The Navagraha in Hindu Astrology
In Hindu Astrology, the Navagraha refers to the planets of the solar system. Nava means “nine” and graha means “planet”, but also literally “to grab”. They are believed to have a profound effect on individual people. The study of these planets, along with Rahu and Ketu (The north ascending and south descending lunar nodes) make up the heart of Vedic Astrology.
The Sun (Surya) – Ruling Deity (Agni, God of Fire), Over-Ruler (Shiva), Stone (Red Ruby)
The Moon (Soma) – Ruling Deity (Apas, Water Goddess), Over-Ruler (Parvati), Stone (Moonstone)
Mars (Mangal) – Ruling Deity (Bhumi, Earth Goddess), Over-Ruler (Skanda), Stone (Red coral)
Mercury (Buddha) – Ruling Deity (Vishnu, the preserver), Over-Ruler (Vishnu), Stone (Emerald)
Jupiter (Brihaspati) – Ruling Deity (Indra, King of the Gods), Over-Ruler (Brahma), Stone (yellow topaz)
Venus (Sukra) – Ruling Deity ( Indrani, Queen of the Gods), Over-Ruler (Indra), Stone (Diamond)
Saturn (Shani) – Ruling Deity (Yama, God of Death), Over-Ruler (Prajapati), Stone (Black stones)
Rahu (Dragon’s Head) – Ruling Deity ( Durga, Goddess of Power), Over-Ruler (Sarpa), Stone (Hessonite)
Ketu (Dragon’s Tail) – Ruling Deity ( Chitragupta, God of Karma), Over-Ruler (Brahma), Stone (Cat’s Eye)
The Nakshatras and Zodiac Signs in Hindu Astrology
In addition to the nine planets, the Hindu Astrology school of thought teaches that there are 27 nakshatras, through which the Moon passes. The twelve zodiac signs correspond with Hindu deities in Hindu Astrology as follows:
Capricorn – Capricorn zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Lord Shani.
Aquarius – Aquarius zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Lord Shani also.
Pisces – Pisces zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Lord Vishnu.
Aries – Aries zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu Gods Hanuman Ji, Bhairab, and Lord Shiva.
Taurus – Taurus zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Kartikayan.
Gemini – Gemini zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Mother Lakshmi.
Cancer – Cancer zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Lord Shiva.
Leo -Leo zodiac sign corresponds with the Sun as its ruler in Hindu Astrology.
Virgo – Virgo zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Lord Ganapati or Ganesha who is the remover of all obstacles.
Libra – Libra zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Kartikayan.
Scorpio – Scorpio zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu Gods Hanuman Ji, Bhairab, and Lord Shiva.
Sagittarius -Sagittarius zodiac sign corresponds with the Hindu God Lord Vishnu.
The Seven Rays in Hindu Astrology
The Seven Rays in Hindu Astrology had great prominence within the magickal schemes of the early 20th century along with the Theosophical society and are still used today.
Ray Number 1: The Sun (Sushumna) – Determines the status of an individual
Ray Number 2: The Moon (Hariesh) – Determines the level of wisdom that an individual will have
Ray Number 3: Mercury (Visvakaran) – Determines the level of intellect
Ray Number 4: Mars (Visvatyarchas) – Determines the physical and scientific tendencies
Ray Number 5: Jupiter (Sannaddha) – Determines the religious observance
Ray Number 6: Saturn (Sarvavasu) – Determines the implementation of ideas and plans
Ray Number 7: Venus (Svaraj )- Determines the level of harmony and comfort in life
