Atmakaraka
The 'soul significator' — the planet at the highest degree in its sign, central in Jaimini astrology.
The atmakaraka ('significator of the soul') is the planet sitting at the highest degree within its sign, regardless of which sign that is. It is the most important of the chara karakas, the variable significators used in the Jaimini system.
It is read as the planet carrying the soul's chief lessons and deepest desires in this life — a key to the person's core purpose and the karma they are working through. Its placement, especially in the navamsa, receives special attention.
Several methods study the atmakaraka further, including the Karakamsa chart (the navamsa sign of the atmakaraka placed in a special diagram). It is most prominent in Jaimini astrology, though many practitioners blend it into ordinary Parashari reading.
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