Externally, Ketu signifies people who are mysterious, who hold abstract or incomprehensible views, who do not show their true identity, spies, mathematicians, people who have flashes of insights, inventors.
Externally, Rahu Graha signifies people from outside the community, people who are not part of the ordinary social structures, eccentrics, people who are unpredictable and untraceable.
Physically, Rahu would co-signify the same parts as Saturn.
Internally, Rahu Graha represents desires, and the tendency to identify oneself with external objects. It represents impulsive thoughts and behaviour, and the ability to passionately pursue goals in the most crafty ways.
Qualities signified by Rahu: Rahu indicate passionate, impulsive, hard to contain, wild, intelligent, tricky, illusionary, fake, smoky.
Determining what objects are signified by Rahu Graha: Rahu Graha signifies things that are illusionary in nature, or parts that are of foreign nature, not truly fitting in.
Rahu Graha is considered to be a rogue planet. The other name of Rahu is Bhayanaka.Various names are assigned to Rahu in Vedic texts including: the chief, the advisor of the demons, the minister of the demons, ever-angry, the tormentor, bitter enemy of the luminaries, lord of illusions, one who frightens the Sun, the one who makes the Moon lustreless, the peacemaker, the immortal (having drunk the divine nectar), bestower of prosperity and wealth and ultimate knowledge
| Description | : Smoky appearance with a blue-mix physique. He resides in forests and is horrible. He is vata in temperament and is intelligent. |
| Caste | : Outcast/cruel people |
| Trees | : Anthills |
| Clothes | : Multi colored clothes |
| Taste | : Lead |
| Time Period | : 8 months |
| Substance | : Dhatu |
Externally, Shani signifies people who maintain low level and basic facilities: service people, workmen, people doing manual labor, cleaning people, servants, people dedicated to their jobs for a long time, very responsible and committed people. Also signified are people who are very introvert or hidden from the public eye, researchers, reclusives, monks.
Physically, Shani signifies the parts of the body that are instrumental to restricting the movement. Whereas Surya signifies the bones, Shani signifies the joints, tenants and muscles that keep the skeleton within a range of motions. Shani also signifies the physical aspect of the nervous system.
Internally, Shani indicates traits and abilities related to long term values. Responsibility, commitment, the ability to deal with grief, stability, longevity.
Qualities signified by Shani: slow but steady, responsible, cold, withdrawn, humble, restricted, detached, dirty, dark, old.
Determining what objects are signified by Saturn: Whatever parts are most remote from the core, whatever part is essential for the physical longevity, the least attractive parts that have their use in the long run, things related to elimination and separation.
| Rank | : Brahma |
| Color | : Dark |
| Bhoota | : Air |
| Caste | : Sudra |
| Nature | : Tamasik |
| Description | : Emaciated and long body, tawny eyes, vata, big teeth, indolent, lame, coarse hair. |
| Dhatu | : Muscles |
| Abode | : Filthy ground |
| Time Period | : Year |
| Taste | : Astringent |
| Strong Direction | : West |
| Trees | : Anthills |
| Clothes | : Multi colored robes |
| Season | : Sishira |
| Substance | : Dhatu |
Externally, Shukra relates to everything that is for the purpose of providing luxury and comfort. Refined, artistic, and elegant things, ornaments, jewelry, art, music, performances and concerts. All people who create or enjoy such things: models, designers, artists, poets, painters, women wearing makeup. Also people involved with creating balance and harmony such as certain types of counselors and advisors.
Physically, Shukra signifies the semen, the most refined aspect of the male physiology. It rules the reproductory organs in general for both males and females.
Internally, Shukra represents our ability to enjoy and be balanced. This in turn is expressed in how affectionate, gentle and loving we can be to others. Shukra relates to the overall refinement of our system, in all its various aspects.
Qualities signified by Shukra: refined, harmonious, desirous, elegant, social, soothing, affectionate, artistic.
Determining what objects are signified by Shukra: Whatever is related to the beautification and smooth state of the system. Those elements that “oil” the other parts without doing the work itself.
| Rank | : Sachi Devi |
| Color | : Variegated |
| Bhoota | : Water |
| Caste | : Brahmin |
| Nature | : Rajasik |
| Description | : Charming, splendorous body, is excellent or great in disposition, has |
| charming eyes, is a poet, Kapha/Vata, curly hair. | |
| Dhatu | : Semen |
| Abode | : Bedroom |
| Time Period | : Fortnight |
| Taste | : Aciduous |
| Strong Direction | : North |
| Trees | : Flowering trees |
| Clothes | : Silk |
| Season | : Vasanta |
| Dhatu | : Moola |
Externally, Jupiter signifies people who are wise or well educated, scholars, experts, teachers, advisers, people full with life and optimism, jolly and eloquent people, people who are large, people with expansive ideas, people with collections of any kind, people who are balanced in their lifestyles, people who are dedicated to spiritual growth, sweet and fattening food, fruit.
Physically, Jupiter represents growth in the body, fat, the storing and release of energy in the form of fat by the liver, the growth of any tissue, excessive growth (overweight, tumors).
Internally, Jupiter represents happiness, optimism, spiritual growth, intelligence, learning, in particular the ability to get the bigger picture, eloquence, the ability to grow and progress.
Qualities signified by Jupiter: happiness, optimism, expansiveness, eloquence, intelligence, learned, spiritual, collecting, large.
Determining what objects are signified by Jupiter: Whatever part of the system is key or regulates growth, maintains overall balance in the system, is a storehouse for information.
| Rank | : Indra |
| Color | : Tawny |
| Bhoota | : Ether |
| Caste | : Brahmin |
| Nature | : Satwik |
| Description | : Big body, tawny hair and tawny eyes, kapha, intelligent, learned in all shastras |
| Dhatu | : Fat |
| Abode | : Treasure house |
| Time Period | : Month |
| Taste | : Sweet |
| Strong Direction | : East |
| Trees | : Fruit bearing trees |
| Clothes | : Saffron |
| Season | : Hemanta |
| Substance | : Jeeva |
Externally, Mercury represents people that communicate a lot, are mediators, translators, messengers, or are involved in any form transfer or transmission of information. Mercury also signifies playful and funny people, people that joke or play with words, people that imitate others, adults that are child-like excited or curious.
Physically, Mercury represents the parts of the body that are involved in internal and external communication: the nervous system (internal), the mouth, lips, and hands (external). Mercury also signifies the skin, as it functions as an exchange organ with the outside world.
Internally, Mercury represents the intellectual mind, logic, discrimination, ability to use language and symbols, communication skills, short term memory, adaptability, and a sense of humor.
Qualities signified by Mercury: are quick, adaptable, witty, funny, boyish.
Determining what objects are signified by Mercury: Whatever part is responsible for communication, quick transfer of information, providing the infrastructure of the system, allowing contrasting parts to work together.
| Rank | : Maha Vishnu |
| Color | : Green |
| Bhoota | : Earth |
| Caste | : Vaishya |
| Nature | : Rajasik |
| Description | : Attractive physique, capacity to use words with many meanings. Fond of jokes, mix of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. |
| Dhatu | : Skin |
| Abode | : Sports ground |
| Time Period | : Ritu (season, approx 2 months) |
| Taste | : Mixed |
| Strong Direction | : East |
| Trees | : Fruitless trees |
| Clothes | : Black silk |
| Season | : Sharad |
| Substance | : Jeeva |
Externally, Chandra represents highly placed people having a nurturing role, such as queens and first ladies. Whereas Surya gets its importance from being at the heart of the solar system, Chandra gets is from being closest to the Earth, and from our subjective perspective on Earth, being at the heart of the solar system. Surya gets it’s power from mere gravitational pull, but Chandra gets it from being close. Therefore, Chandra represents powerful people that play a more subjective role, nurture or are simply close to us like a mother. The light of the Moon is the reflection of the Sun, most visible in the absence of the Sun. Therefore, Chandra represents people that pass on the inspiration and spirit of the leaders, but in a supportive and gentle way.
Physically, the systems of the body that nurture and feed the body are represented by Chandra. The blood distributes nutrition and oxygen to all parts of the body. In a female, the womb nurtures the child. Whereas the brain is represented by Surya because of it’s controlling function, the hormones that are produced by the brain are represented by Chandra. Of the two eyes, the left eye is represented by Chandra.
Internally, Chandra signifies our mindset and emotions, our response to sensory experiences, our imagination, our ability to care and support others, nurturing skills, empathy.
Qualities signified by Chandra: motherly, caring, nurturing, emotional, sensitive, empathetic, imaginative, social, thoughtful, gentle, childlike charm.
Determining what objects are signified by Chandra: Of any living being or thing, the part that is supporting or nurturing the rest of it is signified by Chandra. In a social environment that is whoever takes the initiative first to care of the weak or helpless: mothers, nurses, health care workers and social workers.
Externally, Mangal signifies people that execute commands, or exhibit some sort of strength. Trainers, commanders, CEO, generals, or anyone who plays a highly assertive and potentially aggressive role. Also people who deal with fire, heat, machines, intense competition or weapons.
Physically, Mangal relates to the aspects of the body that deal with energy, strength and defense. The digestive fire and metabolic rate, Pitta in general, the muscles, the immune system, production of antibodies and bone marrow.
Internally, Mangal represents our mental strength, assertiveness, boldness, focus, motivation, will, irritability, and aggression.
Qualities signified by Mangal: are strong, intense, assertive, challenging, defending, upholding, resisting, angry, radiant, warm.
Determining what objects are signified by Mangal: Whatever or whoever translates decisions from the decision making entity into action, people and things that are hot, full or energy or dealing with heat. Anything related to engines, motors, or highly mechanical in nature. Anything that has a purpose related to defense or attack.
| Rank | : Subrahmanya |
| Color | : Short, blood-red |
| Bhoota | : Fire |
| Nature | : Tamasic |
| Description | : Blood-red eyes, fickle-minded, liberal, bilious, given to anger, thin waist, thin body |
| Dhatu | : Marrow |
| Abode | : Place of fire |
| Time Period | : 24 hours |
| Taste | : Bitter |
| Strong Direction | : South |
| Trees | : Bitter trees |
| Clothes | : Red silk |
| Season | : Greeshma |
| Substance | : Dhatu |
Externally, Surya signifies those people or relationships in our life that are strongly related to royalty, power and the identity of the society. These are presidents, leaders, and directors. Since the Sun is at the center of the solar system, controlling the orbit of all the other grahas, it governs people with power or authority. On a smaller scale, this could be a governor, mayor, and in the family environment, the father. Surya represents those buildings that reflect power and dignity, such as temples, mansions and palaces.
Physically, Surya rules the aspects of the body that are most dominant in terms of control (the brain), the maintenance of life (heart) and maintaining the shape (bones). Surya rules the right eye.
Internally, Surya represents our tendency, ability or talent to act as a leader or authority.
Qualities signified by Surya: are aristocratic, dominant, authoritative, leading, fatherly, strong. Surya relates to square shapes. Surya represents the element of fire, as well as the many ways fire can expressed in other qualities. In the scheme of colors, the bright red is signified. In the spectrum of taste, the pungent taste is the hottest. Out of the three substances, Dhatu (“metals”, any lifeless substances), Moola (“root”, and plant form) and Jeeva (“life”, any animal or human form), Surya relates to Moola.
The Sanskrit word “Grahas” or “ग्रह” means “that which grasps.” The Grahas grasp our consciousness, and the astrological condition of a particular Graha represents our state of consciousness in the areas of life “held” by that Graha
The nine Grahas (planets) are listed in Sanskrit and English below:
These names are listed in Sanskrit, to encourage you to become familiar with their original names used in Indian Vedic Astrology.
Most texts on Jyotish Shastra use the word “Grahas” instead of Planets. Since the Sun, the Moon, Rahu, and Ketu are technically not planets, it is more correct to call them Grahas.
The Grahas are divided into two groups, according to their general auspicious or inauspicious effects. The Sanskrit terms used to label these two groups are:
1.सौम्य /”Saumya” (benefic)
2.क्रूर /”Krura” (malefic)
Surya (the Sun), Shani (Saturn), Mangal (Mars), waning Chandra (the Moon), Rahu, and Ketu are all classified as malefics. The waxing Chandra (the Moon), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter) and Shukra (Venus) are classified as benefics. When Mercury is in the same sign as another malefic, it is considered to be a malefic also.
Most Grahas are fixed in nature. Only Chandra (Moon) and Budha (Mercury) can be affected by their specific placement in the chart. The Moon is benefic when bright.