Glossary

One of the 12 houses in a horoscope, each governing a specific area of life. The 1st house (Lagna) represents self, the 7th represents partnerships, the 10th represents career, and so on.

A time-based system assigning rulership of life periods to specific planets. The most widely used is Vimshottari Dasha (120-year cycle), where each planet rules a period proportional to its nakshatra allocation.

A planetary combination considered challenging or inauspicious. Common doshas include Manglik Dosha (Mars in 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house), Kaal Sarp Dosha (all planets between Rahu and Ketu), and Pitra Dosha.

Houses 6, 8, and 12 — considered challenging placements. The 6th governs enemies and disease, the 8th governs death and transformation, and the 12th governs loss and liberation. However, these houses also hold potential for spiritual growth.

The traditional Hindu system of astrology, one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas). It encompasses three branches: Siddhanta (astronomy), Samhita (mundane), and Hora (horoscopy/natal astrology).

The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. The Lagna is the most important point in a Vedic chart, determining the layout of all 12 houses and profoundly influencing personality and life path.

One of the 27 (or 28) divisions of the ecliptic, each spanning 13°20'. Each nakshatra has a ruling deity, planet lord, and specific qualities. The Moon's nakshatra at birth determines the starting Dasha period.

The nine celestial influences in Vedic astrology: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. Unlike Western astrology, Vedic astrology does not use Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto as primary chart factors.

The north node of the Moon, representing worldly desires, obsession, ambition, and karmic lessons to be learned. Rahu amplifies the qualities of the house and sign it occupies, often creating intense but ultimately transformative experiences.

One of the 12 signs of the sidereal zodiac: Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), and Meena (Pisces).

When a planet appears to move backward in the zodiac from Earth's perspective. In Vedic astrology, retrograde planets are considered strong but express their energy in unconventional or internalised ways. Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde in their true motion.

A unit of time based on the angular distance between the Sun and Moon (each 12° = one tithi). There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, 15 in the waxing (Shukla) and 15 in the waning (Krishna) phase. Tithis are fundamental to the Panchang calendar.

Houses 1, 5, and 9 — considered the most auspicious houses. The 5th house governs intelligence, creativity, and children; the 9th governs fortune, dharma, and higher knowledge. Planets connecting Kendras and Trikonas form powerful Raj Yogas.

Charts derived by dividing each sign into smaller portions to examine specific life areas in detail. Key vargas include D-9 (Navamsha, for marriage), D-10 (Dashamsha, for career), D-12 (Dwadashamsha, for parents), and D-60 (Shashtiamsha, for past karma).

A predictive technique that casts a chart for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal position each year. The Varshaphal chart, along with its Muntha, Varshapati (year lord), and Tajika Yogas, provides insights for the coming year.

The traditional Vedic science of architecture and spatial arrangement. In an astrological context, Vastu analysis examines how the directional balance and elemental harmony of a birth chart relate to the individual's ideal living and working environments.