Atmakarka

What is Atmakarka?

Atma means ‘soul’ and Karaka means ‘significator’. Atmakaraka is the significator of the soul’s desire. According to the Vedic philosophy, a soul has rebirth to fulfill all the unfinished desires of the past lives. The Atmakaraka is also called Atmeshvara and is the final authority in all matters. the bondage and Moksha are determined.

There are two types of Atmakaraka - the natural Atmakaraka and the movable Atmakarka. If the Atmakaraka favours the activity done by the native then the work is accomplished. While, If the Atmakaraka does not approve the activity of the native then the accomplishment is difficult.

The Sun is considered as natural Atmakaraka in all natal charts. The natural Atmakaraka is Sun in all natal charts. Since, the Sun influences the centre of our personality; it is known as Atmakaraka. The Sun has the complete influence on the human body.

According to Rig Veda, the Sun is identified with the soul of the universe as well as the soul of the individual. Thus, the Atmakaraka, Karaka is doer, manipulator and director. Atmakaraka is the most important planet in the chart. It is from the Atmakaraka that the Ishta Devta of the person is known.The Sun is the parent body of Solar system. He has no latitude. Being always in ecliptic has no chance to be retrograde.

The Chal Atmakaraka or movable Atmakaraka is the planet that has maximum degrees of all the planets in the natal chart. Hence, any of the planet from the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn or Rahu having the highest degree in the horoscope becomes the Atmakarka. Ketu being the significator of Moksha cannot be considered as char Atmakaraka. Moksha is the destionation of the soul which is the ultimate aim.

How to determine which planet is Atmakarka ?

Which ever planet is having the highest degree in the natal chart is the Atmakarka planet[e.g. :- say the longitude of Sun is 27-12-56 in your natal chart and no other planet is having more degree of longitude than that then the Sun will be the Atmakarka].

What is the Significance of it ?
The Atmakaraka planet shows the aspiration of the soul in the present life. This planet is the main planet through which the overall strength of the horoscope is judged. If the Atmakaraka is weak or afflicted, the native  will have strong chances to make wrong decision in life. Thus, understanding the highest expression of Atmakaraka planet and conscientiously following that is the only way to approach life.

What is Kārakāṁśa ?

Kārakāṁśa is composed of two words – (1) ‘kāraka’ referring to the ātmakāraka specifically and other Charakāraka (temporal significators) as well and (2) ‘aṁśa’ referring to the navāṁśa and other divisional charts. Kārakāṁśa refers to the navāṁśa (and/or other divisional charts) where the ātmakāraka is placed and such a sign is treated as the kārakāṁśa-lagna or seat of the real self, the soul and the first house for determining all things connected to deep inner desires and creation cause itself.

What is the effect of  Kārakāṁśa ?

If you look at 9th place from karakamsa in D-9 it will show the luck and easiness the souls has in this to achieve it's spiritual studies and guidance from gurus. Malefic sitting 9th from the atmakraka will show a struggle to understand spiritual world, vs. benefic in the 9th from atmakarka will show that one has blessings to learn their way into the other lokha.

You can see many other thing swith karakamsa including one's vocation or career. This is done through a unique technique taught by K.N. Rao. He advises to take the placement of karakamsa and put it back into the birth horoscope and you will see what the soul desires truly in this life. This means that 10th from karakamsa in the D1 chart, after you have put into the right sign which is in the navamsa will show the destiny of the career one should take.

According to Jaimini the planet with highest longitude becomes the Atmakaraka. The sign in which the Atmakaraka is situated in the Navmansha becomes the Karakamsha. Association of various planets with Atmakaraka either in the Rashi or Navmansha, we can get a clue for the vocation of the native.
Here are some of the astrological combinations of planets, which shall give a glimpse of the profession of the Native.
SUN :
Sun is responsible to give more power, ability to rule and command, will make the native to gain fitness for a Government employment, or a high profile business executive with status and dignity.
(a) If Sun occupies the Karakamsha lagna, the native will be fond of public work, and will take interest in political activities.
(b) If Sun and Venus aspect Karakamsha, the native will be employed by Royal people or Top Class politicians.
(c) Sun occupying 10th house in Karakamsha chart and aspected by Jupiter, the native will be a successful Trader of Cattle.
(d) If Sun occupies 5th house in Karakamsha chart the native will become a Philosopher or a Musician.
(e) If Sun is in conjunction with Rahu and occupies Karakamsha, and Sun being located in benefic vargas, the native will become a Doctor treating poisonous afflictions.
MOON :
Moon is responsible for fluctuations in occupation or business, but encourages the native for business in aqua products, Marine produces, Liquid chemicals, Restaurant, Dairy products etc.
(a) If full moon and Venus joins Atmakaraka in Navmansha money will be earned by education.
(b) If Moon is conjunct with Jupiter in Karakamsha or in 5th from Karakamsha, the native becomes a author and earns his livelihood by authouring books.
(c) If Moon is alone in Karakamsha or in 5th from Karakamsha, the native become a musician.
(d) Moon in Karakamsha aspected by Venus makes the native an Alchemist.
(e) Instead of Venus if aspected by mercury he will be a Doctor.
MARS :
Mars denotes employment in the field where courage is required and a need to be skillful, brave. Dentists, Surgeons, Engineers are also part of this group.
(a) If mars occupies the Karkamsha the native earns his livelihood by meta llurgy.
(b) If mars occupies the Karakamsha with benefic aspects, the native will be a Judge.
(c) If mars occupies 5th place from Karakamsha under the aspect of Saturn, the native will become a Mechanic.
MERCURY :
Mercury is solely responsible for the field of literature, arts and occupations requiring study, skill and intelligence.
(a) If mercury occupies the karakamsha the native becomes Merchant and well versed in social and political matters.
(b) If mercury occupies 5th place from Karakamsha, the native will become a Vedic Scholar.
Jupiter :
Usually Jupiter gives the profession of physicians, lawyers, ministers, bankers, authors, journalists, philosophers etc.
(a) When Jupiter occupies the karakamsha the native becomes a philosopher, religious head and will have good knowledge of Vedanta.
(b) If Jupiter occupies 5th place from karakamsha, he will be a scholar in Vedas and Upnishads.
VENUS :
Venus is responsible to gain financial assistance through marital sources, jewellery pleasure and luxury.
(a) If Venus joins Atmakaraka in Navmansha, the native will become a big politician.
(b) If Venus joins karakamsha or the 5th from karakamsha, the native will become a great poet.
SATURN :
Saturn is responsible to the professions, such as builders, miners, land surveyors, agriculturists, labour contractors, municipal officials etc.
(a) If Saturn occupies the Karakamsha the native will adopt the profession of his forefathers.
(b) If Saturn alone occupies 4th or 5th place from karakamsha, the native will be skillful in archery and will adopt the same skill for livelihood.
(c) Saturn occupying karakamsha under the aspect of mars the native will become a builder.
RAHU :
Indirectly Rahu will give results like Saturn but some of the combination indicates different professions also.
(a) If rahu joins atmakaraka in navmansha, the native earns his bread as a thief or decoit.
(b) Rahu having close association with Mandi and occupying 4th place from karakamsha the native will be specialised to treat snake bites and poisonous problems.
(c) Rahu in 5th from Karakamsha makes the native to be a good mechanic.
KETU :
Ketu will give results partially like Jupiter and mars.
(a) If ketu occupies 4th place from karakamsha the native will become a clock maker Repairer.
(b) Ketu occupying karakamsha makes the native a mathematician, if occupied in 5th house from karakamsha under benefic aspects the results will be same.
(c) Ketu occupying karakamsha under malefic aspects makes the native a thief.
(d) Ketu occupying 5th place from karakamsha under the aspect of Jupiter makes the native an astrologer.
NOTE :
Combination of planets will give more than one activity with relation to the occupation of the respective planet.
Apart from above there are other Methods are also available as indicated by different schools of Astrology. In the matter of determining the profession, importance has been given to the Ascendant, 10th and 8th houses either from ascendant or Moon and the planets occupying these houses, lordship of these houses can also be taken in to consideration. In this article only a glimpse on determination of profession has been taken, to give a general idea of the subject with the help of karakamsha and Navamsha etc.

What is the generic effect of Atmakarka ?

The sign/navāṁśa occupied by the ātmakāraka gives us a clue as to the desire of the ātman and the nature of the ātmakāraka gives us vital information about the nature of the ātman, its spiritual development etc. Some of my experiences are listed below:

1. If a malefic planet is the ātmakāraka, it indicates a high level of spiritual development whereas a benefic planet as the ātmakāraka indicates a relatively lower level. Example: Rāhu was the ātmakāraka for Srila Prabhupada and Ramakrishna Paramhaṁśa.
2. The ātmakāraka invariably indicates suffering during its Vimśottari daśā, especially if a malefic. During the Nārāyaṇa daśā of the sign occupied by the ātmakāraka or those aspecting it, great achievements are made. If the native is spiritually inclined then the daśā of the ātmakāraka can be beneficial.
3. A retrograde ātmakāraka indicates a deep-rooted desire as being the cause of the birth. This has to be seen from the nature of the planet which becomes the AK. For example, if Mars is AK and retrograde, then there is a very strong desire related to succeeding in some battle or competition in this planet and the native will be dragged into innumerable fights and will be fighting all the time. The solution lies in finding the best self defense strategies based on Kārakāṁśa of which, Ahimsa is the greatest. Similarly, if Saturn is the retrograde AK then the desire would manifest in the native doing something related to the elders or old knowledge in new bottles. When retrograde, this desire is very strong and will be the cause of all direction in life. The other signification of Saturn is sorrow and if the native gives sorrow to others, especially elders and those who are like Guru, then know that he is running a bad time and a lot of sorrow is in his destiny (in any case). The best remedy for him would be to develop a stoic attitude towards the acts and words of others and keep prodding in his path. In this manner, the retrogression is to be understood.
4. Combustion of AK gives spiritual insight.

What is the Specific effect of Atmakarka Bhav?

Jaimini has indicated the results of various navāṁśa for the placement of AK. Read this carefully and make a list for ready reference.
(Hint: Count the number of signs from AK to navāṁśa lagna, the number shall indicate the results of the house that shall predominate. check the strength of Karaka of such house; do this exercise both in Rāśi and navāṁśa Chart; Rāśi chart results like that of Sri Krishna & other great persons while navāṁśa for all others.)

1. If AK is in navāṁśa Lagna, the native belongs to a royal family/ is of noble birth and lineage. If navāṁśa Lagna Lord conjoins AK, then the native, although of humble origin shall rise to a high rank equal to a king. If the AK aspects navāṁśa Lagna, then Royal association shall be present from birth. The natural karaka of 1st house (Sun) should be strong to indicate the extent of Rājayoga. Nobility and birth in a royal family result if the Atmakaraka is in the Navamsa Lagna or 1st house. High attainments and position likened to those of a king result if the lord of the Navamsa Lagna conjoins the AK even if the native is born in humble conditions. If, on the other hand, the AK aspects the Navamsa Lagna, then the native enjoys royalty from birth. The strength of Raja-yogas also depends on the strength, position and associations of the Sun, who is the karaka of the first house.
2. If AK is in 2nd house, the native shall be very spiritual and a great saint. If Saturn is strong, the renunciation shall be complete whereas if Venus is strong the native shall perform severe austerities. If the Atmakaraka is in 2nd house (lagna in the 12th from AK), then the native is a renunciate and possibly even a saint (if other criteria additionally apply in the horoscope). Saturn is the karaka of the 12th house, and thus indicates the path of either a sannyasi (a formal renunciate) or someone who gives charity for humanitarian purposes. If Venus is strong, and especially if Ketu and Saturn join or mutually aspect Venus, then the native performs tapasya or yogic austerities.
3. If AK is in 3rd house, the native shall be rich and successful in many undertakings. He shall be a friend of many powerful people.If the Atmakaraka is in 3rd house (lagna in the 11th from AK), then the native may have many high social contacts, be popular and influential, wealthy and successful in many undertakings. He has friends among powerful and successful persons.
4. If AK is in 4th house the native shall be a Karma Yogi. If the Moon and Jupiter are strong, he shall have fame whereas if the Sun is strong Rajyoga and a strong Saturn indicate a hard working person.If the Atmakaraka is in 4th house (lagna in the 10th from AK), then the native’s work is an essential contributor to the successful performance of Dharma. The strength of various karakas of 10th house indicates the avenues through which karma is performed. If Mercury and Jupiter are strong, then he is benevolent, well-linked and moves in a variety of circles. If the Sun is strong, then the native enjoys the effects of raja-yoga. If Saturn is strong, then he purges the results of past sins by hard work and sacrifice.
5. If AK is in 5th house the native is Dharma Parayana i.e. obeys the laws of his dharma diligently and is straightforward. If Sun is strong, he shall have many good yogas. Blessings of his father shall always protect him.The 5th house position of Atmakaraka (lagna in the 9th from AK) indicates a very truthful person who follows the dictates of dharma very seriously. The results of much punya bring opportunities to perform sadhana (spiritual practice), to meet and learn from advanced spiritualists and to serve the cause of promoting Truth in the world.
6. If AK is in 6th house, the native is diseased and troubled.The native confronts many challenges which result from stigmatic karmas from past lives. Propitiate as per Saturn or Lord Satya Nārāyana, fast on full Moon days and speak the truth OM TAT SAT.If the Atmakaraka is in 6th house (lagna in the 8th from AK), then the native confronts many challenges which result from stigmatic karmas from past lives. The native with such a placement of the AK is recommended to propitiate Saturn. More importantly, they should perform the Satya Narayana Vrata regularly or as often as possible. Recitation of the Maha-mantra is ultimately beneficial for anyone in current era, kali-yuga.
7. If AK is in 7th house, the native is blessed with a clean heart and many joys. If Venus is strong, marriage shall be a great blessing.The position of the Atmakaraka in 7th house (lagna in 7th from AK) is highly auspicious and blesses the native with a good spouse and the enjoyments of many beneficial associations. The native is pure in heart, well-intentioned and compassionate to all.
8. If AK is in 8th house, the native has many troubles and weaknesses. He is defeated in war. Propitiate as per Saturn or Lord Satya Nārāyana, fast on full Moon days and speak the truth OM TAT SAT. If the Atmakaraka is in the 8th house (lagna in the 6th from AK), then the results are similar to those for the 6th house. The native may confront vexing problems which are hard to solve. Physical ailments, challenging longevity, in addition to emotional and domestic discontinuity may be problematic for such natives. Recitation of the Maha-mantra and the Vishnu-sahasra-nama stotram, as well as performance of the Satya Narayana Vrata is ultimately beneficial. The native should also try to practice truthfulness and straightforwardness in all dealings.
9. If AK is in 9th house, the native is a very pious person and is wealthy and fortunate.The 9th house position of the Atmakaraka (lagna in 5th from AK) is perhaps the most auspicious and brings in full results of bhagya (fortune) to the native. A powerful Sun brings raja-yoga and enables the native to be very influential in educational and spiritual circles. If Jupiter is powerful, then the native becomes a guru in his own right, after receiving the blessings of self-realized souls or those advanced in higher knowledge. Materially speaking, such a native has no concerns in this world.
10. If AK is in 10th house, the native is blessed with a clean heart and good home. He shall be a pillar for his family and mother; the Moon in strength shall be an added blessing for this.If the Atmakaraka is in 10th house (lagna in the 4th from AK), then happiness through family, home and mother are well-earned. Blessings through assets and property accrue, as well as respect and love through close allies and associates. The degree to which such results manifest depends on the strength, placement and association of the Moon in the Navamsa chart.
11. If AK is in 11th house, the native shall be brave, successful in war and capable of executing any task. If Mars is strong there shall be Rājayoga.Courage and capability is the execution of any task result when the Atmakaraka is in the 11th house of the chart (lagna in the 3rd from AK). The native is intelligent and possesses firmness of mind and unwavering determination in the performance of duties. He has the ability to solve the problems quickly and to act decisively in crisis situations. If Mars is strong, then the native receives the results of raja-yoga akin to that of Ruchaka Maha- Purusa-yoga. The native is respected or admired by others due to valor and fearlessness in any confrontational situation.
12. If AK is in 12th house the native is very rich and blessed by Lakshmi.If the Atmakaraka is in the 12th house (lagna in the 2nd from AK), then the native easily attains wealth as the result of the blessings of Lakshmi-devi, the consort of Vishnu. If simultaneously Mercury, Jupiter and Venus are in strength, then the native may achieve knowledge due to the blessings of the goddess Sarasvati. If the lord of the 2nd house joins that of the 5th and/or 9th, then the native enjoys the results of Dhana-yoga

What is the Specific effect of Atmakarka Planets?

• The Sun as Atmakarka indicates that the desires to fulfill are success, fame and power. One must give up ego and must maintain humility.Sun as AK indicates the native has to learn to overcome his ego and should become humble.
• The Moon as Atmakaraka indicates that the desire to fulfill are happiness, love and satisfaction. One should spread happiness and love in the surroundings.Moon as AK indicates that the native should be very caring and compassionate.
• Mars as Atmakaraka indicate that one becomes brave, courageous and the greatest challenge is to use his bravery in the right direction and avoid cruelty. Mars as AK indicates that the native should refrain from all forms of violence and stick to the path of Ahimsa.
• Mercury as Atmakaraka indicates the desire for intellectual superiority and divine communication. The native is advised to understand the limitation of intellect and should have the strength to face the truth.Mercury as AK indicates that the native should control his speech and be truthful at all times.
• Jupiter as Atmakaraka indicate the desire for spirituality and wisdom. One has to learn the lesson to tolerate other’s spirituality. Females may have to accept imperfect husband.Jupiter as AK indicates that the native should always respect the Guru, husband and care for children.
• Venus as Atmakaraka indicate the desire of soul for Venusian activities and romance and in that field the soul will learn a lesson in this world. So, he or she must be very chaste and careful about personal behaviour in the field of chastity and romance.Venus as AK indicates that the native must have a very clean character and refrain from illegitimate sex/lust.
• Saturn as Atmakaraka indicate the desire of the soul to perform the duty and maintain democracy. The native should be prepared to face loneliness and harsh behavior of others.Saturn as AK indicates that the native cannot give sorrow to others and will have to share the sorrow of many others.
• Rahu as Atmakaraka indicate that the native will be cheated in his life quiet often. The native is advised to avoid being deceitful and dishonest.Rāhu as AK indicates that the native maybe cheated often and will still have to be free from guile and clean hearted.