The Dashas are used to predict life events. In my own life, I have experienced events unfolding as I anticipated through the Dashas, whether the events were large or small. The accuracy with which the Dashas can predict life events was one of the main things that attracted me to Vedic astrology. They can predict events such as marriage, a rise in career or income, name and fame, an opportunity for higher education, foreign travel or the end of a difficult time.
Read your birth chart before the Dashas
Before studying the Dashas, I suggest that you first read and understand your birth chart. Several articles on this blog explain the meaning of planetary positions. The birth chart describes the potential in your life and the direction you might take, such as your career path or the kind of person with whom you may spend your life. The Dashas then indicate when you may realise that potential and when important events are likely to unfold.
Introduction to the Dasha table
On Farfaraway’s main page, click the right arrow beside your birth chart to reach the Dasha table. It contains four columns, with the fourth showing the end date. Think of the table as a book about your life. The first column is the Mahadasha, which is like a chapter. A life contains several chapters, and each Mahadasha lasts between 6 and 20 years. The second column is the Antardasha, which is the most important. Think of it as a story unfolding within a chapter: you may be studying but also get married, or you may be working and receive an opportunity to travel. I think important events such as a rise in income, foreign travel or marriage have to agree with the Antardasha planet. You must always know the Antardasha you are running and the one you are about to enter. This is one of the first things I examine when reading a chart. The third column is the Pratyantardasha, which is like a subplot. During a promising Antardasha, for example, you may be promoted, while the Pratyantardasha determines how you experience that authority. If the Antardasha is of the Sun and the Pratyantardasha is of Saturn, the Sun may place you in authority while Saturn may lead to that authority being questioned. The Mahadasha is therefore the chapter, the Antardasha is an important story and the Pratyantardasha is the subplot.
General effects of Dashas
Planets rule different phases of our lives according to the Moon’s position at birth. The calculation behind these planetary periods is explained in this article. This article focuses on what to expect under a particular combination of Dasha planets. My understanding comes from Volume II of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. The term “Dasha planet” can refer to the Mahadasha, Antardasha or Pratyantardasha planet, although I consider the Antardasha planet the most important. The planet’s natural characteristics cause general effects. Jupiter Antardasha, for example, is very likely to present learning opportunities; I completed an MBA during Jupiter Antardasha. The planet’s placement and the houses it rules create more distinctive effects. If Jupiter is in the 12th house, there is a possibility that the learning opportunity might involve going abroad for higher studies. I am generalising, but this illustrates how to make the prediction more specific. The Sun might present an opportunity to occupy authority. Venus can bring name, fame and celebrations at home, including marriage. Saturn might bring challenges but may also create high responsibility or public service. Mercury can bring learning, skill-based education and business; I started Farfaraway during Mercury Antardasha. A well-placed Moon can bring good fortune, happiness and peace of mind. Mars can give the strength and tenacity to face difficult challenges and execute plans. Rahu might bring foreign experiences through travel, unusual circumstances or contact with people who are different from you. Ketu is likely to create foreign circumstances driven by a desire to leave things behind and may also increase spiritual inclination. These are the general effects.
Distinctive effects of Dashas
Certain planets generally bring positive or favourable results: Jupiter, Venus and, to some extent, the Moon. Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu and, to some extent, the Sun can present challenges, while Mercury gives mixed results. This gives you a broad starting point. Jupiter Antardasha is likely to bring opportunities, Venus Antardasha is likely to bring an opportunity to make money, and Saturn Antardasha might slow things down.
For more distinctive effects, study the Dasha planet's exact position. First identify its Nakshatra and sign. Then examine the house it occupies, the houses it rules and the houses it aspects. Finally, study its position in the Navamsa and Dasamsa charts. Combining these findings is the methodology I follow to assess what might unfold.
For example, Saturn is in Vishakha and Libra in one chart, where it is exalted. The person achieved a high-ranking position during Saturn's Antardasha. Saturn was ruling the 4th and 5th houses and influencing the 7th, so I was sure that gaining this position would also affect the person's personal life. That was the case based on my research into the person's life.
In the Navamsa and Dasamsa, Saturn rules the 10th house, while in the main chart it aspects the 10th house. This repeated career pattern, combined with Saturn's exalted position, made a high-ranking position very likely during Saturn's Antardasha.
Combinations for a difficult Dasha
A difficult Dasha can be identified in four ways. First, an Antardasha of Mars, Saturn, Rahu or Ketu might lead to a difficult time when the planet is in the 6th, 8th or 12th house. Second, examine the relationship between the house ruled by the Dasha planet and the house it occupies. A 6, 8 or 12 relationship creates a high possibility of challenges. If Jupiter rules the 7th house and is placed in the 12th, the 12th house is six places from the 7th. During Jupiter Antardasha, the couple is likely to face challenges, perhaps a temporary separation because one person has to work abroad. The challenge would connect the 7th and 12th houses. Third, study the relationship between the Mahadasha and Antardasha planets. During Sun Mahadasha and Saturn Antardasha, you are very likely to face challenges, particularly from authority figures, because the Sun and Saturn have a difficult relationship. Fourth, examine the relationship between the house positions of the Mahadasha and Antardasha planets. If the Sun is in the 10th house and Saturn is in the 3rd, the period is likely to be difficult because the planets have a difficult natural relationship and Saturn is six places from the Sun. These combinations can help you identify an approaching difficult Dasha and plan accordingly.
You can also study the transits alongside the Dashas, but in my experience, any life event that has to take place has to be approved by the Dashas. In the example above, Saturn was transiting the 11th house in Purva Phalguni when the person received the high-ranking position. The 11th house and Purva Phalguni both indicate fulfilment of desire.
I will now share the favourable and unfavourable positions of different planets. For each planet, I will identify the Nakshatras and signs in which it is favourable, followed by the favourable and unfavourable events associated with its Dasha. You can then ask, for example: “I am about to enter Venus Dasha and Venus is favourably placed in my chart, so what might I expect?”
Sun's Dasha
Sun does very well in Ashwini and is exalted in this section of the sky. The healing quality of Ashwini, together with the Sun representing good health, helps explain this through mythology. The Sun also has a very friendly relationship with Mars. I do not think it does as well in Bharani, and it does better in Krittika when Krittika falls in Aries.
In Taurus, the Sun finds itself in an unfriendly Venus environment. I do not think it does well even in Krittika, although Krittika is ruled by the Sun. A person might occupy authority while relationships with colleagues are affected. It does not do very well in Rohini either, although the person can be creative. In Mrigashira, I think it does better in Gemini than in Taurus because Mercury considers the Sun a friend.
The Sun is not comfortable in Ardra's foreign environment. It does very well in Punarvasu, more so in Cancer but also in Gemini. I do not think it does well in Pushya because of its difficult relationship with Saturn. It does reasonably well in Ashlesha: the environment is friendly, although their purposes are different. Ashlesha has the caste of an outcaste, so the person can lead an activity that does not conform to social norms.
The Sun does very well in Magha. Leo, Magha and the Sun are all linked to leadership. It is also very strong in Purva Phalguni and, I believe, even stronger in Uttara Phalguni because Uttara Phalguni is ruled by the Sun itself. When Uttara Phalguni falls in Virgo, the Sun still does very well in Mercury's company. It does well in Hasta and Chitra for the same reason.
The Sun does not do well in Libra, particularly in Swati. Swati is ruled by Rahu, and the Sun finds itself dealing as an equal with people who are foreign to it. The Sun is the king, and the king is accustomed to familiar people, so this creates difficulty. It does not do well in Vishakha either, although it is better there than in Swati and improves when Vishakha falls in Scorpio because of Martian support.
I do not think the Sun does very well in Anuradha, although the person is likely to become a public servant or government worker. It does well in Jyeshtha. Sagittarius gives mixed results: Mula brings Ketu's unfriendly environment, Purva Ashadha brings Venus's, while Uttara Ashadha is stronger. On balance, the Sun can do well in Sagittarius, and the person is likely to have a knowledge-driven career such as that of a professor.
The Sun does not do well throughout Capricorn or Aquarius. It can give mixed results in Uttara Ashadha, which it rules, and Shravana, which is ruled by its friend the Moon. It does well in Dhanishtha because Mars rules that Nakshatra, but not in Shatabhisha. It improves in Purva Bhadrapada when that Nakshatra falls in Pisces. I do not think it is favourable in Uttara Bhadrapada because of Saturn's rulership. In my view, it does well in Revati, where Jupiter and Mercury create a friendly environment. The person may occupy a leadership position while educating society.
Favourable events:
If the Sun is strongly placed, a high-ranking position is very likely under its chapter. Other possible events include honour and recognition from the government, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, a rise in income and fortune, name and fame, respect in society, profits in business, fulfilment of ambitions, happiness in the family, buying property and recovering a lost kingdom. The person can begin behaving like a king by doing things for others and becoming charitable. Happiness from parents, sound health and marriage, particularly when Venus is involved, can also be part of the journey.
Unfavourable events:
If the Sun is unfavourably placed and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, the person might face challenges, punishment or penalties from the government, fall from a position, defamation, exile, trouble in a foreign country, unjustified opposition from people, loss of wealth, business failure and separation from parents, particularly the father. That separation could happen because the person goes abroad to study, for example, or for more difficult reasons.
The person can become reluctant to do good things because life does not feel in order. Ill health or more than one illness can arise because the Sun signifies overall health. If the Sun is weak and its chapter is approaching, take precautions from a health point of view. Danger from snakes and poison is also linked through the mythology, and loss of articles can occur.
Moon's Dasha
The Moon does not do well in Aries because of its difficult relationship with Mars. It is weak in Ashwini because the Moon and Ketu also do not have a good relationship. Moon in Bharani is better than Moon in Ashwini, although I would not call either position favourable.
The Moon does very well in Krittika when it falls in Taurus, where it is exalted. The mythology of Krittika and the Moon helps explain this. It does very well throughout Taurus, including Rohini and the Taurus part of Mrigashira.
I do not think the Moon does very well in Mercury's Gemini environment, particularly in the Gemini part of Mrigashira. Ardra is ruled by Rahu, whom the Moon does not consider a friend. The Moon improves in Punarvasu under Jupiter's guidance and does particularly well when Punarvasu falls in Cancer. It is less likely to do well in Pushya because of Saturn's rulership.
The Moon gives mixed results in Ashlesha. The person may become a student of psychology, but can also be an outcast or an overthinker. It can be difficult if the person does not know the boundaries of overthinking.
The Moon does reasonably well in Leo. I think it does best there in Uttara Phalguni; it is also all right in Magha and Purva Phalguni. Virgo gives mixed results, with Uttara Phalguni and Hasta doing better than Chitra.
I do not think the Moon does very well in Libra or Scorpio, and it is debilitated in Scorpio. A favourable Nakshatra ruler can improve the position: Vishakha is slightly better, particularly when it falls in Libra. Sagittarius gives mixed results, with Uttara Ashadha the strongest of its Nakshatras.
I do not think the Moon does very well in Capricorn or Aquarius, although it improves when the Nakshatra is ruled by a friend or by the Moon itself. Uttara Ashadha and Shravana can therefore give mixed results, as can the Aquarius part of Purva Bhadrapada. In Pisces, the Moon does well in Purva Bhadrapada and gives mixed results in Revati.
Favourable events:
If the Moon is favourably placed, its chapter can bring the dawn of fortune, wealth, unusual business profits, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, favours from royalty and friends, or responsibility for a kingdom or business. A person might build a new home, increase land ownership, own more than one property, improve agricultural output or productivity, and buy a vehicle.
Other possible events include auspicious functions at home, family happiness, sound health, religious and charitable inclinations, reputation through good deeds, devotion to deities, birth of a son, marriage when the 7th-house ruler or Venus is involved, an association with music and the arts, long foreign journeys for leisure, good food, clothes and luxury items. The Moon's chapter is essentially a time to enjoy life.
Unfavourable events:
If the Moon is weak and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, its Dasha can bring moodiness, unhappiness, mental agony, stress, laziness, loss of position or wealth, business losses and disturbance at home that takes away peace of mind. There may be danger of theft, aimless wandering in a foreign land or journeys to difficult places.
The person may worry about the mother's health or be separated from her, face danger from water, have trouble with employees, be blamed by the government for wrongdoing and lose access to good food and other comforts. The Moon's Dasha is never very long, so if these issues arise, check the table to see when it ends.
Venus' Dasha
Venus is not strong in Ashwini, where both the sign and Nakshatra ruler are neutral. It does much better in Bharani, the section of the sky ruled by Venus itself. It does not do well in Krittika in Aries, and gives mixed results even when Krittika falls in Taurus because Krittika is ruled by the Sun. Venus considers the Sun and Moon unfriendly, so it does not do well in Rohini either.
Venus does well in the Taurus part of Mrigashira: Taurus is ruled by Venus, while Mars is not unfriendly to it. It also does very well throughout Gemini because Venus and Mercury have an excellent relationship. This includes the Gemini part of Mrigashira and Ardra, whose ruler Rahu is friendly to Venus.
Venus is less comfortable in Punarvasu because its ruler, Jupiter, represents Lord Brihaspati while Venus represents Lord Shukracharya. The two teachers hold opposing views. This can be difficult, but nothing too dramatic because both are inherently positive forces.
I do not think Venus does well in the environments ruled by the Moon or Sun, including Pushya, Ashlesha and Magha. Purva Phalguni gives mixed results: Venus rules the Nakshatra and can express great creativity, but the person may become excessively proud of those achievements.
Venus is debilitated in Virgo, so it does not do well in Uttara Phalguni, Hasta or the Virgo part of Chitra. In Chitra, its unending creative energy meets boundaries. It improves once Chitra enters Libra, does well in Swati, and can make the person highly social and successful in work requiring social skills, with exposure to people from many cultures. It is weaker in Vishakha because the opposing views return.
Venus does well in Scorpio's neutral Martian environment. It does well in Anuradha because Venus and Saturn share a good relationship, and also in Jyeshtha. The nature of Scorpio can nevertheless bring relationship issues.
In Sagittarius, Venus is weak in Mula and reasonably placed in Purva Ashadha. The person can feel caught between making a name and educating the world. It does not do well in Uttara Ashadha because Venus considers the Sun unfriendly, and it is not very strong in Shravana either.
Venus begins doing well again in Dhanishtha and Shatabhisha, where it finds a friendly environment. It is weak in Purva Bhadrapada, then improves in Uttara Bhadrapada, particularly when that Nakshatra falls in Pisces. Venus eventually reaches exaltation in Pisces, where I think it finally understands Jupiter's purpose and the opposing views find common ground.
Favourable events:
If Venus is strongly placed, marriage during its Dasha is very likely. Even irrespective of strength, when Venus is directly or indirectly linked to the 7th house, the probability of marriage during its Antardasha is very high. Venus can also bring festivities and celebrations at home, a rise in income, extraordinary business gains, advancing fortune, name and fame, recognition and a high position.
The person can recover lost wealth, property, a kingdom or a high position, buy or build a house, add to existing assets and enjoy costly vehicles. Venus can bring great creativity, an interest in the Vedas, Shastras and the occult, relationships with religious people, visits to sacred shrines and charity. Jupiter and Venus Dashas can both create a strong interest in religion.
Sound health, birth of children and grandchildren, another child, discovery of hidden talents, help from friends, fulfilment of desires and a life full of delight can also be experienced under Venus's chapter.
Unfavourable events:
If Venus is weak and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, its Dasha can bring issues in personal or married life. I have also seen this when the Mahadasha and Antardasha planets are six, eight or twelve places apart—for example, Rahu Mahadasha and Venus Antardasha, with Venus weak and six, eight or twelve places from Rahu.
Other possible events include loss of position, defamation, loss of wealth, persecution by the king, fines and penalties, deportation to a foreign land, loss of land, a house or comforts, difficult family relationships and quarrels without cause. Because Venus signifies vision, eye trouble can arise. There may also be danger of drowning or falling from a tree, and fear linked mainly to losing what the person has built.
Mercury's Dasha
Mercury is reasonably placed in Ashwini, although I would not call it favourable because of its unfriendly relationship with Mars. For the same reason, it is not very strong in Bharani, but Bharani's ruler Venus makes it better than Ashwini. In Aries, Krittika is also better than Ashwini because Mercury has a better relationship with the Nakshatra ruler.
When Krittika falls in Taurus, Mercury does very well among its friends Venus and the Sun. I do not think it does well in Rohini because of its relationship with the Moon, although the person can express creative talent through words. It is not particularly strong in Mrigashira in either sign, but it naturally does better in Gemini, which Mercury rules.
In my view, Mercury does very well in Ardra. I have met people with this position who know several languages. Mercury has a neutral relationship with Rahu and feels comfortable in Gemini. It also does well in Punarvasu, under Jupiter's guidance in Mercury's own sign. This can be excellent for a career in advice, consultancy or counselling.
I do not think Mercury does well in Cancer because of its difficult relationship with the Moon. This applies to the Cancer parts of Punarvasu, Pushya and Ashlesha, although Ashlesha can still be excellent for someone building a career in psychology.
Mercury does reasonably well in Leo and, I think, better in Purva Phalguni than in Magha. It is excellent in Virgo, including Uttara Phalguni. It does very well in Hasta, where it is exalted. Here Mercury learns to use its intellect productively, making the person highly skilful, intelligent and analytical. Because Hasta is ruled by the Moon, the person may use intellect as a form of therapy.
Mercury does better when Chitra falls in Virgo than when it falls in Libra. It does well in Swati's friendly environment. It is not as strong in Vishakha or Anuradha, particularly because Anuradha is ruled by Saturn. Vishakha gives mixed results, and I think the Libra part is better than the Scorpio part.
Mercury does very well in Jyeshtha, even though Scorpio is ruled by Mars, because Jyeshtha itself is ruled by Mercury. This is excellent for a research career. Mula can also produce excellent research, although Mercury is much stronger in Jyeshtha. It is reasonably placed in Purva Ashadha under Venus's friendly influence.
Mercury does reasonably well in Uttara Ashadha because it considers Jupiter and Saturn neutral and has a friendly relationship with the Sun, which rules the Nakshatra. I do not think it does very well in Shravana because Shravana is ruled by the Moon. Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha and Purva Bhadrapada give mixed results.
Mercury is debilitated in Uttara Bhadrapada. Jupiter and Saturn are not necessarily unfriendly to it, but the Nakshatra's focus on responsibility and guidance asks Mercury to do things it is not good at. It does very well in Revati, which it rules; the person can become an excellent counsellor or express creative talent through words or another medium.
Favourable events:
If Mercury is well placed, its Dasha can bring knowledge, skill-based education, contact with experts and success in education. It is an excellent time to study for examinations. Business is directly linked to Mercury: a person may start a business and make it profitable. I started FarFarAway during Mercury's Antardasha.
Fulfilment of ambitions, reputation and name and fame can follow from the person's efforts. The person may become interested in the Vedas and Puranas, recite mantras, discuss scriptures or study ancient sciences. I compiled the first draft of FarFarAway's story section and studied the Vedas during Mercury's Antardasha, so I have experienced some of these events myself.
Love affairs can arise, particularly when Mercury rules the 5th house. The person can become charitable under the influence of the Vedas, develop an inclination towards music when Venus is involved, and build close relationships with people who occupy authority in society.
Unfavourable events:
If Mercury is weak and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, the person may lose favour with the government, conflict with government officials or be penalised by them. Stress, anxiety, easy anger when the Sun and Mars are involved, and fear of misfortune can arise.
The person may succumb to sinful thinking, lie or enter arguments and quarrels. Other possible events include business loss, loss of wealth through overspending, loss of enjoyment and comforts, loss of land, aimless wandering abroad, dependence on others, living in other people's homes, an increase in enemies and difficult relationships with business partners.
Jupiter's Dasha
Jupiter does reasonably well in Ashwini because of its friendly relationship with Mars. Bharani gives mixed results, while Jupiter does very well in the Aries part of Krittika. I do not think it does very well in Taurus, including Krittika, Rohini and Mrigashira, because Jupiter does not consider Venus a friend.
Jupiter is also not especially strong in Gemini because it does not consider Mercury a friend, although individual positions can still have useful results. Jupiter in Gemini's Mrigashira can make an excellent public speaker. In Ardra, the person can be well informed about several languages. Punarvasu is Jupiter's strongest position in Gemini because Jupiter rules the Nakshatra, and the person may understand business very well.
Jupiter does very well in Cancer, including the last pada of Punarvasu. It is exalted in Pushya. The mythology supports this: Pushya's deity is Lord Brihaspati, and Jupiter is the planetary form of Lord Brihaspati. I do not think Jupiter does well in Ashlesha because of its difficult relationship with Mercury.
Jupiter does well in the friendly environments of the Sun and Ketu. It is not especially strong in Purva Phalguni, although the person can be both highly educated and creative, finding common ground between education and creativity. It does well in the Leo part of Uttara Phalguni, but not in its Virgo part because of Mercury. For the same reason, I do not think Jupiter does well in Hasta or the Virgo part of Chitra.
I do not think Jupiter is very strong in Libra, including Chitra, Swati and Vishakha, although Vishakha is the best of these because Jupiter rules it. Jupiter does very well in Scorpio's friendly environment. It is strong in Vishakha and particularly in Anuradha. I would even say Jupiter in Anuradha is one of the best combinations for researchers, astrologers and other research-driven careers. Jupiter in Jyeshtha is reasonably placed, although it can be caught between philosophy and leadership.
Jupiter does well in Mula, whose natives can also become excellent researchers. Purva Ashadha gives mixed results: the person can feel caught between serving society through knowledge and making a name. Jupiter is reasonably placed in the Sagittarius part of Uttara Ashadha, but debilitated when Uttara Ashadha falls in Capricorn. It becomes caught between service through knowledge and action for reputation. Jupiter is also weak in Shravana and the Capricorn part of Dhanishtha.
Jupiter begins doing well in Aquarius. It is reasonably placed in Dhanishtha and, in my view, does very well in Shatabhisha and Purva Bhadrapada. It also does very well in Pisces, including Purva Bhadrapada and Uttara Bhadrapada. I do not think it is as strong in Revati, although the person can be highly philosophical.
Favourable events:
If Jupiter is favourably placed, its Dasha can bring a high administrative or political position and authority. The person may be recognised by several kings and become a source of guidance for people in positions of authority. Other possible events include name and fame, a good reputation, the dawn of fortune, a major increase in wealth, fulfilment of desires, success in ventures and having many people in service.
Foreign travel and higher education are strongly linked to Jupiter. I completed an MBA during Jupiter's Antardasha. Its chapter can also bring study of the Vedas and Puranas, devotion to deities, religious and charitable inclinations, worship of Lord Shiva, successful religious sacrifices and involvement in good deeds.
The person may gain land and property, buy costly vehicles, recover a lost position, enjoy sound health, overcome enemies and celebrate auspicious events at home. For women in particular, this can include marriage. Happiness in married life, birth of a son and the pleasure of good food can also occur.
Unfavourable events:
If Jupiter is unfavourably placed and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, the person may be separated from a teacher or guru, face their displeasure, lack guidance, lose position or reputation, lose wealth in a job or business, suffer lower productivity and encounter obstacles at work or prosecution by the government.
The person may acquire assets through unfair means, be sent to a foreign land because of losing a home rather than for leisure, lose servants, lack palatable food, face issues with male family members, encounter danger from thieves or snakes, and suffer in personal life. As Jupiter is a natural benefic, I think these events are less likely to become too dramatic.
Saturn's Dasha
Saturn does not do well in Aries, where it is debilitated, so it is weak in all three Nakshatras there. Saturn prefers planning before execution, while Aries's Martian energy is spontaneous. Bharani also carries mythology involving Lord Yama, with whom Saturn has a difficult relationship. Krittika in Aries is weak too.
Saturn improves when Krittika falls in Taurus because Saturn and Venus are friendly. I do not think Saturn does well in Rohini or Mrigashira. Ardra is the first Nakshatra in which I find Saturn doing well: Rahu rules Ardra and Saturn considers Rahu a friend, while Mercury's Gemini is also friendly. It does well in the Gemini part of Punarvasu under Jupiter and Mercury.
Saturn does not share a good relationship with the Moon or Sun. I therefore do not think it does well in the Nakshatras falling in Cancer or Leo: the Cancer part of Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha and Purva Phalguni. I also do not think it does well in Virgo because its Nakshatras there are ruled by the Sun, Moon and Mars, whom Saturn considers unfriendly.
Saturn begins doing very well in Libra. The Libra part of Chitra is reasonably placed, while Swati is very strong because Rahu rules it. Saturn does extremely well in the first pada of Vishakha, where it receives the support of its best friend Venus and guidance from Jupiter. This is where the best of Saturn can be experienced.
The Scorpio part of Vishakha is reasonably placed, as is Anuradha because Saturn rules it. Saturn in Jyeshtha can make a good researcher, although I would not call it a strong position, and I would say the same about Saturn in Mula.
Saturn does well in Purva Ashadha, a friendly environment of Jupiter and Venus. I do not think it does well in the Sagittarius part of Uttara Ashadha because the Sun rules that Nakshatra. Shravana and Dhanishtha in Capricorn give mixed results: their Nakshatra rulers are unfriendly, but the sign belongs to Saturn, so on balance I think Saturn does well.
Saturn does very well in Shatabhisha, in Rahu's environment. It also does well in Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati, although less strongly than in the positions I have identified as its best.
Favourable events:
If Saturn is well placed and not associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, its Dasha can bring the pleasure of the king for devoted service and a very high-ranking position. The person may attain national prominence, receive government recognition and favours, gain through senior government officials, receive good news from an employer or profit in business with the help of service providers.
Other possible events include gaining property, constructing a garden, marriage, greater responsibility, birth of a child, happiness from children and grandchildren, success in research-driven education, defeating enemies in a long fight, enjoying literary discussions and increasing productivity. Saturn Mahadasha with Venus Antardasha has, in my experience, been a promising time for marriage. Saturn's favourable events are mainly about receiving high power from someone more powerful.
Unfavourable events:
If Saturn is weak and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, its Dasha can bring trouble through government displeasure, being on the wrong side of the law, loss of position or reputation, defamation, resignation, obstacles and losses in ventures, government fines, expenses greater than income and lower income through lethargy.
The person can suffer mental agony or lose thinking power, particularly when Mercury is involved. Other possible events include losing a residence or money through a property sale, inauspicious events that create a gloomy home, returning to one's home country, travelling abroad from duty rather than leisure, danger from foreign governments, failed efforts, enemies, disease and legal disputes.
There can be stress through the father, perhaps involving his health or career, extreme fear of misfortune, imprisonment in extreme cases, serious injury, danger from thieves at home or while travelling, and a lack of good food. If Saturn's Antardasha is difficult because Saturn is weak, remain patient. Every story ends. The table shows when the Antardasha ends, and a helpful Pratyantardasha may help you deal with its challenges.
Mars' Dasha
Mars does extremely well in Ashwini. It has an excellent relationship with Ketu, and Ashwini falls in Mars's own sign, Aries. Mars also does well in Bharani, where it has a friendly rather than inimical relationship with Venus. In Krittika, Mars is strong when the Nakshatra falls in Aries, among its friends the Sun and Mars, and less strong when Krittika falls in Taurus.
I am not sure Mars is strong in Rohini because Taurus is ruled by Venus and Rohini by the Moon, neither of whom shares a particularly strong friendship with Mars. I think Mars does well in the Taurus part of Mrigashira, which Mars rules, but not in the Gemini part because Mars dislikes Mercury.
Mars also has a difficult relationship with Rahu, so I do not think it does well in Ardra. It is weak in the Gemini part of Punarvasu, but reasonably placed when Punarvasu falls in Cancer because its relationship with the Moon is better than its relationship with Mercury. It is not strong in Pushya because Mars and Saturn are not friendly.
Mars is weakest in Ashlesha, in the environment of the Moon and Mercury. The person can keep making efforts only to have them frustrated, or know the goal but not know how to reach it because the path is convoluted. At the same time, a Mars-in-Ashlesha person can become an excellent strategic planner, risk manager, lawyer or even spy.
Mars does well in Magha, where the Sun and Ketu are friendly to it. It also does well in the Leo part of Uttara Phalguni, but not when Uttara Phalguni falls in Virgo. Mars in Hasta can make someone highly skilful, but the environment of Mercury and the Moon is difficult. The Virgo part of Chitra is also weaker, while the Libra part is better.
I do not think Mars does well in Swati. It can lack direction there. Mars does well in Vishakha under Venus and Jupiter and, I think, even better when Vishakha falls in Scorpio. It is reasonably placed in Anuradha. The person can be a good researcher because Saturn's company teaches Mars patience while Scorpio is ruled by Mars.
Although Jyeshtha falls in Scorpio, I do not think Mars does very well there because Mercury rules the Nakshatra, although the person may still be an excellent researcher. I would say the same about Mars in Mula, in the environment of Jupiter and Ketu.
Mars does well in Purva Ashadha and Uttara Ashadha. It is less strong in Shravana because it struggles with the Nakshatra's emotional side under the Moon. This is not necessarily a difficult position, but it is weaker than Mars's best positions.
Mars is at its best in Dhanishtha. Saturn brings discipline and organisation to Martian goals, while Mars itself rules the Nakshatra. I do not think Mars does very well in Shatabhisha, although the person can be an excellent researcher and the work can be highly scientific. Mars does well in Purva Bhadrapada and Uttara Bhadrapada, in the friendly environment of Jupiter and Saturn, particularly Jupiter. It is weaker in Revati, although the person can become a yoga teacher who combines physical movement with a philosophy.
Favourable events:
If Mars is favourably placed and not related to the 6th, 8th or 12th house, its Dasha can bring a high administrative or political position, a commander-like role and greater physical strength. Wealth can be earned through struggle and sustained effort. The person can defeat enemies, gain income and wealth, recover a lost kingdom or lost wealth, and be restored to a high position.
Other possible events include building a home when Mars is related to the 4th house, gaining land, owning property, increasing productivity, enjoying all-round success and making profits in business through entrepreneurial courage and determination. Fortune can advance and remain favourable.
The person may live abroad and earn wealth there, have a son, receive warmth and help from male family members, particularly a brother, and possibly marry, although marriage is not strongly linked to Mars.
Unfavourable events:
If Mars is unfavourably placed and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, its Dasha can bring loss of position or wealth, unnecessary or extravagant expenditure, losses at work, business failure and government penalties. The person may lose peace of mind, become highly temperamental, lose a home, suffer lower productivity or face problems during foreign travel.
Quarrels can arise with male family members, particularly a brother, or with a life partner when Venus is involved. If Saturn is involved—for example, Saturn Mahadasha and Mars Antardasha with Mars weak—the person may lose independence and become dependent on others. Injury and fear of death can arise, and in extreme circumstances the person can be imprisoned.
Rahu's Dasha
Rahu does not do well in Ashwini, Bharani or the Aries part of Krittika in my view, although Bharani is better than Ashwini. Rahu does well in Taurus because it shares a friendly relationship with Venus, but the Nakshatra rulers there are not necessarily its friends. This can create mixed results: the person can become exceedingly ambitious while also choosing a path that should not be taken.
Rahu gives mixed results in Gemini. I think Ardra is its best position there, while Punarvasu is better than Mrigashira. In Cancer, Rahu is uncomfortable in the Moon's environment. It is weak in Pushya and Ashlesha, but better in the Cancer part of Punarvasu.
Rahu is weak throughout Leo because Rahu and the Sun share a difficult relationship, although the Leo part of Uttara Phalguni may be better than the other Nakshatras in the sign. Virgo gives mixed results: its sign ruler is neutral to Rahu, but the Nakshatra rulers there are unfriendly.
Rahu does well in Libra under Venus. I think it does best in Swati and also very well in Vishakha, where it receives Jupiter's guidance. Rahu is less likely to do well in Scorpio because of Mars, although Vishakha can be its best position within that sign because Jupiter is friendlier to Rahu than Mars.
I do not think Rahu does very well in Mula despite the friendly Jupiter environment. It does best in Purva Ashadha, where Jupiter and Venus create an extremely friendly setting. Capricorn gives mixed results because Rahu has a friendlier relationship with the sign ruler than with the Sun, Moon and Mars, who rule the Nakshatras there.
Rahu does better in Aquarius than in Capricorn, particularly in Shatabhisha, which Rahu rules, and also in Purva Bhadrapada and Uttara Bhadrapada. Revati is less strong than the Pisces part of Uttara Bhadrapada.
Favourable events:
If Rahu is favourably placed, its Dasha can bring leisure travel to distant places and meetings with people who occupy authority in a foreign country. The person might receive recognition or residency from a foreign government and have a successful journey abroad. I experienced this personally during Rahu's chapter.
The person may become religious or spiritual, visit holy places, devote oneself to deities, perform religious sacrifices and become charitable. Wealth and reputation can grow, although those gains may be short-lived. Government favours, success in ventures and building a new home can also occur.
Newness is part of Rahu's chapter, including relationships with people who are foreign or new to you. Marriage is very likely when Venus is involved.
Unfavourable events:
If Rahu is unfavourably placed, its Dasha can bring mental agony through the newness Rahu introduces, quarrels without reason, loss of wealth or position, and loss of a home or land. The person can face issues with government authorities, physical weakness or unusual disease.
Problems can arise with partners in business or personal life, particularly in marriage when Venus is involved. The best response under Rahu is not to act impulsively. Rahu signifies impulse, and whatever is gained or lost under it is likely to be short-lived. Do not lose hope after a loss or build castles in the air after a gain. Moderation of the mind is very important during Rahu's chapter.
Ketu's Dasha
Ketu does very well in Ashwini, which it rules. It is reasonably placed in Bharani because of its friendly relationships with Venus and Mars. I do not think it does well in Krittika or Rohini because it has a difficult relationship with the Sun and Moon.
Ketu gives mixed results in Mrigashira, perhaps doing better when it falls in Taurus than in Gemini. It is weak in Rahu's Ardra and gives mixed results in Punarvasu under Jupiter's guidance, with a neutral relationship with Mercury.
Ketu is less likely to do well in the Nakshatras falling in Cancer and may be especially weak in Pushya. It is also weak in Leo's solar environment, although it can improve in Magha, which Ketu rules.
In Virgo, I think Ketu does best in Chitra because the environment is friendlier than in the Nakshatras ruled by the Sun and Moon. Libra is friendly, particularly its part of Chitra. Ketu is less strong in Swati. Vishakha in Libra gives mixed but, on balance, good results because Ketu is neutral to Jupiter and friendlier with Venus.
Ketu does very well in Scorpio. It may not be very strong in Anuradha, although the person can become an excellent researcher, and I think it does extremely well in Jyeshtha. It is also reasonably placed when Vishakha falls in Scorpio.
Ketu does very well in Mula. Purva Ashadha is reasonably placed, although Ketu and Purva Ashadha do not have much common ground. It can struggle in Uttara Ashadha and then in Capricorn and Aquarius because of its difficult relationship with Saturn, particularly in Nakshatras ruled by the Sun and Moon.
Ketu is better in Dhanishtha, weaker in Shatabhisha and stronger again in Purva Bhadrapada under Jupiter's guidance. It may not do well in Uttara Bhadrapada because of Saturn. In Pisces, Purva Bhadrapada is favourable and I think Revati gives Ketu better results than any other Nakshatra there.
Favourable events:
If Ketu is favourably placed, its Dasha can create religious or spiritual inclination and time to follow that path. The person may travel, gain through foreign travel, receive recognition from an employer or authority figure, and be given responsibility for administering a department.
Business gains and a rise in income can occur, although the gains are likely to be moderate. Material enjoyment is also likely to be moderate. The person can become highly physically active.
Unfavourable events:
If Ketu is unfavourably placed and associated with the 6th, 8th or 12th house, its Dasha can bring problems with authority figures or the government, loss of wealth through fines and penalties, loss of position, defamation, loss of property, being sent abroad and excessive expenditure.
The person may become fearful of bad events, suffer mental tension or instability when the Moon is involved, encounter an unusual or foreign disease, lose physical strength and face obstacles in ventures. There may be attempts to gain wealth through unlawful means and indulgence in sinful acts.
Other possible events include severing relationships with close family, interference by enemies, quarrels without reason, isolation or imprisonment in extreme circumstances, company the person considers inferior, and danger from thieves or enemies. Ketu's chapter is never very long, so if it becomes difficult, check when it ends and plan accordingly.
The Margaret Thatcher example
The chart used earlier was Margaret Thatcher's. She became Prime Minister on 4 May 1979 during Rahu Mahadasha and Saturn Antardasha. Saturn was exalted and very close to its exaltation degree of 20. It ruled the 10th house in both the Navamsa and Dasamsa and aspected the 10th house in the main chart. Given this strong career connection, she received a high-ranking position.
As described in the Saturn section, a strongly placed Saturn can bring recognition for service from the king. In her life, the Queen gave her responsibility for leading the country. At that time, Saturn was transiting the 11th house in Purva Phalguni. The 11th house and Purva Phalguni are linked to fulfilment of desire, and Saturn is strong there because of its relationship with Venus.
She received the responsibility during Rahu Mahadasha, while Rahu occupied the career house in her main chart. She stepped down as Prime Minister on 28 November 1990, very close to the end of Rahu Mahadasha. Under Rahu's chapter she gained the high-ranking position and, right at the end, stepped down.
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