The Navamsa chart, also known as the D9 chart, is the most important divisional or varga chart in Vedic astrology. It is created by dividing each sign of the main birth chart (D1 or Rasi chart) into nine equal parts, or ‘amsas’. This chart is considered a microscopic view of the 9th house of the D1 chart and provides deep insights into a person’s fortune, dharma, marriage, and spiritual path.
The Importance and Significance of the Navamsa Chart
While the main birth chart (D1) shows the physical reality and promises of a person’s life, the Navamsa chart reveals the inner strength and true potential of the planets. It is often called the ‘fruit’ of the tree (the D1 chart). If a planet is strong in the D1 chart but weak in the Navamsa, it may not deliver its promised results effectively. Conversely, a planet weak in the D1 but strong in the Navamsa can give surprisingly good results, especially in its dasha (planetary period).
The D9 chart is primarily used to analyze:
- Marriage and Spouse: The Navamsa chart is the primary tool for analyzing marriage, the nature of the spouse, and the overall happiness and harmony in married life. The 7th house of the Navamsa chart is particularly important.
- Dharma and Purpose: It reveals a person’s righteous path (dharma), spiritual inclinations, and inner purpose in life.
- Strengths of Planets: It is used to judge the true dignity and power of each planet. A planet occupying the same sign in both the D1 and Navamsa charts becomes ‘Vargottama’, making it extremely strong and auspicious.
- Fortune after Marriage: It is believed that the Navamsa chart activates more strongly after marriage, indicating the fortune and changes that marriage brings into a person’s life.
How is the Navamsa Chart Calculated?
The calculation of the Navamsa is based on a specific principle. Each zodiac sign is 30 degrees long. For the Navamsa, each sign is divided into nine equal parts of 3 degrees and 20 minutes each. Each part, or ‘pada’, is assigned to a sign of the zodiac.
| Pada (Division) | For Movable Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) | For Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) | For Dual Signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Pada | Counting begins from Aries | Counting begins from Capricorn | Counting begins from Libra |
| 2nd Pada | Taurus | Aquarius | Scorpio |
| 3rd Pada | Gemini | Pisces | Sagittarius |
| 4th Pada | Cancer | Aries | Capricorn |
| 5th Pada | Leo | Taurus | Aquarius |
| 6th Pada | Virgo | Gemini | Pisces |
| 7th Pada | Libra | Cancer | Aries |
| 8th Pada | Scorpio | Leo | Taurus |
| 9th Pada | Sagittarius | Virgo | Gemini |
Example: If a person’s Moon is at 10 degrees in the Aries sign in their D1 chart. Aries is a movable sign. The 10-degree mark falls in the 3rd pada (6°40′ to 10°00′). According to the table, for a movable sign, the 3rd pada corresponds to Gemini. Therefore, in the Navamsa (D9) chart, the Moon will be placed in the Gemini sign.
Analyzing the Navamsa Chart: Key Points
When an astrologer analyzes a Navamsa chart, they look for specific planetary placements and combinations.
- The Ascendant (Lagna) of Navamsa: The rising sign of the D9 chart reveals the person’s inner self and how they approach relationships.
- The 7th House and its Lord: This house in the D9 chart provides clues about the spouse’s characteristics and the quality of the marital relationship.
- Placement of Atmakaraka: The planet with the highest degree in the D1 chart (Atmakaraka) and its position in the Navamsa is crucial for understanding the soul’s desire and spiritual journey.
- Vargottama Planets: Any planet that is in the same sign in both the D1 and D9 charts is considered very powerful and will give strong results.
The Navamsa chart is an indispensable tool in Vedic astrology for making accurate predictions. It helps in understanding the deeper karmic patterns and the true destiny of an individual, often considered alongside concepts like Pitra Dosh for a complete analysis. It offers a much deeper insight than what is available through simpler systems like Mulank numerology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Navamsa or D9 chart?
The Navamsa (D9) chart is a divisional chart in Vedic astrology, created by dividing each sign of the main birth chart into nine parts. It is considered the most important divisional chart, providing deep insights into one’s marriage, spouse, fortune, and spiritual path.
Why is the Navamsa chart important for marriage?
It is the primary chart for analyzing marriage in astrology. The 7th house of the Navamsa chart, its lord, and the planets placed in it can reveal the characteristics of the spouse, the timing of marriage, and the overall happiness and challenges in married life.
What is a Vargottama planet?
A planet is called ‘Vargottama’ when it occupies the same zodiac sign in both the main birth chart (D1) and the Navamsa chart (D9). A Vargottama planet becomes exceptionally strong and is considered highly auspicious, delivering powerful and positive results during its periods.
How does the Navamsa chart activate?
While the Navamsa chart is relevant throughout life, it is widely believed to become more prominent or ‘activate’ after marriage. It signifies the fortune and destiny that unfolds as one starts on the journey of partnership and shared dharma.
Can the Navamsa chart predict the spouse’s profession?
Yes, the Navamsa chart can give strong clues about the spouse’s profession. The 10th house from the 7th house in the Navamsa chart (which is the 4th house of the Navamsa) and the planets influencing the 7th lord can indicate the career field of the partner.