Vedic Astrology is a system of knowledge that reveals the secrets of the universe and the destiny of human beings. It is based on the observation and interpretation of the movements and positions of the planets, stars and other celestial bodies. Vedic astrology uses various tools and techniques to analyze the horoscope of a person, which is a map of the sky at the time and place of birth.
Some of the most important and unique tools of Vedic astrology are the divisional charts, which are also known as Varga charts. These are special charts that are derived from the main birth chart or the D-1 chart, by dividing each sign of the zodiac into smaller segments.
Each segment has a specific meaning and significance, and corresponds to a particular area of life. By studying the divisional charts, one can gain more insight into the true nature and strength of the planets, as well as their effects on different areas of life such as marriage, career, wealth, health, etc.
The divisional charts are important because they provide a deeper and more detailed analysis of the horoscope than the birth chart alone. The birth chart shows the general potential and tendencies of a person, while the divisional charts show how that potential is manifested in different areas of life.
The divisional charts also show the hidden strength or weakness of a planet, which may not be apparent from the birth chart. For example, a planet may be well placed in the birth chart, but weak or afflicted in the divisional charts, which will reduce its positive effects.
Conversely, a planet may be poorly placed in the birth chart, but strong or exalted in the divisional charts, which will enhance its positive effects.
The divisional charts are thus an essential tool for Vedic astrologers to make accurate and precise predictions. They help to reveal the hidden aspects of a person’s destiny and karma, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. By studying the divisional charts, one can gain more clarity and wisdom about their life purpose and path.
By studying the divisional charts, one can gain more insight into the true nature and strength of the planets, as well as their effects on different areas of life such as marriage, career, wealth, health, etc.
The divisional charts are calculated by dividing each sign of the zodiac into smaller parts.
For example, the D-9 or Navamsa chart is obtained by dividing each sign into 9 equal parts of 3 degrees 20 minutes each.
Similarly, the D-10 or Dashamsa chart is obtained by dividing each sign into 10 equal parts of 3 degrees each.
Each division has a specific name and symbol, and corresponds to a particular area of life. For instance, the D-9 chart represents the marital life and spouse, while the D-10 chart represents the career and profession.
The divisional charts are also related to the Nakshatras or constellations, which are 27 in number and span 13 degrees 20 minutes each. Each Nakshatra has four Padas or quarters, which are 3 degrees 20 minutes each. The divisional charts are thus aligned with the Nakshatra Padas, and reveal the finer details of the planetary influences.
For example, if a planet is in Aries sign in the natal chart, it can be in any of the four Padas of Ashwini Nakshatra, which will determine its position in the D-9 chart. The same planet can also be in any of the ten divisions of Aries sign, which will determine its position in the D-10 chart. The divisional charts are not independent charts, they are supplementary to the natal chart. They should be read along with the natal chart to get a complete picture of the horoscope. Independent reading will cause wrong predictions.
There are many types of divisional charts in Vedic astrology, but some of them are more commonly used than others. Here is a list of some of them with their symbols and significations:
| D1 Lagna or Rashi | Existence at the physical level |
| D2 Hora | Wealth, family, speech |
| D3 Dreshkan | Siblings, courage, power and ability |
| D4 Chaturthamsa | Destiny, immovable property, home |
| D7 Saptamansha | Children |
| D9 Navamsa | Marriage and partnership |
| D10 Dashamsha | Profession, social status and authority. |
| D12 Dwadashamsha | Parents, ancestors and family lineage. |
| D16 Shodashamsha | Movable assets, general happiness. |
| D20 Vimshamsha | Spiritual pursuits and fruits of Sadhna |
| D24 Chaturvimshamsha | Learning and intellectual achievements. |
| D27 Saptavimshamsha | Physical strength and weakness. |
| D30 Trimshamsha | Miseries, evils and unfortunate events. |
| D40 Khavedamsha | General auspiciousness in life |
| D45 Akshvedamsha | Character and conduct |
| D60 Shashriamsha | All benefic and malefic effects. |
Reading and interpreting divisional charts is not an easy task, as it requires a lot of skill and experience. However, some general guidelines can be followed to get a basic understanding of them. Here are some steps to follow:
While using divisional charts can be very helpful and insightful, there are some common mistakes that one should avoid while using them. Here are some of them:
Let’s read a Saptamsha chart, also known as the D7 chart. It is very important in Vedic astrology. This chart gives a detailed view of the 5th house of the birth horoscope. The 5th house in the birth horoscope deals with children and desires. For this reason, the Saptamsha chart mainly deals with things associated with children and childbirth.
To read a Saptamsha chart, you need to have your birth chart first. You can generate your birth chart online using your date of birth, time of birth and place of birth.
Then, you need to divide each sign in your birth chart into Seven equal parts. Each part will correspond to a sign in the Saptamsha chart.
For example, if your ascendant is Aries in your birth chart, then the first part of Aries will be Aries in the Saptamsha chart, the second part will be Taurus, the third part will be Gemini and so on. The Saptamsha chart can help you predict various aspects related to children and desires, such as:
To make accurate predictions from the Saptamsha chart, you need to consider the following factors:
You also need to analyze both the husband’s and the wife’s Saptamsha charts to make a comprehensive prediction based on it. Similar technique can be used to assess all divisional charts.
Divisional charts – metaphorically are equivalent of the dictum that it is important to look beyond what is visible in the first instance. The depth of Astrology that we have access to, today -is all thanks to the hard work put in by the Rishis-Munis and all the poeple across civilizations who worked upon enriching this Astral Science.
Why are divisional charts important? 
