The following topics are available in the basics category of astrology
Basics of Vedic Astrology
Recommended books on Vedic Astrology
Astrology Software
Features of Jagannatha Hora Lite – Free astrology software
Learning Basics of vedic Astrology
Rasis-Intro
Nakshatras-Intro
Planets-Intro
- Name of 9 Planets in Vedic Astrology
- Characteristics of 9 Planets in Vedic Astrology
- Planetary Dignities in Vedic Astrology (Exaltation, Debilitation etc.)
- Planetary Relationships in Vedic Astrology
Houses-Intro
- What are Houses in Vedic Astrology
- Significations of 12 Houses in Astrology
- Special Categories of Houses in Astrology
Divisional Charts
- What are Divisional Charts in Vedic Astrology
- List of Divisional Charts and their Significations
- Insights on Divisional Charts
- Varga Grouping and Amsabala
Karakas
The word karaka (pronounced as “kaaraka”) means “one who causes”. Karaka of a matter is the significator of the matter. He is the one who causes events related to that matter.
It literally means that which does or a factor or a suffix denoting the factor responsible for a result. One who does the work of others on their behalf as a duty assigned to him or gives similar results as expected from other planet, is called Karaka for that planet. Karakatwa is the duty assigned to him (Karaka). ln the astrological terms a planet doing the work of a house is called Karaka of that house(Bhava).
There are 3 kinds of karakas:
One should not use the three types of karakas in a mixed-up way. Karakas of each type have a specific purpose. One should understand the distinction between chara, sthira and naisargika karakas clearly and use them accordingly.
- Naisargika Karakas (natural significators, 9 in number)
- Chara karakas (variable significators, 8 in number), and,
- Sthira karakas (fixed significators, 7 in number)
Aspects
Strength of Planets and Rasis
We have learnt that the Planets are moving in the Zodiac and transiting over the constellations (zodiac is markedby 27 constellations or Nakshatras). The planets on account of their incessant movements get into certain states of existence known as avasthas.
There are different ways of measuring the strengths of planets and rasis for different purposes. We will learn some of them in this section.
There here are six sources of strength – strength due to placement, strength due to time, strength due to directions, strength due to aspects, strength due to motion and strength due to inherent nature. Shadbala is a measure of the strength of a planet based on these six sources of strength.
When two or planets influence the same house or when they participate in a yoga, then the planet with the highest shadbala is the most likely give the results. The planet with the strongest shadbala is like a group leader who acts on the group’s behalf.
Strength Related to Attitude and Mood
Benefic and Malefic Planets for Predictive Purpose