Vedic Astrology · Glossary
Karaka
कारक
A significator — a planet that naturally represents a specific area of life. Each planet is the Karaka for specific life domains.
Karaka (Sanskrit: 'doer' or 'significator') refers to the natural planetary ruler of a specific life domain. In Vedic astrology, each planet is the Karaka (natural significator) for certain life areas: Sun = soul, father, authority, vitality; Moon = mind, mother, emotions, public life; Mars = siblings, courage, property, land; Mercury = intelligence, speech, communication, business; Jupiter = wisdom, children, husband (for women), teacher, wealth; Venus = wife (for men), beauty, luxury, vehicles, arts; Saturn = longevity, service, discipline, disease, servants; Rahu = foreigners, unconventional paths, obsession; Ketu = spirituality, detachment, moksha, past life. Additionally, there are Chara Karakas (variable significators from the Jaimini system) that are determined by planetary degree, adding another layer of analysis.
Examples
- ◆Jupiter is the Karaka for children — a weak or afflicted Jupiter can indicate challenges in having children
- ◆Venus is the Karaka for marriage (for men) — Venus's condition shapes the quality of married life
- ◆The 5th house lord combined with Jupiter (Karaka) together describe children in the chart
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Karaka mean in Vedic astrology?
Karaka means significator — a planet that naturally rules a specific life domain. The Karakas are: Sun (father/soul), Moon (mother/mind), Mars (siblings/property), Mercury (intelligence/speech), Jupiter (children/wisdom/wealth), Venus (spouse for men/beauty), Saturn (longevity/service). When analysing any area of life, astrologers examine both the relevant house and its lord AND the planet that is the natural Karaka for that domain.