Introduction to Planets - Pillars of Astrology
If the zodiac signs are like the body, the planets are the life force that animates that body. Every event in our lives is influenced by a planet. Indian astrology primarily analyzes results based on the movement of the nine planets (Navagrahas). Additionally, modern research considers Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in certain contexts.
1. Planetary Rulership (Adhipatyam)
Each planet has authority over specific zodiac signs. While Rahu and Ketu do not have their own "homes," they behave like the lord of the sign they occupy.
| Planet | Ruling Zodiac Signs |
|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Leo |
| Moon (Chandra) | Cancer |
| Mars (Kuja) | Aries, Scorpio |
| Mercury (Budha) | Gemini, Virgo |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Sagittarius, Pisces |
| Venus (Shukra) | Taurus, Libra |
| Saturn (Shani) | Capricorn, Aquarius |
2. Vimshottari Dasha - Nakshatra Lords
Maharishi Parashara divided the 27 Nakshatras among the 9 planets and assigned specific Dasha years to each. This is known as the Vimshottari Dasha system, with a total cycle of 120 years.
| Planet | Nakshatras | Dasha Period |
|---|---|---|
| Ketu | Ashwini, Magha, Moola | 7 Yrs |
| Venus | Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purvashada | 20 Yrs |
| Sun | Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttarashada | 6 Yrs |
| Moon | Rohini, Hasta, Shravana | 10 Yrs |
| Mars | Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta | 7 Yrs |
| Rahu | Aridra, Swati, Shatabhisha | 18 Yrs |
| Jupiter | Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purvabhadra | 16 Yrs |
| Saturn | Pushya, Anuradha, Uttarabhadra | 19 Yrs |
| Mercury | Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati | 17 Yrs |
3. Natural Disposition of Planets
Planets are categorized into two types based on their natural qualities:
- Benefic Planets (Subha): Jupiter, Venus, Mercury (when not conjunct with malefics), and Waxing Moon.
- Malefic Planets (Papa): Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, and Waning Moon.
4. Planetary Friendships and Enmities
The relationship between planets is vital for analysis. This is called Naisargika Maitri (Natural Friendship).
- Sun: Friends (Moon, Mars, Jupiter), Enemies (Saturn, Venus), Neutral (Mercury).
- Moon: Friends (Sun, Mercury), Enemies (None), Neutral (Rest).
- Mars: Friends (Jupiter, Moon, Sun), Enemy (Mercury), Neutral (Venus, Saturn).
- Jupiter: Friends (Sun, Mars, Moon), Enemies (Mercury, Venus), Neutral (Saturn).
- Saturn: Friends (Venus, Mercury), Enemies (Sun, Moon, Mars), Neutral (Jupiter).