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.
Also known as: Jyotish yoga, Planetary combination
The word yoga means “joining”. In a Kundli it describes a pattern: planets together in a sign, placed in particular houses from each other, exchanging signs, or the lords of certain houses meeting. Classical works such as Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Saravali and Phaladeepika list hundreds, from Raj yoga to Gajakesari.
The word has other meanings too. The Panchang has 27 daily yogas based on the Sun and Moon, and yoga as a spiritual practice is different again. In a chart reading, it always means a planetary combination.
A yoga is a promise, not a guarantee. Its strength depends on the planets involved, including their dignity, combustion and aspects, and it usually shows itself in the dashas of those planets. Many yogas are common, so astrologers look for several that support each other.
Some yogas describe difficulties, such as Kemadruma, and many of those have classical cancellations. No single yoga, good or bad, decides a whole life.