The word karaka means “one who causes”. Karaka of a matter is the significator of the matter. He is the one who causes events related to that matter.
There are 3 kinds of karakas:
(1) Naisargika karakas (natural significators, 9 in number).
(1) Chara karakas (variable significators, 8 in number), and,
(1) Sthira karakas (fixed significators, 7 in number),
One should not use the three types of karakas in a mixed-up way. Karakas of each type have a specific purpose. One should understand the distinction between chara, sthira and naisargika karakas clearly and use them accordingly.
Naisargika karakas shows everything that exists in the creation. They include Rahu, Ketu and the seven planets. They are presided by Brahma. Naisargika karakas show not only human beings, but they show various impersonal things and matters. They show everything that exists in Brahma’s creation and affects a person. Naisargika karakas are very useful in phalita Jyotish, i.e. analysis of general results.
Chara karakas include Rahu and the seven planets. They do not include Ketu, as Ketu stands for moksha (emancipation) and does not stand for any person who affects one’s sustenance. Chara karakas are presided by Vishnu and they show people who play a role in one’s life. As Vishnu presides over activities related to sustenance, achievements and spiritual progress, chara karakas show these aspects of one’s life. Chara karakas show people who play an important role in one’s sustenance and achievements. Examples are – mother, father, wife, advisors etc. Chara karakas are very useful in Raja Yogas and in spiritual progress. They also show how our karma (cumulative sum of actions) is carried from one life to another.
Sthira karakas include only 7 planets because only they have physical bodies. They are presided by Shiva. As Shiva presides over death, they show the destruction of body. Sthira karakas are useful in timing the death of various near relatives.