Ashtakavarga in Divisional Charts
There is a common misconception that Ashtakavarga is applicable only to rasi charts (D-1). However, Sage Parasara does not limit its application to rasi charts alone. In fact, Ashtakavarga can and should be applied to all divisional charts for a more comprehensive analysis.
Since different divisional charts reveal different aspects of life, applying Ashtakavarga to these charts provides deeper insights into specific areas of life.
Rationale for Using Ashtakavarga in Divisional Charts
Parasara lists the divisional charts in which different areas of life are seen at the very beginning of Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra (BPHS). This suggests that all the analysis techniques described later, including Ashtakavarga, apply to all divisional charts unless explicitly stated otherwise.
For example, Parasara says that D-12 (Dwadashamsha) shows matters related to father. Therefore, any principles based on Ashtakavarga that let us predict matters related to father should logically use D-12.
If we can judge the benefic positions of various planets with respect to 8 references in the rasi chart, there is no reason why we should not do it in all the divisional charts.
How to Apply Ashtakavarga to Divisional Charts
Ashtakavarga of divisional charts is prepared in the same manner as that of the rasi chart:
- Calculate the positions of planets and lagna in the divisional chart
- Use the same tables of benefic and malefic houses for each planet with respect to the 8 references
- Calculate Bhinna Ashtakavarga (BAV) for each planet in the divisional chart
- Calculate Samudaya Ashtakavarga (SAV) by adding all seven planets' BAVs
- If needed, calculate Sodhya Pindas using the same reduction methods
Example: Ashtakavarga in D-10 (Dashamsha)
Let's consider an example of SAV calculated for both the rasi chart (D-1) and D-10 (career chart) of a notable person:
| Chart | Ar | Ta | Ge | Cn | Le | Vi | Li | Sc | Sg | Cp | Aq | Pi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAV of D-1 | 29 | 22 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 38 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 34 | 28 | 24 |
| SAV of D-10 | 23 | 26 | 33 | 20 | 28 | 33 | 26 | 35 | 28 | 31 | 24 | 30 |
In the rasi chart, the 11th house (Virgo) has the maximum number of rekhas (38), showing excellent gains. The 3rd house (Capricorn) has 34 rekhas, indicating strong communication abilities.
In D-10, Scorpio has the maximum rekhas (35). If this is the lagna in D-10, it indicates a very successful career. Gemini, Virgo, and Capricorn also have more than 30 rekhas, showing strength in areas related to these signs in the career chart.
Benefits of Using Ashtakavarga in Divisional Charts
More Specific Analysis
Using Ashtakavarga in divisional charts allows for more specific analysis of different areas of life:
- D-9 (Navamsha) for marriage and spiritual life
- D-10 (Dashamsha) for career and professional success
- D-7 (Saptamsha) for children and progeny
- D-12 (Dwadashamsha) for parents, especially father
- D-4 (Chaturthamsha) for property and fixed assets
Enhanced Transit Predictions
Applying Ashtakavarga to divisional charts enhances transit predictions by allowing:
- Analysis of transits in rasi chart with respect to natal positions in divisional charts
- Analysis of transits in divisional charts with respect to natal positions in rasi chart
- More precise timing of events related to specific areas of life
- Better understanding of why certain transits affect specific areas of life more than others
Practical Applications
Here are some practical applications of using Ashtakavarga in divisional charts:
- Career Analysis: Calculate SAV of D-10 to identify the strongest signs in the career chart. Planets transiting through signs with 30+ rekhas in D-10's SAV will bring favorable career developments.
- Marriage Timing: Calculate Venus's BAV in D-9 to identify when Venus transits will be most favorable for marriage.
- Property Acquisition: Calculate Mars's and Saturn's BAVs in D-4 to identify favorable times for property transactions.
- Children: Calculate Jupiter's BAV in D-7 to identify favorable times for conception or childbirth.
- Education: Calculate Mercury's and Jupiter's BAVs in D-24 (Chaturvimshamsha) to identify favorable periods for education and learning.
Case Study: Career Success
Consider a case where a person's D-10 chart has Virgo as lagna, and the SAV of D-10 shows 39 rekhas in Virgo and 31 rekhas in Gemini (the 10th house from lagna in D-10).
This indicates a very powerful D-10 with both lagna and the 10th house containing more than 30 rekhas. Such a person is likely to have a very successful career, possibly becoming a leader or authority figure in their field.
If Jupiter transits through Virgo or Gemini, it would activate these powerful areas of the D-10 chart, potentially bringing significant career advancement, recognition, or new opportunities.