The 9 Grahas (Planets)
Jyotish or Vedic Astrology uses 9 Grahas (planets)
in the chart analysis:
The Sanskrit word "Graha" is often taken as the
equivalent of the English word planet. This is a very simplistic
translation which hides the deeper meaning of this word. "Graha"
refers to an entity that has the power to "seize, lay
hold of, or grasp". Therefore, Graha means “to
grasp” meaning the planets possess, or take hold of
us. This meaning is intimately related to the meaning of the
nakshatras (also called lunar mansions, or a 27-fold division
of the zodiac), which are described in similar terms.
Graha therefore goes beyond the word planet and describes
the ability of celestial events to either influence or predict
occurrences on earth. This aspect is the fundamental reason
that astrology is not accepted by the scientific community,
as this connection has no known physical basis. Dr.Theja prefers
to use the word “Graha” instead of planet because
it conveys this deeper meaning. Besides, using the word planet
would not be technically correct. The nine Grahas (“Planets”)
are called Surya / Ravi (the Sun), Chandra / Sandu (the Moon),
Mangal / Kuja (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru / Brahpathi (Jupiter),
Shukra / Sikuru (Venus), Shani / Senasuru (Saturn), Rahu (Northern
lunar node and Ketu (Southern lunar node). The Sun is not
a planet, it is a star. Rahu and Ketu are not planets, and
indeed do not even represent physical entities.
The Grahas are divided into two groups, according to their
general auspicious and inauspicious nature. The Sanskrit terms
used to name these two groups are “Saumya” or
benefic and “Krura" or malefic. The Waxing Moon,
Mercury, Jupiter and Venus are known as benefices. The Sun,
Saturn, Mars, Waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu are classified as
malefic.
The nine planets (seven planets and the lunar nodes) have
specific meanings, and significations. The planetary rays
manifest in various ways in our lives. A planet rules each
life experience and different stages of our lives. They are
the key indicators of people and different attributes or qualities
we have. Understanding the true significations of the planets
in our lives will bring a higher consciousness, releasing
us from their grasp or hold on us.
Rahu, Ketu, and the Planets influence each other in various
ways. The ancient sages saw a relationship between the movement
of the planets and the ups and downs of human experience.
Vedic Astrology explores these variations in order to help
us anticipate challenges and comprehend their meaning.
Two planets in the same sign are conjunct. Planets in sign
opposition are said to aspect each other. Mars, Jupiter and
Saturn have special additional aspects. The sign in which
a planet is located is of great importance. If the sign is
favourable to the planet, the qualities of the planet are
expressed more strongly and auspiciously. The person in question
will enjoy more benefits in different areas of life that are
signified by the planets. Contrary, if the sign is very unfavourable,
the planet will turn inauspicious and may bring problems and
struggle in whatever area of life it represents.
Dr. Theja calculates all of
these influences and many more. He has the ability to calculate
and analyse all of the complex influences of the planets and
then present them to you in ordinary language (Interpretations).
The Sun (Surya)
The Sun is the centre of the Solar System of planets used
in Vedic Astrology. Therefore the Sun rules all types of central
things such as the central government, the centrally powerful
person in an organization, and so forth. In ourselves, the
Sun rules our centre, which is our soul. The Sun is the source
of light for all other planets and beings, so the Sun rules
in astrology our centre of energy. As the source of energy
in the Universe, so from the Sun's placement in our charts
we judge our level of energy.
The Sun represents the soul, the ego and the body of the
individual, and therefore its placement is of great importance.
The Sun is best placed in Mesha (Aries) where it is called
exalted. Opposite from there, in Tula (Libra) it is least
auspicious and called debilitated. The sun is Lord of the
sign Simha (Leo) and also of the house where Simha is located.
Sun signifies: Atma-Self, masculine,
future, soul, physical body and health, heart,
life force, courage, ambitions, pride, dignity, ego, vitality,
will power, stamina, sense of self, power, fame, life, health,
sovereignty and clothes, glory, inspiration, creativity, leadership,
Father, teachers, authority, law and order, bosses, political
leader, Kings or Presidents. It has anger but momentary. It’s
element is gold. East is represented by sun.
Medical Astrology: Heart, blindness,
baldness, right eye, headaches
Gemstone: Ruby, Red Garnet
Day: Sunday
Rules: Leo Exaltation:
Aries Debilitation: Libra
Directional Strength: Tenth
House
The
Moon (Chandra)
The Moon is close to us, and reflects the light of the Sun.
The Moon is the most visible planet of all, to us here on
Earth, because we can look at it so easily. It neither burns
our eyes, nor hides in the deep darkness of space, like the
others. Rather, the Moon is up close and personal, showing
herself fully to us. The Moon is indeed very dear, close,
and friendly. It's light is very nice and pleasing. Her full
bodily lustre each month is a rising sight to see. Unlike
Western Astrology where the Sun is most important, in Jyotish
the Moon is the first “Graha” to look at and plays
a central role in many calculations and predictive techniques.
The Moon rules the mind, the emotions, feelings, nursing,
nurturing, mothering and the overall life of the person. An
afflicted Moon greatly shapes the personality in the direction
of the affliction, whether it is harshness of character, sadness
of mind, or an angry and aggressive nature. Similarly, benefic
influences upon the Moon in a chart, or a well placed Moon
we could also say, bestows the reflections of helpfulness,
peace of mind, cleanliness all around, and so forth.
The Moon is best placed in the first few degrees of Vrishabha
(Taurus) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there,
in Vrishika (Scorpio) it is least auspicious and called debilitated.
The Moon is lord of the sign Katrka (Cancer) and also of the
house where Cancer is located.
Moon signifies: It is a cold,
calm and quiet planet and represents mind, reflective, feminine,
night, emotions, sensitivity, nurturing, security, past, past-lives,
patterns of behaviour, receptivity, caring for others, heredity,
Mother, motherland, the public or masses, popularity, inner
contentment, money, general well-being, home, water, habits,
subconscious mind, growth in early childhood, fertility, breast,
menstrual cycle, eyes, lungs, liquids and nurses. Direction
north-east, element is silver.
Medical Astrology: Breast,
stomach, watery disturbances, edema, phlegm, left eye
Gemstone: Pearls, Moonstone
Day: Monday
Rules: Cancer Exaltation: Taurus
Debilitation: Scorpio
Directional Strength: Fourth
House
Mars (Mangal)
Mars is the Ksatriya of the Gods, meaning the warrior. Mars
rules aggression, weapons, enforcement of law, emergencies,
urgencies, weapons, energy, suddenness, rashness, anger, the
colour Red, and related items and matters.
There are points in all of us when we apply our energy and
quickness, usually to prevent a disaster, or to save a situation.
For example, we move quickly to catch a falling glass object.
Mars likes to protect- we race to save a child from running
into the street. If somebody is hurt, we hurry to the scene.
Mars people are often involved in causing bleeding with their
weapons or stopping bleeding with their medical equipment.
The gun of the soldier kills some and saves others. It's good
to be on the right side of a person under the influence of
Mars. A weak Mars makes one easily tired, jittery, easily
angered, and reactive. Mars aspects 3 signs, the 4th, 7th
and 8th signs from its own position.
Mars represents the energy, stamina and brothers of the individual.
If well placed, it brings strength and focussed energy, if
poorly placed accidents and injuries. Mars is best placed
in Makara (Capricorn) where it is called exalted. Opposite
from there, in Katrka (Cancer) it is least auspicious and
called debilitated. Mars is lord of the sign Mesha (Aries)
and Vrischika (Scorpio) and also of the houses where these
signs are located.
Mars signifies: Energy, action,
passions, male influence, courage, strength, motivations,
anger, violence, determination, aggression, bluntness and
boldness, injury, accidents, war, chemists, fire, anger, surgery,
initiative, motivation, courage, technical or mechanical ability,
sports - athletic, military figures, police, fires, physical
strength, operations, , muscles, blood, sexual vitality, weapons,
machines, conflict, can inflict death, fire, selfish, criminal,
goal oriented action, self-righteousness, land, property and
real-estate, brothers, enemies, science, instruments, guns,
knives. Its element is copper. Its colour is red and direction
south.
Medical Astrology: Blood, head,
injuries, accidents, bleeding, headaches, high fevers, inflammation,
surgery, burns
Gems: Red Coral
Day: Tuesday
Rules: Aries and Scorpio Exaltation:
Capricorn Debilitation: Cancer
Directional Strength: Tenth
House
Mercury
(Bhudha)
Mercury is youthful and causes youthfulness or immaturity
in the chart in the house it resides. Mercury is the negotiator,
so it rules in us the ability to be diplomats, negotiators,
deal-makers, or good liars. Mercury rules all types of communications,
spoken and written. A good Mercury in a chart makes for careers
where speaking, studying, thinking, writing and other scholarly
thinking related matters are necessary. A bad Mercury can
work towards making a person dumb or odd in mental workings.
Mercury, being youthful, is neither mature nor convinced
about anything for certain. He is truly a gullible boy, so,
he is easily influenced by other planets. Any planet with
Mercury will influence him. So Mercury is called "mutable"
or "changeable". This reflects in the chart very
much. Mercury always stands for the thinking capacity in a
person, which in Sanskrit would be called your "Buddhi"
or "intelligence". Mercury's Sanskrit name is therefore
"Budha", which also means "the intelligence".
Mercury represents the speech, intellect and friends of the
individual. It is a very, adaptable and curious planet. If
afflicted, it gives speech problems and a poor discriminative
ability. If well placed it makes a person witty, easy going
and skilful. Mercury is best placed in Kanya (Virgo) where
it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Meena (Pisces)
it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Mercury is
lord of the sign Kanya (Virgo) and Mithuna (Gemini) and also
of the houses where these signs are placed. Its element is
bronze and the colour is green and direction north.
Mercury signifies: Mercury
is talkative and tactful, but not harmful. It is a good trader,
mathematician, editor and publisher. It has excellent argumentative
and analytical power and mind. Intelligence, wisdom, speech,
education, matters relating to communication such as speech
and writing, humour, trade, commerce, sales, education, ideas,
thoughts, school, analytical and rational mind, cognitive
intelligence, sense of humour, youth, trickster, truth, telephones,
television, computers, travel especially short distances,
childhood, aunts and uncles, neighbours, adaptability, twins,
astrology, nervous system. It represents memory, throat, arms,
maternal uncles.
Medical Astrology: Lungs, hands,
arms, nervous system
Gemstone: Emerald, Green Tourmaline
Day: Wednesday
Rules: Gemini and Virgo Exaltation:
Virgo Debilitation: Pisces
Directional Strength: First
House
Jupiter
(Guru)
Jupiter is the "Guru of the Gods". Jupiter is called
"Guru" in Sanskrit. Guru means "teacher"
because he is "heavy with knowledge". Jupiter is
also called Brihaspati (bree-haws-putt-tee). Brihaspati is
the name of the Guru of all the demigods in the higher planets.
He is the advisor, or teacher, of the demigods.
A good Jupiter in a chart which leans towards Jupiter in a
positive way will grant good relations with Priests, Law,
Higher Education, the Legal system, the Financiers of the
world, and so on. Jupiter encourages righteousness when he
is strong.
Jupiter is a large planet, and so rules largeness in things.
Jupiter tends to expand things. Wherever he sits and wherever
he aspects in a chart will tend to grow based on Jupiter’s
influence. For example, if Jupiter affects the Lagna, which
rules the body, then the body will tend to be large, or fatty.
When a good Jupiter affects house ruling money then the money
will tend to grow. Jupiter in the second house or third, which
rules speaking, will tend to make the person speak often,
and with a tone of divine advice, one of Jupiter’s other
natural tendencies.
Gurus and advisers are always well wishers, so Jupiter is
very giving or kind, and is known as a great giver or granter
of fortune. Jupiter is considered the most benefic planet,
because of his nature of always wanting to give and grant
benedictions. Because children are an expansion of life in
many ways, as well as a gift from God, Jupiter rules children.
Because Jupiter represents God through his many advices he
has a tendency to be related to the ninth house, which rules
God in our lives.
Jupiter represents knowledge, wisdom and the offspring of
the individual. It is a planet of expansion, growth and good
fortune. Jupiter is best placed in Katrka (Cancer) where is
called exalted. Opposite from there, in Makara (Capricorn)
it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Jupiter is
lord of the signs Dhanus (Sagittarius) and Meena (Pisces)
and also of the house where these sign are located. Jupiter
aspects 3 signs, the 5th, 7th and 9th signs from its own position.
Jupiter signifies: Spiritual
teacher, guide, truth, religion, philosophy, spirituality,
grace, law, the great benefic, fortune, wealth, expansion,
higher education like colleges, optimism, generous, joy, luck,
self-indulgent, excessive, faith, children, money, husband
in a females chart, long distance travel
Medical Astrology: Liver, hips,
overweight, edema, high cholesterol, growths such as tumors
Gem: Yellow Sapphire, Yellow
Topaz, Citrine
Day: Thursday
Rules: Sagittarius and Pisces
Exaltation: Cancer Debilitation:
Capricorn
Directional Strength: First
House
Venus
(Shukra)
Venus is called Shukra in Sanskrit. Shukra literally means
"semen", but more generally means "refined
things". Venus rules over all types of refined things
that are desirable such as art, music, flowers, love, beauty,
etc. A well placed Venus in a chart that is well disposed
towards Venus will grant to the person a life full of "the
good things" such as those things mentioned above.
The Vedic way of understanding of life, and the process of
elevation, is such that addiction to material gratifications
are known to be often "an-arthas" or "unnecessary".
Too much stress is laid upon material gratifications in ungodly
societies. So, Venus is loved and followed when the person
or society is of the materialistic type. For Westerners, a
good Venus is considered a good thing, because it helps in
bringing in material wealth, sense gratifications, and all
types of material fortunes. Famous, rich and beautiful people
often have strong Venus, as these blessings are highly desirable
to the materialistic masses, who love to worship such "achievements"
in life. People in general are much more interested in the
"Lives of the Rich and Famous" than they are in
the "Lives of the Intelligent and Devoted".
While Jupiter tends to give advice leading to surrender to
higher principles, Venus gives advice which works for us in
the here and now. Jupiter is more about dharma, or religion
for higher principles, whereas Venus is more about a-dharma,
or self serving ways. The entire Vedic principle is to surrender
to the greater laws of God, whereas Venus teaches us to maximize
things as they are now, for ourselves. But it is not that
one is bad and one is good- it's that priority has been established
correctly. It is not wrong to have material quality in our
lives, or pleasures and enjoyments, but they should not direct
us and dictate our actions when higher principles of goodness
are at stake.
Venus represents the enjoyment, taste, sexuality and relationships
of the individual. It can give a person a great sense of aesthetics
and very pleasant personality, or sensual and tasteless, dependant
on how well it is placed in the chart. Venus is best placed
in Meena (Pisces) where is called exalted. Opposite from there,
in Kanya (Virgo) it is least auspicious and called debilitated.
Venus is lord of the sign Vrishabha (Taurus) and also of Tula(Libra)
and of the houses where these signs are located.
Venus signifies: The feminine
spirit, beauty, grace, charm, refinement, luxuries, wealth,
sensuality, vanity, charisma, glamour, good taste, sexual
attraction, elegance, comforts, arts, music, theatre, love,
wife in a males chart, pleasure of the senses, sugar, affections,
conveyances, flowers.
Medical Astrology: Reproductive
system, bladder, kidneys, and pancreas -diabetes
Gemstone: Diamond, White Sapphire,
Clear quartz crystal
Day: Friday
Rules: Taurus and Libra Exaltation:
Pisces Debilitation: Virgo
Directional Strength: Fourth
House
Saturn
(Shani)
Saturn is known for his ring. Saturn rules restrictions-
or things that surround us on all sides. All types of blocks,
restrictions and obstacles are the ruling lot of Saturn. The
wedding ring is related to Saturn, because it represents a
restriction that prevents certain types of actions- namely,
courting other spouses and therefore the ring is a symbol
of a block or restriction.
Saturn is the outermost planet in the Vedic scheme of things,
and so has "the last laugh". Saturn is final, being
the last one. Saturn rules all types of final things, or things
which are insurmountable. Saturn is "the bottom line"
in many ways. Therefore, Saturn rules Death as well as Unconquerable
Time. All things decay in time, and Saturn rules this decay,
or the effects of old age. Saturn is old, and low, the worker,
the downtrodden, and the dirty.
Saturn rules the colours Navy blue and black, which are akin
to seriousness, coldness, and finality. Things turn dark when
they are dead, when the colour of life has gone out. The sky
is either blue or black because the distance we are looking
at when we look at the sky is always insurmountable, being
such a far distance. When we look across the land the trees
in the distance are more "greyed out" than the closer
trees, because that distance, being insurmountable, takes
on the dulling effects of Saturn. If something is hazy or
unclear, it is because it is "out of reach" and
that is Saturn again.
When Saturn affects a house or planet in a chart, then it
"shuts it down" to some degree, by means of its
strong oppressing power. Saturn has the ability to oppress
anything. When it aspects the Moon, or Mind, then the person
feels the effects of Saturn in their mind, which basically
leads to depression.
Saturn is large and slow, and so it rules these things. Large
slow things cause a lot of pressure, and so does Saturn. When
Saturn affects something, it slows it down, puts it under
pressure, and ultimately crushes it under its tremendous weight
and restrictive power. On the good side, these things give
it rule over focus. Focus is a funny thing- it means application
of pressure for a certain goal. Saturn can make things it
affects highly focused or controlled, which at times is a
very good quality.
Because of all these things, Saturn is considered a "first
class malefic", or in other words, a planet capable of
doing great harm. But that is spoken from the angle of vision
of the materially oriented. Materially speaking Saturn is
usually malefic, except when his reduction and crushing capacity
is used, in the chart, against the enemies of our material
progress. For example, if Saturn is situated in such a way
as to crush the twelfth house, or the house of losses, then
our losses are crushed, which means we don't lose as much.
But Saturn has another good side. Consider the diamond- it
is created from black coal under great pressure for a long
time. Saturn rules coal, pressure, and long periods of time.
So, Saturn creates the diamond, which is very beautiful and
extremely hard. When a person is under Saturn, they eventually
become beautiful and hard, or shining and strong. The trials
and struggles that Saturn puts us through teach us hard lessons.
Therefore Saturn rules the side of the religious peoples
which is strong in principal, unbending, renounced from material
motivations, and so forth. Saturn has a lot to do with the
dark blue colour worn by most Police officers, and the black
worn by many Priests. Men often wear dark suits to do business,
because it promotes a no-nonsense, dead-serious demeanour
in their business dealings.
Saturn rules the low workers or Shoodras, as we say in Sanskrit.
This is because he rules all things low and difficult. Things
which are cold, dark, hard and created under pressure are
ruled by Saturn, so he rules many types of metal like iron
and steal, as well as the tools of hard work. Because he is
an old man, he rules old things.
Saturn is the slowest moving graha, and represents the more
time related aspects in life: endurance, sense responsibility,
hard work, longevity and reclusion. It is typically described
as the bringer of grief and misery in life, but if it is auspiciously
placed in a chart it will be one's best insurance against
poverty. Saturn is best placed in Tula (Libra) where is called
exalted. Opposite from there, in Mesha (Aries) it is least
auspicious and called debilitated. Saturn is lord of the sign
Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius) also of the houses
where these signs are located.
Saturn signifies: Discipline,
order, structure, dependable, stability, separation, solitude,
limitation, obstruction, poverty, death, disease, oppression,
pessimistic, worry, fear, bad luck, old age, delays, retards
things, concentration, paralysis, depression, stunted, deprivation,
bondage, fixed assets, land, property, endurance and lasting,
doubt, phobias, darkness, sorrow, longevity, detachment, decay
Medical Astrology: geriatrics,
death, bones and teeth, osteoporosis, arthritis, degenerative
diseases, dehydration, premature aging, cancer
Gem: Blue Sapphire, Amethyst
Day: Saturday
Rules: Capricorn and Aquarius
Exaltation: Libra Debilitation:
Aries
Directional Strength: Seventh
House
Rahu (the Northern Lunar
node)
Rahu is the point in the zodiac where the paths of the Sun
and the Moon cross. If the Sun and Moon in their movement
meet in this point, then an eclipse takes place. Eclipses
"seize" the light of the Sun or the Moon, and it
is this seizing quality that is characteristic for Rahu. Rahu
is not an actual planet-ball, as the other planets are, but
a point in space that is of great influence. The nodes Rahu
and Ketu are always opposite each other in the Zodiac. They
are calculated from the orbits of the Sun and Moon in relation
to the Earth. They are gravitational line up points. They
cause the Moon to actually wobble in it's orbit.
It is a scientific fact, that when the Moon gets close to
the nodes in it's real orbit, that it wobbles due to the gravitational
pull of the point. So, when in a chart we see that the person
was born at a time when the Moon was close to one of the nodes
(Rahu or Ketu) that the mind is disturbed, since the Moon
rules the mind. This is a fact which you will see played out
in the lives of those who have this. Since the nodes occupy
two signs, roughly one sixth of the population has this. However,
it is strongest when the Moon is really close to the Node
it conjoins- or in other words, when the two are close by
degrees within the sign- say within 5 degrees of each other.
Then the effects become pronounced.
Rahu's nature is that of anger, upsetness, anxiety, suddenness
and other things which we would feel if we got our heads cut
off right when we were getting something we wanted. Think
of it: Just when you are about to get what you always wanted,
right then something comes to totally ruin your plans. But,
the secret is this: Anyone who is killed by the weapon of
Vishnu is also highly benefited spiritually, so this plays
out in our lives as well. So, the effects of Rahu can be said
like this: Painful and troublesome, but ultimately for a higher
cause.
Rahu signifies: Fame, extremes,
foreigners and foreign lands, fulfilment of worldly desires,
status, prestige, power, worldly success, outer success with
inner turmoil, obsessive, addictions, psychic, disturbances,
collective trends, disturbances, poisons that destroy and
heal, medicine, drugs and alcohol
Medical Astrology: Plagues,
epidemics, possessions, manic depression, insanity, addictions,
hormonal imbalances, suicide, insomnia, hysteria, neurosis,
nervous disorders, cancer
Gem: Hessonite Garnet (Gomehda)
Exaltation: Taurus Debilitation:
Scorpio
Directional Strength: Tenth
House
Ketu (The southern lunar
node)
Ketu is not really a planet, but rather a mathematically
calculated point in the heavens. Because of its lack of a
"body" it represents uncertain, unexpected and unpredictable
phenomena. It is intelligent and relates to mathematics and
other abstract knowledge.
Wherever Ketu sits in a chart there we will find the sucking
black hole effect. It feels forever like a hole into which
we tend to want to put more and more of that thing to satisfy
it. We cannot get enough where Ketu sits- we feel the lack
of that house in our lives very much. Therefore many say that
Ketu rules separations, cuts, loses and deprivations.
For the spiritually minded Ketu is very good, and for the
materialistic, very bad. It is good for the spiritually minded
because it rules liberation from bondage. When Rahu's body
was separated from his head, the body no longer was under
the influence of Rahu's mind, and so was free. Ketu represents
the ultimate freedom from ourselves, our spiritual liberation.
Ketu is very final in this sense.
In Vedic thought, liberation, called "Mukti" or
"Moksha" is considered the highest goal of life.
After all our material role playing is through, we are to
seek liberation from material bondage and misidentification,
and seek out union with God (Yoga means union). So, liberation
is the highest goal and Ketu is the "Moksha Karaka"
or significator of Moksha in our charts.
When reading astrological books, one must remember that many
of them were written, oddly enough, from the materialistic
viewpoint. Indeed, today also, many people who are into astrology
are into it for reasons of bettering their material positions,
or finding out just how good their life (here on Earth) is
going to be. Therefore, the books often say that Jupiter is
the highest benefic. However, spiritually minded astrologers
know that, in terms of real spiritual development, Saturn
is above Jupiter and Ketu is above Saturn. Jupiter rules Wisdom,
but Saturn rules Truth, yet Ketu rules Moksha, the highest
achievement of all. So, Ketu is the most spiritual planet,
with Saturn being next in line, and Jupiter takes third place.
Ketu signifies: Loss, liberation,
perception, wisdom, lack of confidence, negation, self doubt,
fantasies, confusion, indecision, illusions, drug addiction
and alcoholism, psychic influences, fire, injury, death, spiritual
insight
Medical Astrology: Psychic
disorders, radiation diseases, cancer, surgery and malpractice
Gem: Cat’s Eye
Exaltation: Scorpio Debilitation:
Taurus
Directional Strength: Twelfth
House
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