The Planets in Vedic Astrology: Grahas

The planets are the foundation of Jyotish. There are nine primary planets, connected to the nine primary numbers. As all other numbers are made from a combination of the nine primary numbers, everything in the universe is made of these primary nine archetypes.

The days of the week directly relate to the 7 physical grahas (planets) in Vedic Astrology. If you have any doubts check the names of the weekdays in Spanish, French, and some other European languages.

The First Step

The first step for someone studying Jyotish with is to begin to get to know the planets. Each day relating to the planet, the student is to focus on the learning about that planet. Reading what they can, researching in the classics (BPHS), modern published books as well as on the net. A notebook is to be made and kept with data collected. This should go on for several weeks, even when you move onto other topics. Continue to research and learn as much as you can about the individual planets. They are the foundation of Jyotish and the better you know them the more easily you will progress.

This should become part of your morning sadhana (spiritual practice). Each day researching, reflecting upon and getting to know the planets that control your karma. This sadhana is best begun on a Sunday while the Moon is waxing.

Important topics to research and record in your notes:

Names of the planets in Sanskrit
Benefic or Malefic nature
People associated with the planet
Position in the planetary cabinet
Jobs associated with the planet
Significations of the planet;
animals, products, activities, body parts/functions, spirituality, colors, castes, clothing
The planet's complexion and appearance, sex, elements, caste
Planet's Ayurvedic constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Dhatus (tissues) ruled by the planet, other medical significations
Diseases related to each planet
Guna of the planet (sattva, rajas, tamas)
Places connected to the planet
Time periods ruled by the planet
Tastes connected to the planet (sweet, spicy, etc)
Directions related to the planet
Direction the planet is strongest in placement (digbala)
Types of trees connected to each planet
Seasons ruled by each planet
Dhatu, Jeeva and Moola
How old is the planet when personified
Signs (rasi) the planet owns, is exalted in, and debilitated in
The planet's friends and enemies (natural/naisargika relationships)
Understanding of Temporary relationships (Tatkalika)
Percentages of planets affect if exalted, debilitated, mulatrikona, friendly, enemy
Stories about the planet
Time it takes the planet to circle the zodiac
Houses the planet aspects
What age the planet matures at in a human's life
Length of Vimshottari dasa of the planet
Deities connected to the planet (with forms of Visnu, Shiva, and Devi as well as other religions)

Additional Resources

Ganita Shastra:
Lesson 3 by Gauranga Dasa Astronomical Definitions of the Grahas and the Zodiac
Lesson 4 by Gauranga Dasa Astronomical Calculations in Jyotisha

Grahas:
Lesson 5 by Gauranga Dasa Characteristics of the Planets
Lesson 6 by Gauranga Dasa Planetary Dignities and Relationships
Lesson