Navagraha

In the esteemed subject of Astrology, importance of planets took precedency over any other consideration. Vedic astrology takes in nine planets for the purpose of prediction, but these nine planets are different from the usual nine planets that are considered in astronomy. The nine planets in astrology are Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. They are also collectively known as ‘Navagraha’.

The Navagraha have their own characteristics, significations and personality. They also have the innate capacity to cast their significations and the results of our pending karma upon us. The foundation of astrology is Karma and Dharma. We humankind create karma and are regulated by the effects of it. It is believed that planets are one of the harbingers of the effects of Karma created by us.

The Sanskrit meaning of Graha is ‘to grasp’.

 

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Significations of Navagraha

 

Sun

Sun is one of the two luminaries we have in our solar system. It carries an acclaimed status in astrology as well. To understand its innate quality, we must delve into the mythological references that ancient treatises provide us with.

Mythological perspective: ‘Sun as Aditya’

Once there was a war between the Gods and the demons. The war was long and it exhausted the Gods, on account of which they were losing. Worried about the future of the Gods, Aditi, the pious wife of Sage Kashyap propitiated Sun and asked him to reincarnate as her son as a boon so that with his brilliance and power he could destroy the evil kingdom of the demons. Sun was born to her as ‘Aditya’.

Aditya was unwavering in battle, was cruel to the demons and defeated the demons. He handed over the celestial kingdom back to the Gods and gave them the art of administration and defense of a kingdom.

This is why Sun is said to be the bestower of Government and administration.

Spiritual Significance

Sun is ‘satwik’ or ‘pious’ by nature. It invokes in a person the desire for spiritual quest. It is associated with philanthropic qualities in an individual.

Mundane and General Signification of the Sun

Sun signifies powerful people, big commercial firms, public undertakings, politics, religious places of worship and powerful religious leaders, fame & reputation, honor, successful career, high designations, spirit (Atma), knowledge of self, confidence, gold & copper, wheat, defamation, arrogance, self-centered, overbearing, oppressive, snob, weak, fall from honor etc. Know more about Planet Sun (Surya) in Astrology 

 

Moon

The Moon is another luminary apart from the Sun in our Solar system. Moon indicates the psychological and emotional foundation of a person.

Mythological insight of relationship of Moon with the Nakshatras

Moon was married to the 27 daughters of Prajapati Daksha. These daughters were the nakshatras in our Zodiac system. Moon visits each nakshatra for one day while rotating around. This estimated one day is called ‘Tithi’ is Vedic astrology.

Spiritual Significance

Moon is the Spirit and the Manas. Manas is the mind and all the mental qualities are under the realm of Moon. It controls the feelings of happiness and sadness. A balanced mind/Moon gives the state of meditation. Meditation cannot be done; it happens !

Mundane and General Signification of the Moon

Women & feminine energies, common men, public opinion, agriculture, water, nursing, liquids, pearls, travel agencies, short trips, ships & ports, oceans, rivers & water bodies, silver, rice, milk, salt, dairy farm, depression, psychology, airhostess, mental ailments, medicines from plants, nourishments etc represents Moon’s energy in mundane and general astrology. Know more about Planet Moon (Chandra) in Astrology

 

 

 

Mars

Mars is the conferrer of action, dynamism, strength, force and confidence.

In the Mythological Perspective

Mars is well-known as ‘Bhumi Putra’ (Son of Mother Earth). Once upon a time, Prithvi (Mother Earth) was submerged in the seas and Lord Vahraha (God in the incarnation of Boar) lifted her up and stay her put in the orbit. Lord Varaha blessed her with a boon to beget a child of her own. Hence, Mars was born to her.

Mars is the rescuer and protector. He is the commander-in-chief of the in the realm of Gods.

Spiritual Significance

Mars is the ‘determination’ to stay stable in our spiritual pursuits.

Mundane and General Signification of Mars

Mars signifies armed forces, police, engineers, butchers, surgeons, dentists, explosions, conflicts, criminals, arms and ammunitions, secret enemies, strength, will power, force to implement auspiciousness, accidents, land, gold, copper, red chilies, jaggery, progress, protection etc.  Know more about Planet Mars (Mangal) in Astrology

 

Mercury

Mercury signifies communication, speech, dexterity, talent and intelligence.

 

Mythological Significance

The ancestry of Mercury comes from Jupiter and Moon. Moon in his fickleness abducted Jupiter’s wife Tara. But when Moon came back to his senses, he regretted his own misdeeds and returned Tara to Jupiter. But Tara was carrying the child of Moon. This child is Mercury. Jupiter, in his grace, took care of Mercury as a father.

Moon with Jupiter’s good care (aspect) in horoscope becomes knowledgeable and wise.

Spiritual Significance

Effect of Mercury gives pilgrimages. It is the ‘tendency’ to acquire self-restraint.

Mundane and General Signification of Mercury

Caliber, media, trade, commerce, literature, speech, written documents (books, treatise etc.), computer programmers, tv anchors, weather, green vegetables, moong dal, emeralds, minerals etc. signifies Mercury’s energy in Mundane and general astrology. Know more about Planet Mercury (Budha) in Astrology

Jupiter

Jupiter is the ultimate beneficiary. He is the bestower of prosperity, benevolence, finance, investment, wisdom and guidance.

Mythological Perception

Jupiter is the Mentor of the Gods. He is considerate and knowledgeable. Once the Gods and demons while battling each other got killed in dozens. To find a solution to this decreasing population Shukracharya (Venus), the mentors of the demons gave the Sanjeevani vidya-The art of reviving the dead, to the demons only. Now the Gods wanted it but failed to acquire it. To reduce the effect of Sanjeevani vidya, Jupiter gave the Gods the idea of oblation offerings which helped the Gods to counter the demons. This turned out to be the foundation of enmity between Jupiter and Shukra (Venus).

Spiritual Significance

The foundation of an ideal human being is Dharma (principles, morality). Jupiter signifies the ‘Jeevatma’ ( Spirit + Soul). Spirit is the inner shakti.

Mundane and General Signification of Jupiter

Banks, revenues, Treaties, Judges and judiciary, Prosperity, Capitalism, Arbitration, Long distance travels, Preaching & Teaching, Ministry of foreign affairs, Gold, Yellow sapphire, Auspicious events, Turmeric, Education, Knowledge etc signifies Jupiter’s energy in mundane and general astrology. Know more about Jupiter (Guru) in Astrology

 

Venus

Venus is luxury, beauty, indulgence and comfort.

Mythological Perception

Shukracharya is Venus in Vedic astrology. Once he propitiated Lord Shiva and acquired his blessings. Lord Shiva gave him boon which are :

• That he would be the foremost planet and his luster would surpass the Sun.
• Any good task would not be fulfilled if Venus is in ‘Sanmukh’ or ‘Directly opposite’.
• It is only after Venus rises in the sky; all the auspicious work is done.
• The Nanda tithi (1,6,11) which is related to Venus is auspicious.
• Worshiping Venus would beget vitality.
• Venus would be the son of Shiva.

Spiritual Significance

Venus installs the love for religious songs especially related to female goddess. Propitiating deities through Bhajans is given by Venus.

Mundane and General Signification of Venus

Venus signifies art, music, women, luxury, marriage, romance, comfort, drama, actors, glamour, hotels, modelling, fashion, photography, the silk industry, decorative items, interior decoration, social and entertainment activities, gambling, public festivals, diamonds, platinum, spices, civil strife resolution, and peace treaties etc. Know more about Planet Venus (Shukra) in Astrology

Saturn

Saturn is the master strategist and ultimate disciplinary.

Mythological Perspective

‘Rohini Shakata’ is an inauspicious yoga that occurs when Saturn passes through Rohini Nakshatra. Once upon a time in the rule of King Dasharatha, Sage Vashistha warned the ruler that Saturn would cast his negative influence upon the subject through Rohini Shakata. The King decided to meet Saturn himself and ask for his mercy to spare his subjects. Saturn, pleased by his humility, bravery and dedication towards his people, blessed him with relief from the upcoming calamity. The prayer that King Dasharatha recited was from Shani strotra in the Padma Purana.

Spiritual Significance

Tyaga/renunciation is conferred to us by Saturn. Tyaga is not physical renunciation of material world.

                 

                          “Tu hi tu, tu hi tu, mai nahi”

                                      It is the end of ‘I’

                                      It is only the ‘Soul’

 

Mundane and General Signification of Saturn

Saturn signifies agriculture, labour & working class, old age, hard work, arthritis, mines, coals, diseases, common people, famines & draughts, falsehood and deceit, judicial system, time, justice, leather, architect, construction, mining oil, underground wealth, bankruptcy etc. Know more about Saturn (Shani) in Astrology

 

Rahu and Ketu

Shadowy planets- These are two sensitive points and are not actual physical planetary bodies.

Mythological Perspective

Once when ‘Amrit’ or celestial nectar was being distributed among the deities, The asura/demon named Swarabhanu tried to steal the celestial nectar. Lord Vishnu took the avatar of ‘Mohini’ and severed Swarabhanu’s head. The head is called Rahu, and the body part is called Ketu.

Spiritual Significance

Rahu- It gives us unconventional spiritual approach.

Ketu- It pushes us towards seclusion and silence in spiritual pursuits.

Mundane and General Signification of Rahu and Ketu

Rahu - Slavery, violence, disasters, showmanship, crimes, rebellion, jealousy, robbery, epidemics, groundnuts, glass, hessonite, and tobacco. Know more about Rahu in Astrology

Ketu - Secret plots, war, fasting, espionage, treachery, television, clocks and timepieces, computers, and related technologies. Know more about Ketu in Astrology

 

Conclusion

The Navagrahas are the harbingers of our past life deeds. By analyzing the positions of planets in a native’s horoscope, his/her destiny can be identified and accordingly the guidance can be provided by the astrologers to enhance life. The Navagrahas, by their gravitational force, influences life upon earth. Not only humans but matter as a whole upon Earth is seen to be influenced by the planetary system.

The study of the Navagrahas and astrology can be used for the greater good of society in times of need and collective dangers like famine, earthquake wars etc. as well. Vedic Astrology has given an elaborate study of the Navagrahas which can be implemented both for the individual and Mundane purpose.