Vedic astrology glossary
Vedic astrology carries a vocabulary all its own — ayanamsa, dasha, nakshatra, navamsa, yoga, dosha and dozens more. Many of these words get wrapped in fear or jargon. Here each one is explained plainly and honestly: what it actually means, where it fits, and what it does and doesn't imply.
Browse the 40 terms below, or start with your own chart — generate a free kundli and see these ideas in context. For longer reads, visit the guides.
A
Antardasha
A sub-period within a major dasha, ruled by a second planet that colours the main period.
Ashtakavarga
A points system that scores each sign and house to gauge planetary and transit strength.
Atmakaraka
The 'soul significator' — the planet at the highest degree in its sign, central in Jaimini astrology.
Ayanamsa
The angular offset between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs, used to convert Western positions into Vedic ones.
B
C
D
Dasha
A planetary period — a span of time during which one planet's themes lead the unfolding of a life.
Debilitation (Neecha)
The sign opposite a planet's exaltation, where it struggles to express its qualities.
Dhana Yoga
A combination indicating wealth, formed by connections among the chart's money houses.
Dosha
An astrological 'affliction' or fault in a chart — a placement said to cause difficulty in a life area.
E
G
J
K
Kaal Sarp Dosha
A configuration where all seven planets fall between Rahu and Ketu on one side of the chart.
Karana
Half of a tithi — there are eleven karanas cycling through the lunar month.
Kendra
The angular houses — the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th — the pillars of a chart.
Ketu
The Moon's south node — a shadowy planet linked to detachment, past karma and spirituality.
KP System
Krishnamurti Paddhati — a precise, sub-lord-based method known for sharp event timing.
L
M
Manglik (Mangal Dosha)
A condition where Mars sits in certain houses, traditionally weighed in marriage compatibility.
Maraka
A 'death-inflicting' planet or house — chiefly the 2nd and 7th — used in longevity analysis.
Muhurta
The art of choosing an auspicious moment to begin something important — electional astrology.
N
P
R
Rahu
The Moon's north node — a shadowy planet linked to desire, ambition and the unconventional.
Raja Yoga
A combination indicating status, success and rising fortune — classically 'royal' yogas.
Rashi
A zodiac sign — one of the twelve 30-degree divisions of the sidereal zodiac.
Retrograde (Vakri)
When a planet appears to move backward against the stars as seen from Earth.