VEDIC
BIRTH-
CHART

What is a Birthchart?

It is a schematic diagram of a section of the sky, covering ~8° on either side of the ecliptic as seen from Earth. Its origins go back roughly 4,000 years to the Vedas—the texts that also gave us Yoga and Ayurveda—where early sky-watchers recorded patterns linking celestial movements to events on Earth.

A Vedic birthchart is less a tool for prediction than a framework for reflection. What makes each one unique is the precision with which celestial positions are plotted using Vedic logic, ephemeris data, and a person's birth details.

Because the system relies on nested calculations, even a few minutes' difference in the birth-time can shift the ascendant, the rising sign that sets the chart's orientation, and with the sky constantly changing from Earth's perspective, accuracy in date, time, and place is essential.

Ultimately, a birthchart is a decipher for Jyotish, built on the thought that our lives, though brief, are part of a larger continuity, where every ending folds into a beginning, feeding the endless cycle of life.

Anatomy of a Birthchart

A Vedic birthchart looks deceptively simple: a square divided into twelve sections of 30 degrees each. These sections are called bhaav. Each bhaav represents an aspect of life - family, friendships, education, love, career, wealth and so on. Rashi and graha are the two other dominant elements among several others. Rashis are the 12 constellations we all know as zodiac signs - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Graha are a combination of 5 planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Venus - Sun, Moon, and the two lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu). There is a whole lot more that goes into the anatomy of a Vedic birthchart but for the sake of simplicity let's focus on these three elements for now.

Bhaav, also known as houses, are twelve in number.

Graha, a mix of stars and other celestial entities, are nine in number.

Rashi, the constellations we know as zodiac signs, are also twelve in number.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The first bhaav is called Tanu Bhaav - house of self. It is the mirror in which we meet our reflection - our sense of self, including our ego-self - what we think of ourselves (self-image), how we present ourselves (our social projection), how we appear to others (our social perception), how we express our thoughts (self-expression), our attitudes towards self improvement and self care.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our iq, facial features, and height.

In terms of relationships, the 1st bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with relationship with ourselves, paternal grandmother, and maternal grandfather.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house have a significant impact on our personality, physical appearance, general well-being.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The second bhaav is called Dhan Bhaav - house of material self. It represents our familial wealth - heritage, values, and assets. It gives insight into childhood conditioning, foundational health/immunity, and early influences that shaped our attitudes toward emotions, challenges, wealth, self-esteem and self-worth.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our right eye and ear, lower face, jaw, mouth, tongue, teeth, chin, neck and throat.

In terms of relationships, the 2nd bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with paternal family and self-created family (partner's family).

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates our approach to wealth and material possessions.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The third bhaav is called Sahaj Bhaav - house of communication. It tells us how we exchange information and engage with people - how we bond, share, and thrive within our community. It helps us understand our communication style, early education, short-distance travel, and our motivation, interests, and habits.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our shoulders, arms, hands, breathing canal, nervous system, and thyroid.

In terms of relationships, the 3rd bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with younger siblings, friends, neighbours, community, and father-in-law.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates our communication style - reserved or expressive, sharp or polite.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The fourth bhaav is called Sukh Bhaav - house of domestic bliss. It forms the foundation of our adult life - matters of home, emotional well-being, relationship with mothers/maternal figures, and sense of comfort and security. It relates to our residence, fixed assets, and represents the "end of all matters" - reflecting final outcomes.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our chest area.

In terms of relationships, the 4th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with mother, maternal or nurturing figures, ancestors, and tenants.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates how we experience home life and form emotional connections.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The fifth bhaav is called Putra Bhaav - house of creation and pleasure. It is all about creative energy, intellectual growth, formal education, and discovering our passions. It covers recreational activities, romance, love, playful interactions. It also relates to children, their upbringing, and indicates potential for having offspring.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our upper abdominal area.

In terms of relationships, the 5th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with intellectual, creative, and romantic relationships.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates our approach to creativity, education, and relationships.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The sixth bhaav is called Rog-Rin-Ripu Bhaav - house of health, debt, rivals. A tricky house - governs illnesses, medical conditions, physical health, fitness, and well-being. It tells us about our ability to handle stress and represents adversaries, competition, and conflicts. Also indicates our daily routine, habits, obstacles, and relationship with pets.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our mid-abdominal area.

In terms of relationships, the 6th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with subordinates, competitive spirit, maternal uncles/aunts (younger), and pets.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates our approach to health, work, and daily life.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The seventh bhaav is called Yuvati Bhaav - house of partnerships. It gives insight into the nature of our partnerships - business, spouse/life-partner, and other significant one-on-one relationships. It helps us understand our capacity for cooperation, the kind of life partner we may attract, and how we navigate legal matters in joint ventures.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our lower digestive area and reproductive organs inside the body.

In terms of relationships, the 7th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with partners, niece/nephew, maternal grandmother, and paternal uncles/aunts.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates the nature of our partnerships.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The eighth bhaav is called Ayu or Mrityu Bhaav - house of hidden knowledge. It relates to transformation, shared resources, and mysteries of life and death. It reveals our psychology of change, attitudes towards rebirth, and how we manage power struggles. Also governs secrets, intimacy, hidden illnesses, occult practices, and ancient traditions.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our genitals (including anus).

In terms of relationships, the 8th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with partner's family (in-laws, cousins, relatives).

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates our approach to life's mysteries, transformation, and shared resources.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The ninth bhaav is called Dharm or Bhagya Bhaav - house of luck. It relates to our father/father-figure, guru, mentor, spiritual leader, philosophy and long-distance journeys. It indicates our quest for meaning, moral compass, fortune, and favorable circumstances. Represents long-distance travels and wisdom gained through exploration.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our hips and thighs.

In terms of relationships, the 9th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with father, mentors, philosophy, religion, and spirituality.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates one's approach to spirituality and life's philosophy.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The tenth bhaav is called Karma Bhaav - house of career. One of the most significant bhaav, it relates to our career, public image, and life purpose. It represents our vocation, professional achievements, reputation, public standing, and authority. Gives insight into our ambitions, drive for success, and leadership style.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our knees.

In terms of relationships, the 10th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with work and mother-in-law.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house significantly influence our career choices and public persona

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The eleventh bhaav is called Labh Bhaav - house of wish fulfilment. It governs adult friendships, social networks, ambition, rewards, recognition, fame and gains. It reflects material rewards, fulfillment of desires, hopes, and dreams. Also reflects interest in social causes, humanitarian efforts, and contributions to society.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our calves, shin, and ankles.

In terms of relationships, the 11th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with elder siblings, daughter-in-law or son-in-law.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates our approach to adult friendships, ambitions, and social interactions.

123456789101112SaMaKeJuMoMeVeSuRa

The twelfth bhaav is called Vyay or Moksha Bhaav - house of higher consciousness. It represents self-undoing and spiritual pursuits. Governs meditation, yoga, and mystical experiences. Highlights the importance of solitude for reflection and personal growth. Also deals with charity, spiritual awakening, quality of sleep, and immigration matters.

In terms of body parts, it gives insight into our most defining features - mental and physical, such as our feet.

In terms of relationships, the 12th bhaav can tell us a lot about our relationship with maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother.

The characteristics of the rashi (number), and graha (if any) in this house indicates one's approach to spirituality, isolation, and subconscious matters.

Graha

Jupiter - the guru graha

Known as Brihaspati in Sanskrit, it creates an expansive effect wherever it is stationed in your birthchart. It is seen as one of the most powerful grahas. Being the oldest in our solar system, it represents wisdom, abundance, spiritual growth, expansion and prosperity. Jupiter is considered a benefic planet that can bring good luck, wealth, and a sense of purpose to the individual.

Saturn - the karmic graha

Known as Shani in Sanskrit, it is regarded as a slow and strict teacher of discipline and time. It represents responsibility, justice, endurance, and karmic consequences of past actions. Saturn's influence teaches patience, humility, and the value of hard work. Though feared, Saturn ultimately leads individuals toward maturity and inner strength.

Venus - the graha of fine living

Known as Shukra in Sanskrit, it represents desire, beauty, love, pleasure, arts, luxury, and relationships. It signifies attraction, refinement, sensuality, and the pursuit of happiness in worldly and aesthetic forms. Venus governs romance, creativity, and the ability to enjoy life's pleasures with grace.

Mars - the warrior graha

Known as Mangal in Sanskrit, it embodies energy, courage, ambition, and determination. It represents raw power, physical vitality, and the will to act. Mars governs passion, competitiveness, and the fighting spirit that pushes one to overcome obstacles. A strong Mars grants confidence, bravery, and leadership.

Mercury - the messenger graha

Known as Budha in Sanskrit, Mercury is quick-footed with words and governs intellect, communication, commerce, learning, and adaptability. It represents analytical thinking, speech, wit, and the ability to process information quickly. Mercury rules over trade, logic, writing, and negotiation.

Sun - the soul graha

Known as Surya in Sanskrit, the Sun is the king among grahas, symbolizing the soul (Atman). It represents authority, power, confidence, and the essence of one's true self. The Sun governs leadership, honor, willpower, and the ability to shine in the world. A strong Sun brings charisma, courage, and clarity of direction.

Moon - the mind graha

Known as Chandra in Sanskrit, the Moon governs emotions, intuition, imagination, and the subconscious mind. It reflects the inner world, mental peace, and the nurturing qualities of one's personality. The Moon signifies motherly love, sensitivity, receptivity, and adaptability.

Rahu - the shadow graha of desires

Rahu is the north lunar node, known for amplifying desires, obsessions, and worldly pursuits. It represents illusion (Maya), innovation, and norm-breaking tendencies. Though often seen as malefic, Rahu can bring sudden opportunities, breakthroughs, and extraordinary success when aligned positively.

Ketu - the shadow graha of liberation

The counterpart to Rahu, Ketu is the south lunar node and symbolizes detachment, spiritual awakening, and past-life karmic residues. It represents separation from worldly attachments, mysticism, intuition, and higher wisdom. Ketu leads toward liberation (Moksha), inner clarity, and transcendence beyond material concerns.