Astrology Basics
Jupiter / Guru / Brihaspati (Astrology vs Astronomy)
The planet Jupiter (also referred as Guru or Brihaspati in Vedic astrology), is one of the beloved planets for astrologers. The reason is simple, Jupiter is believed to offer Wisdom and intelligence, and also provides protection and blessings for a progressive life.
Now the belief that Jupiter offers Wisdom and Intelligence could be subjective, however there are events that suggests otherwise. In 1610 when Galileo sighted Jupiter and four of its moons (Io, Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede), it is when he could think of our planet being spherical and not flat as perceived by people of that generation.
Jupiter is a very fast spinning planet, completing one rotation at the speed of 9.9 earth hours. It also has a strong magnetic field that is 14 times stronger than the earth. These factors strongly contribute to Jupiter acting as a protective force for the planet earth. It is said that if Jupiter wasn’t around, the probably of an asteroid hitting earth is once in every 50 years. Probably there is a valid reason why Vedic astrology considers Jupiter (Guru) as a protective planet.
There is always a debate if God exists, the argument may never die. Nevertheless we still have planets like Jupiter doing its job of cleaning up the space junk, helping earth to sustain life. Jupiter is surely nothing short of a God for the earthlings.
About Planets
Sun (Surya) is the source of our solar system and it represents our soul. Sun gets exhalted between 7 to 10 degrees of Aries and debilitated between 0 to 10 degrees of Libra. Sun also perfroms well in its own house of Leo, and 0 - 20 degrees is Mooltrikona (second best to exhaulted status)
Moon (Chandra) is the closest planet to earth and represents our Mind. Moon gets exhalted between 0 to 3 degrees of Taurus and debilitated between 0 to 3 degrees of Scorpio. Moon also performs well in its own house of Cancer, however the Mooltrikona degrees for Moon is 3 - 27 degrees taurus and 1 to 10 degrees cancer
Mercury (Budh) is the closest planet to Sun and represents our communication skills. Mercury gets exhalted between 12 to 15 degrees of Virgo and debilitated between 12 to 15 degrees of Pisces. The Mooltrikona degrees for Mecury is 15 - 20 degrees Virgo. Unlike the luminous planets (Sun & Moon), all other planets own 2 signs in zodiac belt. Mecury also own the Gemini sign. The third best position for Mecruy is 20 - 30 degree of Virgo and 0 - 30 degrees of Gemini.
Venus (Sukhra) is the 2nd planet from Sun and represents our relationships. Venus gets exhalted between 24 to 27 degrees of Pisces and debilitated between 24 to 27 degrees of Virgo. The Mooltrikona degrees for Venus is 0 - 15 degrees Libra. Venus also own 2 signs in zodiac belt. Venus also own the Taurus sign. The third best position for Venus is 15 - 30 degree of Libra and 0 - 30 degrees of Taurus.
Mars (Mangal) is the red planet and represents our energy. Mars gets exhalted between 25 to 28 degrees of Capricorn and debilitated between 25 to 28 degrees of Cancer. The Mooltrikona degrees for Mars is 0 - 12 degrees Aries. Mars also own 2 signs in zodiac belt. The 2nd sign owned by Mars is Scorpio. The third best position for Mars is 12 - 30 degree of Aries and 0 - 30 degrees of Scorpio.
Jupiter (Guru) is the largest planet of our solar system and represents our Knowlege (Divine Knowedge). Jupiter gets exhalted between 2 to 5 degrees of Cancer and debilitated between 2 to 5 degrees of Capricorn. The Mooltrikona degrees for Jupiter is 0 - 10 degrees sagittarius. Jupiter also own 2 signs in zodiac belt. The 2nd sign owned by Jupiter is Pisces. The third best position for Jupiter is 10 - 30 degree of sagittarius and 0 - 30 degrees of Pisces.
Saturn (Sani) is the most feared planet of our solar system and it represents our duties/responsibilities. Saturn gets exhalted between 17 to 20 degrees of Libra and debilitated between 17 to 20 degrees of Aries. The Mooltrikona degrees for Saturn is 0 - 20 degrees aquarius. Saturn also own 2 signs in zodiac belt. The 2nd sign owned by Saturn is capricorn. The third best position for Saturn is 20 - 30 degree of aquarius and 0 - 30 degrees of Capricorn.
Rahu (North node of moon) is a shadow planet in Vedic astrology. Rahu does not own any houses in Vedic astrology. However classics in Vedic astrology consider Rahu to be exhaulted in the sign of Taurus, and some consider it to be exhalted in the sign of Virgo. Rahu represents the things we aspire to achieve in this life.
Ketu (South node of moon) is a shadow planet in Vedic astrology. Ketu like Rahu does not own any houses in Vedic astrology. However classics in Vedic astrology consider Ketu to be exhaulted in the sign of Scorpio, and some consider it to be exhalted in the sign of Pisces. Ketu is the moksha karaka in vedic astrology and represents the accomplishments of past life.
Aspects of Planets
The aspects of planets are quite important. The aspects of each planets on a certain house indicates a specific influence. In this section we will discuss about the plantery aspect of all the 9 Planets (including Rahu & Ketu)
The following planets have only one aspect (the 180 degree aspect or the aspect on the 7th house):
- Sun (Surya)
- Moon (Chandra)
- Mercury (Budh)
- Venus (Sukra)
- Mars (Mangal) aspects the 4th house, 7th house and the 8th house
- Jupiter (Guru) aspects the 5th house, 7th house and the 9th house
- Saturn (Sani) aspects the 3rd house, 7th house and the 10th house
The aspect of each planet needs to be looked at from the perspective of a benefic or malefic. The aspect of a benefic provides good support to the house and a malefic aspects introduces challenges.
Planets in Houses
1st House (Lagna, Self)
2nd House (Family, Communication, Wealth)
3rd House (Siblings, Own effort)
4th House (Mother, Home, Desire)
5th House (Education, Children, Entertainment)
6th House (Service, Debt, Health)
7th House (Marriage, Partnership, Business Platform)
8th House (Sudden event, Secrets, In-laws, Inheritance)
9th House (Higher learnings, Dharma, Travel)
10th House (Career, Status, Father)
11th House (Profits, Friends, Social circle)
12th House (Moksha, Loss, Foreign places)