The planets and stars have been given full power and control over our destinies. Whether it is about our love life conflicts or career problems, everything seems to be in the hands of the planets above the sky. Right? Usually, astrologers study the positions of the planets to give you valuable insights about your future. But what if we say there is one other effective method, Shadbala, given by Maharishi Parashar five thousand years ago?
Shadbala helps you get quick insights about the surprises and challenges that await you in your future. But what is Shadbala in astrology, and how does it work? Let us explore the answers to all these questions one by one.
What is Shadbala in Astrology?
The word Shadbala comprises two words: Shad and Bala. In Sanskrit, Shad means ‘six’, and Bala means ‘strength’. Combine these two words together, and it gives you Shadbala meaning, which is ‘six-fold strength’. In vedic astrology, factors such as a planet’s position, strengths and weaknesses drop hints about the upcoming events in an individual’s life. But how can one determine that certain planets are placed in a good position or are strong in one’s kundali? It is where the concept of Shadbala takes centre stage.
So, the strengths and weaknesses of certain planets calculated through the Shadbala method tell about the positive and negative influences the planet has during its Mahadasha, Antardaha or Pratyantra Dasha. Now, to calculate the Shadbala strength in someone’s kundali, six major factors or balas come into play. Here is the list of the strength factors used to define the positional or directional strength of planets.
Sources of Strength | Known for | What Does It Do? |
Sthana Bala | Positional Strength | Estimates the strength of a planet based on position |
Dig Bala / Disha Bala | Directional Strength | Estimates the strength of a planet based on direction |
Kaala Bala | Temporal Strength | Estimates the strength of a planet based on time |
Chestha Bala | Motional Strength | Estimates the speed and motion of a planet |
Naisargika Bala | Natural Strength | Estimates the natural strength of a planet based on its characteristics |
Drik Bala | Aspectual Strength | Estimates the strength of the planet based on its connection with other planets |
Also Read: Second Marriage in Astrology: Analysing the Role of Planets
Shadbala Groups
Each group in Shadbala in astrology works on the same principles, such as inner satisfactions, troubles or hardships or goals and aspirations. Just like real teammates, the planets in Shadbala take care of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. So, let us discover the grouped planets in Shadbala one by one and understand their working.
1. Jupiter, Mercury and the Sun
First on the list is the trio of Jupiter, Mercury and the Sun that work together on the principles of faith, communication, learning and confidence. So, while calculating the directional strength of planets, if there is anything that one of these planets lacks, like a true teammate, they compensate for the other.
2. Venus and Moon
In Shadbala astrology, Venus and the Moon work together and take charge of your decision-making. The energies of these two planets are associated with comfort and happiness. So, whether it is related to your love life, career, health or anything else, Venus will make sure that you choose the path that makes you the happiest and provide comfort. So, what about the role of the Moon in this decision-making process? Well, the responsibility of the Moon is all about consciousness and to make you comfortable with what Venus makes you do.
3. Mars and Saturn
Here comes the last group on our list: Mars and Saturn. Well, the planets Mars and Saturn are no less than your protectors. Why, you may ask? In astrology, the planet Mars fills you with a high amount of energy, drive and passion to overcome the challenges life throws at you. Just think this way: all the obstacles you suffer with first approach Mars present in your kundali.
On the flip side, the planet of delays and karma, Saturn, gives you protection from hardships that are beyond your control. So, when these two planets are seated in a strong position in your kundali, you automatically become a source of strength and courage. Their strong position gives you the power to handle all the challenges with ease.
How Do We Calculate The Total Shadbala?
The method used to calculate the total shadbala seems simple but is difficult in its own way. First of all, the astrologer would analyse the six balas or factors of all the planets and would obtain a score called ‘virupa’. Now, the total score or virupa would be divided by 60. The result obtained would be known as the ‘Rupa’. Here are the minimum requirements for a planet to be considered a ‘strong’ planet in someone’s kundali.
Planets | Minimum Requirements for being a ‘Strong’ Planet |
Sun | 5-6 |
Moon | 6 |
Mercury | 7 |
Jupiter | 6.5 |
Venus | 5.5 |
Saturn | 5 |
Mars | 5 |
Also Read: Secrets of Mooltrikona Signs in Astrology
Essential Factors to Assess Weak Planets in Kundali
The presence of weak planets in someone’s birth chart opens doors to uninvited obstacles and challenges. Right? But what happens when one of the planets decides to be se
ated in a weak position? Does it have any negative influence over the native’s life? So, here are the essential factors that give hints about the weak planets in kundali.
1. Low Shadbala Score
In vedic astrology, if a planet obtains a Shadbala score of less than 30, then it means that a person would face difficulties in the areas of life that certain planets are associated with. For example, if Venus obtains a score of less than 30, the person may have to deal with issues in personal relationships.
2. Debilitation
If the planet is debilitated in someone’s birth chart, it means that it would lose its strength and energy and become weak. With the lost power and strength, you would not be able to get results as per your aspirations or expectations. Moreover, a person has to deal with problems in different aspects of life.
3. Combustion
In vedic astrology, the concept of combustion could also be a reason for a weak planet in someone’s kundali. This is because the intense energies of the Sun overshadow the energies or vibrations of the planets it comes in contact with.
4. Retrogression
If an individual suffers from unnecessary or unexpected delays or obstacles in his life, retrogression of certain planets in his kundali is to be blamed. When the planets move in a backward direction from the Earth’s perspective, a person does not get results according to his true potential.
Conclusion
Well, that’s a wrap on our blog on Shadbala in vedic astrology. Now you know the power of Shadbala in astrology since it not only provides you with information about the strengths of planets present in your kundali but also gives you hints about the different aspects of your life. This way, you can make better decisions about your career path, love life, and much more.
Hey! I’m Kasak Shirotriya, and as a content writer at InstaAstro, your appreciation encourages me to keep my words flowing! If you found this blog helpful, then don’t hesitate to reach out to InstaAstro’s in-house astrology experts by clicking here and staying one step ahead of all your problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Shadbala score is good?
2. What is the shadbala strength in astrology?
3. What is the minimum shadbala required for the Sun?
4. What is the planet with highest shadbala?
5. How to predict Shadbala?
6. What are the components of Shadbala?
Also Read: Influence of Marana Karaka Sthana in Vedic astrology
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