Ashtakvarga, though by itself, an independent system is an offshoot of Parashari system.
It is mentioned in the classical Phaladeepika (by Madhava, a renowned astrologer)
It is the basic principle of astrology that only strong planets in strong rasis give excellent results. Weak planets and weak rasis spoil the significations of planets and houses and cause misery and trouble in life.
- Ashtakavarga (Eight Divisions): The term “Ashta” means “eight” and “Varga” means “division”. In this system, each planet is analyzed over eight divisions, each corresponding to a specific house in the natal chart. The Ashtakavarga system provides a method to assign points (Bindus) to the planets based on their influence on the 12 houses of the birth chart.
- Bindus and Points: Each planet (including the Ascendant) is assigned Bindus (points), which indicate the strength or favorable influence of that planet in a given house. The points range from 0 to 7 for each house, depending on the relationship between the planet and the house. A higher number of points suggests a more positive influence from that planet on that house, while lower points indicate challenges or less favorable results.
- Calculation of Bindus: The Bindus for each house are calculated based on the planet’s position in the birth chart and its relationship with the 12 houses. A planet’s influence is assessed based on whether it transits, conjuncts, or aspects a particular house. The placement of planets in certain houses will provide higher points or favorable results.
- Analysis of Ashtakavarga Points: The number of points each house receives tells the astrologer how favorable or unfavorable the effects will be in that area of life. High points (5–7 points) generally suggest good results or favorable influence in that house (e.g., good career, strong health, stable relationships). Medium points (3–4 points) indicate moderate or neutral results, meaning the house will yield mixed experiences. Low points (0–2 points) suggest challenges, delays, or struggles related to that house (e.g., difficulties in marriage, health issues, financial instability).
- Application of Ashtakavarga for Predictions: Dasha Periods: Ashtakavarga is used to assess the strength of the planets during their Dasha (planetary period). For example, if a planet is placed in a house with high Bindus, it will give favorable results during its Dasha period. Conversely, a planet in a house with low Bindus will likely cause delays or challenges during its period. Transits: Ashtakavarga is also useful when predicting the effects of planetary transits. A transit of a benefic planet (like Jupiter) over a house with high Bindus could bring good results, while malefic transits over weak houses can lead to setbacks.
- Sarvashtakavarga (Total Ashtakavarga): Sarvashtakavarga is the aggregate of the Ashtakavarga points for all the planets, including the Ascendant. This total score gives an overall idea of the strength of the entire chart. A higher Sarvashtakavarga score indicates overall strength and positivity in the person’s life, while a low score may suggest difficulties or karmic challenges.
Key Elements of Ashtakavarga
1. Bhinna Ashtakavarga – Individual planetary strength.
2. Prastara Ashtakavarga – Collective planetary strength for each sign.
3. Sarvashtakavarga – Total strength of all planets in a house.
4. Rekha (Benefic Points) & Bindu (Malefic Points) – Used for transit analysis.
5. Kaksha Analysis – Determines transit effects.
Steps for Analysis
1) Prepare the Birth Chart
a. Get the exact birth details (date, time, and place).
b. Prepare the natal chart (Lagna Kundali).
2) Find the Planetary Positions
a. Locate the positions of the 7 planets:
i. Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn
ii. (Rahu and Ketu are not used in Ashtakavarga).
b. Identify the ascendant (Lagna) and house positions.
3) Prepare Individual Ashtakavarga Tables
a. Each of the seven planets has its own Ashtakavarga chart (Bhinna Ashtakavarga).
b. Assign points (Bindus) in different houses (0 or 1 point per house).
4) Calculate the Sarvashtakavarga
a. Add up the points of all planets in each house.
b. A high total means strong planetary influences, while a low total indicates weak influences.