The dharma houses 1, 5, 9 are the houses of meaning and purpose. They relate to the fire element which represents inspiration. When we are living in harmony with the dharma houses in our chart then our lives feel worthwhile. We feel inspired, passionate and on fire. The dharma houses are opposite the kama or desire houses. The kama houses represent what we 'want' to do, whereas the dharma houses represent what we 'need' to do to give our lives meaning.

When we enter a dasha period of a planet who rules a dharma house then it represents a time when we become less willing to compromise what is most important to us. In yesterdays article I talked about how the dasha of the 9th house can represent a break in one's career for ethical or spiritual reasons, or to travel. Another way of explaining this would be because their job no longer held meaning or purpose.

If there's a combination of the 9th and 10th lords in the natal chart it forms the best raja yoga called a 'dharma karma raja yoga.' It's a combination between the highest of the dharma or fire houses (1, 5, 9) with the highest of the artha or earth houses (2, 6, 10). The 10th house is also called the house of karma or action. It suggests a person who is able to combine their inspiration with their career which can lead to the greatest success.

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