Quantitatively, there are two systems for determining the overall strength fac-
tor for a planet in a given nativity through examination of the divisional chart place-
ments. One of these systems is a complex formulation of factors to arrive at a numerical
expression of “strength.” This technique is known as Shad Bala. An important compo-
nent of this analysis is the strength that a planet derives by its placement in certain
advantageous constellations and houses in a certain defined set of divisional charts.
The constellation in which a particular planet is placed in the main chart will most
likely change when subjected to the mathematical formulas of divisional chart calcula-
tion. For example, Jupiter may be in the constellation of Cancer in the Rashi chart and
be placed in the constellation of Capricorn in the Navamsha chart by applying the
appropriate calculation and so on through the defined set of divisional charts. Some of
these placements are in constellations that will add to the planet’s power and some
placements will detract. This is the primary idea behind the determination of a quanti-
tative measure that becomes one of the important factors in the Shad Bala calculation.
The other quantitative system is known as Vimshopaka Bala. This system fac-
tors the placement of a planet by constellation in defined sets of divisional charts, at
least one of which is the complete set. The outcome of the calculation is a specific
number for each planet that correlates to that planet’s strength with respect to varga
chart placement. The practical application of this number is that a planet that may
look weak in the birth chart can increase its strength according to its placements in
the divisional charts and visa versa.
The qualitative side of divisional chart analysis is virtually endless in its possi-
bilities with respect to interpretive richness. Each specific divisional chart can be ana-
lyzed on its own merits according to the rules of birth chart analysis and applied to that
area of life it represents. This information can be correlated with what the birth chart
reveals and the two can be reconciled, either resulting in greater confluence and cer-
tainty or modulating the interpretation by factoring in the appropriate divisional chart.
There are techniques for more accurately predicting timing of events by combining the
planetary placements in these varga charts with the dasha sequences for that native.
Certain unique planetary combinations (yogas) can form exclusively in some divisional
charts which greatly add to the understanding of a particular person’s destiny.
For further information, the reader is invited to look at the text of the classical
works as well as explore more contemporary researches into the techniques of divi-
sional chart analysis.DOG
The Dog is one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. It refers to one of the 12
earthly branches that are used in Chinese astrology, together with the 10 heavenly
stems. Such a branch designates one day every 12 days: the days are named according
to a sexagesimal (60) cycle, made of 10 series of 12 branches.
The Dog is not a jolly fellow. Introverted and ill at ease, he seems to have self-
control and to be respectable, but this is a false front. He is shy and loving, and tends
to devote himself to noble causes. Modest and without ambition, but courageous and aDog
[206] THEASTROLOGYBOOK