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Cheshta Bala (Motional Strength) – Detailed Explanation
1. Introduction to Cheshta Bala (Motional Strength)
Cheshta Bala (चेष्टाबल) or Motional Strength is a key component of Shadbal (Sixfold Strength) in Vedic astrology. It quantifies the strength a planet derives from its motion, which includes speed, direction, and retrogression.
A planet with high Cheshta Bala is energetic, expressive, and influential in delivering results, whereas a planet with low Cheshta Bala is weaker and struggles to manifest its effects fully.
2. Importance of Cheshta Bala
- Measures planetary effort and energy → Determines how strongly a planet tries to manifest its results.
- Retrograde planets gain extra strength → Retrogression increases the planet’s power.
- Influences planetary results in Dasha & Transit → A high Cheshta Bala planet dominates its Dasha.
- Used in evaluating benefic and malefic impacts → A high-strength malefic planet can cause significant challenges.
- Essential for career, finance, and spiritual growth predictions.
3. Calculation of Cheshta Bala
Cheshta Bala is derived by analyzing a planet’s motion relative to the Sun and is measured in Shashtiamsas (1/60th of a Rashi). It depends on the five stages of planetary motion:
| Phase | Meaning | Maximum Strength (Shashtiamsa) |
|---|---|---|
| Vakra (Retrograde) | The planet is moving backward | 60 |
| Anuvakra (Coming out of retrogression) | Gradually slowing down from retrograde | 50 |
| Margi (Direct motion after retrogression) | Recently turned direct from retrograde | 40 |
| Manda (Slow motion but direct) | Slow forward motion | 30 |
| Mandatara (Very slow near combustion or stationary) | Moving extremely slowly | 20 |
| Sama (Even-paced motion) | Normal speed, neither slow nor fast | 10 |
| Atichari (Fast motion) | Moving faster than normal | 5 |
A) Retrogression and Cheshta Bala
- Retrograde planets (Vakra) always get maximum Cheshta Bala (60 Shashtiamsa).
- The closer a planet is to retrogression, the higher its Cheshta Bala.
- If a planet is in direct motion but moving slowly, it has moderate Cheshta Bala.
- Atichari (fast-moving) planets have the lowest Cheshta Bala.
B) Cheshta Bala Formula
Cheshta Bala=1−Relative Speed of the Planet1×60\text{Cheshta Bala} = \frac{1 – \text{Relative Speed of the Planet}}{1} \times 60Cheshta Bala=11−Relative Speed of the Planet×60
- Retrograde planets (Vakra) → Full 60 Shashtiamsa.
- Planets slowing down (Anuvakra/Marga) → 50-40 Shashtiamsa.
- Stationary planets (Mandatara) → 20 Shashtiamsa.
- Fast-moving planets (Atichari) → 5 Shashtiamsa.
4. Effects of Cheshta Bala on Different Planets
| Planet | High Cheshta Bala Effects | Low Cheshta Bala Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Strong leadership, high confidence | Weak leadership, lack of ambition |
| Moon | Mental strength, good intuition | Emotional instability, confusion |
| Mars | High energy, courage, determination | Lack of motivation, low stamina |
| Mercury | Sharp intellect, good communication | Poor concentration, indecisiveness |
| Jupiter | Wisdom, financial growth, spirituality | Struggles with wisdom and finances |
| Venus | Strong relationships, creative success | Relationship issues, low charm |
| Saturn | Patience, discipline, long-term success | Delays, lack of perseverance |
5. Special Considerations
- Retrograde Planets in a Birth Chart
- Vakra planets (Retrograde) have high Cheshta Bala and become powerful.
- Example: A retrograde Jupiter gets maximum strength (60 Shashtiamsa) and gives strong results in its Dasha.
- Combust Planets (Near Sun)
- A combust planet loses Cheshta Bala and struggles to deliver full results.
- Example: Venus within 6 degrees of the Sun will have low Cheshta Bala.
- Fast-Moving Planets (Atichari)
- If a planet moves faster than normal, its Cheshta Bala decreases, making it unstable.
- Example: If Mercury is moving too fast, decision-making may be erratic.
6. Uses of Cheshta Bala in Astrology
- Assessing Planetary Strength in Dashas & Transits
- High Cheshta Bala planets give strong results in their Dasha periods.
- Low Cheshta Bala planets need remedies to give full effects.
- Determining the Power of Retrograde Planets
- Retrograde planets with high Cheshta Bala dominate the horoscope.
- Example: A retrograde Mars in Aries with 60 Shashtiamsa is extremely strong for action & courage.
- Evaluating a Planet’s Ability to Deliver Results
- High Cheshta Bala → Planet actively works for the native.
- Low Cheshta Bala → Planet needs remedies (mantras, donations, or gemstones).
- Predicting Career & Wealth
- A retrograde Jupiter with high Cheshta Bala → Strong financial growth.
- A fast-moving Mercury with low Cheshta Bala → Poor decision-making in business.
- Understanding Emotional & Mental Strength
- A strong Moon with high Cheshta Bala → Good mental stability.
- A weak Moon with low Cheshta Bala → Prone to anxiety & stress.
Cheshta Bala is a critical factor in Shadbal, influencing how strongly a planet can deliver its results. Retrograde planets gain maximum power, while fast-moving or combust planets become weak. Understanding Cheshta Bala helps in making precise predictions and applying the right remedies.
