In Vedic astrology, we use a unique method called Ashtakavarga to determine the strength of each house in your horoscope. According to astrological principles, a strong Bhava or house always gives good results related to its significance. In the general astrological system, we assess the strength of a house based on the placement of the planets in it and its lord's placement.
This helps us determine whether we will get good or bad results from a house. However, we sometimes fail to correctly determine the Bhava strength due to planetary aspects and other associations malefic planets may make with the Bhava. There is no single criterion to check the strength, and we must see from many angles. But with Ashtakvarga, a point-based system, we can determine how strong or weak a Bhava is. There is no confusion; many astrologers make stunning predictions using the Ashtakvarga system. One can calculate the points manually or can use an astrology software to make an Ashtakvarga chart.
How does Ashtakvarga work?
There are twelve houses in the horoscope. Each house is given points based on the association of the seven planets. Rahu and Ketu are not considered when calculating the points in different houses. "Ashtakvarga" is a Sanskrit term that consists of two words - "Ashta" meaning eight, and "Varga" meaning divisions. It is a system used in Vedic astrology to calculate the strength of a horoscope based on the Lagna (ascendant) and seven planets other than Rahu and Ketu. The eight planets considered for Ashtakvarga calculation are the Lagna, Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Therefore, each house receives some points based on the placement, aspect, and conjunctions of the seven planets. The minimum number of points required for a house to give good results in the Ashtakvarga system is 28. There is no limit prescribed for the maximum number. The minimum point means if a house has less than 28 points, we should expect weak results related to that house. We can use a Vedic astrology software to see which house in our birth chart gets the maximum number of points.
Here are certain important considerations related to Ashtakvarga points:
- The minimum points required for Kendra and Trikona Bhava are 28 points.
- Points in Trik Bhava, i.e. 6th, 8th and 12th, should be less than 28 points.
- Points of Lagna should be less than the points of the 10th house.
- Points in the 10th house should be greater than the 11th house.
Trik Bhavas are the bad houses and these should be weak to have less challenges and troubles in life.
Types of Ashtakvarga
There are two types of Ashtakavarga.
- Sarvashtak Varga
- Bhinnashtak Varga
Sarvashtak Varga: The Sarvashtak Varga represents the total score of a house given by all seven planets through their association with the house. The maximum limit here is 337 points. The more points a house gets, the better its results will be. Through Sarvashtak Varga, we can determine what results we will get in different areas of life. According to astrology, the tenth house is associated with a person's career. If this house has points close to 337, it indicates an excellent career for the person.
Similarly, a good score in the seventh house signifies a happy married life for the individual. However, a sixth house with numerous points suggests a good job, but the person may also face lawsuits and diseases. Despite these challenges, the individual can overcome them with effort and willpower.
Bhinnashtak Varga: The Bhinnashtak Varga records the points of each planet and the Lagna. For example, if the Sun gives good points in the first house of a person's birth chart, then when the Sun transits the person's first house, he will get good results from the Sun. Similarly, we can judge the good and bad results for all planets. The Bhinnashtak Varga points of each planet are as follows:
- Sun: 48 points
- Moon: 49 points
- Mars: 39 points
- Mercury: 54 points
- Jupiter: 56 points
- Venus: 52 points
- Saturn: 39 points
Depending upon the number of points a planet gives in each house through its association with that house, we can assess the good and bad results of the planet in that house. For example, if Jupiter gives 7 points in the eleventh house of the native, the person will get high benefits from Jupiter's transit when it passes through the eleventh house of the native. In the same manner, we can assess the auspiciousness and inauspiciousness of all planets.
The total of all points given by all planets in different houses is added, and the total is the Sarvashtak score of the house; for example, in a birth chart, different planets give the following points in the eleventh house:
- Sun: 5 points
- Moon: 5 points
- Mars: 5 points
- Mercury: 6 points
- Jupiter: 6 points
- Venus: 4 points
- Saturn: 2 points
The individual has earned 33 points, higher than the required 28 points. This indicates that they will have favourable outcomes related to their eleventh house, including fulfilling desires and numerous gains. We can use this method to evaluate all of the houses.
How to make an Ashtakvarga chart?
Astrologers need a deep understanding of astrology principles and the specific significations associated with each house to interpret Sarvashtakavarga. They consider the Ashtakavarga scores, planetary influences, and house-specific factors to make meaningful interpretations about an individual's life. LeoStar astrology provides an Ashtakvarga feature in their software that can be used to see your weakest and the strongest house. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses represented by Sarvashtakavarga, astrologers can provide valuable insights and guidance to help individuals overcome their challenges. It's important to note that interpreting Sarvashtakavarga requires specialized knowledge of astrology and can only be done with proper training and understanding.