Understanding Planetary Aspects (Graha Drishti) in Vedic Astrology
In Vedic astrology, planetary aspects—called Graha Drishti—play a vital role in interpreting chart influences. Just as we look straight ahead and sometimes turn our head to look sideways or behind, planets too have natural and special ways of casting their vision.
Why Are Aspects Important?
Knowing how a planet looks at another point in the chart helps us refine predictions. For instance, adding sugar to coffee gives a different taste than adding salt. Likewise, the effect of a planet can change drastically if it’s being “seen” or influenced by another planet.
Basic Rule: 7th Aspect for All
All planets naturally aspect the 7th house from where they are placed. This is like a direct line of sight across the chart.
Who Aspects Whom?
Sometimes, the planet aspects an empty house, and sometimes there’s another planet in that position, resulting in mutual influence.
Planets and Their Weekday Associations
- Sun (Ravi) – Sunday
- Moon (Chandra) – Monday
- Mars (Kuja) – Tuesday
- Mercury (Budha) – Wednesday
- Jupiter (Guru) – Thursday
- Venus (Shukra) – Friday
- Saturn (Shani) – Saturday
- Rahu and Ketu – Shadow planets (no weekday association)
Types of Planetary Aspects
Inner Planets – Only 7th Aspect
- Sun
- Moon
- Mercury
- Venus
Outer Planets – Special Aspects
- Mars: 4th, 7th, and 8th aspects
- Jupiter: 5th, 7th, and 9th aspects
- Saturn: 3rd, 7th, and 10th aspects
Shadow Planets – Rahu and Ketu
- Both have 5th aspect in a reverse (apavritti) manner
Detailed Meaning of Special Aspects
Mars (Kuja)
Being a warrior and associated with land (as Bhumi Putra), Mars aspects the 4th and 8th houses as well. The 4th house signifies stability and land; Mars influences it with its assertive energy. The 8th house involves challenges, and Mars shows a fighting spirit to overcome them.
Jupiter (Guru)
The 5th aspect of Jupiter reveals blessings from past life karma. The 9th aspect shows spiritual merit and divine grace from past births, and the 7th reflects current wisdom-sharing. Jupiter’s gaze often brings positivity and expansion wherever it looks.
Saturn (Shani)
Saturn’s 3rd aspect signifies hard work and sustained effort. The 10th aspect connects deeply with karma (career and actions), and Saturn is the natural significator of the 10th house. If Saturn aspects any planet or house, karmic lessons and responsibilities related to that house are unavoidable.
Effect of Aspects: Friend or Foe?
Just like two friends gazing at each other creates joy, planets that are friendly to each other give good results when they aspect. Conversely, enemies can bring challenges. If benefics aspect each other and are functional benefics in the chart, the results are generally auspicious. If malefics aspect each other, or benefics aspect malefics in problematic ways, results may vary based on position and strength.
Conclusion
Graha Drishti is more than just who sees whom. It’s about understanding how planets interact across the chart to bring results—good or bad. By studying aspects, we get a nuanced layer of interpretation beyond signs and lords.