Astrology Glossary A-Z

Ascendant (Lagna)

The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. It represents your physical appearance, personality, and how others perceive you.

Amavasya

New Moon day when the Moon is not visible. Considered auspicious for ancestor worship and new beginnings.

Ashtakoot Matching

The 36-point compatibility system used in marriage matching, evaluating 8 different aspects of compatibility.

Birth Chart (Janma Kundli)

A map of planetary positions at the exact time, date, and place of birth. The foundation of all astrological predictions.

Bhakoot Dosha

A dosha in marriage matching when Moon signs of partners are incompatible, potentially affecting emotional harmony.

Choghadiya

A time division system used to find auspicious timings for daily activities. Divided into Shubh, Labh, Amrit, and other periods.

Dasha

Planetary period system in Vedic astrology. Each planet rules for a specific period, influencing life events during that time.

D-1 Chart (Rashi Chart)

The main birth chart showing planetary positions in 12 houses. Also called Janma Kundli or Rashi Chart.

D-9 Chart (Navamsha)

The 9th divisional chart used for marriage, spouse, and spiritual matters. Shows deeper insights into relationships.

Dosha

Planetary afflictions or negative combinations in the birth chart that can cause problems. Common doshas include Mangal Dosha, Kaal Sarp Dosha.

Guna Milan

The 36-point compatibility matching system for marriage. Higher scores indicate better compatibility between partners.

Graha

Sanskrit term for planets. In Vedic astrology, includes Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.

House (Bhava)

The 12 divisions of the birth chart, each representing different aspects of life like career, marriage, health, finances, etc.

Horoscope

Another term for birth chart or Kundli. Shows planetary positions and their influences on your life.

Jyotish

Sanskrit term for Vedic astrology, meaning "science of light." The traditional Indian system of astrology.

Kaal Sarp Dosha

A dosha formed when all planets are positioned between Rahu and Ketu, potentially causing obstacles and delays in life.

Karana

Half of a Tithi (lunar day). One of the five elements of Panchang, used to determine auspiciousness for activities.

Kundli

Birth chart or horoscope showing planetary positions at birth. The foundation of all Vedic astrology predictions.

Mangal Dosha

A dosha when Mars is placed in certain houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th), potentially causing delays or problems in marriage.

Mahadasha

Major planetary period in the Dasha system. Each planet rules for a specific number of years, influencing major life events.

Muhurat

Auspicious time selected for important activities like marriage, business launch, housewarming, etc., based on Panchang.

Nakshatra

Lunar mansion or constellation. There are 27 Nakshatras, each with unique characteristics and ruling deity.

Nadi Dosha

A dosha in marriage matching when both partners have the same Nadi, potentially indicating health or genetic issues.

Panchang

Hindu calendar showing five elements: Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Vaar. Used to find auspicious timings.

Purnima

Full Moon day when the Moon is fully illuminated. Considered highly auspicious for ceremonies and celebrations.

Rahu

North Node of the Moon, a shadow planet. Represents desires, illusions, foreign travel, and technology.

Rashi

Zodiac sign based on Moon's position. There are 12 Rashis: Mesha, Vrishabha, Mithuna, Karka, Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrishchika, Dhanu, Makara, Kumbha, Meena.

Rashifal

Daily, weekly, or monthly horoscope predictions based on your Rashi. Provides guidance for daily activities.

Retrograde

When a planet appears to move backward from Earth's perspective. Can intensify or delay planetary effects.

Sadhe Sati

A 7.5-year period when Saturn transits the 12th, 1st, and 2nd houses from your Moon sign, bringing challenges and lessons.

Shukla Paksha

Waxing phase of the Moon, from New Moon to Full Moon. Considered auspicious for new beginnings and growth activities.

Sidereal Zodiac

The zodiac system used in Vedic astrology, based on fixed star positions. Different from Tropical zodiac used in Western astrology.

Tithi

Lunar day in the Hindu calendar. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.

Transit (Gochara)

Current movement of planets through zodiac signs and their effects on your birth chart. Used for timing predictions.

Vedic Astrology

Ancient Indian system of astrology based on Sidereal zodiac. Also called Jyotish, it uses precise mathematical calculations.

Yoga

A combination of Sun and Moon positions in Panchang. One of the five elements used to determine auspiciousness.

Antardasha

Sub-period within a Mahadasha. Provides more detailed timing of events within the major planetary period.

Ketu

South Node of the Moon, a shadow planet. Represents spirituality, detachment, research, and liberation (moksha).

Krishna Paksha

Waning phase of the Moon, from Full Moon to New Moon. Suitable for completion, spiritual practices, and ancestor worship.

Lagna

Ascendant or rising sign. The zodiac sign on the eastern horizon at birth time. Represents self and physical body.

Gemstone (Ratna)

Precious stones associated with planets, worn to strengthen planetary influences and balance energies in the birth chart.

Remedy (Upaya)

Solutions to balance negative planetary effects, including gemstones, mantras, charity, fasting, and rituals.

Conjunction

When two or more planets are in the same sign or house. Can create powerful combinations or conflicts.

Aspect (Drishti)

Planetary influence on other houses or planets. Each planet has specific aspects that affect different areas of life.

Exalted Planet

A planet in its most favorable sign, giving maximum positive results. Opposite of debilitated planet.

Debilitated Planet

A planet in its weakest sign, causing challenges. Remedies are needed to strengthen debilitated planets.

Yuti

Planetary conjunction when planets are in the same sign. Creates combined effects of both planets.

Shadbala

Six-fold strength calculation of planets, measuring their power and influence in the birth chart.

Vimshottari Dasha

The most commonly used 120-year planetary period system in Vedic astrology for timing life events.

Ayanamsa

The difference between Sidereal and Tropical zodiacs. Currently around 24 degrees, used to convert between systems.

Atmakaraka

The planet with highest degree in the birth chart. Represents the soul and spiritual purpose in life.

Chara Karaka

Seven significators in Jaimini astrology representing different relationships and life aspects.

Drishti

Planetary aspect or gaze. Each planet aspects specific houses, influencing those areas of life.

Gandanta

A critical point between water and fire signs (Pisces-Aries, Cancer-Leo, Scorpio-Sagittarius) indicating challenges.

Hora

Hourly division of day and night, each ruled by a planet. Used in Hora charts for wealth analysis.

Jaimini Astrology

An alternative system of Vedic astrology using different rules and Karakas for predictions.

Karakamsa

The Navamsha sign of Atmakaraka, showing spiritual path and soul's purpose in this lifetime.

Lagna Lord

The planet ruling the Ascendant sign. Very important planet representing self, health, and overall life.

Moola Trikona

A planet's own sign where it gives best results. Second most favorable position after exaltation.

Prasna

Horary astrology where a chart is cast for the time a question is asked to find the answer.

Raja Yoga

Beneficial planetary combinations that bring wealth, power, and success in life.

Shani Sade Sati

7.5-year period when Saturn transits 12th, 1st, and 2nd houses from Moon, bringing challenges and growth.

Trikona

Triangular houses (1st, 5th, 9th) representing self, creativity, and spirituality. Considered most auspicious houses.

Upachaya Houses

Growth houses (3rd, 6th, 10th, 11th) where malefic planets give positive results over time.

Vargottama

When a planet is in the same sign in both D-1 and D-9 charts, giving it extra strength and significance.

Visham Shalaka

A special chart used in Jaimini astrology for timing events and analyzing planetary periods.

Yogakaraka

A planet that is both benefic and malefic for a particular Ascendant, creating special combinations.

Astrology Glossary