How to Calculate Tithi in Astrology: A Complete Guide

If you've ever wondered how astrologers decide the perfect day for festivals, rituals, or even personal milestones, you're in the right place. In Hindu astrology, Tithi plays a major role. It's not just some mystical concept — it’s a straightforward idea linked to the phases of the Moon. Whether you're new to astrology or just curious about how this all works, this guide will walk you through what Tithi is, how to calculate it, and why it matters in your life.

What Exactly is a Tithi?

At its core, Tithi is simply the lunar day — a measure of the Moon’s journey relative to the Sun. Each Tithi is about 12 degrees of separation between the Sun and the Moon in the sky. As the Moon orbits the Earth, it moves through 30 Tithis, which together make up a lunar month. These Tithis are divided into two halves:

• Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon): From New Moon to Full Moon.
• Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon): From Full Moon back to New Moon.

Each of these 30 Tithis is significant in its own way, and different days are better suited for specific activities — from fasting to celebrations.

Why Should You Care About Tithi?

You might be thinking, “Why does any of this matter?” Well, in Vedic astrology, Tithis are much more than just lunar days. They help determine auspicious moments (called "Muhurat") for rituals, ceremonies, or even starting new ventures. For example:

• Ekadashi (the 11th lunar day) is considered excellent for fasting and spiritual reflection.
• Purnima (Full Moon day) is perfect for celebrations, prayers, and honoring ancestors.
• Amavasya (New Moon) is ideal for meditation and introspection.

Even festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan are celebrated based on Tithi. So, knowing how to calculate Tithi can help you align your life with these cosmic rhythms.

How to Calculate Tithi (Without Feeling Like a Math Genius)

Here's where the fun part comes in — calculating Tithi! Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. The key idea here is to track the longitudinal difference between the Sun and the Moon.

Step 1: Get the Positions

First, you need to know the positions (longitudes) of both the Sun and the Moon. These change every day, but you can find them using astrology software or online tools.

Step 2: Subtract the Sun's Longitude from the Moon's Longitude

Let’s say, for example, the Moon is at 150° and the Sun is at 120°. Subtract 120 from 150:

150°−120°=30°

Step 3: Divide by 12

Now divide that result by 12:

30°÷12=2.5

That means the Tithi is the 3rd lunar day (Tritiya) of Shukla Paksha.

Step 4: Interpretation

If the result is between 1 and 15, you're in Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon). If the result is greater than 15, subtract 15 to find the corresponding Tithi in Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon).

And voilà! You’ve just calculated a Tithi!

The Full List of Tithis

Now that you know how to calculate Tithi, here’s a handy list of all 30 Tithis:

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon):

1. Pratipada
2. Dwitiya
3. Tritiya
4. Chaturthi
5. Panchami
6. Shashti
7. Saptami
8. Ashtami
9. Navami
10. Dashami
11. Ekadashi
12. Dwadashi
13. Trayodashi
14. Chaturdashi
15. Purnima (Full Moon)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon):

1. Pratipada
2. Dwitiya
3. Tritiya
4. Chaturthi
5. Panchami
6. Shashti
7. Saptami
8. Ashtami
9. Navami
10. Dashami
11. Ekadashi
12. Dwadashi
13. Trayodashi
14. Chaturdashi
15. Amavasya (New Moon)

Special Cases: Tithi Vridhi and Kshaya

Now, here’s something cool: sometimes a Tithi lasts for more than one day, which is called Tithi Vridhi. Other times, no Tithi falls on a particular day, and that’s known as Tithi Kshaya. Both phenomena can affect the auspiciousness of a day, so they’re worth noting when planning important events​.

How Tithi Impacts Muhurat (Auspicious Timing)

Tithis aren’t just for personal knowledge; they’re essential in Muhurat selection, which is all about finding the most favorable time to start new ventures, perform rituals, or even get married. Some Tithis are highly favorable for specific activities:

• Purnima (Full Moon) is considered very auspicious for spiritual rituals.
• Dashami is great for travel and beginning new projects.

Muhurat selection goes beyond just Tithis; it also considers factors like the day's Nakshatra and Yoga (which are part of the larger Panchang system), but Tithi remains one of the most critical elements​.

Significance of Each Tithi

Each Tithi carries unique energies and is linked to specific activities, rituals, deities, and planetary influences. Understanding the significance of each Tithi can help you plan important activities in harmony with lunar energies.

1. Pratipada (1st Tithi): This day symbolizes new beginnings. It’s ideal for launching new projects, starting businesses, or making fresh commitments in your personal life.
   
2. Dwitiya (2nd Tithi): A day for building connections. Use this Tithi to foster new relationships or strengthen bonds with family and friends.
   
3. Tritiya (3rd Tithi): Perfect for activities that involve creativity, beauty, and artistry. It’s also a good day to initiate self-improvement projects.
   
4. Chaturthi (4th Tithi): Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. If you have been facing difficulties, this is the day to seek divine assistance and start something you've been delaying.
   
5. Panchami (5th Tithi): Linked to learning and education, it’s an excellent time to begin studies, sign up for courses, or embark on intellectual pursuits.
   
6. Shashti (6th Tithi): A day for health-related matters. Whether it’s starting a new fitness regimen or undergoing medical treatments, Shashti is considered auspicious for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
   
7. Saptami (7th Tithi): Associated with strength and vitality. It’s a good day to focus on physical activities or start ventures that require energy and dynamism.
   
8. Ashtami (8th Tithi): This day is sacred for spiritual practices and fasting, especially dedicated to Goddess Durga. It’s a powerful time for cultivating discipline and strength.
   
9. Navami (9th Tithi): Considered a day of victory, Navami is ideal for resolving conflicts, seeking justice, or taking decisive actions toward your goals.
   
10. Dashami (10th Tithi): Auspicious for travel and new ventures. It’s a day to move forward, whether you’re planning a physical journey or starting a new chapter in life.
    
11. Ekadashi (11th Tithi): Known for spiritual fasting and devotion, Ekadashi is ideal for cleansing the mind and body. Many observe fasts on this day for spiritual growth and emotional purification.
    
12. Dwadashi (12th Tithi): A day for service and charity. It’s a good time to engage in charitable activities, donate to the needy, or perform acts of kindness.
    
13. Trayodashi (13th Tithi): Associated with wealth and prosperity. This Tithi is good for financial decisions, investments, or anything related to material growth.
    
14. Chaturdashi (14th Tithi): A powerful day for introspection and spiritual practice. It’s also considered a good day for overcoming obstacles and facing challenges with courage.
    
15. Purnima (15th Tithi): The Full Moon day is perfect for spiritual ceremonies, community gatherings, and honoring ancestors. It’s a highly auspicious day for performing rituals, especially those related to gratitude and offering.
    
16. Amavasya (New Moon): This is a day for inner reflection and quietude. Amavasya is excellent for meditation, clearing out emotional baggage, and starting fresh on a spiritual level. It’s also a day to honor departed ancestors.

Want an Easier Way to Calculate Tithi?

If manually calculating Tithi feels a bit too complex, don’t worry! There are plenty of online astrology tools that do the math for you. Deluxe Astrology, for example, offers free online software for astrology that not only gives you your Tithi but also provides other important astrological information like your birth star and moon sign. You can use this tool for everyday calculations or for planning big life events.

FAQs About Tithi

Conclusion: Let Deluxe Astrology Simplify It for You

Understanding your Tithi is like unlocking a piece of cosmic wisdom that can help you make better decisions, align your activities with the Moon's energy, and bring more harmony into your life. If you're new to astrology or just want to make things easier, try Deluxe Astrology's free Tithi calculator. It’s a simple tool that does all the hard work for you, offering you a personalized reading with just a few clicks.

Visit Deluxe Astrology and discover more about your Tithi and how it can guide your daily life.

Sign up today!

Aryan K Astro Spiritual Advisor

Aryan K. is a seasoned astrologer and a dedicated team member at Deluxe Astrology. With an extensive background in astrology, Aryan possesses in-depth knowledge in various domains including Zodiac Signs, Tarot, Numerology, Nakshatra, Career Astrology, Kundli analysis, and marriage predictions. His passion for unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and providing accurate astrological insights has made him a trusted name in the field. Aryan’s articles aim to enlighten readers with precise and practical astrological guidance, ensuring they benefit from the ancient wisdom of astrology. Whether you're seeking clarity about your future, understanding your personality traits, or making informed decisions about your career or relationships, Aryan's expertise is here to guide you. When he's not writing, Aryan enjoys stargazing and delving into the latest astrological studies to enhance his knowledge and expertise in the field continually.

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