Odd and Even
Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius are called odd rasis or Virgoshama rasis or oja rasis.
Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces are called even rasis or sama rasis or yugma rasis.
Male and Female
Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius are called as male rasis.
Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces are called as female rasis.
Five Cosmic Elements
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are called agni rasis or fiery rasis.
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are called bhoo rasis or earthy rasis.
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are called vaayu rasis or airy rasis.
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are called jala rasis or watery rasis.
The 5th element of aakaasa or ether is present in every rasi.
Odd-footed and Even-footed
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius are called odd-footed rasis. These are also known as vishamapada rasis or ojapada rasis.
Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces are called even-footed rasis. These are also known as samapada rasis or yugmapada rasis.
Movable, Fixed and Dual
Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are known as Movable rasis. Also known as Chara rasis, they are ruled by Brahma, the Creator.
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are known as Fixed rasis. Also known as Sthir rasis, they are ruled by Shiva, the Destroyer.
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces are known as Dual rasis. Also known as Dwisvabhav rasis, they are ruled by Vishnu, the Sustainer.
Pitta, Vaata and Kapha
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are of Pitta nature.
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are of vaata nature.
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are of kapha nature.
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are of a mixed nature.
Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas
(1) Saatwik signs: Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Pisces.
(2) Raajasik signs: Aries, Taurus, Libra, Scorpio.
(3) Tamasik signs: Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius.
Directions
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius show east.
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn show south.
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius show west.
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces show north.
Colors
Aries shows blood-red color
Taurus shows white color
Gemini shows grass green color
Cancer shows pale red color
Leo shows white color
Virgo is variegated color
Libra shows black color
Scorpio shows reddish brown color
Sagittarius shows the color of the husk of grass
Capricorn is variegated
Aquarius shows brown color
Pisces shows cream color
Day and Night
Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Aquarius and Pisces are daytime rasis. They are strong during the daytime.
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius and Capricorn are night time rasis. They are strong during the night time.
Rising of rasis
Some rasis rise with their head. They are called Sheershodaya rasis.
Some rasis rise with their feet. They are called Prishthodaya rasis.
(1) Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Aquarius Are Sheershodaya rasis.
(2) Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius, Capricorn Are Prishthodaya rasis.
(3) Pisces rises with both its head and feet.
Varna or Class
(1) Brahmanas (Scholars) are represented by watery signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.
(2) Kshatriyas (warriors) are represented by fiery signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
(3) Vaisyas (traders) are represented by earthy signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.
(4) Sudras (workers) are represented by airy signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.
Concept of Divisional Charts in Vedic Astrology
Vedic Astrology derives superlative precision in predictive techniques due to concept of divisional charts. The term ‘division’ refers to the division of a rashi (sign) into parts. Each such fractional part of a sign is known as an amsa, and bears a special arena of significance and influence associated with it.
Traditionally, there are sixteen vargas, or divisional charts used in Vedic Astrology.
D-1: It is also known as Rashi Chart or Kshetra Chakra.
D-2: It is known as Hora Chart, and in this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 2 equal parts of 15° each.
D-3: It is known as Drekkana.
Each rashi is divided into 3 equal parts of 10° each.
Bodies in the first 10° of a rashi are placed in drekkana chart in the same rashi.
Bodies in the middle 10° of a rashi are placed in drekkana chart in the 5th from the rashi.
Bodies in the last 10° of a rashi are placed in drekkana chart in the 9th from the rashi.
Bodies in the middle 10° of a rashi are placed in drekkana chart in the 5th from the rashi.
Bodies in the last 10° of a rashi are placed in drekkana chart in the 9th from the rashi.
D-4: It is known as Chaturthamsa or Turyamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 4 equal parts of 7.5° each.
Bodies in the first, second, third and fourth 7.5° arc of a rasi are in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th from that rashi, respectively.
D-5: It is known as Panchamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 5 equal parts of 6° each.
Bodies in the 5 parts of an odd rashi go into Aries, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Gemini and Libra respectively.
Bodies in the 5 parts of an even rashi go into Taurus, Virgo, Pisces, Capricorn and Scorpio respectively.
Bodies in the 5 parts of an even rashi go into Taurus, Virgo, Pisces, Capricorn and Scorpio respectively.
D-6: It is known as Shashtamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 6 equal parts of 5° each.
If the rashi is odd, bodies in the 6 parts of a rashi go into the 6 rashis starting from Aries
If the rashi is even, bodies in the 6 parts of a rashi go into the 6 rashis starting from Libra
If the rashi is even, bodies in the 6 parts of a rashi go into the 6 rashis starting from Libra
D-7: It is known as Saptamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 7 equal parts of 4° 17′ 8.57”.
Bodies in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th parts of a rashi go into the 7 rasis starting from the rashi itself (if its an odd sign).
Or starting from the 7th sign from it, if it is an even rashi.
Or starting from the 7th sign from it, if it is an even rashi.
D-8: It is known as Ashtamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 8 equal parts of 3° 45′ each.
Bodies in the eight parts of a rashi go into the 8 rashis starting from Aries if the rashi is movable.
Bodies in the eight parts of a rashi go into the 8 rashis starting from Sagittarius if the rashi is fixed.
Bodies in the eight parts of a rashi go into the 8 rashis starting from Leo, if the rashi is dual.
D-9: It is known as Navamsa or Dharmamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 9 equal parts of 3° 20′ each.
Bodies in the 9 parts of a rashi go into the 9 rashis starting from Aries, Capricorn, Libra or Cancer, based on whether the rashi is a fiery, earthy, airy or watery sign.
Fiery signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Earthy Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Airy signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Watery signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Earthy Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Airy signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Watery signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
D-10: It is known as Dasamsa or Swargamsa or Karmamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 10 equal parts of 3° each.
Bodies in the 10 parts of a rashi go into the 10 rashis starting from the rashi itself or the 9th from it, based on whether the rashi is odd or even.
D-11: It is known as Rudramsa or Ekadasamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 11 equal parts of 2° 43′ 38” each.
We have to count rashis from Aries to the rashi being divided, in the zodiacal order.
After this we have to count the same number of rashis antizodiacally 11 from Aries.
Bodies in the 11 parts of the rashi go into the 11 rashis starting from the rashi found by this method.
After this we have to count the same number of rashis antizodiacally 11 from Aries.
Bodies in the 11 parts of the rashi go into the 11 rashis starting from the rashi found by this method.
D-12: It is known as Dwadasamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 12 equal parts of 2° 30′ each.
Bodies in the 12 parts of a rashi go into the 12 rashis starting from the rashi itself.
D-16: It is known as Shodasamsa or Kalamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 16 equal parts of 1° 52′ 30” each.
Bodies in the 16 parts of a rashi go into the 16 rashis starting from Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, based on whether the rashi is movable, fixed or dual.
D-20: It is known as Vimsamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 20 equal parts of 1° 30′ each.
Bodies in the 20 parts of a rashi go into the 20 rashis starting from Aries, Sagittarius and Leo, based on whether the rashi is movable, fixed or dual.
D-24: It is known as Chaturvimsamsa or Siddhamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 24 equal parts of 1° 15′ each. Bodies in the 24 parts of a rashi go into the 24 rashis starting from Leo or Cancer, based on whether the rashi is odd or even.
D-27: It is known as Saptavimsamsa or Bhamsa or Nakshatramsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 27 equal parts of 1° 6′ 40” each.
Bodies in the 27 parts of a rashi go into the 12 rashis starting from Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn based on whether the rashi is a fiery, earthy, airy or watery rashi.
D-30: It is known as Trimsamsa.
Odd Rashis:
Bodies in 0°-5° are placed in Aries
Bodies in 5°-10° are placed in Aquarius
Bodies in 10°-18° are placed in Saggitarius
Bodies in 18°-25° are placed in Gemini
Bodies in 25°-30° are placed in Libra
Bodies in 5°-10° are placed in Aquarius
Bodies in 10°-18° are placed in Saggitarius
Bodies in 18°-25° are placed in Gemini
Bodies in 25°-30° are placed in Libra
Even Rashis:
Bodies in 0°-5° are placed in Taurus
Bodies in 5°-12° are placed in Virgo
Bodies in 12°-20° are placed in Pisces
Bodies in 20°-25° are placed in Capricorn
Bodies in 25°-30° are placed in Scorpio
Bodies in 5°-12° are placed in Virgo
Bodies in 12°-20° are placed in Pisces
Bodies in 20°-25° are placed in Capricorn
Bodies in 25°-30° are placed in Scorpio
D-40: It is known as Khavedamsa or Chatvarimsamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 40 equal parts of 45′ each. Bodies in the 40 parts of a rashi go into the 40 rashis starting from Aries or Libra, based on whether the rashi is odd or even.
D-45: It is known as Akshavedamsa or Pancha-chatvarimsamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 45 equal parts of 40′ each. Bodies in the 45 parts of a rashi go into the 45 rashis starting from Aries, Leo or Sagittarius, based on whether the rashi is a movable, fixed or dual rashi.
D-60: It is known as Shashtyamsa.
In this divisional chart, each rashi is divided into 60 equal parts of 30′ each. Bodies in the 60 parts of a rashi go into the 60 rashis starting the rashi itself.
In the next post, I would discuss about significations of each of the divisional chart.
Nakshatras and their Ruling Deities
In classical Hindu mythology, the creation of the nakshatras (lunar constellations) is attributed to Daksha. They are personified as daughters of the deity and as mythological wives of Chandra, the Moon God.
Each of the nakshatras is governed as ‘lord’ by one of the nine graha (planet) and has one deity, as mentioned in the table below.
| Nakshatra | Starting Point | Ending Point | Lord of Nakshatra | Ruling Deity |
| Ashwini | 00 Ar 00 | 13 Ar 20 | Ketu | Aswnini Kumara |
| Bharani | 13 Ar 20 | 26 Ar 40 | Venus | Yama |
| Krittika | 26 Ar 40 | 10 Ta 00 | Sun | Agni |
| Rohini | 10 Ta 00 | 23 Ta 20 | Moon | Brahma |
| Mrigasira | 23 Ta 20 | 6 Ge 40 | Mars | Moon |
| Aardra | 6 Ge 40 | 20 Ge 00 | Rahu | Shiva |
| Punarvasu | 20 Ge 00 | 3 Cn 20 | Jupiter | Aditi |
| Pushya | 3 Cn 20 | 16 Cn 40 | Saturn | Jupiter |
| Ashlesha | 16 Cn 40 | 30 Cn 00 | Mercury | Rahu |
| Magha | 00 Le 00 | 13 Le 20 | Ketu | Sun |
| Poorva Phalguni | 13 Le 20 | 26 Le 40 | Venus | Aaryaman |
| Uttara Phalguni | 26 Le 40 | 10 Vi 00 | Sun | Sun |
| Hasta | 10 Vi 00 | 23 Vi 20 | Moon | Vishwakarma |
| Chitra | 23 Vi 20 | 6 Li 40 | Mars | Vayu |
| Swati | 6 Li 40 | 20 Li 00 | Rahu | Indra |
| Vishakha | 20 Li 00 | 3 Sc 20 | Jupiter | Mitra |
| Anuradha | 3 Sc 20 | 16 Sc 40 | Saturn | Indra |
| Jyeshtha | 16 Sc 40 | 30 Sc 00 | Mercury | Nirriti |
| Moola | 00 Sg 00 | 13 Sg 20 | Ketu | Varuna |
| Poorva Ashadha | 13 Sg 20 | 26 Sg 40 | Venus | Vishwa Deva |
| Uttara Ashadha | 26 Sg 40 | 10 Cp 00 | Sun | Brahma |
| Sravanam | 10 Cp 00 | 23 Cp 20 | Moon | Vishnu |
| Dhanishtha | 23 Cp 20 | 6 Aq 40 | Mars | Vaasu |
| Shatabhisha | 6 Aq 40 | 20 Aq 00 | Rahu | Varuna |
| Poorva Bhadra | 20 Aq 00 | 3 Pi 20 | Jupiter | Ajacharana |
| Uttara Bhadra | 3 Pi 20 | 16 Pi 40 | Saturn | Ahirbudhanya |
| Revati | 16 Pi 40 | 30 Pi 00 | Mercury | Pooshan |
Nakshatras bear the pivotal importance in astrology. Each Nakshatra has a symbol and a Mantra, which will be shared in coming posts. Exchange of Nakshatra lords in birth charts (and divisional charts) has significant meaning and deep understanding is needed to predict the outcomes in such cases.
Jaimini Karakas
Jaimini Astrology names 7 planets as 7 karakas (significators) in each person’s natal chart. These are listed below;
Atmakaraka – the planet that decides the own self (physical body, soul and mind)
Amatyakaraka – the planet that decides the Career and close accomplices
Bhratrukaraka – the planet that rules the Siblings, Father, Guru
Matrukaraka – the planet that rules the house of Mother
Putrakaraka – the planet that governs the Children
Gnatikaraka – the planet that governs the relations as Cousins, obstructions, struggles
Darakaraka – the planet that governs the spouse/s
