Past & future using Arudha Lagna (AL)

Reading the Past and Future in a Prashna Chart – A Traditional Technique Using Arudha.

When working with a Prashna chart, most astrologers immediately look at the Lagna, the Moon, and the house connected with the question. These are certainly the backbone of Prashna judgement. But traditional texts also preserve a few subtle techniques that can quickly reveal the flow of events in the querent’s life , what has already happened and what may unfold next.

One such technique uses the Arudha Lagna.

It is not a complicated method, but once you start applying it, it adds an interesting layer to the interpretation of the Prashna chart.



Starting with the Arudha-

In astrology, the Arudha represents the manifested reality or the visible state of things. In the context of Prashna, it reflects how the querent’s situation is appearing or playing out in the world.

To find the Arudha Lagna, count the number of signs from the Lagna to its lord. Then count the same number of signs forward from the position of that lord. The sign reached becomes the Arudha.

Once this point is determined, the chart is briefly examined from the perspective of the Arudha instead of the ordinary Lagna.



Locating the Two Key Points

From the Arudha, two important cusps are identified.

If you add three signs, you reach the 4th cusp from the Arudha. If you subtract three signs, you reach the 10th cusp from the Arudha.

These two houses are naturally opposite to each other in the zodiac.

This division is what the technique relies on.



The Half that Represents the Past

The signs running from the 10th cusp to the 4th cusp form what is called the eastern half of the chart in this method.

This half represents the past experiences of the querent.

Once this section is identified, the astrologer simply observes which planets are placed there.

If benefic planets dominate this region, it usually suggests that the querent’s past contained favourable circumstances, helpful influences, or periods of relative comfort.

If malefic planets occupy most of this half, the indication is that the past may have involved struggle, pressure, or difficult situations that shaped the present moment.



The Half that Represents the Future

The remaining signs from the 4th cusp back to the 10th cusp form the western half of the chart.

This half symbolically represents the future direction of the querent’s life.

Here again the judgement is straightforward.

When benefic planets appear in this section, the future is generally expected to move in a positive direction. Opportunities, improvement, or relief from earlier difficulties may be on the way.

If stronger malefic planets dominate this area, it may suggest that the querent is entering a phase where patience, discipline, or caution will be necessary.



A Small Classical Observation

Traditional astrologers also mention a quick observation related to the sign occupied by the Arudha.

When the Arudha falls between Aries and Virgo, it is often considered a sign that the past was relatively favourable.

When it falls between Libra and Pisces, the chart hints that the future may bring improvement or progress.

This rule is usually taken only as a general indication and not as a final judgement.



Why This Method Is Interesting

What makes this technique appealing is its simplicity. It does not rely on complicated calculations or multiple divisional charts. Instead, it uses the symmetry of the zodiac and the symbolic meaning of the 4th and 10th houses.

By anchoring the chart to the Arudha and dividing it into two halves, the astrologer gets a quick glimpse of the timeline of the querent’s experience,where the person has been and where the path might lead.

Of course, no single rule should be used in isolation. A proper Prashna judgement always considers the Lagna, the Moon, planetary strengths, aspects, and the houses connected with the question itself.

Still, this small traditional technique often gives a surprisingly clear first impression of the querent’s journey. Sometimes it confirms that the difficult phase belongs to the past. At other times it quietly suggests that better days may lie ahead.

Written By,

Owner & Founder,

Astro Station,

Radhika Bhusari.