In Vedic astrology, what does it mean when Venus is considered a functional malefic, and how does this affect one's fortune and wealth?
Published 1 August 2026
In Vedic astrology, according to Parashari rules, although Jupiter (Guru), Mercury (Budha), and Venus (Shukra) are considered naturally auspicious (benefic) planets, based on each individual birth chart, different planets become functional benefics (Karak) and functional malefics (Akarak) for the twelve different ascendants.
For example, for an Aries ascendant, the planet Venus becomes the house lord of the second and seventh houses, which means that in an Aries birth chart, Venus becomes the house lord of both maraka (killer) houses; meaning even a naturally auspicious planet like Venus becomes a functional malefic (Akarak) for an Aries ascendant. In such a situation, if Venus becomes a functional malefic planet in the chart and is also afflicted, then such a Venus proves to be more troublesome for that chart.
Because of this, the person does not get the support of fortune or gets it late; even if comforts, happiness from vehicles/happiness from a house are acquired, contentment is not achieved, the capacity to earn wealth is low, and one has to put in more hard work to acquire wealth and assets. If Venus is well-placed in the chart and aspected by benefic planets, then Venus can yield auspicious results even for an Aries ascendant chart.