What Are Divisional Charts? The Varga System

Varga (वर्ग) means "division" or "part" in Sanskrit. Divisional charts are created by mathematically dividing each 30-degree zodiac sign into smaller equal parts and creating separate charts based on these divisions. Each divisional chart reveals specific life areas with greater clarity than the birth chart alone.

The concept is elegant: while the birth chart (D-1) shows the overall life pattern, divisional charts act like magnifying glasses focusing on particular domains:

• Navamsa (D-9): Marriage, spouse, dharma, spiritual strength
• Dasamsa (D-10): Career, profession, status, achievements
• Saptamsa (D-7): Children, progeny, creativity
• Dwadasamsa (D-12): Parents, ancestry, past life karma
• Trimsamsa (D-30): Misfortunes, evils, hidden enemies

The ancient text Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra describes 16 primary divisional charts (Shodashavarga), though some texts mention up to 60 divisions. The most commonly used are the first 16.

The Shodashavarga: 16 Primary Divisional Charts

Navamsa (D-9): The Most Important Divisional Chart

The Navamsa chart is considered the second most important chart after the birth chart itself. Some astrologers argue it's equally important, if not more so, for understanding the deeper dimensions of life.

Navamsa Calculation Method

Each zodiac sign is divided into 9 equal parts of 3°20' each. The sequence of signs in Navamsa follows a specific pattern based on the element of the birth chart sign:

• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Navamsa starts from the same sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
• Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Navamsa starts from Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Navamsa starts from Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Navamsa starts from Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Example: If a planet is at 15°30' Aries in the birth chart:

1. Aries is a fire sign, so Navamsa sequence starts from Aries
2. 15°30' ÷ 3°20' = 4.65, meaning it's in the 5th Navamsa division
3. Count: 1st = Aries, 2nd = Taurus, 3rd = Gemini, 4th = Cancer, 5th = Leo
4. The planet is in Leo in the Navamsa chart

Navamsa Significations

The Navamsa chart reveals multiple dimensions:

1. Marriage and Spouse

Navamsa is the primary chart for analyzing marriage. The 7th house, 7th lord, Venus, and Jupiter in Navamsa reveal:

• Nature and characteristics of the spouse
• Quality of marital relationship
• Timing and circumstances of marriage
• Sexual compatibility and intimacy
• Longevity and stability of marriage

2. Dharma and Life Purpose

Navamsa means "ninth division," and the 9th house represents dharma. This chart shows:

• True life purpose and soul's mission
• Spiritual inclinations and practices
• Relationship with teachers and gurus
• Higher education and philosophical bent
• Fortune and divine grace

3. Planetary Strength Confirmation

A planet's strength in the birth chart must be confirmed by its Navamsa placement:

• Vargottama: Planet in same sign in D-1 and D-9 - extremely powerful
• Exalted in Navamsa: Strengthens even debilitated birth chart planets
• Debilitated in Navamsa: Weakens even exalted birth chart planets
• Own sign in Navamsa: Provides stability and strength

4. Second Half of Life

Some traditions hold that the birth chart governs the first half of life (0-35 years) while Navamsa governs the second half (35+ years). The Navamsa Ascendant and planetary positions become increasingly important after age 35.

Other Major Divisional Charts

Hora Chart (D-2): Wealth Analysis

The Hora chart divides each sign into two parts of 15° each. It's the simplest divisional chart and focuses exclusively on wealth and financial prosperity.

Calculation:

• Odd signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius): First 15° = Sun (Leo), Second 15° = Moon (Cancer)
• Even signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces): First 15° = Moon (Cancer), Second 15° = Sun (Leo)

Interpretation:

• Planets in Leo Hora indicate wealth through authority, government, father, or self-effort
• Planets in Cancer Hora indicate wealth through mother, public, nurturing professions, or inheritance
• 2nd and 11th lords in Hora chart show primary wealth sources
• Jupiter and Venus placement indicate financial fortune

Drekkana Chart (D-3): Siblings and Courage

The Drekkana chart divides each sign into three parts of 10° each. It reveals information about siblings, courage, and communication.

Calculation:

• First 10° (0°-10°): Same sign as birth chart
• Second 10° (10°-20°): 5th sign from birth chart sign
• Third 10° (20°-30°): 9th sign from birth chart sign

Significations:

• Number and nature of siblings
• Relationship quality with brothers and sisters
• Courage and valor in facing challenges
• Communication abilities and short journeys
• Neighbors and immediate environment

Saptamsa Chart (D-7): Children and Progeny

The Saptamsa chart divides each sign into seven parts of approximately 4°17' each. It's the primary chart for analyzing children and creative output.

Significations:

• Number of children and their gender
• Health and well-being of children
• Relationship with children
• Fertility and conception issues
• Creative projects and intellectual offspring
• Grandchildren (in later life)

Key factors: 5th house, 5th lord, Jupiter (for children), and Sun (for sons) in D-7 are analyzed for progeny matters.

Dasamsa Chart (D-10): Career and Profession

The Dasamsa chart divides each sign into ten parts of 3° each. It's the definitive chart for career analysis and professional achievements.

Calculation:

• Odd signs: Count from the same sign
• Even signs: Count from the 9th sign
• Each division is 3° and represents one zodiac sign in sequence

Significations:

• Type of profession and career path
• Success and recognition in career
• Authority and status achieved
• Relationship with superiors and government
• Professional reputation and legacy

Analysis focus: 10th house, 10th lord, Sun (authority), Saturn (work), and Mercury (skills) in D-10 determine career trajectory.

Dwadasamsa Chart (D-12): Parents and Ancestry

The Dwadasamsa chart divides each sign into twelve parts of 2°30' each. It reveals information about parents, ancestors, and past life karma.

Significations:

• Relationship with mother and father
• Parents' health, wealth, and longevity
• Ancestral blessings or curses
• Past life karmic patterns
• Inherited traits and tendencies

Key factors: 4th house and Moon (mother), 9th house and Sun (father) in D-12 show parental influences.

Vimshopaka Bala: Planetary Strength Through Divisional Charts

Vimshopaka Bala is a sophisticated system for calculating planetary strength based on their placement in divisional charts. Each divisional chart is assigned a specific number of points (Shashtiamsa), and planets earn these points based on their dignity in each chart.

The Vimshopaka Scoring System

Scoring based on planetary dignity:

• Exaltation: Full points (e.g., 6 points in D-1)
• Own sign (Moolatrikona): 75% of points (e.g., 4.5 points in D-1)
• Own sign (non-Moolatrikona): 50% of points (e.g., 3 points in D-1)
• Friendly sign: 25% of points (e.g., 1.5 points in D-1)
• Neutral sign: 12.5% of points (e.g., 0.75 points in D-1)
• Enemy sign: 6.25% of points (e.g., 0.375 points in D-1)
• Debilitation: 3.125% of points (e.g., 0.1875 points in D-1)

Strength classification:

• 18-20 points: Parijatamsa - Exceptionally strong, gives excellent results
• 16-18 points: Uttamamsa - Very strong, gives very good results
• 12-16 points: Gopuramsa - Strong, gives good results
• 10-12 points: Simhasanamsa - Moderate strength, mixed results
• 6-10 points: Paravatamsa - Weak, limited results
• 4-6 points: Devalokamsa - Very weak, poor results
• 0-4 points: Brahmalokamsa - Extremely weak, spiritual focus only

Practical Guidelines for Using Divisional Charts

1. Always Start with the Birth Chart (D-1)

The birth chart is the foundation. Divisional charts provide additional detail but cannot override the birth chart. If the birth chart doesn't promise something, divisional charts cannot create it from nothing.

2. Use Relevant Divisional Charts for Specific Questions

Don't analyze all 16 charts for every question. Focus on the relevant chart:

• Marriage questions: D-1 and D-9 (Navamsa)
• Career questions: D-1 and D-10 (Dasamsa)
• Children questions: D-1 and D-7 (Saptamsa)
• Wealth questions: D-1 and D-2 (Hora)
• Education questions: D-1 and D-24 (Chaturvimsamsa)

3. Check Planetary Strength Confirmation

A planet's promise in the birth chart must be confirmed by its placement in the relevant divisional chart:

• Strong in D-1 but weak in divisional chart = Promises not fully delivered
• Weak in D-1 but strong in divisional chart = Hidden strength, late blooming
• Strong in both = Excellent results guaranteed
• Weak in both = Significant challenges in that area

4. Analyze Divisional Chart Ascendant

Each divisional chart has its own Ascendant (Lagna), which is calculated based on the Ascendant degree in the birth chart. The divisional chart Ascendant and its lord are crucial for interpretation.

5. Look for Yogas in Divisional Charts

Raja Yogas, Dhana Yogas, and other combinations in divisional charts show specific area success:

• Raja Yoga in D-10 = Career success and authority
• Dhana Yoga in D-2 = Wealth accumulation
• Benefic combinations in D-9 = Happy marriage
• Malefic combinations in D-30 = Areas of suffering

6. Consider Dasha Timing

Divisional chart results manifest primarily during the Dasha periods of planets involved. A strong planet in D-10 will bring career success during its Dasha, not necessarily before.

Advanced Concepts in Divisional Chart Analysis

Vargottama Planets

As mentioned earlier, Vargottama occurs when a planet occupies the same sign in D-1 and D-9. This can be extended to other divisional charts:

• D-1 and D-10 Vargottama: Exceptional career success
• D-1 and D-7 Vargottama: Strong connection with children
• D-1 and D-2 Vargottama: Consistent wealth throughout life

Pushkara Navamsa

Certain Navamsa divisions are called Pushkara Navamsas and are considered highly auspicious. Planets placed in these divisions gain extra strength and deliver excellent results.

Pushkara Navamsas:

• Aries: 21st Navamsa (Cancer)
• Taurus: 4th and 22nd Navamsa (Leo, Aquarius)
• Gemini: 6th and 24th Navamsa (Virgo, Pisces)
• Cancer: 7th and 25th Navamsa (Libra, Aries)
• And so on for each sign...

Varga Bhedamsa

When a planet changes signs between the birth chart and a divisional chart, it's called Varga Bhedamsa. This creates a dual nature - the planet expresses differently in different life areas.

For example, Mars in Aries in D-1 but in Taurus in D-9 shows courage and aggression in general life but patience and stability in marriage.