Planets in Astrology

Planets & their significance in Astrology

Lesson 2: Learn Astrology

In the first chapter we have learnt there are 9 classical planets Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu; and now Modern astrology also included Neptune, Uranus and Pluto in the list. Lets learn about these planets and their characteristics in detail:

In Astronomy, the Sun is the center of solar system at the distance of 14,96,00,000 kms from the Earth. It is nearest to earth in January every at 14,71,03,000 kms and farthest in July at 15,21,06,000 kms.

Sun is a symbol of spirit. As the sun puts forth light, so it brings forth life. It is considered as soul of kalapursha. Sun is considered as king of all planets. Possibly Sunday is kept as a holiday everywhere so that people are could worship Sun on Sundays. Sun represents lord Brahma with his four faces causing the four seasons.

This planet (also known as a luminary and a star) represents the self, one’s personality and ego, the spirit and what it is that makes the individual unique. It is our identity and our face to the world. The sun also speaks to creative ability. The Sun offers us power of resistance and vitality. It rules our consciousness. It gives us force and will power and makes one determined and decisive to make the individual meet the challenges of everyday life.

Sun rules Leo and 5th house. Sun is exalted in Aries, and debilitated in the Libra. Its gemstone is Ruby. It spends around 30 days in each sign. In planetary relationship, Sun is friend with Moon, Jupiter, Mars, and enemy with Saturn, Venus, Rahu, and Ketu. Vimshottari dasha of Sun is 6 years and its constellations (nakshatras) are Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, and Uttarashadha. 

Charateristics of Sun: 

Sun is hot, dry, masculine and positive planet. He is god of Fire and fiery in nature. Sun is lord of direction East and governs ‘Grishma’ season (June-July). His color is orange.

Sun represents father of the native, kings, the government and those in authority. In female horoscope, it represents husband.

Physical Features: Sun gives the native honey colored eyes and large and round face. It makes color of body and hair lighter in shade and gives a bilious temperament. Parts of the body ruled by Sun are heart, head, brain, right eye in males and left eye in females, bones, mouth, spleen, throat, lungs, arteries, blood and its circulation.

Effects: When Sun is afflicted it makes the native arrogant, mean, boastful, irritable, jealous, wavering temperament, angry, proud, immoral.  When Sun is beneficial it gives boldness, commanding ability, fame, position, dignity, vitality, energy, happiness, royal appearance, optimism, power, success, good health, warmth, affection, good temperament, respect to elders, honour from government, wealth.

Health: The diseases indicated by Sun are heart problems, epilepsy, cerebral, meningitis, aphasia, polypus, eye disease, high fever, baldness, low blood pressure, and sunstroke.

Products: The products represented by Sun are rice, groundnut, coconut, almonds, chillies,  myrobalans, wheat, lavender, saffron, gur, pungent taste juice, orange, asafoetida, cardamoms, poison, laurel, vermin, cedar, marigold, pod grains etc.

Animals : Sun represents all majestic animals like lion, boar, horse, and serpents. It also represents Lark, swan, nightingale and other singing birds.

Abode: Sun represents places like mountains, forests, Shiva temples, fortress, government buildings, public offices like District Boards, panchayat etc.

Precious metals & Gems : Gold, Copper and Ruby are represented by Sun. Native whose lord of ascendant is Sun can wear the ring of Ruby in copper or gold in ring finger in the constellation of Sun.

Moon is 3,84,400 kms (average) away from the Earth. Because of elliptical shape of the orbits of Sun and Moon, minimum and maximum distance between Earth and Moon is 3,63,000 kms. and 4,06,000 kms respectively. In Astronomy, moon is a satellites of earth, whereas, in astrology it is considered as a planet. The moon can be observed to cross any particular celestial meridian, every 27.32166 days, which is the sidereal period of Moon. The period between the one full moon and next full moon is 29.5306 days which is also called lunar month.  Since the Moon is the closest ‘planet’ to Earth, this satellite literally zips around the zodiac, completing its circuit in less than a month. It also touches us more deeply than most planets

The Moon rules Cancer and the fourth house. Moon is exalted in Taurus at 3 degree, and debilitated in Scorpio at 3 degree. Mool trikona rashi of Moon is Taurus between 4 to 30 degree. Pearl is the gemstone of Moon. It is friend with Jupiter, Sun, Mercury, and enemy with Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. Vimshottari dasha of Moon is 10 years and constellations are Rohini, Hasta, and Shravan.

Characteristics of Moon: 

Moon is negative, giving changeable and plastic nature and rules over personality and form. Moon is considered as a mind of kalpurush. Moon is the queen of solar system. While the Sun pours spirit and life to all planetary bodies, the moon governs over the life of the beings on earth. She is the Luna (Diana), the Queen of the night. She is the Goddess and also a huntress. She governs chastity as well as fertility.

Hotels, restaurants, public places, hospitals are connected with Moon. Moon also represents water so watery places, things related to water such as ships or sailors are connected with Moon. 

Nature : Moon is a cold, moist, feminine, changeable, receptive and negative planet. She is lord of North – West direction and governs Varsha Ritu (August – September). Moon is watery in nature. Her color is silvery white or sea – green. Her chief domain is over the mind, the sleep, and all the fruits of the earth and flowers. She rules over the multitude, the masses, travelling, female relatives, commerce, business, and such professions which deal in liquids. She rules over the place of residence.

Physical Features: Moon gives the native corpulent body, white complexion, lovely eyes, black and thin hair, tender speech and mild temper. Parts of the body ruled by moon are left eye of the male and the right eye of the female, breasts, esophagus, stomach, uterus, ovaries, lymphatic, bladder, synovial fluid. Waxing moon rules over the arteries, motor nerves and the muscles while the waning moon rules the veins, sensory nerves, sense organs and the glands.

Effects: Strong Moon gives career in public relations, administration, house-keeping, nursing, cooking, catering, psychologist and physician like jobs related to care and feelings. When Moon is beneficial she gives high position in public life, good family life, courtesy, amiable nature, easy – going and pleasing personality, timidness, magnetism, desire for wealth and worldly things, interest for psychic subjects and taste for all delicious fruits.

Weak Moon may give you fickle temperament; intolerance, insensitivity, and even insomnia as Moon represent sleep. Through Moon you can also check family, financial solvency, happy married life, inheritance, income and gains, basic comfort, family, basic education, status of married life, social behavior etc. When Moon is afflicted she makes the native unfortunate, sick in infancy and old age, deformed, impulsive, over anxious, indecisive, rash, depressed, pessimistic. 

Health: The diseases indicated by moon are lunacy, eye-disease, paralysis, hysteria, epilepsy, colic, cough and cold, measles, intestinal problems, dyspepsia, hydrocele, diseases caused due to excess of drink, bronchitis, asthama, tumors, nervous debility, dysentery, cancer, typhoid.

Products:  Oranges, melon, white, poppy, cucumber, palm, mushroom, algae, wintergreen, pumpkin, mercury, sugarcane, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, betel leaves, silver, salt, rice, cream, foreign liquor, fruit juice, pearl, curd, herbs that turn towards the moon.

Animals: Moon represents animals like dog, cat, mouse, amphibious creatures, horse. She also represents goose, crab, duck, water- bird, tortoise, owl, and oyster.

Abode: Moon represents places like mountains, fortresses, ocean, river, place of residence etc.

Metals & Gems :
Pearl and all white stones are represented by moon. Metals represented are Silver, tin, and other white metals. Native whose lord of ascendant is moon can wear the ring of these stones in silver in ring finger in the constellation of
moon.

Mars is a red planet. It moves around the Sun at a mean distance approximately 1.52 times that of earth from Sun. It completes its orbit in 686.9804 mean earth solar days and spins on axis in 24 hours 39 minutes and 22.6689 seconds. It moves in its orbit at a mean velocity of 24.1 kms/ second. Mars can been seen in the sky with naked eyes.

Mars is smaller than earth; it spends 45 days in each zodiac, and approximately one and half years to complete the astrological cycle through all the zodiacs. 

Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, and 1st and 8th house. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, and debilitated in Cancer. Red Coral is the gemstone. Mars is friend with Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and enemy with Mercury and Rahu. Vimshottari dasha of Mars is 7 years and constellations are Mrugshirsh, Chitra, and Dhanishtha.

Characteristics of Mars

Mars is one of the outer planets among 9 planets in astrology, smaller than Earth, the God of war and also of hunting. Mars is a red, dry, fiery, male planet. Mars is said to be the son of the Earth and is called Bhumi-putra. He is the governor of dispute and destruction.

Mars is also the chief governor for brothers and real estate. Being an action planet, Mars people do well in business or in profession if planet is rightly placed in the chart. 

Effects: Mars controls ambition, desires, senses, and animal instinct in man. If Mars is strong, it gives tremendous self confidence, combat nature, muscular strength, organizing ability, ambition to be successful in every field.  Mars people are brave not afraid of anything, that is why Mars governed natives generally opt for military, police, fire-fighting, engineering, surgery, builder, mechanic, entrepreneur, sports like professions. Athletes, martial artists, or persons in daring sports also come from a strong Mars background. Afflicted Mars will make the native short tempered, argumentative, and quarrelsome. It could also make you gangster, criminal, shooter, executioner etc. Afflicted Mars gives arguments, quarrels, fights, lack of courage and dare.

Mars is the general significator of younger brothers which also adds to the strength of the native, afflicted Mars will give trouble from younger brothers.

Health: In your body, if you want to study anything related to chest, bone marrow, blood, intestine, forehead, neck, nose, or muscles, study Mars. Afflicted Mars could be a cause of accidents, wounds, burns, fractures, piles, liver problems, fevers, tumors, typhoid, cholera, pox and boils, measles, ruptures of blood vessels, fistulas, wound by iron or steel, hemorrhages, hernia, stones, abortions, appendicitis, sunstroke, muscular rheumatism, carbuncles, tetanus, deformity etc.  

The products represented by Mars are walnut, cashewnut, betelnut, groundnut, ginger, mustard, garlic, brandy, whisky, arrack, toddy, metallic oxides, axe, knife, sword, gun, landed properties, thorny plants, old instruments, coriander etc.

Animals: Mars represents animals like tiger, wolf and other savage beasts, elephant, hunting dog. It also represents birds like hawk, kite, vultures and other birds of prey.

Abode: Mars represents places like battlefield, slaughter-houses, smith’s shops, police station, and industrial area.

Metals/Gems represented by Mars are copper, coral, ruby and all red stones. Native whose lord of ascendant is Mars can wear the ring of these stones in copper or gold in ring or index finger in the constellation of Mars.

The mean distance of Mercury from Sun is 58 x 106 kms. Due to its closeness with Sun, it is difficult to be observed with naked eye. Its sidereal time is 87.969 earth days. It has no satellite. It does not go beyond 280 from Sun.

Hindus regard Mercury as God Keshav, Narayan, Madhav etc. In other words it represents protective agency. It is a prince in planetary cabinet. So like a child it does not act independently and borrows the characteristics of the planet with which it is associate. Mercury, nearest to Sun, also known as “The Messenger of Gods”. It is generally portrayed as a most young planet in astrology; that is why Mercurial people generally have a youthful appearance. Mercury does generally well in the company or aspect of favorable planets. Within 8 ½ degrees of the Sun, he is treated as combust loosing all its ability.

Mercury rules the Gemini and Virgo and 3rd and 6th house in the natal chart. Mercury is exalted in Virgo at 15 degree and debilitated in Pisces at 15 degree. Mooltrikona Rashi of Mercury falls in Virgo 16 to 20 degrees. It spends 25 days in each sign and takes around 10 months to complete the zodiac cycle. Mercury is friend with Sun, Venus, Rahu, and enemy with Moon and Ketu. Its vimshottari dasha is 17 years and constellations are Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, and Revati. Its gemstone is Emerald.

Mercury is a variable, convertible, feminine, neutral and dualistic planet. Mercury is the lord of north direction and governs ‘Sarad’ Ritu (October- November). Its color iIt rules our business, correspondence, bookselling, hygiene, deities, food, literary pursuits, paper money, bank balance. Mercury is the chief governor for education and uncle. It is a planet of oration and speech.

CHARACTERISITICS OF MERCURY

Mercury rules the sense of understanding, interpretation and expression. Mercury is the controller of mind, memory, intellect, intelligence, perception, knowledge, reason, fertility of resources, commerce and education, powers of speech and writing, ability for editing, art of painting and sculpture. It gives the person ready wit, an easy acquisition and command over many languages, taste for and competence in philosophy, mathematics and accountancy. It rules over central nervous system. It is a planet of intelligence and is responsible for retentive power and reproductive ability. It makes one talkative, witty and learned.

Physical Appearance: Mercury gives the native a green tint and native is full of veins. Native is pleasant in speech and fun loving. Native has long and red eyes and has well formed limbs. It makes the body tall and slender. Native is of average height with eyebrows curved with much hair. Parts of the body ruled by Mercury are nose, brain, hands, tongue, lungs and nervous system. It is also lord of skin.

Effects: When Mercury is afflicted the native will be clever, cunning and mischievous, anonymous petition writer. His tongue and pen will work against those whom he does not like. He will be gambler, liar, conceited and showy person. He will be talkative, eccentric, unprincipled, inconsistent and boastful. He will work according to his whims. Native will have stammering speech, lack of memory and fluency, having too many occupations, propensity for lying, spreading scandals.

When Mercury is beneficial it makes the native intelligent, having quick grasp and good retentive memory. It gives ability for oratory and for mastering many languages, increases mental ability and argumentative power. It gives power of enquiry into many subjects including literature, collecting every kind of information and enhances business ability. It gives intuitive ability and native works with speed and accuracy and is successful in all enterprises.

Health: The diseases indicated by Mercury are insanity, mental aberration, loss of speech, impotency, defective tongue, deafness, leucoderma, headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, giddiness, convulsions, hysteria, spasms etc.

The products represented by Mercury are betel leaves, walnut, spinach, plants in general, nut tree, medlar, willow, quince, male fern, caraway, ghee, other oils, green color pulses, green colored clothes etc.

Animals: Mercury represents animals like dog, goat, ape, weasel, fox, parrot and reptiles.

Abode: Places represented by Mercury are universities, colleges, schools, all commercial centers, and fields for playing games and sports, hunting places.

Precious metals/gems represented by Mercury are bell’s metal, quick silver, emerald, limestone. Native whose lord of ascendant is Mercury can wear the ring of emerald in silver/gold in little finger in the constellation of Mercury.

The Jupiter is most massive of all the planets. It is larger than all other planets put together. Its distance from the Sun is 76, 97, 73, 940 kms, sidereal period 11.86 earth years.  It rotates on its own axis in 9 hours 55 minutes. Jupiter has 12 satellites.  It is next to Sun in size and orb and in brightness next to the Venus.

Jupiter is a planet of expansion. It is also called Deva Guru. Jupiter is considered to be a teacher who removes the ignorance and darkness and offers wisdom by throwing light. It represents the “Sattvaguna” of the Hindus. Jupiter is termed as ‘Fortuner’. If well placed in horoscope, he bestows a considerable amount of what appears to be good luck. It rules over man’s worldly possessions and fortunes and hence is called the Giver or Ruler of money. Jupiter represents social justice, religion and sincerity. In the olden days the physicians used to administer medicine in the hora of Jupiter. Nowadays doctors write Rx on prescription slip before prescribing any medicine. In fact it is a symbol of Jupiter and any doctor would like to take blessing of Jupiter before writing prescription.

Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces and 9th and 12th house in the natal chart. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, and debilitated in Capricorn.  It aspects 7th,5th and 9th house from its own position. Its vimshottari dasha is 16 years and constellation are Punarvasu, Vishakha, and Purvabhadrapada. Gemstone of Jupiter is Pukhraj or Yellow Sapphire. Its color is yellow

It spends 13 months in a single zodiac and takes 12 years to complete the zodiac cycle. Jupiter is friend with Sun, Moon, Mars, and enemy with Venus and Mercury. 

Jupiter is fiery, noble, benevolent, fruitful, masculine, jovial, buoyant. Jupiter is the lord of North-East direction and governs Hemanta Ritu (December and January). Its color is golden, purple or violet and rules over the metals tin, gold, topaz and platinum. Sweet and fragrant are the flowers of Jupiter. It is the lord of finance and children. It governs education, happiness, health, love and respect towards elders and preceptors, good morals and conduct, wealth, respect, reputation and charity etc.

Physical Appearance: Jupiter gives the native golden complexion, brown eyes and hair. Jupiterians have good growth in youth, have muscular body due to outdoor games and become so stout that they must be respected for their growth. Jupiterians always get the seats vacated for them even in crowd. Native has corpulent and tall body and is wise and learned. He has loud and heavy voice. 

Effects: When Jupiter is afflicted it makes native extremist, having extravagant ideas, careless, over optimistic, gambler, poor, unpopular, lavish. It gives false hopes, failure in speculation, worry through children, loss by relying on others, misjudgment, miscalculation etc.

When Jupiter is beneficial it gives good health and longevity. Native is jovial, hopeful, buoyant, humane, and of broad – minded nature. It bestows worldly wisdom, good fortune, and dignity, social and moral success, prudence, progress and much expansion in all efforts. Rapid recoveries even from severe disease are offered. Native thinks properly, does his work ably and judges properly. Native uses fair means to earn money and never gets benefitted by loss of others.

Health: Parts of the body ruled by Jupiter are liver, tumors, circulation of blood in arteries, fat in the body, adipose tissue, morbid growths, pleura of lungs, kidney, thigh, feet, right ear. The diseases indicated by Jupiter are blood poisoning, liver complaints, flatulence, dyspepsia, hernia, skin disease, catarrh, dropsy, mucus in urine, abscesses, carbuncles, diabetes, eczema, vertigo etc.

The products represented by Jupiter are all fat containing food products like butter, ghee etc., sweet flavored eatables like oranges, banana etc., big trees like peepal tree, rubber, yellow colored flowers and vegetables, oak, elm, birch, figs, asparagus, beet, pinks, red roses, dog grass, apricots, gram, pulse etc.

Jupiter represents animals like horse, ox, elephant, stag, and domestic animals. It also represents eagle, peacock, pheasant, whale, dolphin etc.

Abode: Jupiter represents places like courts, pompous buildings, places where coronation and religious functions are conducted, temples, colleges, schools, legislative assembly etc.

Precious metals and gems represented by Jupiter are gold, platinum, topaz and yellow sapphire. Native whose lord of ascendant is Jupiter can wear the ring of yellow sapphire in gold in index finger in the constellation of Jupiter.

Venus revolves around the Sun in nearly a circular orbit. It’s mean distance from the Sun is 10.75 x 107 kms. The mean orbital velocity of Venus is approx 35 km. per second. Venus sets after Sunset and rises before Sun rises.

Venus is the brightest planet, which is due to the reflecting power of its atmosphere. Venus is the evening star, it can be seen in the sky for about 3 hours 12 minutes after sunset.

Venus rules the Taurus and Libra, and second and seventh house in the natal chart. It is exalted in Pisecs and debilitated in Virgo. It spends 28 days in each zodiac, and takes 225 days to complete the zodiac cycle. Venus is soft and polite planet, it is friend with Saturn, Mercury, Rahu, and enemy with Moon, Sun, and Mars. Its vimshottari dasha is 20 years and constellations are Bharani, PurvaPhalguni, and Purvashadha.  Its gemstone is Diamond.

Charateristics of Venus

While Jupiter is Deva Guru, Venus is considered as Asura Guru. Venus is considered a Goddess of love, marriage, beauty and comforts. Venus represents Mahalakshmi, wife of lord Vishnu. Venus is one – eyed. Since it rules all kinds of beauty, pleasure, passion etc, it is called by the Greeks Aphrodite. It is the chief governor of wife. It is all about material pleasure, love, romance, marriage, and friendship. Beauty, music, dance, drama is Venus. Anything related to luxury such as jewelry, expensive cars, beautiful home is Venus. Venus means opulence. Venus is also called Kama, one’s passion.

Venus is a feminine, warm, temperate and fruitful planet. Venus is the lord of direction South- East and governs Vasanta Ritu (April and May). Venus rules Yajur Veda. Its color is white, dark blue, lemon yellow. It rules marriage, youthfulness, sexual pleasure, scents, flowers, ability to compose music and drama, inclination to take light and rich food. It also indicates the partner in business.

Physical Appearance: Venus gives the native average height, plumpy body, round face with pimples, wheatish complexion, pleasing eyes, pleasing voice, sweet smile and curly hair. It gives attractive personality and sexual vitality. Native is the preceptor of demons. 

Effects: When Venus is afflicted it gives deprived sexual tendencies, immoral character, excessive drinking, number of marriages, loss of children, separation from beloved, mental aberrations, injuries, loss of money, sex scandals, loss of prestige.

When Venus is beneficial it gives the native unperturbed and enjoyable career. It is sure to give continuous good luck even though person is not endowed with the intrinsic worth necessary for the attainment of it. Native is fond of company of opposite sex and is of artistic nature. Native may become successful musician or actor.

Health: Parts of the body ruled by Venus are eyes, reproductive system, throat, chin, cheeks, kidneys, hair etc. The diseases indicated by Venus are venereal disease including gonorrhea and syphilis, infection in eyes, skin diseases like eczema, leprosy, leucoderma, enlarged tonsils, Bright’s disease, renal glycosuria, cysts, swelling, goiter, irregularities in cataneria, uraemia, disease of ovaries, mucous disease, gout, anaemia and disease arising through the use of cosmetics or through over-indulgence in amusement, eating, drinking.

The products represented by Venus are finished textile goods, silk and rayon products, fancy goods, electronics items, perfumery, toilets, photography, film, hosiery for ladies, confectionery, sandalwood oil, fruits, flowers, sugar, cars, ships, airplanes, petrol, pig tree, pomegranate, apple tree, dandelion, elder flowers, white poppy, gooseberry, peppermint, cherry, chestnut, thyme, agaru, nutmeg, players.

Animals: Venus represents animals like goat, panther, bull. It also represents birds like dove, sparrow, and wren.

Abode: Venus represents places like bedroom, cinema theatre, garden, fountains, banquet hall, automobile industries, shipping yards, aerodromes, mines, glass manufacturing places, discotheque, red light areas.

Metals & Gems: Precious metals and gems represented by Venus are platinum, white metal and silver diamond, beryl coral, jade, and alabaster. Native whose lord of ascendant is Venus can wear ring of diamond in platinum or gold in middle finger in the constellation of Venus.

Saturn’s mean distance from earth is 14.11 x 10 8. The nearest distance of Saturn from Sun is 13.29×108 kms and farthest distance from Sun is 14.93×108 kms. It completes a revolution around the Sun in 29.46 years. 

Saturn or Shani in Sanskrit is highly debatable planet in astrology. Astrologers have many viewpoints about the dasha and antardasha of Saturn. It is very slow moving planet and spends a great time of two and half year in one zodiac. Sade-Sati (seven and half years) and Dhaiya (two and half years) is its most talked and researched dashas. People are generally very suspicious about these two dashas, and do a lot of praying and worship of Lord Shani – God associated with this planet.

Saturn is the chief governor for longevity. Saturn is said to be ‘lame’. Western astrology considers it as significator of darkness, secrecy, loss and misfortune. Most of the labor related occupation is dominated by Saturn. Along with Mars, Saturn is also one of the significators of land & property.

Ironically, all the so-called evils of Saturn leads to the betterment of life but after teaching certain lessons. It will make you humble, patient, seeker, and believer by the way of limitations, delay, adversaries, and redeem you. It sends you in introspection mode whenever comes in the dasha. Saturn is considered to be favorable for people born in the signs of Venus whereas evil to those born in the signs of Mercury. He is also beneficial when he is in his own sign, or when he occupies the signs of Jupiter or when he is exalted.

It is probably the only planet who is worshipped as Lord i.e. Lord Shani is duly worshiped and prayed in the temples around country and people gather and pray in these temples with full rituals on Saturdays.

Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius, and 10th and 11th house. It is exalted in Libra and debilitated in Aries. Average time for Saturn in a sign is 2 ½ years and takes 30 years to complete the zodiac cycle. Saturn is friend with Ketu, Mercury, Venus, and enemy with Mars, Sun, and Moon. Vimshottari dasha of Saturn is of 19 years, and constellations are Pushya, Anuradha, and Uttarabhadrapada. Gemstone of Saturn is Blue Sapphire or Neelam.

Characteristics of Saturn

Saturn is barren, binding, cold, constant, dry, defensive, hard, nervous and secretive planet. It is the lord of West direction and governs Shishir Ritu (February and march). Its color is blue, jet black and indigo. It is considered as an evil planet and it reigns over poverty, misfortune, death, unending problems, delays, hindrances, chronic and lingering diseases, old age etc.

Physical Appearance: Saturn gives the native dark color, thin built, prominent veins, thick nails, protruding teeth, coarse and thick hair, long hands and feet. From the face native appears older than his actual age. Native is dirty, angry, dreadful, foolish, full of wrinkles and a talebearer. Native is merciless and melancholic. Saturn makes one a little deaf.

Effects: Where Saturn is afflicted it causes delays, disappointment, disharmony, dispute, despondency, dejection, differences, distrust etc. It gives persistent bad luck, up-hill struggles, sorrows and disappointments. It makes the native drunkard, gambler, lazy and lethargic.

When Saturn is beneficial it gives good qualities like endurance, economy, thrift, patience, perseverance, power of retaining secrets, permanence, stability, self control, sense of duty towards God and man, accuracy, precaution in all matters. It develops in an individual truth, charity, power of meditation and concentration, sincerity, prudence, asceticism etc.

Spirituality, detachment, sincerity, stability, longevity, and consistency also come under the influence of Saturn. It signifies workers, labors, servants, butchers, engineers, real estate agents, farmers, sweepers, hermits, and monks etc.

Health: Parts of the body represented by Saturn are the right ear, obstruction of bodily fluids, obstruction in urine and retention of waste materials, hardening of synovial membrane, teeth, bones, knees, spinal chord, hair and growth. The diseases indicated by Saturn are cancer, paralysis, sciatica, Bright’s disease, colds, deafness, tooth decay, diphtheria, insanity, rheumatism, asthma, consumption, defective speech, catarrh, gallstones, curvature of spine, hemorrhoids, asthma, gout, skin disease, fracture etc.

The products represented by Saturn are kerosene, petrol, coal, mine ores, leather, hides, skin, wood, potato, black pulses, barley, rye, mustard oil, wine, black articles, plantain, ivy, hemp, hellebore, aconite, thistle, leguminous seeds.

Animals: Saturn represents animals like cat, asses, hare, wolves, bear, crocodile, serpents and venomous creatures, buffaloes, camels. It also represents birds like eel, sea fish, bats and owls.

Abode: Saturn represents places like hills, forests, deserts, caves, dens and old and ruined buildings, churches, temples, trenches, wells, stinking places, slum areas, dirty places tanning factories, bone factory etc.

Precious gems/ metals represented by Saturn are blue sapphire, amethyst, iron, coal, wood, lead, steel and antimony. Native whose lord of ascendant is Saturn can wear the ring of blue sapphire in gold in middle finger in the constellation of Saturn.

There are different names given to Rahu and Ketu like Nodes, Shadows, Head and Tail, Caput, Cauda etc. Rahu and Ketu does not have body shape like other planets in astrology. According to legends, after churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), with many things, came out Amrita. There was a dispute among the Devas and Asuras over its distribution. Lord Vishnu did a trick and managed to whole of it consumed by Devas. However, one Asura also hid in the queue and consumed little Amrita, knowing it Lord cut him in two pieces, head part called ‘Rahu’ and remaining body part called ‘Ketu’. In horoscope, they are always opposite to each other.

The Moon is a satellite of the earth revolving around it in an orbit inclined to that of the earth round the Sun at an angle of approximately 50. The Moon completes its orbit round the earth in about a month crossing the orbit of earth twice in the same period, once when it goes from south to north and at another time while traveling from north to south. They are the points of intersection of the apparent path of the Sun with the path of Moon. The ascending point is called ‘Rahu’ and descending point ‘Ketu’. These have retrograde motion in the zodiac at the rate of 190°20′ per year.

There is a fundamental difference between Rahu and Ketu and the other planets. The other planets are bodies of physical mass having form, shape, color, gravity, atmosphere, motion etc. On the other hand Rahu and Ketu are two imaginary points in the heavens without mass, shape or form.  It has been established beyond doubt that Rahu and Ketu influence an individual’s life, at times more than other planets. Since they are in exact opposition to each other, their effect should be considered simultaneously.

Rahu and Ketu give the effects of the lords of the signs they are in and also of those planets which are situated with them, not having much individual characteristics of their own. Rahu is known as Dragon’s head and Ketu as Dragon’s tail. Head is forward looking while the tail represents the past. The Rahu represents the qualities to be developed and work to be done during the present incarnation and Ketu denotes the qualities during past lives and these indicate attitudes that come naturally to the native. They are classified as Karmic planets.

According to Hindu astrology both Rahu and Ketu are malefic. Rahu is considered as ‘giver’ and Ketu the ‘taker’ and since giving and taking are results of former action, they may be considered as planets of ‘gains’ and losses’. Ketu is considered as a spiritual force causing salvation to human souls and Rahu is more earthly indicating mundane prosperity. The effects of the Nodes is not always evil, they are also productive and causing Raj yogas. By and large Nodes play a constructive role because after making the native pass through various difficult phases, they also enable him to progress spiritually. However, if the Nodes conjoin Mars or Saturn without any benefic aspect, life is marked by misery, struggle and misunderstanding throughout. Rahu is also considered a diplomat and Ketu a seer. Rahu and Ketu eclipse the Sun and Moon representing the soul and mind respectively. Hence they have a great influence on the soul’s liberation or rebirth. Rahu or Ketu within 2 degrees of the ascendant give an unusual type of personality and a very distinctive appearance.

Rahu and Ketu signify one born in low caste, dissatisfied, fond of travelling, telling lie, harsh in speech, involved in unnatural sex. They also indicate change of residence, ill health, dual marriage, serpents, mosquitoes, insects, spices, southwest direction etc.

Rahu

Rahu is a shadow planet without any shape or size. It is a malefic planet and does not rule any sign or house. According to some, it is exalted in Taurus and debilitated in Sagittarius, and some it is exalted in Gemini and debilitated in Scorpio.  Rahu is friend with Mercury, Saturn, Venus, and enemy with Sun, Moon, and Mars. It spends 18 months in a zodiac sign and takes 18 years to complete the zodiac cycle.

Is it good or bad is quite a discussion. It is considered good in angular houses i.e. 1, 4, 7, 10; bad in dushsthan i.e. 6, 8, 12. How it will behave in kundli primarily depends upon its dispositor placement, aspect, conjunction etc. Dispositor is ruling planet of the sign Rahu is into. It is said that Rahu is good alone without any conjunction. If its dispositor is strong or it is aspected by its dispositor, then it becomes strong in the chart.

Rahu makes you over-ambitious, gives sudden setbacks, un-diagnosed health problems, loss of reputation-finance; it also represents black magic or evil spirits related issues, manipulative and speculative jobs such as gambling, poisons, drugs, and immoral acts. It causes problems in marital relationship if connected to marriage houses (7, 2, 11) or planets.

Rahu has the properties of Saturn. Rahu is feminine.  Rahu is said to resemble Saturn. Rahu governs paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother.

Rahu is the favorite planet for politician and diplomats which may give them rise in career.

Ketu: 

Same as Rahu, Ketu is also a shadowy, malefic planet always positioned opposite Rahu. Ketu signifies liberation or Moksha, mysterious knowledge, mystic science and spiritual pursuits. Both Rahu and Ketu can give the person unexpected and sudden results. Ketu can make you magician, astrologer, or medical practitioner.

Ketu is eunuch.  Ketu is said to be conducive to liberation. Ketu is said to be similar to Mars in giving effects. Ketu rules maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother. Rahu represents the tall while Ketu represents the short persons

Ketu is friend with Venus, Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn, and enemy with Mars, Sun, and Moon. Ketu spends one and half year in each zodiac and takes 18 years to complete the zodiac cycle. Vimshottari dasha of Ketu is of 7 years. Ketu is exalted in Sagittarius and debilitated in Taurus/Gemini. 

Associations of Rahu & Ketu

Health :Part of the body represented by them are buttocks, intestinal tract. The diseases indicated by them are hiccups, insanity, intestinal problems, ulcer, gastric problems etc. 

The products represented by Rahu & Ketu are meat, wine, eggs, radish, coconut, sacrifice of animal’s etc.

Gem Stones & Metals: Rahu governs Gemstones Hassonite or Gomed. Gemstone of Ketu is Lahsuniya or Cat’s Eye.

 

 

 

Uranus, Neptune & Pluto are also called extra Saturnine planets in Astrology.  It doesn’t mean Vedic Astrology has no clue about these three outer orbit planets. In vedic Astrology they are named as Prajapati, Varun & Yam. Though they are far away from our Earth still they have effect on our life for good or bad happenings.

Uranus is also called Hershel.  Hershel is the co-ruler of the sign Aquarius and its mode of working is mainly related to natural 11th house in horoscope. The higher vibration of Uranus can’t be observed in most of the people in this materialistic age.  Mode of functioning of Uranus is always sudden, unexpected,  spasmodic, airy, dry, electric and barren in nature.

Uranus takes 84 years to complete one zodiac cycle and remains in one zodiac sign or hourse for 7 years.

Uranus rules Aquarius and the eleventh house. Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius. Uranus gets Exalted in Scorpio and debilitated in Taurus. Uranus gets detriment in Leo

Aspect of Uranus is never positive, specially conjunction, opposition etc. But formation of Trine with Ascendant or benefic planets can expand the intuitive power, research capacity, ability to dig out the truth, spiritual foresight. Affliction by Uranus can cause sudden fall, or changes in life, person will behave abrupt, wandering here and there without much aim in life.

Hershel represents twist & turns of our fate, disruption. So those who love to be in routine, settled, disciplined life, Uranus is threatening for them. Its basic nature is to change the life upside down without prior notice.
Uranus, the planet of Revolution and Freedom always influences through other planets. So those who are engaged in the field of research, bringing changes in society, breaking taboo, excitement, adventure – Uranus is very much beneficial for them. Very few people can respond to the higher vibration of this planet.

Uranus is retrograde  for six months of every year. Uranus does well in airy signs which may bring the research oriented attitude with exceptional intelligent mind who will be keen to learn more. In watery sign Uranus does weird mostly person will be sex driven, pervert, stubborn etc.

Signification of Uranus :  Accidental, abrupt, peculiar, pervert, lustful, magnetic, sudden, suicidal, telepathic, tempting, tragic, hasty, immoral, Magic, Tantra, Mantra Omens, occult sciences, influencing others, wonderer, rebellious, exaggerating, unorthodox, scientific etc.

Profession/Trading related to Uranus – Scientist, researcher, freedom fighter, magician, tantric, social reformer, rebellion, traveller,  investigator.

When Venus has very close conjunction with Hershel, person gets temptations for sex and passion in life, which leads to perversion and immorality. At times such people don’t believe in old institution of marriage. They seek for free love here and there. Afflicted Venus in 5th or 7th house brings many relations in life, separation, break in marriage etc.

Uranus rules over : Pineal gland, Nervous system. Hence numbness, shooting pain, spasmodic disorder these are the regular things caused by Uranus. If Uranus is afflicted in 6th house then chances of getting wrong diagnosis or wrong medication are more.

The color represents Uranus is sky blue and the gemstone is Amber

 

Neptune is another extra Saturnine planet in Astrology, In vedic Astrology Neptune is named as Varun. Though it is far away from our Earth still they have effect on our life for good or bad happenings. Unlike most of the Astrologers, a famous western astrologer  Max Heindel says that Neptune is the higher octave of Mercury which works as an inspirational influence in our mind.

Neptune is the co-ruler of the sign Pisces and its mode of working is mainly related to natural 12th house in horoscope. The higher vibration of Neptune can’t be observed in most of the people in this materialistic age. Mode of functioning of Neptune is always psychic, spiritual, confusing, elusive, moist, emotional in nature. Its a fantastic planet to help those fantasy writers.

Neptune rules Pisces and the twelfth house. Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Pisces. Neptune gets Exalted in Cancer. Neptune gets Debilitated in Virgo.

Neptune transit in one zodiac sign/house for 14 years and takes 165 years to complete one zodiac cycle.

Characteristics of Neptune

As Neptune is twice slower than Uranus who takes more than 14years to complete one sign transit, so we should only consider the aspect of Neptune when it is posited in Rising degree (Ascendant) or in exact trine to Ascendant, on a sensitive point like Fortuna or when it has very tight conjunction with many other planets which we call Stellium. But formation of Trine with Ascendant or benefic planets can expand the psychic and intuitive power, spiritual foresight. With such conjunction people can easily tune them with occult and esoteric secrets of nature. Affliction by Neptune can cause doubt, chaos, fear, fraud and deception. If Neptune himself is afflicted then it gives tendency for weird sex, over sexual desire, addicted to over use of drugs, alcohol and narcotics.

Neptune represents dreams and imagination, illusion, inspiration. Neptune does well in watery signs which may bring the strong imaginary mind for creativity or psychic power to connect with the core nature or healing purpose. Very few people can respond to the higher vibration of this planet.

Neptune is retrograde for 5 months of every year. Whenever Neptune goes Retrograde keep yourself away from drugs, chemicals and stimulants .

Signification of Neptune : Drowning, drug, enemies, dishonesty, illusion, asylum, deception, doubt, tears, telepathy, intuition, ocean, poison, kidnapping, secret society, sudden & mysterious death, odour, dream, aquarium, rain, ice etc.

Profession/Trading related to Neptune – Swimmer, Fishermen, Actors, magician, Cloud seeding, drug dealer, fortune teller, shoe maker, anesthesiologist, psychologist, pharmacists, Head of asylum etc.

Wherever Neptune sits it creates some foggy, mysterious, uncertain outlook from that house of horoscope. When Venus has very close conjunction with Neptune in 12th house, person gets temptations for sex, deceit, seduction, which leads to perversion and immorality.

Neptune rules over : Pineal gland, mind & nervous system. Hence the sickness caused is mainly of depressive. Mostly treatment of Neptune caused diseases should be psychic coupled with spiritual monitoring or hypnotic. It affects the eye and eye sight too along with feet.

Metal & Gemstones: Aquamarine, Silver

One may have the question in mind why in vedic astrology we don’t consider the dasha tenure or Neptune/Varun? As its dasha once will start may cover up the entire life of a person which is more than 100years.

Pluto is the last extra saturnine planet in Astrology, who was named as Yam in Indian  Astrology.

Being the farthest from the Sun, just like it takes 248 years to orbit the sun, it needs the same time to orbit around the 12 zodiac signs. However, due to its placement in the solar system, it takes anywhere between 12 to 31 years to pass from one sun sign to another. 

Pluto is the co-ruler of the sign Scorpio and its mode of working is mainly related to natural 8h house in horoscope. That’s why Pluto works as a death agent, whether it’s the death of your desire, or your near ones. Pluto’s  8th house relationship makes it work in our life as a transformative, regenerative agent. The higher vibration of Pluto can’t be observed in most of the people in this materialistic age.  Mode of functioning of Pluto is always destructive, chaotic, cold, sudden, long lasting, cyclic, and subtle in nature.

It stands last among the transcendental planets and is the higher octave of Mars. As Pluto is slowest moving one so people of same generation will be having Pluto in same sign in horoscope.  But where ever Pluto sits in a horoscope, it gives duality related to that house. Like Uranus, Pluto brings sudden changes too but Pluto’s influence is stronger in our life. The type of change Pluto brings in our life we just can’t escape it, but unless Pluto’s positioning in horoscope is strong and prominent enough we don’t feel its action so often. Pluto is the planet of underworld.

Characteristics of Pluto

Pluto wants you to know your inner self better, so you can deal with it better and come out as a person more than what you are. Pluto rules on masses more than on any individual, so a good example of Pluto action you can find in Earth Quake of Nepal during April 2015.  Pluto will make a person go through death like situation many times so that one can come out as a evolve soul.

The duality part of Pluto works quite well in everyone’s chart. If Pluto is on 10th house of horoscope, the person may have two professions parallelly. If Pluto in 7th house one may have same spouse like relationship with someone other than his legal spouse.

Pluto is the last extra saturnine planet in Astrology, who was named as Yam in Indian Astrology. Pluto is the co-ruler of the sign Scorpio and its mode of working is mainly related to natural 8h house in horoscope. That’s why Pluto works as a death agent, whether it’s the death of your desire, or your near ones. Pluto’s 8th house relationship makes it work in our life as a transformative, regenerative agent. This planet rules destruction, death, obsession, kidnapping, coercion, viruses and waste. That’s definitely not pretty. The higher vibration of Pluto can’t be observed in most of the people in this materialistic age. Mode of functioning of Pluto is always destructive, chaotic, cold, sudden, long lasting, cyclic, and subtle in nature. 

Pluto also governs crime and the underworld, along with many forms of subversive activity (terrorism, dictatorships). This planet is about all that is secret and undercover, that which is hidden from view. Is this the story of good vs. evil

As Pluto is slowest moving one so people of same generation will be having Pluto in same sign in horoscope. But where ever Pluto sits in a horoscope, it gives duality related to that house. Like Uranus, Pluto brings sudden changes too but Pluto’s influence is stronger in our life. The type of change Pluto brings in our life we just can’t escape it, but unless Pluto’s positioning in horoscope is strong and prominent enough we don’t feel its action so often. Pluto is the planet of underworld.

Abode: recreation centers, underground activities, grave, natural dome, gloomy place, volcanic region, ancient civilization, old shrine etc.

The products ruled by Pluto are minerals, stones.

Health: Venereal diseases, accidents, congenital diseases, diseases due to harmful radiations, X-rays, atomic rays, UV rays.

Gemstones & Metals: Onyx & Bismuth

2 Comments

  1. Wonderful read satish ji, you always guide us with the light of your knowledge and have been an inspiration for all of us:-)

Leave a Reply to kristeena grover Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.