Shadbala
A 'six-fold strength' calculation that quantifies how strong each planet is in a chart.
Shadbala ('six strengths') is a detailed system for measuring a planet's total strength by adding six categories: positional, directional, temporal, motional, natural and aspectual strength. Each is computed in standard units (rupas) and summed.
The result gives a numeric estimate of how capable each planet is of delivering its significations. Comparing planets' shadbala helps an astrologer decide which influences will dominate and which struggle, beyond the simpler signals of exaltation or debilitation.
Because it is laborious by hand, shadbala is usually computed by software today. It is one input among many — a high shadbala planet that is also a malefic lord, for instance, still needs careful interpretation. It measures capacity, not intent.
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