Learn: the basics in plain language

A Kundli is a map of the sky at the moment and place of birth. It shows where the nine grahas stood: the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, and the two lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu.

The sky is divided into 12 rashis (signs) of 30° each and 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) of 13°20′, each with four padas. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, fixed to the stars; the ayanamsa (Lahiri by default) is the difference from the tropical zodiac.

The Lagna (ascendant) is the sign rising in the east at birth. It sets the twelve houses, so it depends on the exact birth time: it changes about every two hours.

Kundli Milan compares the two Moons. Eight factors (kootas) score a total of 36 points: Varna 1, Vashya 2, Tara 3, Yoni 4, Graha Maitri 5, Gana 6, Bhakoot 7 and Nadi 8.

18 or more is traditionally acceptable. A good score is only a start: Nadi and Bhakoot doshas, and Manglik dosha, are weighed separately, and each has recognised cancellations.

• Nadi dosha: both partners in the same Nadi (Adi, Madhya or Antya). Linked with health and progeny.
• Bhakoot dosha: Moon signs 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 apart. Linked with family welfare.
• Manglik dosha: Mars in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house. Often cancelled, for example when both partners are Manglik.
• Kaal Sarp: all planets on one side of the Rahu–Ketu axis.
• Sade Sati: about seven and a half years while Saturn passes over the 12th, 1st and 2nd signs from the Moon.

The Vimshottari dasha divides a 120-year cycle among the nine grahas: Ketu 7, Venus 20, Sun 6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19 and Mercury 17 years. The first period belongs to the lord of the Moon’s nakshatra at birth. Each period (Mahadasha) is divided into Antardashas and further levels.

The Yogini dasha is a shorter 36-year cycle of eight yoginis.

The Panchang has five limbs: tithi (lunar day, by the Moon–Sun angle), vara (weekday, from sunrise), nakshatra (the Moon’s star), yoga (from the sum of Sun and Moon) and karana (half a tithi). Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda and Gulika Kaal are parts of the day traditionally avoided for new work.

The planetary positions are computed with modern astronomy and match standard Jyotish software to within a fraction of a degree. The weak point is usually the birth time: a few minutes can change the Lagna or the Moon’s nakshatra near a boundary. Traditions also differ on some rules; Kundli Pro shows which rule it used.

Astrology is a traditional belief system. Please treat the results as guidance and consult a qualified astrologer for important decisions.