Step 1: accurate birth details
Everything starts with your date, time and place of birth. The place gives the latitude, longitude and time zone; the time decides your Lagna and the Moon's exact degree. If you are unsure of your birth time, use the most reliable record you have, such as a hospital certificate or family horoscope, and keep in mind that the Lagna and house positions are the most sensitive to small errors.
GrahaNow calculates positions using the sidereal zodiac with the Lahiri ayanamsa, following the Parashari tradition.
Step 2: your Kundli
The Kundli page shows your birth chart in the North Indian style. In this diamond layout, the top centre box is always the first house, which carries the name of your Lagna sign, and the houses run anticlockwise from there, one sign per house. The planets you see in a box were in that house when you were born.
Below the chart, a table lists each planet with its sign, house, degree and motion. 'Retrograde' simply means the planet appeared to move backwards from Earth at the time; it is a normal part of every chart. Start by finding three things: your Lagna, your Moon sign and where your Lagna lord sits.
Step 3: your houses
The Houses page goes through all twelve bhavas, showing the sign in each, any planets placed there and a short note on the area of life it relates to. Houses with several planets tend to be areas of life that feel busy or important; empty houses are read through their sign and lord, and are not missing.
Step 4: your Dasha
The Dasha page shows your Vimshottari periods: the mahadasha you are in now, its current antardasha, when each ends and the full sequence ahead. A useful habit is to note which houses the current mahadasha lord rules and occupies in your Kundli; those areas of life tend to be emphasised during the period.
Step 5: What Matters Now
What Matters Now compares your birth chart with your current planetary period and today's planet positions, then picks out the few areas of life that stand out, with a note on whether the signal comes from the dasha, the transits or both. It is a good place to start each week. You can also take any highlighted area to Ask GrahaNow with a follow-up question about what you would like to understand better.
Step 6: the daily Panchang
The Panchang page shows today's tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga and karana for your town, or any place you choose. It does not need your birth chart, so anyone can use it, signed in or not. Glance at it in the morning to see which tithi and nakshatra the day begins with, and when each one changes.
A note on interpretation
A chart is rich, and no single placement tells the whole story. Read the pages together, notice the themes that repeat, and treat what you find as guidance for reflection, not a fixed forecast. For important decisions about health, money, law or safety, always consult a qualified professional.
