What Are Planetary Degrees in Astrology and How Do They Shape Your Life?

In Vedic astrology, planets deliver results not only by their house and sign placement but also by their degree position. The degree-based condition of a planet is called its Avastha and it determines how strongly or weakly the planet will give its results.

Which Are Odd and Even Signs?

The zodiac is divided into two groups:

• Odd signs (masculine/harsh): Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius
• Even signs (feminine/gentle): Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces

These groups decide how planetary states are calculated by degrees.

How Are Planetary States Determined by Degrees?

Each zodiac sign has 30 degrees. These 30 degrees are divided into five parts of 6 degrees each. Every section represents a planetary state.

In Odd Signs

• 0°-6° : Bala (child state)
• 7°-12° : Kumara (adolescent state)
• 13°-18° : Yuva (youth state)
• 19°-24° : Vriddha (mature state)
• 25°-30° : Mrit (dead state)

In Even Signs (reverse order)

• 0°-6° : Mrit (dead state)
• 7°-12° : Vriddha (mature state)
• 13°-18° : Yuva (youth state)
• 19°-24° : Kumara (adolescent state)
• 25°-30° : Bala (child state)

Table: Planetary States by Degrees

Sign Type	0-6°	7-12°	13-18°	19-24°	25-30°
Odd Sign	Bala	Kumara	Yuva	Vriddha	Mrit
Even Sign	Mrit	Vriddha	Yuva	Kumara	Bala

What Results Do These States Give?

• Bala (Child): Weak, incomplete results, sign of immaturity.
• Kumara (Adolescent): Moderate strength, partial success with struggles.
• Yuva (Youth): Strongest and most fruitful, complete results, best for career and marriage.
• Vriddha (Mature): Weakening state, limited output.
• Mrit (Dead): Extremely weak, unable to give positive outcomes.

Example for Better Understanding

If Jupiter is placed in Sagittarius at 15 degrees, it falls in Yuva Avastha. The person gains strong results in education, children and fortune. If the same Jupiter is at 27 degrees, it will be in Mrit Avastha, making results much weaker.

Yogakaraka and Maraka Planets

• Some planets become Yogakaraka for each ascendant and bring success, wealth and prosperity.
• Some planets act as Maraka and may bring obstacles or severe struggles.
• A Yogakaraka in Yuva state gives highly auspicious results.
• The same in Mrit state loses its strength.

Importance of Degrees in Planetary Conjunctions

When two or more planets are placed in the same house, it is called Yuti or conjunction.

• If they are close in degrees, their combined results are very strong.
• If they are far in degrees, the impact is weak even if the conjunction is auspicious.
• Malefic conjunctions close in degrees increase problems.

Comparative Table: Planetary States and Their Impact

State	Strength	Result
Bala	Weak	Incomplete, unstable results
Kumara	Moderate	Partial success with effort
Yuva	Strong	Full success and strong influence
Vriddha	Weak	Limited and tiring outcomes
Mrit	Very weak	Unable to give positive results

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are planetary degrees studied?

Because they show how strong or weak the planet is in giving results.

Which is the most auspicious state?

The Yuva or youth state is the strongest and most fruitful.

What does Mrit state mean?

It means the planet is very weak and almost inactive.

When do Yogakaraka planets give the best results?

When they are in the Yuva state and supported by benefic aspects.

Why is degree closeness important in conjunctions?

Because the closer the planets are in degree, the stronger and deeper their combined effect.