PLANETS IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY (PART-1)
Astrological meaning of a planet
In Vedic astrology; a planet is called “Graha” which means “seizing” or, “holding”; therefore that which holds some sort of qualities is a “Graha”.
So, “Sun”, “Moon” & “Lunar nodes (Rahu & Ketu)” are
also called as “Grahas”.
The word “Planet” is widely used to refer “Graha” however;
it doesn’t convey the astrological meaning of “Graha”.
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| The Sun & the Planets |
Therefore, whenever we call “Sun” or, “Moon” as a planet then,
it shouldn’t be confused with the astronomical meaning of “Sun” or, “Moon”
because, in astrology, a planet means a “Graha” (means, that which holds some
quality).
“Rahu” and “Ketu” are the north and south node of the moon
and eclipse the Sun and the Moon. So, they can be considered as “Shadow planets”,
however, they are as powerful as the other 7 planets.
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| During solar & lunar eclipse , it seems as if a planet suddenly entered between the Sun and Earth. This is called "Rahu" ; a shadow, physically non-existent planet |
The 9 planets (grahas) in astrology are given in the below table
(fig-1)-:
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| fig-1 : Nine planets of Vedic astrology |
Planets and their respective time periods on rashis (Zodiac signs)
Each planet takes a certain time period to cover a rashi (Zodiac sign) which is 30° long. The time period taken by each planet is given in the below table
(fig-2)-:
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| fig-2 : Time take by planets to cover a rashi |
Importance of planetary motions on human life
The movement of planets in different rashis and houses play
a very decisive role in human life. Placement of “Grahas” in different houses
of birth chart give indications about some future events.
The promises reflected in a birth chart may be fulfilled
only in the dasha/antardasha (Period/Sub-period) of the planets showing that
promise; but, the exact time of fulfillment of these promises depends upon the
motion of the planets in different houses (transits) of the horoscope.
Planets and their characteristics
In astrology, each planet is associated with some sort of qualities or, characteristics .Astrologers use these characteristics of a planet along with several other things (like rashi, house and their characteristics etc.) to do predictions.
So, let us discuss these characteristics and their meanings.
Planets and their rank
Each planet has been given a rank in Vedic astrology as given in the below table (fig-3) -:
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| fig-3 : Planets and their ranks |
Here, “Sun” holds the highest rank and “Saturn” holds the
lowest one but, each planet is as important as the other including the lunar
nodes (Rahu & Ketu).
Here, the “Sun” being at the highest rank holds the highest
authority and possesses the qualities of king.
“Moon” is like the queen, who is always ready to follow the
supreme leader (The Sun) and holds the second most authoritative position.
“Mars” is a commander, i.e., leader of armed forces and he
is aggressive, energetic, wise, ready to fight and follow the supreme authority
etc.
“Mercury” is the “prince” among the planets and possesses
the qualities of a prince like youthfulness, intelligence, wise, good at
communication etc.
“Jupiter” and “Venus” are considered as “Ministers” or,
“Priests” so, the qualities like patient, wisdom, generosity, gratitude and
quick rootedness etc. are possessed by them, but, the rank of “Jupiter” is
considered high to “Venus”.
“Saturn” is the servant and qualities like servitude,
realism, practicality, hard working, pessimism etc. are possessed by “Saturn”.
“Rahu” and “Ketu” are shadow planets and hence not assigned
with any rank, however, they can be taken as “lower level servants”.
Planets & directions
In astrology, each planet is assigned to rule over a certain direction and the planet is considered strong in that direction. The planets and their ruling direction are given in below table (fig-4)-:
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| fig-4 : Planets and directions |
Planets & their caste (Varnas)
The 10th
Mandala (or, section) of Rig Veda contains “Purusasukta Hymn” which describes
the 4 Varna of the society and the Varna system that was created for the
welfare of the whole society in which certain people were associated with
certain jobs and as per their nature of duty they were assigned to a Varna.
People who engaged in religious work or, work as priest in
temples are considered as “Brahmins”.
People who participate in wars or, responsible for the
protection of society from foreign invasions etc. are considered as
“Kshatriyas”.
People who are traders, shopkeepers, businessman etc. are
considered as “Vaishyas”.
People who serve others and responsible for keeping the society
clean are considered as “Shudras”.
In astrology also, planets are classified in different
Varnas and they possesses the properties of the assigned Varna.
Planets and their associated Varnas are given in below table
(fig-5)-:
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| fig-5 : Planets & Castes |
The lunar nodes are shadow planets and hence don't have any Varna.
Planets and their gender
Planets are also associated with a gender and as per the
associated gender, they also possess some qualities.
Male planets will tend to be more extrovert , pushy ,
aggressive , communicative , assertive , dominating and the female planets will
tend to be more calm , intuitive , nurturing, protective, quite , introverted ,
gentle and emotion.
Planets that are “Neuter” have mixed qualities of a male and
female.
The planets and their associated gender are given in the
below table-:
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| fig-6 : Planets & their gender |
Read more -: Part-2
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