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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.