Yogas (Planetary Combinations)
In Vedic astrology, Yogas (योग) are specific planetary combinations that produce particular results in a native's life. These combinations are very important for chart interpretation and are described in classical texts like "Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram."
Yogas can significantly modify the basic indications of a birth chart, either enhancing positive qualities or introducing challenges. While some software programs can identify yogas in a chart, it's essential for an astrologer to understand the principles behind these combinations and be able to judge them independently.
Many yogas are applicable in divisional charts as well. When analyzing yogas in divisional charts, the results should be interpreted based on the matters signified by that particular divisional chart.
Solar & Lunar Yogas
Combinations based on the positions of Sun (Ravi Yogas) and Moon (Chandra Yogas) in relation to other planets. These include Vesi, Vosi, Ubhayachara, Budha-Aaditya, Sunaphaa, Anaphaa, and Duradhara Yogas.
Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas
Five combinations that produce five kinds of great persons, each with one of the five elements (fire, earth, air, water, ether) playing a predominant role in their personalities. These include Ruchaka, Bhadra, Sasa, Maalavya, and Hamsa Yogas.
Naabhasa Yogas
Classified celestial combinations based on the arrangement of planets in a chart. These include Aasraya Yogas (Rajju, Musala, Nala), Dala Yogas (Maalaa, Sarpa), Aakriti Yogas (shape-based), and Sankhya Yogas (number-based).
Raja Yogas
Combinations that give power and prosperity to a native. These include combinations of quadrant and trine lords, Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga, Vipareeta Raja Yoga, and many other specific combinations that indicate leadership and success.
The 27 Nakshetra Yogas (Tara Yogas)
| Index | Yoga Name | Meaning | Ruling Planet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vishkambha | Door bolt/supporting pillar | ♄ SATURN |
| 2 | Preeti | Love/affection | ☿ MERCURY |
| 3 | Aayushmaan | Long-lived | ☋ KETU |
| 4 | Saubhaagya | Long life of spouse (good fortune) | ♀ VENUS |
| 5 | Sobhana | Splendid, bright | ☉ SUN |
| 6 | Atiganda | Great danger | ☽ MOON |
| 7 | Sukarman | One with good deeds | ♂ MARS |
| 8 | Dhriti | Firmness | ☊ RAHU |
| 9 | Shoola | Shiva's weapon of destruction (pain) | ♃ JUPITER |
| 10 | Ganda | Danger | ♄ SATURN |
| 11 | Vriddhi | Growth | ☿ MERCURY |
| 12 | Dhruva | Fixed, constant | ☋ KETU |
| 13 | Vyaaghaata | Great blow | ♀ VENUS |
| 14 | Harshana | Cheerful | ☉ SUN |
| 15 | Vajra | Diamond (strong) | ☽ MOON |
| 16 | Siddhi | Accomplishment | ♂ MARS |
| 17 | Vyatipaata | Great fall | ☊ RAHU |
| 18 | Variyan | Chief/best | ♃ JUPITER |
| 19 | Parigha | Obstacle/hindrance | ♄ SATURN |
| 20 | Shiva | Lord Shiva (purity) | ☿ MERCURY |
| 21 | Siddha | Accomplished/ready | ☋ KETU |
| 22 | Saadhya | Possible | ♀ VENUS |
| 23 | Subha | Auspicious | ☉ SUN |
| 24 | Sukla | White, bright | ☽ MOON |
| 25 | Brahma | Creator (good knowledge and purity) | ♂ MARS |
| 26 | Indra | Ruler of gods | ☊ RAHU |
| 27 | Vaidhriti | A class of gods | ♃ JUPITER |
Calculation of Sun-Moon Yogas
To calculate the Sun-Moon yoga in a birth chart, follow these steps:
- Add the longitudes of Sun and Moon. If the sum exceeds 360°, subtract 360° from it.
- Divide this sum by 13°20' (800 arc minutes, the length of one nakshatra).
- Ignore the remainder and take the integer part of the quotient.
- Add 1 to this integer to get the index of the yoga (1-27).
Example: If Sun is at 23°50' in Capricorn and Moon is at 17°20' in Libra, then:
- Sun's longitude: 23°50' + 9 × 30° = 293°50'
- Moon's longitude: 17°20' + 6 × 30° = 197°20'
- Sum: 293°50' + 197°20' = 491°10'
- Subtracting 360°: 491°10' - 360° = 131°10'
- Converting to arc minutes: 131° × 60 + 10 = 7,870'
- Dividing by 800': 7,870 ÷ 800 = 9.8375
- Integer part: 9
- Adding 1: 9 + 1 = 10
- Result: The 10th yoga, which is Ganda Yoga, is active.
Other Important Yoga Categories
Raja Sambandha Yogas
Combinations that give association with rulers or powerful people. These yogas typically indicate ministers, secretaries, counselors, and bureaucrats who work closely with those in power.
Dhana Yogas
Combinations that give wealth and prosperity. These include specific combinations for each ascendant that indicate financial abundance and material success.
Daridra Yogas
Combinations that can lead to poverty or financial challenges. These include afflictions to wealth-giving houses and their lords, particularly by malefic planets.
Deity-Based Yogas
Combinations named after Hindu deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, which give specific qualities associated with these deities, such as prosperity, knowledge, or spiritual inclination.
When interpreting yogas, it's important to consider the strength of the planets involved. A yoga's effectiveness depends on factors such as:
- Whether the planets are free from afflictions by functional malefics
- The closeness of the conjunction or aspect (within 6° is ideal)
- Whether the planets are combust, debilitated, or in inimical houses
- The dignity of the planets in various divisional charts
In modern times, the results of yogas should be interpreted in the context of contemporary society. For example, a yoga that traditionally indicates "becoming a king" might manifest as becoming a political leader, CEO, or other person of significant influence and authority.