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Take Exam (Pay Later)Introduction to Avasthas
The Essence
Just as a King cannot rule effectively while asleep, intoxicated, or in infancy, a planet cannot deliver its promised karma if its state—or 'Avastha'—is compromised. While a planet's sign indicates 'what' energy is available, and its house indicates 'where' it is acting, the Avastha reveals the vital consciousness behind the action: is the planet awake, dreaming, or entirely dormant?
Classical Verse
"From the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (45.2): 'Balakumara yauvana vriddha mrita iti pancadha avasthah.' Translation: The states of the planets are five-fold: Bala (Infant), Kumara (Youthful), Yuva (Adolescent/Prime), Vriddha (Advanced/Old), and Mrita (Dead)."
Modern Translation
Technically, Avasthas quantify the maturity and ability of a planet to yield results based on its specific degree. In the Baladi (Age) system, the 30 degrees of a sign are divided into five parts. For Odd signs, 0-6° is Infant (low potency), growing to peak strength at 12-18° (Yuva/Prime), and decaying to Dead (0 potency) at 24-30°. For Even signs, this order is perfectly reversed. This is the missing link explaining why an exalted planet might fail to deliver concrete results (if it holds the status of 'Dead') or why a neutral planet manifests powerfully (if it is 'Prime').
Practical Insight
Do not fear the 'Mrita' (Dead) Avastha as a sign of doom. In professional practice, a 'Dead' planet often signifies that the external, material karma of that planet has ceased, forcing the energy inward. A 7th Lord in Mrita Avastha may deny a conventional flashy wedding, but it often indicates a relationship deeply rooted in past-life karma or spiritual partnership where the ego is dissolved.
Go Deeper
Open your chart and examine the degrees of your Lagna Lord (Ascendant Ruler). Is it acting with the impulsive energy of an Infant (Bala), the conquering power of an Adolescent (Yuva), or the detached wisdom of the Dead (Mrita)?
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