The 4 Types of Karma in Vedic Astrology: The Path to Your Spirituality

By Cynthia Rose | Stella Bien-Être Inc.

In the tradition of Jyotish, astrology is not merely a tool for prediction. It is a sacred path to reconnect with one's spirituality, to understand the subtle mechanics of our soul across time, and to awaken our consciousness. At the heart of this wisdom lies a fundamental truth: our actions — past, present, and future — shape our destiny. This is what we call Karma, and according to ancient texts, there are four types of Karma in Vedic astrology.

1. Sanchita Karma – Accumulated Karma

Sanchita means “heaped together.” It represents the sum total of our past actions — from all previous lifetimes. It is the great karmic reservoir that influences our future incarnations. Imagine a quiver full of arrows: each arrow represents an action, good or bad, that has not yet been experienced, but will eventually shape our destiny.

❝Sometimes, people live an exemplary life and still go through great suffering. These are the effects of Sanchita Karma — the karmic debts of a distant past. ❞

2. Prarabdha Karma – Manifested Karma

Prarabdha is the drawn bow, the arrow already released. This is the karma we are currently experiencing in this incarnation. It is unavoidable — unless there is divine intervention from a true master or an exceptional blessing. It determines our body, our family, our work, our trials.

❝ A difficult birth, an illness, or even the loss of a child can be manifestations of Prarabdha — consequences of past actions, visible in the birth chart. ❞

3. Agami Karma – Karma in Formation

Agami is the karma we are generating now, which will bear fruit in a future life. These are the unfulfilled desires that follow us over and over again until they are experienced. It is the arrow being placed on the bow — prepared for another life.

❝ If someone once had a desire to be a crime lord in a past life, that may manifest in this life through destructive choices, affecting their future lives. ❞

This karma is powerful, as it forms the cycle of desires and illusions. By becoming aware of our choices, we can positively influence the incarnations to come.

4. Kriyamana Karma – Present Karma

Kriyamana is active karma — the one we create in the here and now. Every action, every word, every thought leaves a mark. It is our spiritual responsibility. What we do today becomes the karma of tomorrow.

❝ If I teach archery, I must ask myself: am I helping or harming? If I hit my partner, am I ready to experience the same pain in another life? ❞

Adopting this perspective makes us more conscious, more ethical beings.

Karma is an Opportunity for Awakening

At Stella Bien-Être, we believe astrology is not meant to predict but to awaken. Understanding the 4 types of karma means understanding the language of the soul. It means choosing to live with intention, with faith, and with love.

Astrology is the bridge between the material and the spiritual.