Planets in Vedic Astrology

The Navagraha — the nine planets — are the heart of Vedic astrology. Seven are physical bodies (the Sun and Moon are treated as planets here, plus Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn) and two are the lunar nodes, the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu. Every event a horoscope predicts is read through the sign, house and strength of these nine.

Each planet is a karaka (significator) of particular things — the Sun of the soul and father, the Moon of the mind and mother, Jupiter of wisdom and wealth, and so on. A planet also rules one or two signs, is exalted in one and debilitated in another, and has friends and enemies among the others. Its Vimshottari dasha then times when its results unfold in life.

The 9 Grahas at a glance

Benefic and malefic planets

Planets are broadly classed as natural benefics or malefics. Jupiter, Venus, a waxing Moon and well-associated Mercury are benefics; the Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu and a waning Moon are malefics. But this is only a starting point — a planet's real effect depends on the house it rules for your ascendant, its dignity (exalted, own sign, debilitated), and the company it keeps.

Dignity — exaltation, own sign and debilitation

A planet gives its fullest, purest results when exalted or in its own sign or mooltrikona, and its weakest when debilitated. Strength is measured formally through Shad Bala. Open any planet below to see its dignities, friendships and remedies.

Planets, signs and nakshatras

Every planet rules one or two of the 12 signs and three of the 27 nakshatras, and expresses through the house it sits in. Reading a planet together with its sign, house and nakshatra is what turns astrology from generic to personal.