Planets

90 Articles

Planets Articles

90 articles

Planets in Astrology: Understanding the Nine Grahas

The Navagraha: Nine Celestial Influences

In Vedic astrology, the Navagraha (nine planets) are the primary forces shaping human destiny. This includes the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. Unlike Western astrology, Vedic astrology doesn't use Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto, though some modern practitioners incorporate them.

The Luminaries: Sun and Moon

The Sun (Surya) represents the soul, ego, father, authority, and vitality. It governs leadership, government, and self-expression. The Moon (Chandra) represents the mind, emotions, mother, and public image. It governs feelings, intuition, and mental peace. Together, they form the core of the astrological chart.

The Inner Planets: Mars, Mercury, Venus

Mars (Mangal) represents energy, courage, siblings, property, and aggression. It governs action and conflict. Mercury (Budha) represents intellect, communication, commerce, and friends. It governs learning and adaptability. Venus (Shukra) represents love, beauty, marriage, luxury, and arts. It governs pleasure and relationships.

The Outer Planets: Jupiter and Saturn

Jupiter (Guru) represents wisdom, spirituality, children, wealth, and expansion. It's the great benefic, bringing growth and opportunity. Saturn (Shani) represents discipline, karma, longevity, hard work, and limitations. It's the great teacher, bringing maturity through challenges. Both have significant long-term effects due to their slow movement.

The Lunar Nodes: Rahu and Ketu

Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets representing the Moon's nodes. Rahu (North Node) represents worldly desires, ambition, illusion, and foreign elements. It amplifies materialism and obsession. Ketu (South Node) represents spirituality, liberation, past lives, and detachment. It brings mystical experiences and isolation. Together they indicate karmic axis and life lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which planet is most important in my chart?

Several planets hold significance: the Ascendant lord shows your life path, the Moon sign lord governs mind and emotions, and the Atmakaraka (planet with highest degree) represents soul purpose. The importance varies based on your specific chart configuration.

Are some planets good and others bad?

Planets aren't inherently good or bad - they're energies that manifest differently based on placement, dignity, and aspects. Even benefics like Jupiter can cause problems in certain positions, while malefics like Saturn can bring success. Context is everything in chart interpretation.

How do planetary transits affect me?

Transits are the current movements of planets over your birth chart. They trigger natal planets, activating their themes. Major transits like Saturn return or Jupiter's transit over the Moon bring significant life changes. The effects depend on which houses and planets are activated.

Content curated by the AstroSight team of Vedic astrology experts with decades of combined experience in traditional Jyotish practices.