The Nature of the Soul
The Nature of the Soul Seen in Shastiamsha (D60) ¹
While the D40 chart means maternal curse (from the mother side of the native), and the D45 is paternal curse (from the ancestors of the native’s father), the D60 chart shows the native’s own curse, or blessing, from the past life. The D60 chart reveals secrets of past life karma — curses and blessings and what they bring to this life that we’ll have to face. This chart is called Shastiamasha in Vedic Astrology, whereas Shasti means sixty (60) and Amsha means portion.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Divisional charts are only useful and should be used only if the birth time is known with accuracy and precision! Otherwise, divisional charts should be ignored as their results will be misleading. The exact time of birth is what differentiates one twin from another as two souls cannot have the exact same Vedic horoscope as they don’t come out of the birth canal together and at the exact same moment in time; hence, every minute, even if it’s just ½, makes the difference!
The D60 also shows the native’s traits carried from past life unto the present life. D60 also represents dharma and the type of spiritual beliefs the native has, if any. Therefore, the 9th Lord of D1 is also to be examined in its placement in D60, which will further reveal the reason the soul took birth.
The Ascendant of D60 represents us and how we are affected by past life karmas, both good and bad, in our present life. We need to examine the Bhavas (Houses), how many planets they have and how they are afflicted or benefited by conjunctions and aspects.
We want to look at the Ascendant Lord of D60 and what aspects are in the 1st house of D60. If there are no planets in the 1st house of D60, the native’s life will be free from any encumbrances of past life. If 1st house or 1st Lord of D1 or D60 is aspected by two or more malefics, it means a karmic curse on the native.
We also want to look at what planets are placed in 4th House of D60, and where the 9th Lord of D1 is placed in D60. In summary, we examine each house of the D60 for an accurate view of the native’s karma and purpose of his/her incarnation.
Nature of 1st Lord in D60
- If the 1st Lord of D60 is a benefic (Moon, Mercury, Jupiter or Venus), the native’s life will be smooth and progressive.
- If the 1st Lord of D60 is a malefic (Sun, Mars or Saturn), the native’s life will experience slow growth and delays.
Placement of 1st Lord in D60
If the 1st Lord of D60 is …
- … in Trikona Houses (1, 5 or 9), it means the native was devotional in past life, therefore this present life will be good.
- … in Houses 2, 6 or 10, it means the native is materialistic and he/she was born solely to enjoy material pleasures.
- … in Houses 3, 7 or 11, it means the native lives an artificial and illusory life (example, film stars and those attached to illusions and fakery).
- … in Moksha Houses (4, 8 or 12), it means attainment of Moksha; meaning that the native took birth for that purpose and will attain it [therefore, this is their last required¹ physical incarnation].
Condition of the 9th Lord / House of D1 in D60
If 9th House of D60 is damaged, that means there will be a struggle in this life, the native is not blessed or helped by anyone and this life will be very tough and lack fulfilment of desired results.
Condition of Houses 6, 8 and 12 in D60
Who these houses’ lords are and which planets are posited there, must be examined as well. If they are not well placed in D1, it will affect the D60 as well. Any affliction of these houses in D60 must be carefully analyzed when predicting their results in D60. If these Lords are very weak, they are incapable of giving good results. For example, if 6th Lord of D60 is Mars and is conjunct with Jupiter, so Jupiter is affected by 6th Lord and therefore it loses some of its strength due to its association with the 6th Lord and that creates some misfortune for the native.
Condition of Atmakaraka in D60
One important predictor can be the position of Atmakaraka in the D60. Atmakaraka is the planet which holds the highest degree² among the seven classical planets. Note the characteristics of the Atmakaraka in D60 to find a keynote of the native’s life narrative and contribution to society.
Condition of Debilitated or Exalted Planets in D1 and D60
If a planet is exalted in D1 but debilitated in D60, that will be its actual manifestation in one’s life at “harvest” time, a/k/a Dasha period of that planet. Likewise, if it’s debilitated in D1 but exalted in D60, its ultimate results will be manifested according to its placement in D60, as promised by karma law, particularly during its dasha periods.
Retrograde Planets in D1
Another use of D60 is to determine whether a retrograde planet will give fruits or not. Retrograde planet results are normally delayed, but not denied. Some schools of thought assert that a retrograde malefic gains power, while a retrograde benefic loses power. There is some merit to the different opinions on the true effects of retrograde planets. The Shashtiamsha lord helps make the determination of good or difficult results because the Shashtiamsha lord will either be malefic or benefic, and this may help to settle the case.
If the Planet falls into a malefic Shashtiamsha, it is considered that negative Akashic memory patterning is operating and there is a need for payback. In the case of negative Shashtiamsha position, it becomes more likely that results of the Planet will be delayed or denied.
Lordship of D60 and Its Meaning
Every Ascendant in D1 has its own deity (God/Goddess) ruling the D60, which hints the nature and the purpose of the physical birth of the Soul according to the Amsha (Distinctive Portion) in order of degrees. The list of deities is ordered according to odd and even signs, as instructed in Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra (BPHS), Chapter 6, Slokas 35 to 41.
| Odd Signs | Even Signs | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aries | 2 | Taurus |
| 3 | Gemini | 4 | Cancer |
| 5 | Leo | 6 | Virgo |
| 7 | Libra | 8 | Scorpio |
| 9 | Sagittarius | 10 | Capricorn |
| 11 | Aquarius | 12 | Pisces |
The following are the listed effects per every 30 minutes for odd signs from 1 to 60. For effects of even signs, we reverse the list, whereas their degree begins at the 60th Deity and follow in descending order. Degrees in an odd and even sign are shown in these segments whereas 0.3 means 0 degree 30 minutes as terminating point of the first Shastiamsha. For example, let’s suppose the Ascendant planet is in 11°37’ of Pisces in the natal chart (D1); because it has covered the 11.30 amsha, it will be seen in 12.00 of even sign [Pisces is the 12th sign of the Zodiac, therefore it’s an Even Sign], thus, it will be in 37th Shastiamsha known as Sudha.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All Shastiamsha Deities are to be considered as neutral (not good nor bad) and to be interpreted with respect to the planets and points coming under their division. For example, 5th lord in Kulaghna Shastiamsha is very bad but, Saturn under Gulika Shastiamsha, Rahu/Ketu under Sarpa Shastiamsha or Venus under Ghora (which means, violent, vehement, but also venerable, etc.) cannot be taken as bad. Therefore, one needs to use common sense.
| # | Degree in Odd Sign | Degree in Even Signs | Deity | Nature | Sanskrit Meaning | Parashara‘s Meanings as Per Livelihood / Inclinations² |
| 1 | 0.3 | 30 | Ghora | ± | Violent, terrifying, vehement, extreme, fiery, venerable | Teacher of Veda’s. Eternal wisdom, In modern parlance teacher of advanced subjects such as Chemistry, Engineering, Spirituality, etc. |
| 2 | 1 | 29.3 | Rakshasa | – | Demon | Servant, in modern parlance one engaged in jobs |
| 3 | 1.3 | 29 | Deva | + | [Divine] Pure; born to do good deeds. | One who reads Shastras, ancient philosophical works dealing with knowledge. It can also mean a teacher of Shastra which includes teaching Astrology, Sanskrit, Dharma etc. |
| 4 | 2 | 28.3 | Kubera | + | [It means wealth; Celestial treasurer] Life blessed with wealth | One well versed in riding horses, in modern parlance driver of small vehicles |
| 5 | 2.3 | 28 | Yaksha | ± | [It means Celestial singer] Native will be inclined as musician | One well versed in riding elephants, in the modern parlance driver of big vehicles such as airplanes, helicopters etc. |
| 6 | 3 | 27.3 | Kindara | ± | [Means transgender). Infertile; can’t bear children. | One engaged in writing [Books, Blogs, Articles, etc.] |
| 7 | 3.3 | 27 | Bhrashta | ± | [it means corrupt] Cunning and mischievous; fallen, vicious. | One in charge of a stable [Where horses are kept]. In modern parlance owner of parking lots, car showrooms etc. |
| 8 | 4 | 26.3 | Kulaghna | – | [it means destroyer of family]. It’s born to destroy the family. | Dancer |
| 9 | 4.3 | 26 | Garala | ± | [it means Poison, Venom]. Poisonous | It means one who is engaged in the profession of keeping records and forecasting such as Astrologers, Philosophers, Self Help Leaders, Orators etc. |
| 10 | 5 | 25.3 | Vahni | ± | [it means fluid Fire that spreads] Incendiary | One who performs Yagya, austerities. |
| 11 | 5.3 | 25 | Maya | – | [it means Illusion, deceit] jugglery, fraud, cheat, bluff. | Teacher, Preceptor, Master |
| 12 | 6 | 24.3 | Purishaka | – | Earthy land, solid waste. | One indulged in Charity |
| 13 | 6.3 | 24 | Apampathi | + | Holy water, God of Water | Trina means Grass, Roots, Herbs and Trinaka means one dealing with them. In modern parlance, it can mean doctors, healers, beauty parlors etc. |
| 14 | 7 | 23.3 | Marutwana | ± | God of Air / Wind | Head of a Village, In modern parlance team leaders, guides etc. |
| 15 | 7.3 | 23 | Kaala | – | [Dark, black color] God of Time / Death / Destruction | One engaged in disaster management or such professions where one is endowed with the power to protect anyone or analyze anyone |
| 16 | 8 | 22.3 | Sarpa | – | [Snake]. Flexibility, poisonous and attacker. | One who takes care of gardens or people in horticulture, soil scientists, or those connected with plants in any manner. |
| 17 | 8.3 | 22 | Amrita | + | [Immortal] Nectar of life span; longevity. | One engaged in the selling of flowers can also mean designers etc. or those selling vegetables. |
| 18 | 9 | 21.3 | Indu | + | [it means Moon] Camphor, bright drop | One engaged in work of King, nowadays government servants etc. |
| 19 | 9.3 | 21 | Mridu | + | [it means Soft] Moderate | Pushpvikrayatatpara means one engaged in the trade of flowers and vegetables. Sena means people in Army |
| 20 | 10 | 20.3 | Komala | ± | [it means Tender] Agreeable | One well versed in Dance and Music |
| 21 | 10.3 | 20 | Heramba | + | [One of Ganesha’s names] Boastful hero, a buffalo. | Tamboolphala means Tobacco, one engaged in its professions such as those producing or selling tobacco and other such things such as those dealing with alcohol, drug-dealers etc. |
| 22 | 11 | 19.3 | Brahma | + | Universal father and sacred knowledge. | One engaged in buying and selling of prohibited items |
| 23 | 11.3 | 19 | Vishnu | ± | [Executes everything] Operator, executer | One having authority over village such as the head of a village, district magistrate, IPS/IAS etc. |
| 24 | 12 | 18.3 | Maheshwara | ± | [it means Shiva] Origins; destroyer. | In prison/Prisoner |
| 25 | 12.3 | 18 | Deva | ± | Divine energy | One engaged in fortune telling or prediction based on Data such as Astrologer, Big data analyst, those working in weather department etc. |
| 26 | 13 | 17.3 | Ardra | + | [it means Moist, to keep things alive] Damp, humid, wet. | Highly learned |
| 27 | 13.3 | 17 | Kalinasa | + | End of bad things [Kali is the current Yuga, Kali means dark] | Dhoopa means scent and it may mean one dealing with fragrance items such as perfumes, incense sticks or other things such as mosquito coils etc. |
| 28 | 14 | 16.3 | Kshitees | + | [it means a Prince] Ruler of earth | One dealing with medicines |
| 29 | 14.3 | 16 | Kamalakara | + | [it means a lake of lotuses] Lotus, assemblage of lotuses. | One making different outlooks, this can include people such as actors etc. |
| 30 | 15 | 15.3 | Gulika | ± | [Son of Saturn] Blessed thru hardships, efforts and deeds. Very powerful. | One carrying loads such as rickshaw-pullers, truck drivers, coolies etc. |
| 31 | 15.3 | 15 | Mrityu | ± | [Son of Mars] anger, death, end of life. | One selling utensils or can also mean dealing with other steel items |
| 32 | 16 | 14.3 | Kaala | – | Time / Death / Destruction | One engaged in farming, or a person who makes or sells liquor. |
| 33 | 16.3 | 14 | Davagni | – | [it means Forest fire]. Native has tendency to aging, agitated nature; putting fire in people’s life. | One engaged in trading, can also mean businessman |
| 34 | 17 | 13.3 | Ghora | ± | Violent, terrifying, vehement, extreme, fiery, venerable | One dealing with Dhatu [Metals], or general physicians who deal with metabolism and functioning of the body; can also mean gymnasium owners and such |
| 35 | 17.3 | 13 | Yama | – | [God of Death] End of life. | One engaged in work related to leather |
| 36 | 18 | 12.3 | Kantaka | ± | Thorns [stinging pain] | Farmer or other physical workers |
| 37 | 18.3 | 12 | Suddha | ± | Water of life; nurturer. | One having authority over Shastra [Shastra means an expert in any knowledge] |
| 38 | 19 | 11.3 | Amrita | ± | [Nectar of immortality] Holy water, purifier. | Scientist, intellectual |
| 39 | 19.3 | 11 | PurnaChandra | – | Full Moon / Nectar Giver | It literally means lordly, or authoritative or influential people |
| 40 | 20 | 10.3 | Vishadagdha | – | Destroyed by own venom of poison; consumed by grief. | One dealing with books or writers, authors or any other profession dealing with books such as printing press, bookshop owners etc. |
| 41 | 20.3 | 10 | Kulanasa | ± | [it means ender of entire family] Ruinner/destroyer of family, ruin bringer. | Trader |
| 42 | 21 | 9.3 | Vamshakshaya | – | [it means Generation Ender] Ends the generation; no more descendants. | One who talks about Veda and Vedanga which means Teacher or people authoritative in any science/learning can also mean scholar, expert and likely people |
| 43 | 21.3 | 9 | Utpata | ± | Omen of calamities [Eclipse or Earthquake] | One knowing Shastra, Knowledgeable intelligent people |
| 44 | 22 | 8.3 | Kaala | – | Death, Destruction; dark, black, unreflective. | One engaged in singing glories of others |
| 45 | 22.3 | 8 | Saumya | + | Related or sacred to the Moon, handsome and benign. | Lord/King of village/small institution |
| 46 | 23 | 7.3 | Komala | + | Tender, soft, brand, sweet, pleasing, charming and agreeable. | Authoritative person |
| 47 | 23.3 | 7 | Sheetala | + | [it means White / pale color], soft, cool and pleasant. | One engaged in the profession of calculations |
| 48 | 24 | 6.3 | Karaladamshtra | – | [it means a toothy biting demon]; Destructive and dangerous. | One giving punishment to others |
| 49 | 24.3 | 6 | Candramukhi | + | Very beautiful and pleasant. | One carrying loads |
| 50 | 25 | 5.3 | Praveena | + | [it means Scholar] Clever, well versed, knowledgeable. | One dealing with fuels |
| 51 | 25.3 | 5 | Kaalpavaka | ± | [it means Storm] Whirlwind, tempests. | One dealing in fruits, vegetables, roots of plants and herbs |
| 52 | 26 | 4.3 | Dhannayudha | ± | Weapon of Punishment; hermit | One engaged in propagating and establishing peace |
| 53 | 26.3 | 4 | Nirmala | + | [it means Spotless] Immaculate; shining bright and clean | One working with Gold |
| 54 | 27 | 3.3 | Saumya | ± | Cool, gentle, soft and easy. | One engaged in farming |
| 55 | 27.3 | 3 | Krura | ± | [it means Pitiless, Cruel] Mischievous, disagreeable, bloody and careless | One dealing with meat/flesh; (butcher, slaughterhouse worker, etc.) |
| 56 | 28 | 2.3 | Atisheetala | ± | [it means Very Cold] unaffected by external forces. | One engaged in doing Yagya and other Vedic rituals |
| 57 | 28.3 | 2 | Amrita | ± | God of the ocean, deep water | Teacher |
| 58 | 29 | 1.3 | Payodhi | ± | [it means a water receptacle; a storage / box of ocean] “Sea-born” | Head/Leader |
| 59 | 29.3 | 1 | Brahmana | ± | Nomadic priest; venerable; common sense | One who lives on donations/charity |
| 60 | 30 | 0.3 | ChandraRekha | ± | [it means ray of Moon] Primal Mother of Earth; ancient civilization | Successful in his profession, one engaged in the stocking of fruits or cold storage, one engaged in giving results after analysis etc. |
¹ No one is obligated to incarnate, unless it is to fulfill and resolve karma; otherwise, physical incarnation is entirely voluntary.
² Shubham Alock Signh claims the correct translation from original texts is highest “minute,” not degree, that establishes the karakas. This changes a lot for me personally, and it makes a better sense when compared to my lived reality, particularly in marriage matters. He uses Chandra Hari Ayanamsha, which also changes my chart, moving Sun to 9th house along with the other 5 planets already there.
Credits
The above study was compiled, and translated, based on the information shared by the following scholars:
