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This A-Z Vedic Astrology glossary explains common Jyotish terms like Dasha, Yoga, Nakshatra, and Lagna in simple language. Whether you are a beginner or advanced learner, this guide helps you understand key astrology concepts easily.
Your essential dictionary for Vedic Astrology terminology.
A sub-period within a Mahadasha, also known as Bhukti. Each Mahadasha is divided into
9 Antardashas, each ruled by a different planet, that further refine the timing and nature
of events.
For example, during the Saturn Mahadasha, you will experience sub-periods of
Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, and Jupiter in sequence. The
Antardasha lord modifies the results of the Mahadasha lord based on their mutual relationship
in the birth chart.
The rising sign at birth that defines personality and life direction. It is the foundation of any horoscope.
See Drishti.
The planet with the highest degree in the birth chart, representing the soul's deepest desires and life purpose in Jaimini astrology. Use Atmakaraka Calculator to know your Atmakaraka.
The moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving southward, occurring around September 22–23 each year. It marks the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and is the point where day and night are of approximately equal length worldwide. In Vedic astrology, it corresponds to the Sun's entry into Virgo (Kanya) in the sidereal zodiac.
The difference between tropical and sidereal zodiac systems used in Vedic astrology calculations.
House in a birth chart representing different life areas like career, marriage, and wealth.
Bhava Madhya refers to the exact mid-point or cusp of a house in Vedic astrology. It is the most powerful degree within a house — a planet placed closest to the Bhava Madhya is considered to deliver the strongest results for that house's significations. Accurate calculation of Bhava Madhya is essential in the Bhava chart (equal house system) used in Parashar astrology.
See Antardasha.
Planet governing intellect, communication, and analytical ability.
In Vedic astrology, Chara Rashis (also called Movable or Cardinal signs) are the four signs that are associated with adaptability, flexibility, and change. They are — Taurus (Vrishabha) — Fixed Earth, Leo (Simha) — Fixed Fire, Scorpio (Vrischika) — Fixed Water, Aquarius (Kumbha) — Fixed Air.
The Moon in Vedic astrology represents the mind, emotions, intuition, and mental well-being. It plays a crucial role in determining personality, daily experiences, and is the basis for Nakshatra and Dasha calculations.
When two or more planets occupy the same sign or house, blending their energies.
Planetary period system that determines timing of events in life.
The 10th divisional chart (D10) used in Vedic astrology to analyse career, profession, and one's impact on the world. Each sign is divided into 10 equal parts of 3° each. It is considered one of the most important Varga charts for understanding professional success, authority, and public life.
The planet with lowest degree representing spouse in Jaimini astrology. Use Darakaraka Calculator to know your Darakaraka.
See Neecha.
A favorable planetary combination that indicates wealth, financial prosperity, and material gains. It is usually formed by connections between the 2nd, 5th, 9th, and 11th house lords.
Divisional charts (also known as Varga charts) are a method of mathematically subdividing the 30-degree arc of a zodiac sign into smaller portions. Each of these subdivisions is then used to create a new, secondary chart that focuses on a specific area of life.
There are in all 16 primary charts called Shodashavargas. For more details, refer to Divisional Charts in Vedic Astrology.
For checking your own divisional charts, head to My Birth Chart.
A planetary affliction or flaw in the birth chart caused by the unfavourable placement of a planet, that can negatively influence specific areas of life. Doshas are not permanent curses but indicate areas requiring awareness and remedial measures. The most commonly discussed Dosha in Vedic astrology is Mangal Dosha, caused by Mars placed in certain houses.
The 3rd divisional chart (D3) used in Vedic astrology to analyse siblings, courage, and short journeys. Each sign is divided into 3 equal parts of 10° each. It is also used to study the nature of death and to examine the influence of siblings on one's life.
The influence that planets cast on each other based on their positions in the zodiac. In Vedic astrology, this is known as Drishti, where planets “see” specific houses or other planets, affecting their results.
Challenging houses (6th, 8th, 12th) associated with obstacles, debts, and transformation.
In Vedic astrology, Dwiswabhava Rashis (also called Dual or Mutable signs) are the four signs that embody a blend of both cardinal and fixed qualities — representing adaptability, flexibility, and transition. The word Dwiswabhava means "two natures" in Sanskrit, reflecting their dual character. They are — Gemini (Mithuna) — Dual Air, Virgo (Kanya) — Dual Earth, Sagittarius (Dhanu) — Dual Fire, Pisces (Meena) — Dual Water.
An equinox is the specific moment in time when the Sun is positioned directly above the Earth’s equator. This event occurs twice a year—once in March and once in September.
The two annual equinoxes are Autumnal Equinox (around September 22-23) and Vernal Equinox (around March 20-21).
See Uccha.
See Sthir Rashis.
Planets in Vedic astrology including Sun, Moon, Rahu, and Ketu.
A powerful yoga formed by Jupiter and Moon bringing intelligence and prosperity.
Movement of planets influencing current life events.
The 2nd divisional chart (D2) used in Vedic astrology to analyse wealth, financial
prosperity, and material resources. Each sign is divided into 2 equal parts of 15° each
— the first half ruled by the Sun and the second half by the Moon (or vice versa depending
on whether the sign is odd or even).
It is the simplest Varga chart and is primarily
used to assess one's capacity to accumulate wealth.
The personal deity or divine form that the soul is most drawn to in this lifetime, revealed through the birth chart. In Jaimini astrology, it is determined by the Atmakaraka planet and its placement in the Navamsa chart. Worshipping the Ishta Devata is considered one of the most powerful spiritual remedies in Vedic astrology, as it aligns the individual with their soul's deepest inclination.
A system of Vedic astrology attributed to the sage Jaimini, distinct from the more widely used Parashar system. It uses a unique set of tools including Chara Karakas (movable significators determined by planetary degrees), Pada (sign-based house positions), and Chara Dashas (sign-based period systems) rather than the nakshatra-based Vimshottari Dasha. Jaimini astrology is particularly valued for its precision in timing events related to career, marriage, and spiritual progress.
A Sanskrit term meaning "significator" — a planet that naturally represents a specific
area of life. For example, the Sun is the Karaka for the father and soul, the Moon for
the mother and mind, Jupiter for wisdom and children, and Venus for marriage and
relationships.
In Jaimini astrology, Karakas are determined by planetary degrees rather
than fixed assignments.
The cosmic law of cause and effect, central to Vedic philosophy and astrology. In Jyotish, the birth chart is considered a map of one's accumulated karma from past lives. The planets and their placements indicate the fruits of past actions — both positive (Punya) and challenging — that the soul has chosen to experience in this lifetime. Saturn (Shani) is the primary Karaka for karma and its delivery.
The four angular houses — 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th that form the foundation of life. These houses form the structural pillars of the birth chart and are considered the most powerful positional points. Planets placed in Kendras gain directional strength and have the greatest ability to manifest their results in the physical world.
Birth chart showing planetary positions at time of birth. Generate yours using Kundali Generator.
Ascendant sign rising at birth, crucial for chart interpretation.
Major planetary period influencing life events over long durations.
The planet of energy, courage, ambition, and conflict in Vedic astrology. Mangal (Mars) rules Aries (Mesha) and Scorpio (Vrischika), and is exalted in Capricorn (Makara). It governs physical strength, siblings, land and property, and the capacity for decisive action. When poorly placed, Mangal can bring aggression, accidents, and conflict. Its placement in certain houses causes Mangal Dosha, which is examined in marriage compatibility.
A condition caused by Mars placement affecting marriage compatibility. Check using Mangal Dosha Calculator.
See Mangal.
In Vedic astrology, marriage is primarily analysed through the 7th house and its lord, the Darakaraka planet, and Venus (for men) or Jupiter (for women). The Navamsa chart (D9) is the most important divisional chart for assessing the quality and timing of marriage. Afflictions such as Mangal Dosha are also examined for compatibility between partners.
The Moon in Vedic astrology represents the mind, emotions, intuition, and mental well-being. It plays a crucial role in determining personality, daily experiences, and is the basis for Nakshatra and Dasha calculations.
27 lunar constellations used in Vedic astrology for detailed predictions. See complete list at Nakshatra List
Divisional chart (D9) used for marriage and spiritual insights.
The zodiac sign in which a planet is at its weakest and least able to deliver
its natural significations effectively. Each planet has one sign of debilitation,
directly opposite to its sign of exaltation — for example, the Sun is debilitated
in Libra (Tula), the Moon in Scorpio (Vrischika), Jupiter in Capricorn (Makara),
and Saturn in Aries (Mesha).
However, a debilitated planet can be significantly redeemed through Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga, a cancellation of debilitation that
can turn weakness into unexpected strength.
A powerful cancellation of planetary debilitation that transforms weakness into strength,
often producing exceptional results in the areas governed by the debilitated planet.
Neecha means debilitation, Bhanga means cancellation, and Raja
means royal — together indicating a rise to prominence through adversity.
Neecha Bhanga occurs under several conditions, the most common being — the lord of the sign where the
planet is debilitated is in a Kendra from the Lagna or Moon, or the planet that would
exalt in the same sign is in a Kendra, or the debilitated planet is conjunct or aspected
by its exaltation lord.
The relationship between a planet and the zodiac sign(s) it rules. Each planet is the natural ruler or lord of one or two signs — for example, Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, Venus rules Taurus and Libra. The lord of a house carries the significations of that house wherever it is placed in the chart, making lordship a foundational concept in chart interpretation.
The primary and most widely practised system of Vedic astrology, based on the teachings of the sage Maharishi Parashar, codified in the classical text Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra (BPHS). It forms the foundation of most Jyotish practices and covers the complete framework of house significations, planetary dignities, yogas, aspects, and the Vimshottari Dasha system. Most modern Vedic astrologers primarily follow the Parashar system, sometimes supplemented with Jaimini techniques.
The third and most granular level of the Dasha system, also called the sub-sub-period. Each Antardasha is further divided into 9 Pratyantardashas, each ruled by a different planet. They are used for precise timing of short-duration events within an Antardasha and are particularly useful when analysing imminent events in the near term.
See Kendra.
North node of Moon associated with desires, illusion, and ambition.
A highly auspicious planetary combination that brings success, authority, status, and power in life. It typically forms when lords of Kendra (angular houses) and Trikona (trinal houses) associate with each other.
Zodiac sign representing 30° division of the sky.
A condition where a planet appears to move backward in the sky from Earth's perspective. In astrology, retrograde planets are believed to intensify internal effects, delays, or reconsideration of the areas they influence.
A 7.5-year period that occurs when Saturn (Shani) transits through the sign immediately before, the sign of, and the sign immediately after the natal Moon sign. It occurs roughly every 29.5 years and is often associated with challenges, delays, and transformation in life. However, it can also be a period of hard-earned gains and spiritual growth depending on Saturn's placement in the birth chart. Check your Sade Sati status using the Sade Sati Calculator.
Planet of karma, discipline, and delays. Important for life lessons.
Astrology based on actual star positions.
A zodiac system that measures planetary positions relative to fixed stars. Used in Vedic astrology, it accounts for the precession of the equinoxes via Ayanamsa, making it approximately 23° behind the Tropical Zodiac.
In Vedic astrology, Sthira Rashis (also called Fixed signs) are the four signs that are associated with stability, persistence, and resistance to change. They are — Taurus (Vrishabha) — Fixed Earth, Leo (Simha) — Fixed Fire, Scorpio (Vrischika) — Fixed Water, Aquarius (Kumbha) — Fixed Air.
Trinal houses representing fortune and dharma.
See Gochar.
A system of astrology based on the Tropical Zodiac, which ties the start of Aries to the vernal equinox rather than to fixed stars. Widely used in Western astrology, it is season-oriented and does not account for the precession of the equinoxes. As a result, tropical planetary positions are approximately 23° ahead of sidereal positions used in Vedic astrology.
A zodiac system that measures planetary positions relative to the Sun's position at the vernal equinox (0° Aries). Used in Western astrology, it is season-based rather than star-based, and does not account for precession of the equinoxes.
The zodiac sign in which a planet is at its strongest and most capable of delivering
its best results. Each planet has one sign of exaltation — for example, the Sun is
exalted in Aries (Mesha), the Moon in Taurus (Vrishabha), Jupiter in Cancer (Karka),
and Saturn in Libra (Tula).
A planet in Uccha is considered highly dignified and greatly enhances the significations of the house it occupies.
Divisional charts used for deeper analysis.
Varga charts (also known as Divisional charts) are a method of mathematically subdividing the 30-degree arc of a zodiac sign into smaller portions. Each of these subdivisions is then used to create a new, secondary chart that focuses on a specific area of life.
There are in all 16 primary charts called Shodashavargas. For more details, refer to Varga Charts in Vedic Astrology.
Point marking start of Aries in tropical zodiac.
The most widely used Dasha system in Vedic astrology, spanning a total cycle of 120
years divided among 9 planets. The sequence is — Sun (6 years), Moon (10 years),
Mars (7 years), Rahu (18 years), Jupiter (16 years), Saturn (19 years), Mercury
(17 years), Ketu (7 years), and Venus (20 years).
The starting Dasha at birth is
determined by the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon. It is the cornerstone of timing
events in the Parashar system.
A system of astrology originating in ancient Greece and Babylon, based on the Tropical
Zodiac. Unlike Vedic astrology, it primarily uses Sun signs as the foundation of
personality analysis and does not incorporate the Nakshatra or Dasha systems.
Western astrology places greater emphasis on psychological interpretation, whereas Vedic
astrology focuses more on precise event timing and karmic patterns.
See Bhava Madhya.
Special planetary combinations producing results.
The zodiac is a belt of the sky extending about 8° on either side of the ecliptic, divided into 12 equal signs of 30° each, through which the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to move.