Nine Planets (Navgraha)

In Hindu religion and vedic astrology, the nine planets occupy an important role. The planet deities are referred to as the NAVAGRAHA and are suppose to have a significant impact on the lives of individual and therefore a Hindu adorns these planets as deities, so that they may bring peace and harmony in their life and to avert any mishap. NAVA means nine. GRAHA means planet. Graha literally means to grab. They are probably called so because they cause eclipses by grabbing the Sun and other stars.

BUDHA-THE MERCURY

Nature of Mercury

Nature of Mercury: Mercury is adored for bestowment of blessings of good education, business, sharp intellect, and pleasing appearance and also to keep off from heat-induced ailments, general debility and depressions. The planet also monitors the family affairs in life. It is related to peace of mind, earnings, intellect, education and business, if it is favorable. Mercury in Vedic astrology is known as BUDHA, the awakened discriminating intellect and the part of us that knows. Mercury is benefice if associated with benefice grahas, and malefic is associated with malefic grahas. He is known as grahapati, or lord of the planets. Mercury rules over two signs of the sidereal zodiac, Gemini (Mithun) and Virgo (Kanya). He is exalted in Virgo at 15 degrees and in his fall in the opposite sign of Pisces (Meen). Where the Moon is the innocent mind, Mercury is the intellect that discriminates between benefic and malefic ideas, or good and evil. The intellect is neutral and becomes whatever it is associated with. Mercury is learned in behavior.

Mercury is a karaka or indicator of intelligence, commerce, education, communication writing, books, humor, scholars, thieves and astrologers. Vedic sage Parasara describes him; “Mercury is endowed with an attractive physique and the capacity to use words with many meanings. He is fond of jokes…”

Mercury reaches full maturity at age 32. In Vedic myth Mercury is born of the Moon. One myth recounts how the Moon, overcome with lust, abducts Tara, the wife of Brihaspati, or Jupiter. Out of their union Budha, or Mercury is born. Thus the intellect is born of the mind.

There is a relationship of enmity between the Moon and Mercury that belies a deep truth. The Moon is innocent in its observation, while Mercury is evaluative and discriminating in its observation. BUDHA or MERCURY is considered as the greatest among the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth etc. on his devotees. He removes evil thoughts from their minds.He is the chief among GNANIS (realized souls). He is considered Vishnu Rupi, because of his beauty and resemblance. A prayer to Him, especially on Wednesdays brings in manifold benefits like removal of all obstacles, helps one to get a progeny, possession of fertile lands etc.

In the Zodiac this Devata is the Lord of Mithuna and Kanya. He stays like the Sun, one month in each Rasi completes the cycle in 12 months, more or less closely in the footsteps of the Sun. Mercury’s favorite placement is rising in the 1st House. His nature is VATA, or Airy. His gem is Emerald and his metal is all form of alloys. His direction is north and his ruling day is Wednesday. Mercury rules the zodiacal signs Virgo and Gemini. Friends of Mercury are the Sun, Venus, Rahu and Saturn. Ketu and Marc neutral to mercury and mercury maintain enmity with the moon and Jupiter.

Mercury Nakshatras relations: It works well with Ashlekha, Jyeshtha, Revati, Rohini, Hast, and Shravan nakshatras and gives auspicious results. It gives inauspicious results in Adra, Svati, Pushya, Anuradha, Chitra, and Magha nakshatras.

Mercury Period: It gives its best results when its native is between thirty-two and thirty-five years of age.

Mercury Diseases: When ill-aspected, Mercury gives chronic dysentery, constipation, lack of digestive fire, lung diseases, asthma, restlessness, kidney problems, fear, neurosis, and madness.

Mercury’s benevolent influence will keep a person in god stead in relation to family, society and occupation linked with accounting and education. It also makes you lovable and favourite among your relatives. May Mercury help and bestow you with all the good ways, we wish.

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SUKRA-THE VENUS

Venus Astrological Characteristics

Venus Planet is mainly associated with family life, taste and business/livelihood. The benevolent influence of Venus favours accumulation of wealth, jewellery, landed properties, happy home life, success in business and occupations, controlling obesity and fatness.

Venus nakshatras and signs: The nakshatras connected with Venus are Bharani, Purva Phalguni, and Purvashada. Sage Parasara says of Venus; “Venus is charming, has a splendors physique, is excellent or great in disposition, has charming eyes, is a poet, is phlegmatic and windy and has curly hair.” Venus most powerful position is in the 4th House.

In Vedic myth Venus, or Sukra, is known as the Guru, or teacher of the ASURAS, or one of the two camps of the Vedic deities. Sukra therefore is a Brahmin, or the highest priestly order, and is considered the forefather of the Brig lineage of sages from ancient India.

Sukra is considered a beneficial Devata. He blesses the devotees with power to control one’s Indriyas (Sense organs) and enables the devotee to obtain fame and name.

In the Zodiac, he is the Lord of Tula. Sukra takes one year to complete the Zodiac cycle living one month in each Rasi. Fridays are considered to be effective for the worship of Sukra.

General Characteristics Of Venus

Color: Pink, White
Day: Friday
God / Deity: Goddess Lakshmi
Gemstone: Diamond
Finger: Index, Middle
Metal: Platinum and silver
Direction: South-east
Rashis: Taurus, Libra
Uccha-Exalted Rashis: Pisces-Meen
Neecha-Falling Rashis: Virgo- Kanya

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SOMA-THE MOON

Moon Astrological Significance

Moon means mind: Moon is associated with the functionality of mind. It is believed that the moon controls the power of mind and versatility. It is also believed to provide power of meditation, concentration and resistance against cold diseases. The Moon in Vedic astrology is called CHANDRA. In Sanskrit CHANDRA means “bright and shining”. The Moon is also called SOMA, named after the intoxicating sacred drink used in Vedic sacrifice. Where all westerners know their Sun-sign, you will find all Hindus know their Moon sign, for the Moon, and its birth sign are important in Hindu culture and astrology.

Moon importance in vedic astrology: In fact before british rule, Hindus do not celebrate their birthday on the calendar day on which they were born. Instead, they celebrate their birthday in the month they were born when the Moon enters the part of the sign it was in at birth. Such is the importance of the Moon in Vedic culture. The bright Moon is considered a benefic of the highest order, and the dark Moon is considered a malefic. The Moon is known as a hare, or rabbit in Vedic lore, as he jumps faster than any of the other grahas. The Moon rules over the sidereal sign of Cancer (Karka). He is exalted in Taurus (Vrish), and fallen in the opposite sign of Scorpio (Vrischik).

Moon characteristics: The Moon is a karaka of many things. He is an indicator of the mother, and females in general, the public, general well-being and happiness, femininity and beauty, the eyesight, memory and the mind. Many western students of astrology are shocked to discover that the Moon is indicative of the mind, and not Mercury. The Sun is the indicator of the soul, and the Moon is the vehicle of the mind that receives the light of the soul. Mercury is the further process that is called the intellect, which places a value on what the mind has received.

The Moon as the mind is indicative of all the senses and their ability to perceive life in its entire splendor. Mercury represents a further distillation and conceptualization of that process and its ultimate intellectualization in forming judgment. The Moon is most comfortable and powerful in the 4th House; she also likes the angles.

The Moon is particularly beneficial for the water sign ascendants of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Her nature is KAPHA, or watery. Her gem is the Moonstone and Natural Pearls. Her metal is silver and her direction is Northwest. Moon rules the mood or mind of invidual. In vedic astrology moon situated house in horoscope is called Rashi of individual. A Person has special interset to the characteristics of that horoscope house. Rashi plays major role in person friendships. Same type of Rashi people have good understanding.

The Moon’s day is Monday. The Moon comes into her full maturity at age 24. In Vedic myth the Moon, or CHANDRA, is depicted as Male. He is married to the 27 lunar mansions or NAKSHATRAS as they are called in Sanskrit that makes up the sidereal cycle of the Moon. This is how long it takes the Moon to move through all the signs, some 27 odd days. Each night he stays in one of the mansions until he has visited all 27 wives and the sidereal cycle is completed. But, having 27 wives, Chandra does not treat them all equally. He is especially fond of the lunar mansion ROHINI, in Taurus where the Moon is exalted.

CHANDRA (MOON) is a lovable God-a loving god. Pleasing to children as well as elders universally appealing to everyone whatever may be the religion of the onlooker. Sages and devotees invoke the Goddess Mother in Chandra and meditate for hours. This graha (Moon) causes nightfall strengthens the mind, purifies the blood and is considered as the mother who radiates nectar (Amrut). Worship of this graha is said to be beneficial for relief from all sorrows, helps in curing mental afflictions etc. His cool rays radiate happiness around. He adores the head of Lord Siva.

In the Zodiac he is the lord of Cancer. Worshipping Chandra on Mondays is said to be very effective in getting one’s prayers answered.

Moon Nakshatras: In Rohini, Hast, Shravan, Punarvasu, Vishakha, and Purva Bhadrapad nakshatras it gives good and beneficial effect. It also gives favorable effects if it is in Kritika, Uttra Phalguni, Ashlekha, Jyestha, Uttra Khad, and Revati nakshatras.

Moon organs: Rules the left nostril, eyesight, the breasts, and the brain (memory).

Moon Diseases: An afflicted, debilitated, exiled, or weak Moon causes cold, cough, fever, eye, ailments, lunacy, epilepsy, hysteria, colic pains, beriberi, intestinal disorders, throat troubles, bronchitis, dysentery, neurosis, typhoid, and cancer.

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BRIHASPATI / GURU-THE JUPITER

Nature of Jupiter

The planet Jupiter in Vedic astrology is known as GURU, BRIHASPATI, and DEVAGURA.

Jupiter is believed to be a bestower of successes. It is generally believed that one who is graced by Jupiter, commands respect from others. Cleanliness is a virtue preferred by Jupiter. Jupiter in astrology is named as ‘Guru’, meaning, biggest of all planets. The persons with grace of favour of Jupiter enjoy elderly quality, towering respect and business. If it is powerful, it can counter the ill effects of other planets comfortably. Where the Sun is known as Atman, or the soul, Jupiter is known as JIVA, the consciousness of the soul representing the individuality of self. Where Venus is a Brahmin and follows the Brigu lineage of Brahmin sages, Jupiter is also a Brahmin and follows the Angiras lineage of Brahmin sages. Jupiter’s epithets are sacred and many: “Lord of sacred speech”, “Lord of power”, “Guru of the Gods”, “reader of minds” and “beloved by the Gods”.

Jupitar organs: Jupiter rules over the liver, circulation of blood in arteries, and fat in the human organism.

Jupitar Diseases: Diseases connected with an afflicted or wrongly posited Jupiter are liver ailments, jaundice, arthritis, swelling, and tuberculosis.

Female marriage karka: Jupiter is very important for a female, because it determines her marriage and her relationship with her husband.

Jupiter relation with planets: Sun, Mars, and the Moon are its friends. Mercury and Venus are its enemies. Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn are neutral in friendship. Its signs of detriment are Gemini and Virgo.

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SURYA-THE SUN

Sun Astrological Characteristics

The Sun in Vedic astrology is called RAVI, or SURYA. He is considered to be mild malefic, in consideration of the hot, dry in nature. As in western tropical astrology, the Sun rules the Sign of Leo (Simha). He is exalted (Uccha) in the sign of Aries (Mesh), and he is in his fall (Neecha) in the sign of Libra. The Sun is known as the ATMAKARAKA. This comes from the Sanskrit ATMA meaning soul, and KARAKA meaning indicator. As “indicator of the soul” the Sun is the giver of life. The Sun is the indicator of the father, our ego, honors, status, fame, the heart, the eyes, general vitality, respect and power. The Sun is in his strongest placement directly overhead in the 10th House. He is also strong in the other Kendra’s, or Angles. These are the Houses 1, 4, and 7. The Sun also does well in what are called the upachaya, or growing Houses. These are the Houses 3, 6, and 11. He is particularly beneficial for the fire sign Ascendants of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. His nature, or temperament is PITTA, or fiery, and the gemstone associated with the Sun is the red ruby.

Sun characteristics: The Sun gives us vitality and the power of resistance and immunity. It is responsible for our physical makeup – the body’s constitution. The Sun gives life force, the power of will, intellect, brilliance, prosperity, success in worldly affairs, wealth, personal, conduct, activity, cheerfulness, good fortune, wisdom, ambition, fame, the understanding of the phenomenal world, and the knowledge of medicine. It also governs our relationship with temples and holy places.

The human spine is specially influenced by the Sun. Pingala Nadi, which represents the Sun, originates at the base of the spine on the right side, is solar in nature, and terminates in the right nostril.

Sun Relations with other planets: The Moon, Mars, and Jupiter are its natural friends, and Venus, Saturn, Rahu (dragon’s head, or the north node of the Moon), and Ketu (dragon’s tail, the south node of the Moon) are its natural enemies.

Sun Nakshatras: Kritika, Uttra Phalguni, and Uttra Khad are ruled by the Sun.

Organs ruled by Sun: The Sun is connected with the right eye in men and the left eye in women. The Sun rules the heart, liver, lungs, head (brain), nerves, and bones.

Sun diseases: An afflicted and ill-aspected Sun gives low and high blood pressure, indigestion, jaundice, cholera, fever, diabetes, appendicitis, hemorrhage, cardiac thrombosis, eruptions on the face, typhoid, tuberculosis, mental problems caused by thinking too much, diseases of the head, epilepsy, and disorders caused by aggravated bile. The Sun’s metal is Gold and his direction is east. His day is Sunday, and he comes into full maturity and brilliance at age 22.

He is the God-a living God-whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms. He is the life-giver and time-giver. The Vedas adore him as a witness (Sakshi) of all actions. He is the lord of Leo in the Zodiac. He stays one month in each Rasi and takes 365 days or 12 months to complete a round of 12 Rasis. Worship of this Devata (GOD) on Sunday is supposed to bring in manifold benefits to the worshipers.

Sun religious significance: In the six sects established by Adi Sankara, Souram is one devoted to Sun God. Even in other religions, Sun worship has place. In the Zodiac, Sun occupies a prominent place-the Center. This graha is the source of life and he is therefore described as the life-giver-PRANADHATA. He helps one gain his eyesight and SURYANAMASKAR (worship by prostration) will strengthen one’s bones, cure illness, however severe it may be, cleanses the devotee from his sins and bestows on him progeny, wealth, good-health and long life. He is the cause for rainfall benefiting the world.

General Characteristics Of Sun

Color: Vermillion Red
Day: Sunday
God / Deity: Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Gemstone: Ruby-Manik
Finger Ring: Middle
Metal: Gold
Direction: East
Rashis: Leo-Simha
Uccha-Exalted Rashi: Aries-Mesh
Neecha-Falling Rashi: Libra-Tula

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MANGAL-THE MARS

Mars Astrological significance

Brief nature of mars: Mars, a powerful planet, can work out miracles for it’s devotees. It can protect it’s devotees from impending dangers and blood-related ailments. It is instrumental in the acquisition of landed properties, acquiring of status, affluence in profession/occupation and even relieves from steep debts. In Vedic astrology Mars is know as MANGAL, ANGARAKA and KUJA. These names in Sanskrit mean, “auspicious, burning coal, and the fair one”. Mars is a malefic.

Mars Ruling Signs: He rules over the two sidereal signs of Aries (Mesh) and Scorpio (Vrishchik).

Mars exalted and debilitated Rashi(s): He is exalted in Capricorn (Makra) and fallen in the opposite sign of Cancer (Karka). Mars is often depicted as a god with a red body exemplifying the natural color of the astronomical body in the sky.

Mars signifier: Kuja is a karaka, or indicator, of brother and siblings, assertion, aggressiveness, soldiers and military endeavors, mechanical ability, engineers and surgeons, commanders and rulers, accidents, violence and war, ambition, strength, arguments and conflict, passion and desire. Like Surya, the Sun, Mars most powerful position is in the 10th House. He is a particularly beneficial planet for Cancer or Leo Ascendants. His nature is PITTA, or fiery. His gem is red coral and his direction is south. Mars’ day is Tuesday and he reaches full maturity at age 28. In Vedic mythology Mars appears to have been born of the Earth. SARVA, the archer, represents the element of Earth as the supporter of life. Sarva’s wife VIKESI, the disheveled, is the Earth goddess. The Puranic literature of ancient India declares that Angaraka, Mars is their son born of the Earth.

Mars sun of Shiva and Lord Of War: Mars is further identified with the Kartikeya, the god of war. He is the son of the god Shiva, who was born without Shiva’s union with a woman. Kartikeya was born with six heads as the six goddesses of the lunar constellation, Kritika, or the Pleiades nurtured him. Kartikeya kills the seemingly invincible demon Taraka, and releases the Devas from Taraka’s oppression. These myths depict valor, strength and courage, and most fittingly, the protective quality of Mars. Thus, Mars is known as the protector of dharma, the sacred path and purpose in life that each of us follows. In the Zodiac, ANGARAKA or MARS is regarded as a God of martial character, red in every aspect. Even the Romans held him as their Guru. In the Zodiac, He is the Lord of “Mesha” and “Vrischika”. He stays 1 1/2 months in each Rasi taking 18 months to complete the cycle.

Mars heroic planet: Mars is a masculine, dry, and fiery planet. It is said to be the commander-in-chief of the assembly of the nine planets. It is also personified as the god of war. Mars is a warrior by nature-bile-dominated in temperament – and it rules over courage, bravery, patience, self-confidence, leadership abilities, physical strength, forcefulness, violence, animal nature, cattle, land as property, earth, fire, saffron, musk, mercury (the metal), cuts, burns, bruises, anger, hatred, impulsive nature, and insensitivity. Mars makes its natives short-tempered, argumentative; lovers of weapons, guns, and explosives; commanders; generals; soldiers; and policeman. It also gives them great technical and mechanical abilities and makes them builders, designers, engineers, and good surgeons.

Mars Diseases: It causes eczema, rashes, disorders of the blood and bile, cuts, wounds, electric shocks, gunshots, knife wounds, burns, bruises, anger, hatred, psychic disturbances, poverty, infections, smallpox, plague, tuberculosis, thirst, piles, ulcers, fevers, poisoning, surgical operations, and diseases of the stomach, liver, lungs, nose, and ears.

Mars Nakshatras: It is powerful in Pisces and Aquarius, Mrighshira, Dhanishtha, and Chitra and its nakshatras.

Mars worship significance: A prayer to this planet frees one from debts, poverty and illness afflicting the skin. This graha bestows property and conveyance (Locomotion). A prayer to Angaraka can restore loss of eyesight. Tuesdays are intended for the worship of Angaraka who loves the chanting of Sama Veda. If one observes the fast on Tuesday for 21 times, the unlucky influence of Tuesday (Mangal) can be got rid off. The legend that depict the influence of the worship of MANGAL goes as follows, and is narrated whenever a worship or offering is made to the deity.

Mars story: An old woman used to observe fast on every Tuesday. Her son was named Mangaliya. Mangal deity in disguise of a Brahmin came and asked her “I am hungry. I shall prepare my own food but you plaster the ground with cow-dung.” The woman said, “Today is a Tuesday; I do not plaster cow-dung on this day. I shall sprinkle water and you can prepare food.” The Brahmin said, “I shall only cook on a cow-dung plastered surface.” The woman refused and said that she could do anything else except cow-dung plaster.” The Brahmin said, “Let your son lie upside down, I shall cook on his back.” After some thought, the woman agreed to this and called her son. The disguised Brahmin lit the furnace on his back and cooked food. After cooking, the Brahmin asked the woman to call her son so that he could take the auspicious food. The woman, in grief, said why he cut jokes and that after your cooking on his back, he would have died. The Brahmin explained and insisted her to call the son. When insisted the woman called, and the son came running. The Brahmin said, “Old woman, your fast is successful. With kindness, your mind is also full of devotion and faith. May you be ever happy.” The deity (Mangal) in disguise disappeared.

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KETU-THE DRAGON'S TAIL

Ketu Astrological significance

Ketu, the South Node of the Moon means a “sign”, or a “banner” in Sanskrit. If Rahu is the planet of worldly desire, then Ketu is the planet of otherworldly desire, or spirituality. Ketu represents the spiritual process of evolution, or the refinement of materialization to spirit. Ketu is considered a worldly malefic and spiritual benefice, as it causes sorrow and loss, which ultimately turns the individual to god.

The karakas, or indicators of Ketu are focused intelligence, indicator of liberation, indicator of wisdom, non-attachment, other worldly interests, fantasy, penetrating insight, derangement, carrier of arms and weapons, invisibility and physic abilities.

Ketu’s gem is the cat’s eye (Lehsuniya). This Graha is of a Pitta, or fiery temperament.Ketu has the last maturity of all the planets at age 48, when the soul turns to the pursuit of MOKSHA the pursuit of liberation from this world.

Ketu general characteristics: Ketu is the rest of the body of Rahu, it bestows spiritual tendencies, asceticism, and nonattachment to worldly desires and ambitions. Ketu is also a half-planet that bestows wisdom, powers of discrimination, and gyana-spiritual knowledge, the knowledge of the self. It gives psychic abilities to its natives and makes them masters of the healing arts, natural healing, healing herbs, spices, foods, tantric healing, healing persons affected by evil spirits and ghosts. Ketu’s sign is Pisces – as Rahu’s is Virgo. The sign Pisces belongs the the guru, Jupiter, and Ketu also has dominion over it. Ketu’s body is supposed to be composed of a man’s torso in its upper half and a fish body as its lower half. Ketu is often depicted with a gem, or a star on his head, which emits a mystery light. Ketu is said to be a member of the Jaimini lineage of sages, who founded one of the several systems of philosophy of ancient India. There are wonderful myths associated with Rahu and Ketu.

Ketu friends planet: Ketu is a friend of Mercury, Venus, and Saturn. Jupiter is neutral in friendship. Sun, Moon, and Mars are Ketu’s enemies.

Ketu signs and nakshatras: Ashwani, Mul, and Magha nakshatras are Ketu’s nakshatras. Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Pisces are its friendly signs. Cancer and Leo are enemy signs. The Nagas of Vedic lore is serpent like, semi-divine beings, which offer knowledge, protection, as well as wrath and retribution to those they encounter. The forked tongue of the serpent’s bite represents intoxication, the first being poison, resulting in dementia, the second being amrita, or spiritual nectar, resulting in ecstasy and divine consciousness.
ketu nature
KETU AS SEEN IN TEMPLESThere is a story in the Puranas that tells of the God Vishnu dispensing AMRITA, the nectar of immortality to the Devas. While Vishnu was dispensing this amrita, a demon, Rahu mingled with the Devas and was receiving the amrita when the Sun and the Moon discovered him.

With the luminaries calling alarm, Vishnu threw his discus (Soodarshana Chakra) at Rahu and cut off his head. But, Rahu had already drunk the Amrita and now remained an immortal head, disassociated from an immortal body. Rahu is the strongest enemy of Sun and Moon. There is much lore and mystery surround the Moon’s Nodes in Vedic myth, and they are considered of paramount importance in chart interpretation. In fact, in assessing planetary power, the only Graha that is more powerful than the Sun is Rahu, the North Node of the Moon, because of his ability to swallow the Sun during a total solar eclipse.

Ketu brings prosperity to the devotee’s family, removes the effect of snakebite and illness arising out of poisonous matter entering one’s body He grants good health, wealth, cattle and all around prosperity. Lunar and solar eclipses occurs because of Rahu and Ketu.

General Characteristics Of Ketu

Color Honey Color
Day Tuesday
God / Deity Lord Bhairav (An Incarnation of Shiva)
Gemstone Lehsuniya
Finger Ring
Metal Silver
Rashis Pisces-Meen

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SHANI-THE SATURN

Shani (Saturn)

In Vedic astrology the planet Saturn is called SHANI. In Sanskrit Shani comes from SANISCHARA, which means, “slow mover”. From Shani we get the word “shun”, which means to ignore, or lose awareness of something. Thus, Saturn represents a loss of awareness, or ignorance. This loss of awareness can also mean the diminishing awareness of the material world of manifestation. Here Saturn indicates the ascetic, rich with inner spirituality, and lost to this material plane of existence. Saturn is a malefic graha. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Capricorn (Makra) and Aquarius (Kumbha). He is exalted in Libra (Tula), and fallen in the opposite sign of Aries (Mesh).

Saturn Significance: Saturn is a karaka, or indicator, of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience. Saturn also indicates asceticism, denial, non-attachment, spirituality, hard work, organization, reality and time itself. Saturn’s most successful place in the chart is in the 6th, 8th and 12th houses. He is a particularly beneficial planet for Taurus and Libra Ascendants. Saturn’s nature is Vata, or Airy. His gem is Blue Sapphire and all black stones and his metal is Lead. Saturn’s direction is west and his day is Saturday. He reaches full maturity at age 36. In Vedic myth Saturn is the son of the Sun, born to his shadow wife, Chaya. Saturn is lame because one of the Sun’s first wife Sanjana’s children became angered with him and struck him in the foot. Thus Saturn walks with a limp, which accounts why he is the slowest of the Grahas.

Saade Sati : The graha SANISCHARA (Saturn), also known as Manda, is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when he occupies certain positions in one’s horoscope like Saade Sati (7 1/2 years) Ashtama Shani (Saturn in 8th house-2 1/2 years) etc.

Saturn slowest planet: He is the Lord of Makaram and Kumbam. He is the slowest moving planet taking 2 1/2 years in each Rasi, completing one cycle every 30 years.

Saturn relations with planets: Saturn rules over the zodiacal signs Capricorn and Aquarius. Mercury, Venus, Rahu, and Ketu are its friends and the Sun, the Moon, and Mars are its enemies. Jupiter is neutral in friendship.

Shani Friendly Signs: Its friendly zodiacal signs are Taurus and Gemini and it works well and gives good results in Sagittarius and Pisces. Enemy signs are Cancer, Leo, and Scorpio. In Indian astrology, Saturn is considered to be a malefic amongst the malefic but its last effect is happy. Throwing man into misfortunes and calamities, the Saturn ultimately saves the man. He is regarded the strongest of all planets. A prayer to this Devata, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate the hardships one will have to face during these periods. Sanischara bestows all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him. The legend that depict the influence of the worship of SHANI goes as follows, and is narrated whenever a worship or offering is made to the deity.

Saturn mythology: The legend pertains to a king. The king invited merchants from far and wide and proclaimed that the king himself would purchase all unsold goods. The merchants were happy. Once a blacksmith brought an iron image of Saturn for sale, which ultimately was purchased by the king, who installed that in his palace with reverence.

Other gods became unhappy on this action of the king. At night, the king saw a brilliant woman going out of the house. On king’s enquiry, he learnt that, it was Lakshmi. She said that she could not stay in the place where Saturn is present. After sometime a male image went out and was told to be Bhaivabh (Prosperity).

Similarly all other gods Dharma (Religion), Dheriye (Patience), Kshama (Pardon) and all others went out. When the last Satya (Truth) was going out, the king protested and said that because of faith in Satya, he did not object to the others from going out. Feeling the sentiments of the king, Satya stopped. All other deities were waiting outside for Satya, but when he did not come out Dharma (religion) said that he could not remain without Satya; so he returned in.

Similarly all others followed suite and all gods and attributes came back inside the palace. They told the king that only because of his devotion to the Satya (truth); they all had to return and that such a king could never be unhappy. Due to the devotion to Satya, (truth), Lakshmi (wealth) and Shani (Saturn) came to live together, to the benefit of the devotees.

General Characteristics Of Shani

Color Blue, Black
Day Saturday
God / Deity Lord Hanuman
Gemstone Blue Sapphire-Neelam
Finger Middle
Metal Silver
Direction West
Rashis Capricorn (Makra), Aquarious (Kumbha)
Uccha-Exalted Rashi Libra-Tula
Neecha-Falling Rashi Aries- Mesh

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RAHU-THE DRAGON'S HEAD

Rahu Characteristics

The North Node of the Moon is called RAHU in Vedic astrology and the South Node is called KETU. They are called dark or shadow planets, because of the Nodes’ association with the phenomena of eclipses. They have no sign ruler ships, although they are said to favor Mercury and Jupiter’s signs according to some authorities, while others claim that Rahu favors the sign of Aquarius and Ketu the sign of Scorpio. Rahu, the North Node of the Moon means to conceal, engulf or hide in Sanskrit.

This Graha is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire. Rahu is associated with the spiritual process of evolution, or the engrossing of spirit in materialization. Rahu is a karaka, or indicator, of worldly desire, fame, greed, high intelligence, manipulation, obsessive behavior, foreigners, mass disease, dementia and inertia. The nature of this Graha is Vata, or Airy. He’s the significator of an irreligious person, outcast, harsh speech, logical fallacy, falsehoods, uncleanliness, abdominal ulcers, bones, and transmigration. Rahu is instrumental in strengthening one’s power and converting even an enemy into a friend. Poisonous snake bites can be healed by the grace of Rahu. In Buddhism Rahu is one of the krodhadevatas (terror-inspiring gods).

Rahu professions: Rahu is a legendary master of deception who signifies cheaters, pleasure seekers, operators in foreign lands, drug dealers, poison dealers, insincere & immoral acts,etc.

Rahu diseases: It gives suicidal tendencies, fears, phobias, poisonous bites, murder, theft, imprisonment, and diseases like cholera, dysentery, skin diseases, swelling of the uterus, and constipation.

Rahu Signs: Friendly signs are Taraus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarious. Cancer and Leo are its enemy signs. Mercury, Venus, and Saturn are friendly planets. Rahu is an enemy of Sun, Moon, and Mars. Rahu gives auspicious results in Taurus and Libra. Rahu is capable of giving power when rightly posited or exalted, and it gives fame, success in politics, money, and physical beauty (i.e., attraction).

Rahu behaves like saturn: Rahu is regarded as similar to Saturn in its effect. Smoky blue is its color, instinctual and animalistic its nature. Rahu is interested only in achieving all that gives pleasure, and even if it achieves all it wants, it is never satisfied (which is true of our animalistic nature). Although Rahu rules no sign of the zodiac, the zodiacal sign Virgo is its sign. Virgo is in fact assigned to Mercury, but Rahu being akin to Saturn and Mercury being a friend of Saturn, Rahu thus has authority over Virgo.

Rahu god of chemical industry: Rahu governs all sorts of poisonous chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and disinfectants that are in use in the present times. It also governs all the substances with a strong pungent smell like the sulphur-dioxide gas. In other words Rahu has a role to play whenever a poisonous substance is involved. There is no equal to Rahu when it comes to giving Upliftment in Name and Fame , Sudden Luck Gambling, which is probably the reason why Western astrologers regard it as the greatest benefic force.

The gemstone associated with Rahu is a smoke color hessonite (Gomed). Its element is air and direction is south-west. Rahu reaches full maturity at age 42. The Puranas describe Rahu as half-bodied, born of a lioness, snakelike, having a huge body and being extraordinarily powerful. The Skanda Purana says that Rahu is instrumental in strengthening ones power and converting even an enemy into a friend. The effect of snakebite is removed by his grace. The lunar and solar eclipses are attributed to Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu stay 1 1/2 years in each Graha.

Rahu and Ketu story: There is a story in the Puranas that tells of the God Vishnu dispensing AMRITA,the nectar of immortality to the Devas. While Vishnu was dispensing this amrita, a demon, Rahu mingled with the Devas and was receiving the amrita when the Sun and the Moon discovered him. With the luminaries calling alarm, Vishnu threw his discus (Soodarshana Chakra) at Rahu and cut off his head. But, Rahu had already drunk the Amrita and now remained an immortal head, disassociated from an immortal body.

Rahu is the strongest enemy of Sun and Moon. There is much lore and mystery surround the Moon’s Nodes in Vedic myth, and they are considered of paramount importance in chart interpretation. In fact, in assessing planetary power, the only Graha that is more powerful than the Sun is Rahu, the North Node of the Moon, because of his ability to swallow the Sun during a total solar eclipse.

General Characteristics Of Rahu
Color blue, black
Day Saturday
God / Deity Lord Saraswati
Gemstone Hessonite-Gomed
Finger Middle
Metal Gold
Direction South-west
Rashis Aquarious – Kumbh