Meaning
In this tradition of Jyotish, drishti refers to an aspect or directed influence through which a planet may affect another planet or house. It is often described through the symbolism of seeing or casting a gaze.
Forms of Drishti
A direct face-to-face drishti may be associated with planets placed 180 degrees apart. Some interpretive systems also describe quarter, half, three-quarter, and full aspects to represent different degrees of influence. A three-quarter aspect may be treated as approximately 75 percent influence, while a full aspect may be treated as complete influence within that method.
Planetary aspects and sign aspects are distinct approaches. In readings based specifically on planetary drishti, the influence is considered through the planets rather than through aspects between signs.
Interpretive Use
The nature of a drishti may be interpreted according to the planet casting it. Jupiter's drishti is traditionally associated with a nourishing or protective quality, while the aspects of Saturn and Mars may suggest greater pressure or difficulty. Such indications tend to be assessed alongside the rest of the chart.
In the Navamsha, a planet's drishti may be read as expressing its desire toward the planet it views. Other methods may assign different aspects to particular planets; for example, some approaches may include a tenth aspect for Jupiter.
Rahu and Ketu may be treated differently from physical planets. Their apparent drishti can instead be understood as a symbolic shadow or influence.
Context Matters
Drishti is not necessarily interpreted as a literal collision between planets. It is generally treated as a symbolic relationship whose meaning may vary according to the chart, divisional context, planet involved, and interpretive method.