Marriage Compatibility Analysis Through Vedic Astrology

In traditional Vedic society one of the most important uses of astrology is to evaluate whether the charts of people who are planning to get married are in agreement to each other. This is a subject about which a lot of confusion exists. Some traditional astrologers mainly look at the Kutas agreement. At first sight, this seems to be an extensive system, but in fact it is only based on how well the Nakshatra in which the Moon of one partner is placed fits with the Moon Nakshatra of the other partner. We will deal with this system later. However just looking at the Kutas agreement of the Moon is quite limited. What sometimes happens is that some people have a hard time getting married because there are indications in their chart that marriage will be difficult. I do not think that making it diffficult for people from fullfilling what may be their heart desires is a good use of astrology. Another approach is that if someone has afflictions in the chart you look for another person who has the same afflictions. The idea is that if two people who have the same affliction in their chart get married, the affliction will be neutralized and the karma that has to do with the affliction will have to be faced in a future lifetime. I may have an unconventional opinion about this, but I rather face my karma during this lifetime than saving my (bad) karma and probably prolonging the number of times that I have to return to this earth . I also have doubts whether this method of ‘cancelling the affliction’ really works.

1. KUJA DOSHA

One very well known affliction commonly ‘solved’ this way is the Kuja Dosha affliction. This affliction has to do with certain positions of Mars that are thought to be problematic for married life. There is Kuja Dosha in the chart if:

• Mars is placed in the first house, but not in Aries.
• Mars is in the fourth house, but not in Scorpio.
• Mars is in the seventh house, but not in Capricorn or Pisces.
• Mars is in the eighth house, but not in Cancer.
• Mars is in the twelfth house, but not in Sagittarius.

The reasoning behind this is that Mars is a malefic and if positioned in the above houses it will damage the houses of marriage (seventh house), family life (the second house), the home environment (the fourth), the marital tie (eighth house) and/or sexual pleasure (twelfth house) either by being in these houses or aspecting them. The logic behind the exceptions is not always clear. According to quite a number of astrologers, there is also Kuja Dosha in a chart if Mars is located in the 1,2,4,7,8 and 12 from the Moon and even if Mars is located in these houses from Venus. Especially if we look for Kuja Dosha not only from the ascendant, but also from Mars and Venus we may well find this affliction in something like 80% of the charts. I think it is useful to be aware that Mars in certain positions may damage relationships. However, this is just one factor among many. Probably Saturn in the above houses also causes damage. And for relationships we do not only have to look at the Rashi but also at the navamsa. I do not think if we see Kuja Dosha in a chart, it is useful to ring the alarm. Especially since it occurs in most charts.

2. LONGEVITY

Another factor, which is looked upon, is the longvity of the partners. The reasoning is that if one of the partners will have a short life a marriage is not very useful. If an astrologer thinks one of the partners may have a short life he may very well think this person is not a person who should marry. The subject of longevity is a complex subject in itself. I am not going to treat this extensively. There are a couple of methods to predict the longevity. However as Richard Houck as shown in his book ‘the astrology of death’ these methods do not work very well. My advice would be to keep it simple. If the first house (the house itself and the lord) and the Moon in a chart are strong and there are not many planets in dushtana houses a person will probably live longer than if the first house and the Moon are weak and there are many planets in dushtana houses. This is an easy ‘rule of thumb’ which may be more useful than some complicated quantitative methods that in practise do not work.

3. AN EASY VEDIC ASTROLOGICAL ANALYSIS

One method of Vedic astrological compatibility analysis, which I like, is the following: Look for the ascendant of person A and person B, see in what signs they are and what the relationships of these signs are. If the ascendant is in a 2/12 or 6/8 relationship this is problematic, but if it is in a 5/9 relationship this is good. I also think that a 3/11 relationship can work very well. Also if both ascendants are in the same sign this is a good factor. Apart from conjunctions Kendra relationships (4/10 and the opposition) may be difficult. There are some expections to this rule. Like if both signs are rules by the same planet this is good. Example: Libra and Taurus are in 6/8 relationship, but since Venus rules both signs, they do have something in common. You can also compare the Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in both charts. Of course, they symbolize different aspects of the relationship (for example Mercury symbolizes the communication in the relationship). I do not think comparing Jupiter and Saturn is very useful unless both people have a big age difference (let us say more than 5 years). This is because Jupiter and Saturn are slow moving. To find explanations look for the elements the planets are in. An example: If the Moon of A is in Leo and the Moon of B is in Cancer we have a problem because fire and water do not go together well. The relationship will be somewhat better for B then for A. The Moon of A is in the second house from the Moon of B. However, the Moon of B is in the twelfth house (sign Cancer) from the Moon of A (sign Leo). Therefore, it is possible that B will drain (twelfth house) A. You also can analyze planetary pairs. If the Venus of one person is in opposition to the Mars of the other person that will mean strong sexual attraction. This is also the case if the Venus of A conjuncts the Mars of B. A similar rule can be made of the relationship between the Sun and the Moon. If the Sun of one person is in opposition to the Moon of the other person this works well. This is also the case if the Sun of A conjuncts the Moon of B. In cases like these will be a good exchange of female (Shakti: Moon and Venus) and male (Shiva: Sun and Mars) energies. I do think this is a fruitful and not too difficult method. If you use this method, it is recommended to use the South Indian format (which I use in this course) because in this format the signs in different charts are in the same place.

4. SUDARSHAN CHAKRA

It is also possible to analyze the influence of planets in houses. A great tool for this is the so-called Sudarshan Chakra. This is a chart made up of two circles, like the circles used in Western Astrology. There is an inner chart, which can be the chart of partner A and there is an outer chart, which is the chart of partner B. The ascendant of both charts is at the same place (usually at the top of the circles). You can see which houses of A are activated by partner B. For example if I have a partner who has a lot of planets that activate my eighth house it is very well possible that I experience her as confrontational. If she activates my ninth house she may broaden my horizon and I may feel great because of her, especially if my ninth house is being activated by her benefics (“Yes, I love to go to India with you”). If it is being activated by her malefics it could be that she somehow limits or frustrates the way I would like to broaden my horizon (“Oh no, you are again planning a trip to India?”). THE SUDARSHAN CHART IS SHOWN IN THE COURSE MATERIAL

5. TAJIKA ANALYSIS

There is another type of analysis possible. Although Tajika analysis is seldom used when analyzing birthcharts, I do not see a principle reason why we should not do this. What I would like to suggest now is not so much as to use the Tajika method for analyzing a birthchart but to make a comptability analysis using the Tajika method. The principle is easy. Just look what kind of aspects the planets of A make with the planets of B. Let us say the Sun of A makes a trine to the Jupiter of B. A (the Sun person) will feel stimulated by B (the Jupiter person). He will note the stimulating Jupiterian energy of B. B (the Jupiter) person will feel energized or empowered by A (the Sun person). If it is a square instead of a trine the stimulation may be a bit too much. If you make an analysis like that, you will encounter many aspects, some of them seem to be contradictory, but this merely reflects the nature of reality that sometimes is complex. For example: It is also possible that in addition to the aspect I mentioned before the Moon of A makes a square to the Saturn of B. A (the Moon person) will feel restricted by B (the Saturn person). By the way, if the aspect would be a trine A (the Moon person) would merely feel ‘grounded’ by B (the Saturn person). That is not a bad experience. To avoid an overload take the Tajika orbs and divide them by two. For example: If we analyse the relationship between the Sun and Jupiter between charts we look for the maximum orb of the Sun which is 15 and the maximum orb of Jupiter which is 9. (15+9):2=12, which is the regular Tajika orb for a Sun-Jupiter aspect. To avoid an overload this maximum orb is divided by two. The outcome will be a maximum orb of 6 degrees. What makes this analysis complicated is that for every planetary combination you have to calculate a maximum orb. This may very well be the reason that in contemporary Western astrology the maximum orbs are the same for certain kind of aspects (all squares have the same maximum orb, all sextiles have the same maximum orb and so on). If you want to keep it simple, I would like to suggest a maximum orb for all aspect of 5 degrees. Of course, calculating the maximum orb for each planetary combination is better. If you have the courage and time to do that, please feel free to do so. Personally, I only look at conjunctions with Rahu and Ketu and not at aspects. However, you may well have another opinion about this. 

6. KUTAS ANALYSIS

In what follows I will explain the traditional method of Kutas analysis. The traditional method consists of comparing the Nakshatra in which the Moon of the bride is located with the Nakshatra in which the Moon of the bridegroom is. It is also possible to do a more sophisticated analysis in which not only the Nakshatras in which the Moon is are compared, but also the Nakshatras of the ascendant and Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The Kutas analysis consists of 12 factors. Every factor can give some points. After the analysis is made all the points are added up. To have a good relationship a minimum of points is required. If the total points are below that minimum than it is possible that the astrologer will advise against the marriage. Here are the different factors:

1. Dina Kuta: If the Nakshatra of the man is 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 Nakshatras from the Nakshatra of the woman 3 points will be given. If the number is 9 or more it is divided by 9 and we work with the remainder. Let us say the Nakshatra of the man is 14 Nakshatras from the Nakshatra of the woman 14/9=1 and the remainder is 5. Because the remainder is 5 no points are being given.
2. Gana Kuta: When we dealt with the Nakshatras we have seen that we can divide the Nakshatras in deva, human (manusha) and demon (rakshaka) Nakshatras. Look for this in lesson 2, paragraph 5 under temperaments. People who have their Moons in Nakshatras that fall in the same category can marry. A deva man can marry a deva or manusha woman. Six points are given. He cannot marry a rakshaka woman (0 points are given). A manusha man can marry a deva woman (5 points are given) or a manusha woman (6 points are given). He should not marry a rakshaka woman (0 points). A rakshaka man should not marry a deva woman (1 point) or a manusha woman (0 points). He can marry a rakshaka woman (6 points). When the lords of the signs in the rashi or navamsa of the man and woman are the same bad Gana Kuta results can be compensated (however this does not change the points that are being given).
3. Mahendra Kuta: The Nakshatra of the man should be 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 or 25 Nakshatras away from the Nakshatra of the woman. A good Mahendra Kuta should promote the longevity of the relationship. This factor is mentioned in a Kuta analysis, but no points are given by this factor.
4. Stree Dirgha: The Nakshatra of the man should preferably be more than 9 constellations away from the Nakshatra of the woman. This factor is mentioned in a Kuta analysis, but no points are given by this factor.
5. Yoni Kuta: This has to do with sexual compatibility. Every Nakshatra is associated with a type of yoni. Example: Vishakha and Chitra are associated with a tiger yoni. That means these Nakshatras are rather wild in making love. There is also a division in male and female yonis. Vishakha has a male tiger yoni and Chitra a female tiger yoni. It is best if both partners are born in Nakshatras, which symbolize the same yoni type, but of different sexes. Therefore, someone with the Moon in Vishakha would be a great sexual match for someone with the Moon in Chitra. If a couple has friendly yonis of the female sex marriage will be acceptable. It will be difficult if the two people both have male yonis.TABLE OF YONIS AND CORRESPONDING NAKSHATRAS IS SHOWN IN THE COURSE MATERIAL AS IS A TABLE OF HOW MANY POINTS ARE GIVEN TO EACH YONI COMBINATION
6. Rashi Kuta: This factor is different from the factors, which are shown above, because this deals with the signs in which the Moons are located (and not the Nakshatras).Bad results: Moon in the chart of the man is in the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 th from the Moon in the chart of woman. Bad results: Moon in chart of the woman is in the 12 th from the Moon in the chart of the man. Good results: Moon in Chart of the man is in the 12 (gives longevity), 7 th (gives agreement) from the Moon in the chart of woman. Good results: Moon in chart of the woman is in the 2 (gives longevity), 3 (gives happiness), 4 (gives wealth), 5 (gives happiness), 6 (progeny will prosper), 7 th (gives agreement) from the Moon in the chart of the man. When both signs are owned by the same planet inauspicious effects will be cancelled. The bad results coming from a certain number are the opposite of the good results. If good results exists (or if bad results are cancelled) 7 points will be given by this factor.
7. Graha Maitram: This factor is dependend upon the friendships or animosities of the lords of the Moonsigns of the couple. In the first course, a diagram was presented with the friendships and animosities of the planets. This is diagram 5 shown in lesson 4. When the lords of the Moonsigns are friends Graha Maitram is at its maximum. In this case five points are given. When lord A is a friend to lord B and lord B is neutral to lord A this is good. Four points are being given. When both are neutral, Graha Maitram is mediocre. This will bring in three points. When one is friendly and the other is inimical 1 point is given. When one is neutral and the other is inimical this will give a � point. When both are enemies Graha Maitram is zero. However, if a friendship exists between the lords of the Moonsigns in the navamsa three points are given (instead of zero, � or one point).
8. Vasyu Kuta: Some signs have a certain degree of magnetism to each other. Vasyu Kuta magnetism makes understanding of each other easier. If the Moon of the female feels magnetism towards the Moon of the male one point is given. If the Moon of the male feels magnetism towards the Moon of the female, also one point is given. Therefore, the maximum amount of points to be gained from this factor is two, if magnetism exists from both sides.TABLE IS SHOWN IN COURSE MATERIAL
9. Rajju: This factor is used to measure the duration of married life. The Nakshatras are being divided into 5 types of Rajju. To make a long relationship possible the Moon Nakshatras of the couple should not fall in the same Rajju. Below you will see a table of the divisions. I have also mentioned the number of a certain Nakshatra. You can see that the Nakshatras, which are mentioned in a next category, are always the neighbouring Nakshtras of a former category.TABLE 14: RAJJUS Padarajju: Ashwini (1), Ashlesha (9), Magha (10), Jyeshta (18), Mula (19), Revati (27). Katirajju: Bharani (2), Pushya (8), Purva Phalguni (11), Anuradha (17), Purva Ashadha (20), Uttara Bhadrapada (26). Nabhi: Krittika (3), Punarvasu (7), Uttara Phalguni (12), Vishakha (16), Uttara Ashadha (21), Purva Bhadrapada (25). Kantarajju: Rohini (4), Ardra (6), Hasta (13), Swati (15), Shravana (22), Shatabhishak (24). Sirorajju: Mrigashira (5), Chitra (14), Dhanistha (23). In a Kutas analysis, this factor is mentioned but no points are given by this factor.
10. Vedha: Some Nakshatras are said to afflict each other. A marriage between people who have their Moons in Nakshatras, which afflict each other, should not take place. This is a list of the prohibited pairs:TABLE 15: VEDHAS Ashwini (1) and Jyeshta (18); Bharani (2) and Anuradha (17); Krittika (3) and Vishakha (16); Rohini (4) and Swati (15); Mrigashira (5) and Dhanistha (23); Ardra (6) and Shravana (22); Punarvasu (7) and Uttara Ashadha (21); Pushya (8) and Purva Ashadha (20); Ashlesha (9) and Mula (19); Magha (10) and Revati (27); Purva Phalguni (11) and Uttara Bhadrapada (26); Uttara Phalguni (12) and Purva Bhadrapada (25); Hasta (13) and Shatabhishak (24). In a Kuta analysis, this factor is mentioned but no points are given by this factor.
11. Varna: This is a factor, which is supposed to be an indication of the spiritual development of the partners.TABLE 16: VARNAS These are the categories: Brahmin (priests): Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. Kshatriya (politics and war): Leo, Sagittarius, Libra. Vaisya (business): Aries, Gemini, Aquarius. Sudra (manual labour and service): Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. If the woman is in a higher category as the man 0 points are given by this factor. If the man is in a higher category as the woman 1 point (which is the maximum) is given by this factor. If they both belong to the same category 1 point is given.
12. Nadi Kuta: In lesson 13 of the first course we have seen that in ayurveda three constitution types are recognized: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Nakshatras are divided between these three temperaments. The Moons of the man and the woman should fall in Nakshatras of a different dosha. It is also recommended that the Moons do not fall in the same rows of the scheme below. This factor is important because the points to be gained by this factor are 8.

TABLE IS SHOWN IN THE COURSE MATERIAL CONCLUSION The total amount of points to be gained is 36. As a rule of thumb we can say that the minimum points which should be gained for the match to be good is 21. Keep in mind that this is just one factor. The traditional method is based only on the Moon. Nevertheless, it is possible to compare all the planets and the ascendant by this method. Not just the Moon. We may calculate the average results for all these. In that case, the picture may very well be different.   Source: dirah