Characteristics of the Planets

The planets have impact on the human life on a day-to-day basis, as we are a cosmic creation of rays from the planets that reach the earth upon which the human mind behaves. The principles were laid by the rishis and sages of ancient times. They divided the principle among the planets such as Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. 

Sun
Sun rules over the Zodiac sign Leo and it is fifth sign from Aries. Sun symbolizes leadership, authority and direction. In Vedic Astrology, it is represented as the King and Moon as the Queen. Sun for every individual symbolizes the father. Sun not only gives life to human beings but also to the entire solar system. Sun should be placed strongly for every person. If the sun is afflicted, the affliction cannot be removed by aspect of any other benefic planet. If the placement of the sun is strong, the individual will be a dominant character and a very confident personal. Sun helps to reach the top position. Sun is the chief planet along with the moon to determine the general happiness for a person. The placement of sun is very important. Sun helps a person to attain fame in public life, particularly in political and government positions.

Moon
Moon in Vedic astrology represents the mother as she is called queen to the sun. Moon represents the mind. Moon is the lord of the 4th house from the Aries which is Cancer. If moon is afflicted, then the mind of the person is disturbed to an extent. Moon increases or decreases the psychological intellectual capacity of the human. It does this along with the sun and it depends upon the time and measurement between the sun and moon. Moon balances the actions of the planets in the Zodiac and it acts as a fulcrum along with the Sun and the ascendant lord. Moon is the fast moving planet in the zodiac and it stays in a sign for 2 1/2 days. Moon plays an important role in signifying the human behavior and more particularly if the moon is parallel to Sun and when it is conjoined with Sun. The Moon wanes from full moon to new moon and waxes from new moon to full moon. It is strong during the waxing phase and weak during the waning phase.

Mars
Mars is responsible for jealousy, anger, lust and aggression. Mars is the significator for bravery, courage and determination. Mars just destroys. Mars is one among the planets which represents energy. The inner desire in a man is converted into actions by the energizer of the Mars. Mars is a red planet and energy should be channels to optimum utility, which is useful to mankind. Mars will withstand the energy and heat emitted by the Sun. It is friendly to Sun, Moon and Jupiter. Mars is the lord of the two zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio. Mars represents grit, determination, violence and strife. Self assertiveness is the key element found in Mars. Mars is a hot and fiery planet. The position of Mars will indicate the level of violence that will take place in one's life. Mars is responsible for violent behavior in an individual. A Mars person will reach high position in military and strict regimen tasks. The afflicted Mars in a horoscope will be responsible for unhappy life, violence, treachery and quarrel. Mars is a very quick decision maker. Mars will really give the person strength, fearless determination, truth and assertiveness.

Jupiter
Jupiter is the principle for truth and knowledge. It is the second biggest after Saturn and it is the most benefic planet of the entire solar system. Jupiter in terms of power is next to Sun. Jupiter is the main significator for most of the beneficial things for an individual. The aspect by Jupiter is considered the most beneficial aspect in astrological science. Jupiter is the seed, which will grow as a plant and tree to be useful to the ecological system. Jupiter is the lord of the two zodiac signs Sagittarius and Pisces. Jupiter is responsible for good behavior of an individual. Jupiter is a highly conventional planet and it will not allow a person to indulge in unorthodox deeds. Jupiter is significator for priest, guru, and to be in advisor capacity. Jupiter governs the soul of a person and it maintains the harmony through its character. A person born with Jupiter dominance will withstand any kind of trouble and get protection from dangers. Jupiter will create wealth for a person. Jupiter stays in a Zodiac sign for one year in the solar system.

Saturn
Saturn is the slowest moving planet in the Solar system and it stays in a Zodiac sign for 2-1/2 years. Saturn is the time tester and it confers rewards only after giving a tiresome test. Saturn is a planet following justice and it punishes a person when he fails to do justice. Saturn forces people to do their duty and imposes hardship if they fail to do so. Saturn is the karaka for karma/duty. Saturn delays the results but does not deny it. Saturn makes the person follow ethical norms and morality. It is exalted in Libra where the sign is represented by balance and he makes the man absolutely his own law. Saturn will delay the results for a person till he makes things perfect. Saturn will influence during the first thirty years. Saturn is the karaka for diseases. Saturn's affliction will cause severe illness for a person. Saturn will reward a person if he does work patiently, diligently and with austerity. Saturn is considered the most malefic planet and hence it is essential that the individual should have the beneficial aspects to have the success of Saturn. Saturn's main characters are humility, truth, endurance, discipline, perfection, cool, self control and sacrifice.

Venus
Venus is one of the fast moving planets. Venus represents creativity, art, music, sculpture films and the power of creation. Venus gives life to the dead where no other planet have this power. Venus brings joy and affection in the present life. Venus is the lord of the two zodiac signs Taurus and Libra. People under the dominance of Venus will have early marriage and enjoy riches and prosperity. It gives physical attraction and love, in fact Venus is the significator of love and marriage. Venus cultivates order in disorder situation. Venus represents comforts, jewels, colors and luxury. Saturn is a friend to Venus and mutually they are yogakaraka. Venus when afflicted makes the person shameless, abandoned, lustfully inclined and profligate. Venus will bestow all the good things in one's life and hence it is imperative for the better position of Venus.

Mercury
Mercury is the fastest in the solar system. Mercury is the significator for knowledge and it is the thinker. It controls the nerves part of the brain. Mercury rules the two zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo. Mercury is considered the god of the intellect and knowledge. A person born with the influence of Mercury will be intelligent and a have a strong memory, will keep analyzing all the issues and is very humorous by nature. Mercury is friendly to Saturn and Venus. Mercury can be easily changed, as it is a nervy and whimsical planet, which keeps on changing. Mercury lacks ability to take quick decisions and the mind will be wandering in nature. If the aforesaid nature is prevalent, then the success will not be an established one. The malefic aspect of the planet are the changing characteristics of Mercury.

KARMIC CONTROL PLANETS

The Rahu and Ketu are the two karmic control planets. They are two sensitive points on the orbit where the Moon's oribit intersects the Sun'sorbit. The two planets are malefic and benefic which depends upon the planet to which it is conjoined.

Rahu is called as the giver and the Kethu is called as the taker. In the Vimshottari Dasa system the Rahu has 18 years and kethu has 7 years.

The Rahu and Kethu will be separated exactly 180 degrees. The karmic planets do not have any observable body as said above it is only a point in the orbit. The ancient text do not contain about the karmic planets. The Astronomers have found out the importance of the points in the heavenly bodies.

Rahu and Kethu always move in the reverse direction.

Rahu is the lord of the following asterims/ Star : Ardra, Satabisha, Svati

Kethu is the lord of the following asterims/Star : Aswini, Magha, Moola

Rahu and kethu do not own any of the Zodiac sign but it imbibes the qualities of the sign it is positied. It is told that the Rahu is the exhibitor of the past sins committed by a individual and the kethu will seek the remedy as it is the mokshakaraka.

Rahu is powerful in Cancer and Scorpio zodiac sign.

Yogas formed by Rahu and Kethu : There are two yogas formed by the above, one is called as kalasarpa yoga and other one is kalamitra yoga.

Kalasarpa yoga
When all the planets are hemmed between the Rahu and Kethu.

Kalamitra yoga
When all the planets are hemmed between Kethu and Kethu