About Planets

The Indian Astrology distinguishes the destiny and traits of an individual that are
associated with the positions of the planets and the date, time and place of birth. The
Indian astrology considers the movement of two luminaries namely the Sun and the
Moon, five major planets (Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Jupiter) and the two nodal
points of the Moon i.e Rahu and Ketu.

Sun
Ruler of all the planets, Sun is commonly called Surya and Aditya and believed to be the
source of vitality. The planets move around the Sun and are dependent on its energy for
existence of life forms. Sun brings success, intellect, wisdom, fame and wealth and is the
ruler of zodiac sign Leo. Good placement of Sun can give rise to fame in the area, field,
or even the whole world. If ill-placed in the horoscope it is an indication of physical as
well as possible, mental or emotional problems, pessimistic attitude, humiliation at the
hands of others and impoverished conditions of life.

Moon
The Moon represents the mind indicating an individual's thoughts, feelings, expressions
etc. Moon is beneficial to those born in ascending moon cycle and disastrous to those
born in descending moon sign. The Moon also possesses dominance over the waters and
liquids within our bodies. The Moon is responsible for growth, fertility and conception.
The Moon rules Cancer Zodiac sign and is strong there in its own sign. It is powerful or
exalted, in Taurus and fallen, or debilitated, in Scorpio. The zodiacs Jupiter, Sun and
Mars are the Moon's natural friends.

Jupiter
Also known as Brahaspati or Guru, Jupiter rules both Moon and Sun controlling the
movement of the planets. Responsible for luck and fortune, the planet brings success,
fortune and fame. The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter it is associated with
expansion, growth and and opportunity. The position of Jupiter in ones' chart serves as an
indicator of one's faith, confidence, buoyancy, higher mind, wisdom, optimism and
generosity. Jupiter's action is to expand, preserve and increase on all levels. A well placed
Jupiter is associated with the spiritual, philosophical and intellectual realms. The ill
placement of Jupiter might lead to exaggeration, delusions of grandeur and depletion of
energies. Jupiter is the ruler of the fire sign Sagittarius.

Rahu
Actually an imaginary planet, Rahu is instrumental in strengthening the power and can
convert enemies into friends. It is popularly called the Planet of Success. It is a node
positioned at the meeting point of earth's trajectory around the Sun and the Moon's
trajectory around the Earth. Rahu is believed to represent the head of the demon. When
Rahu, Sun and Moon are in the same zodiacal longitude, solar eclipse takes place. Being
a shudra graha, it rules over thieves, witches, magicians, venom and poison, snakes and
thorny bushes, jails and isolated places, unhabitated places, hypnotists etc. As Rahu is not
a real planet, it does not rule any zodiac sign.
Ketu
Ketu is an imaginary planet or a node that is positioned where the earth's trajectory
around the Sun and the Moon's trajectory around the Earth meet. It is believed to
represent the tail of demon. Both Rahu and Ketu are the parts of the same danava(demon)
but are 180 degree apart. When Ketu, Sun and Moon lie in the same zodiacal longitude
lunar eclipse takes place. Those ruled by Ketu, are secret adversaries and relates to people
in pharmaceuticals industries, doctors and astrologers. Both imaginary nodes are the
mysterious forces and show karmic and spiritual influences in the birth chart. Ketu also
does not rule any zodiac sign since it is not a real planet.

Venus
Also known as Shukra, Venus governs beauty, wealth, romance, passion, music. Venus is
about pleasure- love, romance and harmony in our emotional attachments, marriages,
friendships and other unions. Venus is content to spread happiness and tenderness, all the
while teaching us how to love and appreciate others and the things that we possess. While
Mars represents the youthful male in our solar system, Venus is the charming princess.
Venus rules over eyes, nose, chin, throat, sexual organs, kidneys, bladder etc. A badly
placed Venus indicates dysfunction of these parts. Venus is inextricably linked to
refinement, culture and grace. Having feminine energy, Venus rules both Taurus and
Libra.

Mars
Sun being the king of solar system, Mars is the commander. Mars indicates martial
powers, martial arts and influences energy, drive, administrative spirits and leadership
abilities. Both Sun and Mars produce heat, difference being Sun has a life preserving heat
and the explosive heat generated by Mars might endanger the lives. Mars rules over the
bone marrow and generation of red blood corpuscles, human blood, and the disease
resistant power of human body. Mars rules Aries, openly aggressive, and Scorpio,
secretive in nature.

Mercury
Mercury is a neutral planet that changes according to its placement in signs and houses. It
is the nearest planet to Sun and thus is restless, fast changing and fickle in nature. It rules
education, writers, businessman, intestines, lungs and nervous system. Both Jupiter and
Mercury represent human intelligence, Mercury indicates an immature side of
intelligence as compared to the more mature one of Jupiter. It rules all means of
communication and intermediation. Body parts indicated by Mercury: Mercury rules over
the arms, ear hearing system, and the nervous system. It is a dual natured planet and owns
the dual natured signs, Virgo and Gemini.

Saturn
A cold and dry planet, Saturn rules over the hard parts of human body - bones, teeth,
knees and ears and indicates recurring health problems. Saturn makes its subjects work in
secondary positions, doing dull routine and ordinary jobs. Various professionals like:
Also historians, archaeologists, covators of museums, workers in refrigeration factories
etc. are ruled by Saturn. Saturn commands to get to hard work. The planet gives huge
importance to discipline and responsibility. Saturn with masculine energy rules
Capricorn and Aquarius.

Conclusion
The planetary positions have great significance in the lives of all of us. The considerable
influence of these planets plays an important role in our lives. All planets have distinct
characteristics, both positive and negative, which help in controlling or governing the
movements of our lives.