The nine grahas
Jyotish works with nine grahas — literally “seizers”, the forces that grip the mind. Seven are visible bodies; Rahu and Ketu are the Moon’s orbital nodes, the points where eclipses happen.
| Graha | Sanskrit | Exalted in | Debilitated in | Owns | Dasha years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Surya | Aries | Libra | Leo | 6 |
| Moon | Chandra | Taurus | Scorpio | Cancer | 10 |
| Mars | Mangala | Capricorn | Cancer | Aries, Scorpio | 7 |
| Mercury | Budha | Virgo | Pisces | Gemini, Virgo | 17 |
| Jupiter | Guru | Cancer | Capricorn | Sagittarius, Pisces | 16 |
| Venus | Shukra | Pisces | Virgo | Taurus, Libra | 20 |
| Saturn | Shani | Libra | Aries | Capricorn, Aquarius | 19 |
| Rahu | Rahu | — | — | — | 18 |
| Ketu | Ketu | — | — | — | 7 |
Exaltation signs for Rahu and Ketu vary between traditions and are therefore not listed.
Sun (Surya)
The soul (atma), father, authority, vitality and self-confidence. The Sun represents the king in the planetary cabinet.
Moon (Chandra)
The mind (manas), mother, emotions, nourishment and public life. The Moon’s sign and nakshatra are central to Vedic astrology.
Mars (Mangala)
Energy, courage, siblings, property and technical skill. Mars is the commander of the planetary cabinet and is linked to Manglik Dosha.
Mercury (Budha)
Intellect, speech, commerce, learning and adaptability. Mercury is the prince — youthful, quick and communicative.
Jupiter (Guru)
Wisdom, dharma, teachers, children and good fortune. Jupiter (Guru) is regarded as the greatest natural benefic.
Venus (Shukra)
Love, marriage, beauty, art, comfort and vehicles. Venus (Shukra) is the teacher of the asuras and a natural benefic.
Saturn (Shani)
Discipline, time, labour, endurance and karma. Saturn (Shani) is slow and demanding, and is associated with maturity earned through effort.
Rahu (Rahu)
The north lunar node: ambition, obsession, the unconventional and the foreign. A shadow planet (chhaya graha) with no physical body.
Ketu (Ketu)
The south lunar node: detachment, spirituality, past-life skills and liberation (moksha). Also a shadow planet.