Featured

Vedic Astrology Series: Beginner’s Guide Part 2 : Planets- Carrier of our Karma

In the Part 1 we talked about the What is Vedic astrology and the Karmas that we read from chart.

You can read Part 1

Planets are the carrier of our Karma from our past lives . And they also accumulate our Karma in this life.

Suppose, you have disrespected your guru or teacher in past life then the planet Jupiter will suffer or make you suffer through bad placement in your chart. If you have been a mean master to your subordinate Saturn will punish you in this life. If you have been a thief or a liar your Ketu will make sure you make mistakes in life and suffer and make losses.

What are good placements and bad placements is something we will discuss on some other day.

So lets jump into the characteristics of these planets. But before that let me give you an idea of what I will take about in my future write up.

In Vedic astrology there are 4 basic ideas and the combination of these 4 ideas gives rise to all different combinations in our chart. The 4 pillars are

1. Planets (Graha)
2. Houses(Bhava)
3. Signs(Rasi) and
4. Nakshatra

In this and next 3 parts we will discuss about these concepts. And later on all the numerous factors which arises out of these 4 factors and then slowly we will try to set the jigsaw puzzle of life through these ideas of Vedic Astrology

In this part we are going to talk about the 9 Planets (Graha) of Vedic Astrology. The 9 planets are

1. Sun (Surya)
2. Moon (Chandra)
3. Jupiter (Brihaspati)
4. Mercury (Buddha)
5. Venus (Shukra)
6. Saturn (Shani)
7. Mars (Mangal)
8. North Node (Rahu)
9. South Node (Ketu)

We are going to understand each planets from few different perspective with respect to the chart

1. What human relationship it indicates ?
2. What emotions or state of mind it creates ?
3. What Physical Features it indicates ?

The list of characteristic can be many and there are many groupings . But, we will focus on these to begin with. And then you have your journey to learn more. As nobody can teach you everything but everybody can teach you something.

Sun (Surya) : ॐ सूर्याय नमः।

The majestic planet, the planet who sustains all life forms. The giver of resource. Let me bow to Him and ask for his permission to talk about Him. Let me narrate a story to let you know what is Sun’s character and how you please HIM. I hope you know the Karna from the Mahabharata.

“Karna, who would worship Sun every morning by offering water (Arghya). Pleased with his devotion, Sun God appeared before him and blessed him with the divine Kavach (armor) and Kundal (earrings) that made him nearly invincible. This shows how Sun rewards dedication, routine and loyalty and likes people like Karna.”

1. What human relationship it indicates ?

Surya is father in our chart. The way father provides for child’s need so does Sun helps you to gain resources in your life. Look for Sun in your chart and see if its badly placed and there you go suffering for resources. Appease Him and resources will appear. You don’ t have to even look at your chart to know if its helping you are harming you. Just think about your relationship with your father, your superior at work place. If they are supportive you have a good placement of Sun. A person can know about everything about their father- their health, their longevity, their prosperity. At the societal level Sun is the King/PrimeMinister/President/Mayor etc.

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates ?

Sun is your soul. Good placement of Sun will make you a person who will always stand for justice. The Sun (Surya) is associated with qualities like authority, willpower, vitality, and confidence. When well-placed in your chart, the Sun brings clarity, purpose, and a strong sense of direction. It fosters a confident, assertive, and optimistic state of mind, often bringing natural leadership abilities .

However, if the Sun is weak it can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, lack of purpose, or ego-related issues. Individuals might struggle with expressing their identity or have a tendency towards arrogance, insecurity, or domineering behavior. Which one are you?

3. What Physical Features it indicates ?

Sun glows, so a person having Strong sun will glow , Sun creates excessive heat in stomach so will get you bald. People having bad placement of sun might end up have spinal injuries, bone fracture because Sun rules the spine and skeleton as well as heart and circulation.

Moon (Chandra) : ऊँ सोमाय नम:।

The mystical Moon, the gentle mother of the cosmos, keeper of emotions and guardian of the night. I will like to narrate a story about Moon to show how it will show up in person’s life in his emotions.

The famous curse of Daksha on Chandra exemplifies Moon’s emotional nature. Moon was married to 27 daughters (representing 27 constellations or Nakshatra through which moon moves in a lunar month) of Daksha but showed favoritism to Rohini. Angered by this, Daksha cursed Moon to wane. Moon prayed to Lord Shiva who couldn’t remove the curse but modified it — leading to the Moon’s waxing and waning phases, teaching us about emotional balance.

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Chandra represents the mother in our birth chart. Just as a mother nurtures her child with unconditional love, Moon nurtures our emotional well-being and basic needs. Look at the Moon’s placement in your chart — is it good? If Moon is afflicted, you might experience emotional turbulence or challenges in maternal relationships. The relationship with your mother often mirrors Moon’s placement in your chart. Watch how you interact with your mother — is there warmth and comfort, or distance and confusion? A person can read their mother’s nature, health, and emotional availability through Moon’s position. Even without looking at your chart, observe your emotional bonds with maternal figures and caregivers in your life. Are they nurturing and supportive, or do you feel emotionally undernourished? At societal level Moon is the masses , the society itself.

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Moon is your mind — the keeper of your thoughts and emotions. When Moon is well-placed, you become like a calm lake reflecting the beauty of the stars — peaceful, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent. These souls naturally understand others’ feelings, provide comfort, and maintain emotional stability even in chaos. They are the shoulders others cry on, the hearts that heal.

But when Moon is challenged, the mind becomes like turbulent waters — unstable, overly sensitive, and prone to emotional floods. You might experience dramatic mood swings, feel overwhelmed by others’ emotions, or struggle with emotional dependency. The mind fluctuates like the phases of the Moon itself — sometimes full of light, sometimes shrouded in darkness. People with cursed Moon might appear as psychopaths.

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Moon blesses one with its cooling, soothing presence in physical form. Those with a strong Moon often possess round, pleasant faces like the full moon itself. Their eyes carry a dreamy, peaceful quality — windows to their deep emotional nature. Their complexion is often fair and luminous, like moonlight on a clear night. Their body structure tends to be well-rounded and soft, with curved rather than angular features. The movements are graceful and fluid, like the ebb and flow of tides that Moon governs. Mind and prana (the air you breath) are realted. Tensed mind breathing quickens and relaxed mind breathing slows. Singing is associated with Moon. Blessed are those who have a good voice. Bodily fluids is Moon and so is fertility

Jupiter (Brihaspati) : ऊँ बृहस्पतये नम:।

The wise teacher of the Gods, the great benefic who expands our horizons and wisdom. The planet of intelligence, dharma, and spiritual growth. Let me bow to this divine guru and seek His blessings to share His profound wisdom.

Once Jupiter (intelligence) left the abode of Gods as he was upset with the gods’ arrogance. During his absence, demons began to overpower the gods. The gods realized that without wisdom (Jupiter), mere power is meaningless. This shows why Jupiter is considered the greatest teacher.

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Guru represents our teachers, mentors, and spiritual guides in life. Like a wise teacher who illuminates the path of knowledge and righteousness, Jupiter guides us towards higher understanding and moral values.When Jupiter is strong, you’ll find yourself blessed with wise mentors and famous and great teachers who appear at crucial moments in your life. Your relationship with religious or spiritual figures will be harmonious and enlightening. Without even looking at your chart, reflect on your experiences with teachers and guides — have they been beneficial and uplifting, or have you struggled to find proper guidance?

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Jupiter is your higher mind — the part of you that seeks meaning, wisdom, and truth. When Jupiter is well-placed, you become like a lighthouse — optimistic, philosophical, and radiating wisdom that guides others. These souls naturally understand the bigger picture of life, maintain faith during difficulties, and inspire others to grow.

But when Jupiter is challenged, the wisdom becomes either inflated with false knowledge or contracts into skepticism and lack of faith. You might struggle with over-optimism, making promises you can’t keep, or become too cynical, losing faith in life’s natural abundance. Are you expanding with wisdom or contracting with doubt? Which Jupiter energy guides your philosophical journey?

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Jupiter manifests its expansive nature in physical form. Those with a strong Jupiter often possess a tall, well-built frame that commands respect. Their body is usually large but proportionate, with a tendency toward a fuller figure. The face is often broad and noble, with a high forehead — the mark of wisdom. Any sort of disease related to expansion is mostly Jupiter’s work- Obesity, Belly fat, allergies, chronic disease , tumors. Jupiter likes sweets so Diabetes also. It rules over your liver ,spleen, gall bladder and pancreas.

Mercury (Buddha) : ऊँ बुधाय नम:।

The youthful prince of intelligence and communication, the swift messenger of the celestial court. The planet of wisdom who dances between logic and creativity. Let me bow to His playful brilliance and seek His blessing to share His story.

Mercury has an interesting birth story — born from the illicit love between Moon and Jupiter’s wife Tara. Despite this complicated beginning, Budha became one of the most respected planets, known for his knowledge (intelligence is Jupiter). He’s said to have learned the art of adaptability early, teaching us that our circumstances don’t define our potential.

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Budha represents our friends, our business connections, and our ability to communicate. Like a friend who brings laughter and intellectual stimulation to our lives, Mercury governs our social connections and mental bonds. Examine Mercury’s placement in your chart — is it blessed or troubled? When Mercury is strong, you’ll find yourself surrounded by meaningful friendships and successful business partnerships. You’ll be the one people seek for advice, for interesting conversations, for problem-solving. Without consulting your chart, just observe your social circle and business networks — are they flourishing or struggling? Are you able to express yourself clearly, or do you often feel misunderstood? Mercury shows in how you connect with peers and handle daily communications.

Any rag to riches story can not be complete without Mercury.

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Mercury is your intellect — the quick, analytical mind that processes information and makes sense of the world. When Mercury is well-placed, you become like a skilled diplomat — adaptable, witty, and intellectually sharp. These souls naturally excel in learning, teaching, and bridging gaps between different viewpoints. They are the mediators, the problem-solvers, the ones who can find humor in any situation.any rag to riches story is not complete without Mercury. And Mercury brings in multiplicity- either lot of different skills and if impacting relationship then many partners.

But when Mercury is challenged, the mind becomes either scattered like leaves in the wind or rigid like frozen thoughts. You might struggle with focus, jumping from one idea to another without completion.

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Mercury bestows its swift, adaptable nature in physical form. Those with a strong Mercury often possess a slender, agile build — made for quick movements and mental alertness. Their height is usually medium, with a well-proportioned body. Mercury is your skin. mercury can give speech disorders. It is your nervous system. Hormonal weight disorder is Mercury while Obesity due to eating is Jupiter.

Venus (Shukra) : ऊँ शुक्राय नम:।

The radiant minister of pleasure and beauty, the brightest jewel in the celestial crown. The planet of love, art, and harmony. Let me bow to this divine artist and seek permission to speak of Their enchanting qualities.

Shukra possessed the Sanjeevani Vidya (knowledge to bring dead back to life) and used it to protect demons. Despite being the guru of demons, he maintained dharma and righteousness, showing that Venus teaches us about balance in relationships and ethics.

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Shukra represents our romantic relationships, our spouse, and our capacity for love and pleasure. When Venus is strong, you’re blessed with harmonious relationships, artistic talents, and the ability to create beauty in all aspects of life. Your marriage or partnerships tend to be fulfilling and beautiful. Without consulting your chart, observe your love life and artistic inclinations — do relationships flow smoothly like a sweet melody, or do they feel discordant? Venus on one spectrum is finding true love while on other spectrum is marrying for security/money/sustenance.

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Venus is your heart’s artistic expression — the part that feels beauty, love, and harmony. When Venus is well-placed, you become like a beautiful garden — spreading fragrance of love, creating harmony wherever you go. These souls naturally attract others with their charm, find beauty in simple things, and bring peace to conflicted situations. They are the artists, the lovers, the ones who make life beautiful.

But when Venus is challenged, the heart either becomes too attached to pleasures or unable to enjoy life’s sweetness. You might struggle with over-indulgence, becoming lost in sensual pleasures, or become too detached, unable to connect deeply with others.

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Venus blesses with beauty and grace in physical form. Those with a strong Venus often possess a naturally attractive appearance with symmetrical features. Their body is usually well-proportioned with a medium height and graceful curves. The face is often beautiful or handsome with expressive, loving eyes. The complexion is clear and glowing, like moonlight on a calm lake. Venus is your like clear water and moon is muddy/ translucent water. So anything which clears water is Venus. Like your kidney. Autoimmune disease is Venus. hormonal disorder is Venus

Saturn (Shani) : ऊँ शनैश्चराय नम:।

The stern judge of karma, the great teacher of life’s harshest but most valuable lessons. The planet of discipline, time, and ultimate truth. Let me bow to this divine disciplinarian and seek His permission to speak of His profound justice.

The story of King Vikramaditya and Shani is well-known. When the king claimed he wasn’t afraid of Saturn, Shani took this as a challenge. He made the king live as a servant for seven years. When the period ended, the king understood the value of humility. Saturn restored his kingdom, teaching that patience and humility are life’s greatest lessons.

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Shani represents our elderly, our servants, and those who serve us hard lessons in life. Like a strict father who seems harsh but shapes our character through discipline, Saturn governs our karma and life’s tests. Examine Saturn’s placement in your chart — is it dignified or debilitated/cursed ? When Saturn is strong, you’ll find strength in hardships and wisdom in delays. Your relationship with elderly people and those in service positions will be respectful and meaningful.

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Saturn is your inner judge — the part that knows the value of patience and hard work. When Saturn is well-placed, you become like a mountain — steady, reliable, and unshakeable in your commitments. These souls naturally understand the value of time, respect boundaries, and gain wisdom through hardship and sweats. They are the survivors, the builders, the ones who turn obstacles into stepping stones. Saturn shows how you deal with time, aging, and life’s limitations.

But when Saturn is challenged, life feels like a heavy burden. You might struggle with chronic depression, fear, or excessive negativity. Or you might try to escape responsibilities, running from the very lessons meant to strengthen you. You become lazy and procrastinate.

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Saturn manifests its austere nature in physical form. Those with a strong Saturn often possess a lean, angular build with prominent bones. Their height is usually tall, and their body tends to be dark or dusky in complexion. The face might appear serious or contemplative, with deep-set eyes that seem to hold ancient wisdom. Saturn brings disease , it makes things/people die. Saturn is your muscle . Saturn causes disease of bones like arthritis, gout, osteoporosis ( Sun is bone and Saturn and sun have a history of enmity though Sun being the father of Saturn)

Mars (Mangal) : ऊँ भौमाय नम:।

The fierce warrior of the celestial army, the commander of courage and strength. The red planet whose very sight ignites the fire of action within us. Let me bow to His powerful presence and seek His permission to speak of His divine qualities.

There’s a story of how Mars was born from Shiva’s sweat drop. While Shiva was performing his cosmic dance, a drop of sweat fell on Earth, creating the red planet. This gave Mars its fierce nature and connection to energy and power.

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Mangal represents our siblings, our courage, and our warriors. Like a protective older brother who stands guard against threats, Mars gives us the strength to face life’s battles. If Mars is afflicted, you might find yourself in constant conflicts with siblings or struggling with assertiveness. Your relationship with your siblings and your ability to handle competition directly reflects Mars’s placement.

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Mars is your warrior spirit — the source of your courage, determination, and drive. When Mars is strong, you become like a skilled warrior — decisive, brave, and ready for action. These souls naturally take initiative, protect the weak, and fight for what’s right. They are the defenders, the pioneers, the ones who dare to go where others fear to tread.

But when Mars is challenged, the warrior becomes either too aggressive or too timid. You might struggle with anger management, becoming like an uncontrolled fire that burns everything in its path, or you might lack the fire needed to stand up for yourself.

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Mars manifests its fiery nature in physical form. Those with a strong Mars often possess a strong, athletic build — built for action and endurance. Their complexion has a reddish tinge, like the planet itself. The body is usually muscular and well-toned, with prominent features and a commanding presence. Blood producing organ like Bone marrow is controlled by Mars or the red color Hemoglobin. Accident is Mars. Smoking and disease caused by it is Mars.

North Node (Rahu) : ऊँ राहवे नम:।

The mysterious serpent’s head, the shadow planet of illusion and worldly desires. The cosmic serpent who swallows the sun (Grahan/ eclipse)and created eclipses. Let me bow to this enigmatic force and seek permission to unveil His secrets.

The story related to Rahu and Ketu is that they were the demons who drank the Amrit (the nectar which makes one immortal) which cam out during the churning of Kshira Sagar (Samundra Manthan: Churning of ocean). So, Lord Vishnu’s Shudarshan chakra split the demon in two halves . The Head is Rahu and the body is Ketu. Therefore, Rahu being the mind of scheming demon makes you behave like it .

And since then Rahu and Ketu have been chasing Sun and Moon (and causing eclipse) who informed Lord Vishnu about the Nectar being consumed by them

They are actually not planets but points . The points due to intersection of plane of Moon and Earth with the plane of Sun and Earth

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Rahu represents our connection with the foreign, the unconventional, the masses, and the politicians. Like a chameleon in society, Rahu governs our relationships with foreigners, unusual people, and those who break traditional norms. Study Rahu’s placement in your chart — is it well-positioned or creating chaos? When Rahu is favorable, you’ll find yourself connecting with people from different cultures, embracing innovative ideas, and gaining success through unconventional paths. Without consulting your chart, observe your attraction to foreign cultures and new experiences — do you naturally blend with different societies, or do you feel like an outsider everywhere? Rahu shows how you handle the unknown and navigate through unfamiliar territories( as unfamiliar territories is like something hidden behind smokes and that is something Rahu)

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Rahu is your shadow self — the part that craves worldly success and material desires. When Rahu is well-placed, you become like a skilled magician — innovative, ambitious, and able to manifest your desires.

But when Rahu is challenged, life becomes an endless chase after mirages. You might struggle with insatiable desires, obsessions, or delusions/mental illness. The mind becomes like a hungry ghost, never satisfied with what it has. Which Rahu energy drives your ambitions?

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Rahu manifests its mysterious nature in physical form. Those with a strong Rahu often possess unique or unusual features that make them stand out. Their appearance might be exotic or different from their native culture. Bad dreams is Rahu.

South Node (Ketu) : ऊँ केतवे नमः

The mystical snakes’ tail, the shadow planet of spirituality and liberation. The cosmic serpent who represents detachment and moksha. Let me bow to this spiritual illuminator and seek permission to reveal His transcendent wisdom.

After Rahu’s head was cut off, his body became Ketu. While Rahu represents material desires, Ketu represents spiritual liberation. There’s a beautiful story where Ketu appears to a spiritual seeker saying, “I remove all that you think you need, to give you what you really need.” This shows Ketu’s role in spiritual evolution. It is opposite of material success.

1. What human relationship it indicates?

Ketu represents our connection with the spiritual world, mystics, and those who have renounced worldly life. Like a sage sitting in deep meditation, Ketu governs our relationships with spiritual guides and those who walk the path of liberation.

2. What emotions or state of mind it creates?

Ketu is your spiritual mind — the part that seeks liberation from worldly bondage. When Ketu is well-placed, you become like a peaceful monk — detached, intuitive, and deeply spiritual. These souls naturally understand the illusory nature of material life, possess psychic abilities, and find joy in solitude. They are the mystics, the healers, the ones who see beyond the veil of maya (illusion).

But when Ketu is challenged, the mind becomes either too disconnected from reality or confused about its spiritual path. You might struggle with escapism, using spirituality to avoid responsibilities, or feel a deep sense of isolation and confusion. Are you floating in spiritual bliss or drowning in confusion? Which Ketu energy guides your spiritual journey?

3. What Physical Features it indicates?

Ketu manifests its otherworldly nature in physical form. Those with a strong Ketu often possess an ethereal quality about them. Their body might be thin or delicate, as if not quite belonging to this material world. The eyes often have a distant, mystical look — windows to other realms. There might be unique marks or scars that seem to tell stories of past lives. Or even some limbs missing. Any bacterial/viral/parasitic disease is Ketu.

That is a lot for the story of planets. Just to remind you the gist of all the blabbering I have done

Surya rewards loyalty

Chandra teaches emotional wisdom

Mangal gives courage

Budha shows adaptability

Guru emphasizes wisdom’s importance

Shukra demonstrates balance

Shani teaches through hardship

Rahu shows the price of deception

Ketu guides toward spirituality