Library
Every term, explained
Met a word in your Kundli, Panchang or match report that you don’t know? Search it here for a clear answer in seconds, from ascendant to Rahu Kaal.
Astrology basics
The ideas every Kundli is built on. · 22 entries
- Ascendant (Lagna)The ascendant (Lagna) is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment and place of your birth. It becomes your first house and the starting point of your whole Kundli.
- Aspect (Drishti)An aspect (drishti, “sight”) is a planet’s influence on a house or planet it is not sitting in. Every planet aspects the seventh house from itself, and Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have extra special aspects.
- AyanamsaThe ayanamsa is the gap between the Western (tropical) zodiac and the Vedic (sidereal) zodiac. Subtracting it from a planet’s tropical position gives its sidereal position. It is about 24° today and grows slowly.
- Benefic and malefic planetsBenefics (shubha grahas) are planets of a gentle, supportive nature; malefics (papa grahas) are harsher and more testing. Jupiter and Venus are the chief natural benefics; Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu and, mildly, the Sun are malefics.
- Birth timeYour birth time fixes the ascendant, the houses and the divisional charts, so it is the most sensitive detail in a Kundli. A few minutes can change the finer charts, while the Moon sign usually stays the same.
- Combust planet (Asta)A planet is combust (asta) when it sits so close to the Sun that it is lost in its glare. Astrologers read its significations as overshadowed or harder to express, though how much this matters varies by planet.
- Conjunction (Yuti)A conjunction (yuti) is two or more planets in the same sign of your chart. Their influences blend, for better or worse, and the closer they are in degrees, the stronger the combination.
- Debilitation (Neecha)Debilitation (neecha) is the sign where a planet is at its weakest, directly opposite its exaltation. A debilitated planet finds its qualities harder to express, but the weakness is often softened or cancelled.
- Exaltation (Uchcha)Exaltation (uchcha) is the sign where a planet is at its strongest and expresses its best qualities most freely. Each planet has one exaltation sign, with a precise degree of deepest exaltation.
- Functional benefics and maleficsFunctional benefics and malefics are planets that become helpful or difficult for a particular ascendant because of the houses they rule, whatever their natural nature. The list changes from one Lagna to the next.
- House lord (Bhavesh)A house lord (bhavesh) is the planet that rules the sign in a house of your chart. Where that lord sits, and in what condition, shows how the matters of that house unfold in your life.
- Jyotish (Vedic astrology)Jyotish is the traditional astrology of India. It reads the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets against the fixed stars at your birth to describe the tendencies in your life and when they are likely to unfold.
- Karaka (significator)A karaka is a planet that naturally signifies a person or theme in life. Venus is the karaka of marriage, for example, and Jupiter of children and wisdom, so astrologers read them alongside the relevant houses.
- Kundli (birth chart)A Kundli is your Vedic birth chart: a map of where the Sun, Moon, planets and ascendant stood at the exact time and place of your birth, arranged into the twelve houses of life.
- MoolatrikonaMoolatrikona is a planet’s “office”: a set range of degrees in one sign where it works with special authority, ranking just below exaltation. Six of the seven planets have it in one of their own signs.
- Moon sign (Rashi)Your Moon sign (Rashi) is the zodiac sign the Moon occupied at the moment of your birth. In India it is what people usually mean by “my rashi”, and it describes the mind and emotions.
- Own sign (Swakshetra)A planet is in its own sign (swakshetra) when it occupies a sign it rules, such as Mars in Aries or Saturn in Capricorn. It is at home there: comfortable, confident and able to look after that house’s affairs.
- Retrograde planet (Vakri)A retrograde (vakri) planet appears to move backwards through the zodiac for a while, as seen from Earth. It is an optical effect of the orbits, and in Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is treated as strong, not weak.
- Sidereal zodiac (Nirayana)The sidereal (nirayana) zodiac measures the twelve signs against the fixed stars. Vedic astrology uses it; Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, tied to the seasons. The two now differ by about 24°.
- Sun sign (Surya Rashi)Your Sun sign is the zodiac sign the Sun occupied when you were born. In Vedic astrology it is measured in the sidereal zodiac, so it is usually one sign earlier than your Sun sign in Western horoscopes.
- Transit (Gochar)Gochar is the movement of the planets through the zodiac today, read against your birth chart. Transits show the passing influences of the moment, and Vedic astrology counts them mainly from your Moon sign.
- YogakarakaA yogakaraka is a planet that rules both a kendra (angle) and a trikona (trine) from your ascendant. It is considered the most beneficial planet in the chart and a natural giver of Raj yoga.
Planets (Grahas)
The nine grahas and what each one governs. · 10 entries
- Jupiter (Guru, Brihaspati)Jupiter (Guru) is the greatest benefic in Vedic astrology. It signifies wisdom, teachers, children, faith, fortune and growth, and its aspect protects and expands whatever it touches.
- Ketu (South Node)Ketu is the Moon’s south node, a shadow planet always opposite Rahu. It signifies detachment, intuition, past-life skill, spirituality and liberation (moksha), and it can bring sudden, unexpected turns.
- Mars (Mangal)Mars (Mangal) is the planet of energy, courage, action and competition. It signifies siblings, land and property, sport and engineering, and it is the planet behind Manglik dosha.
- Mercury (Budh)Mercury (Budh) is the planet of intellect, speech, learning, trade and humour. It governs how you think, speak and calculate, and it readily takes on the colour of the planets it sits with.
- Moon (Chandra)The Moon (Chandra) signifies the mind, emotions, the mother, comfort and nourishment. In Vedic astrology it is as important as the ascendant: your Moon sign and nakshatra shape your rashifal, dashas and matching.
- Navagraha (the nine planets)The Navagraha are the nine “planets” of Vedic astrology: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. A graha is something that seizes or influences, so the luminaries and lunar nodes are included.
- Rahu (North Node)Rahu is the Moon’s north node, a shadow planet (chhaya graha) with no physical body. It signifies ambition, obsession, the foreign and the unconventional, and it magnifies whatever house and planets it touches.
- Saturn (Shani)Saturn (Shani) is the planet of discipline, time, hard work, responsibility and justice. Slow and exacting, it tests and then rewards patience, and it signifies longevity, service and endurance.
- Sun (Surya)The Sun (Surya) is the king of the planets in Vedic astrology. It signifies the soul, vitality, confidence, the father, authority and government, and its place in your chart shows where you seek to shine.
- Venus (Shukra)Venus (Shukra) is the planet of love, marriage, beauty, art and comfort. It signifies the spouse, pleasure, luxury, vehicles and refinement, and it is one of the two great natural benefics.
Zodiac signs (Rashis)
The twelve signs and their natures. · 13 entries
- Aquarius (Kumbha)Aquarius (Kumbha) is a fixed air sign ruled by Saturn and symbolised by a person carrying a water pot. It stands for humanity, ideas, networks, service and independent thinking.
- Aries (Mesha)Aries (Mesha) is the first sign of the zodiac, a movable fire sign ruled by Mars and symbolised by the ram. It stands for courage, initiative, energy and new beginnings.
- Cancer (Karka)Cancer (Karka) is a movable water sign ruled by the Moon and symbolised by the crab. It stands for emotion, nurture, home, family and memory.
- Capricorn (Makara)Capricorn (Makara) is a movable earth sign ruled by Saturn and symbolised by the makara, a sea creature with a deer’s head. It stands for ambition, duty, discipline and long-term achievement.
- Elements of the zodiac (Tattvas)The twelve signs fall into four elements (tattvas), three signs each: fire, earth, air and water. Each element describes a basic temperament, and with the three qualities it gives every sign its character.
- Gemini (Mithuna)Gemini (Mithuna) is a dual air sign ruled by Mercury and symbolised by a couple. It stands for communication, curiosity, learning, trade and the exchange of ideas.
- Leo (Simha)Leo (Simha) is a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun and symbolised by the lion. It stands for leadership, dignity, creativity, generosity and the wish to be seen and respected.
- Libra (Tula)Libra (Tula) is a movable air sign ruled by Venus and symbolised by the scales. It stands for balance, fairness, partnership, diplomacy, beauty and trade.
- Pisces (Meena)Pisces (Meena) is a dual water sign ruled by Jupiter and symbolised by two fish. The last sign of the zodiac, it stands for compassion, imagination, devotion, surrender and spiritual release.
- Sagittarius (Dhanu)Sagittarius (Dhanu) is a dual fire sign ruled by Jupiter and symbolised by the archer. It stands for faith, wisdom, higher learning, teaching, travel and principle.
- Scorpio (Vrishchika)Scorpio (Vrishchika) is a fixed water sign ruled by Mars and symbolised by the scorpion. It stands for depth, intensity, research, resilience, secrets and transformation.
- Taurus (Vrishabha)Taurus (Vrishabha) is a fixed earth sign ruled by Venus and symbolised by the bull. It stands for stability, patience, sensuality, wealth and the steady building of comfort.
- Virgo (Kanya)Virgo (Kanya) is a dual earth sign ruled by Mercury and symbolised by a maiden. It stands for analysis, precision, service, healthy routine and practical intelligence.
Houses (Bhavas)
The twelve areas of life in a chart. · 17 entries
- Dusthana (difficult houses)The dusthanas are the 6th, 8th and 12th houses, traditionally called the difficult houses. They govern obstacles, sudden change and loss, and also healing, research and spiritual release.
- Eighth house (Ayu bhava)The eighth house (Ayu bhava) governs longevity, sudden change, transformation, inheritance, hidden matters and research. It is a dusthana, yet also the house of depth, resilience and the occult sciences.
- Eleventh house (Labha bhava)The eleventh house (Labha bhava) governs gains, income, fulfilment of wishes, elder siblings, friends and networks. It is where effort is rewarded, and almost any planet does well here.
- Fifth house (Putra bhava)The fifth house (Putra bhava) governs children, intelligence, creativity, learning, romance and merit from past lives (purva punya). As a trikona, it is one of the most fortunate houses in the chart.
- First house (Tanu bhava)The first house (Tanu bhava) is the house of the self: body, health, appearance, temperament and the overall direction of life. It begins with your ascendant and is the most important house in the chart.
- Fourth house (Sukha bhava)The fourth house (Sukha bhava) governs home, mother, inner happiness, property, vehicles and schooling. It shows your emotional foundations and the comforts you build around you.
- Houses (Bhavas)The houses (bhavas) are the twelve divisions of a Kundli, each governing an area of life, from self and family to career, marriage and spirituality. They are counted from the ascendant, which is the first house.
- Kendra (angular houses)The kendras are the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses, the four angles of the chart. They are the pillars of a Kundli: planets here are strong and visible, and their lords shape the course of life.
- Ninth house (Dharma bhava)The ninth house (Dharma bhava) governs fortune, faith, father, teachers, higher learning, long journeys and right conduct. It is the strongest trikona and is often called the house of luck (bhagya).
- Second house (Dhana bhava)The second house (Dhana bhava) governs wealth, savings, family, speech, food and early learning. It shows what you accumulate and value, and how you speak and nourish yourself.
- Seventh house (Kalatra bhava)The seventh house (Kalatra bhava) governs marriage, the spouse, partnerships, business dealings and the public. Directly opposite the ascendant, it shows how you relate to others one to one.
- Sixth house (Ari bhava)The sixth house (Ari bhava) governs obstacles, competition, health routines, debts, disputes and daily service. Though counted among the difficult houses, it is also the house of overcoming.
- Tenth house (Karma bhava)The tenth house (Karma bhava) governs career, profession, status, reputation and the work you do in the world. It is the most powerful kendra and the most public point of the chart.
- Third house (Sahaja bhava)The third house (Sahaja bhava) governs courage, effort, younger siblings, communication, skills and short journeys. It shows your initiative and how you use your own hands and voice to make things happen.
- Trikona (trine houses)The trikonas are the 1st, 5th and 9th houses, the trines of the chart. They are the houses of fortune and merit, called Lakshmi sthanas, and their lords are always considered auspicious.
- Twelfth house (Vyaya bhava)The twelfth house (Vyaya bhava) governs expenses, losses, sleep, foreign lands, solitude, charity and spiritual liberation (moksha). It is a dusthana, yet also the house of letting go and inner freedom.
- Upachaya (houses of growth)The upachaya houses are the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th, the houses of growth. Their results improve with effort and time, and natural malefics placed in them often give good results.
Charts
Rashi, Navamsa and the divisional charts. · 14 entries
- Avakhada ChakraThe Avakhada Chakra is a table of traditional birth details drawn mainly from your Moon’s sign and nakshatra, such as varna, vashya, yoni, gana, nadi and your naming syllable. It is used for matching and naming.
- Bhava Chalit chartThe Bhava Chalit chart redraws the houses from the exact degree of your ascendant instead of whole signs. A planet near the edge of a sign may move into the next or previous house, refining house-based readings.
- Chandra Kundli (Moon chart)The Chandra Kundli is your birth chart redrawn with the Moon’s sign as the first house. Vedic astrologers read it alongside the Lagna chart, especially for the mind, emotions and transits.
- Dashamsa (D10 chart)The Dashamsa (D10) divides each sign into ten parts of 3°. It is the divisional chart for career, profession, status and achievement, read together with the 10th house of the Rashi chart.
- Divisional charts (Vargas)Divisional charts (vargas) divide each sign into smaller parts to create focused charts, such as the Navamsa (D9) for marriage and the Dashamsa (D10) for career. They refine what the main Rashi chart promises.
- Drekkana (D3 chart)The Drekkana (D3) divides each sign into three parts of 10°. It is the divisional chart for siblings, courage, initiative and the results of your own efforts.
- Dwadashamsa (D12 chart)The Dwadashamsa (D12) divides each sign into twelve parts of 2°30′. It is the divisional chart for parents, ancestry and the inheritance, in every sense, that comes through your family.
- Hora chart (D2)The Hora chart (D2) divides each sign into two halves of 15°, ruled by the Sun and the Moon. It is the divisional chart for wealth: how you earn, keep and use resources.
- Navamsa (D9 chart)The Navamsa (D9) divides each sign into nine parts of 3°20′. After the Rashi chart it is the most important chart in Vedic astrology, read for marriage, the spouse, dharma and the true strength of each planet.
- North Indian chartThe North Indian chart is the diamond-style Kundli used across much of northern, central and western India. The houses stay fixed, with the 1st house at the top centre, and numbers in each house show which sign falls there.
- Rashi chart (D1, Lagna chart)The Rashi chart (D1), or Lagna chart, is the main birth chart: the twelve signs arranged from your ascendant, with each planet in the sign it occupied at birth. Every other chart refines it.
- Saptamsa (D7 chart)The Saptamsa (D7) divides each sign into seven equal parts of about 4°17′. It is the divisional chart for children and grandchildren, read with the 5th house and Jupiter.
- Shashtiamsa (D60 chart)The Shashtiamsa (D60) divides each sign into sixty parts of just half a degree. Parashara gives it the greatest weight of all the divisional charts, and it is traditionally read for the karma you carry from past lives.
- South Indian chartThe South Indian chart is the square Kundli used across southern India. The signs stay fixed in twelve boxes around the edge, and the ascendant is marked in whichever box it falls.
Nakshatras
The 27 lunar mansions and their padas. · 31 entries
- Abhijit nakshatraAbhijit is the 28th nakshatra, a narrow extra segment from 6°40′ to 10°53′20″ of sidereal Capricorn, named after the bright star Vega. Some muhurat systems use it, but it has no place in Vimshottari dasha.
- Anuradha nakshatraAnuradha is the 17th nakshatra, spanning 3°20′–16°40′ of sidereal Scorpio. Ruled by Saturn with Mitra, god of friendship, as its deity, its symbol is a lotus: a soft star of devotion and lasting bonds.
- Ardra nakshatraArdra is the sixth nakshatra, spanning 6°40′–20°00′ of sidereal Gemini. Ruled by Rahu with Rudra, the storm form of Shiva, as its deity, its symbol is a teardrop: a sharp star of storms, effort and renewal.
- Ashlesha nakshatraAshlesha is the ninth nakshatra, spanning 16°40′–30°00′ of sidereal Cancer. Ruled by Mercury with the Nagas, the serpent deities, presiding, its symbol is a coiled serpent: a sharp star of perception and tenacity.
- Ashwini nakshatraAshwini is the first of the 27 nakshatras, spanning 0°00′–13°20′ of sidereal Aries. Ruled by Ketu and presided over by the Ashwini Kumaras, the divine physicians, it is the star of swift starts and healing.
- Bharani nakshatraBharani is the second nakshatra, spanning 13°20′–26°40′ of sidereal Aries. Ruled by Venus with Yama as its deity, it is the star of bearing and carrying, linked with birth, restraint and transformation.
- Chitra nakshatraChitra is the 14th nakshatra, spanning 23°20′ Virgo to 6°40′ Libra. Ruled by Mars with Vishvakarma, the divine architect, as its deity, its symbol is a bright jewel: a soft star of beauty and design.
- Dhanishta nakshatraDhanishta is the 23rd nakshatra, spanning 23°20′ Capricorn to 6°40′ Aquarius. Ruled by Mars with the eight Vasus as its deities, its symbol is a drum: a movable star of wealth, rhythm and music.
- Hasta nakshatraHasta is the 13th nakshatra, spanning 10°00′–23°20′ of sidereal Virgo. Ruled by the Moon with Savitr, the Sun as inspirer, as its deity, its symbol is an open hand: a swift star of skill and craft.
- Jyeshtha nakshatraJyeshtha is the 18th nakshatra, spanning 16°40′–30°00′ of sidereal Scorpio. Ruled by Mercury with Indra, king of the gods, as its deity, its symbol is a round amulet: a sharp star of seniority and protection.
- Krittika nakshatraKrittika is the third nakshatra, spanning 26°40′ Aries to 10°00′ Taurus. Ruled by the Sun with Agni, the fire god, as its deity, it is the star of the Pleiades, linked with fire, purity and courage.
- Magha nakshatraMagha is the tenth nakshatra, spanning 0°00′–13°20′ of sidereal Leo. Ruled by Ketu with the Pitris, the ancestors, as its deities, its symbol is a royal throne: a star of lineage, honour and authority.
- Mrigashira nakshatraMrigashira is the fifth nakshatra, spanning 23°20′ Taurus to 6°40′ Gemini. Ruled by Mars with Soma, the Moon god, as its deity, its symbol is a deer’s head: a soft star of searching and curiosity.
- Mula nakshatraMula is the 19th nakshatra, spanning 0°00′–13°20′ of sidereal Sagittarius. Ruled by Ketu with Nirriti as its deity, its symbol is a bundle of roots: a sharp star of getting to the root of things.
- Nakshatra (lunar mansion)A nakshatra is one of 27 equal segments of the sidereal zodiac, each 13°20′ wide and named after a star group. The one holding the Moon when you were born is your birth star, or janma nakshatra.
- Nakshatra lord (star ruler)The nakshatra lord is the planet that rules a nakshatra in the Vimshottari dasha system. Nine planets rule the 27 stars in a repeating cycle from Ketu to Mercury, and your birth star’s lord runs your first dasha.
- Nakshatra pada (quarter)A pada is one quarter of a nakshatra, a 3°20′ slice of the zodiac. The 27 nakshatras hold 108 padas; each matches one Navamsa sign and carries a traditional syllable used when naming a baby.
- Punarvasu nakshatraPunarvasu is the seventh nakshatra, spanning 20°00′ Gemini to 3°20′ Cancer. Ruled by Jupiter with Aditi, mother of the gods, as its deity, it is the star of the ‘return of the light’: renewal and homecoming.
- Purva Ashadha nakshatraPurva Ashadha is the 20th nakshatra, spanning 13°20′–26°40′ of sidereal Sagittarius. Ruled by Venus with Apas, the waters, as its deity, its symbol is a winnowing fan: a star of conviction and renewal.
- Purva Bhadrapada nakshatraPurva Bhadrapada is the 25th nakshatra, spanning 20°00′ Aquarius to 3°20′ Pisces. Ruled by Jupiter with Aja Ekapada, the one-footed goat, as its deity, it is a star of intensity, idealism and inner fire.
- Purva Phalguni nakshatraPurva Phalguni is the 11th nakshatra, spanning 13°20′–26°40′ of sidereal Leo. Ruled by Venus with Bhaga, god of fortune and delight, as its deity, it is a star of rest, pleasure and creativity.
- Pushya nakshatraPushya is the eighth nakshatra, spanning 3°20′–16°40′ of sidereal Cancer. Ruled by Saturn with Brihaspati as its deity, it is known as the most nourishing star, prized for purchases and new beginnings.
- Revati nakshatraRevati is the 27th and last nakshatra, spanning 16°40′–30°00′ of sidereal Pisces. Ruled by Mercury with Pushan, guardian of travellers, as its deity, its symbol is a fish: a soft star of safe journeys.
- Rohini nakshatraRohini is the fourth nakshatra, spanning 10°00′–23°20′ of sidereal Taurus. Ruled by the Moon with Brahma (Prajapati) as its deity, it is a fixed, fertile star of growth, beauty and abundance.
- Shatabhisha nakshatraShatabhisha is the 24th nakshatra, spanning 6°40′–20°00′ of sidereal Aquarius. Ruled by Rahu with Varuna, lord of the cosmic waters, as its deity, its symbol is an empty circle: the star of a hundred healers.
- Shravana nakshatraShravana is the 22nd nakshatra, spanning 10°00′–23°20′ of sidereal Capricorn. Ruled by the Moon with Vishnu as its deity, its symbol is an ear: a movable star of listening, learning and connection.
- Swati nakshatraSwati is the 15th nakshatra, spanning 6°40′–20°00′ of sidereal Libra. Ruled by Rahu with Vayu, the wind god, as its deity, its symbol is a young shoot swaying in the breeze: a star of independence and trade.
- Uttara Ashadha nakshatraUttara Ashadha is the 21st nakshatra, spanning 26°40′ Sagittarius to 10°00′ Capricorn. Ruled by the Sun with the Vishvedevas, the universal gods, as its deities, it is a fixed star of lasting victory.
- Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatraUttara Bhadrapada is the 26th nakshatra, spanning 3°20′–16°40′ of sidereal Pisces. Ruled by Saturn with Ahir Budhnya, the serpent of the deep, as its deity, it is a fixed star of depth and steadiness.
- Uttara Phalguni nakshatraUttara Phalguni is the 12th nakshatra, spanning 26°40′ Leo to 10°00′ Virgo. Ruled by the Sun with Aryaman, god of contracts and hospitality, as its deity, it is a fixed star of loyalty and partnership.
- Vishakha nakshatraVishakha is the 16th nakshatra, spanning 20°00′ Libra to 3°20′ Scorpio. Ruled by Jupiter with Indra and Agni as its joint deities, its symbol is a decorated archway: a star of purpose and achievement.
Panchang
Tithi, yoga, karana and the timings of the day. · 34 entries
- Abhijit muhuratAbhijit muhurat is the 8th of the 15 muhurtas of the day, a window of about 48 minutes centred on local midday. It is considered one of the strongest auspicious times, except on Wednesdays.
- Amanta and Purnimanta monthsTwo ways of ending a Hindu lunar month. Amanta months end at the new moon (Amavasya), as in Gujarat, Maharashtra and the South; purnimanta months end at the full moon (Purnima), as in most of North India.
- Amavasya (new moon)Amavasya is the new-moon tithi, the 30th tithi and the last of the dark half (Krishna paksha). It is a day for honouring ancestors, and in the amanta calendar it ends the lunar month.
- Amrit Kalam (Amrit Kaal)Amrit Kalam is a short, highly auspicious window of roughly an hour and a half within each nakshatra. Panchangs list it as one of the best times to begin something important, even on an ordinary day.
- Ayana (Uttarayana and Dakshinayana)Ayana is the Sun’s half-yearly course. In Uttarayana the Sun moves northward through the sky; in Dakshinayana it moves southward. Traditional panchangs mark the change at Makar and Karka Sankranti.
- Bhadra (Vishti karana)Bhadra is the popular name for Vishti, the one karana (half-tithi) that tradition avoids for auspicious work. It comes eight times a lunar month, and festivals such as Raksha Bandhan are timed to avoid it.
- Brahma muhurtaBrahma muhurta is the period of about 48 minutes that ends roughly 48 minutes before sunrise: the 14th of the night’s 15 muhurtas. It is traditionally the best time for meditation, prayer and study.
- ChoghadiyaChoghadiya divides the day and the night into eight periods each, about 90 minutes long. Each is named Amrit, Shubh, Labh, Char, Udveg, Kaal or Rog, and marked good, neutral or best avoided.
- Durmuhurta (Durmuhurtam)A durmuhurta is one of the 48-minute muhurtas that panchangs flag as unfavourable on a given weekday. Each day has one or two, and they are avoided when starting something important.
- EkadashiEkadashi is the 11th tithi of each lunar fortnight, sacred to Vishnu and widely kept as a fast. It comes twice a month, about 24 times a year, and the fast is broken the next morning, on Dwadashi.
- Gulika Kaal (Gulikai Kalam)Gulika Kaal is a daily period of about 90 minutes, one-eighth of the daytime, ruled by Gulika, the son of Saturn. Most panchangs list it as inauspicious, though Tamil and Kerala custom treats it differently.
- Hora (planetary hour)A hora is a planetary hour. Day and night are each divided into 12 horas, ruled in turn by the Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars; the first hora at sunrise belongs to the weekday’s lord.
- Karana (half-tithi)A karana is half a tithi: the time the Moon takes to gain 6° on the Sun. There are 11 karanas, seven that repeat through the month and four fixed ones, giving 60 karanas in every lunar month.
- Masa (Hindu lunar month)A masa is a Hindu lunar month, running from one new moon to the next (or full moon to full moon). The 12 months, Chaitra to Phalguna, are named after nakshatras near which their full moons fall.
- Masik ShivaratriMasik Shivaratri is the monthly night of Shiva, kept on the 14th tithi of the dark half (Krishna Chaturdashi). The day is chosen by the tithi at midnight, and the year’s greatest is Maha Shivaratri.
- Nishita kaal (Nishita muhurat)Nishita kaal is the 8th of the 15 muhurtas of the night, about 48 minutes centred on the midpoint between sunset and sunrise. It is the time for midnight worship on Janmashtami, Shivaratri and Kali Puja.
- Paksha (lunar fortnight)A paksha is a lunar fortnight of 15 tithis. Shukla paksha is the bright half, when the Moon waxes from new to full; Krishna paksha is the dark half, when it wanes from full back to new.
- Panchak (Panchaka)Panchak is the roughly five-day stretch each month when the Moon passes through Aquarius and Pisces, from mid-Dhanishta to the end of Revati. Tradition avoids a few specific activities during it.
- Panchang (Hindu almanac)A panchang is the traditional Hindu almanac. It describes each day through five limbs (tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga and karana) and adds sunrise-based timings such as Rahu Kaal and Abhijit muhurat.
- Pradosh Vrat (Pradosham)Pradosh Vrat is a fast to Shiva kept on the 13th tithi (Trayodashi) of each paksha, twice a month. It centres on the evening twilight, pradosh kaal, so the day is set by the tithi at sunset.
- Purnima (full moon)Purnima is the full-moon tithi, the 15th and last of the bright half (Shukla paksha). It is a day of worship and fasting, and in the purnimanta calendar of North India it ends the lunar month.
- Rahu Kaal (Rahu Kalam)Rahu Kaal is a daily period of about 90 minutes, one-eighth of the time from sunrise to sunset, that tradition avoids for starting new work. Which eighth it is depends on the weekday.
- Ritu (Hindu season)A ritu is one of the six Indian seasons, each about two months long: Vasanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), Hemanta (pre-winter) and Shishira (winter).
- Sankashti ChaturthiSankashti Chaturthi is a monthly fast to Ganesha on the 4th tithi of the dark half (Krishna Chaturthi). It is broken after sighting the Moon, so the day is set by the tithi in force at moonrise.
- Sankranti (Sun’s sign change)Sankranti is the moment the Sun moves from one sidereal zodiac sign into the next. There are 12 a year. Makar Sankranti in mid-January and Mesha Sankranti in mid-April are the most widely celebrated.
- Shaka Samvat (Saka era)Shaka Samvat is the Indian calendar era that began in 78 CE, so its year is 78 or 79 behind the Gregorian year. It is the era of India’s national calendar and of many traditional panchangs in the Deccan.
- Sunrise in the Panchang (Suryodaya)In the panchang, the day begins at local sunrise, not midnight. The tithi, nakshatra and other limbs in force at sunrise name the day, and periods such as Rahu Kaal and choghadiya are measured from it.
- Tithi (lunar day)A tithi is a lunar day: the time the Moon takes to move 12° further ahead of the Sun. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, 15 in each paksha, and the tithi in force at sunrise names the day.
- Vara (weekday)Vara is the weekday in the panchang and one of its five limbs. Each of the seven varas is ruled by a planet, from Ravivara (Sun) to Shanivara (Saturn), and a vara runs from sunrise to the next sunrise.
- Varjyam (Tyajyam)Varjyam is a window of roughly an hour and a half within each nakshatra that South Indian panchangs mark as unfit for new beginnings. It follows the nakshatra, not the clock, so it can fall at any hour.
- Vijaya muhuratVijaya muhurat is the 11th of the 15 muhurtas of the day, a window of about 48 minutes in the early afternoon. Its name means victory, and it is chosen for setting out on a task one hopes to win.
- Vikram SamvatVikram Samvat is the Hindu calendar era most used in North and West India. Its year number runs 56 or 57 ahead of the Gregorian year and, in most regions, turns at Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
- Yamaganda (Yamagandam)Yamaganda is a daily period of about 90 minutes, one-eighth of the daytime, that panchangs list as unsuitable for new beginnings. Like Rahu Kaal, which eighth it is depends on the weekday.
- Yoga (in the panchang)In the panchang, a yoga is one of 27 periods set by the combined sidereal longitudes of the Sun and Moon. Each lasts roughly a day, and nine, including Vyatipata and Vaidhriti, are avoided for new beginnings.
Muhurat
How auspicious times are chosen. · 13 entries
- Adhik Maas (extra lunar month)Adhik Maas is an extra lunar month added roughly every 32 to 33 months to keep the Hindu calendar in step with the seasons. Devoted to Vishnu as Purushottam Maas, it is a month for prayer, not new ceremonies.
- Annaprashan (first rice feeding)Annaprashan is the ceremony of a baby’s first solid food, usually rice, and one of the sixteen samskaras. It is traditionally held in the sixth or eighth month for boys and the fifth or seventh for girls.
- Chandrabala (Moon strength)Chandrabala is the strength of the transiting Moon for a person, judged by its sign counted from their birth Moon sign. The 1st, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th and 11th are favourable; the 8th (Chandrashtama) is avoided.
- Chaturmas (Chaturmasya)Chaturmas is the four-month period from Devshayani Ekadashi in Ashadha to Devuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashi in Kartika, when Vishnu is said to rest. Weddings and similar ceremonies are traditionally paused.
- Griha Pravesh (housewarming)Griha Pravesh is the ceremony of entering a home for the first time, held at a chosen muhurat. Tradition favours fixed and soft nakshatras, the months of Magha, Phalguna, Vaishakha and Jyeshtha, and days clear of Holashtak and Adhik maas.
- HolashtakHolashtak is the eight days before Holika Dahan, from Phalguna Shukla Ashtami to Phalguna Purnima. In much of North India, weddings, griha pravesh and other auspicious ceremonies are avoided during it.
- Kharmas (Kharmaas)Kharmas is the name for two month-long spells each year, when the Sun is in Sagittarius (Dhanu) or Pisces (Meena). Weddings, griha pravesh and similar ceremonies are traditionally avoided then, especially in North India.
- Muhurat (auspicious time)A muhurat is an auspicious window chosen for an important beginning, such as a wedding or griha pravesh. The word also names a unit of time: one-fifteenth of the day or the night, about 48 minutes.
- Mundan (first haircut)Mundan, or Chudakarana, is the ceremony of a child’s first haircut and one of the sixteen samskaras. It is usually held in the first, third or fifth year, at a muhurat in the bright half of the month.
- Namkaran (naming ceremony)Namkaran is the Hindu naming ceremony, one of the sixteen samskaras, traditionally held around the 11th or 12th day after birth. The first sound of the name is often taken from the baby’s nakshatra pada.
- Pitru Paksha (Shraddh)Pitru Paksha is the fortnight of about 16 days devoted to ancestors, ending on Sarva Pitru (Mahalaya) Amavasya. Families perform shraddha and tarpan on the tithi matching each loved one’s passing.
- Tarabala (Tara Bala)Tarabala is the strength of a day’s nakshatra for a particular person, found by counting from their birth star. Of the nine taras, Vipat, Pratyak and Naidhana (the 3rd, 5th and 7th) are avoided for important work.
- Vivah muhurat (wedding date)A vivah muhurat is the auspicious date and time chosen for a Hindu wedding. It combines a suitable nakshatra, tithi and weekday with the right season and, in many families, the couple’s own Tarabala and Chandrabala.
Dashas
The planetary periods that time events. · 6 entries
- Antardasha (Bhukti)An antardasha (bhukti) is a sub-period within a mahadasha. Each mahadasha has nine, one for each planet, starting with the mahadasha lord’s own, and they fine-tune the timing of events.
- Dasha balance at birthThe dasha balance is how much of the first mahadasha is left at the moment of birth. It comes from how far the Moon has travelled through its nakshatra, and it fixes the dates of every later period.
- MahadashaA mahadasha is a major planetary period in the Vimshottari system, lasting from 6 to 20 years depending on the planet. The running mahadasha sets the main themes of that chapter of life.
- PratyantardashaA pratyantardasha is the third level of the Vimshottari dasha: a short sub-sub-period inside each antardasha, lasting from a few days to under seven months, used to narrow down timing.
- Vimshottari dashaVimshottari dasha is the main Vedic system for timing life events. It divides a 120-year cycle into nine planetary periods, starting from the nakshatra your Moon occupied at birth.
- Yogini dashaYogini dasha is a Vedic timing system of eight periods named after eight yoginis, each linked with a planet. The periods last one to eight years and complete a 36-year cycle.
Yogas
Planetary combinations and what they promise. · 16 entries
- Bhadra yogaBhadra yoga, one of the five Mahapurush yogas, forms when Mercury is in Gemini or Virgo and in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house). It is linked with intellect, eloquence and skill in business.
- Budhaditya yogaBudhaditya yoga forms when the Sun (Aditya) and Mercury (Budh) occupy the same sign. It is linked with intelligence, clear speech, learning and administrative skill.
- Chandra–Mangal yogaChandra–Mangal yoga forms when the Moon and Mars occupy the same sign. It is linked with drive, enterprise and earning through initiative, along with a quick, intense emotional nature.
- Dhana yogaA Dhana yoga is a combination that shows the capacity to earn and build wealth. The classic form links the lords of the 2nd and 11th houses (wealth and gains) with the lords of the 1st, 5th or 9th.
- Gajakesari yogaGajakesari yoga forms when a strong Jupiter stands in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house) from the Moon or the ascendant, joined or aspected by a benefic. It is linked with wisdom, reputation and lasting goodwill.
- Hamsa yogaHamsa yoga, one of the five Mahapurush yogas, forms when Jupiter is in Sagittarius, Pisces or Cancer and in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house). It is linked with wisdom, ethics and respect.
- Kemadruma yoga (Kemadruma dosha)Kemadruma yoga forms when no planet except the Sun, Rahu or Ketu sits with the Moon or in the signs on either side of it. It is linked with feeling unsupported, and classical texts list many cancellations.
- Malavya yogaMalavya yoga, one of the five Mahapurush yogas, forms when Venus is in Taurus, Libra or Pisces and in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house). It is linked with refinement, art, comfort and charm.
- Neecha Bhanga Raja yogaNeecha Bhanga Raja yoga is the classical cancellation of a planet’s debilitation. When certain conditions are met, a debilitated planet’s weakness is lifted and can even become a source of strength.
- Panch Mahapurush yogaThe Panch Mahapurush yogas are five yogas of “great persons”. Each forms when Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus or Saturn sits in its own or exaltation sign in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house).
- Parivartana yoga (sign exchange)Parivartana yoga forms when two planets sit in each other’s signs, such as Mars in Taurus and Venus in Aries. The exchange links their houses closely, as if each planet stood in its own sign.
- Raj yoga (Raja yoga)A Raj yoga forms when the lord of a kendra (house 1, 4, 7 or 10) joins, aspects or exchanges signs with the lord of a trikona (house 1, 5 or 9). It promises status, authority and success through effort.
- Ruchaka yogaRuchaka yoga, one of the five Mahapurush yogas, forms when Mars is in Aries, Scorpio or Capricorn and in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house). It is linked with courage, stamina and command.
- Shasha yoga (Sasa yoga)Shasha yoga, one of the five Mahapurush yogas, forms when Saturn is in Capricorn, Aquarius or Libra and in a kendra (the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house). It is linked with discipline, endurance and authority.
- Viparita Raja yogaViparita Raja yoga forms when the lord of the 6th, 8th or 12th house sits in one of those same houses. Its name means “reverse Raja yoga”: success that comes after, or out of, adversity.
- Yoga (in astrology)In Vedic astrology a yoga is a specific combination of planets, signs and houses that promises a particular result, such as wealth, status or learning. Classical texts describe hundreds of them.
Doshas
Afflictions, what they mean and when they cancel. · 8 entries
- Dosha (in astrology)In Vedic astrology a dosha is a fault or affliction in a chart, such as Manglik dosha or Kaal Sarp dosha. Most doshas are conditional: classical texts list ways they are reduced or cancelled.
- Grahan dosha (eclipse dosha)Grahan dosha forms when the Sun or the Moon is joined by Rahu or Ketu, the two points that cause eclipses. It is linked with ups and downs in confidence (Sun) or emotions (Moon).
- Guru Chandal doshaGuru Chandal dosha forms when Jupiter (Guru) is joined by Rahu, and in many traditions by Ketu too. It is linked with unconventional beliefs and a need for care in choosing advisers and teachers.
- Kaal Sarp doshaKaal Sarp dosha is said to form when all seven planets lie on one side of the Rahu–Ketu axis. It is a modern addition to astrology, not found in the classical texts, and its weight is debated.
- Manglik dosha (Kuja dosha)Manglik dosha forms when Mars sits in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house of a chart. Traditionally checked before marriage, it is very common and is often cancelled by classical exceptions.
- Pitra dosha (Pitru dosha)Pitra dosha is a chart pattern read as unresolved ancestral karma, most often the Sun joined by Rahu or a node in the 9th house. Definitions vary widely, and it is traditionally eased through rites of gratitude to ancestors.
- Sade SatiSade Sati is the roughly seven-and-a-half-year period when Saturn moves through the sign before your Moon sign, your Moon sign and the sign after it. It is a time of responsibility and change, not doom.
- Shani Dhaiya (Small Panoti)Shani Dhaiya is the two-and-a-half-year period when Saturn transits the 4th or 8th sign from your Moon sign. Also called Small Panoti, it is a shorter cousin of Sade Sati that asks for patience.
Kundli matching
Guna Milan and the eight kootas. · 14 entries
- Bhakoot doshaBhakoot dosha arises in Kundli matching when the two Moon signs are 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 from each other, scoring 0 of 7 points. It is commonly cancelled when the two Moon-sign lords are the same or friends.
- Bhakoot koota (Rashi koota)Bhakoot is the seventh Guna Milan factor, worth 7 points. It looks at how far apart the two Moon signs are, and is linked with family welfare, prosperity and affection.
- Gana kootaGana koota is the sixth Guna Milan factor, worth 6 points. Each nakshatra has a temperament (gana): Deva (gentle), Manushya (human) or Rakshasa (intense), and the two are compared.
- Graha Maitri kootaGraha Maitri is the fifth Guna Milan factor, worth 5 points. It checks whether the lords of the two Moon signs are friends, and is read as a match of mental wavelength.
- Guna Milan (Ashtakoota)Guna Milan is the traditional Kundli matching score out of 36. It compares the Moon signs and birth nakshatras of two people across eight kootas; 18 or more is traditionally acceptable.
- Manglik matchingManglik matching compares Manglik dosha in both partners’ charts. Traditionally, if both are Manglik the dosha is balanced; if only one is, the charts are reviewed more closely. It rarely decides a match alone.
- Nadi doshaNadi dosha arises in Kundli matching when both partners’ birth nakshatras belong to the same nadi, scoring 0 of 8 points. It is taken seriously, but classical texts list several cancellations.
- Nadi kootaNadi koota is the eighth and heaviest Guna Milan factor, worth 8 points. Each nakshatra belongs to one of three nadis: Adi, Madhya or Antya. Different nadis score 8; the same nadi scores 0.
- Rajju (Rajju porutham)Rajju is a South Indian matching check that sorts the 27 nakshatras into five body parts: feet, waist, navel, neck and head. Both partners’ stars falling in the same rajju is called Rajju dosha.
- Tara koota (Dina koota)Tara koota is the third Guna Milan factor, worth 3 points. It counts the distance between the two birth nakshatras to judge well-being and good fortune in the marriage.
- Varna kootaVarna koota is the first of the eight Guna Milan factors, worth 1 point. It compares the varna of the two Moon signs, read today as temperament and approach to work.
- Vashya kootaVashya koota is the second Guna Milan factor, worth 2 points. It groups Moon signs into five classes (human, four-footed, water, wild and insect) to judge mutual attraction and influence.
- Vedha (Vedha porutham)Vedha is a South Indian matching check in which certain pairs of nakshatras are said to obstruct each other. If the partners’ birth stars form such a pair, it is called Vedha dosha.
- Yoni kootaYoni koota is the fourth Guna Milan factor, worth 4 points. Each nakshatra has an animal symbol (yoni), and comparing the two animals shows physical and instinctive compatibility.
Gemstones & remedies
Gemstones, Rudraksha, mantras and more. · 18 entries
- Beej mantra (planetary seed mantra)A beej (seed) mantra is a short mantra built on seed syllables, such as “Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah” for Saturn. Each planet has one, and chanting it is a simple, widely used remedy.
- Blue sapphire (Neelam)Blue sapphire (Neelam) is the gem of Saturn in Vedic astrology. Thought the most powerful of the nine, it is worn on the middle finger on a Saturday, usually only after a careful chart check and a trial period.
- Cat’s eye (Lehsunia)Cat’s eye (Lehsunia) is the gem of Ketu in Vedic astrology: a chrysoberyl with a sharp line of light. Traditionally set in silver and worn on the middle finger on a Tuesday, it is used with care.
- Daan (charity as a remedy)Daan (charity) is one of the oldest remedies in Vedic astrology. Giving items linked with a planet, on its weekday and to people in need, is believed to ease that planet’s difficult results.
- Diamond (Heera)Diamond (Heera) is the gem of Venus in Vedic astrology. Traditionally set in platinum or silver and worn on the middle finger on a Friday, it is linked with love, harmony, creativity and refinement.
- Ek Mukhi Rudraksha (1 Mukhi)Ek Mukhi (one-faced) Rudraksha has a single natural line and is linked with Shiva himself and, by convention, the Sun. It is the most revered bead and among the rarest, so genuine ones are hard to find.
- Emerald (Panna)Emerald (Panna) is the gem of Mercury in Vedic astrology. Traditionally set in gold and worn on the little finger on a Wednesday, it is linked with clear communication, learning and business sense.
- Hessonite (Gomed)Hessonite (Gomed) is the gem of Rahu in Vedic astrology: a honey to orange-brown garnet. Traditionally set in silver and worn on the middle finger on a Saturday, it is used with care.
- Navaratna (nine gems)Navaratna are the nine gems linked with the nine planets: ruby, pearl, red coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite and cat’s eye. They are worn singly or together as a remedy.
- Panch Mukhi Rudraksha (5 Mukhi)Panch Mukhi (five-faced) Rudraksha is the most common bead and is considered safe for everyone. It is linked with Kalagni Rudra, a form of Shiva, and by convention with Jupiter.
- Pearl (Moti)Pearl (Moti) is the gem of the Moon in Vedic astrology. Traditionally set in silver and worn on the little finger on a Monday, it is linked with emotional calm, intuition and nurturing.
- Red coral (Moonga)Red coral (Moonga) is the gem of Mars in Vedic astrology. Traditionally set in gold or copper and worn on the ring finger on a Tuesday, it is linked with courage, drive and confidence.
- Ruby (Manik)Ruby (Manik) is the gemstone of the Sun in Vedic astrology. Traditionally set in gold and worn on the ring finger on a Sunday, it is linked with confidence, leadership and vitality.
- RudrakshaRudraksha are the dried seeds of the Elaeocarpus tree, sacred to Shiva. They are classed by mukhis, the natural lines on the bead, usually from 1 to 14, each linked with a deity and, by convention, a planet.
- Uparatna (substitute gemstones)Uparatnas are the gentler, more affordable substitute stones for the nine main gems, such as red garnet for ruby or moonstone for pearl. They follow the same planet and wearing rules.
- Vrat (fasting as a remedy)A vrat is a vow, usually a fast kept on a particular weekday or lunar day, offered to a deity or planet. It is a traditional remedy for strengthening a planet and a practice of self-discipline.
- YantraA yantra is a sacred geometric diagram that represents a deity or planet, drawn or engraved on metal, paper or wood. It is used as a focus for worship and mantra, and as a remedy for a planet.
- Yellow sapphire (Pukhraj)Yellow sapphire (Pukhraj) is the gem of Jupiter in Vedic astrology. Traditionally set in gold and worn on the index finger on a Thursday, it is linked with wisdom, optimism and good judgement.
Numerology
Your numbers and what they say. · 22 entries
- Bhagyank (destiny number)Bhagyank, the destiny or conductor number, is the sum of every digit of your full date of birth, reduced to a single digit from 1 to 9. In Indian numerology it shows the direction your life tends to take and how opportunities arrive.
- Chaldean numerologyChaldean numerology gives each letter a value from 1 to 8 based on its sound, leaving 9 unassigned. Popularised by Cheiro, it is the method most Indian numerologists use for name numbers and name correction.
- Destiny (Expression) numberThe Destiny number, also called the Expression number, comes from every letter of your full birth name, reduced to one digit or a master number. It describes your natural talents and how you tend to pursue your goals.
- Life Path numberYour Life Path number is the main number in Western numerology, found by reducing your full date of birth to a single digit or a master number (11, 22 or 33). It describes the broad direction and lessons of your life.
- Lo Shu gridThe Lo Shu grid is a 3×3 magic square, 4-9-2 / 3-5-7 / 8-1-6, in which every row, column and diagonal adds up to 15. In numerology the digits of your birth date are placed in it to show strong, repeated and missing numbers.
- Master numbers (11, 22, 33)Master numbers are 11, 22 and 33, the double-digit totals that Western numerology does not reduce. They are read as carrying extra potential and extra pressure, along with the qualities of their root numbers 2, 4 and 6.
- Mobile number numerologyMobile number numerology adds the digits of your phone number to a single total from 1 to 9, then checks how well that number’s planet suits your Moolank and Bhagyank. It is often used when choosing a new number.
- Moolank (root number)Moolank, the root or driver number, is the day of the month you were born on, reduced to a single digit from 1 to 9. In Indian numerology it describes your basic nature and is linked with one of the nine planets.
- Name numerologyName numerology reads the number of the name you use, in India usually with the Chaldean letter table, and checks whether it harmonises with your Moolank and Bhagyank. Small spelling changes are sometimes suggested to improve the fit.
- Number 1 in numerologyNumber 1 is the number of beginnings, independence and leadership. In Indian numerology it is ruled by the Sun, and you are a Moolank 1 if you were born on the 1st, 10th, 19th or 28th of any month.
- Number 2 in numerologyNumber 2 is the number of partnership, sensitivity and diplomacy. In Indian numerology it is ruled by the Moon, and you are a Moolank 2 if you were born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th or 29th of any month.
- Number 3 in numerologyNumber 3 is the number of expression, growth and wisdom. In Indian numerology it is ruled by Jupiter, and you are a Moolank 3 if you were born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st or 30th of any month.
- Number 4 in numerologyNumber 4 is the number of structure, effort and original thinking. In Indian numerology it is ruled by Rahu, and you are a Moolank 4 if you were born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd or 31st of any month.
- Number 5 in numerologyNumber 5 is the number of freedom, communication and change. In Indian numerology it is ruled by Mercury, and you are a Moolank 5 if you were born on the 5th, 14th or 23rd of any month.
- Number 6 in numerologyNumber 6 is the number of love, beauty, harmony and responsibility. In Indian numerology it is ruled by Venus, and you are a Moolank 6 if you were born on the 6th, 15th or 24th of any month.
- Number 7 in numerologyNumber 7 is the number of reflection, insight and the inner life. In Indian numerology it is ruled by Ketu, and you are a Moolank 7 if you were born on the 7th, 16th or 25th of any month.
- Number 8 in numerologyNumber 8 is the number of discipline, endurance and earned success. In Indian numerology it is ruled by Saturn, and you are a Moolank 8 if you were born on the 8th, 17th or 26th of any month.
- Number 9 in numerologyNumber 9 is the number of courage, compassion and completion. In Indian numerology it is ruled by Mars, and you are a Moolank 9 if you were born on the 9th, 18th or 27th of any month.
- NumerologyNumerology is the study of the symbolic meaning of numbers, read mainly from your date of birth and your name. Each number from 1 to 9 has its own qualities, and Indian numerology links each with one of the nine planets.
- Personality numberThe Personality number is the total of the consonants in your full birth name, reduced to one digit or a master number. It describes the outer you: the first impression you give and the way you present yourself.
- Pythagorean numerologyPythagorean numerology is the Western system that values letters 1 to 9 in alphabetical order, so A is 1, I is 9 and J starts again at 1. It gives the Life Path, Destiny, Soul Urge and Personality numbers.
- Soul Urge numberThe Soul Urge number, also called the Heart’s Desire, is the total of the vowels in your full birth name, reduced to one digit or a master number. It is read as your inner motivation: what you truly want, beneath the surface.
Tarot
The cards, suits and spreads. · 12 entries
- Celtic CrossThe Celtic Cross is a classic ten-card tarot spread: six cards in a cross and four in a column beside it. Made famous by A. E. Waite, it looks at a question in depth, from its roots and challenges to hopes, fears and outcome.
- Court cardsThe court cards are the sixteen tarot cards that show people: a Page, Knight, Queen and King in each of the four suits. They can stand for someone in your life, a side of yourself or an approach the situation calls for.
- Major ArcanaThe Major Arcana are the 22 named cards of the tarot, numbered 0 to 21 from The Fool to The World. They stand for life’s big themes and turning points, so a reading full of them suggests an important chapter.
- Minor ArcanaThe Minor Arcana are the 56 tarot cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Each suit runs from Ace to Ten plus four court cards, and together they describe everyday events, feelings and decisions.
- Reversed cardsA reversed card is a tarot card that appears upside down in a reading. Readers who use reversals take it to show the card’s energy blocked, delayed, turned inward or out of balance, rather than simply its opposite.
- Suit of CupsThe Suit of Cups is the tarot suit of water: emotions, love, relationships and intuition. Its fourteen cards describe how we feel, connect and care for one another. It corresponds to Hearts in playing cards.
- Suit of PentaclesThe Suit of Pentacles is the tarot suit of earth: work, money, home and the material world. Its fourteen cards describe practical matters, skills, security and slow, steady growth. It corresponds to Diamonds in playing cards.
- Suit of SwordsThe Suit of Swords is the tarot suit of air: thought, truth, communication and conflict. Its fourteen cards describe decisions, honest conversations and the struggles of the mind. It corresponds to Spades in playing cards.
- Suit of WandsThe Suit of Wands is the tarot suit of fire: energy, ambition, creativity and action. Its fourteen cards describe drive, inspiration, career and the spark that gets things moving. It corresponds to Clubs in playing cards.
- TarotTarot is a deck of 78 picture cards, 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, used for reflection and guidance. A reader shuffles, lays cards in a spread and interprets their images and positions in the light of a question.
- Three-card spreadThe three-card spread is the most popular short tarot layout: three cards drawn side by side, most often read as Past, Present and Future. It gives a quick, clear story of a question and how it is unfolding.
- Yes or no tarotA yes or no tarot reading draws one card for a clear question and reads it as leaning yes, no or maybe: bright cards lean yes, heavy cards lean no, and a reversed card follows its reversed meaning.
Palmistry
The lines, mounts and shapes of the hand. · 17 entries
- Fate lineThe fate line is the vertical line that runs up the centre of the palm towards the middle finger. Palmists read it for career, life direction and sense of purpose. Many hands have a faint one or none, which is quite normal.
- Hand shapesPalmists sort hands into shapes that reflect temperament. The modern system uses four elements: Earth (square palm, short fingers), Air (square palm, long fingers), Fire (long palm, short fingers) and Water (long palm, long fingers).
- Head lineThe head line is the middle of the three major lines, starting between the thumb and index finger and running across the palm. Palmists read it for your thinking style: how you reason, focus, imagine and decide.
- Heart lineThe heart line is the uppermost of the three major lines, running across the palm just below the fingers. Palmists read it for your emotional nature: how you love, express feelings and connect with others.
- Life lineThe life line is the curved line that sweeps around the base of the thumb. Palmists read it for vitality, energy and the major changes of life. Despite the myth, its length is not read as the length of your life.
- Marriage lineMarriage lines are the short horizontal lines on the outer edge of the palm, between the base of the little finger and the heart line. Palmists read them for deep, lasting bonds, which may or may not be marriages.
- Mount of Apollo (Sun)The Mount of Apollo, or Mount of the Sun, is the pad at the base of the ring finger. Palmists link it with creativity, charm, optimism and success in the public eye. The sun line runs up to it.
- Mount of JupiterThe Mount of Jupiter is the pad at the base of the index finger. Palmists link it with ambition, leadership, confidence and ideals. A full, firm mount suggests a natural leader; an overdeveloped one, a tendency to pride.
- Mount of Luna (Moon)The Mount of Luna, or Mount of the Moon, is the pad on the outer edge of the palm above the wrist, opposite the thumb. Palmists link it with imagination, intuition, creativity and a love of travel.
- Mount of MarsThe Mount of Mars appears in two places: Lower Mars, inside the life line above the thumb, and Upper Mars, on the outer edge between Mercury and Luna. Palmists link them with courage, drive, endurance and self-control.
- Mount of MercuryThe Mount of Mercury is the pad at the base of the little finger. Palmists link it with communication, quick thinking, business sense and science. The marriage lines run in along its outer edge.
- Mount of SaturnThe Mount of Saturn is the pad at the base of the middle finger. Palmists link it with responsibility, wisdom, patience and a serious, studious mind. It is often the flattest mount, which is quite normal.
- Mount of VenusThe Mount of Venus is the fleshy base of the thumb, enclosed by the life line. Palmists link it with love, warmth, vitality and an appreciation of beauty, music and the pleasures of life.
- Mounts of the handThe mounts are the fleshy pads of the palm, each named after a planet: Jupiter, Saturn, Apollo and Mercury below the fingers, Venus at the thumb, Luna on the outer edge and Mars in two places. Each shows where energy gathers.
- Palmistry (Hast Rekha Shastra)Palmistry is the reading of character and life tendencies from the hand: its shape, lines, mounts, fingers and thumb. In India it is called Hast Rekha Shastra and forms part of Samudrika Shastra, the study of the body’s marks.
- Sun line (Apollo line)The sun line, or line of Apollo, is a vertical line rising towards the ring finger. Palmists read it for recognition, creativity and fulfilment. It is often faint or absent, and its absence is not a sign of failure.
- Thumb in palmistryIn palmistry the thumb is read for willpower, reasoning and how you deal with the world. Its length, how it is set on the hand and whether it bends back easily describe determination, logic and adaptability.
Vastu & Feng Shui
Directions, rooms and energy at home. · 17 entries
- Bedroom in VastuVastu places the master bedroom in the south-west, children’s rooms in the west or north-west and guest rooms in the north-west. Sleeping with the head to the south is most recommended; the head to the north is avoided.
- BrahmasthanThe Brahmasthan is the central zone of a plot or home in Vastu, the seat of Brahma in the Vastu Purusha Mandala. Tradition keeps it open, light and free of heavy loads, toilets, kitchens and staircases.
- Directions in VastuVastu divides a home into eight directions plus the centre. Each has a guardian deity, a planet and its own character, and each suits particular rooms: north-east for prayer, south-east for cooking, south-west for the master bedroom.
- East and West groupsIn Eight Mansions Feng Shui every Kua number belongs to the East group (1, 3, 4, 9), favoured by north, south, east and south-east, or the West group (2, 6, 7, 8), favoured by west, south-west, north-west and north-east.
- Feng ShuiFeng Shui, ‘wind and water’, is the Chinese art of arranging buildings and spaces to harmonise with qi, the flow of life energy. It works with directions, the bagua, the five elements and personal directions from your Kua number.
- Kitchen in VastuVastu places the kitchen in the south-east, the corner of Agni, the fire god, with the north-west as the accepted alternative. The cook ideally faces east, and the stove and sink are kept apart.
- Kua numberThe Kua number is your personal number in Eight Mansions Feng Shui, worked out from your birth year and gender. It places you in the East or West group and gives you four favourable and four unfavourable directions.
- Main entrance in VastuIn Vastu the main entrance, the mukhya dwar, is the mouth of the home through which energy enters. North, north-east and east are the most favoured directions, and the door’s exact position along the wall, its pada, matters too.
- North-east (Ishanya) in VastuThe north-east, Ishanya, is the most sacred corner in Vastu, ruled by Ishana (Shiva) and linked with Jupiter and the water element. It is kept light, clean and open, and suits a pooja room, study or water source.
- North-west (Vayavya) in VastuThe north-west, Vayavya, is the air corner in Vastu, ruled by Vayu and linked with the Moon. As the zone of movement and change, it suits guest rooms, toilets, garages and storage, and is the second choice for a kitchen.
- Pooja room in VastuVastu places the pooja room in the north-east, the sacred Ishanya corner, with east and north as alternatives. You ideally face east or north while praying, and the space is kept clean, light and away from toilets and stairs.
- Sheng ChiSheng Chi, ‘generating breath’, is the best of your four favourable directions in Eight Mansions Feng Shui. Linked with success, vitality and prosperity, it is the direction to face when you work, study or negotiate.
- South-east (Agneya) in VastuThe south-east, Agneya, is the fire corner in Vastu, ruled by Agni and linked with Venus. It is the ideal place for the kitchen and for electrical equipment, and is traditionally kept away from bedrooms and water.
- South-west (Nairutya) in VastuThe south-west, Nairutya, is the heaviest and most stable zone in Vastu, ruled by Nirriti and linked with Rahu and the earth element. It suits the master bedroom and heavy storage, and is kept high, closed and solid.
- Toilet in VastuVastu places toilets in the north-west or west, zones of outflow and movement, with the south also workable. They are kept out of the north-east, the south-west and the centre, and the seat is set so you face north or south.
- Vastu Purusha MandalaThe Vastu Purusha Mandala is the sacred square grid at the heart of Vastu. It pictures the cosmic being Vastu Purusha lying face down, his head in the north-east and his feet in the south-west, held in place by 45 deities.
- Vastu ShastraVastu Shastra is the traditional Indian science of architecture and space. It aligns a building with the directions, the five elements and the path of the sun, guiding where rooms, doors and heavy objects belong.