Houses & Signs

Bhava

भाव • Bhava

Bhava means 'house' in Vedic astrology. The 12 Bhavas represent different life domains — from self (1st) to spirituality (12th).

What is Bhava?

Bhava (Bhava, भाव) — Bhava means 'house' in Vedic astrology. The 12 Bhavas represent different life domains — from self (1st) to spirituality (12th).

In Vedic astrology, Bhava refers to a house — one of the 12 divisions of the birth chart that govern specific life areas. The 12 Bhavas are: 1st (Tanu - Self), 2nd (Dhana - Wealth), 3rd (Sahaja - Siblings), 4th (Sukha - Happiness), 5th (Putra - Children), 6th (Shatru - Enemies), 7th (Kalatra - Spouse), 8th (Mrityu - Death), 9th (Dharma - Fortune), 10th (Karma - Career), 11th (Labha - Gains), and 12th (Vyaya - Loss). The sign on the cusp of each Bhava is determined by the Lagna. Traditional Vedic astrology primarily uses the Whole Sign House system, where each sign constitutes one complete house.

Examples

The 7th Bhava (Kalatra Bhava) governs marriage, partnerships, and open enemies.
Planets in the 10th Bhava strongly influence career and public reputation.
The lord of each Bhava determines how that life area manifests.

Practical Application

Each Bhava analysis involves checking the sign on the cusp, planets occupying it, aspects to it, and the position of its lord. Together, these factors reveal the condition and potential of that life area.

Common Misconceptions

Vedic astrology primarily uses Whole Sign houses, not Placidus or Koch systems common in Western astrology.
An empty house doesn't mean that life area is absent — the house lord's position still activates it.
Dusthana houses (6, 8, 12) are not purely negative — they govern important life themes like health, transformation, and spirituality.

Related Terms

Lagnaलग्न
Kendraकेंद्र
Trikonaत्रिकोण
Dusthanaदुस्थान

More Houses & Signs Terms

Kendraकेंद्रTrikonaत्रिकोणDusthanaदुस्थान

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bhava in Vedic astrology?

Bhava means house. The 12 Bhavas represent different life domains: self, wealth, siblings, home, children, enemies, marriage, longevity, fortune, career, gains, and losses. Planets in each Bhava influence that life area.

What house system does Vedic astrology use?

Traditional Vedic astrology uses the Whole Sign House system, where each zodiac sign constitutes one complete house. Some astrologers also use the Bhava Chalit chart for house cusps.

What happens when a house is empty?

An empty house doesn't mean that life area is neglected. The house lord's sign, house, and aspects still activate the empty house's significations. Additionally, transiting planets periodically activate all houses.

Which are the most important Bhavas?

The Kendra houses (1, 4, 7, 10) and Trikona houses (1, 5, 9) are considered the most important. The 1st house is both a Kendra and Trikona, making it the most significant single house.