Shadbala is planet-centered
Shadbala combines six categories of strength into a structured planetary assessment. The categories reflect different conditions rather than one isolated placement.
Ashtakavarga is distribution-centered
Ashtakavarga assigns points through a sign-based framework. The resulting patterns can be inspected by planet and in combined totals.
Numbers still need chart context
A higher or lower value does not interpret itself. House rulership, periods, aspects, and the question being examined remain part of the reading.