In Hindu Astrology there are nine planets or Grahas. These include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter,Sun, Moon,Saturn Rahu and Ketu, which are astronomical points formed where the moons orbit intersects the apparent path of the Sun around the earth. Each planet is considered to be having masculine, feminine or neutral characteristics as well.
Grahas and their equivalents in Western Astrology
|
Indian-Grahas Western-Name Sex |
|
Ravi Sun Masculine |
|
Chandra Moon Feminine |
|
Kuja Mars Masculine |
|
Budha Mercury Neutral |
|
Guru Jupiter Masculine |
|
Sukra Venus Feminine |
|
Sani Saturn Neutral |
|
Rahu Dragon's Head Feminine |
|
Ketu Dragon's Tail Neutral |
Rahu and Ketu :
The Moons apparent path intersects the ecliptic obliquely at two points called the nodes. The point where the Moon crosses the ecliptic from south to north is called the ascending node or Rahu, where it crosses the ecliptic from north to south is called descending node or Ketu. These two points are 180 degrees apart and their movement is constantly retrograde, meaning, against the normal direction of movement of planets. Rahu and Ketu are given special status and considered as planets in Indian astrology.But they are not included in Western Astrology. Rahu and Ketu take approximately eighteen years and ten days to complete one round of the zodiac .
