extent, the sign) position of this focal planet, though there will also be reactions in
the house and sign directly across the chart from the focal planet.Sources:
Brau, Jean-Louis, Helen Weaver, and Allan Edmands. Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology.New
York: New American Library, 1980.
Escobar, Thyrza. Side Lights of Astrology.3d ed. Hollywood, CA: Golden Seal Research, 1971.YOGAS
The Sanskrit word yoga has multiple meanings including “union” and “join.” Howev-
er, in the context of Vedic astrology, the following two definitions are especially use-
ful. Hart de Fouw defines yoga as “a union of a multitude of astrological factors into a
meaningful pattern” and K. S. Charak describes it as “any specific planetary disposi-
tion capable of producing some specific result.” In a sense, the unique planetary pat-
tern of every chart is a yoga of sorts. However, in practical terms, there are certain
well-defined yogas that occur with regularity in charts. These yogas are widely accept-
ed, specifically named and universally applied in the modern practice of Jyotish.
The importance of yogas in Vedic chart interpretation cannot be overempha-
sized. Experienced practitioners of Vedic astrology scan the chart for yogas as their
first priority because the presence of important yogas is one of the most reliable indi-
cators for predicting whether the level of life of a native will be above or below typical
human experience. The amplitude in either direction will depend upon the conflu-
ence of the yogas, the strength of the component planets to express their indicated
themes, and whether the native will experience the dashas (planetary periods) of the
planets involved in the yoga combinations at appropriate times of life.
Descriptions of yogas are scattered throughout the ancient texts. Astrologers
may never encounter many of these in their practice. By convention, however, yogas
can be categorized as follows. Meanings given below represent one possible translation
of the Sanskrit word or root:
Raja Yogas:Yogas that give rise in life often interpreted along the lines
of status and position. Raja means “king.”
Dhana Yogas:Yogas for wealth and prosperity. Dhana means “wealth.”
Daridra Yogas:Yogas for penury and poverty. Daridra means “poor.”
Arishta Yogas:Yogas for misfortune that includes poverty but also ill-
ness, loss of loved ones, and other forms of suffering. Arishta means
“suffering.”
Pravraja Yogas:Yogas that incline someone towards spiritual life or
renunciation. Vraja means “wandering.”
Ravi or Solar Yogas:A set of yogas organized around combinations
involving the Sun.
Chandra or Lunar Yogas:A set of yogas organized around combinations
involving the Moon.Yogas
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