Vedic astrology uses the navagraha, nine key planetary influences: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu correspond to the lunar nodes rather than physical planets. Houses (bhavas) organize areas of life and are read with sign rulers, planetary placement and other chart factors.
The seven visible classical grahas form the primary rulership scheme for the twelve rashis. Rahu and Ketu receive specialized interpretive attention, often connected with eclipses and particular patterns of desire, disruption or detachment in modern accounts. Jyotisha develops extensive condition judgments for planets, including dignity, strength and special aspects.
The twelve bhavas
The first bhava concerns the person and embodiment; the second resources and speech; the third effort and siblings; the fourth home and foundations; the fifth creativity and children; and the sixth difficulties, service and routines. The seventh concerns partnership, eighth vulnerability and longevity, ninth dharma and teachers, tenth work and visibility, eleventh gains and networks, and twelfth loss, seclusion and release. Exact formulations vary by lineage.
Signs, lords and house meanings
The lord of a house and its position can be as significant as a planet directly occupying it. Interpretive methods such as whole-sign houses, divisional charts and specialized yogas should be specified rather than mixed with unrelated Western rules.
Explore the wider tradition
Return to the Vedic Astrology guide to connect rashis, grahas, bhavas, nakshatras and dasha timing techniques.