Seventh House (Kalatra Bhava) in Vedic Astrology

The Seventh House (Kalatra Bhava) is the seventh house of the Vedic birth chart. Its natural sign is Libra, ruled by Venus, and its karaka is Venus. It governs marriage, business partnerships, relationships. Here is what the Seventh House means, the results of a strong or afflicted Seventh House, and how to read it.

Quick facts

Natural signLibra
Natural lordVenus
Karaka (significator)Venus
House typeKendra / Maraka
Body part (Kalapurusha)Pelvis, lower abdomen

What it governs

  • Marriage and the spouse
  • Business partnerships and contracts
  • Relationships and the public
  • Trade, dealings and foreign travel

When it is strong

A strong 7th house gives a happy marriage, a supportive spouse, successful partnerships and good public and business dealings.

When it is afflicted

An afflicted 7th house can bring marital discord, delays in marriage, troubled partnerships or losses in business dealings.

Planets in this house

Which planets sit in this house, and the strength of its lord, decide the actual outcome. As a rule, natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, a waxing Moon) support the house, while malefics (Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, the Sun) stress it — except in the upachaya houses (3, 6, 10, 11), where malefics often do very well.

How to read it

To read the Seventh House in your own chart, look at three things: the sign on the house, the planet that rules that sign (and where it sits), and any planets placed in the house. Generate your free birth chart to see all three for every house.