Vedic Astrology · Glossary
Navamsa
नवांश
The 9th divisional chart (D9) — the most important chart after the birth chart, showing the deeper soul purpose and dharma.
The Navamsa (Nava = 9, Amsa = division) is the 9th divisional chart (D9) in Vedic astrology — by far the most important divisional chart. Each sign is divided into 9 equal parts of 3°20′ each, and each part falls in a specific Navamsa sign. The Navamsa chart reveals the deeper soul purpose, the dharma behind the birth chart's karma, and the strength of planets in their essential nature. A planet that appears weak in the birth chart (Rashi chart) may be powerful in the Navamsa and vice versa — only by examining both charts together can the astrologer give an accurate reading. For marriage specifically, the Navamsa is even more important than the birth chart: the condition of Venus, the 7th house, and the 7th lord in the Navamsa shows the quality of the marriage and the spouse's true nature. Atmakaraka's Navamsa placement is called the Karakamsa and is one of the most important single points in Jaimini astrology.
Examples
- ◆A debilitated Venus in the birth chart that is exalted in the Navamsa indicates that marital life becomes better with time
- ◆The Sun in Navamsa Sagittarius in the 10th house indicates a career connected to education, law, or spirituality
- ◆The Navamsa Lagna sign shows the disposition of the soul and the deepest personality traits
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Navamsa chart in Vedic astrology?
The Navamsa (D9) is the most important divisional chart in Vedic astrology — the 9th harmonic chart. Each sign is divided into 9 equal parts, creating a second chart that shows the soul's purpose, dharma, and the deeper strength of planets. For marriage, the Navamsa is read alongside the birth chart: Venus and the 7th house in the Navamsa reveal the true nature of the spouse and the quality of marriage over time. A planet that is weak in the birth chart but strong in the Navamsa gains strength; a strong birth-chart planet that falls in its debilitation Navamsa is weakened.
How do I read my Navamsa chart?
Reading your Navamsa chart: (1) Note the Navamsa Lagna (ascendant) — the sign rising there reflects your soul nature and deepest self. (2) Find Venus in the Navamsa — its sign and house reveal marriage quality. (3) Find your Atmakaraka (the planet with the highest degrees in your birth chart) in the Navamsa — this is called Karakamsa and the sign it occupies shows your soul's ultimate purpose. (4) Compare each planet's sign in the Navamsa to its sign in the birth chart — planets in their own sign, exaltation, or Vargottama (same sign in birth chart and Navamsa) are especially strong.
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