Atmakaraka

Atmakaraka (Sanskrit atmakaraka, from atma- 'soul', and karaka- 'significator' .) Atmakaraka is the significator of the soul's desire in Jyotisha.

Overview

The natural Atmakaraka is the Sun in all natal charts. The personal Atmakaraka is the Chara Atmakaraka. Chara in Sanskrit means 'movable', and one of eight planets (Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu) can be the Chara Atmakaraka, depending on its degree (0°… 29°) in the natal chart. The planet that has the highest degree is considered the Chara Atmakaraka.

In Jaimini Astrology following karakas exist:

1. Atmakaraka (Own self, considered the strongest planet)
2. Amatyakaraka (Career)
3. Bhratrukaraka (Brothers and sisters)
4. Matrukaraka (Mother)
5. Putrakaraka (Children)
6. Gnatikaraka (Cousins and relations)
7. Darakaraka (Husband, wife)

Some experts give an 8th karaka; however, most only use 7 karakas. In Jaimini Astrology these karakas are identified from the descending order of degree. The planet with highest degree, minutes and seconds will be Atmakaraka, next planet with lesser degree will be Amatyakarka and so on (since the lunar nodes run backwards, applies the inverse number of degrees of Rahu).