Introduction to Divisional Charts
Why do people born at the same time have different destinies? The answer lies in Divisional Charts!
In Vedic Astrology, the primary birth chart (also known as the Rashi Chart or D-1 chart) provides a general overview of a person's life. It is calculated based on the position of planets at the moment of birth.
There are 12 signs, and each one rises on the eastern horizon for approximately two hours. This means that hundreds, if not thousands, of people born within that two-hour window in the same region will have the same ascendant sign and a nearly identical D-1 chart.
The Divisional Chart Solution
Despite having the same foundational chart, these individuals do not share the same destiny. Their careers, marital lives, health, and fortunes are all different. Not even twins, who share an almost identical birth time and place, follow the same life path.
This disparity in destiny, despite a similar birth chart, is resolved through Divisional Charts (Varga Charts). These are like microscopic lenses that magnify specific areas of life from the main chart.
Microscopic Analysis
Zoom into specific life areas with precision
20 Different Layers
Each chart reveals different life aspects
Targeted Predictions
Accurate forecasting for specific domains
Divisional Charts Schemes
Sages have categorized divisional charts into four primary schemes for comprehensive analysis:
Shadvarga (6 Charts)
The group of six most important divisional charts:
Saptvarga (7 Charts)
Extended set of seven divisional charts:
Dasvarga (10 Charts)
Comprehensive set of ten divisional charts:
Shadashvarga (16 Charts)
Most comprehensive set of sixteen charts:
Key Divisional Charts & Their Significations
| Division | Chart Name | Signification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-1 | Rashi Chart | Physical body, personality | General life overview |
| D-2 | Hora Chart | Wealth, finances | Financial prosperity analysis |
| D-3 | Drekkana Chart | Siblings, courage | Sibling relations, personal efforts |
| D-4 | Chaturthamsa | Luck, fortune | Innate luck and fortune |
| D-7 | Saptamsa | Children, progeny | Children and creative projects |
| D-9 | Navamsa | Marriage, spouse | Marriage, relationships, destiny |
| D-10 | Dasamsa | Profession, career | Career and professional life |
| D-12 | Dwadasamsa | Parents, ancestry | Parents and family lineage |
| D-16 | Shodasamsa | Vehicles, property | Happiness from vehicles & property |
| D-20 | Vimsamsa | Spiritual life | Spiritual progress and practices |
| D-24 | Chatur Vimsamsa | Education | Learning and education |
| D-27 | Bhamsa | Strength | Physical and mental strength |
| D-30 | Trimsamsa | Misfortune, health | Health issues and challenges |
| D-40 | Khavedamsa | Auspicious results | General auspiciousness |
| D-45 | Akshavedamsa | General Wellbeing | Overall wellbeing |
| D-60 | Shastiamsa | General Wellbeing | Overall life perspective |
Rashi Chart (D-1)
This is the main birth chart. It provides a general overview of a person's life, including their personality, physical body, and overall destiny. All other divisional charts are derived from it.
Drekkana Chart (D-3)
The D3 Chart, or Drekkana Chart, is a Vedic astrology divisional chart (Varga) used to analyze siblings, courage, short journeys, and mental inclination. It is created by dividing each of the 12 zodiac signs 30 Degree into three equal parts of 10 each, resulting in 36 total segments.
Free Online D-3 CalculatorNavamsa Chart (D-9)
Considered the most important divisional chart for marriage, relationships, and spiritual growth. Shows the deeper, more subtle influences on a person's life and destiny.
Free Online D-9 CalculatorDasamsa Chart (D-10)
The chart for career, profession, and social status. Reveals professional success, achievements, and public recognition.
Free Online D-10 CalculatorTrimsamsa Chart (D-30)
Focuses on misfortunes, health issues, and karmic difficulties. Used to analyze adversities and unfavorable events in life.
Free Online D-30 CalculatorSaptamsa Chart (D-7)
The D7 or Saptamsa chart in Vedic astrology is a crucial divisional chart used to analyze progeny, children, and creative output by dividing each sign into seven parts.
Free Online D-7 CalculatorHow to Calculate Divisional Charts
Fundamental Principle
All divisional charts originate from the natal birth chart (D-1). The calculation is based on the precise degrees of the ascendant and the nine planets in the D-1 chart.
The rising degrees of the ascendant determine the ascendant of all divisional charts. Similarly, the exact planetary degrees of the nine planets in the D-1 chart dictate their position and sign in each of the divisional charts.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Calculate the exact degree of Ascendant in D-1 chart
- Multiply Ascendant degree by division number (e.g., 9 for D-9)
- Divide result by 30 to get remainder
- Add remainder to beginning of Aries to get divisional ascendant
- Repeat for each planet using their D-1 degrees
- Cast the new chart with calculated positions
Calculation Formulas
For D-9 (Navamsa):
Divisional Degree = (Planet Degree × 9) % 30
Example: Planet at 15° Leo in D-1
Navamsa position = (15 × 9) % 30 = 135 % 30 = 15°
For D-10 (Dasamsa):
Divisional Degree = (Planet Degree × 10) % 30
Interpretation Principles & Yogas
General Principles
Treat all divisional charts as normal birth charts. Apply all standard astrological rules, including aspects, yogas, Raja Yoga, and Dhanyoga.
The greater the number of auspicious yogas (like GajaKesari Yoga), the stronger the divisional chart will be, leading to excellent results in its related life area.
The Ascendant and Its Lord
- For a divisional chart to give good results, its ascendant lord should not be afflicted
- Ideally placed in Kendra (1,4,7,10) or Trine (1,5,9) houses
- Vargottama Lagna (same ascendant in D-1 and divisional chart) provides very auspicious results
- Example: Vargottama lagna in D-10 makes native work-oriented and brings success easily
Planetary Placements
- A planet in 6th, 8th, or 12th house of natal chart that remains in dusthana in divisional chart will not give auspicious results
- Exceptions: Mercury in 8th house, Mars in 6th house, Venus in 12th house of D-9, Saturn in 8th house of D-8 are beneficial
- A combust planet or planet defeated in planetary war will not give auspicious results
- A debilitated planet will only give good results if its debilitation is cancelled
Special Considerations & Timing
Karaka Bhava Nasho: Placement of Karaka (significator) in ascendant of that chart can be detrimental. For example, Mercury in ascendant of D-24 can spoil education, Venus in ascendant of D-9 can spoil marriage.
Timing Events: For timing events, consider sub-period of a well-placed planet in divisional chart. For instance, exalted Moon in 4th house of D-4 can lead to house construction during Moon's dasha.
Practical Application & Tips
Interpretation Tips
- If benefic planet occupies strong houses across multiple vargas, it strengthens its role
- Planets placed differently across vargas signal area-specific strengths
- Use D-10 to fine-tune career predictions
- Use D-7/D-9 pair to assess marriage and partnership dynamics
Key Insight
Sage Parashara advised that an astrologer should analyze planets through these Vargas before making significant predictions.
By looking at how planets are placed in various divisions, an astrologer gains comprehensive understanding of potential for wealth, family happiness, career success, and overall well-being.
Master Essential Charts
If not all, at least master these divisional charts:
They deal with important life affairs and have major say in dasha results.
Final Wisdom
Divisional charts are the soul of astrology. They allow us to dissect a horoscope at a very minute level and bring wonderful results which are not possible by using natal chart alone. Without them, astrology is incomplete.
Free Divisional Chart Calculators