Understanding Yogini Dasha: Calculation and Prediction
Yogini Dasha is another significant and ancient system of planetary periods in Vedic astrology, often used in conjunction with Vimshottari Dasha for more refined predictions. While Vimshottari Dasha operates on a 120-year cycle, Yogini Dasha is a shorter, 36-year cycle, believed to be particularly effective for timing events in the Kali Yuga. It is a lunar-based system, deriving its calculations from the Moon's Nakshatra at the time of birth.
1. The Eight Yoginis and Their Planetary Rulers & Periods
The Yogini Dasha system comprises eight Yoginis, each associated with a specific planet and having a fixed period of influence. The total duration of one complete Yogini Dasha cycle is 36 years.
S.No. | Yogini | Dasha Lord (Planet) | Dasha Period (Years) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Mangala | Moon | 1 |
2 | Pingala | Sun | 2 |
3 | Dhanya | Jupiter | 3 |
4 | Bhramari | Mars | 4 |
5 | Bhadrika | Mercury | 5 |
6 | Ulka | Saturn | 6 |
7 | Siddha | Venus | 7 |
8 | Sankata | Rahu | 8 |
Total | 36 |
The sequence of Yoginis is fixed: Mangala, Pingala, Dhanya, Bhramari, Bhadrika, Ulka, Siddha, and Sankata. After Sankata Dasha, the cycle repeats with Mangala Dasha. It's often observed that the nature of these Dashas alternates between benefic and malefic influences.
2. Calculation of Yogini Dasha
The calculation of the Yogini Dasha at birth is based on the Moon's Nakshatra.
Step 1: Determine the Moon's Nakshatra Number: Identify the Nakshatra in which the Moon is placed at the time of birth. Assign a numerical value to this Nakshatra, starting with Ashwini as 1, Bharani as 2, Krittika as 3, and so on, up to Revati as 27.
Step 2: Apply the Calculation Formula: Add 3 to the Moon's Nakshatra number. Then, divide the sum by 8. The remainder will indicate the starting Yogini Dasha.
Formula:
If the remainder is 1, the Dasha is Mangala.
If the remainder is 2, the Dasha is Pingala.
...
If the remainder is 7, the Dasha is Siddha.
If the remainder is 0 (or 8), the Dasha is Sankata.
Example: Suppose the Moon is in Anuradha Nakshatra, which is Nakshatra number 17.
A remainder of 4 indicates that the native is born in Bhramari Yogini Dasha.
Step 3: Calculate the Balance of Dasha at Birth: Similar to Vimshottari Dasha, you don't start with the full period of the initial Yogini Dasha. The balance depends on how much of the Moon's Nakshatra has already been traversed.
Formula:
Determine the degrees/minutes of the Moon already traversed in its current Nakshatra.
Calculate the remaining degrees/minutes of the Nakshatra.
- Multiply the remaining portion (as a fraction of the total Nakshatra span ofor 800 minutes) by the full period of the starting Yogini Dasha.
- Example (Continuing from above): If the Moon is in Anuradha Nakshatra (total span
or 800 minutes) and has traversed (600 minutes) of it, then the remaining portion is (200 minutes). The starting Yogini Dasha is Bhramari (4 years total period). So, the native will experience 1 year of Bhramari Dasha from birth, followed by Bhadrika, Ulka, and so on, in the fixed sequence.
3. Sub-Divisions of Yogini Dashas
Each major Yogini Dasha is further sub-divided into Antardashas (sub-periods) of all eight Yoginis, following the same proportional method as Vimshottari Dasha. The first Antardasha within a Yogini Mahadasha is always of the Yogini itself.
Antardasha Calculation:
Example: For a Bhramari Mahadasha (4 years) and a Bhramari Antardasha within it:
Converting to months:
.
These sub-divisions allow for a more precise understanding of the timing and nature of events.
4. Prediction Using D1 (Natal Chart) and Divisional Charts with Yogini Dasha
Yogini Dasha, like Vimshottari Dasha, is used to time events by analyzing the influence of the ruling Yogini and its planetary lord in the birth chart (D1) and relevant divisional charts.
Analyze the Yogini Dasha Lord in D1:
House Placement: The house where the Dasha lord (the planet associated with the active Yogini) is placed in the D1 chart indicates the primary areas of life that will be activated.
House Lordship: The houses ruled by the Dasha lord will also become prominent.
Conjunctions and Aspects: Planets conjunct with or aspecting the Dasha lord will modify its results.
Dignity and Strength: A well-placed and strong Dasha lord generally gives favorable results, while an afflicted or debilitated one can bring challenges.
Natural Significator (Karak): The natural significations of the Dasha lord (e.g., Moon for emotions, Sun for authority, Mars for energy/conflict, Rahu for sudden changes/illusions) will manifest during its period.
Consider the Nature of the Yogini: Each Yogini has a general inherent quality that influences the Dasha:
Mangala (Moon): Emotional beginnings, nurturing, sensitivity.
Pingala (Sun): Confidence, leadership, self-expression, sometimes ego.
Dhanya (Jupiter): Growth, wisdom, optimism, expansion.
Bhramari (Mars): Impulsiveness, activity, courage, potential for aggression or conflict.
Bhadrika (Mercury): Intellectual pursuits, communication, adaptability, mental shifts.
Ulka (Saturn): Discipline, hard work, delays, challenges, karmic lessons.
Siddha (Venus): Pleasures, comfort, relationships, artistic pursuits, achievements.
Sankata (Rahu): Transformation, illusion, sudden twists, karmic unfolding, potential for distress or unexpected events.
Analyze Antardasha Lord and its Interaction: The Antardasha lord's condition in D1 and its relationship with the Mahadasha lord will fine-tune the predictions. A harmonious relationship between the Mahadasha and Antardasha lords generally indicates smoother periods.
Application to Divisional Charts (Vargas): Just like with Vimshottari Dasha, Yogini Dasha's effects are also analyzed through divisional charts for specific life areas:
D9 (Navamsa): For marriage, partnerships, and overall fortune. The Dasha lord's placement and condition in D9 will reveal its impact on these areas.
D10 (Dashamsa): For career and professional matters. The Dasha lord's influence in D10 will indicate professional growth or challenges.
Other Vargas: Depending on the specific event being predicted (e.g., D7 for children, D4 for property), the Dasha lord's condition in the relevant Varga should be examined.
Integration with Transits: Transiting planets act as triggers for events indicated by the Yogini Dasha. The movement of planets over natal positions or the Dasha lords can pinpoint the exact timing of events.
Key Differences and Complementary Use:
Shorter Cycle: The 36-year cycle of Yogini Dasha means individuals often experience multiple cycles in a lifetime, providing recurring themes or lessons.
Focus on Karmic Patterns: Yogini Dasha is often considered potent for revealing psychological and emotional impacts, karmic patterns, and behavioral shifts, especially during challenging periods like Ulka (Saturn) and Sankata (Rahu) Dashas.
Complementary to Vimshottari: Many astrologers use Yogini Dasha as a complementary system to Vimshottari Dasha. When both Dasha systems indicate a similar event or theme, the probability and intensity of that event are considered to be significantly higher. It can provide a "micro" view compared to Vimshottari's "macro" view.
By combining the insights from Yogini Dasha with the detailed analysis of the D1 and divisional charts, and integrating them with planetary transits, astrologers can gain a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of an individual's life path and the precise timing of events.