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.
Also known as: Chandra bala, Chandrabalam, Chandra balam
Count from your birth Moon sign (rashi) to the sign the Moon is in today. Positions 1, 3, 6, 7, 10 and 11 give good Chandrabala, and many texts also accept the 2nd, 5th and 9th in the bright half of the month. The 4th, 8th and 12th are weak, and the 8th, known as Chandrashtama, is the one most widely avoided.
The Moon changes sign about every two and a quarter days, so Chandrabala shifts quickly and Chandrashtama comes for about two days each month. South Indian panchangs list the day’s Chandrashtama signs so that families can plan around them.
Chandrabala is personal: it is reckoned from each person’s Moon sign, so no day is good or weak for everyone. Classical guidance gives it most weight in the bright half of the month, with Tarabala more important in the dark half. A weak Chandrabala is a reason to choose another window, not a cause for worry.