Auspicious yoga · BPHS, Phaladeepika

Shubha Kartari Yoga

Lagna or Moon flanked by benefics in 2nd and 12th houses.

Shubha Kartari Yoga is the auspicious "scissors" yoga, formed when the Lagna (or the Moon, depending on the version) is flanked by benefics in the 2nd and 12th houses. The name kartari means "scissors," referring to the two flanking planets. When both flanking planets are benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury), the yoga is called Shubha Kartari (auspicious scissors); when both are malefics, it becomes Papa Kartari (negative scissors).

How Shubha Kartari Yoga forms

Shubha Kartari Yoga forms when (1) the Lagna or Moon is flanked by planets in the 2nd and 12th houses from itself, and (2) both flanking planets are natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, or unafflicted Mercury). Mercury alone counts as benefic when not closely conjunct a malefic. The yoga can be measured from Lagna or Moon, with the Lagna version generally weighed more in classical screening.

Effects on the native

Effects on the native: protection through the early years of life, supportive immediate environment, family backing, and the kind of buffered upbringing where the native is shielded from major early reversals. Shubha Kartari natives often describe their early lives as fortunate without being privileged: things worked out, opportunities came, and family supported the path. The yoga gives a sense of being "looked after" without requiring spectacular interventions.

Strength factors

Shubha Kartari is strongest when both flanking benefics are in own or exalted signs, when neither is combust, and when the protected planet (Lagna lord or Moon) is itself dignified. Jupiter in the 12th and Venus in the 2nd from Lagna, both in own signs, with the Lagna lord in own sign in the Lagna, is a textbook strong Shubha Kartari.

Cancellation and limitations

Cancelling factors: combustion of either flanking benefic, retrograde affliction in dusthana, or one flanking benefic being closely conjunct a malefic (which converts the benefic's influence). A mixed scissor (one benefic, one malefic) gives mixed results that depend on the dasha.

Archetype

The Shubha Kartari archetype: the well-supported native whose early life was buffered by family, education, and circumstance, who entered adulthood with a foundation rather than from scratch. Not the spectacular self-made figure; the well-protected one.

Classical sources

BPHS lists Shubha Kartari among the auspicious flanking yogas. Phaladeepika emphasises the protective quality of the configuration. Saravali notes that Shubha Kartari often correlates with stable family-of-origin support, even when the family is not wealthy in absolute terms.

Frequently asked questions about Shubha Kartari Yoga

What is Shubha Kartari Yoga?+

Shubha Kartari Yoga is the auspicious "scissors" yoga, formed when the Lagna (or Moon) is flanked by natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury) in the 2nd and 12th houses.

What does Shubha Kartari Yoga give?+

Protection through early years, supportive immediate environment, family backing, and a buffered upbringing. The native is often "looked after" without needing spectacular interventions.

How is Shubha Kartari different from Papa Kartari?+

Shubha Kartari has benefics flanking; Papa Kartari has malefics flanking. The two are direct opposites and produce opposite effects: protection vs. constraint.

Is Shubha Kartari measured from Lagna or Moon?+

Both versions exist in classical literature. The Lagna version is generally weighed more in standard screening; the Moon version specifically affects emotional and family-of-origin themes.

What cancels Shubha Kartari Yoga?+

Combustion of flanking benefics, retrograde affliction in dusthana, or one flanking planet being closely conjunct a malefic (which converts the benefic's influence).

Other yogas

Generate your free kundali to see which yogas your chart contains.

Find the yogas in your chart

Free Lahiri-sidereal kundali screens for Pancha Mahapurusha, Raj Yogas, Dhana Yogas and more.

Generate my chart