Analyzing Planetary Strength in Vedic Astrology through the Four Pillars
(Planets, Houses, Signs, Nakshatras)
Vedic Astrology is a deep and scientific discipline where the strength, auspiciousness (shubhta), or inauspiciousness (ashubhta) of a planet is determined using four major pillars:
- Planet (Graha)
- House (Bhava)
- Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
- Nakshatra (Constellation)
By thoroughly studying these four pillars, we can understand the true nature of a planet in a chart—whether it is strong or weak, auspicious or malefic, and what kind of results it may produce.
Key Factors in Determining Planetary Strength:
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Which house is the planet placed in?
- Planets in Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) and Trikona (1st, 5th, 9th) houses are generally considered strong.
- Planets in 6th, 8th, and 12th houses are often considered weak or afflicted.
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Which sign is the planet in?
- A planet in its own sign, exalted sign, or mooltrikona sign is considered powerful.
- In debilitated or enemy signs, the planet tends to be weak.
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Which Nakshatra is the planet placed in?
- If the planet is in its own or a friendly Nakshatra, its power increases.
- In enemy Nakshatras, the planet may lose strength or behave unfavorably.
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Which aspects (Drishti) are influencing the planet?
- Benefic aspects (like from Jupiter or Venus) strengthen the planet.
- Malefic aspects (from Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, or Mars) can weaken or afflict the planet.
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Strength is also relative to the Ascendant (Lagna):
- A planet considered auspicious in one ascendant may become harmful in another due to its ownership of specific houses.
- The 2nd and 7th houses change signs as the ascendant changes, which affects a planet's nature as Maraka (death-inflicting) or benefic.
Signs of a Strong/Auspicious Planet:
- Exalted or placed in own/friendly sign
- Located in Kendra or Trikona
- Receiving benefic aspects
- Placed in a favorable Nakshatra
- Not retrograde (in general, with exceptions)
Signs of a Weak/Inauspicious Planet:
- Debilitated or in enemy sign
- Located in 6th, 8th, or 12th house
- Afflicted by malefic aspects
- Placed in enemy Nakshatra
- Combust or retrograde (context-based)
Objective:
If we accurately analyze these factors in any horoscope, we can confidently advise:
“This planet is strong and beneficial in your chart—enhance its effects. But this other planet is afflicted or weak—consider remedies or avoid relying on it.”
If you'd like, you can provide the planetary positions (Graha Sthiti) of any chart, and I will deeply analyze and tell you:
- Which planet is auspicious or inauspicious
- Which is strong or weak
- Which planets may require remedies or should be empowered
This can become the foundation of your astrological guidance.
