Planets in Vedic astrology

What Are Planets in Astrology?

In astrology, planets are referred to as cosmic forces that have symbolic energies which impact our psychology, karmic themes and life patterns. These planets travel around the zodiac belt, casting a different impact on us from each zodiac sign. The position of the planets in different zodiac signs is captured in the form of a chart at the time of the birth of a person. This apparent position of the planets is responsible for influencing the rest of that person's life, and that chart is referred to as the Birth Chart of a person. 

Every planet has a peculiar nature and governs specific areas of our life and also rules specific signs of the zodiac belt. The placement of these planets in different signs and houses of the birth chart, creates a deep impact on a person's appearance, relationships, character, social status, wealth, health, gains as well as struggles. Apart from their placement in a particular zodiac sign, they also create relationships with other houses or planets through their aspects.

There are 9 main planets in astrology, where 7 of them, the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus and Mercury have a physical presence but 2 of them, Rahu and Ketu, are shadow planets/nodes, who do not possess a physical body. They are actually two imaginary points in space where the orbital path of the Moon intersects the ecliptic. Their importance lies in their capability of causing solar and lunar eclipses. Other than these main planets, there are some secondary influences too, that impact our lives, which are Gulika, Mandi, and Upagrahas.

Vedic Astrology prescribes predictions based on Moon Sign for more accuracy. Do not know your Moon Sign? Find out instantly for FREE by filling the form below!

Benefic and Malefic Planets

In astrology, benefic planets are those which usually have a positive and uplifting impact on different areas of life, depending on their placement. Benefic planets are soft, supportive as well as favorable in nature. They bring growth and harmony in the areas of life where they are placed and where they are aspecting. The naturally benefic planets in astrology are Jupiter (wisdom and expansion), Venus (aesthetics and love), Mercury (logic and communication), and the Moon (emotions and nurturing).

On the other hand, malefic planets are the ones that bring us tough life lessons as well as obstacles. Malefic planets can be tough, harsh and extreme in nature, and could either be fiery and aggressive or be cold and distant. These planets bring all kinds of challenges related to the houses they are placed in and the ones they are aspecting. The naturally malefic planets are Saturn (restriction and delays), Mars (aggression and conflicts), the Sun (ego and discipline), Rahu (greed and chaos), Ketu (detachment and liberation).

 

Sun – The Father, Soul, and Purpose

The Sun represents your outer personality, core identity as well as your soul. Your ego as well as purpose of life are also connected to the Sun. It rules your head and rules the zodiac sign Leo. The Sun is considered as the “King” among the planets, and the Father in relationship terms. The placement of the Sun in your birth chart, and its strength talks about your confidence and the area of life where you are going to stand out and become famous.

A strong Sun gives you leadership qualities, and a strong immune system. It may also grant you fame and professional success by boosting your confidence and making you strong headed. However, if the Sun is afflicted, you will struggle with ego issues and may have a weakened immune system. You may also be prone to deficiency of vitamin D, and have frequent headaches and bone-related issues...... Know more about Planet Sun (Surya) in Astrology 

 

Moon – Emotions, Subconscious Mind, and Nurturing

The Moon shows your emotional side, subconscious mind and habits. It reflects your soft side and the way you nurture others. It rules the Cancer zodiac sign and symbolizes our memories, intuition, as well as childhood. The Moon is also connected to our Mother and is regarded as the “Queen” in astrology. The placement of the Moon in your chart reveals your emotional connections, the way you care for others, and your deepest thoughts. It also talks about your travelling patterns and your business.

A strong Moon grants you emotional stability and an empathetic nature. However, if your Moon is afflicted, you may be prone to overthinking, stress, anxiety, as well as depression. It could make you emotionally dependent on others and you will not be able to take your decisions on your own......Know more about Planet Moon (Chandra) in Astrology

 

Mercury – Communication, Inner Child, and Intellect

Mercury shows your communication and analytical skills, and intellect as well as your business acumen. It rules both Gemini and Virgo zodiac signs, and is related to logic, reasoning, quick wit and adaptability. It is considered as the “Prince” among other planets in astrology. The placement of Mercury in your chart reveals your communication style and your cognitive skills.

A well-placed Mercury will make you a good public speaker and give you an ability to be logical, adaptive and have a good sense of humor. It will bring clarity to your thoughts and give you a diplomatic approach. However, if Mercury is afflicted, you will have trouble expressing your ideas and will lose your confidence during public speaking. You may also fail to apply logic and take your decisions emotionally instead. Finally, you may not be able to easily adapt to a new idea or a situation and may face teeth or skin-related issues......Know more about Planet Mercury (Budha) in Astrology

 

Venus – Love, Aesthetics, and Wealth

Venus governs your love life, creativity, fertility as well as beauty. It reflects the way you express your affection toward your loved ones and shows your style and aesthetic preferences. Venus rules Taurus and Libra zodiac signs and is regarded as the second “Guru / Teacher” in Vedic astrology. The placement of Venus in your chart shows what you value most in your life and from where you can derive gains as well as wealth.

A strong Venus gives you a magnetic personality with charming traits. You become irresistible to others because of your enchanting aura. You will also be granted a luxurious life and abundance. However, if Venus is afflicted, you will face struggles in life and your charm will be lost with age. Your love life may also not be harmonious...... Know more about Planet Venus (Shukra) in Astrology

 

Mars – Action, Desire, and Aggression

Mars is the planet that governs your passion, energy as well as strength. It shows how you handle conflicting situations and the path you choose to achieve your desired goals. Known as the “Army Commander” among other planets in Vedic astrology, Mars rules Aries and Scorpio zodiac signs and is associated with your physical strength, courage, and ambition. The placement of Mars in your chart reveals how you act and behave during tough situations. It also shows the areas of life where you will invest most of your energy and time.

A strong Mars makes you brave and gives you the motivation to excel in life. It also makes you protective about your loved ones and gives you an assertive and firm tone while communicating. However, if Mars is afflicted, you will not be able to speak up for yourself or may become overly aggressive and out of control sometimes. It may also give you destructive behaviors or an overly adventurous spirit, which may be risky for you...... Know more about Planet Mars (Mangal) in Astrology

 

Jupiter – Growth, Wisdom, and Abundance

Jupiter is the most benefic planet in your chart and stands for expansion, wisdom, spiritual advancement, as well as abundance. It is known as the “Guru/Teacher” among the other planets in Vedic astrology. It rules the Sagittarius and Pisces zodiac signs. It influences your education, personality, ethics, as well as your wealth. The placement of Jupiter in your chart shows the areas of life that you have most knowledge about. It also shows where you will secure your gains from.

A well-placed Jupiter will bring you fortune and knowledge. It will help you differentiate between right and wrong and stay morally correct. It will also give you a spiritual bent of mind and an inclination toward art and culture. However, if Jupiter is afflicted, you may become overconfident and may indulge in dogmatism. Your wealth and prosperity will also be negatively impacted...... Know more about Jupiter (Guru) in Astrology

 

Saturn – Restrictions, Hard work, and Structure

Saturn is the planet that represents responsibilities, restrictions, as well as karmic lessons. People often fear Saturn because of the extremities it brings to their lives. Saturn is the “Servant” among the planets. It rules Capricorn, as well as Aquarius, zodiac signs and governs structure, law, career, and discipline. It reveals the true character of people surrounding you and teaches you the toughest life lessons.

A well-placed Saturn keeps you away from legal matters or makes you win one. It also makes you disciplined and gives you a hardworking personality. It makes you independent and not rely on others to achieve anything in life. However, if Saturn is afflicted, you may face struggles in the court or maybe become lazy and develop a habit of procrastinating things. You may face obstacles in all areas of your life...... Know more about Saturn (Shani) in Astrology

 

Rahu – Desire and Illusion

Rahu, the North Node of the Moon, represents your deep desires, dissatisfaction, and your dark side. It stands for ambition, obsession, as well as material gains. Rahu gives you a never-ending greed for material achievements, which may be good for your professional growth, but you must set your boundaries and not let it lure you to illegal ways.  An important thing about Rahu is that no matter what you achieve, it will never be satisfied and will always crave for more. The placement of Rahu in your chart reveals your obsessions and desires.

A well-placed Rahu will help you achieve your desired goals leading to professional success. It will make you hardworking and passionate. However, if Rahu is afflicted, it will try to divert you to unethical ways and may bring you chaos, addiction, and confusion.... Know more about Rahu in Astrology

 

Ketu – Liberation and Detachment

Ketu, the South Node of the Moon, is the opposing force of Rahu, which inspires you to get detached from your material desires and move toward spiritual enlightenment. Ketu does not have any desires or ego, so, the placement of Ketu in your chart reveals the things you have already mastered in your past lives and are no longer required to keep at it. It may also give you dissatisfaction and confusion if you are not aligned with it.

A well-placed Ketu makes you spiritually inclined and detaches you from material attachments. It may also give you intuitive powers and guide you toward self-realization. However, if Ketu is afflicted, it may cause injuries, accidents or surgery. It may also detach you from your close relationships and bring you stress and anxiety, along with a lack of direction...... Know more about Ketu in Astrology