Vedic Astrology Glossary
16 Divisional Charts of Vedic Astrology
Shodashavargas are the 16 divisional charts (vargas) of Vedic astrology. Each chart is created by dividing the zodiac signs into smaller equal segments to magnify a specific life domain - wealth, children, career, vehicles, or past-life karma. While the main birth chart (D1 Rasi) shows the overall life picture, the divisional charts reveal what the main chart hides.
The word Shodasha means 'sixteen' and Varga means 'division.' The Shodashavargas form the complete set of 16 divisional charts described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. Each chart is derived from the main birth chart by dividing each zodiac sign into a specific number of equal parts, with planets placed into new signs based on their exact position within those divisions.
The 16 Divisional Charts:
| Chart | Division | Primary Domain |
|---|---|---|
| D1 (Rasi) | 1 | Overall life, physical body, all matters |
| D2 (Hora) | 2 | Wealth, financial potential |
| D3 (Drekkana) | 3 | Siblings, courage, short journeys |
| D4 (Chaturthamsha) | 4 | Property, real estate, fixed assets |
| D7 (Saptamsha) | 7 | Children, progeny, grandchildren |
| D9 (Navamsha) | 9 | Marriage, dharma, soul nature (most important after D1) |
| D10 (Dashamsha) | 10 | Career, professional achievements, public life |
| D12 (Dvadashamsha) | 12 | Parents, ancestry, inherited traits |
| D16 (Shodashamsha) | 16 | Vehicles, comforts, pleasures |
| D20 (Vimshamsha) | 20 | Spiritual practices, upasana |
| D24 (Chaturvimshamsha) | 24 | Education, knowledge, skills |
| D27 (Saptavimshamsha) | 27 | Physical strengths and weaknesses |
| D30 (Trimshamsha) | 30 | Misfortunes, disease, enemies |
| D40 (Khavedamsha) | 40 | Maternal legacy, auspicious/inauspicious effects |
| D45 (Akshavedamsha) | 45 | Paternal legacy, general karmic indications |
| D60 (Shashtiamsha) | 60 | Past-life karma, overall fate, accumulated merit |
How divisional charts work: To calculate a divisional chart, each 30° zodiac sign is divided into equal parts. For D9 (Navamsha), each sign is divided into 9 parts of 3°20′ each. Depending on which part a planet falls in, it is placed in a new sign in the D9 chart. The resulting chart is then read using standard house and sign interpretive principles.
Most important divisional charts:
Varga bala (divisional strength): The number of divisional charts in which a planet occupies its own sign, exaltation sign, or friendly signs contributes to that planet's Vimshopaka strength - a numerical score of overall dignity. A planet strong across multiple divisional charts delivers its themes more fully and consistently.
Stellr calculates all 16 Shodashavargas from your birth data using Swiss Ephemeris precision, with D9 and D10 prominently featured in relationship and career readings.
Concept map
7 terms
The Soul Chart (D9)
The Navamsha is the ninth divisional chart (D9) in Vedic astrology - the most important varga after the Rashi chart. It reveals the soul's deeper nature, the quality of partnerships and marriage, and whether a planet's promise in the birth chart will actually manifest.
Ascendant / Rising Sign
Lagna is the degree of the zodiac rising on the eastern horizon at the exact moment of birth. It sets the first house of the chart, determines house rulerships, and acts as the chart's structural foundation - the body, self-expression, and life path.
Vedic Zodiac Sign
Rashi is the Vedic term for zodiac sign. The 12 rashis are calculated using the sidereal zodiac (fixed stars), placing them approximately 23° behind their Western tropical counterparts. In Jyotish, the moon's rashi at birth is often considered more personally significant than the sun's rashi.
Birth Chart / Natal Horoscope
Kundali (also spelled kundli or horoscope) is the Vedic birth chart - a diagram showing the exact positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the moment and place of your birth. It is the foundational tool of Jyotish, mapping personality, relationships, career, health, and timing across your entire life.
The Science of Light
Jyotish is the Sanskrit name for Vedic astrology - literally 'the science of light' (jyoti = light; isha = lord). It is one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas) and one of the oldest predictive sciences in continuous use. Jyotish combines astronomical observation with karmic philosophy to interpret birth charts, time life events, and understand the soul's trajectory.
Planetary Period System
A dasha is a planetary period in Vedic astrology that governs a specific phase of your life. Each planet rules a slice of the 120-year Vimshottari cycle. During its dasha, that planet's themes, strengths, and karmic patterns become the dominant story.
Soul Significator
Atmakaraka is the planet with the highest degree in the birth chart, making it the significator of the soul's deepest desire and ultimate life lesson. In Jaimini astrology, the atmakaraka reveals what the soul most wants to learn and experience in this incarnation - the karmic theme that will recur until mastered.
Shodashavargas are the 16 divisional charts of Vedic astrology, each examining a specific life domain. They are created by subdividing each zodiac sign into progressively smaller equal parts (2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 27, 30, 40, 45, and 60 divisions). The most important are D1 (the main birth chart), D9 (Navamsha - marriage and soul), D10 (Dashamsha - career), and D60 (Shashtiamsha - past-life karma). A planet's position across multiple divisional charts reveals its true strength and reliability in delivering results.
The D1 (Rasi) birth chart is primary - all other charts are secondary tools. Among secondary charts, the D9 (Navamsha) is most important, so much so that classical texts say "no prediction should be made without consulting the Navamsha." D10 (Dashamsha) is most important for career analysis. D60 (Shashtiamsha) is considered the most profound and revelatory chart, but it requires a birth time accurate to within a minute to be reliably calculated.
The D10 or Dashamsha chart is the dedicated career and professional life chart in Vedic astrology. It is calculated by dividing each sign into 10 equal parts. The 10th house in D10 is especially important for career peak and recognition. The lagna lord of D10 shows the core driver of professional identity. Planets in the 10th, 11th, and 1st of D10 directly shape career expression. Many astrologers check the D10 lagna and its lord, the 10th lord of D10, and how they relate to planets in the D1 main chart before making career predictions.
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