The term Atma means the soul and Karaka means significator. To be precise, Atmakaraka is the significator of the soul’s desire. According to Vedic astrology, a soul is reborn only when it has unfinished desires that could not be fulfilled in previous lives. Thus, a soul is reborn to get an opportunity to fulfill them. What these desires are and whether they would be fulfilled is revealed by the Atmakaraka planet. Experts believe that Atmakaraka is one of the most important planets in the natal chart.

Sun is the natural Atmakaraka planet in all charts. In this article, we will talk about Chara Atmakaraka. While referring to personal Atmakaraka, we actually mean the Chara Atmakaraka. Chara Atmakaraka in astrology means one of the nine movable planets can take over the mantle of Atmakaraka depending on its degrees in the natal chart. The planet that has the highest degree, ignoring the signs, is considered the chara Atmakaraka.

Atmakaraka in astrology defines the spirit within us. However, its outer expression does not seem to be spiritual. This means that we can be easily taken in by the illusionary natures of the desires and think that the satiation of the worldly desires is all what the soul wants. However, it is very important to understand that the fulfillment of the worldly desires is part of the process of unveiling of the true soul. The soul is controlling the wheel of desire as the fulfillment of one set of material desires can create an ever-increasing appetite for more and more. As a result, these desires never become fulfilled.

The actual true desire of the soul is self realization. It wants to get off this wheel of desires and wants to know the truth. Therefore, the soul needs to understand the difference between real and false desires. Atmakaraka in astrology helps in understanding this difference. The false desires are those we search for in the outside world. The true desires are satisfied from within. The basic struggle of the soul is to differentiate between the two and its inability to differentiate is the reason why it takes birth again and again.

Atmakaraka in astrology signifies the struggles of the soul, but also shows the right path. It helps us in understanding life’s lessons. These lessons are usually delivered during Atmakaraka dashas and bhuktis. Identifying with the materialistic goals is essential and we must not underrate these needs. The birth of a soul on Earth shows that there is a worldly mission for the soul to complete before it is ready to understand the higher self. Atmakaraka in astrology will show you both the soul’s material goals and the spiritual ones. It is difficult to completely understand these goals. However, we can be enlightened to an extent.

Let us tell you about the effects of Atmakaraka in 8th House

With Atmakaraka in 8th house or Ascendant in the 8th house from Atmakaraka, the native may confront vexing problems in his life. These problems may be hard to solve. Most of these problems may include physical ailments, challenging longevity, emotional discontinuity and domestic disputes. With Atmakaraka in 8th house, a person should recite Maha mantra and Vishnu Sahastranam Stotra. Such a person should also keep a Satyanarayana fast. With Atmakaraka in 8th house, a person should be straightforward, truthful and honest.