What is Ashtakavarga?

Ashtakavarga, meaning “eightfold division,” is a system that evaluates planetary strengths. Each planet’s position in a natal chart is analyzed through a point system assigned by eight entities:

  • The seven major planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn)
  • The ascendant (Lagna)

⠀The result is a grid-like chart where points (bindus) are allocated to specific houses in a horoscope. The total points in a house indicate its overall strength, while each planet’s contribution is assessed individually.

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The Role of Kakshya in Ashtakavarga

Kakshya refers to the “sub-divisions” or “zones” within each zodiac sign that determine the planetary influence in transit. Each zodiac sign is divided into eight kakshyas, and every kakshya is ruled by one of the seven planets or the ascendant.

Each zodiac sign (30°) is divided into 8 equal parts, called kakshyas, with each kakshya being 3.75° (30° ÷ 8) wide. These kakshyas are sequentially ruled by the 7 planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) and the ascendant (Lagna).

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When a transiting planet moves through a particular kakshya in your chart, its influence is modulated by:

  1. The number of bindus assigned to that planet in the house it is transiting.
  2. The specific kakshya lord ruling that sub-division.

This dual-layered analysis allows you to evaluate whether a planet’s transit will bring support, challenges, or neutrality based on its interaction with the kakshya and its bindus.

How to Analyze Transits Using Kakshya

To understand the effect of a planet in transit through a specific sign:

  1. Identify the Kakshya Ruler: Each kakshya within a sign is governed by a specific planet or the Lagna. Knowing which kakshya the transiting planet is passing through gives the first clue about the nature of the transit’s impact.
  2. Evaluate Bindus in the Ashtakavarga Grid: If the transiting planet occupies a house or sign with higher bindus, its effects are generally positive. Fewer bindus in that zone indicate potential challenges or weaker results.
  3. Correlate Natal and Transit Positions: Overlay the transiting planet’s kakshya with its natal position. For instance, if Jupiter transits through a kakshya ruled by Mars in a house with high bindus, and Mars is well-placed in your natal chart, the transit may bring expansive opportunities aligned with Mars-like qualities (courage, action).
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Real-Life Applications of Kakshya

  1. Use transit Ashtakavarga to pinpoint auspicious periods for activities like starting a new job, marriage, or business ventures.
  2. If a major planet like Saturn is transiting through a kakshya with low bindus, you can prepare for delays or obstacles by employing remedies.
  3. A planet like Venus transiting a kakshya with high bindus in the second house of wealth might indicate financial gains or improved relationships.
  4. Transits through the sixth house (associated with health issues) can be analyzed more effectively using kakshya lords and bindus to anticipate periods of physical stress or recovery.
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