Roshnie Venkataraman

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The importance of Birthdate, Birthtime, and Birthplace

Posted on by Roshnie Venkataraman

We need the exact location of planets for every horoscope. The combination of Birthdate, birthtime, and birthplace helps us to narrow down to exact data points to track their positions and plot them in your horoscope. This information is obtained by consulting what we call as ephemeris. However, what is the use of plotting the planets without plotting the subject, i.e. you ?

In order to plot you most accurately, we seek your birth details.

  1. Birthdate: There are several data points that is derived from you birthdate consisting of date, month and year. It is used to plot the positions of planets in degrees, minutes and seconds on the given day. Birthdatehelps to mark the apparent location of the Sun in terms of its degrees across the Zodiac. The Sun moves by one degree each day. (the Sun’s movement is apparent movement only as observed from the earth), and thus your solar month is also obtained.
  2. Birthplace: Birthplace helps us to arrive at the time of Sunrise based on the location of your birth represented by its latitude and longitude. We see the Sunrise at different times across continents, for example, Asia and North America. Even within countries, for example, India, the Sunrise timings are different between states and cities, in that, the Sunrise in Delhi is at a slightly different time compared to that in Tamil Nadu, and even within Tamil Nadu, the time of Sunrise varies within its cities. Sunrise is an important data point that will help plot you in the horoscopy.
  3. Birthtime: Birthtime within the given birthdate, and birthplacehelps to measure the Earths’ rotation on its axis, with respect to the Sunrise, indicating the rising Zodiac, and the exact position of Ascendant/Lagna at the time of your birth. Here the Earth refers to your birthplace.

And the Lagna represents you. Without the Lagna, the rest of the horoscope will merely be a map of planets on a given day and time. This is calculated by approximately calculating two hours to go over each Zodiac of 30 degrees each and complete rotation in 24 hours from Sunrise to the next day Sunrise.

As each day passes, the Lagna, for example, at 7 AM on any day would have moved by another degree the next day at 7 AM, due to earth’s revolution around the Sun, and therefore the date,time and place becomes mandatory data points to prepare your horoscope.

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Ascendant/Lagnam

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Ascendant or Lagna: The first term that you need to know before you consult your astrologer is the term “Ascendant” or “Lagnam” or “Lagna”. Most often you will be familiar with your star (nakshatram) and your rasi (which is your moon sign) which is also useful.

In your chart, if you find a sign crossed and Asc. or Lag. mentioned in it, that is the first house. This can fall in any of the 12 signs in the Zodiac. The Asc. is the first house, and you can count from the 2nd house to the 12th house in the clockwise direction (in a south Indian chart). In the below example, the first house falls in Taurus (Rishabham), and will be referred as “Taurus Ascendant” (Rishabha Lagnam). Astrologers (astrology software) use three data points to calculate the Ascendant.

A sample chart with Asc., the Sun & the Moon

A chart or horoscope preparation is complete only after we determine the Ascendant. And in simple language, this Ascendant is you in this celestial map, and therefore, predications can be relevant for you. Without plotting you (the Ascendant/Lagna), the horoscope is only a map of planetary positions over the fixed stars.

Ascendant or Ascendant sign should not be confused with the Sun Sign or Moon Sign. The Ascendant sign, the Sun sign, and the Moon signs are three different data points.

However, for some, based on the date, place and, time of birth more than two of these points can fall into the same sign and astrologers will recognize them separately and use all the three data points irrespective of where it falls within the Zodiac.

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Which houses are the most important in a horoscope ?

Posted on by Roshnie Venkataraman
12 houses in a horoscope. This is a South Indian style chart.

In astrology, all 12 houses hold equal significance within a horoscope, each governing specific aspects of life, challenges, and goals. The strength of the first house (Ascendant) is particularly crucial as it impacts all facets of the native’s life. When consulting an astrologer, the specific questions or concerns determine which houses to focus on during the reading. The focal house or houses in a horoscope vary depending on the aspect of life under examination like:

  1. Basic Education and Higher Education: This is associated with the 4th house (education) and 5th house (intellect, learning capacity) in the horoscope.
  2. Employment, Business, and Profession: The 6th house (service, employment), 7th house (business partnerships), and 10th house (career, profession) are crucial in determining success in these areas.
  3. Marriage, Partner, Relationships: The 7th house primarily governs marriage and partnerships, while the 8th house indicates marital bonding and intimacy.
  4. Progeny (Children): The 5th house (children) and its related aspects are examined for matters related to offspring.
  5. Siblings, Maternal/Paternal Relationships: Relationships with siblings and parental figures are seen through the 3rd house (siblings) and the 4th house (mother, family bonds).
  6. Friends and Enemies: The 11th house (friendships, social networks) and 6th house (rivals, enemies) are studied for understanding these dynamics.
  7. Land and Property: The 4th house (real estate, property) and 11th house (gains, acquisitions) are relevant in matters related to land and assets.
  8. Conveyances: Possessions like vehicles are associated with the 4th and 9th houses (long-distance travel).
  9. Health: Health matters are scrutinized through the 1st house (overall health), 6th house (diseases), and 8th house (chronic illnesses).
  10. Religious Pursuits: The 9th house (religion, spirituality) is pivotal in understanding one’s spiritual inclinations and religious practices.
  11. Spiritual Pursuits: Deep spiritual quests and spiritual growth are seen through the 12th house (spirituality, enlightenment).

Astrologers meticulously analyze each relevant house, along with its supporting houses and planetary influences, to gauge the overall potential, challenges, efforts required, and timing of fruition for specific life aspects. The Vedic astrology system enhances this analysis further with divisional charts, such as the Navamsa chart, which provides a detailed microscopic view of each house or aspect.

Understanding these intricacies allows astrologers to provide nuanced insights into various facets of life, guiding individuals towards making informed decisions and navigating challenges effectively.