Learn · Vedic Astrology
The 9 Grahas (Planets)
The nine planets of Jyotish and what each one signifies.
Vedic astrology works with nine Grahas: the seven visible bodies plus the two lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu. Each Graha is a karaka (significator) of certain people, themes and parts of life, and its strength and placement colour how those themes play out.
Planets are classed as natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, well-placed Mercury and a waxing Moon) or malefics (Saturn, Mars, Sun, Rahu, Ketu) — though “malefic” means demanding, not evil; a strong malefic can give excellent results.
The nine Grahas
- Sun (Surya)
- Soul, father, authority, vitality, ego, government.
- Moon (Chandra)
- Mind, mother, emotions, the public, fluids, comfort.
- Mars (Mangala)
- Energy, courage, siblings, property, conflict, drive.
- Mercury (Budha)
- Intellect, speech, commerce, analysis, communication.
- Jupiter (Guru)
- Wisdom, fortune, children, dharma, teachers, expansion.
- Venus (Shukra)
- Love, marriage, beauty, art, comforts, vehicles.
- Saturn (Shani)
- Discipline, time, longevity, labour, delay, detachment.
- Rahu
- The north node — ambition, obsession, foreign, the unconventional.
- Ketu
- The south node — detachment, spirituality, past karma, liberation.