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Planets in Astrology

Understanding Planets in Astrology

By Munish Bawa

The concept of planets in astrology is different than the traditional astronomical sense. These may not necessarily be the actual planets in Solar System and two of them are not even physical bodies. These are basically Celestial bodies which fulfills two Conditions….

  • Are Part of Solar System.
  • Secondly can be seen from naked eyes from Earth

As per these conditions, Sun and Moon also qualified as planets in astrology. Other than these Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn qualifies as only these planets are visible from Earth from Naked Eyes. These 7 bodies qualify as Planets in Astrology.

Other than these two “planets” don’t have a physical body but still play a big role in astrology. These planets are Rahu and Ketu those are North and South Nodes of Moon. Rahu and Ketu are not actual planets but are very important in astrology. They represent karma (past actions) and life-changing experiences.

Rahu and Ketu as planets in astrologt

So, in short, while seven of the nine planets are real celestial bodies, Rahu and Ketu, though non-physical, still have a major influence on life and spiritual lessons.

Planets in Astrology

Significance of planets in Vedic Astrology

In astrology, planets are having influence human life and experiences. To understand their significance, we need to refer to the “Jeevatma” vs “Parmatma” and Theory of Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as outlined in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra”.

Parmatma ( Supreme Soul ) and Jivatma ( Individual Soul)

Parmatma (Supreme Soul) exists in entire Universe, and the entire universe is within Him. Every being has both the individual soul (Jivatma) and the supreme soul (Paramatma) within them. In some beings, the individual soul is more prominent, while in others, the supreme soul is more dominant. The Paramatma is especially dominant in Planets like the Sun, as well as in deities like Brahma, Shiva, and others. Even their powers or consorts have a stronger presence of Paramatma. Likewise, other beings have more of the individual soul.

Beings with more Jivatmas are mortal creatures. The Jivatma portions from the planets take birth as human beings, live their lives, and then eventually merge back with the planets and at the time of Great Destruction the Planets as well merge in Lord Vishnu. This suggests that every human on Earth is having connection to the planets, making them a crucial element in astrology.

Theory of Incarnation of Lord Vishnu in respect to Planets in Astrology

The unborn Lord has taken many incarnation. He incarnated as the nine (Nava) planets to give living beings the outcomes of their actions. He is known as Janardana. By assuming the form of planets, he works to destroy evil forces and protect the divine beings.

The incarnation of Rama came from the Sun, Krishna from the Moon, Narasimha from Mars, Buddha from Mercury, Vamana from Jupiter, Parashurama from Venus, Kurma (the Tortoise) from Saturn, Varaha (the Pig) from Rahu, and Matsya (the Fish) from Ketu. These incarnations has dominant of Pramatmansh taken from planets and Jeevansh is very less. Even four avatars (incarnations) Rama, Krishna, Narsimha and Kurma are having Purna Parmatmansh ( 100% Supreme Soul)

In case of other incarnations too having connection to these planets. Beings who possess a greater presence of the Supreme Soul (Paramatma) considering them as divine soul.

Significance of the Theory of Incarnation in Astrology

Astrologically, understanding the Theory of Incarnation helps practitioners assess how the different planetary energies (such as those of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, etc.) manifest in a person’s life. By examining these influences, astrologers can identify when one is experiencing a phase of protection, conflict, wisdom, or destruction—mirroring the essence of Vishnu’s avatars.

  • Divine Intervention and Cosmic Order: Each incarnation of Lord Vishnu corresponds to a different type of intervention needed in the cosmic balance. In astrology, the movement and interaction of planets are viewed as divine forces guiding individuals through phases of life, sometimes offering protection, other times causing challenges.
  • Cycles and Timing: Just as Vishnu incarnates when needed, the timing of planetary transits and the period (Dasha) of each planet in a person’s chart dictates the life events they will encounter. Certain planetary periods (Mahadasha) align with particular “incarnations” or phases of life, where individuals face significant transformations, challenges, or blessings.
  • Spiritual Growth: In the context of spiritual growth, the Dashavatara can also represent the stages of the soul’s evolution. Each incarnation represents different virtues, from material wisdom (Vamana) to spiritual realization (Buddha), reflecting the growth of an individual through different lifetimes and astrological influences.