Argala

The system of Argala is used to determine the activation of planets and houses. Planets in the 4th, 2nd, 11th and 5th houses from a planet, cause “argala” to the planet. The more planets are found in such argala positions, the stronger the effect.
A special case is when at least 3 malefics are in the 3rd house.
Even though the 3rd is normally an argala obstructing house, malefics in the 3rd are particularly well placed and cause “Vipreet Argala”, having the same positive effects as a normal Argala. Obstruction rules : Each argala can be obstructed or broken if there is planet in the house that is symmetrically opposite to the Graha in question.
For example, an argala causing planet placed in the 4th would be obstructed by a planet in the 10th. Obstruction can only take place when the obstructing planet is sufficiently strong in Shadbala, and if there are at least as many obstructing planets as there are argala causing planets (for that particular position). An additional rule considers the signs as having 4 quarters of 7.5 degrees each. The obstructing Graha should be placed in the opposite quarter to (effectively) obstruct: the 1st and 4th quarter are opposites, and the 2nd and 3rd are opposites.
For example if the Sun is in the 11th house in 9 degrees (that is the 2nd quarter) it could be obstructed by the Moon in the 3rd house if the Moon is between 15 and 22.5 degrees (3rd quarter). Rahu and Ketu : Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde, and the Argala causing positions and Argala obstructing positions are just the reverse. For example, a Graha in the 10th from Rahu causes Argala, and a Graha in the 4th from Rahu obstructs it.
Parashara says that 1 unobstructed Argala will give limited effects, 2 unobstructed Argalas will give medium effect, and more than two unobstructed Argalas will give a strong effect. This phenomena will clearly manifest during the Dasha or Antardasha of such a planet having Argala. Effects of Argala on the Grahas : The effects of the Graha that gets Argala from multiple sources will manifest without obstruction. Whether these effects are positive or negative, depends mostly on the placement of the Graha as discussed in the tutorial section on “auspiciousness”.
However, argalas caused by malefics will decrease the auspiciousness somewhat, and argala from benefics will increase the auspiciousness. Therfore, the ideal situation would be to have a strong Argala from benefics.Effects of Argala on the Bhavas : The main effect of Argala on a house is that it’s prime significations are manifested, for good or for bad. The effects of argala on the houses is described by Parashara thus. Note : Argala on the Lagna, Arudha Lagna, the 7th house and the 7th from the Arudha Lagna will make one famous and fortunate.
As you can see, the primary effect of Argala on the houses is not necessarily positive, but depends on the nature of the house. The 3 Dusthan houses (6,8,12) will actually manifest their troublesome nature more, when receiving Argala. As a secondary consideration, argala caused by benefics will give an enjoyable and auspicious effect on the areas of life indicated by the house, while argala from malefics will give somewhat compromised enjoyment. If there is a combination of argalas from benefics and malefics, it would be some of both.