ABOUT PLANETS

MOON (Chandra)

The Moon is the reflective influence. The Sun sends out its radiance and the Moon reflects it back. It is receptive, therefore represents the reflective mind giving consciousness. The Moon represents the nurturing, protecting influence that a mother provides. It is the Yin or female influence while the Sun is the Yang or the male influence. In a chart the Moon likes the support of other planets. The Moon does better when surrounded by other planets. The exception to this is the Sun, and Saturn. If the Moon is too close to the Sun we have a dark Moon and the perception can be darkened. If the Moon is close to Saturn there is depression. Also when Mercury is too close to the Moon the mind can be overly active. The Moon with Jupiter brings happiness and spiritual knowledge. Jupiter/ Moon contacts are the best (Gajakeshari Yoga). The Moon and the Sun are troubled when near the Nodes of the Moon; Rahu/Ketu. The lunar nodes cause eclipses. This shadow cast on them brings out fears and obsessions. Rahu with the Moon can cause obsessive, addictive behavior. Ketu with the Moon can cause fear, or an odd mother. Ketu with the Sun gives insecurities.
Mythology: The myth of the Moon explains the waxing and waning cycle of the Moon. Daksha Prajapati the progenitor gave twenty-seven of his sixty daughters to the Moon-Soma. These twenty-seven daughters became the twenty-seven nakshatras the Moon visits every night. Soma began to favor and spend more time with one of the daughters Rohini. The other daughters became jealous and told Daksha. He became enraged and cast a spell on Soma that he would be childless and dies of consumption. The wives felt sorry for Soma and begged Daksha to lift the spell. Since the spell could never be taken away he lessened it by stipulating that the Moon would regain his strength (light) after he lost his light.
Keywords: The mind, reflective, feminine, night, emotions, sensitivity, nurturing, security, past, past-lives, patterns of behavior, receptivity, caring for others, heredity, Mother, the public or masses, popularity, inner contentment, home, water, habits, subconscious mind.
Medical Astrology: Breast, stomach, watery disturbances, edema, phlegm, left eye.
Day: Monday
Dig Bala: Fourth House
MERCURY (Bhudha)
Generally Mercury has to do with all forms of communication. This means speech, writing and publications. It rules the intellect. Mercury was the messenger of the gods. He could travel to the underworld where humans could not go. The underworld is symbolic of the hidden secrets of this world. Mercury can give creative abilities with the hands. Mercury rules learning and education. It is wit and a sense of humor. In Greek mythology Hermes (Mercury) was a trickster and a thief. Mercury is fast and relates to short quick travels. It rules youthfulness and agelessness. He is the perpetual Peter Pan. Mercury is androgynous like a child before puberty. In both Greek and Indian Mythology there is reference to androgyny. Mercury is very impressionable and will take on the qualities of planets aspecting it. Mercury with Saturn will give a serious, disciplined mind, and Mercury with Jupiter gives an optimistic, expansive outlook on life. Mercury with Ketu can give profound perception and with Rahu can cause obsessive thoughts. The Moon is not friendly to Mercury and can give an over active mind. Since the Moon rules memory, Mercury with the Moon can give a great memory, but dwells on the past.
Mythology: In both the Greek and Indian myths Mercury was the illegitimate son. In Indian myth Mercury was the son of Soma and Tara. Soma abducted Tara from her husband Jupiter, and Mercury was the result. He was so charming later on that Jupiter adopted him as his own. In Greek myth he was the result of Jupiter's affair with a nymph (Maia). He later told lies and tricked his half brother Apollo, who was the golden child of Jupiter and Hera (Juno). The implication here lies in deceit, and tricks. This refers to the tricks and delusions our mind can play on us. In relation to androgyny in Indian myth Mercury's wife Ila became a man every other month. In Greek myth Mercury's affair with Venus (Aphrodite) produced a Hermaphrodite, a child with both sexes.
Keywords: Communications, speech, writing, commerce, sales, education, ideas, thoughts, school, analytical mind, rational mind, cognitive intelligence, sense of humor, youth, trickster, truth, telephones, television, computers, travel especially short distances, childhood, aunts and uncles, neighbors, adaptability, twins.
Medical Astrology: Lungs, hands, arms, nervous system
Day: Wednesday
Dig Bala: First House

VENUS (Sukra)
Venus is the principle of attraction and therefore rules relationships. Relationships result in procreation. Venus is the creative energy and passion. This not only relates to children but also all forms of the creative arts. It rules the senses, which relates to pleasures of the physical body. This means taste, music, touch, luxuries and aesthetic beauty. Venus refers to a person's wealth, and comforts in life. Lakshmi yoga in a chart refers to riches and wealth. To have Lakshmi yoga one of the requirements is Venus in it's own sign of rulership. Since Venus is physical attraction when it is with Mars it creates a strong sexual attraction. Venus with Rahu can magnify creativity and attraction with Ketu it will be more of an ascetic. Venus with Saturn gives unsupportive relationships. Venus and Jupiter are archenemies being the leaders of opposing planetary camps. Venus is the Asuras and Jupiter is the Devas. The house they are in together will give contradictions due to their opposing forces.
Mythology: In Indian mythology Shiva became sexually aroused by the sight of Mohini Rupa (attractive seductive form), this seductive vision was created to make Shiva's semen flow downward to begin the human creation. Shukra means semen. In Greek mythology Venus (Aphrodite) rose out of the sea foam that emerged after Saturn (Cronus) castrated his father Ouranus (Uranus) the sky god. Aphrodite means, "born of the sea foam." Venus in Indian myth was the leader of the Asuras (demons). They possessed the secret of immortality, which releases one from the cycle of incarnations.
Keywords: The feminine spirit, beauty, grace, charm, refinement, luxuries, wealth, sensuality, vanity, charisma, glamour, good taste, sexual attraction, elegance, comforts, arts, music, theatre, love, wife in a males chart, pleasure of the senses, sugar, affections, conveyances, flowers.
Medical Astrology: Reproductive system, bladder, kidneys, and panaceas-diabetes
Day: Friday
Dig Bala: Fourth House

MARS (Mangala)
Mars is the commander in chief. He is the planet of war. Mars rules the blood and circulation of life force in the body. Mars nature is fiery and if provoked will fight. Mars deals with issues of anger. It is the planet of ambition and zest for life. It brings out suppressed energies or inner turmoil. Mars is very impulsive, aggressive and impatient. Mars represents accidents, surgery, wars, and volcanic eruptions. Courage and fearlessness are the positive nature of Mars. Mars is the karaka or indicator for brothers. Saturn aspecting Mars is a very stressful combination. Mars is action and Saturn is restriction. This creates frustration in the house they are placed. Mars with the Sun is very courageous and competitive. Mars with the Moon (Chandra Mangala yoga) gives business success. Mars with Mercury will give power with debates, thus skill as a lawyer. Mars functions best in the upachaya houses, 3,6,10,11.Mythology: In Indian Myth Mars relates to Kartikeya, son of Shiva and Parvati. His brother was Ganesh. The parents told their two sons they would find them wives. The first one to be married would have to achieve a difficult feat, Ganesh unfairly out smarted Kartikeya. Disappointed Kartikeya retreated to the mountains. This symbolizes the difficulty Mars can indicate in relationships. In Greek mythology Mars was the son of Jupiter (Zeus) and Juno (Hera). He was recognized and feared for his war like qualities. Venus (Aphrodite) and Mars had a passionate ongoing affair. Another Indian myth claims. Kartikeya was born out of the sperm from Shiva, who ejaculated over a seductive vision. He was born to slay the demon. Mars here was born of the semen similar to Venus (Aphrodite) in the Greek myth symbolizing the passionate nature of both planets in terms of relationships.
Keywords: Energy, action, passions, male influence, courage, strength, motivations, anger, violence, determination, aggression, injury, accidents, war, military, police, athletic, muscles, blood, sexual vitality, weapons, machines, conflict, can inflict death, fire, selfish, criminal, goal oriented action, self-righteousness, property and real-estate, brothers, enemies, science, guns, knives
Medical Astrology: Blood, head, injuries, accidents, bleeding, headaches, high fevers, inflammation, surgery, burns
Day: Tuesday
Dig Bala: Tenth House

JUPITER (Guru)

Jupiter is the preceptor and teacher of the gods. He was to teach the path of righteousness and spiritual wisdom. He represents God's grace. It is expansion and growth. Whatever Jupiter aspects will grow big. This can be overweight conditions or a tall stature. Even an expanded organ such as the liver can cause health difficulties. Jupiter deals with the external rituals associated with religion. It is also about judgment and laws pertaining to legal advice and lawyers. Mercury is about lower education whereas Jupiter is about higher education such as college. Mercury is about short quick travels and Jupiter is about long distant travels like overseas trips. Jupiter always brings opportunity for growth and abundance. It is the karaka of wealth, happiness and good luck. Jupiter with Rahu can destroy the spiritual integrity of Jupiter, and with Ketu profound spiritual lessons will be realized. Jupiter with Mars gives a zeal for life, and spiritual teachings. Jupiter/ Sun combinations (not combust) give optimism and happiness. Jupiter is always prominent in death for death is the release of physical bondage.
Mythology: In Indian myth Brihaspati is the deity for Jupiter who teaches the gods (devas) and protects humanity from evil. In Greek myth Jupiter or Zeus was the king of the gods. As the king he had the ultimate authority to give immortality or condemn one to a terrible fate. Both mythologies symbolize the ultimate judge or authority and father figure. In some it can be the over zealous know it all.
Keywords: Spiritual teacher, guide, truth, religion, philosophy, spirituality, grace, law, the great benefic, fortune, wealth, expansion, higher education like colleges, optimism, generous, joy, luck, self-indulgent, excessive, faith, children, money, husband in a females chart, long distance travel.
Medical Astrology: Liver, hips, overweight, edema, high cholesterol, growths such as tumors
Day: Thursday
Dig Bala: First House

SATURN (Shani)
Saturn is the furthest out planet that is visible to the naked eye. It therefore is the slowest and darkest from our perception (outer planets excluded here). Because of this it is perceived as giving darkness and slows things down, retards or delays. It is the final boundary referring to the implication of the planet of death and doom. Saturn rules old age and as one becomes disillusioned with life there is misery and frustration. This is all the function of Saturn to strip away everything of this existence to rid one of all desires and attachments. This is what eventually leads one to higher consciousness, and final liberation from the karmic chains of this world. Saturn's primary function is to lead the soul back to its source, God. Experiences of Saturn are delays, depression, restrictions, setbacks, destruction, disease and death. It can exhibit discipline, stability, and give long lasting results. Restrictive Saturn with expansive Jupiter will bring frustration, for Jupiter will expand and give things whereas Saturn will contract and take things away. These planets are very opposite in there meaning and the result is very confusing and frustrating. Saturn with the Sun will inhibit and lower a person's self-confidence.
Mythology: In Indian Myth Shani is the son of Surya (Sun) and Chhaya his wife's shadow (Sanja). This implies the depressive darkness of Saturn. In Greek myth Saturn was Cronus who was the child of Ouranos (Uranus) the sky god and Gaia (mother earth). Ouranos feared being overthrown by his offspring and Cronus (Saturn) castrated him. Later Cronus (Saturn) was overthrown by one of his own children (Zeus/Jupiter). This symbolizes the overthrowing of old rules or religions. On a simpler note the problems one has with their father and the ways of different generations. This symbolizes the fear of the new to take over and the unwillingness to change.
Keywords: Discipline, order, structure, dependable, stability, separation, solitude, limitation, obstruction, poverty, death, disease, oppression, pessimistic, worry, fear, bad luck, old age, delays, retards things, concentration, paralysis, depression, stunted, deprivation, bondage, arthritis, bones, skin, degenerative diseases, fixed assets, land, property, endurance and lasting, doubt, phobias, darkness, sorrow, longevity, detachment, decay
Medical Astrology: geriatrics, death, bones and teeth, osteoporosis, arthritis, dehydration, premature aging, cancer
Day: Saturday
Dig Bala: Seventh House

RAHU (North Node of Moon)
Rahu has the nature of a serpent. It poisons you to the illusions of this world. It is our desires that keep us incarnating here. Under Rahu things happen, it gives but with a price. Our most intense desires are granted under Rahu only to discover too much of a good thing ends up causing our most intense suffering. It may grant us fame and fortune only to realize we have no freedom to go places without being mauled by fans and our family and friends disown us because of jealousy. The fame and fortune we desired only brings us separation and sorrow. What ultimately happen; is the disillusionment leads to the enlightenment of Ketu who detaches and renounces the world for spiritual enlightenment. The nodes are the most powerful of all the planets for they cause the eclipses of the luminaries, the Sun and Moon. Meaning they block out the light or consciousness. Rahu is the material world, and all the desires it creates. It gives material things, which never give lasting happiness. This is the illusion of Rahu. When these thing start to fall away we become obsessed with trying to hold on to them. Rahu deals with fear, obsessive and compulsive behavior. It is about addictions, poisons, alcohol, and drugs. Any planet with Rahu will be magnified greatly in the chart. Rahu will take on the quality of the planet it is next to (in the same sign). This can be good or bad depending on the planet. Rahu with Venus or Jupiter can bring wealth. Rahu with Saturn can cause suffering to the house they are in.
Mythology: In the Indian myth the Planetary gods were lined up to receive the nectar of immortality when a serpent slipped in between the Sun and the Moon. The Sun and Moon told Lord Vishnu and he hurled a disc at the serpent slicing the serpent in two. But the serpent had already swallowed the nectar of immortality. From there we have the dragon's head Rahu, and the dragon's tail Ketu. This also implies the eclipses of the Sun and Moon by the line up. The head of the dragon symbolizes the trouble our mind and thoughts can create. It is the thinking mind that desires and obsesses over things. The dragon's tail is the perception one has without the confusion of the mind. It is true perception, intuition or that gut feeling.
Keywords: Fame, extremes, foreigners and foreign lands, fulfillment of worldly desires, status, prestige, power, worldly success, outer success with inner turmoil, obsessive, addictions, disease, psychic, disturbances, collective trends, epidemics, disturbances, poisons that destroy and heal, medicine, drugs and alcohol
Medical Astrology: Plagues, epidemics, possessions, manic depression, insanity, addictions, hormonal imbalances, suicide, insomnia, hysteria, neurosis, nervous disorders, cancer
Dig Bala: Tenth House

KETU (South Node of Moon)
Ketu's function is to cause inner turmoil so the soul will seek the true essence of the individual. Where Rahu is the material world Ketu is the spiritual world. It is the headless serpent implying the perception and wisdom that is a gut level knowing of things. This can give psychic or clairvoyance abilities. Ketu can give a feeling of helplessness. Through humiliating experiences one becomes humble. Self- doubt and lack of confidence are part of Ketu's qualities. Ketu is a wanderer without roots. It is a fiery force that can cause accident and injury. But most of all it is the karaka of loss that directs our attention back to the eternal reality. It is the self-realization of our essence with God. Rahu works on the outer material world and Ketu works on the inner spiritual world. Ketu with a planet will have a spiritualizing effect on that planet. If Ketu is with Mars the nature will be to actively seek the spiritual side of life. Ketu will direct the planets energies to look within the essence of that planet. It like Rahu can cause mental instabilities and mass hysteria. It can cause disease and plagues. It is poisons like drugs and alcohol. But both Rahu and Ketu can also be drugs or poisons that heal as well. With Mars the Martian qualities will be withdrawn. Anger will be suppressed, and channeled inwardly. Ketu with the Moon can give psychic abilities.
Keywords: Loss, liberation, perception, wisdom, lack of confidence, negation, self doubt, fantasies, confusion, indecision, illusions, drug addiction and alcoholism, psychic influences, fire, injury, death, spiritual insight
Medical Astrology: Psychic disorders, radiation diseases, cancer, surgery and malpractice
Dig Bala: Twelfth House