Vedic Astrology Glossary
Compatibility Chart Analysis
Synastry is the Vedic (and Western) practice of comparing two birth charts to assess relationship compatibility. In Jyotish, compatibility analysis (kundali matching) uses nakshatra-based kuta scoring and inter-chart planetary aspects to determine harmony, longevity, and growth potential in partnerships.
In Vedic astrology, synastry (called kundali milan or guna milap) is most rigorously developed for marriage compatibility, though it applies equally to business partnerships and close friendships.
Ashta kuta (eight-fold matching) is the primary compatibility method, assigning points across eight dimensions for a maximum of 36 points:
A score of 18+ out of 36 is generally considered acceptable; 24+ is good; 32+ is excellent. However, classical texts emphasize that dosha (affliction) patterns - particularly Mangal dosha (Mars in certain houses) - can override a high kuta score if not matched.
Modern Vedic astrology also examines inter-chart planetary aspects, especially the 7th house placements and their lords, to assess practical relationship dynamics beyond the kuta score.
Stellr's 36-point Jyotish algorithm runs a full kuta analysis plus inter-chart aspect scoring to generate a deterministic compatibility score.
Concept map
5 terms
Lunar Mansion
A nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions that divide the zodiac into equal 13°20′ segments. The moon's placement in a nakshatra at birth reveals personality nuances, emotional rhythms, and karmic themes that the broader rashi (zodiac sign) cannot capture.
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.
Astrological House
A bhava is one of the 12 houses in a Vedic birth chart, each governing a specific domain of life. The bhavas are counted from the lagna (ascendant) and act as the stage on which the planets perform - each planet's effects manifest through the areas of life ruled by its occupied and aspected bhavas.
Planetary Combination
In Jyotish astrology, a yoga is a specific planetary combination in the birth chart that produces a defined effect - ranging from great wealth and fame to spiritual liberation. Hundreds of yogas are catalogued in classical texts, each with precise conditions for formation and predictable results.
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.
In the ashta kuta system (maximum 36 points), a score of 18-23 is considered acceptable, 24-31 is good, and 32-36 is excellent. However, certain dosha patterns (like Nadi dosha or severe Mangal dosha) are evaluated separately and can override a high score.
Mangal dosha (also called kuja dosha) occurs when Mars is placed in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house of the natal chart (some traditions also include the 2nd). It is said to create intensity and potential conflict in marriage if not matched with a partner who also has Mangal dosha.
Among the eight kuta categories, Nadi kuta carries the most weight (8 out of 36 points) and is considered the most critical. Nadi represents physiological and genetic compatibility. When both partners share the same Nadi (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha), Nadi dosha occurs - traditionally associated with health challenges and difficulty conceiving. Guna (Bhakut) at 7 points and Gana at 6 points are the next most significant factors, covering emotional and temperament compatibility.
Compatibility Report
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