Planets

Indian astrology (jyotisha) recognizes
nine planets that affect human beings:
the five visible ones (Jupiter, Venus,
Mercury, Saturn, and Mars), the Sun
and Moon, and two planets not known
to Western astrology, Rahu and Ketu. Of
these, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury are,
by themselves, always benevolent. The
moon is changeable, depending on its
position in the lunar cycle, and the others are considered to have malefic tendencies, although only Rahu and Ketu
are invariably malevolent. Rahu and
Ketu move throughout the zodiac, but
the others are all fixed in place. Each of
the planets is part of an elaborate series
of associations, including parts of the
body, family relationships, and personal
qualities. The influence of all these
planets can be heightened or weakened
according to their position in a person’s
natal horoscope, or their position vis-à-
vis the other planets. The astrological
tradition also recognizes a practice
known as pacification of planets,
through which their good qualities
can be heightened, or their malevolent
513
Planets
qualities weakened and contained. This
can be done either through wearing particular gemstones that are believed to
correspond to these planets, or by performing certain protective rituals.