What Do Planets Represent in Vedic Astrology? A Guide to Each Planet's Role

Co-authored by Angel Eyedealism and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Curious how the planets in our solar system shape your destiny? In Vedic astrology, each planet symbolizes a different aspect of your life, from love to intelligence. The position of these 9 planets determines the 12 signs of the zodiac and your personal Sidereal chart. Keep reading to learn all about the planets and their characteristics in Vedic astrology, including the zodiac sign, element, day of the week, and symbol associated with each planet.

1

Vedic Astrology Basics

The 7 visible “planets” plus the lunar nodes determine your zodiac chart. The 7 visible planets include the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, plus Rahu and Ketu, the northern and southern nodes of the Moon, respectively. The planets Vedic astrology is based on are called “navagrahas,” which is Sanskrit for “nine” (nava) + “that which grabs or holds” (grahas). Each planet “takes hold” of an aspect of your life.
- The position and strength of each of these grahas at the time of your birth determines your Sidereal zodiac chart and influences where you’ll succeed and where you’ll struggle in life.
- Some grahas rule more than one zodiac sign, while Rahu and Ketu don’t rule any, as they are not actual masses, but astronomical points on the Moon.
- Do an online search for “Vedic astrology Sidereal chart” to find out the position of each graha when you were born. The chart will note which grahas are strong and which are weak based on the planetary positions at the time you were born.

2

Sun (Surya)

The Sun represents your health and ego. Your energy level and physical health depend on the position of the Sun in your Sidereal chart. This graha also influences how you show yourself to the world.^{[1]
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Research source} The ruling deity of the Sun is Agni, God of Fire.^{[2]
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- Zodiac: Leo
- Element: Fire
- Day of the Week: Sunday
- Symbol: Lion^{[3]
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3

Moon (Chandra)

The Moon represents your mental health and emotions. The position of the Moon in your natal chart influences your looks and physical attractiveness as well as your social life and ability to connect with others.^{[4]
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Research source} The ruling deity of the Moon is Apas, Water Goddess.^{[5]
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- Zodiac: Cancer
- Element: Water
- Day of the Week: Monday
- Symbol: Crab^{[6]
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4

Mars (Mangala)

Mars represents action and initiative. If Mars is strong in your Sidereal chart, you’ll take the necessary initiative to make changes in your life. If it’s weak, you might struggle with fighting and conflict.^{[7]
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Research source} The ruling deity of Mars is Bhumi, Earth Goddess.^{[8]
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- Zodiac: Aries, Scorpio
- Element: Fire, Water
- Day of the Week: Tuesday
- Symbol: Ram, Scorpion^{[9]
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5

Mercury (Budha)

Mercury represents communication and intelligence. Even your speaking abilities are affected by Mercury, and whether or not you have an affinity for writing or teaching.^{[10]
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Research source} The ruling deity of Mercury is Vishnu, The Preserver.^{[11]
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- Zodiac: Gemini, Virgo
- Element: Air, Earth
- Day of the Week: Wednesday
- Symbol: Twins, Virgin^{[12]
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6

Jupiter (Brihaspati)

Jupiter represents wisdom and wealth. Your likelihood of being religious is also influenced by this graha. If you’ve got a strong Jupiter in your Sidereal chart, you’ll likely be well-educated, strongly religious, and succeed financially.^{[13]
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Research source} The ruling deity of Jupiter is Indra, King of Gods.^{[14]
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- Zodiac: Sagittarius, Pisces
- Element: Fire, Water
- Day of the Week: Thursday
- Symbol: Archer, Fish^{[15]
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7

Venus (Shukra)

Venus represents your love life, beauty, and art. This graha also influences the way you socialize with others. When your Venus is in a good position, you’ll have luck in love as well as a strong appreciation for art of all kinds.^{[16]
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Research source} The ruling deity of Venus is Indrani, Queen of Gods.^{[17]
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- Zodiac: Taurus, Libra
- Element: Earth, Air
- Day of the Week: Friday
- Symbol: Bull, Balance^{[18]
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8

Saturn (Shani)

Saturn represents responsibility and discipline. This graha is also known as the planet of loss, and represents our limitations. If you’re a hard worker who follows the rules and believes in tradition, Saturn is strong in your Sidereal chart.^{[19]
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Research source} The ruling deity of Saturn is Yama, God of Death.^{[20]
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- Zodiac: Capricorn, Aquarius
- Element: Air, Earth
- Day of the Week: Saturday
- Symbol: Goat, Water^{[21]
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9

Rahu

Rahu represents worldly desire and materialism. Fame, greed, and manipulation are indicated by Rahu’s position in your Sidereal. Rahu is also known as The Dragon’s Head. The ruling deity of Rahu is Durga, Goddess of Power.^{[22]
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- In astronomy, the orbital path of the Moon and Sun intersect at the north lunar node called Rahu.^{[23]
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10

Ketu

Ketu represents otherworldly desire and spirituality. Ketu’s position in your Sidereal indicates your journey with evolution, insight, and fantasy. Ketu is also known as The Dragon’s Tail. The ruling deity of Ketu is Chitragupta, God of Karma.^{[24]
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- Ketu is the name of the south lunar node where the orbital path of the Moon and Sun intersect.^{[25]
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