Introduction

The planets in the solar system impart significant impact on human lives. De facto a type of divination based on the theory that the positions and movements of celestial bodies (stars, planets, sun, and moon) at the time of birth profoundly influence a person's life is the science of planets or Astrology in its traditional form.

Why are the initial conditions more important than all subsequent conditions for one's personality and traits? Why is the moment of birth chosen as the significant moment rather than the moment of conception ? Why aren't other initial conditions such as one's mother's health, the delivery place conditions, forceps, bright lights, dim room, back seat of a car, etc., more important than whether Mars is ascending, descending, culminating, or fulminating?

No one would claim that in order to grasp the effect of the moon on the tides or potatoes one must understand initial conditions of the Singularity before the Big Bang, or the positions of the stars and planets at the time the potato was harvested. If you want to know what tomorrow's low tide will be you do not need to know where the moon was when the first ocean or river was formed, or whether the ocean came first and then the moon, or vice-versa. Initial conditions are less important than present conditions to understanding current effects on rivers and vegetables. If this is true for the tides and plants, why wouldn't it be true for people?

Even professional astrologers, can't pick out a correct horoscope reading at better than a chance rate. Yet, astrology continues to maintain its popularity, despite the fact that there is scarcely a shred of scientific evidence in its favor.

The position of the planets and the sun and moon in the twelve houses at the moment of birth is decisive. They are divided into day-stars (Saturn, Jupiter, and also the sun) and night-stars (the moon, Mars, and Venus); Mercury belongs both to day and night. Mercury belongs both to day and night.

The planets are farther divided by their genders. While, the sun, Jupiter, and Mars are masculine; the moon and Venus are considered feminine, Mercury belonging again to both classes.

Jupiter (fortuna major) and Venus (fortuna minor) are good planets; Saturn (infortuna major) and Mars (infortuna minor) are malignant planets. The sun, moon, and Mercury have a mixed character.

Each of the planets known to antiquity, including sun and moon, ruled a day of the week; hence the names still used to designate the various days. Judicial astrology also took into consideration the position of the sun in the zodiac at the moment of birth; the signs of the zodiac also had a special astrological significance in respect to the weal and woe of the newborn, particularly his health. In medical astrology every sign of the zodiac ruled some special part of the body, for example: Aries, the Ram, the head: its diseases; Libra, the Balance, the intestines. Judicial astrology postulates the acceptance of the earth as the centre of the solar system. Natural astrology predicts the weather from the positions of the planets, especially the moon. Many of its theories are not to be rejected a priori, since the question of the moon's meteorological influence still awaits a solution, which must depend upon the progress of human knowledge as to ether waves and cognate matters.

Explanation:

The solar System consists of the Sun and other planets, which revolve around it. In total there are nine planets, which are generally considered for astronomical purposes. Now, scientists claim to locate the tenth planet, which is yet to be named. Sun is actually a star and has light of its own. All other planets get its light from the Sun. The planets forming part of the Solar System are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Some planets have their natural satellites, which revolves around it. In our case Moon is our satellite and it is the closest heavenly body from earth. Therefore, its influence on human beings is quite significant. Vedic astrology considers moon as the governor of mind and thus the inner being itself 'Chadrama Manaso Jaatah'. This consideration gave rise to the practice of naming a child with corresponding Rashi or Moon sign.

The word planet is derived from the Greek word planetes, which technically means wanderer. However, the Hindu concept of Planet is Sam Bhavate Sam Graha, which means, "that which influences is called Graha". The effect of planets on human life is now under consideration even by open-minded physical scientist community. It is a well-established fact that various cyclones or floods and high tides are generally seen to occur on a full moon. It has been further clarified as a result of modern researches on the subject that Earthquakes is generally seen to occur at the time of eclipse. The reason being that at the time of eclipse Sun, Moon and the earth is in the same plane. Therefore, the combined gravitational pull is the maximum at that point of time. Originally derived from the Greek, a "planeta" means a "wanderer". However, the Hindu concept of Planet in

Sanskrit is Sam Bhavate Sam Grah, which signifies "that what influences is called Grah(planets)". Sidereal astrology defines a planet as any celestial body with an attraction.

Understanding:

As per "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" (Chapter 2 verse 3-4) there are many incarnations of the unborn Lord Janardhan or Vishnu. He has incarnated as the Navgrahas or planets to bestow on the living beings the results of their Karmas or action. He assumed the auspicious form of Grahas to destroy the strength of the demons and to sustain the strength of the Devas (the divine being) and to establish Dharma (religion or faith).

Rama is the incarnation of the Sun, Krishna of the Moon, Narasimha of the Mars, Buddha that of Mercury, Vamana that of Jupiter, Parashurama that of Venus, Koorma that of Saturn. Varaha that of Rahu and Meena that of Ketu. The other incarnations are also from the planets and the stars. The beings with more of Parmatmamsa are called heavenly beings or divine beings.

Vedic astrology excludes planets like Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and include two Chhaya Graha (Shadowy Planets) namely Rahu and Ketu. These Chhaya Grahas Rahu and Ketu however give the same effect. The reason why these planets have been excluded was probably because these planets stay in one Rashi (Sign) for a very long time. Sometimes, for decades and further these planets are very far away from earth. Therefore, their influences can hardly be considered. Further, in the absence of classical backing it won't be wise to consider them. In astrology we consider both sun and Moon as planets and all our observations are based on Geo - Centric Observations considering the earth as the center of the universe.

Surya (Sun)

Astronomy:

Sun is the father of the entire Solar System. For the earthlings, it is the nearest Star and is about 93 million miles away from earth. It is the largest Celestial body in the Solar system and is nearly 750 times larger than all the planets put together. Scientists say that Sun does not have a solid mass but is composed of gaseous matters, which is constantly burning and is emitting immense heat. All planets revolve around the Sun, it is the life giver and only luminary in true sense.

Mythology:

In Hindu Mythology Sun is considered as the son of Aditi and sage Kashyap. Aditi was the mother of Gods. Her sons were defeated by the demons. Aditi prayed to sun to be born as her son to fight and defeat the demons so that the Gods could get back their due. Sun agreed to it and was born as Aditya.

Being the center of all life, force and energy and the giver of Prana, Sun is worshipped as Sun God and is held in high esteem. Apollo, the Sun God according to ancient Greek Mythology is the son of Jupiter and Latona and is the brother of Diana.

Hindus believe that Sun is ever moving in a chariot drawn by seven horses. This may be because Sun contains all the seven colors in the spectrum (VIBGYOR). It is believed that Sun goes around Mount Meru everyday causing day and night.

Astrological Significance:

Some important significance as per Uttara Kalamrita is

a) Soul b) Power or Strength c) Worship of Shiva d) Trees having thorns e) Favor of the king or the Ruler f) Father g) Awakening of knowledge or enlightenment h) Bones I) Eye j) Bile k) Feverish or inflammatory complaints l) Body m) Timber n) Ornaments o) Rulership over eastern direction p) Copper q) Ruby r) East s) Face.

It is generally seen that a weak Sun causes some deficiency with respect to the above mentioned significations and a strong Sun is the giver of many boons.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Sun rules over the Simha Rashi and is deeply exalted at 10 degrees Aries and is powerless or deeply debilitated at 10 degrees of Tula . Its Mooltrikona rashi is in Simha from (0 - 20 degrees). It is powerful at day and has a royal status among the planets, the complexion is blood red, and Presiding deity is Agni. It is a male planet and is of Kshatriya Varna, which represents men in power or the warrior class. Sun is a predominantly Sattawik planet. It represents pungent taste.

Sun has honey coloured eyes, square body; he is of clean habits, is bilious, intelligent and manly and has limited hair on his head. Sun is friendly to Moon, Mars and Jupiter and inimical to Venus and Saturn. It is neutral to Mercury. Sun represents one Ayana. The period when Sun enters Capricorn to the period when Sun leaves Dhanu Rashi the period is known as Uttarayana. When Sun enters Karka to the period when it leaves Mithuna the period is known as Dakshinayana. Sun is considered stronger in the southern direction.

Chandra (Moon)

Astronomy:

It is the only satellite of the earth. Though it is considered as a luminary in astrology it does not emit its own light but shines due to the reflection of Sun's radiation. At the perigee moon is 356404 Kilometers away from the earth and at the apogee it is 406680 Kilometers away from the earth. As applicable for all the planets its path is also elliptic. Moon is nearly 1/4th the size of the earth. One interesting thing is that only one half of the moon is visible to us on Earth.

Mythology:

According to Harivansha Purana moon was the handsome son of Sage Atri and was nurtured by the ten Dishas(directions). Moon married the daughters of Daksha Prajapati. They were 27 in number. The names of these daughters are the 27 Nakshatras of the Zodiac. Moon visits each of them for one day in rotation. But he showed Rohini, one of the 27th wives undue favors. He also ran away with the Wife of Brihaspati the Deva Guru. Daksh the father in law cursed Moon to suffer from consumption, a gradual decay. Mercury was born a result of interaction of Moon with the wife of Brihaspati.

According to western concept Moon is considered as Virgin Mary of the Roman Catholics and nourishing mother of the heavens. She is the queen of the night also called Luna (Diana). Diana is the twin sister of Apollo. She governs chastity as well as fertility.

Astrological Significance:

According to Uttara Kalamrita following are some of the significations of Moon.

a) Intelligence b) Perfumes c) Hidden of ulcerous troubles in the stomach d) Woman e) Sleep f) Happiness g) Liquids h) Malarial fever I) Mother j) Pearls k) Salt l) Mind m) Muhurta or 48 minutes duration n) worship of Gauri o) Fondness of Curd p) One who does tapas or penance q) Strong at night r) Eating s) Facial Luster t) Good Fruits u) Fish and other Aquatic beings v) clothes.

It is seen that a strong Chandra will be good for the above mentioned significations and a weak moon will cause some deficiency of the same.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Moon owns the Karkata (Karka) sign but it exalts at 3 degree Vrishabha or Vrishabh and is under deep debilitation at 3 degree Scorpio. Its Mooltrikona Rashi is Vrishabh. Moon is the Karaka for mind and it enjoys a royal Status among planets. Its complexion is tawny. Its sex is female. Moon Is of Vaishya Varna and Sattwika Guna.

Chandra is very windy and phlegmatic. He has round body and is learned. He has auspicious looks and sweet speech, is fickle minded and very lustful. He represents one Muhurta i.e., a period of 48 minutes. The taste represented by Moon is Saline.

Chandrama is friendly to Surya and Budha and is neutral to Mangal, Vrihaspati, Shukra and Shani. Chandrama does not consider any planet as its enemy. However, Shani Budha, Shukra and Rahu and Ketu consider moon as their enemy. Chandra is strong in the northern direction.

Mangal (Mars)

Astronomy:

Red coloured Mars is one of the outer planets. In fact, it is the nearest outer planet from the earth. The mean distance between the Sun and Mars is 141 million miles. Mars take 687 days to revolve around the Sun. Mars is smaller than the earth and its diameter is around 4, 200 miles. It is just double the size of Moon. Its mass is about 1/10th the mass of the earth. Mars takes 24hours 37 minutes and 23 seconds to rotate on its axis. Mars resembles our earth in various ways especially with regards to time of rotation and to the tilt in axis, which makes us feel that it is an escaped satellite of Earth.

Mythology:

According to Hindu Mythology Managal is considered as Bhumi - putra. He is considered to be the son of mother Earth. It is said that when earth was lying submerged in vast expanse of the sea. Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Avatar lifted the earth and brought it out and placed it in a suitable orbit. Mother earth was grateful and asked for a feminine boon. "O God give me a child of yours!" To which God agreed. Mangal is the result of this godly union with the rescued Earth. One such story relates to Mars being the son of Lord Shiva and mother earth.

In western mythology Mars is considered as God of war and also hunting. In the bible Mars is symbolized by the devil. It is the God of force and energy. Mars is considered the Commander in chief of the celestial armies.

Astrological Significance:

Following are some of the signification of Mars as per Uttara Kalamrita

a) Valor b) land c) Strength d) Battle e) Foes f) Archeologist g) Quadrupeds h) King i) Fire j) Bile k) Wounds l) Heat m) Sword n) Obstacles o) Worship of Subrahmanya p) Eating non - vegetarian food q) Bitterness of taste r) Strong towards the end of the night s) Gold t) Man u) Character v) Painful urination w) Blood x) Desire y) Anger z) Snake

It is generally seen that a strong Mars will give a good result with respect to above-mentioned significations while a weak Mars represents the deficiency of the same.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Mangal own two signs namely Mesha and Vrischik. It is deeply exalted at 28 degrees Makara and deeply debilitated at 28 degrees Karkata. Its Mooltrikona Rashi is Mesha. Mars represents ones strength and it holds the rank of Commander in Chief in the Planetary Cabinet. His stature is high and has a blood red complexion; Kartikeya represents it. It is of masculine gender having predominance of Fire. It is of Kshatriya Varna having the predominance of Tamsik Gunas.

Mars is cruel, has blood red eyes, and is fickle minded, liberal hearted, bilious and has thin waist and thin physique. It represents bone marrow and lives in the place of fire and it represents a day ( Ahoratra i.e., a period from one sunrise to other sunrise). It represents bitter taste; it is strong in the south direction. It is friendly to Sun, Moon and Jupiter. It is inimical to Mercury and neutral to Venus and Saturn.

Budha (Mercury)

Astronomy:

Mercury or Budha is at an average distance of 36 million kilometers from the Sun. At the Apogee, the distance is about 43 million miles and at the perigee it is about 29 million miles from the Sun. It revolves round the Sun in 88 days. Its diameter is nearly 3,200 miles. As the size of Mercury is very small and its mass is very little its gravitational pull is naturally very weak.

There is no atmosphere around it since it is very close to the Sun. Further, one half of Mercury is very hot and the temperature would be around 360 degrees centigrade; the other half is very cold, much cooler than our arctic region during severe winter. The time of rotation and revolution is the same therefore, only one part of Mercury will face the Sun and other part will always remain dark with temperatures below freezing point.

Mythology:

Mercury was born out of association of Moon and Tara the wife of Brihaspati, the Deva Guru. The story is that Moon abducted Tara and took refuse in the Ashram of Shukracharya - the guru of Asuras. After all the gods appealed for the better judgement to Moon he understood his mistake. A remorseful moon returned Tara to Brihaspati. Tara was carrying Moon's child. The child was duly delivered. The child was very beautiful. Tara had disclosed the paternity to Brihaspati who in a Brahmanical forgiving gesture accepted the inevitable.

In Greek Mythology Mercury is considered to be the son of Jupiter and Maia, the daughter of Atlas. He is said to be a friend of Apollo, maybe since it is closest to the Sun.

Astrological Significance:

Some important signification of Mercury as per Uttara Kalamrita are:

a) Education b) Treasury c) Mathematics d) Knowledge e) Speech f) Infantry g) writing h) Green color i) astrology and astronomy j) Commerce k) Eunuch l) Skin m) Worship of Vishnu n) Atharva Vedas o) Fond of north - west direction p) Well versed in Puranas or major epic q) Grammar r) Maternal uncle s) Yantras t) Very powerful Tantrik u) Self control v) Devotion w) Navel x) Child y) Humility z) strong at sunrise.

It is generally seen if Mercury is strong a good result pertaining to the above-mentioned significations will be noticed and vice versa if Mercury is weak.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Mercury rules over Mithuna and Kanya Rashis. It is deeply exalted at 15 degree Virgo and deeply debilitated at 15 degree Pisces. Its Mooltrikona sign is Kanya. It is the only planet finding exaltation in it's own sign. (Kanya Rashi is ruled by Budha, all other planets are exalted in signs ruled by someone else - meaning the other planet but Budha is exalted in it's own sign Kanya).

Mercury is the significator of speech. In the planetary cabinet it is considered as an heir apparent. Its complexion is akin to that of grass. The presiding deity being Vishnu and it is neuter (it is impotent or neutral) in gender. It represents Earth as an element of Panchbhootas (five elements). It represents Vaishya Varna or Commercial Community. It has the predominance of Rajsik Gunas.

Mercury possesses an attractive physique and the ability to make pun or to speak words having double meaning, sense of humour. He has the blend of all three humours of Bile, Phlegm and wind. It represents the skin. It can be found in playground. It represents one Ritu (Season) (It is of about 2 month's duration). It represents mixed taste. It is powerful in the eastern direction. It is Friendly to Sun and Venus. It is inimical to Moon and Neutral to Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. It is neutral to both Rahu and Ketu.

Brihaspati (Jupiter)

Astronomy:

Brihaspati is far beyond the swarm of asteroids. It is at the mean distance of about 500 million miles from the Sun and is the biggest planet of our solar system. With a diameter of 88,000 miles, which is nearly ten times the diameter of the Earth it takes a little less than 12 years to go once around the Sun.

The upper part of Jupiter is not completely solidified. So the period of rotation for all parts of Jupiter, is not uniform. It rotates very fast and it completes one rotation in 10 minutes less than 10 hours. In comparison to Earth's one and Mars's two, Jupiter has 11 Satellites.

Mythology:

Brihaspati is the Guru of Devtas( Gods ). His father is Maharishi Angira. Maharishi's wife got the knowledge and procedures of performing the Vrata (ritual) from Sanat Kumars for having a son. She performed the Vrata with complete devotion and the Gods were satisfied and a son was born in their house. The son was the lord of wisdom Jupiter.

Old Greeks consider Jupiter as the father of Gods - ZEUS. Egyptians call it AMMON. The Norse calls it THOR. Babylonians call it as MERODACH.

Astrological Significance:

Some of the important signification of Jupiter as per Uttara Kalamrita is given below.

a) Brahmans b) Teachers c) Cows d) treasure e) Large or stout body f) Fame g) Logic h) Astronomy and astrology i) Sons j) Grand Sons k) Elder brother l) Indra m) Precious stones n) Dharma o) Yellow colors p) Physical health q) Impartial outlook r) Facing towards the north. s) Mantra t) Holy water or places of pilgrimage u) Intellect v) Lord Brahma w) gold and good quality topaz x) Worship of Shiva y) Sound knowledge of classical text z) Vedanta.

It is generally seen that a strong Jupiter is good for the above mentioned significations whereas a weak Jupiter shows the deficiency of the same.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Brihaspati owns two signs namely Dhanu and Meena. It is deeply exalted in Cancer at 5 degrees and deeply debilitated at 5 degrees Capricorn. Its Mooltrikona sign is Dhanu. Jupiter is the giver of knowledge and happiness.

In the planetary cabinet it is given the role of minister. Its complexion is tawny. The presiding deity of Jupiter is Indra. It is of masculine gender. Its element is Sky (Ether). It is of Brahman Varna and is predominately a Sattwika planet.

Jupiter is large bodied, has honey coloured eyes and hair is phlegmatic and is intelligent and learned in all the Shastras . It represents the fats in the body. It is found in the treasure room. It represents a period of one month. It represents sweet taste. It is powerful in the east. It is friendly to Sun, Moon and Mars. It is inimical to Mercury and Venus and with Saturn it is Neutral. It is friendly to Rahu and neutral to Ketu. One interesting thing to be noted is that no planet considers Jupiter as its enemy. However, Jupiter considers Venus and Mercury as its enemy.

In astrology there is no other natural benefic than Jupiter. The mere placement of Jupiter in Lagna or Kendra is said to mitigate many afflictions in the horoscope.

Shukra (Venus)

Astronomy:

Venus is much closer to the Sun than the earth. Therefore, on some occasions Venus will be in between Earth and the Sun. The average distance form sun is 67 million miles. The variation is very little, as the orbit of Venus is nearly circular. The distance between Earth and Venus during inferior conjunction will be only 25 million miles. The size of Venus is nearly similar to Earth. Venus has the diameter of 7,600 miles while Earth has a diameter of 7,900 miles. It revolves around the sun in 225 days. The atmospheric layer around Venus is thick, peculiar and fascinating. The brightness of Venus is due to the reflecting power of its atmosphere. For observers on the earth Venus cannot be more than 48 degrees away from the Sun.

Mythology:

Shukracharya is the son of Sage Bhrigu. He is the preceptor of the demons. Shukra was the only one considered worthy of being granted the knowledge of MritaSanjivani vidya by Lord Shiva. This knowledge is supposed to bring back even dead to life.

Venus is considered as Goddess of love, marriage, beauty and comforts. It is a form of Maha Lakshmi, the wife of lord Vishnu. Venus rules over the Yajurveda and the Vasant Ritu(April and May). According to western astrology Venus is known as Lucifer and Hebrews named it as Astoreth.

Astrological Significance:

The Uttara Kalamrita gives the following signification of Venus.

a) Good clothes b) marriage c) Income d) Woman e) Brahmins f) Wife g) Happiness from sexual life h) Flowers i) Conveyance j) Silver k) fond of south east l) Cough m) Rajsik nature n) Pearls o) Enjoyment p) Possessing many women q) Speaking truth r) Semen s) dances t) Fond of worshiping Gauri and Laxmi ) Mother for those born in the day v) genital organs w) Urine or urinary tract x) Strong in the afternoon y) Pleasant musical instruments z) Skilled in fine arts.

It is seen that a strong Venus gives very good result in a horoscope. However a weak Venus can cause certain deficiencies with respect to above-mentioned significations.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Venus owns two signs namely Taurus and Libra. It is deeply exalted at 27 degree in Meen Rashi. Its Mooltrikona is in Libra. Venus governs semen (potency).

In the planetary Cabinet Venus is also a minister along with Jupiter ( Brihaspati ). Its complexion is variegated. According to "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" the deity, which it represents is Shachi(Consort of Lord Indra). It is of feminine gender. It represents water among the Panchbhootas or five elements. It is of Brahman Varna and has predominance of Rajsik Gunas.

Venus is joyful, charming in physique, has beautiful and brilliant eyes, is a poet, is phlegmatic and windy and has curly hair. It represents a fortnight that is one Paksha of Moon. It is strong in the north direction. It represents an acidulous taste.

It is friendly to Mercury and Saturn. It is inimical to Sun, Moon, and Mars. It considers Jupiter as Neutral.

Shani (Saturn)

Astronomy:

Saturn is 886 million miles away from the Sun. It is smaller than Jupiter and its diameter is 75,000 miles. It has nine known satellites. Volume wise it is 700 times bigger than earth. But its mass is little less than 100times that of the earth. Saturn takes 29 ? year to go round the sun. Hence, on an average it stays in one Rashi for a period of 2 ? years.

Saturn is surrounded by a system of three concentric rings. These rings are separate and there is only black empty space in between any two rings. Saturn appears like a blue ball with 3 yellow rings.

Mythology:

Shani is the son of Sun and Chhaya. Saturn is a planet, which has been much, wronged and was cursed by his own wife and celestial mother Parvati. In fact after realizing her mistake Maa Parvati gave a boon to Saturn that no important event in the life of a person will occur unless Saturn gives his divine sanctity to that work either by transit or aspect to such relevant house.

He is the elder brother to Yama(the god of death) therefore he plays the role of Yama and can bring an end to life. Therefore, if a bad Dasha is running and at the same time there is an evil transit of Saturn and the age of death have come Saturn will definitely kill. But, Saturn also represents detachment. It has great spiritual value. No saint can take birth without a well-placed and strong Saturn.

Astrological Significance:

According to Uttara Kalamrita following are the signification of Saturn.

a) Ill health b) Obstructions c) Disease d) enmity e) sorrow f) Death g) Maid servant h) Asses i) Outcastes j) Longevity k) Eunuch l) Wind m) Old age n) Dirty cloth o) Black color p) Significator of father for those who are born in the night q) Shudras r) Brahman having Tamsik qualities s) Ugly hair t) Worship of Yama u) Looking downwards v) Telling lies w) Thefts and hard heartedness x) Oil y) Hunter z) Lameness

It is seen that a strong Saturn gives good results however if Saturn is weak it will cause deficiencies with respect to above mentioned significations.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Saturn owns two signs namely Makara and Kumbha. It is deeply exalted at 20 degrees in the Tula Rashi and is deeply debilitated at 20 degrees in the Mesha Rashi. Its Mooltrikona rashi is Kumbha. It is considered the Karaka (Significator) for grief.

In the planetary cabinet Saturn represents servants. It has a dark complexion. It is of neuter gender. It represents Air among the Panchbhootas or the five elements. It belongs to the Shudra Varna and has predominance of Tamsik Gunas.

Saturn has an emaciated and long physique, honey colored eyes, is windy in temperament, has big teeth, is indolent, lame and has coarse and rough hair. Saturn represents one year.

It represents astringent taste. It is strong in the western direction. It is friendly to Mercury and Venus. It is inimical to Sun, Moon and Mars. It considers Jupiter to be Neutral. Rahu and Ketu both regard Saturn as friend.

Rahu and Ketu

Astronomy:

Rahu and Ketu have been considered as Grahas in Vedic astrology. They have no physical identity but only mathematically calculated sensitive points having immense influence on the natives of earth.

Moon in its orbit, on a northerly course from South to North, crosses the ecliptic (the apparent path of Sun). This point of intersection is known as Rahu or Dragons head. 180 degrees away from this point, Moon on its southerly course crosses the ecliptic. This point is called the dragon's tail or Ketu.

Rahu and Ketu are unique to our system or astrology. Why so much stress on the point of intersection of the ecliptic is given has to be understood. While sun is the body and Moon is the mind the intersection is bound to give immense effect.

Rahu and Ketu are not stationary in space but have a mean motion of about 19 degrees and 30 minutes in a year. It means it takes about 18 years and 6 months to make a revolution around the Earth. This motion is retrograde. There is a concept of Mean Rahu and True Rahu. In Hindu astrology we take the true position of Rahu and Ketu.

Mythology:

This story relates to the great churning of the ocean by the Devas and the Asuras to take out Amrita. Lord Vishnu with the intention of preserving good made it a point that the Amrita should not go to the Asuras. To ensure this he took the form of Mohini. Mohini so maneuvered the sitting arrangement that she got to the Devtas first. The Asura to understand this trick was Swarbhanu. He took the form of Devas and positioned himself in between Sun and Moon. When his term came he also received Amrita from the disguised Lord Vishnu. Before Swarbhanu could drink the Amrita Sun and Moon identified it. Lord Vishnu severed off his head with his Sudarshan Chakra. However, some drops of Amrita had gone down hence both the head and body became immortal. The head represents Rahu and Tail is Ketu.

The severed head was taken by Simihika the mother of Asura Swarbhanu and nursed patiently. The head over a period of time got the body of Serpent and he was named Rahu. A Brahmin named Mini took the body. He brought up this body as his own son. To this body Lord Vishnu granted a serpents head. This became Ketu who in the due course of time became a saintly and revered seer.

Rahu and Ketu have not forgiven Sun and Moon for exposing them and they cause Eclipse.

Astrological Significance:

Rahu

Rahu is the significator of the following as per Uttara Kalamrita.

a) Faulty Logic b) Harsh speech c) Outcaste d) an irreligious person e) going to a foreign country f) Unclean g) Bones h) abdominal ulcers i) Falsehood j) South western direction k) serpents l) Old age m) Maternal grand father n) Worship of Vana Durga o) Writing Urdu or Persian (Because these two languages start from right hand side, written in reversed manner, like Rahu and Ketu's movement in Zodiac, which is retrograde or Apsavya move. p) Breathing q) Acute duodenal pain.

It is observed that a strong Rahu is good for the above mentioned significations and weak Rahu shows just the opposite.

Ketu

Ketu is the significator of following as per Uttara Kalamrita

a) Worship of Chandi, Ganesh and others b) Medical practitioner c) Vultures d) Final emancipation e) Consumption f) Painful fevers g) Bath in Gangesh h) Great penance i) Wind complaints j) Mantra Shastra k) Instability of mind l) Diseases of the stomach and eye m) Vedanta n) Grandfather o) Small pox or boils p) A servant of Shiva q) Association with foreigner or Shudras.

It is observed that a strong Ketu generally gives good result and a malefic Ketu creates lots of hindrances in life.

Other Astrological Considerations:

Rahu

Rahu is in own house in Kanya Rashi. It is exalted when placed in Vrishabha Rashi while it is debilitated when placed in Vrischik Rashi. However, there are divergent views on this. Some authorities take the Exaltation and Debilitation points as Mithuna and Dhanu respectively. It is said that Rahu gives Yogkaraka result if placed in Cancer Karkata Rashi. However, it has to be noted that being a Chhaya Grah it gives results based on the planetary influences. It is generally observed that with a benefic or in benefic influence it gives very good result. It is generally considered as a good planet for worldly comforts. However, there is lots of Maya attached with Rahu. In modern times Rahu represents Computers, Internet and Mass Media.

Rahu is friendly to Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. It considers Sun and Moon as its enemy and towards Mercury it is Neutral.

Ketu

Ketu is exalted when it is placed in Scorpio Vrischik rashi and debilitated when placed in the Vrishabha Rashi. However, some authorities have given the Exaltation and Debilitation point as Dhanu and Mithuna respectively. It has to be said that Ketu is more towards spiritual side and is the Karaka for final emancipation whereas Rahu is more towards worldly pleasures. Again it has to be said that being a Chhaya Graha gives results according to associations.

However, in spite of having number of ancient texts extensively dealing with various signs of exaltation and debilitation of Rahu and Ketu there exists significant amount of controversy over the same.

Ketu is friendly to Mars, Venus and Saturn. It considers Sun and Moon as his enemies and towards Mercury and Jupiter it is Neutral.