Shodashamsha (D-16): Generated by dividing 30 into 16 parts of
1°52’30” each. This chart is useful for information about conveyances.
The modern applications are for cars, car accidents, boats, etc.
Vimshamsha (D-20): Generated by dividing 30° into 20 parts of 1°30’
each. Parashara uses the word “worship” and contemporary jyotishis
use it for assessment of spiritual practices (upasana).Chaturvimshamsha (D-24): Generated by dividing 30 into 24 parts of
1°15’ each. This chart is used for assessing how school and studies will
go for the individual.
Saptavimshamsha (D-27): Generated by dividing 30 into 27 parts of
1°6’40” each. This chart deals with matters of strength and weakness
(vitality).
Trimshamsha chart (D-30): Generated by dividing 30 into 30 parts of
1° each. Parashara uses the words “evil effects,” though many jyotishis
use it to assess great misfortunes and fortunes.
Khavedamsha chart (D-40): Generated by dividing 30 into 40 parts of
45’ each. It is used to assess auspicious and inauspicious effects.
Akvedamsha (D-45): Generated by dividing 30 into 45 parts of 40’
each and is a chart for general indications.
Shastiamsha (D-60): Generated by dividing 30 into 60 parts of 30’
each. This chart is also used for general indications but has unique
descriptive applications for each planetary placement.
In addition to the classical charts outlined above, the many followers of Iyer
add four more amsha charts that have come through the Tajika tradition of astrology
which is originally Persian or Arab and now thoroughly integrated into the Indian
astrological tradition. These are the Panchamsha chart (D-5), which is used to delin-
eate innate morality and spiritual orientation; the Shastamsha chart (D-6), which
deals with health and disease; the Ashtamsha chart (D-8), which is concerned with
accidents and longevity; and the Ekadashamsha chart (D-11), which details unearned
wealth, conferring of honors, titles, ascension to the throne, etc.
The accuracy of the divisional charts becomes predicated on the accuracy of
the birth time since the exact degree of the ascending point is the starting place for
calculating the ascendant of the respective divisional charts. There is both an advan-
tage and disadvantage in this regard. The ascendant of the more finely divided varga
charts becomes less certain without a confirmed birth time. However, this can be
turned around and used as a tool for arriving at a more accurate birth time as part of
the process known as rectification.
There are two major categories for divisional chart analysis. One involves a
quantitative evaluation of strength and the other is the more qualitative descriptive
information that improves the specificity of the interpretation in the various arenas of
life that fall into a given D-chart’s portfolio.
THEASTROLOGYBOOK [205]
Divisional Charts