How Strength Scores Are Calculated

A transparent, mathematical breakdown of how the "Planet Strength %" is computed in your natal chart reading using a high-fidelity, multi-dimensional model.

The Four Pillars of Planetary Strength

Each planet's strength is calculated as a weighted average of four distinct astrological dimensions. This provides a holistic view of a planet's true capacity to deliver results. The final score is on a scale of 0 to 100.

1. Shadbala Normalization (40% Weight)

Shadbala is a classical system that calculates a planet's "six-fold strength" based on various factors like its position, time of day, and aspects. However, a raw Shadbala score isn't useful without context. Different planets require different amounts of strength to function effectively.

Logic: We compare a planet's actual Shadbala score (from `PlanetShadbalaPinda`) to its minimum required score (e.g., Sun needs 390 Virupas, Moon needs 360, etc.).
Calculation: The score for this pillar is derived from the ratio `(Actual Shadbala / Required Shadbala)`. A ratio of 1.0 means the planet has exactly the strength it needs.
Retrograde Malefics: A malefic planet (like Saturn or Mars) that is retrograde has its strength amplified. In this case, its Shadbala ratio is given a +10% boost.

2. Dignity & Varga Consistency (25% Weight)

This pillar assesses a planet's strength based on its placement in the zodiac (dignity) and its consistency across important divisional charts (vargas).

Rasi Dignity: A planet's score is heavily influenced by whether it is in its sign of Exaltation (best), Debilitation (worst), Own sign, a Friendly sign, or an Enemy's sign.
Vargottama Bonus: If a planet occupies the same sign in both the main chart and the crucial Navamsha (D9) divisional chart (`IsPlanetVargottama`), it becomes extremely powerful and stable. This provides a significant score boost.
Navamsha Dignity Bonus: We also check the planet's dignity within the Navamsha chart itself. If it is exalted or in its own sign there, it receives another bonus, indicating consistent underlying strength.

3. Functional State (Avasthas) (20% Weight)

Avasthas represent the "mood" or "state of being" of a planet. A strong planet in a bad mood cannot deliver good results.

Positive States: If a planet is in a "happy" or "proud" state (`IsPlanetInMuditaAvasta` or `IsPlanetInGarvitaAvasta`), it receives a major score boost.
Negative States: If a planet is in a "starved" or "ashamed" state (`IsPlanetInKshuditaAvasta` or `IsPlanetInLajjitaAvasta`), it receives a severe penalty, as it is unable to function properly.

4. Residential & Directional Strength (15% Weight)

This pillar measures a planet's power based on its placement in the chart's "directions."

Directional Strength (Dig Bala): Each planet is strongest in a specific direction (house). For example, the Sun and Mars are strongest in the 10th house (the "south" or top of the chart). We normalize the planet's `PlanetDigBala` value to get a score out of 100.
Kendra Bonus: If a planet is in a Kendra (angular) house (1, 4, 7, 10), it is on one of the main pillars of the chart and gains influence. This provides a small but important bonus to its score.

Final Adjustments

After the weighted average of the four pillars is calculated, a final penalty is applied.

Combustion: If a planet is too close to the Sun (`IsPlanetCombust`), its power is "burned." It receives a flat -15 point penalty on its final score, signifying its weakened state.

The final score is then capped between 0 and 100 to produce the "Planet Strength %" you see in the reading.