आगमे विश्वासटिप्पन्यः

Indian astrology (jyotisha) recognizes
nine “planets”: the sun, moon,
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and
Saturn; the remaining two are Rahu and
Ketu, which do not correspond to any
Western astrological features. Each of
these planets is considered helpful or
harmful by nature. The relative strength
of any planet is believed to depend on
its position in the horoscope and vis-à-
vis the other planets. All are seen as
minor divinities rather than as simple
material objects, and thus a potentially
harmful planet can be “pacified”
through rites intended to minimize its
disruptive potential. One common
means of pacification is to wear the
gemstone corresponding to the particular planet, so that the stone can neutralize the planet’s force. More inauspicious
cases demand stronger measures, often
involving rites in which the planetary
inauspiciousness is given away through
the medium of gifts (dana). For further
consideration see Gloria Goodwin
Raheja, The Poison in the Gift, 1988. See
also Suryia.