Divisional Charts (Vargas) and Chalit Chart in Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology employs a sophisticated system of "Divisional Charts" or "Varga Charts" to provide a microscopic view into specific areas of a person's life. While the main birth chart (D1 or Rashi chart) gives a general overview, these divisional charts delve deeper, revealing the nuances and hidden potentials related to various life aspects.
What are Divisional Charts?
Divisional charts are essentially magnified versions of the main birth chart (D1). They are created by mathematically dividing each zodiac sign (which spans 30 degrees) into smaller, equal segments. Each segment (or amsa) corresponds to a specific area of life, and the planets' positions are re-calculated based on which segment of a sign they fall into.
The concept is rooted in the idea that while the D1 chart shows the general potential, the Vargas reveal how that potential manifests in specific domains. A planet strong in the D1 but weak in a relevant Varga chart might indicate potential that faces challenges in that specific life area, or vice-versa.
How are Divisional Charts Prepared?
The preparation of divisional charts involves precise mathematical calculations based on the exact degree of each planet and the Ascendant in the D1 chart. While modern astrology software makes this process instantaneous, understanding the underlying principle is important:
Division of Signs: Each zodiac sign (30 degrees) is divided into 'N' equal parts, where 'N' is the number of the divisional chart (e.g., 9 for Navamsa, 10 for Dashamsa).
Mapping to Signs: Based on which segment a planet or Ascendant falls into, it is then mapped to a specific sign in the corresponding divisional chart. The rules for mapping vary for each Varga and often depend on whether the sign is odd or even, or its elemental nature.
Example (Simplified for D9 - Navamsa): Each sign is divided into 9 parts of 3 degrees 20 minutes each.
If a planet is in the 1st part of Aries (0°00' - 3°20'), it goes to Aries in Navamsa.
If it's in the 2nd part (3°20' - 6°40'), it goes to Taurus in Navamsa, and so on.
The starting sign for calculation can also vary (e.g., for fiery signs, counting starts from Aries; for earthy from Capricorn, etc., for D9).
Accuracy is Paramount: Since Vargas are based on minute divisions of degrees, the accuracy of the birth time is crucial. Even a difference of a few minutes can change the Ascendant and planetary positions in higher divisional charts, leading to different interpretations.
Significance of Divisional Charts (D1 to D60)
There are 16 main Vargas (Shodasavarga) mentioned in classical texts like Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, though some traditions use fewer (e.g., Dashavarga - 10 charts). Here are some of the most commonly used and significant ones:
D1 (Rashi Chart / Lagna Kundali): The Natal Chart
Signifies: The overall personality, physical body, general life path, health, relationships, and broad life events. It is the foundation and provides the initial blueprint of the individual's existence. All other divisional charts are derived from and interpreted in conjunction with the D1.
D2 (Hora Chart):
Signifies: Wealth, finances, family lineage, and material prosperity. Used to assess sources of income and financial stability.
D3 (Drekkana Chart):
Signifies: Siblings (co-borns), courage, strength, initiatives, and short journeys. It reveals the nature of relationships with brothers and sisters and one's inherent valor.
D4 (Chaturthamsa Chart):
Signifies: Destiny, fortune, immovable property, home, and general well-being. It indicates the native's luck and assets related to land and residence.
D7 (Saptamsa Chart):
Signifies: Children, progeny, creativity, and sexual life. Crucial for assessing fertility, the number and nature of children, and their well-being.
D9 (Navamsa Chart): The Most Important Varga after D1
Signifies: Spouse, marriage, partnerships, dharma (life's purpose), and spiritual growth. It reveals the inner strength of planets and how their results mature, especially after marriage or around age 30. It's often considered the "microscopic version" of the D1 for inner potential and destiny. A planet strong in D1 but weak in D9 may struggle to deliver its full potential.
D10 (Dashamsa Chart):
Signifies: Career, profession, public life, achievements, status, and recognition. Essential for understanding one's professional path, success, and reputation in society.
D12 (Dwadasamsa Chart):
Signifies: Parents, ancestors, and family lineage. It provides insights into the karma inherited from parents and the relationship with them.
D16 (Shodasamsa Chart):
Signifies: Vehicles, material comforts, luxuries, and general happiness. Used to assess one's enjoyment of life's material pleasures.
D20 (Vimshamsa Chart):
Signifies: Spiritual inclinations, religious pursuits, and devotion. Reveals one's connection to spirituality and higher consciousness.
D24 (Siddhamsa / Chaturvimshamsa Chart):
Signifies: Education, learning, knowledge, and academic achievements. Used to assess intellectual pursuits and success in studies.
D27 (Bhamsha / Saptavimshamsa Chart):
Signifies: Strengths, weaknesses, and overall physical and mental fortitude.
D30 (Trimshamsa Chart):
Signifies: Misfortunes, adversities, health issues, and challenges. It reveals the nature of difficulties and one's ability to overcome them.
D40 (Khavedamsa Chart):
Signifies: Auspicious and inauspicious events, especially related to maternal lineage.
D45 (Akshavedamsa Chart):
Signifies: General character, conduct, and events related to paternal lineage.
D60 (Shashtiamsa Chart): The Most Detailed Varga
Signifies: Past life karma, destiny, and the most minute details of life. It is considered the most important and precise Varga, especially useful for differentiating between charts of individuals born very close in time (e.g., twins), as even a minute's difference can change the D60 Ascendant.
The Chalit Chart (Bhava Chalit Kundali)
The Chalit chart is distinct from divisional charts, though often confused with them. It is not a division of a sign, but rather an adjustment of planetary positions based on the exact house cusps.
D1 (Rashi Chart): Shows planets in signs. It assumes each house is a full 30 degrees, starting from the Ascendant degree. So, if your Ascendant is 15° Aries, the 1st house is considered 15° Aries to 15° Taurus, the 2nd house 15° Taurus to 15° Gemini, and so on. This means a planet at 20° Aries is in the 1st house.
Chalit Chart (Bhava Chalit Kundali): Shows planets in houses (bhavas). It accounts for the precise mathematical calculation of house cusps, which are often not exactly 30 degrees apart due to the Earth's tilt and latitude. The midpoint of each house is usually considered the most potent part.
Difference: A planet might be in one sign in the D1 chart (e.g., 28° Aries) but might fall into the next house in the Chalit chart if the house cusp has shifted (e.g., the 2nd house starts at 27° Aries).
Significance: The Chalit chart is crucial for understanding the actual house a planet influences, especially for timing events and assessing the practical manifestation of results. While the D1 shows the potential and sign influence, the Chalit chart shows the experiential house placement. If a planet shifts houses between D1 and Chalit, it suggests a blending of results from both houses, or that the results of the D1 placement mature into the Chalit placement over time.
How to Interpret from These Charts
Interpreting divisional charts is a sophisticated process that requires integrating information from multiple charts.
Start with the D1 (Rashi Chart): This is the foundation. Understand the overall strength of planets, their dignity (exaltation, debilitation, own sign), aspects, and house placements in the D1. The D1 gives the general life theme.
Identify the Relevant Divisional Chart: For a specific area of life, refer to the corresponding Varga chart.
For marriage/spouse: D9 (Navamsa)
For career/profession: D10 (Dashamsa)
For children: D7 (Saptamsa)
For wealth: D2 (Hora)
And so on, as per the significations listed above.
Analyze the Varga Chart Independently: Treat the divisional chart like a mini-horoscope. Look at:
Ascendant (Lagna) of the Varga: Its strength, dignity of its lord, and planets placed in it. This Ascendant becomes the focal point for that specific life area.
Planetary Placements: Where do the planets (especially the relevant significators) fall in this Varga? Are they in their own sign, exaltation, debilitation, or enemy signs?
Yogas (Combinations): Are there any auspicious (Raja Yogas, Dhana Yogas) or inauspicious combinations forming in this Varga?
Aspects: How do planets aspect each other within this Varga?
Check for Consistency with D1: This is crucial.
Strength Confirmation: If a planet is strong in the D1 and also strong in the relevant Varga, it indicates a powerful and consistent positive influence in that life area.
Correction/Modification: If a planet is weak in the D1 but strong in a Varga, it suggests that the initial challenges indicated by the D1 might be overcome or mitigated in that specific life domain. Conversely, a strong D1 planet weak in a Varga might face hurdles in manifesting its full potential in that area.
Vargottama: A planet that occupies the same sign in both the D1 and D9 charts is called "Vargottama." This significantly strengthens the planet and its ability to deliver consistent results in all areas, especially its natural significations and the houses it rules.
Planetary Dignity: While exaltation/debilitation are primarily seen in D1, a planet in its own sign in a Varga is considered very strong for that Varga's significations.
Integrate Chalit Chart for House Manifestation:
After analyzing D1 and the relevant Varga, consult the Chalit chart to see the actual house placement of planets.
If a planet shifts houses from D1 to Chalit, it means its influence will be felt in the Chalit house for practical results and events, while its D1 house placement still describes its initial potential or how it's perceived. This is particularly important for predicting the timing of events (dashas and transits).
In essence, the D1 chart provides the broad strokes, the Divisional Charts add fine details and depth to specific life areas, and the Chalit chart clarifies the precise house where planetary energies will manifest in your lived experience. A holistic interpretation requires a careful synthesis of all these charts.