How to Read Your Kundali: The Basics

Your Kundali (birth chart) is a map of the planetary positions at the exact moment of your birth. It is the foundation of Vedic astrology and reveals your personality, strengths, challenges and life path.

The Structure of a Kundali

A Kundali has 12 houses (Bhavas) arranged in a square (North Indian style) or diamond (South Indian style). Each house governs specific areas of life. The zodiac signs and planets are placed in these houses based on your birth time and location.

The 12 Houses and What They Mean

1st House (Lagna) — Self, personality, physical appearance, overall life direction

2nd House — Family, speech, finances, food, early education

3rd House — Siblings, courage, communication, short journeys

4th House — Mother, home, property, emotions, vehicles

5th House — Children, creativity, intelligence, romance, past-life merits

6th House — Health, enemies, debts, service, daily routines

7th House — Marriage, partnerships, business relationships

8th House — Longevity, transformation, inheritance, occult

9th House — Dharma, higher education, father, fortune, spirituality

10th House — Career, fame, authority, status, Karma

11th House — Income, gains, friends, elder siblings, fulfillment of desires

12th House — Expenses, losses, liberation, foreign lands, spiritual practice

Reading Planet Placements

The sign and house a planet is placed in tells you how that planet's energy will manifest. A planet in its own sign or exaltation sign is strong and gives positive results. A planet in debilitation or in an enemy's sign may give challenges in those areas of life.