ShadBala and its Conceptual Details

SHADBALA
In Vedic astrology there are methods which especially in this age of computers can give a quick insight in the state of planets and houses. One such method is explained here. This is the method of Shadbala. It gives a value to each planet. The more points a planet gets in Shadbala the stronger it is. It is important to have some insight in how the Shadbala value is calculated. The understanding of the concept of “Shadbala” is obviously more important than actually calculating it. Further you can employ some methods to calculate the values of “Shadbalas”.Only if you know the method followed by this system of calculation you can have an opinion about the value of it. There are slight variances on how Shadbala is calculated. The method of the late B.V. Raman as explained in his book `graha and bhava balas', is by far the most accurate.
It is possible that other astrologers in the future will develop their own version of Shadbala. New and innovative approaches are always welcome. However, before we can develop something new we should exactly know What are the Basics and how the traditional system works.

The word “SHAD” means Six and, “BALA” means Energy. Thus “ShadBala” means Six types of Energies of Planets. Most of the energies of Planets are found by this method, for example Positional Strength, Exaltation Strength, Debilitation Strength, Divisional Strength etc. Numerical values are given to the “Energies” found, by a Point Rating system. For finding out the Energies one need to have a prior knowledge of Planetary Energy States like their Exaltation, Debilitation, Combust, Mool Trikon (75% Enegy State) and Neutral, as laid out in Standard Vedic Sripts

1. STHANA BALA
Sthana means place or position. We start with calculating the sthana bala of a planet. This is the positional strength of a planet. Sthana Bala consists of five components: Under “Sthana Bala” there are further 4 types of “Balas’

(a) The first one is called Oocha Bala. “Oocha” means Exaltation.All planets have exact degrees of exaltation. Like the Moon is exalted at 3 degrees Taurus. When a planet occupies it exact degree of exaltation the planet gets 60 Shashtiamsas (Shashtiamsas are points). When it occupies the opposite point, its exact point of fall, it does not get any Shashtiamsas. Of course most of the time a planet will occupy a position somewhere in between these points. In that case the points that it will get will be calculated according to its position from the point of exaltation and fall.

Example: The Moon at 3 degrees Scorpio will get 0 Shashtiamsas. The Moon at 3 degrees Leo will get 30 Shashtiamsas (this is exactly between 3 degrees Scorpio and 3 degrees Taurus).

To be Contd/...

Meaning of Argala (Continued)

Virodhargala (Obstruction) Virodhargala shows the obstruction of argala. Planets and houses in the 12th, 10th, 3rd and 9th houses from a house or planet cause virodhargala and obstruct the argala on it from the 2nd, 4th, 11th and 5th houses from it (respectively). For example, let us say Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn are in Ge, Pi, Ar and Vi respectively. Saturn is in the 4th from Mercury and Ge and he causes argala on them. With Saturn being a malefic, this is a paapaargala (malefic intervention). But Jupiter is in the 10th from Mercury and Ge. So he obstructs Saturn’s argala and averts the troubles. Venus is in the 11th from Mercury and Ge and so he causes argala on them. With Venus being a benefic, it is a subhaargala (benefic intervention). If Le (3rd from Ge) is empty, this argala is unobstructed. NOTE: If a sign contains Ketu, argalas and virodhargalas on it are counted anti-zodiacally. For example, let us say Ketu is in Vi. Then Le, Ge, Sc and Ta are the 2nd, 4th, 11th and 5th from Vi (counted anti-zodiacally) and planets in those signs cause argala on Vi and on the planets in Vi. Virodhargala is also counted similarly. Use of Argala Depending on the matter of interest, take the relevant house or the relevant karaka. Find argalas and virodhargalas on it. If there are both, see if more planets cause argala or virodhargala. If they are caused by the same number of planets, compare the strengths and decide whether argala dominates or virodhargala. Based on the signs, houses and planets involved, guess the meaning of the argala or virodhargala. Argala from the 2nd house shows the basic ingredient for the sustenance of a matter. For example, the 2nd house shows food and it is a basic ingredient for the sustenance of self (1st). The 5th house shows intelligence and it is a basic ingredient for the sustenance of learning (4th). Argala from the 4th house shows the basic factor that drives the mood, state and progress of a matter. For example, the 4th house shows comfort and it drives the mood and state of self (1st). The 7th house shows interaction and that drives one’s learning (4th). Argala from the 11th house shows the catalyst that can result in gains for a matter. For example, the 2nd house shows character, grooming and samskara and it is a catalyst in the process of learning (4th). Secondary argala from the 5th house shows the additional contributing factors. For example, the 5th house shows emotional situation and that contributes to the state of self (1st). The 8th house shows hard work and that contributes to one’s learning (4th). Using the above guidelines, we can understand the meaning of argalas on houses and karakas.

Meaning of ARGALA

Argala (Blocking or Intervention)

In addition to the influence caused by planets with graha drishti and rasi drishti, there is another influence called “Argala”. Argala is a very important concept in Vedic astrology. Argala on a house shows the influences that intervene in its affairs, decide some parts of it and close the bolt on it, so to speak. Planet having rasi drishti have a small influence. Planets having graha drishti have a more concrete influence. Planets with argala simply decide some parts of the matter signified by the house. The influence caused by argala is decisive.

A planet or house in the 2nd, 4th and 11th houses from a planet or house causes primary argala on the latter. Argala by a benefic planet is called a “subhaargala” (benefic intervention) and argala by a malefic planet is called a “paapaargala” (malefic intervention). This simple concept can be better appreciated if some examples are given.

The 4th house stands for education. The 2nd, 4th and 11th from the 4th house are 5th, 7th and 2nd houses respectively. One’s intelligence (5th), interaction with others (7th) and and overall character and samskara (2nd) make or break one education. If Jupiter is in 5th house, he will give intelligence and his subhargala (benefic intervention) on 4th will help one’s education. If Rahu is in 5th house, his papargala (malefic intervention) on 4th will cause obstacles in one’s education by way of poor intelligence. Similarly, benefics and malefics in the houses causing argala cause good and bad intervention. Basically, the point is that intelligence, interaction and samskara are the things that decide one’s education. They have a decisive role.

Let us take another example. Short journeys are seen from the 3rd house. What are the things necessary for a journey? One needs a vehicle (4th). One may need someone to serve one by driving the vehicle. Servants are seen from 6th. So, no wonder the 4th and 6th houses cause argala on the 3rd house, being the 2nd and 4th from it respectively! If one has papargala on 3rd from 4th, it may show trouble to the journey because of the vehicle. If one has papargala on 3rd from 6th, it may show trouble to the journey because of the driver.

Let us take another example. Domestic harmony, comfort, well-being and happiness are seen from the 4th house. What are the things that can make or break domestic harmony? Of course, wife, children and other family members! Each of them can intervene in one’s domestic harmony. No wonder the 5th, 7th and 2nd houses have an argala on the 4th house (being the 2nd, 4th and 11th respectively from the 4th house)! If a malefic in 5th has papargala on 4th, it may show domestic clashes and lack of sukha (comfort/happiness) on account of a child. If a benefic in 7th has subhargala on on 4th, it may show domestic happiness due to a caring partner.

Apart from the 2nd, 4th and 11th houses from a house, the 5th house from a house has a secondary argala on it. In the case of learning, argala of 8th house on 4th (8th is the 5th from 4th) shows the influence of hard work in learning. Hard work is another decider. In the case of journey, argala of 7th house on 3rd house (7th is the 5th from 3rd) shows the influence of partners in a journey.

To Be Continued ......

Marriage and Seventh House Lord's Placement Details

The Effects of the Seventh House Lord in the 12 Houses

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Ascendant

As the 7th lord is in the ascendant, the native will marry an acquaintance . They are of wavering minds and do not stand firm on their words & actions. They are quite flexible and not at all domineering. They are adepts at finding out escape routes from critical situations. They will get a cordially disposed spouse as the seventh lord is well placed. Their public relations will be good.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Second House

As the 7th lord is in the 2nd, the native will find inordinate wealth & prosperity after marriage. As a result they will be beseiged by problems caused by those who become enemies due to jealousy. They may be subject to ordeals by fire & will have to face Govt enquiries and litigation. They will hate their fate & the people who caused them. Ultimately they emerge graceful & successful.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Third House

As the 7th lord is in the 3rd, the native may have to bear losses on account of the upbringing of children.Their daughter will bring them better luck. Their mental image of their partner is that of a loving and endearing personalilty. They are adepts at mental gymnastics as they weigh everything & sort out things using a cool and analytical intellect.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Fourth House

As the 7th lord is in 4th, the native will have a lucky partner who gives a satisfactory married life with children & comforts.They are not the type to enforce their ideas on their partner. They are noble that way and they are good friends always & remain that way forever.If difference of opinion surfaces they clear it out with rapproachment and maintain harmony. Domestic life is built upon the rock in their case.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Fifth House

As the 7th lord is in 5th, a rich partner is indicated. They will achieve respectability and a majestic position in life. They are born salesmen & shine in marketing . They perform well in jobs where the gift of the gab and travelling are required . Their proper mindset and social skills pave the way for their progress and achievement in life.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Sixth House

As the 7th lord is in the 6th, marital happiness is under threat. Their partner's constitution may not be at par with theirs. If they dont test the patience of partner with too much demands / questions everything will go smoothly between them. They will have to incorporate patience & perseverance which ultimately yields good return. Their spouse becomes too sickly & jealous when they demand too much.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Seventh House

As the 7th lord is in the 7th, the native will be endowed with personal magnetism. They will have indomitable courage, skill & high I Q. Members of the opposite sex will be attracted to them in no mean measure for temporary / lasting relationships. They both preserve their youth & cheer & behave more or less like children for their mutual amusement. Their spouse in fact is far more realistic and practical as every situation is analysed calmly & coolly.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Eighth House

As the 7th lord is in 8th, marriage will be with someone known to them earlier. Their luck is after marriage. They will be influenced by their spouse who will be far more mundane than them. They will find it difficult to fool their spouse for long as the partner happens to be too clever. Their next uneasy behaviour will let them down. Beware of clashes with partner which may lead to chaos.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Ninth House

As the 7th lord is in the 9th, the native will do well with their spouse They will be unorthodox by nature and with diverse interests. They will be known for their versatility & will be able to concentrate on many fields. They feel that time wasted is life wasted. They are more interested in the mysteries of life even though they do not want to discuss it with anybody. They will have a fortunate partner.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Tenth House

As the 7th lord is in the 10th, they will get a devoted and chaste partner who will be a friend philosopher and guide to them contributing immensely to their progress & advancement. They will be pious & enjoy all the comforts of life. Their spouse is actually shrewd & can read between the lines. They will be successful abroad.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Eleventh House

As the 7th lord is in the 11th, the native will gain immensely through marriage. Their spouse may be rich and religious. They have to adjust with their sons. Their spouse may gain a lot of property or may be usefully employed. They gain wealth via their spouse. Since 11th rules the fulfillment of all desires, they will achieve fulfillment of all desires via their spouse.

Effect of Seventh Lord in the Twelfth House

As the 7th lord is in the12th, the native's partner may spend more than what he/she budgets personally & they have to use all their tactics to manage their spouse. They believe in the principle "Economy is Prudence". They are normally gentle and sensitive. Their partner's extravagance is counteracted by their economic prudence. They may lose largesse due to their partner's imprudence.

These (Given Above and Below)are General Guidelines and CANNOT BE APPLIED VERBATIM to any Horoscope and All other Combinations including Divisional Charts should be studied before coming to any Conclusion

Early marriage :

Moon is the core factor in early marriage. Normally, if moon connects with 5th house, it in dicates early marriage. Delay in marriage :

Mars is the planet which causes delay in marriage. This is for those, who are careeristic minded. So, now a days these cases are common. These type of charts show that they do marry, but late. Another planet is Saturn. This planet never causes delay but totally leads to a unmarried life. Love marriage :

1)Love relations can be found out from 2nd and 7th.

2)If 5th house is connected with Venus, denotes many love relations. But a successful love marriage is the result of a good 6th house.

3)If Venus conjuncts with Moon, person will be romantic.

4) Venus - mercury conjunction indicate flucuation in love relation.

5) Venus - Saturn connection denotes single heartedness in love.

6) Moon - Saturn conjunction denotes devoid of love relation and it indicates arranged marrage. Timing of marriage :

Case studies show that marriage happens 90% when transit of Jupiter is on 1st, 7th or 11th house . Of course if there is no indication of delay or unmarried life.

........................ To Be Continued