Vedic Astrology Yogas

'Yoga' is a well-known form of traditional exercise, based on Vedic principles. What is not quite so well-known is that this is a term also used in Vedic astrology or 'Jyotish'.

The word 'Yog' originates from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj' and 'Yoga' is technically an anglicised corruption of the correct form. The meaning of this word can change depending on the context in which it is used, but it roughly translates to, 'to join', but can also be described as:

Summation.
Conjunction.
Amount.
Unity.

In the physical realm, 'Yoga' exercises are in actual fact, derived from the ancient discipline of 'Yog Shastra'. 'Yoga' postures are referred to as 'Asans', whereas in an astrological context 'Yogs' can be defined as:

"Specific combinations and alignments of planets in a horoscope that are believed to have the potential to influence an individual's life in significant ways. These combinations can be based on the positions of planets in different signs, houses and their angular relationships with each other."

'Yogs' are of great significance to Vedic astrologers, as they are planetary combinations that have characteristics unto themselves. As these characteristics are unique and in addition to those of the planets that make up the 'Yog', they can provide deeper insights into a person's fate.

There are quite literally, many hundreds of types of astrological 'Yogs' and they can indicate various possibilities, including wealth, poverty, success, failure and important life events, depending on their nature and strength in a birth chart. Many of these are commonly cited in astrological readings, such as the 'Kal Sarp', 'Raj' and 'Gaj Kesari' 'Yogs'.

List of Important 'Yogs' and their Details

Raj Yog

This is considered to be one of the most favourable planetary alignments that can occur in a birth chart, as it signifies success, authority and wealth. It occurs when lords of a central and a trine (peripheral) houses are in mutual conjunction, aspect or exchange. That is, they occupy the same house or are in opposite facing housese.

Gaj Kesari Yog

This is formed when Jupiter occupies any of the angular houses relative to the Moon. That is, Jupiter must occupy four houses, the 1^st, 4^th, 7^th or 10^th in relation to the Moon's position. For example, if the Moon is in the 3^rd house, Jupiter would need to be in either the 3^rd as this is considered to be the 1^st from the Moon, for this context. Similarly, it may be in the 6^th, as this is 4^th from the Moon, the 9^th (7^th from the Moon) or 12^th house (10^th from the Moon) in order to fulfill the condition for 'Gaj Kesari Yog'. This alignment indicates wisdom, prosperity and respect within the community.

Dhan Yog

'Dhan' means money and hence to have this alignment means to be blessed with significant wealth. It arises from the conjunction, mutual aspect or the swapping of places between the lords of any of the 2^nd (wealth), 5^th (intelligence/children), 9^th (luck) and 11^th (gains) houses.

Buddh Aditya Yog

Astronomically, Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. In astrology too, these two celestial bodies share a strong affinity and this 'Yog' relates to their close relationship. It is formed when Mercury, known as 'Buddh' in Sanskrit and the Sun, are conjunct in the same house, especially if it's not the debilitation house for Mercury. It signifies intelligence and success in communication related fields.

Chandal Yog

This is an inauspicious alignment that occurs when the benevolent planet Jupiter is in conjunction with the malefics, 'Rahu' or 'Ketu', the shadow planets. This combination is thought to diminish Jupiter's positive influences, potentially leading to moral turpitude, obstacles in education and impoverishment, depending on the houses involved and overall chart context.

Kal Sarp Yog

This alignment is a common occurrence and is hence, often recognised by those who follow Vedic astrology. A 'Kal Sarp Yog' is formed when the malefics, 'Rahu' (the North Node of the Moon) and 'Ketu' (the South Node of the Moon) encompass the remaining planets in a birth chart. That is, if all the planets in a chart are placed in houses that lie unidirectionally in the axis formed by 'Rahu' and 'Ketu', a 'Kal Sarp Yog' is said to occur. It can occur partially or fully, depending on the strength and placement of the planets. It is believed to generally cause hardships and diminished success.

Panch Mahapurush Yog

This is a category of 'Yogs' that occurs when Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus or Saturn are in their own sign or exalted in a central house. Each planet forms its unique 'Yoga Ruchak' (Mars), 'Bhadra' (Mercury), 'Hamsa' (Jupiter), 'Malavya' (Venus) and 'Shasha' (Saturn) indicating exceptional qualities related to the planet involved.

Viparit Raj Yog

The word 'Viparit' means opposite, hence this is the reverse of a 'Raj Yog', but is still auspicious in nature. It is formed by the lords of the houses 6, 8 and 12, in mutual exchange, conjunction or by one lord aspecting another. It turns obstacles into opportunities, often resulting in success after an initial period of struggle.

Neech Bhang Raj Yog

It occurs when a debilitated planet's debilitation is cancelled through various factors, elevating the individual to a high status after overcoming initial setbacks.

Chandra Mangal Yog

This arises from the conjunction of Mars and the Moon, indicating wealth accumulation through energy and effort. Its material effects vary with the houses involved.

Amala Yog

This is said to occur when a benefic planet occupies the 10^th house from the Moon or ascendant, ensuring the native's reputation remains untarnished.

Adhi Yog

When benefics Jupiter, Venus and Mercury are placed in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th houses from the Moon or ascendant, this Yoga is said to be formed. It promises high status, wealth and health.

Best 'Yogas' in a Birth Chart

There are no best and worst 'Yogas' as it were, but as you would have gathered, some are more desireable than others. Hence some of the more favourable 'Yogas' to have are:

'Raj Yoga'
'Gaj Kesari Yoga'
'Viprit Raj Yoga'
'Buddh Aditya Yoga'
'Dhan Yoga'

Rare 'Yogas'

Some of the less commonly found 'Yogas' are:

'Saraswati Yoga': Formed when Mercury, Jupiter and Venus are in Kendra (angular houses) or 'Trikona' (trine houses) from the ascendant and at least one of them is in its own sign or exalted. This 'Yoga' bestows wisdom, artistic talent and eloquence.
'Vasumathi Yoga': Formed by benefics situated in the 'Upachaya' houses (3^rd, 6^th, 10^th and 11^th) from the Moon. It is known to bestow wealth and prosperity.
'Daridra Yoga': Occurs when lords of the 11^th and 2^nd houses are in 'Dusthana' houses (6^th, 8^th, 12^th) or debilitated, indicating potential financial struggles or poverty.
'Shakat Yoga': Formed when Jupiter is placed in the 6^th, 8^th or 12^th house from the Moon. It can indicate fluctuations in fortune, with periods of comfort followed by significant challenges.

Distinction between 'Nitya Yogas'

'Nitya Yogas' are a part of the broader classification of Yogas in Vedic astrology, but are different to the above described planetary 'Yogs'. 'Nitya Yogas' are based on the combination of the longitudinal distance between the Sun and the Moon at any given time. There are 27 such 'Nitya Yogas', corresponding to the 27 'Nakshatras' (lunar mansions) that the Moon traverses. Each has a specific name and influences the quality of the day or the nature of activities undertaken during that time. 'Nitya Yogas' add an additional layer of depth to an astrological analysis, particularly in electional astrology, which seeks to find auspicious times for initiating activities.

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Vishaal, the author of PowerFortunes.com article, Vedic Astrology Yogas

By, VishaalPublished On: March 15 2024Updated On: March 25 2024

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