The Bṛihat Parasara Horasastra defines sixteen divisional schemes, each named according to the denominator of the fraction specific to the division. Thus, the integral fraction is division by 1, which yields, trivially, 12 regions of the zodiac corresponding to the 12 signs themselves: perforce this Varga scheme is named rasi. Similarly, a divisor of 2 defines 24 regions; the name hora, derived from the word (aho-ratra) meaning day-night by removing the first (a) and last sounds (tra) is etymologically related to the analogous 24 hours in a day. The divisor of 3 defining 36 regions, named drekkana, is similarly related to the Decans of Chaldean horology.
It is important to understand influences and indications for the Rasi chart of the native and then re-confirm the same with Divisional Chart references.
There are sixteen Varga, or divisional, charts used in Jyotisha. These Vargas form the basis of a unique system of finding the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of planets.
Hindu astrology divides the zodiac into several types of segments; these subtle divisions or divisional charts are called Vargas and are said to be the various micro-zodiacs created within the natural macro-zodiac, the Horoscope.
1. Divisional charts are not independent like Rasi chart. An event can take place only when it is indicated in Rasi chart. Event should not be predicted on the basis of divisional chart alone.
2. A planet becomes powerful if it is exalted, situated in his own sign, possesses digbala in divisional chart.
3. In divisional chart planets in 4th, 7th, and 10th houses give very good results. They give good results in 5th, 9th and 11th houses, whereas the 2nd house is neutral in all the divisional charts.
4. Any planet situated in 3rd, 8th and 12th from ascendant of divisional chart gives bad result during his period. Exalted planets situated in these houses become powerless to give good results.
5. Benefics on both sides of ascendant of a divisional chart or of a planet increase good effects. Similarly malefics on both sides increase bad effects.
6. Principles of Dasa – Bhukti are also applied to divisional charts to judges the effects.
7. The effects of transits are also judged from divisional chart.
8. A debilitated planet in divisional chart gives bad results in his Dasa or Bhukti concerning aspect of life denoted by that divisional chart unless there is a cancellation of debilitation e.g. Debilitated planet in 112 Navamsa – causes problems in married Sapthamsa – causes unhappiness about children.
Chaturvimsamsa – causes dislocation or obstacles in education.
9. Any planet placed in 3rd or 8th house in any divisional chart causes death like effects during his Dasa or Bhaukti. e.g. To spouse in Navamsa To profession in Dasamsa (like retirement or resignation) 10. A Planet situated in the same sign both in Rasi chart and any divisional chart is called ‘Vargottam’ with reference to that divisional chart. The results of Vargottam planets are always good.