Bhinna Ashtakavarga (BAV)

Bhinna Ashtakavarga (BAV) is the individual Ashtakavarga of each planet. "Bhinna" means "separate," indicating that we prepare a separate Ashtakavarga for each of the seven planets.

When preparing the BAV of a planet, we count the number of references from which the planet is benefic in each rasi (sign) and put that count in that rasi. For each planet, we prepare a different BAV.

How to Calculate Bhinna Ashtakavarga

To calculate the BAV of a planet, we need to determine from which of the 8 reference points (7 planets + lagna) the planet is benefic in each of the 12 signs. This is done using standard tables that show the benefic and malefic houses for each planet with respect to all 8 references.

For example, to find Mercury's BAV, we would:

Find the houses in which Mercury is benefic from Sun, Moon, Mars, etc.
Convert these houses to actual signs based on the positions of Sun, Moon, Mars, etc. in the chart
Count how many references make Mercury benefic in each sign
Record these counts in each of the 12 signs

Benefic and Malefic Points

In Ashtakavarga, a benefic position is called a "sthana" or a "rekha" (line) and is denoted by 1. A malefic position is called a "karana" or a "bindu" (dot) and is denoted by 0.

Note: Some astrologers (especially south Indian astrologers) use a different notation. They use "bindu" to describe a benefic house (1) and "rekha" to describe a malefic house (0). In this glossary, we follow Parasara's convention.

Interpretation of Bhinna Ashtakavarga

The count in each rasi is between 0 to 8. It is called the number of rekhas (benefic points) in that rasi.

5-8 rekhas: The planet is benefic in that rasi with respect to more references, making it favorable.
4 rekhas: The planet is neutral in that rasi.
0-3 rekhas: The planet is malefic in that rasi with respect to more references, making it unfavorable.

This analysis can be used in both natal charts and transit charts. For example, if Mercury has 7 rekhas in Gemini in a person's BAV, then Mercury is very favorable in that sign for the person, whether in the natal chart or during transits.

Example

Let's say we calculate Mercury's BAV for a chart and find the following distribution of rekhas:

Aries	Taurus	Gemini	Cancer	Leo	Virgo	Libra	Scorpio	Sagittarius	Capricorn	Aquarius	Pisces
7	4	7	4	4	3	4	4	4	3	6	4

In this example, Aries, Gemini, and Aquarius are particularly favorable for Mercury, while Virgo and Capricorn are unfavorable. If Mercury is in Gemini in the natal chart, it would be considered very favorable.

Bhinna Ashtakavarga is particularly useful for transit predictions. When a planet transits through a sign with many rekhas in its own BAV, it tends to give favorable results.