Lesson 2

The 9 Planets of Vedic Astrology and the Signs They Rule

June 19, 2026

Vedic astrology uses 9 planets — the navagraha. Each one has a clear job, and most of them "rule" one or two signs.

  • Surya
    Sun
    Soul, authority, vitality
    Rules Simha (5)
  • Chandra
    Moon
    Mind, emotions, mother
    Rules Karkat (4)
  • Mangal
    Mars
    Energy, courage, action
    Rules Mesh (1) & Vrishchik (8)
  • Budha
    Mercury
    Intellect, speech, trade
    Rules Mithun (3) & Kanya (6)
  • Guru
    Jupiter
    Wisdom, growth, fortune
    Rules Dhanu (9) & Meen (12)
  • Shukra
    Venus
    Love, beauty, comfort
    Rules Vrishabh (2) & Tula (7)
  • Shani
    Saturn
    Discipline, time, karma
    Rules Makar (10) & Kumbh (11)
  • Rahu
    North node
    Desire, ambition, the sudden
    Shadow planet
  • Ketu
    South node
    Detachment, spirituality
    Shadow planet
The nine grahas — what each means and the sign(s) it rules.

Now see it from the signs' side — every rashi is owned by one of these planets:

1. Mesh (Aries)2. Vrishabh (Taurus)3. Mithun (Gemini)4. Karkat (Cancer)5. Simha (Leo)6. Kanya (Virgo)7. Tula (Libra)8. Vrishchik (Scorpio)9. Dhanu (Sagittarius)10. Makar (Capricorn)11. Kumbh (Aquarius)12. Meen (Pisces) Moon Sun Saturn Mercury Jupiter Venus Mars
Each rashi is ruled by one planet — its lord.
  • Rahu & Ketu are shadow planets — in the basics they don't rule a sign.
  • A planet's own signs are where it feels most at ease — that matters later for strength.

Next: The kundali and the 12 houses

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