Planets in Vedic Astrology
Planets revolve around the sun in an orbit. While they are moving around the sun, the side of the planet that is tilted towards the sun remains illuminated. The part which is not facing the sun remains in darkness. That creates day and night for each planet. However, in Vedic astrology, this is not the only role of the sun or the movement of planets. Planets in Hindu astrology determine the direction of life and destiny of people.
Significance Of Planets In Vedic Astrology
Plantes in Vedic astrology rule over a particular zodiac sign. Only celestial bodies like Rahu and Ketu, which are not actual planets but points in the sky are not zodiac signs. Rahu and Ketu are the points where paths of the sun and the moon coincide with each other. According to Hindu mythology, Rahu is the North lunar node, or the head of the dragon while Ketu is the South lunar node or the dragon’s tail. Other planets rule the zodiac sign which complements their characteristics correspondingly.
For example, Jupiter rules the dreamy and artistic Piscean, while the fiery Mars rules the revolting Aries. While the sun rules the confident and haughty Leo, the moon rules the heart-melting Cancer. Some planets rule one zodiac sign while some rule two. Mercury rules two signs- both Virgo and Gemini while Venus rules Taurus and Libra.
As shown in the above diagram, there are nine planets in Vedic Astrology. These nine planets are the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu (Dragon’s head) and Ketu(Dragon’s Tail).
Characteristics Of Planets In Vedic Astrology
Planets can be benefic (beneficial) or malefic (destructive). Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and the moon are natural benefic planets. While the sun, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are natural malefic planets.
The sun is the king of all planets. So, the sun’s position in a horoscope shows how powerful or influential a person is, or how noble he is. The moon is also a very important planet in Vedic astrology. The Hindu rashi depends on the position of the moon as well. Moon represents a creative and sensitive mind, and thus a person’s thinking. Moon is a feminine planet; it is related to a motherly and caring nature. Mars is a masculine planet and fiery in nature, which signifies the energy of a living being and how he uses it. This planet also symbolises energy, competitive spirit, athletics, and a volatile temperament.
The Malefic Three-Saturn, Rahu and Ketu
Saturn is a powerful planet and malefic by nature. It rules over death and aging of the body. It brings bad luck and failures. Only astrological solutions can provide relief from the bad effects of Saturn. Rahu is also a malefic celestial body by nature. It causes frustration, irreligious habits, troubles from ghosts or evil spirits and dangerous diseases. In other words, it creates a chaotic life. Ketu, also like Rahu, is a destructive planet.
Planetary Aspects
The aspects of planets in Vedic Astrology refers to the interchange of planetary energies. Aspect is basically the combination of planets that exist in a house at a given point of time in a person’s life. If the planets are natural malefic like sun or Satur, then the result will be negative. However, if it’s benefic planets like Jupiter or Venus, the result will be positive.
More Than One Planet In One House
The conjunction of planets in Vedic astrology happens when two or more planets occupy the same house. When this happens, it becomes very difficult to interpret such horoscopes. This situation can be very difficult for the concerned person who is living it. The effects of conjunction are determined by the relationship of these planets, whether they are malefic or benefic planets by nature, and the house or sign they are in. The strength of the planet is also taken into account.
If the planet is weak and the benefic planet is strong, then the effects of conjunction will be benefic. However, the person may suffer from some imbalances in their behaviour during this time.
Relationship Between Planets In Vedic Astrology
Some planets are friendly in nature. Hence they create a good environment when they come into one house of a horoscope. But some planets are unfriendly. Jupiter, Mars, and Moon are friendly planets. Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu are negative and unfriendly planets. Mercury and the sun share an amicable relationship.
