About Planets, Basics to Begin With…
The Sun is the soul of all. The Moon is the mind. Mars is one’s strength. Mercury is the speech giver while Jupiter confers knowledge and happiness. Venus governs semen (Potency) while Saturn indicates grief. Rahu and Ketu physically non-existent, yet regarded and treated as full-fledged planets. The Sun and the Moon are celestial couples and Mars is the army chief. Mercury is the prince apparent and Jupiter and Venus are the ministerial planets. Saturn is the servant and Rahu & Ketu form the planetary army.
Sun (Surya)
Sun represents fire element. It represents Government. The sun is the soul of all that exists, whether inert or moving. The sun is vital to the very existence of things. The word Atma (Soul) means self. Hence the self of man is studied and considered from the condition and function of the Sun in the birth chart. In the spiritual domain the body is sustained and enliven by the Sun. If the sun is strong in a horoscope one will have a matured soul and will make abundant spiritual progress. The color of Sun is red. The strengthening of Sun in a native’s chart should be done with red color flowers or saffron color items. The recommended stone is Ruby which is also red in color. This color represents energy and power. It also represents Vitality and Creativity.
Moon (Chandra)
Moon represents water element. The moon is mind. Moon or Mind when strong in horoscope gives life and strength as Moon acts as an ascendant and the strength of the ascendant determines life. The supreme cannot be seen with the eyes, nor can be expressed adequately in words, nor can he be the object of experience by any of the human senses, nor can even be realized by austerities or action. It is only through a pure mind that the knowledge of the self can be had by the mind. This means that a pure mind can reflect his glory. Such is the capacity of pure Moon or Mind. Most of the raj yogas derive their validity and value through the strength of the Moon. It represents pale white color. This color has all seven colors of the spectrum and has purifying properties. It influences the thought process. Astrological methods for strengthening the moon revolves around white items like white lotus, jasmine, lily, milk, curd, rice flour, white sandalwood, etc. The gem recommended is white pearl.
Mars (Mangal)
Mars is strength in every field in the body, it is muscular strength. In politics it is the strength of the armed forces. In Psychology it is the strength of the intellect. Mars represents blood. A weak Mars in the birth chart will give blood pressure related illness. Mars represents fire element. Mars afflicted in the birth chart will make the person short tempered. The red color Mars emits slightly yellowish rays. The difference between Sun red and Mars red is that the red in Sun indicates royalty while the red in Mars represents violence. The gems prescribed are red Coral and Pink Coral. Prescribed herbs and grains are red lentil, ashwagandha (winter cherry), turmeric and onions which coincide with its fiery nature.
Mercury (Budh)
Mercury represent speech. A witty reply at the correct place and correct time represents a strong Mercury in the birth chart. Well placed Mercury is very important in one wants to be self-employed. Mercury is like a kid who easily gets influenced. Thus, Mercury conjunct with any planet will acquire its qualities. Mercury conjunct with fiery planets like Sun, Mars and Ketu will give the person foul mouth, abusive and short tempered. Mercury is green in color. This green color stands for balance, harmony and hope. Since Lord Vishnu is symbolized by Mercury, green color basil leaves (Tulsi) is recommended for Mercury related problems. The compatible gemstone is green emerald.
Jupiter (Guru)
Jupiter is the significator of expansion and luck. Jupiter represents temples, religious activities and teaching. It is the most benefic planet. However, if it rules third and sixth house (Libra ascendant) then it works in a negative manner in the birth chart. The Fifth and Ninth aspect of Jupiter is very beneficial. If the lord of ninth house is strong and aspected by Jupiter or Jupiter himself as the lord of ninth house is strong then the person would be very knowledgeable. The color of Jupiter is yellow. The compatible items for treatment of Jupiter is yellow flowers and Gold. The compatible stone is Yellow Sapphire and Yellow Topaz.
Venus (Shukra)
Of all the planets, Venus is the most refined one. She is the significator of Semen. Semen is the most refined substance in our body. Whatever we eat and whatever is formed of it, Semen is the finest of it and Venus is the permanent significator of Semen. If the seventh house and Venus is strong, Semen is strengthened. On the reverse of it causes the weakness of semen and native loses ability to produce. The color of Venus is pure white which is a combination of all colors of spectrum. Moon is pale white but Venus is bright white. The compatible items for treatment of Venus related problems is Jasmine, white lotus, lily, etc. The compatible gem stone is Diamond. White Zircon and Quartz crystal are also recommended.
Saturn (Shani)
Saturn is the Judge (Karma-Fal Data) who ensures that everyone is rewarded or punished appropriately as per their karmas. If Saturn is the lord of evil houses or is weak in the birth chart and also influences the fourth house (house of happiness) either by placement or aspect then the native is subject to much sorrow, grief and misery in life. Exalted and well place Saturn is good for longevity and philosophical thinking. The color of Saturn is Black. This is caused by absence of light. The compatible items for Saturn related problems are black in color like Black Sesame, Black Urad, Shilajit, etc. The compatible gemstone for Saturn is Blue Sapphire (Neelam) which is highly risk to recommend due to fiery nature of the planet.
North Node (Rahu)
As per Mimansha Granth, सूक्ष्म: स्थूलात बलवतर (Sookshma Sthulath Balvatra), which means Small which is not visible is more powerful than Big which is visible. This explains the importance of Rahu and Ketu although having no physical presence but are the most powerful. Rahu is the dragon’s head which represents ambition and attachment. Rahu is something we can call it as illusion, Rahu is cheating, Rahu is Gambling, Rahu is Technology, Rahu is anything wireless (only head, no tail). The color of Rahu is smoky or black. The compatible items for treatment are Camphor, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, etc. The recommended stone is Gomedha (Hessonite Garnet).
South Node (Ketu)
Ketu is the dragon’s tail which represents detachment and with no ambition. Ketu is like a Flag’s rod and the actual Flag is Rahu. Its element is Fire. Ketu placed in the first house (lagna) makes the native tall. Ketu in 12th house gives Moksha (Liberation) yoga. Ketu represent research. Ketu placed in 8th house gives sudden monetary gains. The color of Ketu is Brown in color. The compatible items for treating Ketu related planets are Bayberry, Wild Ginger, Bhringaraj, Skullcap, etc. The recommended stone is Cat’s eye Chrysoberyl (Lehsunia).