Planets in Vedic astrology: the nine grahas
Graha is an astrological category that includes the Sun, Moon, five visible planets and the two lunar nodes. It is not identical to the astronomical category “planet.” Each row in Positions identifies a particular body or point.
The nine grahas
| Reference | Kind | Traditional area of symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | luminary | authority and self-direction |
| Moon | luminary | mind and responsiveness |
| Mars | planet | effort and conflict |
| Mercury | planet | speech and reasoning |
| Jupiter | planet | learning and counsel |
| Venus | planet | relationships and comforts |
| Saturn | planet | work and duration |
| Rahu | ascending lunar node | amplification and unfamiliarity |
| Ketu | descending lunar node | separation and inward inquiry |
These are reading themes, not calculated personal traits. The individual references explain sign rulership, dignity and relevant qualifications.
Mean and true nodes
Rahu and Ketu are opposite lunar nodes. Mean node is the default on panchang.now; True node is an alternative. The mean model smooths the node’s motion, while the true model includes short oscillations and can briefly move forward. The D mark identifies this forward motion.
A changed node model can change a boundary-sensitive sign or pada. It does not change the meaning of the other grahas’ labels. Node dignity and co-rulership schemes differ; this chart does not assign nodes as sign lords or give them seven-graha strength scores.
The outer planets
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto appear in D1, chalit and their position rows. They are additional astronomical positions, not three extra members of the classical nine-graha scheme. Their blank Navamsa or dignity fields do not mean a failed measurement. They are excluded from the classical division, dasha, yoga and strength rules described in this library.
From a graha to a reading
A graha's symbolism supplies the subject it represents; its house supplies an area of life, and its sign describes another part of the placement. Its lordship connects it with the houses whose signs it rules. These factors have different jobs in a reading.
For example, Mercury's speech and learning themes can enter a first-house reading of the person. Mercury's ownership of two other houses adds responsibilities that depend on lagna. A nakshatra lord is a separate classification, while a dasha lord names a period rather than a new natal position.
A graha’s sign, house, condition and lordship are separate facts. Start with signs versus houses, then house lords, dignity and reading relationships. The placement directory brings together all nine grahas in all twelve houses, with sign-placement guides in separate groups.
See the chart and its tables on the Kundli page.