The chart is cast for the exact moment the astrologer receives and understands the question – not when the querent first thinks of it, and not when it is written down. The location used is where the astrologer is sitting. The lagna (ascendant) rising at that moment becomes the querent's representative in the chart. All standard Vedic chart elements apply: the 12 houses, 9 planets, nakshatras, and divisional charts. The key difference from a natal chart is interpretive focus – every house is read in relation to the specific question asked.

Three factors dominate Prashna analysis. First, the Arudha Lagna – a special ascendant calculated from the number spoken by the querent (1-108) or derived from the first syllable of their question. Second, the Moon's position – the Moon represents the querent's mind and emotional state; its house, sign, nakshatra, and aspects reveal the true nature of the concern. Third, the relevant house lord – the house governing the question's topic (7th for marriage, 10th for career, etc.) and its strength, placement, and aspects determine the answer.

Use Prashna when: the birth time is unknown or uncertain; you need an answer about a specific, time-sensitive situation (Will this deal close? Will the missing person return?); or you want a second opinion to cross-check natal chart indications. Use the natal chart when: you need a comprehensive life overview; you are analysing long-term patterns (dashas, yogas); or you are doing compatibility matching. Many practitioners use both – the natal chart for context and the Prashna chart for immediate clarity on a specific question.

Certain planetary configurations in a Prashna chart give immediate, clear answers without detailed analysis. If the Moon is in the lagna and is waxing, the answer is a strong 'yes'. If the lagna lord and the house lord of the question are in mutual kendras (1/4/7/10), the matter will succeed. If malefics occupy the lagna and the 7th house, and the Moon is waning and afflicted, the answer is a clear 'no'. If the sub-lord of the lagna cusp (in KP Prashna) is retrograde, the matter will not materialise. These quick-check yogas save time in urgent consultations.

The Kerala tradition of Ashtamangala Prashna is a unique form of horary divination that uses eight physical objects (mirror, vessel, gold ornament, lamp, throne/seat, bull figurine, flag, and fan) alongside the horoscope. The querent selects objects and a number, and the astrologer combines these with the Prashna chart for a layered reading. This system, rooted in Prashna Marga and the Kerala Jyotish tradition, is especially revered for temple-related questions, property disputes, and ancestral matters. Our Prashna Ashtamangala tool implements this classical method digitally.