Ch. 32. Karakatwas of the Grahas

1-2. I now detail below Atma Karak etc., obtainable from among the 7 Grahas, viz. Sūrya to Śani. Some say, that Rahu will become a Karak, when there is a state of similarity in terms of longitude between (two) Grahas. Yet some say, that the 8 Grahas, including Rahu, will have to be considered irrespective of such a state.

3-8. Atma Karak Defined. Among the Grahas from Sūrya etc. whichever has traversed maximum number of degrees in a particular Rashi is called Atma Karak. If the degrees are identical, then the one with more minutes of arc and, if the minutes are also identical, then the one with higher seconds of arc, have to be considered. In that case these three are called Anthya Karak, Madhya Karak and Upakheta. In the case of Rahu deduct his longitude in that particular Rashi from 30. The Karakas will have to be decided, as above and, as per further rules given below. Out of these Karakas, Atma Karak is the most important and has a prime say on the native, just as the king is the most famous among the men of his country and is the head of all affairs and is entitled to arrest and release men.

9-12. Importance of Atma Karak. O Brahmin, as the minister cannot go against the king, the other Karakas, viz. Putr Karak, Amatya Karak etc. cannot predominate over Atma Karak in the affairs of the native. If the Atma Karak is adverse, other Karakas cannot give their benefic effects. Similarly, if Atma Karak is favourable, other Karakas cannot predominate with their malefic influences.

13-17. Other Karakas. The Grah next to Atma Karak in terms of longitude is called Amatya Karak. Similarly following one another in terms of longitude are Bhratru Karak, Matru Karak, Pitru Karak, Putr Karak, Gnati Karak and Stri Karak. These are Char Karakas, or inconstant significators. Some consider Matru Karak and Putr Karak, as identical. If two Grahas have the same longitude, both become the same Karak, in which case there will be a deficit of one Karak. In that circumstance consider constant significator in the context of benefic/malefic influence for the concerned relative.

18-21. Constant Karakatwas. I narrate below the constant Karakatwas, as related to the Grahas. The stronger among Sūrya and Śukr indicates the father, while the stronger among Candr and Mangal indicates the mother. Mangal denotes sister, brother-in-law, younger brother and mother. Budh rules maternal relative, while Guru indicates paternal grand father. Husband and sons are, respectively, denoted by Śukr and Śani. From Ketu note wife, father, mother, parents-in law and maternal grand father. These are constant Karakatwas.

22-24. Bhavas Related. These constant significances are derivable from the Bhavas, counted from the said constant Karakatwas. The 9^th from Sūrya denotes father, the 4^th from Candr mother, the 3^rd from Mangal brothers, the 6^th from Budh maternal uncle, the 5^th from Guru sons, the 7^th from Śukr wife and the 8^th from Śani death. The learned should consider all these and declare related effects accordingly.

25-30. Yog Karakas. O Brahmin, I make below a passing reference to Yog Karakas (mutual co-workers). Grahas become Yog Karakas, if they are in mutual angles identical with own Rashis, exaltation Rashis, or friendly Rashis. In Karm Bhava a Grah will be significantly so. Grahas simply (not being in friendly, own, or exaltation Rashis) in Lagn, Bandhu and Yuvati Bhava do not become such Yog Karakas. Even, if they be placed in other Bhavas, but with such dignities, as mentioned, shall become Yog Karakas. With such Grahas even a person of mean birth will become a king and be affluent. One born of royal scion, then will surely become a king. Thus the effects be declared, considering the number of such Grahas and the order the native belongs to.

31-34. Bhava Significance. I now narrate the significance of the Bhavas. Tanu Bhava denotes the soul (self), Dhan family, finance, wife etc., Sahaj younger brothers/sisters, Putr progeny and Yuvati wife. It is also said, that a Grah in Putr becomes a Karak for wife. The Karakatwas of the Bhava in order are Sūrya, Guru, Mangal, Candr, Guru, Mangal, Śukr, Śani, Guru, Budh, Guru and Śani.

35-37. O excellent of the Brahmins, after knowing the merits of Tanu Bhava etc. the good and bad effects can be declared. Ari, Randhr and Vyaya are Trikas, Dusthan, or malefic Bhavas. Sahaj, Ari, Karm and Labh are Upachayas. Dhan, Putr, Randhr and Labh are Panapharas and Sahaj, Ari, Dharm and Vyaya are Apoklimas. Association with Trikas will inflict evils. Kendras and Konas (Putr and Dharm) are auspicious Bhavas, the association with which turns even evil into auspiciousness.

(Also see Ch. 34 for more information)