Decode planetary timelines
Dashas are the heartbeat of Vedic timing. They reveal when specific planetary teachers take the lead, guiding you through initiations, growth spurts, and integration windows.
- Pair dasha periods with house rulership to uncover which life arenas request attention.
- Anticipate emotional tone shifts by tracking sub-period handovers before they occur.
- Build rituals and accountability that collaborate with, rather than resist, planetary timelines.
Core dasha systems
Start with Vimshottari, then layer additional systems as your practice deepens. Use the cues to decide which tool best supports each question.
Vimshottari
The most widely used dasha system. It begins from the Moon's nakshatra at birth and cycles through planetary periods with precise sub-period layers (bhuktis).
- Anchor forecasting for most charts
- Blend with transits and profections for timing
- Use nakshatra mythology for coaching language
Yogini
An eight-phase cycle totalling 36 years. Excellent for tracking creative projects, relocations, and quick lifestyle pivots.
- Check when Yogini lord matches Vimshottari lord
- Use for annual planning
- Highlight shifts in aesthetic or branding direction
Chara
Uses the Jaimini chara karakas rather than planets. Reveals soul-level lessons and career evolution when paired with divisional charts.
- Apply for leadership or legacy questions
- Cross-reference with D10 and D9 charts
- Note when Atmakaraka periods demand inner alignment
Kalachakra
A nakshatra-based system that mirrors collective cycles. Helpful for mundane astrology, market trends, and organisational forecasting.
- Map company charts with Kalachakra
- Observe eclipse seasons for validation
- Blend with Saturn/Jupiter transits for macro timing
Vimshottari cycle overview
Keep this reference close when planning. It reminds you of the flavour and duration of each maha-dasha.
| Planetary lord | Years | Signature themes |
|---|---|---|
| Ketu | 7 | Detox, endings, spiritual audit |
| Venus | 20 | Relationships, wealth, creative maturation |
| Sun | 6 | Identity, leadership, visibility |
| Moon | 10 | Home, emotional tides, nourishment |
| Mars | 7 | Courage, competition, focused drive |
| Rahu | 18 | Innovation, risk, karmic accelerations |
| Jupiter | 16 | Expansion, teaching, purpose alignment |
| Saturn | 19 | Discipline, responsibility, long-term building |
| Mercury | 17 | Communication, trade, adaptability |
Planning workflow
Follow these steps to translate planetary periods into compassionate strategy.
- Clarify the natal promise: read the dasha lord's natal house, dignity, yogas, and divisional chart strength.
- Track the bhukti (sub-period) rulers. Note when bhukti lords activate sensitive houses like the 6th, 8th, or 12th.
- Overlay major transits (Saturn, Jupiter, nodes) and profections to pinpoint when a theme escalates.
- Design aligned rituals and experiments: remedies, coaching actions, or strategic pauses that support the planetary lesson.
Remember the nested timelines
Every maha-dasha contains bhuktis, pratyantars, and beyond. When overwhelm hits, zoom into the current bhukti and identify one supportive action. It keeps guidance compassionate and actionable.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions for journaling or client homework as you navigate new planetary periods.
- Which dasha or bhukti just began for you? List three adjectives that describe the opening week and compare them with the planet's mythology.
- Review your last nodal dasha. What obsessions or leaps did it bring, and how can you integrate that wisdom now?
- Notice how your daily schedule reflects the current dasha lord. What micro-adjustment would honour its elemental needs?
- If a client enters a Saturn period, what structures can you co-create to make accountability feel supportive rather than punitive?