The First Principle of Bhava Interpretation
Core TriadEvery house (bhava) in astrology is sustained by a triad of significators:
Bhava (House itself) – the domain of life it represents.
Bhava Lord (Swami) – the planet ruling that house.
Bhava Karaka (Natural significator) – the planet naturally signifying the matters of that house.
This triad forms the foundational principle of interpretation. The strength or affliction of each determines the fruition of the house.
Principle of Result Manifestation
All three are free from affliction → The results of the bhava manifest fully and auspiciously.
Two free from affliction → The results manifest partially, about 50%.
Only one is free from affliction → The results are weak, about 25%.
None is free from affliction → The bhava is destroyed; its significations fail to manifest.
This principle emphasises that the house is not judged in isolation but through the combined condition of its lord, its karaka, and the house itself.
Karako Bhava Nashya
A special dictum applies when the karaka of a bhava is placed within that very bhava:
If the karaka is strong and unafflicted, → It enhances the bhava’s results.
If the karaka is afflicted by malefics, combustion, debilitation, or severe weakness, → It leads to Karako Bhava Nashya (the destruction of the bhava’s results).
Example:
Venus is the karaka of marriage (7th house). If Venus is placed in the 7th house but afflicted, it may cause disharmony or denial of marriage.
Jupiter, as the karaka of children in the 5th house, if afflicted, may obstruct progeny or cause sorrow through children.
Expanded Operational Aphorism
Bhava = the field of experience.
Bhava Lord = the ruler who governs the field.
Bhava Karaka = the minister who executes the field’s affairs.
If all three are strong, the kingdom prospers. If one or more are weak, the kingdom falters proportionally. If all are afflicted, the kingdom collapses.
Teaching Punchline
“A bhava lives through its lord, breathes through its karaka, and stands through itself.
When all three are strong, life is complete; when all three are broken, the bhava perishes.”
