There are nine planets in Vedic astrology – Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu (North node of the Moon), and Ketu (South node of the Moon).
Now, I know what you might be thinking –
“The Sun is not a planet, it’s a star!”
“The Moon is a natural satellite, not a planet!”
“Why are the north and south nodes of the Moon considered planets?”
“Where are Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto?”
“Where is Earth?”
Well, yes – technically, you’re all right – astronomically.
However, in Vedic astrology, we consider celestial bodies on the basis of their impact, not their astronomical classification. Earth is not mentioned because we live on Earth; astrologically, it does not exert an observable influence on itself.
Each planet governs specific domains of life. These roles are summarized below.
The Nine Planets in Vedic Astrology
| Celestial Body (Planet) | Position | Domain / Areas of Power |
|---|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | King | Soul / Spirit |
| Moon (Chandra) | Queen | Mind / Emotions |
| Mercury (Budh) | Prince | Speech / Intelligence |
| Mars (Mangal) | Warlord | Strength / Physical Constitution |
| Venus (Shukra) | Advisor | Sexual Potency |
| Jupiter (Brihaspati) | Advisor | Happiness / Wisdom |
| Saturn (Shani) | Judge | Karma / Sorrow / Delays |
| Rahu | Planetary Army | Materialism / Obsession |
| Ketu | Planetary Army | Spirituality / Detachment |
Wealth and fame are not listed separately, as any planet can bestow them, though through different mechanisms.
Sun (Surya) – The King
The Sun is the emperor of the celestial cabinet. It represents ego, self-identity, vitality, authority, public image, and the soul.
A strong Sun grants confidence, leadership, respect, and vitality.
A weak or afflicted Sun leads to low self-esteem, isolation, poor reputation, and lack of authority.
Moon (Chandra) – The Queen
The Moon governs emotions, feelings, inner peace, and self-perception. While the Sun reflects how the world sees us, the Moon shows how we see ourselves.
Without a strong Moon, emotional fulfillment remains elusive—regardless of material success.
Mercury (Budh) – The Prince
Mercury governs intellect, communication, reasoning, trade, and analytical ability. Most professional success—especially in finance, administration, education, and business—depends on Mercury’s strength.
Mercury is also a major indicator of wealth, particularly through intellect-based professions.
Mars (Mangal) – The Warlord
Mars represents physical strength, courage, warfare, blood, enemies, and assertive action.
A strong Mars produces athleticism, stamina, bravery, and initiative.
A weak Mars causes lack of drive, vulnerability to conflict, and physical weakness.
Venus (Shukra) – Advisor (Material)
Venus governs love, romance, beauty, luxury, partnerships, sexuality, negotiation, and occult arts.
A strong Venus grants charm, attraction, romantic success, luxury, and artistic taste.
Venus emphasizes short-term gratification and sensual pleasure.
Jupiter (Brihaspati) – Advisor (Spiritual)
Jupiter governs Dharma, wisdom, spirituality, marriage, fortune, ethics, and higher learning.
Jupiter is the most auspicious planet in Vedic astrology and is believed to protect against severe misfortune and even black magic.
A strong Jupiter inclines one toward righteousness, teaching, and spiritual growth, often at the cost of personal comfort.
Jupiter vs Venus – Key Differences
| Jupiter Dominant | Venus Dominant |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Sophistication |
| Spiritual focus | Material focus |
| Selfless | Self-oriented |
| Arranged marriage | Love marriage |
| Dharma-driven | Pleasure-driven |
| Traditional | Semi-modern |
Saturn (Shani) – The Judge
Saturn is the karmic auditor. It governs discipline, suffering, delay, longevity, justice, and consequences.
Saturn rewards slowly but permanently. Its blessings arrive late but compound over time.
A strong Saturn produces discipline and resilience.
A weak Saturn leads to escapism, addiction, unethical behavior, and repeated failures.
Rahu – North Node of the Moon
Rahu governs obsession, technology, stock markets, addictions, modernity, and sudden gains.
A strong Rahu creates ambition, intelligence, manipulation skills, and material success.
A weak Rahu causes sudden losses, mental instability, and destructive habits.
Ketu – South Node of the Moon
Ketu governs detachment, spirituality, intuition, and mysticism.
It induces renunciation either by excess or by deprivation.
A strong Ketu grants peace, compassion, intuition, and spiritual power.
A weak Ketu causes anxiety, isolation, and sudden losses.
Trans-Saturnian Planets
Although not classical, these planets exert observable influence.
| Planet | Role | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Uranus | Innovator | Innovation, Individuality |
| Neptune | Oracle | Intuition, Mysticism |
| Pluto | Executioner | Death, Rebirth, Transformation |
Uranus – The Innovator
Uranus governs originality, science, rebellion, and unconventional success.
Neptune – The Oracle
Neptune governs subconsciousness, manifestation, intuition, and psychic ability.
Pluto – The Executioner
Pluto triggers unavoidable, life-altering transformations.
There is no concept of a “well-placed” Pluto—only manageable or overwhelming change.
Summary of Planetary Impacts
| Planet | Key Effects |
|---|---|
| Sun | Authority, vitality, ego |
| Moon | Emotional stability |
| Mercury | Intelligence, wealth |
| Mars | Strength, courage |
| Venus | Love, pleasure |
| Jupiter | Wisdom, Dharma |
| Saturn | Karma, discipline |
| Rahu | Obsession, gains |
| Ketu | Detachment, intuition |
| Uranus | Innovation |
| Neptune | Mysticism |
| Pluto | Transformation |
End of article.