Secret Usage of Karakas – 1 by Laura Barat

The difference between gentle and cruel Grahas is this:  gentle Grahas spread around all of their goodness (Ishta) and keep all their negativity (Kashta) for themselves.  Cruel Grahas give away all of their negative qualities (Kashta) and retain the goodness (Ishta) for themselves.  In this sense, Grahas are very much like people.  Mean, cruel people will dissipate their negativity to anyone within their sphere of influence and will retain their goodness for themselves.  One could even say that cruel Grahas are sadistic. Pleasant, kind people will spread their goodwill and keep their negativity to themselves. 

An example of how this works is that Saturn produces longevity, which is a good thing, but if Saturn has a lot of ill or a high amount of Kashta and low Ishta, then the longevity is curtailed, because Saturn cannot produce it very well. At the same time, Saturn will also be spreading around its negativity to gentle Grahas, harming their ability to produce their significations. Saturn represents discipline and focus.  When Saturn is giving away a lot of its Kashta to other Grahas, then Saturn does not have enough Ishta to provide or create a determined focus. Therefore the person’s focus and determination will suffer.

In summary, the gentle Grahas spread their goodness (Ishta) through aspect or position and keep the negativity (Kashta) for themselves.  In contrast, the cruel Grahas give away all of their Kashta but keep the Ishta for themselves.

Any ill to the Karaka shows, more often than not, the problems that are most paramount in a person’s life.  The Karakas are the most effective and simple to utilize in predictions. They are the cause, the beginning of their significations; therefore any ill to these Karakas show substantial problems to a Karakas’ significations from the very beginning. 

For example, the Ishta of Jupiter is the foundation of Jupiter to produce children, husband, guru, brain, liver, wealth, etc.  A weak Jupiter will have difficulty producing these things and there will be inherent problems regardless of the Rasi or Bhava placement of Jupiter.

The average Ishta for a Karaka is 30 Virupas. Anytime a Karaka has less than 30 Virupas, there will be some problems or lack with that Karaka.  Ishta/Kashta is the most important thing to assess when deciding on remedies for afflicted Karakas.

Tiers of Prediction

Three tiers or layers exist when making predictions.  Imagine the sky.  In the sky, the Grahas are interacting with each other.  At one point they are opposite each other, at one point they are conjunct, at one point they are squared each other, etc.  The Grahas are operating and influencing each other by simply going through their orbits.  At this point, they are merely influencing each other; they have not been brought down to Earth Grahas interacting with each other in the sky represent the factory. Within the factory, the Grahas are producing their natural and inherent significations.  In this role, the Grahas are called Karakas.  The factory can produce well-made, sturdy equipment or it can produce faulty, deficient equipment.  Whether the factory produces a well-made automobile depends on the Ishta and Kashta of Venus.  Similarly, whether the factory produces a sturdy home depends on the Ishta and Kashta of Mars.

Within the human body, Mercury produces the skin.  Mercury can produce healthy, blemish-free skin or it can produce skin that is prone to rashes, skin cancer, acne, etc.  Most of the chronic problems that people experience are due to inadequacies of the Karaka producing its natural significations.  The Karaka is the producer of something, it is the beginning.  If the Karaka cannot produce its significations sufficiently, then it has problems right from the beginning, or to use the previous metaphor, it has problems right out of the factory.

The 2^nd tier of prediction is the Grahas within the Rasis.  The Rasis or Signs are born by the relationship of the Sun and the Earth; therefore it is the beginning of the Grahas influencing the Earth when the Rasis are brought into the equation.  Karakas in Rasis show the qualities of the thing produced.  Rasis give the color, texture, place, psychological aspects and many other details of the thing produced.

The 3^rd tier of prediction relies on the Bhavas or houses.  The Bhavas are determined by the Ascendant which is the degree of the Rasi on the Eastern Horizon at the time of birth.  Grahas are influencing their Bhava placement and the Bhava placement is influencing the Graha or Grahas.  The point directly overhead at the place of your birth is the mid-heaven or 10^th Bhava cusp.  The point directly below is the Nadir or 4^th Bhava cusp and the point on the Western Horizon is the Descendant or 7^th Bhava cusp.  The existence of Bhavas is completely dependent upon the Earth; there can be no Bhavas without the Earth’s planes. 

For the technique of predicting with Grahas as Karakas, the 1^st tier of prediction is primarily used, where the Grahas are interacting and forming planetary aspects with each other in the sky.  Secondarily, the 3^rd tier of prediction, namely the Bhava placement, is also used.

The technique is derived from a triplet of Sutras found in Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra:

“The Sun is the father of all offspring and the Moon is similarly the mother. A Paapa aspecting or joining, or the Sun situated between Paapas is known to certainly harm the native’s father. The Paapas standing in the Sun’s 6^th and 8^th Rasis as well as the 4^th, without Saumyas, indicate harm to the father. Similarly the position of Paapas from the Moon should be considered too ill the mother. Judge the strength and weakness to determine illness or death.”

Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra: Aristhas, 43-45

Karakas and Vargas

Vargas are called ‘divisional charts’ in Western Astrology.  As mentioned previously, all Karakas produce something that is desirable.  Saturn is trying to produce longevity, which is certainly desirable.  Jupiter is trying to produce all of its significations, i.e., wealth, children, husband, guru, happiness, wisdom, etc.  Jupiter can make a person wealthy but give them no children.  The reason there is differentiation of what a Karaka actually produces in a horoscope is because of the Varga charts.  In Vedic Astrology, you cannot make any serious, accurate predictions without Varga charts.

When you look at a horoscope or Rasi Chart, you are seeing a Rasi chart of everyone born within a roughly two-hour period in a specific place.  Of course, everyone born within that 2 hour period has vastly different lives.  Vargas, especially the higher-numbered Vargas, differentiate people born within minutes or even seconds, of each other. 

Each Varga relates directly to a Bhava.  Each Karaka means different things in different Vargas.  For example, Jupiter means brain and liver in the Rasi, because the Rasi is the body according to Parasara.  Jupiter produces children in the Saptamsa, the 7^th Varga because the 7^th Bhava rules conception.  Jupiter produces wealth in the Hora Varga, the 2^nd divisional chart, because the 2^nd Bhava rules wealth.

Another example would be Mars producing your home in the Chaturtamsa, the 4^th divisional chart, because the 4^th Bhava rules the home and real estate and Mars rules the home and real estate.  Mars produces the siblings, except for the eldest, which is produced by Saturn.  The 3^rd Bhava is the house of siblings, so we would look to the 3^rd divisional chart, the Drikkana, and Mars in the Drikkana, for our siblings.

According to Parasara, there are 16 Vargas used for predictive purposes.  With these 16 Vargas, we can predict anything we might have to.  There are other Vargas, but for purposes of predicting with Grahas as Karakas, the following 16 Vargas mentioned by Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra should be used.

“Now I tell you of the considerations or uses that are to be made of the 16 divisions of a sign.  From the Lagna or Ascendant is to be considered the physique, from Hora wealth, form Decanate happiness through coborn (brothers), from Chaturthamsa fortunes, from Saptamsa sons and grandsons, etc., from Navamsa wife from Dasamsa effects of great importance, from Dwadasamsa parents, from Shodamsa should be known benefits and adversities through conveyances, from Vimsamsa worship is to be known, from Chaturvimsamsa learning, from Bhamsa strength and weakness, from Trimsamsa evil effect, from Khavedamsha auspicious and inauspicious effects, and from Akshavedamsha and Shashtiamsa should be considered all indications.”

          –Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra:  Division Consideration, 1-8

Sun Produces in Varga

Body/Self/Health                         Rasi/Trimsamsa

Body in a vehicle                           Shodamsa

Medals/Trophies                           Drikkana

Palaces/Kingdoms                         Chaturthamsa

Consistency of Fortune                 Chaturthamsa

Creative Energy                             Saptamsa

Government Service                     Dasamsa

Sva Dharma                                   Navamsa

Father                                             Dwadasamsa

Status/Power                                 Dasamsa

Father’s Influence                          Dwadasamsa

Government                                  Rasi

Titles                                              Dasamsa

Temples                                         Vimsamsa

Moon Produces in Varga

Self/Ego                                         Rasi/Trimsamsa

Face/Sense                                     Rasi/Trimsamsa

Satisfaction                                    Hora

Music                                             Bhamsa

Character of One’s Heart              Rasi/Trimsamsa

Receptivity to Fortune                  Chaturthamsa

Mother                                           Dwadasamsa

Spiritual Receptivity                      Vimsamsa

Popularity                                      Rasi/Trimsamsa

Mars Produces in Varga

Sattvam                                          Rasi/Trimsamsa

Mineral Wealth, (Gold, Gems)    Hora

Teammates                                     Drikkana

Exercise                                          Rasi/Trimsamsa

Capacity to Accomplish                Hora

Siblings                                          Drikkana

Neighbors                                      Chaturtamsa

Compromise in Marriage              Navamsa

Logic and Research                        Siddhamsa

Weapons                                        Drikkana

House/Property                            Chaturtamsa

Mother                                           Dwadasamsa

Accidents                                       Rasi/Trimsamsa

Enemies                                         Trimsamsa

Surgery                                          Rasi/Trimsamsa

Brother/Sister in Law                   Navamsa

Commander/Overseer                  Dasamsa

Mercury Produces in Varga

Cognizance                                    Rasi/Trimsamsa

Speech                                            Rasi/Trimsamsa

Travel/Commuting                       Drikkana

Journeys in Vehicles                     Shodamsa

Spiritual Discernment                   Vimsamsa

Initiatory Instructions                   Siddhamsa

Learning by Rote                           Siddhamsa

Artistry, Craftsmanship                Bhamsa

Relatives                                         Rasi

Investments/Speculation              Hora

Mantra/Buddhi                             Vimsamsa

Yantras/Spells                               Vimsamsa

Maternal Aunts/Uncles                Dwadasamsa

Business Partners                          Rasi

Commerce/Trade                          Hora

Corporations                                  Hora

Occult Knowledge                         Siddhamsa

Pilgrimages                                    Drikkana

Apprenticeship                              Rasi

Managerial Capacity                      Hora

Finance/Capital Gains                  Hora

Long-Term Investments                Hora

Currency                                        Hora

Jupiter Produces in   Varga

Wealth                                           Hora

Happiness                                      Shodamsa

Banks                                             Hora

Orchards                                        Chaturthamsa

Children                                         Saptamsa

Paternal Grandfather                     Dwadasamsa

Knowledge/Education                   Siddhamsa

Dowry                                           Hora

Husband                                        Navamsa

Inheritance, Other’s Money         Hora

Guru                                              Vimsamsa

Teacher                                          Siddhamsa

Income                                           Hora

Paternal Grandmother                  Dwadasamsa

Charitable Contributions              Hora

Venus Produces in Varga

Virya                                              Rasi/Trimsamsa

Food                                               Rasi/Trimsamsa

Wealth of Jewelry                         Hora

Works of Art                                 Hora

Graciousness/Manners                 Drikkana

Father-in-Law                                Navamsa

Entertainment                                Drikkana

Pools, Lakes                                   Chaturthamsa

Vehicles                                         Shodamsa

Romance                                        Navamsa

Devotees                                        Vimsamsa

Students                                         Siddhamsa

Physical Care, Nurse, etc.             Trimsamsa

Wife                                               Navamsa

Marriage                                        Navamsa

Maternal Grandmother                 Dwadasamsa

Prosperity                                      Hora

Father                                             Dwadasamsa

Mother-in-Law                              Navamsa

Hospitals/Nursing Homes           Rasi/Trimsamsa

Mistress                                         Navamsa

Maternal Grandfather                   Dwadasamsa

Saturn Produces in Varga

Servants                                         Rasi

Longevity                                       Rasi/Trimsamsa

Pets                                                Rasi

Fall from Position                         Dasamsa

Debts                                              Hora

Illness                                            Rasi/Trimsamsa

Duty                                               Dasamsa

Elder Sibling                                  Drikkana

Livestock                                        Rasi

Expense                                          Hora

Prison                                            Rasi/Trimsamsa

Rahu Produces in Varga

Medical Drugs                               Rasi/Trimsamsa

Technical Skills                             Bhamsa

Technology                                    Rasi

Patala (Netherworld)                    Chaturthamsa

Maternal Ancestry                        Dwadasamsa

Addictive Drugs                            Rasi/Trimsamsa

Cheats                                            Rasi

Ketu Produces in Varga

Mathematics                                  Siddhamsa

Robbers                                          Rasi

Epidemics                                      Rasi/Trimsamsa

Moksha                                          Vimsamsa

Paternal Ancestry                          Dwadasamsa

Karakas in Bhavas

Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra states that the 11^th, 6^th, 8^th, 12^th, 3^rd, and 2^nd Bhavas are cruel.  The auspicious Bhavas are the angles and trines, namely the 1^st, 4^th, 5^th, 7^th, 9^th, and 10^th Bhavas.

If a Karaka occupies an angle or a trine, it can withstand a lot of cruel influence.  In the 1^st, 5^th and 9^th Bhavas, significations of a Karaka flourish; those things produced by the Karaka come quite easily and effortlessly.  If a Karaka occupies an angle, namely the 1^st, 4^th, 7^th or 10^th Bhavas, the significations of that Karaka are very powerful and highly noticed in the person’s life.  The implications may not manifest as easily as if the Karaka was in a trine, but the implications will manifest powerfully and effectively.

The Dusthana Bhavas, namely Bhavas 6, 8, and 12 will always cause problems with the Karaka.  The 6^th Bhava is the Bhava of obstacles, delays, enemies and health issues.  When a Karaka occupies the 6^th Bhava, its significations within a person’s life are delayed and obstacles must be overcome.  Since the 6^th Bhava is also a ‘growing Bhava’ as the person gets older, the significations of the Karaka occupying the 6^th Bhava develop more easily and readily.  For example, if the Sun occupies the 6^th Bhava in the Dasamsa, then success in the career will be delayed and the native will feel as if there is an enormous amount of competition.  As the native matures, his career success and ability to influence those around him will grow.  Another example would be Jupiter occupying the 6^th Bhava in the Saptamsa, then having children will be delayed, the children may have health problems and/or the children are very stressful and difficult for the native. 

The 8^th Bhava is the Bhava of the ‘flaw’.  Any Karaka occupying the 8^th Bhava will have inherent flaws and could break at any moment.   The 8^th Bhava causes major ups and downs in regards to the implications of a Karaka.   The 8^th Bhava is also the Bhava of battle or war, so any Karaka here will require battles to keep it functioning.  If Jupiter occupies the 8^th Bhava in the Saptamsa, then the person’s children will have inherent flaws and it will be a constant battle for the native to keep a relationship with them.  The children’s’ lives will be a roller coaster of ups and downs.  If Jupiter is in the 8^th Bhava of the Navamsa of a female native, then the native’s husband will have inherent flaws.  He could have severe health problems, mental instability or be accident prone.   If Jupiter occupies the 8^th Bhava in the Hora, then the native’s finances have many ups and downs, however they could receive a substantial amount of wealth from their partner or from inheritances.

When a Karaka occupies the 12^th Bhava, the ability of the Karaka to produce its significations is greatly diminished and the significations of that Karaka will be lost or the person cannot consciously access those significations.  If Jupiter occupies the 12^th Bhava in the Saptamsa, then it is highly likely the person will be separated from their children.  Jupiter in the 12^th Bhava of the Navamsa and a female native will likely be physically separated from her husband sometime during their marriage.

The 2^nd Bhava signifies things that need care and attention, such as one’s possessions, family, friends and wealth.  The 2^nd Bhava represents those things that we are responsible for.  When a Karaka occupies the 2^nd Bhava, then the significations of the Karaka are a responsibility rather than a joy.  For example, if the Sun occupies the 2^nd Bhava in the Dasamsa, then the success of the career feels like a responsibility to the person. The success that comes from the career does not make the person rejoice, nor give them satiation because the career success needs constant attention and care.

The 3^rd Bhava is the Bhava of competition, self-effort and skill.  If a Karaka occupies the 3^rd Bhava, then an unceasing effort must be made to realize the significations of the Karaka in a positive way.  The 3^rd Bhava is the Bhava of the siblings.  Children constantly compete with their siblings for their parents’ attention, toys, friends, resources, etc.  It is no wonder, then, that the 3^rd Bhava will require a continual focus and effort, exactly the reason Parasara describes the 3^rd Bhava as ‘cruel’.

The 11^th Bhava is a cruel Bhava as well and is the least likely Bhava to be described as cruel.  With regards to the nearest angular Bhava, the 11^th Bhava is the 2^nd from the 10^th Bhava, signifying gains from the career.  The 11^th Bhava rules titles and advancements, ‘climbing the corporate ladder’ so to speak.  The things the 11^th Bhava represent are things that must be earned after much toil.  In this Bhava, things do not come easily, there is effort and sweat put into earning what the 11^th Bhava represents.  When a Karaka occupies the 11^th Bhava, the implications of that Karaka must be earned.  In the scheme of Bhavat Bhavam or ‘the Bhava from the Bhava’, the 11^th Bhava is the 6^th from the 6^th, meaning it carries secondary implications of the 6^th Bhava, the Bhava of obstacles and delays.  In climbing the heights of career or social status, there is a lot of work and effort involved.  Continuing to apply the concept of Bhavat Bhavam, the 11^th Bhava is the 12^th from the 12^th Bhava, implying there will be expense and a sense of giving up something to realize the implications of the 11^th Bhava. For example, if Jupiter occupies the 11^th Bhava in the Hora, wealth will be earned after putting forth the necessary effort.  The 11^th Bhava is also a ‘growing’ Bhava, therefore Karakas placed here will flourish more and more as the native grows older.

Even if a Karaka has a lot of Ishta, or goodness, there will always be problems with a Karaka producing its effects if it occupies a Dusthana Bhava in a Varga.