B.A. PART 2 : PAPER 5.2

Tithi Pravesha:

Annual Horoscopy of Jyotish (Part 1)
Sanjay Rath and P.V.R. Narasimha Rao


The Tajika System of annual horoscopy employs a chart cast for every year of life based
on the solar return (i.e. sun’s return to its natal sidereal position). Many scholars of
history and Vedic Studies have held the view that this system is primarily not ‘Vedic
Astrology’ and might be a borrowed feature from Yavanas or Tajikas, who interacted
with Indian scholars. Notwithstanding the peculiar yogas like Itthasaala, Easaraapha etc
nor divisional charts like Ashtamsa (D-8) etc, which are not a part of Parasara’s available
teachings, outstanding scholars like Neelakantha and Dr. B.V. Raman set a precedent by
accepting the Tajika system as a branch of Vedic astrology.

However, the solar calendar has been widely followed in India only since Varahamihira
started Vikrama Saka. India had been following the Vedic luni-solar calendar for
millennia. When Maharshis like Valmiki and Vyasa mentioned the timing of events in
epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, they used only tithis. It may be interesting to note
that traditional Hindus celebrate their birthday (called Jayanti or Janma tithi) on the
Vedic date (Tithi) of the luni-solar calendar instead of the date of Sun’s return. All
festivals (except Sankrantis) commemorating the birthdays of deities, Gurus etc are also
based on the luni-solar calendar of Tithi. For example, Hindus celebrate Lord Rama’s
birthday on the Sukla Navami Tithi of Chaitra month every year and Lord Krishna’s
birthday on the Krishna Ashtami Tithi of Sravana month. If birthday as per the luni-solar
calendar is more important than birthday as per the solar calendar, why do we cast a chart
for Varsha pravesha (commencement of a new year) based on birthday as per the solar
calendar? Does it not make sense to cast a chart for the commencement of a new year
based on birthday as per the luni-solar calendar of tithis?
In fact, not only does it make sense, but the technique of annual horoscopy using the lunisolar calendar is one of the most reliable techniques – and hence a guarded secret – taught by tradition for fine predictions.

Tithi

Tithi is the Vedic date of the luni-solar calendar and is a measure of the angular
displacement of Moon from Sun. It is known that the period between two consecutive full
moon’s (i.e. exact 1800 displacement of the Moon from the Sun) is about 29.5 civil days.
The total movement of 3600 of the angle between the Luminaries in transit in a month
was divided by 30 to obtain a measure of 120 called ‘Tithi’ (luni-solar day). Tithi is the
period in which the angular displacement of Moon from Sun increases by exactly 12º.
There are fifteen tithis (15 x 120 =1800) in the waxing phase (Sukla paksha) and fifteen
tithis is the waning phase (Krishna paksha). The displacement angle = Longitude of
Moon – longitude of sun. When this angle is divided by 12º, we get an index to the tithi,
starting from Sukla Pratipat.

The Luminaries

A child is a product of both parents and the importance of the Moon, even over the Sun,
in the determination of fortune is a well established aspect of Vedic Astrology. The tripod
of life is the ascendant (body), Sun (soul) and Moon (mind). In another sense, these are
self (Lagna), Father (Sun) and Mother (Moon). It is but natural that a better definition of
the moment of birth would be the angular displacement of the Moon from Sun, instead of
just the natal Sun position. This is the Janma Tithi.

We should be equally careful to ensure that such a definition does not dilute the
importance of the sun as it is the representative of the real self/the soul. For this purpose
Maharshis have defined the twelve sunsigns (or simply signs of the zodiac) called
Dwadasa Aditya. These define the boundaries within which the Sun’s placement causes it
to have the specific form of a ‘deva’ and a ‘Jyotirlinga’. Thus the longitude of Sun in a
sign is not as relevant as its placement in the very sign itself and this fact is taken as
an ‘anchor’ for drawing the annual charts. As the soul is the anchor of our existence,
Sun’s transit in its natal sign signifies the figurative re-establishment of this anchor, i.e. a
new beginning (In fact, it is because of this re-establishment of anchor that marriage is
prohibited in the solar month of birth).

Such an anchorage would be meaningless without a consideration of the ‘Mind’ – the
emotions, sustenance and fruits of existence. Thus including the Moon’s ‘angular return’
along with the annual solar natal sign anchorage defines the astrological Janma Tithi
return.

Though birthday as per the luni-solar calendar is traditionally celebrated when janma tithi
returns in the same lunar month (which is identified based on the signs occupied by Sun
and Moon at the beginning of the month), this definition was probably adopted for ease in
civil usage. The most astrologically acceptable definition is based on janma tithi and
sunsign (sunsign at janma tithi return and not sunsign at the beginning of the month).
This is the most perfect method for defining the moment that is the closest in emulating
the moment of birth. Hence, this is the ‘truest astrological birthday’ or rather ‘birth
moment’.

Tithi Pravesha Chakra

As outlined above, the definition of the annual birth moment is the moment when Sun
transits its natal sign and the Moon is at the exact displacement angle from Sun (degrees,
minutes & seconds) as at birth.

Pravesha means entry or return and Tithi Pravesha Chakra is the chart drawn for the birth
moment of Tithi return every year. If the angle from Sun to Moon matches that in the
natal chart, it means that the Tithi running is the same as birth Tithi and also the fraction
of Tithi remaining is the same as at birth. If someone was born with Sun in Aries on
Chaitra Sukla Navami with 25% of the Tithi remaining, the native’s astrological lunisolar
new year will commence every year when Sun is in Aries and Sukla Navami is
running with 25% of the Tithi remaining. A chart cast for this moment for the longitude
and latitude of the birthplace – irrespective of where the native is currently living – will
throw light on the events during the coming year. This chart is called “Tithi Pravesha”
(TP) chart.

Example of Casting

Example 1: Let us consider the chart of India’s Late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira
Gandhi.

Birth data: 19th November 1917, 23:07:00 (IST), 81 E 52', 25 N 28'

It may be noticed that natal Sun is in Scorpio. At the time of her birth, Kartika Sukla
Shashthi Tithi was running and 88.15% of the Tithi was left. Let us consider the annual
TP chart of 1976-77. Her luni-solar birthday came on 26th November 1976. Sun was in
Scorpio on that day and Kartika Sukla Shashthi Tithi was running. At 9:34:07 am,
88.15% of the Tithi was left.

In other words, the displacement angle from Sun to Moon at that time matched that at
Mrs. Gandhi’s birth. In her natal chart, Sun was at 4° 7' 39.45'' in Scorpio and Moon was
at 5° 32' 57.86'' in Capricorn. The displacement angle from Sun to Moon was 61° 25'
18.41''.

At the time of Tithi pravesha in 1976, Sun was at 10° 30' 11.58'' in Scorpio and Moon
was at 11° 55' 29.99'' in Capricorn. The displacement angle from Sun to Moon was again
61° 25' 18.41''. This matches the displacement angle at birth.
Annual TP Data: 26th November 1976, 9:34:07 (IST), 81 E 52', 25 N 28'
One can cast a chart for the above data and draw conclusions about the events in the year.
Use of Weekday, Lagna and Hora

The annual chart is interpreted just like the natal chart, but there are some special
considerations:

(1) Weekday: Take the ruler of the weekday running at the commencement of New
Year. If he is a benefic with respect to natal Lagna, it will be a favorable year. If he is
a malefic with respect to natal Lagna, it will be an unfavorable year.

(2) Lagna: Take the sign occupied by Lagna in the annual chart. If it is a quadrant or a
trine from natal Lagna, the year will bring the fruits of good actions of the past, i.e. it
will be a favorable year. If it is a Dusthana from natal Lagna, the year will bring the
results of evil actions of the past, i.e. it will be a year of obstacles.
(3) Hora: Take the ruler of the Hora (hour) running at the commencement of New Year.
This planet will be the most important planet during the year, even more important
than Lagna lord. The houses owned and occupied by this planet will set the tone for
the main events of the year. The strength, placement and yogas of this planet will
have a tremendous impact on the main events of the year.
In addition, all the principles applicable in natal horoscopy will apply in annual
horoscopy.

Example 2: Let us examine the 1976-77 annual chart found in Example 1 (Chart 1).
Chart 1
The weekday on 26th November 1976 was Friday. Its lord Venus is a functional malefic
for Mrs. Gandhi’s natal Lagna (Cancer). So it indicates an unfavorable year.
Lagna in the annual chart is in Sagittarius, which is a Dusthana from natal Lagna. It
shows struggle during the year.
Saturn Hora was running at 9:34:06 am on 26th November 1976. So Saturn is the most
important planet during the year. He is a functional malefic with respect to Sagittarius
Lagna and occupies the 8th house. This shows that the main theme of the year will be
disappointments and fall (8th). Mrs. Gandhi indeed experienced misfortune during the
year and her party was ousted from power in the General Elections of 1977.
In addition to the above points, one may note that
• Lagna lord is in a Dusthana.
• A functional malefic afflicts Lagna.
• The 9th and 10th lords are in the 12th house of losses, showing a loss of fortune.
One may contrast this annual chart with the annual charts of 1966-67 and 1970-71, when
her party won elections emphatically.

Example 3: Annual chart of 1966-67, when Mrs. Gandhi won an election (Chart 2)
Chart 2
The weekday was Thursday. Jupiter owns 6th and 9th from natal Cancer Lagna and is
considered a functional benefic. Lagna of the annual chart is in the 11th house from natal
Lagna and shows gains during the year.
Lagna lord, 4th lord and 5th lord form unblemished raja yoga within a 2-degree arc in the
7th house and aspect Lagna together. This excellent raja yoga promises much success
during the year. Mercury is a functional benefic; he owns the 5th house of power; and, he
takes part in this raja yoga. His Hora was running at 17:08:21 on 17th November 1966.
Thus the year is likely to bring power and authority (5th, 7th and raja yoga).

Chart 3

Example 4: Annual chart of 1970-71, when Mrs. Gandhi won another election
(Chart 3)
The weekday was Thursday again. Lagna in the annual chart is the same as in natal
Lagna. This shows favorable developments and a fresh and powerful new beginning.
Hora at the commencement of the New Year belonged to Mars. He is a Yogakaraka for
Cancer Lagna and takes part in a raja yoga that involves 4th, 5th, 9th and 10th lords. Again,
the strength and Yogas of the most important planet of the year suggests power and
authority in the New Year. As Mars owns 5th and 10th, power and career are the main
theme of the year. Moon’s aspect on Lagna indicates mass support.

Example 5: Annual chart of 2001-02 for the nation of Pakistan
Birth data: 14th August 1947, 0:00:01 (IST), 67 E 3', 24 N 52'
Annual TP Data: 16th August 2001, 15:27:00 (IST), 67 E 3', 24 N 52'
Chart 4
Scorpio rises in the annual chart and it is the 8th house from Pakistan’s natal Lagna
(Aries). This shows that results of the evil actions of the past will have to be experienced,
i.e. it shows a year of obstacles. In addition, one may note that that the 8th house of the
annual chart is occupied by 4 planets, including two key marakas – 2nd and 7th lords.
Moon and Rahu are also in the 8th house. This also confirms a year of obstacles, tension,
frustration, sudden changes and reversals.
However, Lagna lord Mars is in Lagna and hence Lagna is powerful. Moreover, Mars
Hora was running at the time of the chart and hence Mars is the most important planet of
the chart. He sets the theme of the year. As Mars owns and occupies Lagna, this is a year
of a fresh and bold new beginning.
Overall, this is a year in which Pakistan has to go through the pain of paying for past
mistakes and make a fresh and bold new beginning amid turmoil and frustration.
During this year, the nation of Pakistan had to desert their friends in Afghanistan and
unwillingly support the international war against terrorism, in the backdrop of unrest and
revolt within the militant religious circles of Pakistan. Pakistan’s laudable attempts to
curb extremism and return Pakistan to the mainstream international polity as a
progressive society are taking shape very slowly. Because of the strength of Mars,
General Musharraf’s position has only improved despite speculations about challenges to
his leadership. While the strength of lagna and hora lord shows an auspicious new
beginning, the strength of the 8th house and the placement of TP lagna from natal lagna
clearly show that this happens in the backdrop of past mistakes that bring immense
suffering.

Example 6: A native who stood first in his state (AP) in intermediate (higher
secondary school) examinations with a record score in May 1987
Birth data: 4th April 1970, 17:47 (IST), 81 E 8', 16 N 10'
Annual TP Data (1987-88): 28th March 1987, 0:31:15 (IST), 81 E 8', 16 N 10'
Chart 5
Weekday was Friday (note: weekday of Jyotish changes at sunrise and not at midnight).
Venus is a functional benefic with respect to the natal Lagna (Virgo). This shows
favorable events. Sagittarius rises in the annual chart and it is the 4th house from natal
Lagna. This being a quadrant, favorable results are indicated. The fruits of the native’s
past learning (4th) will be experienced in the year.
Lagna lord Jupiter also happens to be the Hora lord. Thus Jupiter is the most important
planet during the year and he sets the tone and tenor for the year. As he owns Lagna and
4th and occupies 4th, good results related to education are to be expected. As Jupiter
conjoins 9th lord Sun within 35 arc-min, there is a powerful raja yoga between Jupiter and
Sun. This raja yoga brings fortune in education and explains why academic success was
the main theme of the year.
Usually, whenever the Hora lord or the Lagna lord is involved in a good yoga in a Tithi
Pravesha chart, very favorable results related to the houses involved will be experienced
in the year. On the contrary, whenever the Hora lord or the Lagna lord is badly placed in
a Tithi Pravesha chart, the year will be disappointing.

As these examples may have demonstrated, Tithi Pravesha is a very sophisticated, and
yet simple, technique of Jyotish that enables us to quickly see the main events of a year
without much ado. One can get an accurate big picture without hairsplitting with
complicated techniques. It is simply an amazing technique.
However, Tithi Pravesha is not just about getting the big picture easily. There is much
more to it than what has been seen so far. As mentioned earlier, all the techniques
applicable in natal horoscopy are applicable in Tithi Pravesha. Several techniques like
divisional charts and Ashtakavarga can be considered for finer readings of Tithi Pravesha
charts. For fine timing of events within a given year, we even have a special dasa thatgoes together with Tithi Pravesha charts.