Planetary Review in the Light of Vedic Astrology
Planet alignment In Vedic astrology, the alignment of planets is never random & affects human lives and world events.
Each (graha) planet carries a unique (shakti) energy, and its position at the moment of birth imprints a karmic design upon the soul. This design, known as “prarabdha karma” (destiny), becomes the guiding thread of one’s life journey. i.e- it shapes what’s meant to happen in life.
When planets align in harmony, blessings flow effortlessly; when they clash, challenges arise as opportunities for growth.
Thus, the planetary orchestra not only dictates worldly experiences but also becomes a gateway to spiritual evolution.
Planet Alignment: Unlocking Destiny & Spiritual Growth
The arrangement of celestial bodies at the moment of birth shapes an individual’s fate. To bring balance to these influences and draw down divine grace, we often perform Puja or worship. This sacred act is not merely a ritual but a profound alignment with the universe itself. By understanding the role of each planet, both in scientific terms and as a spiritual force, we can appreciate how acts of devotion and worship help align us with cosmic rhythms, leading to a more harmonious life.
The Sun (Surya) : The Celestial Divine King & Its Influence
Scientific Perspective
The Sun is a massive ball of hydrogen and helium, generating energy through nuclear fusion. It governs the solar system, providing light and heat essential for life on Earth. The Sun’s gravitational pull keeps it in its orbit, and its radiation affects Earth’s climate, weather patterns, and biological rhythms.
Astrological Perspective
In Vedic Astrology, Surya is the ‘atmakaraka’, the significator of the soul, the Surya or Sun radiates authority, vitality, confidence and self-expression. It rules over Leo and governs leadership, health, and confidence. A weakened Sun in a birth chart may lead to a lack of recognition, ill health, or wavering confidence and low self-esteem, while a strong Sun blesses one with leadership, fame, and clarity of purpose and success.
Spiritual Remedies:
Offering water to the rising Sun, practising Surya Namaskar, and chanting “Om Hreem Suryaya Namah” help align the self with solar brilliance.
Chandra (The Moon) : The Queen of Emotions
Scientific Perspective
The Moon is a fascinating celestial body with a profound influence on Earth, it is Earth’s natural satellite, influencing tides due to its gravitational pull. It regulates biological cycles, such as circadian rhythms (i.e, the 24-hour internal clock in our brain that regulates cycles of alertness and sleepiness by responding to light changes in our environment), and affects oceanic movements. The Moon’s phases are linked to human emotions and behaviour, reinforcing its deep connection with life on Earth.
The Moon plays a critical role in stabilising Earth’s axial tilt, which is the 23.5° angle of our planet’s axis. This stable tilt is responsible for our planet’s consistent seasons and a stable climate, which has been essential for the development of life. Without the Moon’s gravitational influence, Earth’s axis would wobble much more, leading to wild and unpredictable climate shifts.
Astrological Perspective
In astrology, the Chandra or Moon governs the mind, emotions, intuition, mental stability and maternal instincts. It rules Cancer and governs feelings, nurturing, and maternal instincts. A weakened Moon may result in emotional instability, anxiety, and restlessness, while a luminous or strong Moon bestows peace, compassion, and creativity.
Spiritual Remedies: Worshipping the Moon through observing fasts on Mondays, offering white flowers, and chanting “Om Chandraya Namah” nurtures mental calmness and emotional balance & and mental clarity.
Budh (Mercury): The Prince of Intellect
Scientific Perspective
Mercury is the smallest Celestial body in the solar system and the closest to the Sun. Because it lacks an atmosphere and orbits so quickly, its temperatures fluctuate wildly. Despite its size, it’s remarkably dense and even has its own magnetic field.
Astrological Perspective
Budh or Mercury governs intellect, communication, trade and analytical skills. It rules Gemini and Virgo, influencing logic, business acumen, and speech. A weakened Budh or Mercury can lead to poor decision-making (i.e clouded judgment), leading to confusion or miscommunication. While a powerful Mercury sharpens memory, enhances wit and intelligence & and eloquence.
Spiritual Remedies:
Worshipping Budh or Mercury with green offerings (e.g, offer green-colored items such as green lentils (moong dal), green-gram, green vegetables, green fruits, or green flowers to Lord Ganesha or Lord Vishnu on Wednesdays), chanting “Om Budhaya Namah, or “Om Bram Breem Broum Sah Budhaya Namah”, and wearing an emerald harmonises Mercury’s gifts of wisdom and clarity. Other remedies include donating green items to the needy on Wednesdays, wearing green or green gemstones.
Shukra (Venus) : The Planet of Beauty & Desire
Scientific Perspective
Venus is Earth’s twin in terms of size and structure but has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide, trapping heat and making it the hottest planet. It exhibits a slow rotation and extreme weather conditions.
Astrological Perspective
You can think of Venus as Earth’s twin in terms of size and structure, but that’s where the similarities end. It’s shrouded in a dense, carbon dioxide atmosphere that acts like a blanket, trapping heat and making it the hottest planet in our solar system. It exhibits an incredible slow rotation and truly extreme weather conditions.
Astrological Perspective
Venus, or Shukra, governs beauty, love, luxury, arts, relationships, and materialistic pleasures. It rules Taurus and Libra, influencing relationships, arts, and luxury. A weakened Venus can cause relationship issues, disharmony, indulgence and financial struggles, while a strong Venus enhances charm, material comfort, and harmony in relationships and happiness.
Worshipping Venus through reciting “Om Shukraya Namah,” and adorning oneself with a diamond or opal, offering white sweets, amplifies Shukra (Venusian) blessings.
Mangal (Mars) : The Warrior
Scientific Perspective
Mangal or Mars is a terrestrial planet or grah known for its distinct red surface colour, which comes from all the iron oxide on its surface. It has the largest & biggest volcano in the solar system and experiences extreme massive dust storms. Mars plays a crucial role in space exploration, with ongoing research about potential human colonisation.
Astrological Perspective
Mars, or Mangal, is associated with energy, courage, and determination. It rules Aries and Scorpio, influencing aggression, ambition, and physical strength. A weak Mars can cause conflicts, impatience, and lack of confidence, while a strong Mars grants willpower and leadership skills. Worshipping Mars through Hanuman Chalisa, wearing red coral, and donating red lentils can pacify its malefic effects.
Spiritual Remedies:
Worshipping Mars through Chanting Hanuman Chalisa, wearing red coral, and donating red lentils can pacify. An afflicted Mars and channel its force into righteous action.
Brihaspati (Jupiter): The Guru Planet of Devtas
Scientific Perspective
Jupiter is the biggest planet, known for its strong magnetic field and numerous moons (95 moons, a count recognised by the International Astronomical Union). It acts as a kind of cosmic shield for our solar system, by deflecting asteroids and comets to fling away with its immense gravitational force, that might otherwise head our way (i.e, Earth).
Astrological Perspective
Brihaspati or Jupiter symbolises wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It governs the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces, influencing our education, wealth to our moral compass and righteousness.
A weakened Jupiter may cause one might struggle with financial instability and lack of guidance, or feel lost without a sense of direction. while a strong Jupiter brings a life filled with abundance and deep knowledge, and dharmic living.
Spiritual Remedies:
Worshipping Jupiter through offering yellow items, chanting “Om Gurave Namah,” and donating turmeric helps strengthen and harness Jupiter’s grace and positive energy.
Shani (Saturn) : The Taskmaster – a Lord of Karma
Scientific Perspective
Saturn is a massive gas giant, famous for its magnificent ring system made of ice and rock. Its slow, deliberate orbit and immense gravitational pull affect celestial mechanics and planetary movements, having a significant influence on our solar system.
Astrological Perspective
Shani or Saturn, slow yet steadfast, governs and represents discipline, endurance, and karmic lessons. It rules Capricorn and Aquarius, governing hardships, patience, and perseverance. A weak Saturn can cause delays and struggles, restrictions, and tests one’s resolve. while a strong Saturn blesses with wisdom and endurance, maturity, patience, and spiritual depth.
Spiritual Remedies:
Worshipping Saturn through lighting sesame oil lamps on Saturdays, chanting “Om Shang Shanicharaya Namah,” helping and feeding the needy can soften Saturn’s trials and transform hardship into wisdom.
Rahu – The Dragon’s Head (Illusions & Desires) : The Shadow Planet
n Vedic astrology, Rahu, known as the “Dragon’s Head,” is a significant celestial point, representing the head of a mythical dragon.
In Vedic astrology, Rahu, or the Dragon’s Head, is not a physical planet but a powerful, invisible point in the sky. It’s a shadow planet or North Node of the Moon that governs our deepest, most intense desires and worldly ambitions. Rahu has a mysterious and unpredictable nature, and its influence is often felt through sudden events and a powerful urge for more.
A strong Rahu in a person’s birth chart can make them incredibly ambitious and unconventional. It drives individuals to seek fame and success, often leading them to break away from traditional paths. While this can bring sudden wealth and power, it can also lead to a sense of dissatisfaction, as Rahu’s influence is never fully quenched. It’s the key to understanding our obsessive cravings and the karmic lessons we must face in this life.
Scientific Perspective
Rahu is not a physical planetary body but a mathematical point marking the Moon’s north node. It represents an eclipse-causing force that influences the Moon’s energy and gravitational interactions. Scientifically, Rahu isn’t a planet; it’s a specific point in space. It’s the spot where the Moon’s orbital path crosses the Sun’s path. This point is technically known as the Moon’s ascending node. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up perfectly at this spot, we get a solar or lunar eclipse. So, you could think of it as an invisible force connected to the gravitational dance between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
Astrological Perspective
Rahu is the master of worldly desires, sudden rises, and illusions. It governs unconventional thinking and material success. A weak Rahu can bring confusion or obsession and deception, while a strong Rahu grants ingenuity and social influence.
Spiritual Remedies:
To calm its negative effects, worshipping Rahu by chanting the mantra “Om Rahave Namah,” offering a coconut, and practising meditation reduces its negative or restless energy or effects.
Ketu – Dragon’s Tail: (The Spiritual Catalyst) : The Shadow Planet
Scientific Perspective
From a scientific perspective, Ketu, like Rahu, is an imaginary graph representing the Moon’s south node, also referred to as the shadow planet. Ketu is not a physical planet but a mathematical point in space, specifically the South Lunar Node. where the Moon’s orbital path intersects the Sun’s apparent path. It is linked to cometary influences and astrological phenomena that affect human consciousness.
Astrological Perspective
Ketu is the force behind detachment, past-life karma, and the path to spiritual liberation. It governs over intuitive senses and abilities and the quest for moksha or (salvation). A weak Ketu may cause confusion and setbacks, while a strong Ketu enhances and deepens a person’s inner wisdom and leads them toward enlightenment.
Spiritual Remedies:
Worshipping Ketu through chanting “Om Ketave Namah,” donating blankets to the less fortunate, and practising detachment from worldly things aid in spiritual growth and upliftment.
The Path of Remedies & Worship
The planetary bodies and their energies can be managed and enhanced with the help of puja or worship, especially when done with devotion, aligned with human consciousness, and producing positive results as well as reducing negative influences.
As you have gone through this entire Planetary Review in the Light of Vedic Astrology blog and have developed an keen interest in Vedic astrology, you know that by reviewing the position of your Birth Chart or through Palm Reading or Vastu Shastra, an expert astrologer may help you dissolve your past bad Karmas, as well as push you on the path of success and blessings to achieve yet unmanaged problems with the help of remedies like Stones, Gems, Tantras & Mantras or Rudraksha, etc. An expert astrologer can reveal the karmic blueprint and suggest remedies that dissolve difficulties and unlock hidden potentials. So, explore the consultancy services section of Astrologystarts.com and get benefits.
Graha Stuti (Sacred Hymn for the Planets)”
Sanskrit Reference: Surya (Sun)
॥ आदित्याय च सोमाय मङ्गलाय बुधाय च । गुरु शुक्र शनिभ्यश्च राहवे केतवे नमः ॥
Meaning:
Salutations to Surya (Sun), Soma (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu.
Sanskrit Reference: Chandra (Moon)
॥ दधिशङ्खतुषाराभं क्षीरोदार्णवसंभवम् । नमामि शशिनं सोमं शम्भोर्मुकुटभूषणम् ॥
Meaning:
I bow to Chandra, who shines like milk and conch, born from the ocean of milk, adorning the crest of Lord Shiva.
Sanskrit Reference: Budh (Mercury)
॥ प्रियङ्गुकलिकाश्यामं रूपेणाप्रतिमं बुधम् । सौम्यं सौम्यगुणोपेतं तं बुधं प्रणम्यहम् ॥
Meaning:
I bow to Budha (Mercury), dark as the bud of Priyangu, beautiful and gentle, the intelligent son of Soma.
Sanskrit Reference: Shukra (Venus)
॥ हिमकुन्दमृणालाभं दैत्यानां परमं गुरुम् । सर्वशास्त्रप्रवक्तारं भार्गवं प्रणम्यहम् ॥
Meaning:
I salute Shukra, radiant as snow and lotus stem, the teacher of the Daityas and the master of all scriptures.
Sanskrit Reference: Mangala (Mars)
॥ धरनीगर्भसम्भूतं विद्युत्कान्तिसमप्रभम् । कुमारं शक्तिहस्तं तं मङ्गलं प्रणम्यहम् ॥
Meaning:
I bow to Mangala, born of Earth, shining like lightning, holding a spear, the commander of celestial forces.
Sanskrit Reference: Brihaspati (Jupiter)
॥ देवानांच ऋषीणां च गुरुं काञ्चनसन्निभम् । बुद्धिभूतं त्रिलोकेशं तं नमामि बृहस्पतिम् ॥
Meaning:
I bow to Brihaspati, the Guru of gods and sages, radiant like gold, the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge.
Sanskrit Reference: Shani (Saturn)
॥ नीलांजनसमाभासं रविपुत्रं यमाग्रजम् । छायामार्तण्डसम्भूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम् ॥
Meaning:
I bow to Shani, dark as collyrium, son of the Sun and Chhaya, elder brother of Yama, slow-moving and powerful.
Sanskrit Reference: Rahu (Dragon’s Head)
॥ अर्धकायं महावीर्यं चन्द्रादित्यविमर्दनम् । सिंहिकायागर्भसम्भूतं तं राहुं प्रणम्यहम् ॥
Meaning:
I bow to Rahu, half-bodied, of great strength, tormentor of Sun and Moon, born of Simhika.
Sanskrit Reference: Ketu (Dragon’s Tail)
॥ पलाशपुष्पसङ्काशं तारकाग्रहसम्मितम् । रौद्रं रौद्रात्मकं घोरं तं केतुं प्रणम्यहम् ॥
Meaning:
I bow to Ketu, resembling the Palasha flower, fierce and terrifying, with a form beyond comprehension.
Conclusion – Embracing the Rhythms of the Grahas (Planets).
The nine grahas are divine messengers, carrying the will of karma and the light of higher truth. When we bow to their presence and walk in their guidance, life itself becomes aligned with the cosmic pulse, blessing us with both abundance in the world and freedom of the soul.
FAQs
Do we have 8 or 9 planets?
Vedic astrology recognizes 9 planets: Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu. These celestial bodies influence human life and destiny.
What are 9 grahas?
The 9 grahas in Vedic astrology are the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. They govern different aspects of life, karma, and spiritual evolution.
Why is Pluto no longer a planet?
Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf astrological body in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union because it does not meet all criteria for a full-fledged planets, particularly failing to clear its orbit of debris.
Who is the king of 9 planets?
The Sun (Surya) is considered the king of the 9 planets in Vedic astrology, representing authority, vitality, and leadership in one’s life.
Who is the wife of Ketu?
Ketu, the shadow planet, does not have a wife in traditional mythology. It symbolizes detachment and moksha rather than material or relational aspects.
What is the queen of planet?
The Moon (Chandra) is regarded as the queen among planets, governing emotions, intuition, and the mind in Vedic astrology.
Which planet gives money?
Jupiter (Brihaspati) is the planet of wealth, wisdom, and prosperity. A strong Jupiter in a birth chart often indicates financial abundance and success.
What planet is female?
Venus (Shukra) is considered a female planet in astrology, symbolizing love, beauty, luxury, and artistic expression.
Which is the hottest planet?
Venus is the hottest luminous body in the solar system due to its thick atmosphere, which traps heat through an extreme greenhouse effect.
Is Mars a girl or boy?
Mars (Mangala) is considered a male planet, associated with aggression, strength, and warrior-like energy.
Which planet has a wife?
Jupiter (Brihaspati) is believed to have a wife named Tara in Hindu mythology, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
Is Saturn a boy or girl?
Saturn (Shani) is traditionally considered a neutral or male planet, ruling discipline, karma, and endurance.
Which is the brightest planet?
Venus is the brightest planet in the night sky, often visible as the “Evening Star” or “Morning Star” due to its high reflectivity.
Why is our planet special?
The habitable Earth. It is the right distance from the Sun, it is protected from harmful solar radiation by its magnetic field, it is kept warm by an insulating atmosphere, and it has the right chemical ingredients for life, including water and carbon.
What is the coolest planet?
The coldest planet in our solar system is Uranus. Its atmosphere has the lowest recorded temperature in the solar system, with a minimum temperature of -224 degrees Celsius (-371 degrees Fahrenheit).
Incredibly fascinating! The way Vedic astrology connects planetary alignments to human destiny offers such a deep and timeless perspective on life’s journey. So much cosmic wisdom packed into this!