The 9 Planets in Vedic Astrology

Navagraha (नवग्रह) means nine planets — Nava (nine) + Graha (that which seizes or takes hold). In Vedic astrology, the Navagrahas are the nine celestial bodies and mathematical points whose positions at the time of birth shape the karmic blueprint of a human life. They are: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Node of Moon), and Ketu (South Node of Moon).

The word Graha comes from the Sanskrit root 'Grah' — to seize or grasp. The Grahas seize the native's consciousness and direct it toward particular life experiences, lessons, and karmic resolutions. Each Graha governs specific life areas (health, career, relationships, wealth, spirituality), specific body parts, specific Nakshatras in the Vimshottari Dasha system, and a specific period of years in the Vimshottari Dasha cycle. Understanding your Grahas — their placement, strength, and mutual relationships — is understanding the structure of your karma.

The Navagrahas include seven visible celestial bodies (Sapta Grahas): the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. They also include two Chaya Grahas (shadow planets): Rahu and Ketu — the North and South Nodes of the Moon. These are mathematical points, not physical bodies, but in Vedic astrology their karmic influence is considered as powerful as any physical planet — sometimes more so.