Shadvargas — The Six-Fold Divisional Charts

Beyond the Birth Chart — The Hidden Dimensions

You have learned to construct the Rasi chart — the fundamental birth horoscope that shows planetary positions in the twelve zodiacal signs. But the Rasi chart, by itself, is only the beginning. To truly understand the strength and character of a planet, you must examine its position not just in the sign, but in the micro-divisions within that sign.

This is where the Shadvargas come in — the "six-fold divisions" of a zodiacal sign. As B.V. Raman writes in Chapter X of Hindu Predictive Astrology, "A consideration of the Shadvargas will enable us to estimate the strength of planets."

These six divisions are:

• Rasi — The sign itself (30°)
• Hora — 2 divisions of 15° each
• Drekkana — 3 divisions of 10° each
• Navamsa — 9 divisions of 3°20' each (the most important)
• Dwadasamsa — 12 divisions of 2°30' each
• Trimsamsa — 30 divisions (unequal allocation)

Master Table — The Six Vargas at a Glance

Before diving into details, here is the complete overview of all six divisions:

1. Rasi — The Foundation Chart (30°)

The Rasi is the zodiacal sign itself — the arc of 30 degrees. The twelve zodiacal signs are the twelve Rasis. The limits and lordships of the various Rasis have already been covered in earlier parts of this series (see Part 2 for sign details).

This is the birth chart you have already learned to construct. Everything else builds on this foundation.

2. Hora — The Wealth Division (2 × 15°)

When a sign is divided into two equal parts, each is called a Hora. The word "Hora" is related to "hour" — it represents the division of time and resources.

The Hora chart is primarily used to judge wealth and financial prosperity. A planet placed in a favorable Hora can indicate ease in acquiring resources.

3. Drekkana — The Sibling Division (3 × 10°)

When a sign is divided into three equal parts, each is called a Drekkana, getting 10 degrees each. The lordship follows a clear pattern:

• First Drekkana (0°–10°): Governed by the lord of the Rasi itself
• Second Drekkana (10°–20°): Governed by the lord of the 5th sign from it
• Third Drekkana (20°–30°): Governed by the lord of the 9th sign from it

The Drekkana chart is primarily used to judge siblings, co-borns, courage, and initiatives. It reveals subtleties about one's brothers, sisters, and their fortunes.

4. Navamsa — The Most Important Division (9 × 3°20')

We now arrive at the crown jewel of the divisional charts — the Navamsa. When a sign is divided into nine equal parts, each part becomes a Navamsa, measuring exactly 3 degrees and 20 minutes (3°20').

The Navamsa chart is so important that many astrologers consider it a second birth chart. It reveals:

• Marriage and spouse — the primary indicator
• The true strength of a planet (a planet weak in Rasi but strong in Navamsa can still deliver good results)
• Spiritual development and dharmic qualities
• The finer nuances of character and destiny

How Navamsa Lordship Works

The Navamsa lordship follows a cyclic pattern based on the element (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) of the sign:

The rule is simple:

• For Aries, Leo, Sagittarius — count Navamsas from Aries to Sagittarius
• For Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn — count Navamsas from Capricorn to Virgo
• For Gemini, Libra, Aquarius — count Navamsas from Libra to Gemini
• For Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces — count Navamsas from Cancer to Pisces

Calculating Navamsa — Step-by-Step Method

Raman provides two methods for calculating Navamsa position. Here is the most straightforward one:

Alternative Method Using Nakshatras

Raman also describes an elegant method using Nakshatras (lunar mansions). Since each Nakshatra has 4 padas (quarters), and each pada equals one Navamsa, you can quickly find the Navamsa by knowing the constellation and quarter.

Note: There is a slight discrepancy in Raman's original text examples (one gives Aquarius, another gives Capricorn for the same Sun position). This illustrates the importance of careful calculation and cross-checking methods.

5. Dwadasamsa — The Parental Division (12 × 2°30')

When a sign is divided into twelve equal parts, each portion is called a Dwadasamsa, getting exactly 2 degrees and 30 minutes (2°30') each.

The lords of the 12 Dwadasamsas are simply the lords of the 12 signs counted from the sign in question.

The Dwadasamsa chart is primarily used to judge parents, ancestry, lineage, and inherited qualities.

6. Trimsamsa — The Affliction Division (30 Unequal Parts)

The Trimsamsa is unique among the Shadvargas because it does not divide the sign into equal parts. Instead, it uses an unequal allocation of degrees to five planets — Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus — and this allocation is different for odd and even signs.

Notice the pattern: in odd signs, Mars begins the sequence; in even signs, Venus begins. The order is essentially reversed, except Jupiter (8°) always occupies the central portion.

The Trimsamsa chart is used to judge misfortune, evil, suffering, and difficulties. It highlights areas of vulnerability and potential affliction.

Beyond Shadvargas — A Glimpse of Advanced Systems

Raman briefly mentions two additional systems:

Sapthamsa (7 Divisions)

When a sign is divided into 7 equal parts, each is called a Sapthamsa, getting 4 2/7 degrees (approximately 4° 17' 08.6").

• Odd signs: Governed by the lords of the seven Rasis from the sign itself
• Even signs: Governed by the lords of the seventh and following signs

The Sapthamsa is primarily used to judge children, progeny, and creative output.

Shodasavargas — The Sixteen Divisions

According to Parasara, there are sixteen divisions (Shodasavargas) to be considered in advanced analysis. Each division is made use of for studying certain specific aspects of the horoscope:

• Navamsa — for wife/spouse
• Dwadasamsa — for parents
• Sapthamsa — for children
• Dasamsa — for profession and career
• Shodasamsa — for vehicles and conveyances
• Vimshamsa — for spiritual progress
• ...and ten more specialized divisions

Interactive Calculator — Find Your Varga Positions

Use this calculator to determine which division a planet occupies in each of the six Shadvargas:

Practical Workflow — How to Use the Shadvargas

Here is the recommended workflow for a beginner astrologer:

Key Takeaways

• The Shadvargas are six micro-divisions of each zodiacal sign used to determine planetary strength
• The Navamsa (9 divisions) is the single most important subdivision — never make predictions without it
• Rasi + Navamsa are the essential pair for beginners — master these before exploring other divisions
• Each varga has a specific area of life it illuminates: Hora (wealth), Drekkana (siblings), Navamsa (marriage), Dwadasamsa (parents), Trimsamsa (afflictions)
• Advanced systems include Sapthavargas (7 divisions) for strength calculation and Shodasavargas (16 divisions) for comprehensive analysis
• Calculation methods vary — you can use degree division, Nakshatra padas, or mathematical formulas
• Always verify astrological principles through the study of practical horoscopes — theory must meet reality