Astrology basics.

Transits (Gochara)
Transits are the most important predictive tool used in astrology both East and West. A transit of a planet is referred to as where a planet is currently in the sky, and where it will continue to move in the future. The astrological reference book to look up the placements of the planets is called the planetary ephemeris. The ephemeris is the calculations of the planetary movements. There are listings for any year. They can be referred to for past events or future events. Astrological computer programs have this information as well. The sign (constellation) and degrees are noted and compared to the birth chart. When the planets transit (move) to aspect the planets in the birth chart there is a hit, and an event occurs. The same principles of reading a birth chart will apply to the transits.
Houses of Transits
A planet that enters by transit different houses in the birth chart will begin to activate that house and its house meanings. When transiting Jupiter enters into the fourth house there may be an opportunity to move, or buy a new car, since the fourth house rules real estate, and cars. Jupiter is the great benefactor and seems to bring things into our lives.
Aspects of Transits
If a transiting planet forms an aspect to a natal planet then the house the natal planet is in will be activated as well as the houses that natal planet rules. The aspects the planets give are the same as in the natal chart. All the planets aspect the opposite sign and the sign they reside. Mars special aspects are 4, and 8, Jupiter aspects 5,and 9, Saturn aspects 3 and 10. EX. If transiting Jupiter enters the fourth house and conjuncts Mars, then the houses ruled by Mars will be involved in the event. If it is a Virgo ascendant with Mars in the fourth, Mars would rule the eighth and third houses. The move could involve siblings (3rd) or property inherited (8th).
Transiting Planets House Relationship to Natal Planets
When processing the effects of a transiting planet, the relationship to natal planets regardless of the aspects will produce the effects of their spatial relationship. For example, if transiting Saturn is 5 degrees of Taurus and natal Mars is 5 degrees of Libra, they will be in a 6/8 relationship. Meaning if you count the signs/houses away from Saturn, Mars will be 6 signs/houses away, when you count back around (always in forward direction) to Saturn you will count 8 signs/houses. This will give the same meanings of what the houses of 6 and 8 mean to these planets. Indicating with both planets as malefic forces they could produce a serious accident (6th house) or death (8th house). Whenever a transiting planet comes to the same degree as a natal planet then this technique must be applied. Count to see the spatial relationship, and apply the meanings of the numbers involved, this means the meaning of the house in number. The spatial relationships are 1/1, 2/12, 3/11, 4/10, 5/9, 6/8, 7/7.
1/1: This is the conjunction, when 2 planets are in the same sign/house. This is the most dramatic and intense relationship of all. It will have the intensity of the 1st house. The area of life that will be most affected will be the house they are in, all the matters ruled by this house will come to the forefront. For example, if transiting Saturn conjoins natal Sun in the 10th house there will be an event involving the career and social standing of this individual. The Sun could even represent the boss and Saturn could severe the relationship indicating trouble in their career possibly even getting fired from a job.
2/12: This relationship between planets involves receiving and giving, or acquiring and loss. This involves the principle of the 2nd house of acquisition as well as the 12th house of loss. For example, if transiting Jupiter is 12th from the natal Moon there could be considerable loss financially (12th) but charitable gifts received (2nd).
3/11: Both houses 3 and 11 are upachaya houses having to do with striving for improvement. They are competitive and goal oriented usually attaining desires, and due to being kama houses they involve relationships, in the form of help from friendships. Transiting Venus 11th from the natal Moon can bring help from some female friends (11th) by exchange of ideas (3rd) or just listening when someone needs a friend.
4/10: This is extremely event oriented; you can count on change occurring with this relationship. These are both angles and are action packed. If transiting Mars is 10th from natal Jupiter there can be a career change (10th) that may involve a change of home life or residence (4th).
5/9: Here we have the influence of the dharma houses giving purpose or meaning to the life. The influx of energy here will come easily with a stroke of luck. Transiting Jupiter 9th from natal Mercury will bring a fortunate experience involving higher learning or a trip (9th) that is fun (5th).
6/8: This is a difficult relationship similar to the quincunx in western astrology and is actually call a yod or the finger of God. The yod is involved in accidents or transforming life events through suffering. Transiting Mars 6th from natal Saturn can cause an accident (6th) that could involve death or a major life transformation (8th).
7/7: This is the opposition of 2 planets and will always carry the significance of relationships between people. This does not only apply to marriage, but any kind of relationship. If transiting Saturn opposes the natal Moon there may be relationship difficulties with the mother.
These examples are of course overly simplified and there are many other factors to be considered. Mainly the houses these relationships actually reside in, and the houses these planets rule. But instead of conflicting information all these variables usually point to similar things helping to confirm a prediction.
Dispositors
Dispositors are extremely important when making predictions. The dispositor will give the heart and soul of what the event is about. Therefore the dispositor of the planet being set off by the transiting planet gives the reason why the event is occurring.
For example, transiting Jupiter is hitting Mars in the fourth house and Mars is in Capricorn, Saturn ruler of Capricorn is the dispositor of Mars, Saturn as the dispositor of Mars is in the eighth house. The event may be a move, but the reason for the move is because of Saturn in the eighth house. The reason for the move is (reason why) because of an inheritance (dispositor in the 8th) of the property.
Transiting Planets prefer certain Signs/Houses
If a planet transits to its sign of exaltation, own sign, or mola tricona it will produce stronger results for the house it is transiting. It will be weaker and more detrimental in the debilitation sign/house.
There are some houses that the transiting planets prefer, or operate differently in. The malefic planets Saturn, Mars, Sun, and Rahu/Ketu, do quite well in the upachaya houses (3, 6, 10, 11). They can cause disease in the sixth house, but usually the immune system is stronger.
Houses the transiting planets prefer:
Moon: 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11
Sun: 4, 7, 10, 11
Mercury: 2, 4, 8, 10, 11
Venus: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12
Mars: 3, 6, 11
Jupiter: 2, 5, 7, 9, 11
Saturn: 3, 6, 11
Rahu: 3, 6, 10, 11
Ketu: 3, 6, 11
Jupiter/Saturn year’s Focus
The most important transits for the year to focus on are the transits of Jupiter and Saturn. These two planets will give the over all status of the year. Look to what house Jupiter stays in for the year, then look to the house Saturn is influencing; the area of life these houses rule will predominate. Then the houses they aspect will be activated. The slower the planet moves the more lasting the imprint or experience they produce.
Stations of Transiting Planets
Therefore, the faster moving planets will produce more fleeting experiences, or everyday casualties. It is when the faster moving planets slow down and go retrograde that their impact is felt. The house that Mercury goes retrograde will be of major focus for over two months because in it’s back and forth movement of retrogression it stays in the same sign/house for over 2 months. Watch for the degree the planets will become stationary; this will mark a very sensitive potent point that stays active till the next retrograde. When Venus goes retrograde it remains in the same sign for 4 months, and Mars for 6 months, so these sign/houses in that year must be analyzed. Remember when a planet slows down, and stations its saying "stop look at me". It has something important to say.
Outer Planets Transits
The outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto will have a powerful affect on planets they conjunct or oppose. The more personal the planet being hit the more it affects the individual personally. The personal planets are Moon, Sun, Mercury, and Venus. The personal points to be watched are the Ascendant degree (for self) in the first house, and the Midhaven degree (for career) in the tenth house. They are involved in long-term life changing events. The houses they are in as well as the houses the natal planets rule come into play in the event that transpires. There are three crossings if a natal planet is hit within the year. Jupiter and Saturn can have three crossings from the retrograde process but not always. The first hit is the initial incident, the second hit usually intensifies the event the third hit finishes off and finalizes the experience. Outer planets hitting outer planets will not be a personal experience; they will be generational, affecting a whole group of individuals not noticed individually.
Moon as the Fast Hand in Prediction
When there is an event that is climatic and greatly life changing as in death, there will be a number of transiting aspects transpiring. Always a number of aspects and events will be working but the trigger that times the exact day is usually the Moon. It has been said the outer planets are like the hour hand on a clock the inner planets like the minute hand, but the fast hand for the seconds is the Moon. The planets in transit are the timing devices of a chart. The Moon should always be observed every month in terms of the new Moon and the full Moon. The house that is activated during the new Moon will give an idea of what new projects will be initiated during that month. The houses activated during the full Moon will reveal the outcome of the new Moon’s development. Remember the new Moon is when the Bun and moon are conjunct; so only one sign/house is activated. A full Moon is when the Sun and Moon are in opposition activating 2 opposing houses, two weeks following a new Moon. Planets they are in close aspect to by conjunction or opposition become activated and tip off events in relationship to what these planets represent in the chart. Eclipses are especially powerful in this event, if they fall close to natal planets in the chart.
Rahu/Ketu in Prediction
Aside from all else the nodal axis of the Moon will reveal the most pungent events of the year. Always note what sign/houses the eclipses fall for the year. Here will be where the most changes will evolve. Transiting Rahu and Ketu will fall in opposing signs activating these 2 houses. There will be gains (Rahu) with losses (Ketu) associated with these signs/houses. As mentioned before the transiting Rahu and Ketu will activate the houses the same as in the natal chart. They always bring in a quality of fate and destiny.
Here is what to look for:
1. Houses Rahu and Ketu occupy.
2. The houses of their dispositors
3. The houses ruled by the planet that conjoins Rahu or Ketu. One or more of these houses will be connected to the destiny and fate of the soul.
Eclipses
Eclipses are the result of the Sun, Moon, and Rahu/Ketu lining up. When an eclipse occurs there will be an exact degree of the new moon eclipse. There is a new moon every month, but the month that the nodes come into the specified degree orb for an eclipse to occur only happens every six months. This degree when the Sun and Moon conjoin is the degree mark to be watched for at least a year. When another transiting planet crosses that mark an event occurs. Also if the eclipse degree falls on a natal planet in a birth chart within three degrees it will influence the individual greatly for that year. Some think it can cause a wipe out for what the natal planet represents in that chart. Because symbolically they wipe out the light of the Sun. Eclipses are wild cards and are extremely unpredictable. One thing for certain is they radically change things.
Outline Transits for Prediction
1.) The first thing to look for is the house the transiting planet is transiting and will transit for future reference.
2.) The aspects a transiting planet may form to the natal planets
3.) The houses activated by the ruler of the natal planet being hit by the transiting planet.
4.)The spacial relationships of transiting planets to the natal planets
5.) The dispositor of the natal planet being activated by the transiting planet will reveal the reason for the event that occurs.
6.) The transiting planets can become stronger or weaker according to what sign or house they are in.
7.) Jupiter and Saturn will give the main events of the year.
8.) The signs/houses a faster moving planet (Mercury, Venus, Mars) remains in during the retrograde process will become prominent.
9.) The transiting outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) will cause a life changing event when conjuncting or opposing a natal personal planet.
10.) The Moon will be the timer of the exact day an event occurs when other transits are indicating a big event.
11.) Rahu/Ketu are where the most changes will occur for the next 1 ½ years. Note signs/houses they activate by opposition.
12.) The degree of eclipses must be watched as to if it falls on a natal point in the birth chart, and the activation of that point when a transiting planet crosses over this sensitive point creates an event.
Secondary Transiting Influence
There is a secondary influence that can be applied. The transiting planets can be used as to the signs they rule in your chart. The ruling planets can be further referred back to the natal chart. When the transits form aspects to each other in the heavens these aspects will relate personally to an individual as to the houses these transiting planets rule in a persons chart.
For example, if Saturn and Mars are in opposition in the sky, then the houses ruled by both Saturn and Mars in a person’s chart will become activated with the effect of this transit. Mars aspecting Saturn will have the difficult influence of these 2 planets. A Gemini ascendant has Mars as ruler of the sixth house and eleventh houses. When Saturn aspects Mars there could be setbacks and disappointments in the areas of friends (11th house), and work (6th house). Likewise Mars aspecting Saturn will also cause problems to the houses Saturn rules. As with Gemini ascendants Saturn rules the eighth and ninth houses. Problems with the father (9th house) or inheritances (8th house) are the possibilities. When there are difficult transits in the sky everyone will be affected in personal ways. It is like the Macrocosm effects always relates down to the Microcosm.
Transiting Planets Carry meanings they have natally in Transit
A transiting planet will carry the effects of its natal placements and rulership. As to the quality of the transiting planets some look to the natal placements as to what kind of effect it will produce. This can give a clearer idea as to specifics with prediction. For example if transiting Saturn is in the 11th house and the ascendant is Taurus then it will bring the 9th and 10th house meanings as well as the nature it possesses in the natal chart, what house it is placed in natally and the aspects it receives. If Saturn is in the 3rd aspected by Jupiter, Transiting Saturn will bring to the 11th house Its rulership of the 9th, 10th houses and the 3rd house placement as well as the influence of Jupiter’s aspect. Therefore; Saturun’s transit can bring travel and learning (3rd , 9th house and Jupiter) to the 11th house of friends or great gains. Saturn could bring about travel and learning (3rd, 9th) with friends (11th) for the pursuit of career goals (10th).
How to Predict the Outcome of a Dasha
The beauty of prediction in Vedic astrology is the combination of both the dashas triggered by or with transits. The dasha system used most commonly is called the Vimshottari Daha System. The dashas are the planetary cycles of a life based on the placement of the Moon at birth. There are 9 cycles which include the 7 planets, plus the north and south nodes (Rahu, Ketu). The outer planets are not used. Each cycle has a designated allotment of years all combined equal 120 years. The ruler of the ruling planet of each dasha is determined by the 27 constellations called the Nakshatras. Each Nakshatra starting from 0 degrees Aries are 13 degrees 20 minutes. These 27 segments of the constellations take in the meanings of the fixed stars and constellations. They are called Lunar Constellations because the Moon resides in one each day. The daily movement of the Moon is approximately 13 degrees and 20 minutes. Each Nakshatra is ruled by one of the 9 planets. They follow in the same sequential order. So where the natal Moon is placed this Nakshatra, and the ruling planet of that Nakshatra initiates the beginning of the order of the cycles of the life. The planet that rules the cycle of the Dasha is called the Maha Dasha (Major Dasha). Within this cycle there are sub cycles called the Bhukti. The Maha Dasha and the Bhukti ruling planets are then further referred to in the chart by the house rulership, dispositors, and the houses they are in. The Transits used together with current Dashas will prove their predictive value.
Here are the 27 Nakshatras and the plantet that rules each Nakshatra. The first Nakshatra is ruled by Ketu, followed by Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury. Then this same sequential order is repeated 2 more times completing all 27 Nakshatras. Each planetary cycle has a different length of years. Ketu is 7 years, Venus 20 years, Sun 6 years, Moon 10 years, Mars 7 years, Rahu 18 yrs, Jupiter 16yrs, Saturn 19yrs, Mercury 17 yrs
Factors Activated During Planet’s Dashas
The natural quality of the planet that rules the Maha Dasha (main cycle) is considered. Is the planet generally malefic or benefic? This means its natural qualities aside from what houses the planet may rule in a particular chart. The maha dasha of Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon will be easier than the maha dasha of malefic planets Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, and the Sun. Jupiter will give some benefit because of its expansive nature, and Saturn will cause delays and setbacks because of its restrictive qualities. Each planet is the indicator (karaka) for certain things in life generally. This called stirra karakas (fixed) meaning they represent the same things for everyone. The planetary karakas are: Sun- Father, Moon- Mother, Mercury-aunts/uncles Mars-brothers, Venus- relationships, fixed assets Jupiter-children, wealth Saturn- death, old age. But that is only part of the situation. There are specific qualities that each planet will take on depending on each individual chart. The planetary ruler’s house placement will be the predominant area of life that will be the focus for that entire period of time. If you are in Jupiter’s maha dasha and Jupiter is in the 7th house during the next 16 years marriage and its issues will be the main focus during this period. The houses the maha dasha ruler rules will play into this cycle and how the issues of marriage transpire. If Jupiter in the 7th rules the 12th and the 3rd houses as in Capricorn ascendants the relationship will go through some difficulties for Jupiter rules the 12th house of losses. Both houses Jupiter rules are somewhat problematic. Jupiter is not a good planet for Capricorn ascendant. Check if the planet is in a friend or enemies sign placement, or if it is exalted or debilitated, this will strengthen the effects for good or bad. Jupiter will be in Cancer, this is a friendly sign for Jupiter, for it is exalted and intensifies it tremendously. Is the planet involved in any yogas. The yoga will come to maturation during this planetary period, meaning its effects come into play at this time in life. Jupiter here is Humsa yoga (Jupiter in an angle exalted). This can produce an overbearing partner, causing problems. If the maha dasha ruler is conjunct or aspected by other planets this will alter its effect tremendously. If the Sun was conjunct this Jupiter in the 7th house it would bring 8th house qualities (Sun rules the 8th) to the spouse maybe indicating early death for the spouse, and if the Sun is within a 7 degree orb of the Sun, Jupiter would be considered combust the Sun. This would therefore weaken Jupiter and the houses that it rules. The houses the maha dasha ruler aspects will also become activated in this dasha period. Finally check out where the planet goes in the main divisional charts, is its sign placement strong? Mostly focus on the navamsha chart for sign placement. If it is in the same sign as the natal chart (Rashi) it has more strength, it is vargottama. To look for deeper meaning and for more reasons why the dasha is producing what effects always look to the dispositor of the planetary ruler. In this last example The Moon would be the dipositor of Jupiter in Cancer (Moon rules Cancer) and the placement of the Moon (sign, house, house rulers) will give a deeper understanding of why an how this maha dasha is experienced. A dasha ruler that is between 2 malefic planets (papa kartari) either in the same house or flaked by the preceding and proceeding houses will be harmed and cannot operate to its fullest capacity. Like wise if a dasha ruler is sandwiched in between 2 benefic planets (shubha kartari) it will be given great opportunity and support to produce its most beneficial results.
Moon Chart
For further verification the Moon’s chart must be assessed. The Moon chart will give the perspective from the mind of the individual, what are they feeling during this period. After the dasha ruler has been analysed completely following all these steps then these steps must be repeated using the Moon’s chart. This means take the same chart and make the Moon the ascendant (Lagna). If the dasha ruler is good from the Moon chart and the rashi chart, you will be assured a positive dasha cycle. If it is good from the rashi chart but the Moon chart is difficult, you will have a mixed (some good and bad) result in the dasha period. If it looks difficult from both the rashi and the Moon chart you can bet it will be a negative time period.
Divisional Charts in Prediction
The dasha rulers (maha dasha or bhuktis) must be assessed in the divisional charts to really fine tune a prediction. They will reveal specific information for a specific area of life. If the dasha ruler is angular in one of these charts especially the 1st house it will bring out events pertaining to this chart. If it is in the 8th house there will definitely be change. The rulers of the houses of these charts are very important. For example, If Venus rules the 7th house and is in Virgo (debilitated) in the 8th house in the navamsha chart, then the Venus dasha or bhukti will bring on difficulties with relationships during its cycle. When working with these charts whatever house the divisional chart is in specific reference to, the planet ruling this house in the rashi chart must be focused on in the divisional chart of interest. For example, if you are interested in the specifically focusing on career issues you would find the planet ruling the 10th house then find its placement in the dashamsha chart (career chart) to see details if the career. If it happens to be one of the dasha rulers, you can count on happenings in relation to the career. As to the result the placement of the planet in the usual pattern of assessing a planet will reveal the outcome.
Outline
1. General-the natural qualities of the planets

The matters signified by the dasha ruler itself as a planet karaka, or house karaka
2. Specific- caused by the position of the planet in the individual chart.

House position

House ruler

Friend or enemies sign

Exaltation or debility

Combust

Aspect by, or conjoined with other planets

Houses aspected by dasha ruler

Vargottama

Houses influenced by the dispositor of the dasha ruler

Paapa kartari (hemmed in by malefics)

Shubha kartari (hemmed in by benefics)
3. Moon chart

If the planet ruling a dasha is good in the Rashi and the Moon chart –it will be a good dasha

If it is good from the moon chart but not the Rashi it will give mixed results

If it is not well placed from both –it will give negative results

Divisional charts
How to Know if a Dasha will be Favorable
There are many specific placements for planets that must be understood to be able to predict precisely the outcome.
Kendras the Angles
Any planet is more powerful in an angle, so benefics in angles will generally produce desirable effects during that period. A benefic in a triconal house is doubly good for there are two good influences involved with the dasha ruler. The dasha effects of a planet in an angle will be more prominent. The angles are the places of power and action. When in a dasha of a planet in an angle you can expect a period of big changes and major events. The 10th house is the strongest of the kendras, both the 7th and 10th houses will pertain to business affairs. Benefics in the 7th house can cause problems in marriage for it does attract many admirers, sometimes ruining stability in marriage. Malefics in the angles makes these planets and their meanings prominent producing a harsh, severe, and difficult to deal with person. The Dashas of these planets will intensify the effects of these planets and can cause accidents and health problems.
Triconals
This is a very fortunate period in life. Benefics in the 9th will bring luck, spiritual values, and fortune. The fifth house brings good karma, and prosperity, and the 1st house magnifies issues with the self. A benefic here will bring good to the individual. Generally the dasha of a malefic planet can be stressful however malefic planets in triconal houses seems to spoil the good of the triconal house.
Upachayas
The upachaya houses are the houses of improvement, (3, 6, 10, 11) they give the desire to constantly improve and better life. They give the quest to overcome difficulty. Striving to improve one self gives the strength to overcome obstacles, and the latter life is much better because of it. When malefic planets are in the upachaya houses the drive to overcome the obstacles is stronger, there is more of a competitive edge. The best placements for the malefic planets are in the upachaya houses. The dasha of a malefic planet in an upachaya house will produce the good effects of overcoming obstacles and improving life’s situation by a determination and competitive nature. Benefics in these houses do not give a driving force. The individual can become complacent and weak, or too nice and the opponent will overrule the native.
Dusthanas
A benefic planet in a dusthana house (6, 8, 12) will weaken the good effects of this planet. They can cause problems associated with the areas these houses are indications for. Disease, enemies and legal problems can surface in the sixth, obstacles with finances, chronic health problems leading to surgery for the eighth house, and hospitalization, retirement or imprisonment for the twelfth house. These all become relative during the dasha of a benefic planet placed in a dushana house. A benefic planet in these houses with a malefic planet aspecting it further produces these ill effects all the more. Since the 8th and 12th houses are moksha houses from the difficulty arises spiritual realizations, leading to spiritual liberation, the purpose of life.
Malefics in dushana houses are the most problematic of all. They will cause some suffering and ill health. The 6th house will give the motivation to overcome things because it is a upachaya, but the 8th and 12th will cause great difficulties involving losses and possible deaths.
The House the Dasha Ruler owns
By far the most important factor in determining what effects a dasha will have will depend on the house or houses it rules. The period will produce the characteristics of both houses giving a mixed result. If it rules a triconal house it will bring the blessings and good luck of this house, but if it rules a dusthana house as well it will have the experience of both. Saturn for Gemini ascendants owns the 9th house (triconal) and the 8th house (dushtana). There will experiences of both houses good and bad. Some say the result will be more of the house that is ruled by the moolatriconal sign. I find it is a little of both. As for Taurus ascendants Saturn rules the 9th (triconal) and the 10th (kendra), the results will be very empowering for luck and career, but since it is still Saturn it will not be completely joyous. Basically the planetary dashas will carry with them the meanings of the houses and affairs they rule. There is no escaping this fact, but as to when the uplifting fortunous time of the triconal house occurs and the difficult time of the dushtana occurs depends on the sub cycles.
Sub Cycles
Bhuktis and Antara Dashas
Within a maha dasha there are sub cycles called the bhuktis or antara dashas. Each maha dasha is divided into 9 sub cycles that are ruled by planets as well. Again these bhuktis have sub divisions within them called antara dashas. There are divisions that go down to at lest 7 levels. I use only the 1st 3 levels. They seem to get more and more subtle (and too complicated) beyond 3 levels for me. The maha dasha will always be the overall emphasis, the bhukti will be more immediate and the antra dasha will be more personal. An analogy would be that the maha dasha is the country you live in, the state is the bhukti, and the city you reside in is the antara dasha. The time determined for a bhukti depends on the length of time allotted to the planets ruling these periods. The calculation is simple; mutiply the number of years aloted to the planet of the maha dasha ruler to the nuber of years allotted to the planet ruling the bhukti and divide the result by 10, the remainder is multiplied by 3. The 2 main periods result will be the number of months allotted to the sub cycle, and the remainder will be the number of days added to the number of months to give the length of the sub cycle. For example, if the maha dasha is Saturn and the bhukti is Mars, Saturn’s length is 19 years and Mars is 7. Multiply 19 by 7=133, then divide by 10 =13.3, take the remainder 3 and multiply by 3= 9. The bhukti of Mars in Saturn’s cycle is 13 months and 9 days or 1 year, 1 month, and 9 days long. When a maha dasha begins the bhukti will always start out the same as the maha dasha ruler. The sub, sub cycles are further divided down in the same exact manner, to find the smaller, shorter cycles within cycles. The bhukti and antara dashas will start out with the same planet ruler as the maha dasha ruler, and continue down in the same order or pattern as the maha dasha changing quicker.
Outline
1. Benefics-the planet ruling a dasha is well placed if it is in an Angle (Kendra) or Trinal house
2. Malifics do not do well in Trinal houses, Malifics do well in Upachaya houses (3, 6, 10, 11).
3. Problem Planets:

Benefics not well supported (aspected by malifics), in dustana houses (3, 6, 8, 12)

Malefics in kendras can magnify their intensity

Malifics in houses 8 or 12 gives great difficulty
Bhukti Results
The planet ruling the bhukti is assessed the same way as the maha dasha ruler. The first three most important rules are: 1) The houses the ruler rules 2) the house the ruler is in 3) The general nature of the planet, benefic or malefic. Then all the other details must be analyzed as discussed before. The next step is to compare the maha dasha ruler to the bhukti ruler, count the number of houses each ruler is from one another. Start by counting the house the maha dasha is in as one, count to the house containing the bhukti ruler. Then start with the bhukti ruler and count back around (always in forward direction) to the maha dash ruler. This will give you the spacial relationship. For example, if the maha dasha is Jupiter in the 5th house and the bhukti ruler is the Moon in the 3rd house, count from Jupiter in the 5th to the Moon in the 3rd. The Moon is 11 houses from Jupiter, and Jupiter is 3 houses back to the Moon. Your knowledge of what the houses mean are applied here, and the meanings of houses 3 and 11 are applied to the Jupiter maha dasha with the Moon bhukti. The Jupiter/Moon period will be a time of happiness with friends, groups (11th), possibly with the arts or competive sporting events (3rd).
The Bhukti’s Ruler’s placement and relationship to the Dasha ruler tells what the experience will be.
The spatial relationships are referred to also:
1\7: about relationships\connection with other people
2\12: gains\losses
3\11: friendly, competitive, works well
4\10: action, power, purpose, home verses career
5\9: benefic, auspicious, works well together,
6\8: difficult, losses, enemies
Maha Dasha as the Lagna
Actually you can look at the chart as a whole from the Maha dasha ruler as the Ascendant (Lagna), the bhukti and antara dasha rulers are said to activate the house positions in which they fall as counted from the Maha dasha ruler.Secondly if there is a particular area of interest, the technique of the derived houses can come into play here. For example, if you want to know what the financial situation is for a maha dasha period look to the 2nd house of the rashi chart and count how many houses the maha dasha ruler is from the 2nd house. If the maha dasha ruler is in the 1st house, it is 12th from the maha dasha ruler and will indicate losses financially for that cycle. The bhukti ruler is assessed the same way. Each house can be taken into account from here. From the same example if the dasha ruler is in the 3rd house it will be 9th from the 7th giving rise and fortune for the marriage partner at this time.
Maha Dasha as Ruling Two Houses
When the maha dasha ruler rules two houses it can have the influence of both houses, but generally one house at a time. It has been said that the first half of a dasha takes on the quality of the house ruled by the planet that comes first in the natural zodiac (Aries through Pisces). This would not apply to dashas for the Sun, Moon, Rahu or Ketu. For example for Jupiter’s maha dasha the first 8 years (1st half of 16 year cycle) will have the qualities of the house ruled by Sagittarius and the 2nd half, last 8 years will have the effects of the house ruled by Pisces. If the ascendant is Taurus then the first 8 years will have the qualities of the 8th house (Sagittarius) and the second 8 years will have the effects of the 11th house (Pisces).
Transits (Gochara)
1. A planets influence during it’s transit is not limited to the house it transits, but includes the houses it aspects.
2. The most important transiting planet will be the transit of the planet ruling the current maha dasha.
3. When the transiting planet of the dasha ruler passes over, or aspects it’s own position it is likely to activate it’s promised effects.
4. The transiting planets will carry the effects of its natal placement in a chart, the house it rules and resides in.
5. The planet ruling the dasha is the most important point triggered by the transiting planets.
6. The transiting planets must be looked at from the Moon’s chart. I find these transits can be more revealing. In India the transits from the Moon are relied on more. Some say the transits from the rashi are in effect more from ages 0-30, and the transits from the Moon are more relative from ages 30-60, and the transits from the Sun are more operative from age 60 on.
*At the initial start of a maha dasha the planet ruling that dasha should be noted as to its transiting placement. This house and position will influence the entire maha dasha.
Sadi Sati
The transit of Saturn over the natal Moon is the Sadi Sati. It is of a 7 ½ year duration. It comes into effect as Saturn enters the sign\house before the natal Moon, (2 ½ years) and while in the same sign\house of the Moon, (2 ½ years) and in the sign\house after the Moon (2 ½ years).=7 ½ years.
It is a time of loss of protection, depression, delays, and difficulty. It is considered one of the most difficult times in a life. This depends entirely on the houses involved and how the Moon and Saturn is placed in the chart. It recurs after a cycle of 30 years. A maximum of 3 cycles may occur for a person.
Divisional Charts, the Vargas
Vargas are the divisions of the 30 degree segments of a sign. Each varga or divisional chart gives a more detailed look, magnifying specific areas in a person’s life. They are used to view only one aspect of life. They are very sensitive to time, if the birth time is incorrect by minutes it can give the wrong chart. I am leery to use them unless I know the birth time is correct. Of course some astrologers use them to rectify a birth time. There are 16 divisional charts. Most astrologers use only certain ones. They can fine-tune your analysis. If you what more specific information about your career you would use the career chart, (dashamsha chart) but you must not read any other issue other than career into it. The divisional chart that is by far the most important is the navamsha chart. It will reveal the deeper truth of an individual. It is the spiritual essence of a person. The real clues as to the outcome of a person’s life, is in the navamsha. The maha dasha ruler and bhukti ruler must always be reviewed in the navamsha for it will reveal more information to the outcome and indicates the inner quality of their cycles. The houses they tenet will tell the areas of life that will be the driving inner force of that period. Transits are not applicable to the divisional charts because they must be converted to their divisions before they can be made reference to. Generally they are not used in this way.
Rashi
The Rashi chart (D-1) is the 30 degrees of a sign divided by one. This is the whole person and contains within it everything past, present and future. The divisional charts are all derived from this one chart. For the most part the strength of the planets can be analyzed by the signs they go to in the divisional charts. Usually there will be a planet that consistently goes to strong placements in the majority of the vargas. This will indicate this planet gives good results. The vargas must always be used in relationship to the rashi, for they are derived from the rashi.
Hora Chart
The Hora chart (D-2) divides the 30 degrees by 15, two divisions each. This division divides the chart into Male (Sun) and Female (Moon) energies.
This chart is to assess the wealth of the individual. It is a closer look at the 2nd house. If most of the planets are in the Sun’s hora (Leo) they have to work a harder for wealth. More planets in the Moon’s hora (Cancer) will not have to strive so hard for wealth.
Drekkana Chart
The drekkana chart (D-3) divides the 30 degree sign into 3 parts each 10 degrees. The signs remain in the same element. The first 10 degrees will be the sign ruled by the planet, the second 10 degrees will be in the sign of the same element that follows next in the zodiac or 5 signs away, the last 10 degrees will be in the last sign of the same element, or 9 signs away. For example, if Venus is 11 degrees of Scorpio in the rashi, the 1st 10 degrees will be Scorpio (water), the 2nd 10 degrees will be Pisces (water), and the last 10 degrees will be Cancer (water). Venus is in Pisces in the drekkana chart.
The drekkana chart is used to fine tune issues of the 3rd house. This chart will take a closer look at siblings, courage, energy and life force. Mars is the most important planet in this chart.
Charturtamsha Chart
The charturtamsha chart (D-4) divides the 30 degree sign into 4 parts each 7.30 degrees. These 4 divisions are all in the same qualities (cardinal, fixed, mutable) starting with the sign the planet is in for the 1st 7.30 degrees. A planet in Cancer in the rashi divides the 1st 7.30 degrees will be in Cancer, the 2nd 7.30 degrees will be in Libra, the 3rd 7.30 degrees is in Capricorn, and the last 7.30 degrees of this sign is Aries. For example, if Mars is 12 degrees of Cancer it will be in Libra.
The charturtamsha is used to fine tune issues of the 4th house. This chart reveals happiness, real estate, home, mother, and any fixed assets.
Trimshamsha Chart
The trimshamsha chart (D-6) divides the 30 degree sign into 5 parts each 6 degrees. The planets are calculated by the odd numbered signs the first 5 degrees are ruled by Mars (Aries), the next by Saturn (Aquarius) 8 degrees by Jupiter (Sagittarius), the next 7 degrees by Mercury (Virgo), and the last 5 degrees are ruled by Venus (Taurus). In even signs this reversed starting with Venus the 1st 5degrees.
The trimshamamsha chart is used to fine tune the 6th house. It indicates accidents, health, obstacles and enemies. The Sun, Moon, Rahu and Ketu are not taken into account here. Saturn will indicate the biggest challenges.
Saptamsha Chart
The saptamsha chart (D-7) divides the 30 degree sign into 7 parts each 4.17 degrees. The divisions are divided up by if the sign is odd numbered then rulership starts with that sign. If the sign starts with an even numbered sign the rulership starts with the riling planet of the opposite sign.
The saptamsha chart pin points issues with children, creativity, and intelligence. Jupiter is the planet to note in this chart.
Navamsha Chart
The navamsha chart (D-9) divides the 30 degree sign into 9 parts each 3.20 degrees. This is the most important divisional chart of all. Vedic astrologers automatically compare this chart to the rashi to determine the results of a person’s life. To calculate the navamsha of a planet the 1st 3.20 of a sign starts with the quality (cardinal, fixed, mutable) of the element the planet is in, then the following divisions countinue to the following signs in the zodiac regardless of quality or element. For example, if Venus is 10 degrees of Scorpio in the rashi, the first navamsha is Cancer, the 2nd navamsha is Leo, the 3rd navamsha is Virgo, the 4th navamsha is Libra, the 5th navamsha is Scorpio, the 6th navamsha is Sagittarius, the 7th navamsha is Capricorn, the 8th navamsha is Aquarius, and the 9th navamsha is Pisces. Venus falls in the 4th navamsha of Libra here.
The navamsha chart is called the fruit of the tree. This means it reveals the outcome of a person’s life. If they will manifest the potential promised in the rashi chart. This is the issues of the ninth house, the house of luck, fortune and spiritual pursuits. It will reveal your future life. We seem to become our navamsha chart as we grow older. Some refer it to the spouse who is the mirror of yourself. If a planet is in the same sign in both the rashi and the navansha it is vargottoma. This means it gains strength and is a more powerful planet in the rashi.
Dashamsha Chart
The dashamsha chart (D-10) divides the 30 degree sign into 10 divisions each 3 degrees. The odd number signs begin with the sign being divided the signs following are in their natural order. The even numbered signs begin with that the ruler of the sign then for each next division skip 9 signs further around the zodiac.
The dashamsha chart is referred to as the career chart for it focuses on the 10th house. It can reveal what type of career should be aspired to and what the social standing, status and ambitions are. It can indicate fame in this area as well. The planet that rules the 10th house in the rashi chart will be the most important planet to be analyzed in the dashamsha chart. This will give important clues as to what career an individual should pursue. The Sun in this chart is an important consideration, as well as the ruler of the ascendant of the rashi chart further noted in the dashamsha chart will give the indications for the career the individual is destined for and their successes within the career.
Dwadashamsha Chart
The dwadashamsha chart (D-12) divides the 30 degree sign into 12 parts each 2.30 degrees. It starts with the ruling sign and continues through the 12 signs of the zodiac, in their natural order. This chart gives the deeper essence of the 12th house. From this chart the details of the past incarnation can be assessed, and what karmas are to be worked on in this lifetime. This is the chart for the parents for we choose them to experience certain karmas before this incarnation. We never escape the imprint of our parents or early conditioning, for this develops coping and learning skills for our future. It can reveal talents or gifts brought from past lives, as well as fears or difficulties. The most important planet to be assessed here is the Sun because the Sun is our soul essence, spirit and the ego, which must be overcome.
*The next divisions are less frequently used for their division are very small and accuracy is questionable and they have more to do with areas not as concrete or easily understood.
Shodhashamsha Chart
The shodhashamsha chart (D-16) divides the 30 degree sign into 16 parts each 1.52’30". This chart focuses on 4th house matters especially the means of transport. I use this chart to determine when someone will buy a car. It can be used to assess any fixed assest.
Vimshamsha Chart
The vimshamsha chart (D-20) divides the 30 degree sign into 20 parts each 1.30. This chart reveals the spirituality and progress possible in this lifetime.
Charturvimshamsha or Siddhamsha Chart
The Charturvimshamsha chart (D-24) is the 24th division of the sign each 1.15 parts. It is a deeper look at the dwadashamsha chart revealing a much closer look at spiritual capabilities in this lifetime and ability to overcome the karmas of the previous lives.
Saptvimshamsha Chart
The Saptvimshamsha chart (D-27) is the 27th division of the sign 1.6 each. In the same way the 27 nakshatras divide the zodiac this calculation divides a sign the same way. Like the nakshatras it emphasizes the personality and the strengths and weaknesses of character.
Khavedamsha Chart
The Khavedamsha chart (D-40) is the 40th division of a sign 0.45 each. It reveals the overall quality of life.
Akshavedamsha Chart
The Akshavedamsha chart (D-45) is the 45th division of a sign 0.40 each. It is like the rashi chart exacting the degrees of the planetary placements.
Shastiamsha Chart
The shastiamsha chart (D-60) is the 60th division of a sign 0.30 each. This chart is used to differentiate between twins. It is also used in electional (muhurta) astrology in India.