Planetary Karakatwas

1-2. I now detail below Atmakarka etc. obtainable from among the 7 planets viz. the Sun to Saturn. Some say that Rahu will become a Karka when there is a state of similarity in terms of longitude between (two) planets. Yet some say that the 8 planets including Rahu will have to be considered irrespective of such a state.

3-8. ATMA KARAKA DEFINED:

Among the planets from the Sun etc. whichever has traversed maximum number of degrees in a particular sign is called Atmakarka. If the degrees are identical, then the one with more minutes of arc and if the minutes are also identical then the one with higher seconds of arc will have to be considered. In that case, these three are called Amathyakarka, Madhyakarka, and Upakheta. In the case of Rahu, deduct his longitude in that particular sign from 30. The Karakas will have to be decided as above and as per further rules given below. Out of these Karakas, Atmakaraka is the most important and has a prime say on the native just as the king is the most famous among the men of his country and is the head of all affairs and is entitled to arrest and release men.

9-12. IMPORTANCE OF ATMAKARAKA:

O Brahmin, just as the minister cannot go against the king, the other karakas, viz. Putrakaraka, Amatyakaraka etc. cannot predominate over Atmakaraka in the affairs of the native. If the Atmakarka is adverse, other karakas cannot five their benefic effects (fully). Similarly if Atmakaraka if favorable, other karakas cannot predominate with their malefic influences.

13-17. OTHER KARAKAS:

The planet next to Atmakaraka in terms of longitude is called Amatyakaraka.

Similarly follow one another in terms of longitude are Bhratru karaka, Matru karaka, Pitru karaka, Putrakaraka, Gnati karaka, and Streekaraka. These are chara karakas or inconstant significators. Some consider Martukaraka and Putrakaraka as identical.

If two planets have the same longitude, both become the same karaka in which case there will be a deficit of one karaka. In that circumstance, consider constant significator in the context of benefic/malefic influence for the concerned relative.

18-21. CONSTANT SIGNIFICATORS:

I Narrate below the constant significators as related to the planets. The stronger among the Sun and Venus indicates the father while the stronger among the Moon and Mars indicates the mother. Mars denotes sister, brother-in-law, younger brother, and mother. Mercury rules maternal relative while Jupiter indicates paternal grandfather. Husband and sons are respectively denoted by Venus and Saturn. From Ketu note wife, father, mother, parents-in-law and maternal grandfather. These are constant significators.

22-24. HOUSES RELATED:

These constant significances are derivable from the Bhavas counted from the said constant significators. The 9th from the Sun denotes father, the 4th from the Moon mother, the 3rd from Mars brothers, the 6th from Mercury maternal uncle, the 5th from Jupiter sons, the 7th from Venus wife, and the 8th from Saturn death. The learned should consider all these and declare related effects accordingly.

25-30. YOGA KARAKAS (OR MUTUAL CO-WORKERS):

O Brahmin, I make below a passing reference to Yogakarakas (or mutual co-workers). Planets become Yogakarakas if they are in mutual angles identical with own signs, exaltation, or friendly sign. In the 10th house, a planet will be significantly so. Planets simply (i.e. not being in friendly & C) in the ascendant, a the 4th and 7th do not become such Yogakarakas. Even if they be place in other houses but with such dignities as mentioned shall become yogakarakas. With such planets, even a person of mean birth will become a king an be affluent. One born of royal scion then will surely become a king. Thus the effects be declared considering the number of such planets and the order the native belongs to.

31-34. HOUSE SIGNIFICANCE:

I now narrate the siginificance of the houses. The first house denotes the soul (and self), the 2nd house wife, the 11th preborn, the 3rd younger brother/sisters, the 5th progeny, and the 7th house wife. It is also said that a planet in the 5th becomes a karaka for wife. The significators of the house in order are: the Sun, Jupiter, Mars, the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn.

35-37. O excellent of the Brahmins, after knowing the merits of the 1st house etc. the good and bad effects be declared. 11th, 3rd, 8th, 6th, 2nd, and 12th are malefic bhavas. Association with these houses will inflict evils. Angles and trines are auspicious bhavas, the association with which turns even evils into auspiciousness.