Dasha
A planetary period — a span of time during which one planet's themes lead the unfolding of a life.
A dasha is a 'period' system that maps a birth chart onto time. Life is divided into successive stretches, each governed by a particular planet, so that the chart is read not all at once but as a sequence: this planet's promise tends to ripen during its period.
The most widely used scheme is Vimshottari, but many others exist (Yogini, Ashtottari, the Jaimini Chara dasha and more). Each dasha is subdivided into smaller periods — antardasha, pratyantardasha and finer still — so that timing can be narrowed from years to weeks.
Dashas describe tendency and emphasis, not fixed events. A well-placed planet's period tends to support its significations; a weak or afflicted one may bring its themes as challenges. Honest practice treats a dasha as a season to work with, not a verdict.
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