subject: Glimpse of Houses in astrology [print this page] Glimpse of Different Houses in astrology Glimpse of Different Houses in astrology
Classification of Houses
Astrology is one of the most difficult science. It is neither a physical science as physics or chemistry is, nor is Meta physical. The precision of mathematics should be harmoniously combined with the intuitive capability of an astrologer and the divine grace of the Almighty. While delineating a horoscope, a good deal of all the three is essential.
The point rising in the East at the time of birth is known as Ascendant, the most important single consideration used in Vedic astrology for predictions. The zodiac sign which include the Lagna is considered the first house. The sign next to the Lagna (Ascendant) becomes the second house and so on. Equally in importance for all purposes is birth sign. It is the sign wherein at birth, Moon is positioned. It is treated at par with Ascendant for the purpose of predictions. Next in importance to Lagna or Moon is the 10th house of Karma (Deeds). The 10th house is the zodiac sign which is exactly on top in North direction (the meridian cusp) at the time of birth.
There are 12 houses in a chart, each of which defines a specific domain or area of activity of human life. One can not say with any definiteness why particular events of human life are attributed to particular houses in a horoscope.
It must be noted that the 12 houses refers to all the possible relation of Jeev (soul) in its journey from the cradle to the grave. The ancient sages must have had in view some scientific basis for the allocation of all the events of human life to the 12 houses or Bhavas. But they have not recorded it anywhere and left it to subsequent generations to interpret and understand it. However the allocations have withstood the test of time without any blemish. The qualities of the houses are explained in terms of Kendra's (Centers), Trikones (Trines), Upachaya, Dushtanas, Trishadya and Marakas.
Kendra's (Centers) (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) houses - The 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses are calledKendra's or quadrants. These are very powerful houses as they lead to emphatic manifestation in life. Planets in Kendra's are considered strong and active which help them accomplish their potential. They are sharp, energetic and decisive. They give power for achievement and a strong will in life. These houses are also called Vishnu Sthans. Benefics here leads to powerful manifestations with smaller efforts, while Malefics can cause struggle and pose challenges for accomplishments. Lagna is both a Kendra as well as Trikone, hence extra strong and important.
Trikone (1st, 5th, and 9th) houses With their location forming a triangle relative to Lagna, these are most auspicious houses of all. These houses relate to our sense of purpose and the spirit that moves us. The planets posited therein get closely associated with destiny and hence gain strength. 1st house is the self or spirit. The 5th house is the inspiration of the sense of purpose through creative expression. The 9th house is our spiritual beliefs and truths. It is the realization of our spiritual connection to all through the spirit. These houses are also called Lakshmi Sthan or Dharam Trikone. While the Benefics here ease the flow of destiny, the Malefics could cause challenges to be faced by the soul and hence require one to connect with mystical inner selves.
Upachaya (3rd, 6th, 10th, 11th) Upachaya means improvement, growth or progress. They create a certain amount of urge / tension which drives one to improve life's situations and gets better over time. These houses have a competitive edge to them. The strength of Kendra and Trikone houses decides name, fame, and monetary position of a native, the strengths of Upachaya houses show potential and opportunities for personal growth / gains. Natural Malefics like Mars, Saturn and Rahu do well in these houses and give the power to overcome difficulties. The energies (persistence, determination and aggression etc.) of these Malefics are gradually harnessed and eventually pay dividends.
Trishadya (3rd, 6ht, 11th) houses These houses are considered evil. There lords if own a Kendra or a Trikone, then their association with other Kendra / Trikone lords does not give Rajyoga. However the lord of 11th or planets posited therein give good results from financial point of view.
Dushtana or Trika (6th, 8th, 12th) houses Classical text have condemned the Trika houses, their lords or planets posited therein (Chhidra planets) as evil with a negative role. They are considered to represent all the negative forces and are held responsible for all the sufferings, miseries, calamities, and diseases that befall a negative. The only exception being when they exchange house in between them and thereby form "Vipreet Rajyoga" and as the name suggests it is the combination against their nature.
Houses of Longevity or Maraka 1st, 8th, and 3rd (8th from 8th) houses are considered to indicate longevity and 12th house from each i.e. 12th, 7th, and 2nd are termed as Maraka houses.
Note It is interesting to observe that 6th house is an Upachaya, a Trishadya and Trika House as well. Hence this house considered for mix results.