Amala yoga
Amala yoga is a classical yoga in which a benefic graha is placed in the tenth house from the Lagna or from the Moon. The name means spotless, and the yoga is described as bringing a good reputation.
What it is
The standard rule is a benefic (Jupiter, Venus, or the waxing Moon and Mercury with benefics) in the tenth house from the Lagna or the Moon. The traditional readings associate it with respect and a clean reputation.
How it is worked out or read
The site does not check amala yoga. The tenth house and the benefics are in the birth chart, and the rule can be checked by hand.
Where it appears on this site
The tenth house is in the birth chart. See the benefic and malefic article for the classes.
The definition
Amala yoga is formed when a natural benefic, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury or a waxing Moon, occupies the tenth house counted from the Lagna or from the Moon. The Phaladeepika and other texts describe it, and some versions require that the benefic be free of malefic association or aspect. The word amala means spotless or pure, and the yoga is associated with a clean reputation.
What it is said to give
The traditional results include lasting fame, good conduct, a reputation for honesty and helpfulness, and a respected position in one's work. The tenth house is the house of action and public standing, so a benefic there is read as giving a career and public image marked by the benefic's own qualities: Jupiter for wisdom and teaching, Venus for art and grace, Mercury for skill and communication.
Checking it
To check Amala yoga from the Lagna, count ten signs from the Lagna sign and see whether a benefic occupies it. Then do the same from the Moon's sign. If the benefic is strong, in its own or exaltation sign or a friend's sign and not combust, the yoga is considered stronger. If a malefic shares the tenth house or aspects it strongly, many readers consider the yoga spoiled. When the Moon is used as the benefic, it should be bright, not close to Amavasya.
How common it is
Because the yoga can be counted from either the Lagna or the Moon and involves any of four benefics, partial forms are common. A great many charts have at least one benefic in the tenth from one of the two points. This is a reason to read the yoga with the strength of the benefic and the condition of the tenth lord, rather than as a rare distinction on its own.
In context
Amala yoga is best read alongside the rest of the career picture: the tenth lord, the planets aspecting the tenth house, the Sun and Saturn as natural significators of authority and work, and the dashas. It points to a theme of reputation and conduct that the rest of the chart may reinforce or qualify.