9 Planets and their Characteristics in Astrology

Introduction

If you are reading this article, then maybe the planets wanted you to! Are you too fascinated by the heavenly marvels that direct our lives? According to Vedic Astrology, nine primary planets are said to have a significant impact on people's lives. As science and technology have developed, astrology has been noted for its emphasis on our lives. 

Astrology based on Vedic astrology explains how planets affect people's lives. Astrologers usually refer to their information about the planets and their positions in each house as a horoscope or kundli. The influence of the nine celestial bodies or navagraha  has a special significance in vedic astrology. The 9 graha names include: the sun (Surya), moon (Chandra), Rahu (north node of the moon), and Ketu (south node of the moon), Mercury (Budha), Venus (Shukra), Mars (Mangala), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Saturn (Shani).

Our lives can be affected by the significance of these planets in terms of relationships, family, health, finances, and other aspects. Astrology states that every planet has energy and affects different aspects of life. Planets can be broadly divided into three groups: collective planets, social planets, and personal planets.

Furthermore, the planets in different signs result in different outcomes in Vedic astrology. Let's take a closer look at the 9 planets and their characteristics in astrology with their navagraha names. 

Personal Planets 

1. Sun (Surya): The Celestial King

It is said that the Sun is the soul of the planets. It is vital, respectable, authoritative, and has many other great attributes. Sun will demonstrate how an individual reflects themselves onto the world.

Astrologically speaking, a strong Sun denotes authority and vitality, but a weak Sun can indicate egotism and a lack of self-assurance. When it involves your professional life, you might require a powerful Sun, but not when it relates to your personal connections. 

It symbolizes 

• the Kshatriya caste,
• the vice planet, 
• the Sattva guna, 
• the Pitta nature, 
• and the fire component. 

According to astrology, the Sun governs the 

• head, 
• bones, 
• eyes, 
• heart,
• and brain. 

2. Moon (Chandra): The Nurturer

In the navagraha, the Moon stands for our psyche. It is recognised for having a maternal influence on people and for granting feelings of love, happiness, and positivity. Since the Moon represents the self in a kundli, its strength will benefit you at every stage of life. 

However, mental health issues like 

• stress, 
• depression, 
• disinterest, etc, 

can be brought on by a weak Moon.

Astrologically, the Moon is a member of the Vaisya (business-class) caste. It symbolizes 

• ladies, 
• Vata-Kapha nature and 
• sattva Guna. 

You must wear white more often if the Moon is weak in your kundli. According to astrology, the Moon governs the

• mind, 
• mother, 
• art, 
• vision, 
• saliva, 
• lungs, 
• silver, 
• rice, 
• and the chest.

3. Mars (Mangal): The Warrior Planet

According to astrology, Mars stands for boldness, strength, confidence, bravery, and passion. You can succeed in your work and any other professional effort if your kundli has a strong Mars. An unfriendly Mars, however, is harmful to your marriage.

Mars is a member of the element fire. The planet is associated with the 

• Tamo-guna class of warriors (Kshatriyas), 
• Pitta nature, 
• cruelty and aggression,
• and a preference for red.

In astrology, Mars is in charge of the following: 

• siblings, 
• arms, 
• thieves, 
• wounds, 
• daal, 
• pitta, 
• blood, 
• muscles, 
• hearing, 
• nose, etc.

‍

4. Mercury (Budh): The Witty Planet

Of the nine planets in astrology, Mercury represents a person's humor, communication, intelligence, reasoning, and awareness. You must have guessed  that high Mercury encourages education. It is given more weight in the formative years of education.

Mercury is the planet of the business class (Vaishya). It is a planet that belongs to the element Earth and is neutral. The three distinct natures of Vaat, Pitta, and Kapha are all present on Mercury. Green is the color that Mercury loves.

Mercury is the planet of the mother's brother and skin and sex-related illnesses. Additionally, it stands for 

• trade, 
• mathematics, 
• speech, 
• tongues, 
• voice, 
• dumbness, 
• and sloth.

5. Venus (Shukra): The Aesthetic Planet

Venus is the astrological symbol for love, relationships, romance, having sex, and other such characteristics. It also affects a person's marriage and business relationships with partners. 

Consequently, a strong Venus in the kundli promotes a successful career. In contrast, a weak Venus controls troubled relationships and love life. Venus is a stunning woman who is a member of the Brahmin caste.  It stands for the Rajoguni, Kapha, charm, and lament of the water.

White is the color of Venus and is associated with 

• beauty, 
• marriage, 
• love, 
• sex, 
• blissful marriage, 
• poetry, 
• singing, 
• eyes, and ladies, among other things.

Social Planets

6. Jupiter (Brihaspati): The Giant Benevolent

Of the 9 planets of astrology, one of the most advantageous planets is Jupiter. It can support you in a variety of pursuits, particularly in terms of learning new things. Jupiter supports a person's academic and professional success. Jupiter, thus, has little impact on a person's early years.

The planet stands for both the space component and the Brahmin caste. It represents the nature of Sattva Guna and Kapha. Yellow is the color that symbolizes Jupiter. Jupiter also represents 

• the Vedas, 
• the Sun, 
• education, 
• progeny, 
• marriage, 
• kidney, 
• fat, 
• kapha, 
• knowledge, 
• guru, 
• gold, 
• and swelling. 

7. Saturn (Shani): The Disciplinarian

As the astrological ruler of karma, Saturn is frequently referred to as the karmic planet. The person's karma determines the outcome. In other words, depending on your karma, it can benefit or harm you as a human. 

Saturn is also a teacher, so doing good deeds in life will help you accomplish more. If you commit terrible deeds, however, it will teach you a lesson. The color black is symbolized by the planet Saturn. 

Its name refers to the element of air. Saturn is also represented by 

• odd eyes, 
• a tall, slender body, 
• cruelty,
• and impotence. 

Shudra is the caste that Saturn represents. Its nature is Vata Kapha.

Saturn is the planet of 

• jealousy, 
• roguishness, 
• thievery, 
• beasts, 
• servants, 
• aging, 
• moles, 
• physical strength, 
• yoga practice, 
• renunciation, 
• luxury, 
• service, 
• and heart ailments, among other characteristics.

Collective Planets

8. Rahu: The Materialistic Planet

Rahu is a planet associated with various symbolic meanings, but it also depicts human wants and manipulation. The formless shadow planet is called Rahu. If a person falls into the Rahu's trap, it is known to make them addicted, avaricious, and full of bad energy. If you succumb to its unknowable greed, you will have to face Rahu's wrath.

Rahu is the Vice Planet for the natures of Chandaal, Tamoguni, and Vaat Pitta. It denotes the use of dark colors. Rahu also represents 

• the grandpa, 
• the granny, 
• deceit, 
• mishap, 
• fight, 
• stealing, 
• snakebite, 
• overseas travel, 
• illnesses relating to the skin and legs, 
• and challenging life advancement.

9. Ketu: The Freedom Planet

In astrology, Ketu represents both spirituality and detachment. Aside from Rahu, Ketu is the second shadow planet in astrology. It is well known that Ketu satisfies materialistic cravings, but only for personal benefit. 

Ketu's adverse effects can either make a person ungrateful for material things or drive them away from commonplace and worldly goals. Astrologically speaking, Ketu is similar to Mars.

Summary of 9 Planets in Vedic Astrology and Their Features

• Sun: Stands for energy and the essence of a person's identity. Represents your life energy, ego, and willpower. Leadership abilities and self-assurance are fostered by a strong Sun.
• Moon: Your inner world and feelings are reflected in it. It controls your inclinations and responses. Emotional stability and intuition are assured by a harmonious Moon.
• Mars: Provides you with strength, drive, and resolve. It is the motivation behind your goals and aspirations. Mars molds your spirit of competition.
• Mercury: Controls intellect, communication, and flexibility. It affects how well you can write and speak. Mercury in the sign of Pisces improves your ability to analyze.
• Venus: It is the planet of beauty and love, controls pleasures, relationships, and aesthetics. It ascertains your creative aptitude and amorous proclivities.
• Jupiter: It is the planet of development and expansion. It represents luck, wisdom, and superior knowledge. Wealth and enlightenment are brought about by a strong Jupiter.
• Saturn: Uses tragedy to impart life lessons. It represents accountability, diligence, and perseverance. Perseverance is the key to success under a well-aspected Saturn.

Rahu and Ketu: Stand for the effects of karma. Ketu represents spiritual freedom, while Rahu represents wants and materialistic goals. Their locations reveal the meaning of your existence.