon are considered malefic due to their ability to cause eclipses. The malefic (trouble makers) planets are Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu and Sun. The benefic (good) planets are Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, and Moon.

The planets will all be in signs and houses in your chart. Because each planet rules a sign, then the houses, according to the sign the house is in, will be ruled by the planet that rules that sign.
For example: If the 1st House is Aries, then because Mars is the planet that rules Aries the ruler of the 1st house will be Mars. Then where ever Mars is placed in the chart (meaning the house Mars is in) will greatly influence the house it rules. The planets in the houses are like the tenets of that house, and the ruler of the house is like the landlord. Of the planets, you will have the same planet rule over 2 different houses, except the Sun and the Moon because they rule only one sign. Each planet rules 2 signs. These rulerships must be memorized.

Ascendant Ruler

The ascendant ruler is the most important ruler in the chart. Whatever house it resides in will be of utmost importance in the person's life. It will flavor the entire persona, and be of great interest to the individual. The 1st house ruler is the person.

Four Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
The signs have an affinity as to the four elements. The nature of the element will describe the signs. There are 3 groups of signs of the elements. They are similar in meanings because of this.
Fire signs are dynamic, progressive, action oriented, and direct. Their essence is spirit. It is an expression of spirit directed outward. The 3 fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Earth signs are practical, materialistic, conservative, and useful. It is the manifestation of the physical world or body. The 3 earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
Air signs are communicative, love to relate, thought provoking, and new ideas. Their desire is relating though ideas and speech. The 3 air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Water signs are feeling, emotional, sensitive, and compassionate. Their essence is about the soul. The 3 water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Three Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable
The qualities of the signs give more description as to their innate expressive qualities. There are 4 sets of these qualities Cardinal (Movable), Fixed, and Mutable (Dual). But, there is only one sign that will be an element and a quality, which gives it its intrinsic flavor all its own. In other words thee are 3 fire signs, but there is only 1 fire sign that is cardinal (Aries).
Cardinal/Movable is action oriented and very powerful. They create change, and are very colorful. The 4 cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. These are the signs on the equinoxes, the change of the seasons.
Fixed is steady, stable and unchangeable. They can be very reliable and stubborn. The fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
Mutable/Dual is adaptable, changeable and unstable. They have a dualistic nature like twins or multifaceted. The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

Elements Qualities
The natural zodiac is the zodiac starting with Aries. Aries is the beginning continuing through all the signs in their traditional order, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. The meanings of the signs and houses are similar, in terms that the first sign of the natural zodiac, Aries deals with self, beginnings, pioneer, and the 1st house means the self, physical body, and the head. The planets that rule the signs have similar meanings. Mars who rules Aries also rules raw energy, aggression, action, and the head. Aries, as well as Scorpio are ruled by Mars and both possess the passionate quality of Mars. The difference here is in the Element one being fire (Aries) more feisty and the other water (Scorpio) more emotional. Also the qualities differ, Scorpio is fixed (stable) and Aries is cardinal more aggressive.
The second sign of the zodiac is Taurus and it rules over finances and material pursuits. The 2nd house deals with money and material gains. Venus the planet that rules over the sign Taurus relates to money as well. This is a good way to understand and memorize the meanings of the Planets, Signs, and Houses, by seeing how their meanings are similar and connected.
Planetary Camps: Friends and Enemies
There are 2 opposing planetary camps. This is based on the mythology of the war between the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons).
The Planets ruled by signs in Fire and Water belongs to the same planetary camp (friend). Devas
The Planets ruled by signs in Earth and Air belongs to the same planetary camp (friend). Asuras
Otherwise they are from opposite camps and are considered Enemies
Friends: Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter (Fire/Water
Friends: Mercury, Venus, Saturn (Earth/Air)
When planets are from the same camp they are like best friends, they help each other out. Enemies work against each other. This applies when these planets are associated with each other in a chart. Also planets are comfortable and work well in a sign that is a friend and planets are uncomfortable and do not do well in a sign of an enemy.

Exaltation and Debilitation

Planets are stronger and more intense in the signs of their Exaltation. Meaning they express the energy associated with them best. The planet in its sign of Exaltation can be a positive influence in the chart. It depends on the house it rules as to what it will strongly express.
Next best is a planet in its sign that it rules. This planet will be very strong for what that planet is good for.
A planet is very weak in it's sign of Debilitation. The Debilitation signs are the exact opposite signs (180 degrees) of the Exaltation signs. This means it is hard to express its positive energy.
There is an exact point within the signs that is its most powerful point of exaltation or debilitation listed here.

Rahu and Ketu are discribed as shadowy planets because they cause the eclipses of the Sun and the Moon. For an eclipse of the Sun and Moon to occur the new or full moon must conjoin the Moon's nodes within a specified number of degrees. These shadows developed the powerful myths and meanings bestowed on the nodes, myths of struggles with demons, serpents, and forces of darkness and light. Symbolically they may be seen as our own shadows.
In the Hindu myth a serpent slithered in the line between the Sun, and Moon to partake of the nectar of immortality being given to the gods, planets, and luminaries. When the thief was discovered, Lord Vishnu threw a disk splitting him in half, but he had already swallowed the nectar. This was the creation of the serpent's or dragon's head (Rahu), and the serpent's or dragon's tail (Ketu). Rahu is the head that is consumed with the thinking mind. The mind separated without the senses creates illusions, and Rahu is the indicator of worldly illusions. Ketu is the quality of knowing without the thinking mind. It is the perception of spiritual insights that lead to enlightment. (Flaherty)

The Moon's orbit around the earth intersects the ecliptic at two points. These two points are the nodes of the Moon. The north node of the Moon (Rahu) is where the Moon crosses from south to north, called the ascending node. This symbolizes the birth into the material manifestation. The south node (Ketu) at it's point of intersection of the ecliptic the Moon crosses from north to south or the descending node symbolizing our leaving the material plane to the spiritual realm. So Rahu takes us into the world and Ketu takes us out of the physical world. All this represents the cycles of birth and death into and out of this world. Rahu and Ketu are the indicators of destiny and fate, symbolizing our entrapment in this physical plane. These shadow planets control us by our desire body. Our desires are our karmas. Our destiny is our release of these chains this world cast upon us. It's like the serpent's bite. The poisonous venom intoxicates us into this world. Rahu takes us under its spell with the illusions of this world. The promise of happiness, "if I could only have more of the things that give me pleasure". But of course, it only leads to insatiable desires. We can never have enough. This is the venomous bite of Rahu. Ketu strips us of the objects of our desires, revealing that nothing in this world gives us security and permanence. It is essentially the process of enlightenment, to come to realize that ultimately, it's all an illusion. Nothing of this material world lasts, therefore it is all an illusion or maya. Ketu is the bringer of enlightenment through the realization of this truth. Ketu is the release of this world. Rahu is our entrapment and Ketu is our final liberation from the karmas of the soul.
The problems caused by Rahu and Ketu are caused by houses ruled by the planet Rahu and Ketu conjoins, the houses of their dispositors, or houses Rahu and Ketu occupy. One or more of these houses will be connected to the destiny and fate of the soul.

Houses (Bhavas) in Astrology

The Sanskrit word bhava means a field of action. There are twelve houses in a astrology chart. Each house defines different areas of life. An understanding of what each house means will give your analysis great depth and accuracy.
The qualities of the houses are explained in terms of angles, trines, upachayas , dustanas , and marakas. Also the four aims of life , dharma, artha, kama, and moksha, give the houses a deeper meaning.
Each house is 30 degrees; so is a . The houses in Vedic astrology contain the whole sign. The degree of the ascendant, Lagna (the sign rising on the Eastern horizon at birth), will be contained within the first house.
Since each sign has a ruling planet, the planet that rules the sign contained in the house will be the ruler (lord) of that house. The planets possess certain qualities of the houses relative to the houses that they rule. The ruler of a house and the house it resides in determines how the indications for that house will manifest in life. The ruler of a good house triconal (1, 5, and 9) will always bring blessings to the house it occupies. The rulers of the dustana houses (6, 8 and 12) will bring trouble to the houses they occupy. Malefic planets ruling good houses can operate as functional benefics, and benefics ruling difficult houses can become functional malefics.

The house that the ruling planet is positioned in will link the meanings of these houses. The ruling planet will always carry with it the meaning of the house/houses it rules. An example would be the ruler of the 5th house in the 9th would give the mind (5th house) spiritual tendencies (9th house). What complicates matters is the planets excluding the Sun and Moon rule two houses and therefore carry the meaning of both house rulerships. If the ruler of the fifth house also rules the twelfth house as with Gemini and Sagittarius ascendants, and is still placed in the ninth house there would be a mixed result. The ninth house is infused with qualities of both the fifth and twelfth houses. Since the ninth house can refer to the father this implies loss (twelfth house) and intelligence (fifth house) as some of the features for this person's father.

Traditionally if a planet rules a tricona house (one, five, and nine) and the other house is a more difficult house like the dustanas (six, eight, and twelve) the tricona will predominate, but it will not completely override the dustana meaning. As for the previous example the father (ninth house) will be of high intelligence (fifth house) but may have to travel (ninth house) extensively and this would give the feeling of loss (twelfth house) to the children (fifth house) because of his absence. The sense of loss is not particularly from something bad. The planet and the sign will add more details. For Gemini ascendant the planet here would be Venus in Aquarius, which could indicate involvement in the arts with teaching. As for Sagittarius the planet ruling the fifth and twelfth would be Mars , which would give a more mechanical aggressive edge possibly dealing with the military or engineering for the father. These are just a taste of all the variables that must be assessed when working with houses and house rulerships.

Tricona

The Tricona houses are one, five and nine. These are the most auspicious houses of all. They give fortune and luck. They are five houses away from each other. They form a triangle from each other. The four elements fire, earth, air, and water all form a trine from one another. The fire element is our Dharma. Dharma is our sense of purpose. When we understand our purpose, we are connected to our spirit and guided by inspiration. The spirit is what fuels our life. The Tricona houses are the houses that are related to the fire element, our spirit and inspiration. The first house is related to the first fire sign Aries, the fifth to Leo, and the ninth to Sagittarius.

Kendra

The Kendra houses are the angles of the chart. These houses are One, Four, Seven, and Ten. These are considered the most powerful houses of all. They create the most action in a chart. They relate to the qualities of the signs, which are cardinal. The cardinal signs are the signs of change and action. They are 1-Aries, 4-Cancer, 7-Libra, and 10-Capricorn. These houses bring results. This is why when planets come together that rule a Kendra and a Tricona house this creates the fulfillment of purpose (dharma). This is called a Raja Yoga.
Planets in the Kendra houses are very strong and active. When malefic planets rule the angles they are said to loose their power to cause harm, and when benefic planets rule the angles they loose their power to give blessings.

Upachaya

Upachaya means "improvement". The Upachaya houses are three, six, ten, and eleven. They create a certain amount of tension that drives one to improve life's situations. These houses have a competitive edge to them. Life improves and gets better over time with these houses.

Dustana

The Dustana houses are six, eight and twelve. These houses primarily deal with suffering, and mainly ill health. They are the most difficult of all, ruling disease, death, loss and sorrow. The rulers of these houses will inflict this type of suffering. Dustanas are difficult points because they are places of transition. Both the sixth and the eighth are on either side of the seventh house, which is the point of sunset (endings), and the twelfth is the end before the new dawn, the ascendant. These houses are sometimes referred to as the Trik houses (the Three).

Maraka

The Maraka houses are two and seven. Maraka means "killer". These houses and the planets that rule them are considered the killer houses or planets. These planets and houses are prominent when death or injury occurs. Death or injury does not occur every time these planets become prominent through the dashas or transits. There must be other determining influences indicating such an event.

In Vedic astrology there are four main aims or goals that we aspire to in life. Dharma is our sense of purpose. Artha is the acquisition of wealth. Kama means "desire" and deals with emotional fulfillment. Moksha means "liberation" and refers to spiritual transformation.

Dharma

The Dharma houses are one, five and nine. They relate to the three fire signs (fire triplicity). The first house relates to the first fire sign Aries, the fifth Leo, and the ninth Sagittarius. These houses relate to our sense of purpose and the spirit that moves us. The first house is the self, our sense of who we are, our spirit. The fifth house is the inspiration of the sense of purpose through creative expression. The ninth house is our spiritual beliefs and truths. It is the realization of our spiritual connection to all through spirit.

Artha
The Artha houses are two, six, and ten. They relate to the three earth signs (earth triplicity). The second house relates to the first earth sign Taurus, the sixth Virgo, and the tenth Capricorn. These houses are about our material achievements, and the recognition gained from it. The second house is about the material possessions gained and wealth. The sixth house is the urge to improve through hard work. The tenth house is the public recognition received through a career.

Kama
The Kama houses are three, seven, and eleven. They relate to the three air signs (air triplicity). The third house relates to the first air sign Gemini, the seventh Libra, and the eleventh Aquarius. These houses are about how we convey our ideas, needs, and desires through relationships. The third house is about our early relationships starting with learning to share with our siblings. The seventh is the need of a lifelong partnership. The eleventh is to feel connected to friends and groups or organizations.

Moksha
The Moksha houses are four, eight, and twelve. They relate to the three water signs (water triplicity). The fourth house relates to the first water sign Cancer, the eighth Scorpio, and the twelfth Pisces. Of all the aims of life Moksha is the ultimate goal. These are the houses that liberate or free the soul of the chains of earthly karma. They have to do with the past, fear based emotions, and the essence of the soul. The Fourth house is fear of losing our sense of security. The eighth house is the fear of letting go of control. The twelfth house is about releasing all attachments to the world.

The third and last of each Aim of Life brings us to the ultimate and end of it's essence. The ninth house is the final results of the Dharma houses (purpose), our spiritual realizations. The tenth house is the final results of the Artha houses (worldly success and recognition), our material pursuits of this world. The eleventh house is the final results of the Kama houses (desire and relationships), connection through humanity. The Moksha houses are the deep side of our soul, that which we do not know or understand. They are the mystery of life. The last of the Moksha houses is the twelfth house, the last sign and the last of the Moksha houses. This in essence becomes the most important house of all because it deals with our final liberation from this world.

Meanings of the Bhavas (Houses)

1st House: (Thanu Bhava): Physical body, stature if body, limbs of the body, constitution, ego, personality, appearance, self, character, entrance into the world; birth, head: Kendra, Tricona, Dharma
2nd House: (Dhana Bhava): early childhood, domestic life, voice, speech, food or substances ingested, drinking habits, education, wealth, money, face, teeth, neck, vision in general, right eye in particular: Maraka, Artha
3rd House: (Sahaja Bhava): Courage, life force, arts of all kinds-theater, directors, painting, drawing, music, writing, sports, travel, siblings-especially younger siblings, sibling rivalry, lower education, hobbies, success through own efforts, adventures, initiative, motivation, competition, voice, all forms of communication, sales, hearing in general and the right ear in particular, father in law, hands, shoulders arms, and lungs: Upachaya, Kama
4th House: (Sukha Bhava): mother, all fixed assets- real estate, home, vehicles-cars, degrees-such as masters degrees, or doctorates, happiness-state of mind, endings, conditions at the end of life, passions, emotions, the masses, matters of the heart, security, past, heredity and genes, fear of security being threatened, things that are permanent or lasting forever, the soul, land and farming, breast: Kendra, Moksha
5th House: (Putra Bhava): True intelligence, the mind, children, abortions, kings or politics, creativity, speculation, good karma ,sense of destiny (poorvapunya), lotteries, morals, pleasure, romance, fun, entertainment, sports, generosity, spiritual rituals, heart: Tricona, Dharma
6th House: (Satru Bhava): Health, habits, employees, service, debts, enemies, law suites, improvement, Challenges from competitors or enemies, thieves and robberies, attacks, disease, medical profession, food, restaurants, fitness facilities, police, military, pets, accidents, acute illnesses, intestines: Upachaya, Dusthana
7th House: (Jaya Bhava): Relationships, marriage, business partnerships, sexual passions, courts, open enemies, divorce, residence in foreign lands, impotency, desire, kidneys: Kendra, Kama
8th House: (Mrityu Bhava): Death, transformations, change, surrender, control and manipulation, power struggles, mafia, underworld, dark side, investigation and private investigators, getting to the bottom of things, uncovering the truth, obsessions, disgrace, scandals, bankruptcy, obstacles, surgery, length of life, research, study of metaphysics, mediums, inheritances or money from others such as wills and insurance polices, or tax returns, reproduction organs, elimination organs, and Life force, spiritual practices, intuition, psychic abilities, chronic and long-term sickness, monetary gains from partner, secrets, sexual diseases, misfortunes, accidents: Dusthana, Moksha
9th House: (Bhagya Bhava): Spirituality, teachers, gurus, fortune, luck, long travels, father, publications, pilgrimages or journeys to gain spiritual knowledge, teaching, college or higher learning, law and lawyers, hips and thighs: Tricona, Dharma
10th House: (Karma Bhava): Career, social position, authority figures, fame, honors, purpose, government, presidents, bosses, wealth of the father, knees: Kendra, Artha
11th House: (Ayaya Bhava): Great gains, gains from profession, wealth, friends, groups, organizations, humanitarians, oldest sibling, attainment of desires, money that comes in large amounts, money from side ventures, left ear, ankles: Upachaya, Kama
12th House: (Vyaya Bhava): Loss, suffering, final liberation, death, endings, foreigners, and foreign countries, sleep, expenditures, misfortunes, charities confinement (such as prison), hospitals, secret enemies, spiritual liberation, release of all attachments, release of resentments, forgiveness, comforts of the bed, ashrams, watery places, sea or ocean, places of retirement, and escape, films and movies, feet, left eye: Dusthana, Moksha.

Opposing Houses

The first six houses are below the horizon making them a more personal experience, and the last six houses are above the horizon making them more public. The opposing houses are one and the same just the opposite extreme.
1st & 7th: The 1st house is the self. The 7th house is the self, experienced through relationships.
2nd & 8th: The 2nd house is personal money and wealth. The 8th house is money you share or get through other people.
3rd & 9th: The 3rd house is lower education and short trips. The 9th house is higher education, i.e. college and long trips.
4th & 10th: The 4th house is our private personal life at home. The 10th house is our public life, i.e. career.
5th &11th: The 5th house is own children. The 11th house is humanity or the children of the world.
6th & 12th: The sixth house is personal service. The twelfth house is public service as in hospitals or large institutions.

Bhavat Bhavam

Bhavat bhavam is a Sanskrit phrase that means "from house to house" -in Western astrology it is called the derivative houses. Here you will learn to utilize the basic meaning of the houses and apply them in relationship to each of the other houses. For example: The basic meaning of the second house is wealth, and money. Therefore the second house to any of the houses will indicate the wealth or money acquired from that house. The second house to the seventh house (which is the eighth house) will indicate the wealth and money of the spouse (seventh house), the second house to the fifth house (sixth house) will indicate the financial prosperity of the children, or the second house to the tenth house (eleventh house) will indicate gain financially through the career (tenth house).
The twelfth house to any house is the end to whatever the house in question represents. Examples: The sixth house is the twelfth to the seventh (marriage), so it represents the end of the marriage. The third house is the end of the parents because it is the twelfth to the fourth (parents). The Maraka houses derive their meaning from this exact principle. The Maraka houses are called the "killer houses" and the planets that rule the Maraka houses are the Maraka planets. The Maraka houses are the second and seventh houses. Since the third house is our energy, will, and life force and the twelfth house is the house of loss then the second house is the loss of our life force. It is the twelfth from the third. Similarly the eighth house is our length of life so the twelfth from the eighth (seventh) would be the loss of life.
Death of the mother is the eleventh house because it is the eighth from the fourth (mother). Death of the father is the fourth house because it is the eighth from the ninth.
Grandchildren are the ninth house because they are our children's children, fifth from the fifth.
Maternal aunts and uncles are the sixth house because it is the third house (siblings) from the fourth (mother). Paternal aunts and uncles are the eleventh house because it is the third (siblings) from the ninth (father). The maternal grandmother would be the seventh house. The mother's mother, the fourth from the fourth. The paternal grandmother would be the twelfth house because it is the fourth (mother) from the ninth (father).
In the case of twins that are born minutes apart and the charts are almost the same, you would differentiate them by looking at the third house as the younger sibling, and the eleventh house as the oldest sibling. In the oldest twin's chart the third house would describe the younger twin and in the youngest twin's chart the eleventh house would describe the older twin in their chart.
Lets say someone asks you to tell them about the health of their youngest brother's wife, because she is ill. You would look to the third house (youngest brother) count seven houses (wife) away from the third house which arrives at the ninth house, then count six houses (health, illness) away from the ninth house which is the second house. The planets in the second house and the transits aspecting this house will reveal the answers.
Any relations or relatives and their situations can be assessed through rotating the chart to the appropriate house and taking it as the ascendant. To read your spouse you would take the seventh house of your chart, rotate it as the ascendant and take the entire chart as the spouse's chart. You will be able to determine all the affairs of your spouse this way. The ninth house is the ascendant to be read as your father's chart. The fourth house would become the ascendant for the mother.
Lets say you have three brothers and you are number two in the birth order of four boys, how do you assess which house is which brother or sister? First of all the third house is generally for the well being of all siblings. But we know we have quite different relationships with each of our siblings, as well as the differences in their lives. The third house would be counted as the first house for the youngest brother, and the third from the third (fifth house) would be the one born immediately after you. The eleventh house is usually the eldest brother. If you had two brothers or sisters who were older the eleventh house would represent the one born immediately before you, and the eleventh house from the eleventh (ninth house) would be the next oldest sibling.
For the children in a chart the first-born is the fifth house, and the second born would be the third from the fifth (brother to the first born). Each child would be counted three houses from the previous one. So the third born would be the third house from the seventh, this arrives at the ninth house. The house referring to each particular child can be looked at as their ascendant, rotating it as their own individual chart. The transits and dashas will tell what their current situation is.
In the case of first, second and third marriages or spouses, I have not found a particular system for this to work, maybe because divorce is not an option in India. Some say you look to the third from the seventh (ninth house) for the second marriage, and continue with counting three houses away for each marriage. Personally I believe the seventh house will always reveal the current marriage. Even though the person we are married to may change it is still our current marriage, and we only have one marriage partner at a time.
In the texts the principal of "Bhavat Bhavam" state that a house as far removed from a particular house as the latter is from the ascendant (logna) acts like the former house. For example, the fourth house from the ascendant rules the mother; therefore the fourth house from the fourth house (seventh house) would be as relevant to the mother as the fourth house. The ninth house from the ninth house (fifth house) will reveal more information on the father. Ironically in both these examples the house arrived at (seventh-fourth from the fourth), (fifth-ninth from the ninth) are the mother's mother, and the father's father. The eighth house from the eighth house becomes the third house, giving the third house death inflicting qualities. What seems to happen is a perpetuation of each house by this sort of numerical duplication of the houses. The sixth house from the sixth house is the eleventh house. The eleventh house can reveal the result of illness and healing, or your enemy's enemy (your friend).

Planets (Grahas)

Graha means "to grasp" thus meaning the planets possess, or control us. The planets are the cosmic energy force in a chart. The nine planets (seven planets and the lunar nodes: Rahu and Ketu) have specific meanings, and significations. The planetary rays manifest in various ways in our lives. A planet rules each life experience and different arenas of our lives. They are the key indicators of people and different attributes or qualities we have. They are the Archetypes of Mankind. Understanding the true significations of the planets in our lives brings a higher consciousness, releasing us from their grasp or hold on us.
The exaltation signs give the planet more intensity and strength. If the planet rules a good house (1,5,9) it intensifies it's good. If the planet rules a difficult house (6,8,12), it can intensify its power for harm. The debilitation sign weakens a planet. It is at its weakest point in the Zodiac, it gains strength the closer it gets to its exaltation sign. A weak planet will cause problems, because we need all the plantary energies to be balanced. Whatever the planet represents and the house's it rules will be lacking or dysfunctional in the chart. This will give us important information as to what needs to be developed or worked on in this life. If a planet is in the sign of its rulership it becomes focalized and intense for what the house represents. Example: The Sun in Leo is in it's own sign. If the Sun is in the 7th house in Leo this would give a partner (7th house) who can be very powerful or a leader (Sun in Leo). The detriment of a planet does not exit as in Western astrology because when a planet is in opposite sign of its rulership (detriment) it will always aspect its own sign by opposition, which is very powerful for that sign/house that it aspects.

Dig Bala is the directional strength of a planet. Planets become more powerful in certain houses. The planets can express their innate qualities easier therefore they are stronger. Planets placed in the opposte position of their directional strength placements are weaker. Directional strength is North (4th house), South (10th house), East (1st house) and West (7th house).
There are six factors that can determine the strength of a planet in a chart. These six strengths are called Shadbala. They are: 1.) Sthana Bala, Positional strength (example:exaltation/debilitation), 2.) Dig Bala, Directional strength (North, South, East and West) 3.) Kala Bala, Temporal strength 9 factors that deal with hours, days, months, and years. 4.)Chesta Bala, Motional strength, relates to the planets motion and speed as in retrograde motion (backwards). 5.)Naisargika Bala, Natural strength, this is the brightness of planets as seen from the earth. The Sun is the brightest, then Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn. This is the same in all charts. 5.) Drik Bala, Aspectual strength, this entails the aspects of the planets. This is a very complicated system of determining planetary strengths, but don't worry it is calculated instantly by any Vedic software program.

Outer Planets
The outer planets -- Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Jyeshta, and Yama -- are not used traditionally in Vedic astrology. Since they are not seen with the naked eye, they deal with the collective unconscious.
They reflect mass changes in our world, especially since they stay in a sign for such a long period of time they shape generations. They may have been what the ancients refer to as the Upa grahas, the shadowy planets that cannot be seen. At the time of the discovery of these planets what they are about and what they rule became prominent and came to the forefront of civilization. Their discovery brought their essence to our world.

Aspects (Drishtis) - Planetary Connections

Drishti means to glance at. As the planets would rise upon the horizon and gaze upon each other across the descendant, they would exchange glances. They aspected each other. The planets gave their full aspect when they were opposite each other looking directly at each other. Aspects connect or link the planets.
Vedic astrology uses whole sign, which means a sign is a house. The planets aspect the houses, with or without planets there. All planets aspect the house or planets in opposition (7th). Planets in the same house/sign aspect each other (conjunction).
Planets aspect the entire sign. The influence is stronger when the orbs are closer. Planets that are out of sign but close in degree still influence each other. Vedic astrology uses special aspects for planets Mars, Saturn , and Jupiter . Mars aspects the 4th and the 8th house from itself. Saturn aspects the 3rd and the 10th houses. Jupiter aspects the 5th and the 9th houses . These are all considered full aspects. Full aspects are considered 100 percent in their influence. There are weaker aspects 75-50 percent that are rarely used. All aspects are cast in forward direction. Rahu and Ketu (not recognized by all Vedic astrologers) like Jupiter cast trines 5th and 9th houses. The aspects themselves carry the meanings of the planets. The aspects by themselves do not have a meaning. Aspects are the connectors of planetary energy. So the Rahu and Ketu carry the malefic energy to the planet or house they aspect, not the meaning of a trine as in Western astrology.
The meaning of each planet varies from each chart. The variation of each planet is determined by: 1.) Is it a natural benefic or malefic? 2.) Is it a temporal malefic or benefic? This is based on the houses they rule in a chart. Mars can be a funtional benefic for Cancer ascendant because it rules the auspious 5th house (tricona , and the 10th house . Jupiter can be a functional malefic for Taurus ascendant because it rules the difficult 8th house, and the 11th house. The planets carry the meanings of the houses they rule. As they cast their aspects to houses and the planets therein they impregnate these planets/houses with all the energy they possess. This means if a planet aspects another planet this will alter the planets meaning.
Example: If Mercury is aspected by Saturn and Mars, Mercury is impregnated by both natural malefics planets. It will carry with it the houses both Mars, and Saturn rule (the houses they rule determines if it is a functional benefic or malefic) and the houses Mercury rules itself. So this Mercury carries the meanings of six houses. The aspects Mercury casts either by Conjunction or opposition will have all these houses attached to it. Mercury has a potent punch and much complexity with its aspects.
An important rule: note anytime planets aspect a house it rules. This will give it an added force for the good of that house. It is similar to the planet being in that house in it's own sign.
Planets can mutually aspect each other. This happens with the opposition and conjunction, and sometimes with the special aspects
Example: Mars in Capricorn, and Saturn in Aries. Here Mars aspects Saturn by it's 4th aspect, and Saturn aspects Mars by it's 10th aspect. They mutually aspect each other. It's a two way connector.
When planets are in each other's sign of rulership, called mutual reception or Parivartana, this is a very powerful connection. Additionally if the planets are also mutually aspected this is even more powerful. This complete connection is called Sambandha.
The example above with Mars in Capricorn and Saturn in Aries is in Sambandha. They mutually aspect each other and are in each other's sign (mutual reception). Another example would be The Sun in Aquarius and Saturn in Leo. They mutually aspect each other by opposition, and are in each other's sign.

Exercise: Find all the aspects in your chart.
1.) Planets will aspect each other by being in the same house.
2.) Planets will aspect the house and planets opposite them (7th).
3.) Find Mars' special aspects.
4.) Find Saturn's special aspect.
5.) Find Jupiter's special aspects.
6.) Find Rahu's and Ketu's special aspects.
7.) Don't forget the planets aspect the houses without planets. The matters ruled by the house will be affected by the planet that it aspects.
Example: If Jupiter is in the 3rd house it will aspect the 9th house by opposition. Jupiter's special aspects will be the 5th and 9th houses away from itself, counting the house it occupies first. So Jupiter in the 3rd will aspect the 7th house and the 11th house.
Now say Mars is in the 4th house it aspects the opposite house, the 10th. Mars' special aspects are the 4th and 8th houses away from itself. Mars in the 4th aspects the 7th and the 11th. Now put Saturn in the 5th house, from there it aspects the opposite house the 11th. By special aspect Saturn will aspect the 3rd and 10th from itself. Saturn aspects the 7th and 2nd houses. In this example the 7th house and the 11th house receive aspects by all 3 planets. These 2 houses will be full of activity even though there are no planets there. The result will be mixed due to the different planetary energy. Therefore, the natural benefic qualities and the temporal qualities of these planets will affect these houses.

Remember that temporal qualities are based on the houses the planets rule. In this example the 7th and the 11th houses receive the aspect of natural benefic Jupiter, and natural malefic Mars and Saturn. If the ascendant is Gemini, Jupiter rules two kendras (angles 7,and 10). Saturn rules the 8th and 9th. The ruler of the 1st, 5th , and 9th are always a benefic to the chart. Since Saturn is the ruler of the 8th it will cause some 8th house problems. Saturn is considered a functional benefic here. Mars is a malefic for Gemini ascendant because it rules the 6th and the 11th. But, in this case Mars rules the 11th and it aspects the 11th. It will operate like it is in it's own sign in the 11th. Mars will energize the 11th house for what it is good for (great gains, and friendships). Also in this example Jupiter aspects the 7th house, and it rules the 7th house. This good for 7th house the matters (marriage).
After all the aspects have been examined from the Rashi chart they should be examined from the Moon for further clarification.
The transiting planets as they form aspects to the natal planets trigger the events in a life.
The aspects are connectors of planetary energies. The planets carry all the houses they rule and aspects they themselves receive.

Yogas

In Vedic astrology associations the planets form or variations of how they are placed in the chart are referred to as Yogas. Yoga means union, or that which joins or yokes. Most yogas are composed of more than one planet. The idea behind most yogas is to equate the planet's strength in a chart, and how and when it will produce its effects in the person's life. This is generally determined through the dashas of the planets. If a planet is involved in many good, strength producing yogas it will give it's beneficial results at the time the person enters the dasha of that planet. There are auspicious yogas for wealth, success, and happiness as well as inauspicious yogas for downfall, poverty and ill health. The yogas outlined here are the most basic yogas, there are hundreds of yogas to be memorized. But it is more important to understand the concept behind these names.

There are three major yogas based on house rulership. They are Raja Yoga, Dhana Yoga, and Arista Yoga.

Raja Yoga
The first mentioned here is a Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga means "royal union", it is formed by the association of planets and the houses they rule. Raja Yoga is formed by a planet of a kendra house together with a planet of a triconal house. The kendra houses (1,4,7,10) are the houses of manifestation and the triconal houses (1,5,9) are the houses of purpose or dharma. The first house serves as both. When planets are combined with both action and purpose great things manifest.

Yoga Karaka
A Yoga karaka is when one single planet forms Raja Yoga by itself. It rules two different houses, one is a triconal and one is a kendra. The first house can serve as either in the combination. In both Taurus and Libra ascendants Saturn is the Yoga Karaka. In Taurus ascendant Saturn rules the 9th (trinal) house, and the 10th (kendra) house. For Libra ascendants Saturn rules both the 4th(kendra) and the 5th (trinal). Other ascendants that have a Yoga Karaka are Capricorn and Aquarius. They both have Venus as the Yoga Karaka. With Capricorn Ascendant Venus rules the5th and the 10th. Aquarius ascendant Venus rules the 4th and 9th. For Cancer and Leo ascendants Mars is the Yoga Karaka. Cancer ascendant will have Mars rule the 5th and the 10th. Leo ascendants will have Mars rule the 4th and the 9th. No other ascendants will have a single planet rule both a kendra and a trine. These are the only ascendants to have a Yoga Karaka. A Yoga Karaka planet will be a planet that brings great benefit to the chart, even though it may be a natural malefic planet.

Yoga Karakas
Taurus: Saturn / Libra: Saturn
Capricorn: Venus/ Aquarius: Venus
Cancer: Mars/ Leo: Mars

Dhana Yoga
The second major yoga defined by house rulership is Dhana Yoga. This yoga brings material wealth and money, because it links the money houses 1, 2, 11 5, 9. The combination of any one of these houses combined with the 1st house ruler would bring wealth to the individual. Actually any combination of these houses would create Dhana Yoga, but the 1st house combination is the strongest.

Arista Yoga
The third major yoga formed by house rulership is the Arista Yoga. This is the yoga of suffering and spirituality. Usually the suffering is from illness. The combination of the rulers of the most difficult houses (trik or dusthana) (6,8,12) are combined, but again when these houses are combined with the ruler of the 1st this brings the suffering to the individual. Again as in the Dhana Yoga, any combination of these house rulers would constitute Arista Yoga. Generally it is through our suffering that spirituality is sought. Therefore this yoga will produce both suffering and spiritual opportunities.
A planetary combination of two or more planets can form all three of these yogas, indicating the joy and pain combined in one's life. For example if the combination of 2 planets create an Arista Yoga and a Dhana Yoga. The planets rule 2 houses (except the Sun and Moon) each, so you would be merging 4 houses together. Therefore 2 planets can be both a Raja Yoga, and a Arista Yoga.

Parivartana Yoga
Another way in which planets can be connected is through parivartana yoga. This is called mutual reception in western astrology. The planets receive connection through being in each other's sign of rulership. For example: Mars in Cancer, and Moon in Scorpio, Mars is in the sign ruled by Cancer, and the Moon is in the sign ruled by Mars. Their rulerships exchange signs.
A special note if you have a planet that is in aspect, and in parivartana then you have 2 planets in a Sambandha, this means they are completely connected. This makes these planets connect and operate together. They work in unison.
When entering a dasha of a planet involved in parivartana yoga it would simultaneously activate the other planet through this connection. An example of sambandha is the Sun in Aquarius and Saturn in Leo. The Sun and Saturn mutually aspect each other plus they are in each other's sign of rulership.

Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas
These are called the five Yogas of great people. Pancha means "five", Maha means "great" and purusha means "man". The Mahapurusha Yoga is a planet (excluding the Sun and Moon) in it's own sign or exalted in a kendra (angle). When a planet is a Mahapurusha Yoga will indicate an extremely strong planet barring it's stamp of representations of that planetary energy, it will be accentuated in the individual's life.
Mercury- Bhadra Yoga Intelligent, good communicator, witty, sharp
Venus- Malavya Yoga Beauty, charming, graceful, artistic
Mars- Ruchaka Yoga Aggressive, forceful, warrior, athletic
Jupiter- Hamsa Yoga Philosophical, teacher, spiritual, egotistical
Saturn - Shasha Yoga Leader, organizer, authoritative, disciplined

Papa Kartari Yoga
Kartari means "scissors", and papa means "sin". This is also called "hemmed in". It is when malefic planets surround a house and the planets within that house. There must be a malefic in both the house before, and after (surrounding) the house hemmed in. The malefic planets are Saturn, Mars, Rahu, and Ketu and Sun. Example: Saturn in the 12th house and Mars in the 2nd house, the 1st house is hemmed in by malefics, constituting papa katari yoga for the 1st house. Interpretation: The 1st house would be robbed of protection. The matters the 1st house rules would be harmed. The 1st house rules physical health, and the body. Here the body is harmed.

Shubha Kartari Yoga
Shubha means auspicious. Here the benefic planets surround a house. The benefic planets are Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. The benefic planets give protection and grace to the house they surround. Example: Venus in the 1st house and Jupiter in the 3rd house, the 2nd house is hemmed in by benefics. Interpretation: The 2nd house and the matters it rules will be blessed with empowerment. The 2nd house rules money matters, and childhood, therefore these matters prove prosperous, and good for the individual.

Moon's Special Yogas (Chandra)
The Moon as well as most planets does not like to be alone. The Moon thrives on support from other planets. The Moon rules the mind and the emotional body. The joy of life comes from the sharing of experiences and ideas. This is how the Moon works. It needs to share, and feel supported. If it is not connected to any planets it will feel alienated, and disconnected with the world. The mind will be disturbed.
These Yogas are always counted from the Moon, not the Ascendant. Making the Moon the 1st house.

Sunapha Yoga
Any planet excluding the Sun, Rahu and Ketu in the house second from the Moon creates Sunapha Yoga. This indicates acquisition, and the planet itself will describe the manner in which things will be acquired. For example, Mars in the 2nd house from the Moon, is Sunapha Yoga indicating an aggressive manner in acquiring money, or possessions. This Yoga is about receiving.

Anapha Yoga
Any planet excluding the Sun, Rahu or Ketu in the house 12th from the Moon creates Anapha Yoga. This yoga deals with giving. The 12th house is about giving, and expenditures. This is about generosity. For example, Jupiter 12th house from the Moon is someone who is very generous.
It is noted that the planets Sun, Rahu and Ketu do not constitute either a Sunapha or Anapha Yoga. As a matter of fact, if they are with other planets 2nd or 12th from the Moon they will drastically weaken or cancel these yogas. This is because when the Sun is close to the Moon, the Moon is weak or dark. There is little awareness or consciousness. The Moon emits little light. Some believe the Moon becomes malefic when dark. The full Moon is considered very auspicious because it reflects more light indicating more awareness. The nodes of the Moon (Rahu and Ketu) when situated close to the Moon will definitely change the Moon's effects. The receptive qualities of the Moon are disrupted. Rahu will indicate addictive, obsessive destructive qualities. Ketu will indicate internalized emotions controlled by our past lives, current external factors are less influential. Rahu and Ketu will distort the qualities of the planets they conjoin.

Durudhara
This when you have both the Sunapha, and the Anapha Yogas. Planets on both sides surround the Moon. This totally supports the Moon, this person is happy and feels supported in life. They will receive as well as give back to the world.

Adhi Yoga
Adhi means "first", indicating these individuals will be pioneers or the first to do something. This is when the 3 benefics Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury are in houses 6th, 7th or 8th from the Moon. These planets can be in any combination in these houses. These planets are in the opposing houses or opposition from the Moon. Examples: Jupiter in the 6th house from the Moon, and Venus and Mercury in the 8th from the Moon, or all the 3 are in one of these houses, or Venus in the 8th, Mercury in the 7th and Jupiter in the 6th houses from the Moon.
Some believe each benefic must be alone in each of these houses (6,7,8). I think they can be in any combination in three of these houses because the Moon is still shining its reflective energy on these planets across the horizon. Likewise the benefics are mutually opposing and influencing the Moon.
Interpretation: It is good for leadership, authority and financial prosperity. They are pioneers who are first to do something. There is strong interest and attraction in marriage and relationships since the 7th and 8th houses are involved here.

Vasumati Yoga
Vasumati means "rich", indicating the acquisition of wealth, from the fruits of their labor. It represents the drive to improve life's circumstances. This is when the 3 benefics occupy the upachaya houses (3, 6, 10, 11) from the Moon. Again it can be any combination. Example: Venus is in the 11th from the Moon, Jupiter is 6th from the Moon, and Mercury is 3rd from the Moon is

Vasumati Yoga.
Interpretation: This yoga gives wealth, and life becomes very prosperous improving with age.
Any benefics in upachaya houses will produce the effect of wealth, only in varying degrees. Two benefics will be good and one will be moderately good.
Some look at the benefics in upachaya houses from the Ascendant as well as the Moon. From the Moon it is definitely more powerful since the Moon represents growth.

Shakata Yoga
This is when Jupiter is in the 6th, 8th, or 12th house from the Moon. Shakata means "cart", or wheel. The fortunes of this person will rise and fall. It means fluctuating fortunes. If there is either the Adhi or Vasumati Yogas, then the Shakata Yoga is cancelled.

Geja Kesari Yoga
This means the Elephant-Lion Yoga. These are animals with great presence, and rule the jungle, and so it is with those with this Yoga.
Geja Kesari Yoga is when Jupiter is in a kendra (1, 4, 7, 10) from the Moon. This Yoga gives wealth, intelligence, and virtues.

Chandra Mangala Yoga
Chandra Mangala Yoga is when Mars is conjunct, or opposed the Moon. This gives great financial prosperity, and great business sense. In a man's chart it can bring gain through women.

Amala Yoga
Amala means "stainless". A benefic in the 10th house from the Moon or the ascendant is Amala Yoga. It means that the person is virtuous and pious actions in worldly affairs. The 10th placement of planets from each other is a powerful placement that confers success.

Kemadruma Yoga
This Yoga exits when the Moon has no connection to any planets excluding the Sun, Rahu and Ketu. This means it has none of the previous Yogas or any other aspects or associations. Here is a person who feels isolated, alienated, with no support. This is a person with a dark mind, lacking intelligence, feeling completely disconnected. It is extremely rare.

Sun's Yogas (Surya)
These yogas are similar to the Moon's Sunapha and Anapha yogas in that they involve planets being placed in houses either before (2nd) or after (12th) the Sun. These planets are considered morning stars (rising before the Sun, 12th) or evening stars (rising after the Sun, 2nd). This empowers these planets for greater success. The indications for these planets will strongly influence the person's character and personality. They influence the will and power of a person. Any other yogas these planets participate in is strengthened. They do not directly influence the dashas instead only the general power and personality throughout life. If the planets are in combustion (too close) with the Sun these Yogas will not be valid.

Vosi Yoga
A planet, not including Moon, Rahu or Ketu in the 12th house from the Sun creates Vosi Yoga. This planet becomes the morning star indicating the nature of this planet will give the initial impression an individual will make. Since this planet rises before the Sun the person initiates experiences according to what the planetary energy represents. For example Venus is in the 12th house from the Sun (morning star) the person will be more spontaneous and initiate relationships by giving off a charming beautiful appearance.

Vesi Yoga
A planet not including Moon, Rahu and Ketu in the second house from the Sun creates Vesi Yoga. Because this planet is an evening star the effects or traits of this planet are not as noticeable. They will more reserved and conservative concerning the matters the planet rules. In this case Venus 2nd from the Sun (evening star) this person would be more careful and deliberate in matters concerning love. Additionally planets 2nd from the Sun seem to be attributes we possess but need to learn how to use.

Ubhayachari Yoga
Planets excluding the Moon, Rahu and Ketu surrounding the Sun in the 2nd and 12th house from the Sun form Ubhayachari Yoga, or having both Vosi and Vesi Yogas. This yoga simply empowers these planets that surround the Sun. It is like the king is supported. This yoga gives prominence, power and wealth.
When the planets that surround the Sun are benefics it is far more beneficial whereas malefics give effects in a more stressful manner.

Budhaditya Yoga
When the Sun and Mercury are in the same sign is Budhaditya Yoga. This is a very common yoga since Mercury can never be more than on sign away from the Sun. The sign and house the yoga occurs in will be important and will indicate skills in these areas. If Mercury is combust the Sun it will be a bit harder to realize these skills or talents.
But if Mercury and the Sun are less than a half of degree of each other it will give a brilliant genius mind. This is actually an Arabian astronomical term called "Cazimi". Some may think any planet this close to the Sun to be terribly ruined by combustion, but I have found it will make the planet brilliant in effects and areas the planet rules. This applies to any planet not only Mercury.

Amara Yoga
Amara means "imperishable". This yoga is formed when all the malefics excluding Rahu and Ketu are in the kendras. This is the real estate yoga, giving wealth through ownership of land and real estate (fixed assets). Both Mars and Saturn are indicators of real estate, property and land. The benefics in the angles will denote wealth in moveable assets, like money or possessions.

Lakshmi Yoga
There are many yogas named after the Gods and Goddesses named for manifesting that which the they represent.
Lakshmi is the goddess of fortune bestowing opulent wealth and material riches. Therefore this yoga is known to confer wealth, riches and prosperity in life.
The requirements for Lakshmi yoga basically needs the 9th and 1st house ruler strong but when Venus is in it's own sign of rulership or exalted it really accentuates this yoga. Venus rules extreme wealth and fixed assets. There are different versions for this yoga, one with Venus and one without Venus included. I believe Venus is crucial to the extremes this yoga creates.
Lakshmi yoga is when the ruler of the 9th is exalted or in it's sign of rulership in a triconal or kendra house and the ruler of the 1st is house strong, but additionally if Venus is in it's own sign or exalted.

Saraswati Yoga
Saraswati is the goddess of learning. This yoga denotes intelligence, and talents with music, speaking and writing.
The requirements for this yoga are the three benefics (Mercury, Venus and Jupiter) in kendras, triconals or the 2nd house and all three are strong.

Vipareeta Raja Yoga
Viparita means 'inverted, contrary, reversed'. Vipareeta Raja Yoga is formed when the planet ruling a dusthana (6,8,12) house is placed in another dusthana house. This yoga tends to cause an unexpected rise in life due to an unfortunate event or problem.

Kala Sarpa Yoga
Kala means "time" and Sarpa means "serpent", alluding to a fated destiny. This yoga is formed when all the planets (excluding the outer planets) are on one side of Rahu and Ketu. Many astrologers contend that this yoga gives a fated life of misery. It will denote a life that seems fated by events, but this is not necessarily bad. Kala Sarpa Yoga will intensify all the other yogas in a chart, good or bad giving the life a sense of destiny.

Neecha Bhanga
A debilitated planet is in its most weakened state, these are merely ways the planet is strengthened therefore lessening the effects of the debilitated planet. A weak planet will cause problems pertaining to indications for that planet, also the dasha cycles of that planet can produce problems. Neecha means debilitated and bhanga means reversal. Here are the main ways in which debility can be modified, or cancelled. This may not be considered a yoga per say, but it is very important to consider in chart interpretation.
If the ruler of the sign occupied by the debilitated planet is in a kendra position from the Moon or the Lagna.
If the ruler of the sign where the debilitated planet is exalted is in a kendra position from the Moon or Lagna.
If the ruler of the sign occupied by the debilitated planet aspects the planet.
If the planet who would be exalted in the sign occupied by the debilitated planet is in a kendra from the Moon or the Lagna.
If the debilitated planet is exalted in the Navamsha.
The dispositor of the debilitated planet gives greater relief to the debilitated planet when the dispositor is well placed.

Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga
Raja yoga is only when the debilitated planet occupies a kendra, otherwise it's debility is merely removed.

The Concept of Ayanamsa

The Date of Coincidence of the Tropical and the Sidereal Zodiacs was found
to be 285 AD and the Ayanamsa ( precessional distance ) was called Lahiri's
Ayanamsa. Different scholars gave different dates but the Indian Govt in
order to standardise the Ayanamsa value took the initial point of the
Zodiac as the point in the Ecliptic opposite the star Chitra ( Alpha
Virginis ) which was the vernal equinoctial point on the Vernal Equinox day
of 285 AD. The rate of precession of the Vernal Equinox was taken as 50.3
seconds per sidereal year.

In Vedic Astrology, Ayanamsa value is deducted from the Tropical longitudes
of planets to get the Sidereal longitudes. Hence the longitudes of planets
in Western Astrology ( Tropical ) and Indian Astrology differ by 23.5
degrees this year. Natal charts cast in these 2 systems will be entirely
different!

The Tropicalists ( Western Astrologers) maintain that the Vernal Point is in
the 6th degree of Pisces now . The Siderealists ( Vedic Astrologers )
maintain that the Sidereal Starting Point remains to be 0 degrees Beta
Arietis ( Aswini ) and that the Sidereal Zodiac doesn't change.

The Limbs of the Tropical Zodiac

Sign Degrees

Aries 00 - 30
Taurus 30 - 60
Gemini 60 - 90
Cancer 90 - 120
Leo 120 -150
Virgo 150 -180
Libra 180 -210
Scorpio 210 -240
Sagittarius 240 -270
Capricorn 270- 300
Aquarius 300 -330
Pisces 330 -360

These 12 signs are the limbs of the Cosmic Man or Time Eternal
( Kalapurusha- The Almighty Self as Time )

Aries is His head, Taurus His face, Gemini His neck, Cancer His heart,
Leo the place beneath, Virgo His belly, Libra His generative organs, Scorpio
the place beneath, Sagittarius His upper thigh, Capricorn his lower thigh,
Aquarius His leg and Pisces His feet !

The Zodiac is tenanted by 27 constellations each of them spread over an arc
of 13 degrees 20 minutes. The Zodiac counted from the first degree of Beta
Arietis ( Aswini) to the 360th degree of Zeta Piscium ( Revathi) is known
as the Sidereal Zodiac.

Western Astrology is based on the Tropical Zodiac and the Vedic on the
Sidereal.

The Limbs of the Sidereal Zodiac

Name of Constellation Deg Min Deg Min

1. Beta Arietis ( Aswini ) 00 00 13 20
2. 41 Arietis ( Bharani ) 13 20 26 40
3. Eta Tauri ( Karthika ) 26 40 40 00
4. Alpha Tauri ( Rohini ) 40 00 53 20
5. Lamda Orionis ( Mrigasira ) 53 20 66 40
6. Alpha Orionis ( Aridra ) 66 40 80 00
7. Beta Geminorum ( Punarvasu ) 80 00 93 20
8. Delta Cancri ( Pushya ) 93 20 106 40
9. Alpha Cancri ( Aslesha ) 106 40 120 00
10. Alpha Leonis ( Magha ) 120 00 133 20
11. Delta Leonis ( Pubba ) 133 20 146 40
12. Beta Leonis ( Uttara ) 146 40 160 00
13. Delta Corvi ( Hasta ) 160 00 173 20
14. Alpha Virginis ( Chitra ) 173 20 186 40
15. Alpha Bootis ( Chothi ) 186 40 200 00
16. Beta Librae ( Vishakam) 200 00 213 20
17. Delta Scorpi ( Anuradha) 213 20 226 40
18. Alpha Scorpi ( Jyeshta ) 226 40 240 00
19. Lamda Scorpi ( Moola ) 240 00 253 20
20. Delta Sagittari ( Poorvashad ) 253 20 266 40
21. Delta Sagittari ( Uthrashad ) 266 40 280 00
22. Alpha Aquilae ( Sravana ) 280 00 293 20
23. Alpha Delphini ( Dhanishta ) 293 20 306 40
24. Lamda Aquari ( Satabhisha) 306 40 320 00
25. Alpha Pegasi ( Poorvabhadra) 320 00 333 20
26. Alpha Andromeda ( Uttrarabhadra) 333 20 346 40
27. Zeta Piscium ( Revathi ) 346 40 360 00

The Portfolios of Planets

In the celestial Government of the Almighty, the Sun is the King and Moon
is the Queen! Mars, the Defense Minister, Mercury, the Prince, Venus &
Jupiter the Ministers and Saturn is the messenger!

The Sun represents the Soul of the Cosmic Man
The Moon Mind
Mars Physical Strength
Mercury Speech
Jupiter Happiness Learning & Wisdom
Venus The Libido
Saturn Sorrow

The Deep Exaltation Points of Planets

In the 5th degree of Cancer, Jupiter is in a state of deep exaltation.

Moon 3rd degree of Taurus

Saturn 20th degree of Libra

Venus 27th degree of Pisces

Mercury 16th degree of Virgo

Sun 10th degree of Aries

Mars 28th degree of Capricorn

The Deep Debilitation Points of Planets

180 degrees from the deep exaltation point is the deep debilitation point and is therefore ( for planets )

Jupiter 5th degree of Capricorn

Moon 3rd degree of Scorpio

Saturn 20th degree of Aries

Venus 27th degree of Virgo

Mercury 16th degree of Pisces

Sun 10th degree of Libra

Mars 28th degree of Cancer

The Dispositor Theory

A planet transmits its power to the signs owned by it. For instance, Jupiter owns Sagittarius and Pisces. If Jupiter is exalted, then Sagittatariius and Pisces becomes powerful. Not only the signs owned by the planet, but the Planets posited in these signs also become powerful. Dispositor is the planet who is the lord of the sign. For instance, if Mars is in Cancer, Cancer is owned by the Moon and hence Moon becomes the dispositor of Mars.

Exaltation Dispositor

The planet who gets exalted in a sign is called the Exaltation dispositor.

For instance, Jupiter get exalted in Cancer. Hence the exaltation dispositor of Cancer is Jupiter and its dispositor, Moon!

Cancellation of Debilitation ( Neechabhanga )

We know that planets gets exalted in certain signs and debilitated in certain signs.The debilitation sign is 180 degrees from the exaltation sign.

Debilitation is cancelled due to 2 factors

1. When the dispositor is in a quadrant ( 1,4,7 & 10 houses ) either from the Ascendant or the Lunar Ascendant

2. When the exaltation dispositor is in a quadrant either from the Ascendant or the Lunar Ascendant

This Cancellation of Debilitation is considered to be a powerful Regal Yoga or Conjunction ( Raja Yoga ).

Planets in Quadrants

1,4,7.10 houses are called quadrants. 1,5,9 houses are called Trines.

Benefic planets like Jupiter, Venus & Mercury are considered to bepowerful when they are posited in quadrants. It is said that that these3 natural benefics in quadrants can destroy crores of afflictions!

If natural malefics own quadrants, they become benefics. Mars& Saturn aregood as owners of quadrants. On the other hand, if natural benefics like

Venus and Jupiter own quadrants, they are vitiated by Quadrangular ownership. They become functional malefics.

The trinal lords ( lords of 1,5 & 9 ) are considered powerful.