Planetary Classifications in Indian Astrology
1. Classifications of Planets
A. Benefic vs. Malefic Planets
Benefic Planets: Generally have a positive influence and bring favorable results in various aspects of life. They are considered auspicious and often bring growth, success, and harmony.
Malefic Planets: Associated with challenges and obstacles. They can create difficulties but also offer opportunities for growth through overcoming challenges.
B. Personal vs. Impersonal Planets
Personal Planets: Directly influence personal traits and daily experiences, affecting behavior and emotional responses.
Impersonal Planets: Affect broader life events and collective experiences, representing larger, more systematic influences.
2. Detailed Planetary Classification
| Planet | Classification | Attributes | Ruling Deity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Personal, Benefic | Authority, leadership, vitality | Surya (Sun God) |
| Moon (Chandra) | Personal, Benefic | Emotions, intuition, nurturing | Chandra (Moon God) |
| Mars (Mangala) | Personal, Malefic | Courage, energy, aggression | Mangala (War God) |
| Mercury (Budha) | Personal, Benefic | Communication, intellect, adaptability | Budha (Mercury God) |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Personal, Benefic | Wisdom, expansion, prosperity | Brihaspati (Jupiter God) |
| Venus (Shukra) | Personal, Benefic | Love, beauty, luxury | Shukra (Venus God) |
| Saturn (Shani) | Impersonal, Malefic | Discipline, karma, hardship | Shani (Saturn God) |
| Rahu | Impersonal, Malefic | Ambition, confusion, illusion | Naga (Serpent God) |
| Ketu | Impersonal, Malefic | Spirituality, detachment, liberation | Naga (Serpent God) |
| Planet | Positive Traits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Leadership, vitality, authority | Arrogance, overbearing nature |
| Moon (Chandra) | Emotional intelligence, nurturing | Mood swings, dependency |
| Mars (Mangala) | Courage, drive, assertiveness | Aggression, impulsiveness |
| Mercury (Budha) | Communication skills, intellect | Overthinking, nervousness |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Wisdom, generosity, growth | Excessive optimism, indulgence |
| Venus (Shukra) | Love, charm, artistic talents | Overindulgence, superficiality |
| Saturn (Shani) | Discipline, resilience, responsibility | Obstacles, delays, pessimism |
| Rahu | Innovation, ambition | Confusion, illusion, anxiety |
| Ketu | Spiritual insight, detachment | Isolation, lack of focus |
3. Natural Relationships of Planets
| Planet | Friends | Neutrals | Enemies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Moon, Mars, Jupiter | Mercury | Venus, Saturn |
| Moon (Chandra) | Sun, Mercury | None | Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn |
| Mars (Mangala) | Sun, Moon, Jupiter | Venus, Saturn | Mercury |
| Mercury (Budha) | Sun, Venus | Saturn | Moon, Mars, Jupiter |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Sun, Moon, Mars | Saturn | Mercury, Venus |
| Venus (Shukra) | Mercury, Saturn | Jupiter | Sun, Moon, Mars |
| Saturn (Shani) | Mercury, Venus | Jupiter | Sun, Moon, Mars |
| Rahu | Venus, Saturn, Mercury | Jupiter | Sun, Moon, Mars |
| Ketu | Mars, Venus, Saturn | Mercury | Sun, Moon |
4. Associated Metals and Directions
| Planet | Metal |
|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Gold |
| Moon (Chandra) | Silver |
| Mars (Mangala) | Iron |
| Mercury (Budha) | Mercury |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Tin |
| Venus (Shukra) | Copper |
| Saturn (Shani) | Lead |
| Rahu | None |
| Ketu | None |
| Planet | Direction |
|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | East |
| Moon (Chandra) | North |
| Mars (Mangala) | South |
| Mercury (Budha) | North-East |
| Jupiter (Guru) | East-North-East |
| Venus (Shukra) | South-East |
| Saturn (Shani) | West |
| Rahu | North-West |
| Ketu | South-West |
5. Caste Classification of Planets
| Planet | Caste |
|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Kshatriya (Warrior) |
| Moon (Chandra) | Vaishya (Merchant) |
| Mars (Mangala) | Kshatriya (Warrior) |
| Mercury (Budha) | Vaishya (Merchant) |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Brahmin (Priest) |
| Venus (Shukra) | Brahmin (Priest) |
| Saturn (Shani) | Shudra (Servant) |
| Rahu | Shudra (Servant) |
| Ketu | Shudra (Servant) |
6. Tastes Associated with Planets
| Planet | Taste |
|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Pungent |
| Moon (Chandra) | Salty |
| Mars (Mangala) | Bitter |
| Mercury (Budha) | Mixed |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Sweet |
| Venus (Shukra) | Sour |
| Saturn (Shani) | Astringent |
| Rahu | Earthy |
| Ketu | Spicy |
7. Planetary Abodes
| Planet | Abode |
|---|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Temple |
| Moon (Chandra) | Water bodies |
| Mars (Mangala) | Battlefield |
| Mercury (Budha) | Commerce areas |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Places of worship |
| Venus (Shukra) | Luxury abodes |
| Saturn (Shani) | Desolate places |
| Rahu | Foreign lands |
| Ketu | Isolation spots |
