Hindu Predictive Astrology Part 9: The Shadvargas — Six Divisional Charts
In Parts 7 and 8, we learned to cast the Rasi chart. But the Rasi is only the first layer. Each 30-degree sign can be divided into finer and finer subdivisions, revealing hidden dimensions of planetary strength and life-area predictions. These are the Shadvargas.
Part 9 of 31 • Building the Horoscope • Covers: Book Chapter X — The Shadvargas
The Shadvargas are the six-fold divisions of a zodiacal sign. They enable us to estimate the strength of planets with far greater precision than the Rasi chart alone.
Generally, most astrologers mark the Rasi and the Navamsa diagrams and base their predictions on these two. The Navamsa system is the most important division. Raman advises readers to begin by casting only the Rasi and Navamsa charts and observing how accurate the predictions based on these two turn out. For the full determination of planetary strength, all six divisions (and sometimes seven, the Sapthavargas) are taken into account.
| Division | Sanskrit | Fraction | Arc per Division | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Rasi | Rasi | 1/1 | 30° | Overall life, general chart |
| 2 Hora | Hora | 1/2 | 15° | Wealth and prosperity |
| 3 Drekkana | Drekkana | 1/3 | 10° | Siblings, courage, death |
| 4 Navamsa | Navamsa | 1/9 | 3° 20' | Marriage, deeper character, MOST IMPORTANT |
| 5 Dwadasamsa | Dwadasamsa | 1/12 | 2° 30' | Parents |
| 6 Trimsamsa | Trimsamsa | 1/30 | 1° | Misfortunes and evils |
Rasi — The Sign Itself (30°)
The arc of 30 degrees forming a zodiacal sign is called a Rasi. The twelve zodiacal signs are the twelve Rasis. The limits and lordships have been already described in Parts 4 and 5. The Rasi chart is what we cast in Parts 7 and 8.
Hora — Half Division (15°)
When a sign is divided into two equal parts, each is called a Hora. Horas relate to wealth and prosperity.
| Sign Type | First Hora (0°–15°) | Second Hora (15°–30°) |
|---|---|---|
| Odd signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius) | ☉ Sun | ☽ Moon |
| Even signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces) | ☽ Moon | ☉ Sun |
Drekkana — Third Division (10°)
When a sign is divided into three equal parts, each is called a Drekkana. Drekkanas relate to siblings, courage, and the nature of death.
| Drekkana | Degrees | Governed By |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0°–10° | Lord of the sign itself |
| 2nd | 10°–20° | Lord of the 5th sign from it |
| 3rd | 20°–30° | Lord of the 9th sign from it |
Navamsa — Ninth Division (3° 20') Most Important
The most important sub-division. When a sign is divided into nine equal parts, each part becomes a Navamsa measuring 3°20' (= 3.333°). The Navamsa is used for assessing marriage, deeper character, and the true strength of planets.
The sign from which to begin counting the 9 Navamsas depends on the element of the Rasi sign:
| Rasi Signs | Count Navamsas from |
|---|---|
| Aries, Leo, Sagittarius (Fire) | Aries |
| Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn (Earth) | Capricorn |
| Gemini, Libra, Aquarius (Air) | Libra |
| Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces (Water) | Cancer |
24° 25' 52" × 3 / 10° = 7 navamsas passed
(with 1° 05' 52" into the 8th navamsa)
Step 2: Cancer is a Water sign → count from Cancer.
8th sign from Cancer = Aquarius
Result: Sun is in Navamsa Aquarius
(whose lord is Saturn → Sun is in Saturn's navamsa)
Since each pada = one navamsa, you can also derive the navamsa directly from the nakshatra position:
Count from Aswini to Aslesha = 8 constellations
= 8 × 4 = 32 padas
Add 2 padas passed in Aslesha = 34
Divide by 9: 34 ÷ 9 = 3 remainder 7
Sun has passed 3 complete signs from Aries
and 7 padas in the 4th sign (Cancer).
For Cancer, count navamsas from Cancer:
7th from Cancer = Capricorn
∴ Sun is in Navamsa Capricorn.
Note: The slight difference (Aquarius vs Capricorn) arises from the exact degree vs. pada-based approximation. The degree method is more precise.
The Completed Navamsa Chart (8-8-1912 horoscope):
Saturn
Venus
Rahu
Sun
Ascdt.
Moon
Merc.
Ketu
Jupiter
Mars
Dwadasamsa — Twelfth Division (2° 30')
When a sign is divided into twelve equal parts, each portion is called a Dwadasamsa. The lords of the 12 Dwadasamsas are the lords of the 12 signs counted from the sign in question. Used for assessing parents.
Sun is in the 10th Dwadasamsa.
10th from Cancer = Aries
∴ Place the Sun in Aries in the Dwadasamsa diagram.
Trimsamsa — Thirtieth Division (1°)
When a sign is divided into thirty parts, each becomes a Trimsamsa. Unlike other divisions, the Trimsamsa has an unequal distribution among five planets (Sun and Moon are excluded). Used for assessing misfortunes and evils.
For ODD signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius):
Mars (0°–5°), Saturn (5°–10°), Jupiter (10°–18°), Mercury (18°–25°), Venus (25°–30°) = 30°
For EVEN signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces):
Venus (0°–5°), Mercury (5°–12°), Jupiter (12°–20°), Saturn (20°–25°), Mars (25°–30°) = 30°
Beyond the Six: Sapthamsa and the Sixteen Divisions
Raman briefly mentions additional divisions:
Sapthamsa — Seventh Division (4° 17')
When a sign is divided into 7 equal parts, each is called a Sapthamsa getting 30°/7 = 4°17' (approximately 4.286°). In odd signs, they are governed by the lords of the seven Rasis from it. In even signs, by the lords from the seventh and following signs. The Sapthamsa is used for assessing children.
Shodasavargas — Sixteen Divisions
According to Parasara, there are actually sixteen divisions to be considered. Each division is used for studying certain aspects of the horoscope: Navamsa for wife, Dwadasamsa for parents, Sapthamsa for children, Dasamsa for profession, and so on. However, Raman advises that it is not necessary for a beginner to bother with these technicalities at this stage. The Rasi and Navamsa together are sufficient for a great deal of accurate prediction.
Key Takeaways
-
Six divisions (Shadvargas) reveal hidden layers of each sign: Rasi, Hora, Drekkana, Navamsa, Dwadasamsa, Trimsamsa
Each division serves a specific predictive purpose — wealth, siblings, marriage, parents, misfortune. -
Navamsa (1/9th = 3°20') is the MOST important divisional chart
Begin by mastering just the Rasi and Navamsa. These two together give remarkably accurate predictions. -
Navamsa starting signs: Fire→Aries, Earth→Capricorn, Air→Libra, Water→Cancer
Each pada in a nakshatra corresponds to exactly one navamsa, providing a shortcut from nakshatra-pada to navamsa. -
Hora is only Sun or Moon; Trimsamsa excludes Sun and Moon entirely
Hora (1/2) uses only the luminaries. Trimsamsa (1/30) uses only Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus with unequal distribution. -
Drekkana lordship follows the 1-5-9 pattern from the sign
1st drekkana = lord of the sign; 2nd = lord of 5th from it; 3rd = lord of 9th from it. -
Vargottama (same sign in Rasi and Navamsa) is an exceptionally powerful placement
Always check for Vargottama planets — they deliver their results with great consistency and force.
In Part 10, we tackle one of astrology's toughest problems: verifying and rectifying the birth time. Even a few minutes of error can shift the Ascendant, change the Navamsa, and invalidate predictions. Raman provides three practical methods for checking whether the recorded birth time is accurate.
Based on
Hindu Predictive Astrology
by B.V. Raman | First published 1938 | UBS Publishers' Distributors Ltd.