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2

CELESTIAL ‘ROYAL’ COURT

To the Kālapurusha, the Sun is the soul, the Moon is the mind, Mercury is speech, Mars is strength, Jupiter is knowledge and health, Venus is desire and Saturn sorrow. Of the planets the Sun and Moon are kings, Mercury is first prince, Mars is general, Jupiter and Venus are counsellors and Saturn – servants.

Brihat Jataka by Varāhamihira

Planets (in the ancient world) were categorised in a number of ways, most commonly by appearances or qualities. As the Sun and Moon were primary illuminators they were termed prakāśagrahas. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and especially Venus were named tārāgraha (or brightest stars) as this was how they appeared to observers. The lunar nodes (Rāhu and Ketu) were delineated tamograha or dark/concealed planets.

One popular way to visualise complex planetary interactions was to imagine their ranks to mimic an archetypal royal court, or in this case celestial court. Their characteristics were best exemplified by analysis of their daily duties and routines. As dispensers of Earthly karma the above-mentioned planetary lords were seen to direct their influence down upon Earth – their energies carried on subtle planetary rays, permeating each and every facet of human daily life.

The following planetary summaries outline the position of each within their heavenly hierarchy, followed by individual portraits of each.

2.1 SUN – THE KING

The Sun (Sûrya), who is king of all planets, full of infinite radiance, the image of the good soul, the eye of this world; I adore the primeval Lord Govinda in pursuance of whose order the Sun performs his journey, mounting the wheel of time.

Brahmā Saṃhitā

Sûrya is a strong yet wise, benevolent ruler. He commands the respect of the people. Acknowledging that even his light must one day diminish, he plans to relinquish power to his son, Budha (Mercury). He has charged the instruction of his son to Brihaspati (Jupiter), his chief minister, and Kuja (Mars), his commander-in-chief. Preparation of the fanciful youth has proved to be more troublesome than expected, as other forces at court seek to ingratiate themselves with the impressionable youth. Keeping his court advisor and tactician close, Sûrya fears the occult power and allures of his secondary minister Shukra (Venus). His servants (represented by Shani/Saturn) fear him but wait patiently in the wings awaiting a change in court politics. His militia Rāhu and Ketu are not to be trusted and may be subverted if price or justification were sufficient. Behind all court intrigue his consort Chandra (Moon) remains trustworthy and loyal.

2.2 MOON – THE QUEEN

The Moon (Chandra), whose strength lies to the north, whose nature is like that of a mother cow (Kamadhenu); dresses in fine white silk and snow-white ornaments, exudes soma (nectar) that falls and spreads upon the Earth, seeding all divine herbs. The Moon’s chariot is crafted from rajata (silver) and pulled by ten white horses.

Forty Vedic Hymns

Consort to Sûrya, Chandra brings stability to the court and royal family. Though inwardly sensitive and easily troubled, Moon seeks cordial relations with all, determined to keep the status quo. Moon seeks to support and honour all stately roles performed by her subjects – but also has her favourites (see the table in Section 2.8). Although a great luminary in her own right, Moon cannot shine without the light from her husband. If caught sharing the sky together, her own radiance is greatly diminished. Being a highly gregarious planet, Moon hates to be unaccompanied and is greatly relieved to share any of the twelve Rashis/Bhavās with other grahas, whatever their social status within the celestial court.

2.3 MERCURY – REGENT

Budha: who rules Mithuna (Gemini) and Kanya (Virgo) is green of body and ornament. Seated upon the lion, his four limbs encircle Mount Meru. His strength lies in the east, his symbol is an arrow and his metal is pārada (quicksilver).

Forty Vedic Hymns

Mercury is fast-talking, fast-acting and quick-witted.1 He views the Queen (his mother) with enmity, suspicious of her emotions and sensitivities. These cloud his judgement and intellect. Counselled and tutored by Venus (his father’s lesser-favoured advisor), self-worth and strength have been kindled. In his own right he has become a magician of some note. Well-skilled in matters of the healing arts, herbalism, alchemy and commerce, Mercury is also master of word-play, delighting in all manner of practical jokes and humour. When focused on the task at hand, he is a perfectionist and skilled artisan; when disinterested or frustrated, his inventive mind quickly turns to counterproductive pursuits and quarrelsome banter.

2.4 MARS – COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

Kuja, who rules Mesha (Aries) and Vrishchika (Scorpio), is red of body and ornament. Powerful like lord Yama, he is four-limbed; his symbol is trikona (having three angles). Born of Bharadwaja Rishi clan he fares well in a southern direction, facing Yamaraj and the infernal regions, his metal is loha (iron).

Forty Vedic Hymns

Loyal to the king and his consort, Mars takes counsel from Jupiter, but in the young regent (Mercury) senses instability and impending difficulties for the kingdom. His ascendancy to ruler is a sure precursor to the removal of Mars and his martial skills. Harsh in action and speech, Mars is also a fighter, necessary to enforce law and triumph over the kingdom’s enemies. He is honorific and courageous; he does not suffer fools gladly. The presence of Mars in the celestial court maintains its hierarchal construct – keeping all subordinate grahas in line with the fear of punishment for wrongdoers.

2.5 JUPITER – MINISTER

Brihaspati: whose strength lies in the east, his body and ornaments are of a yellow colouration. He is four-limbed, calm and mighty and holds a rectangular water bowl. Lord of Sindhu Dweepa (India’s peninsula), he is lord of Dhanus (Sagittarius) and Meena (Pisces), his metal is vanga (tin).

Forty Vedic Hymns

Closest advisor to Sûrya, Brihaspati (like Kuja) feels his position in jeopardy, the role of state advisor being slowly usurped by the charismatic wiles of Venus, who now counsels the regent. Venus has already threatened the delicate balance of power by granting the worldly demons access to saṃjivani (the mantra of resurrection) and, conversely, access to immortality.2 Jupiter preserves diplomacy and prosperity at court, serving the greater spiritual needs of the kingdom. Master of ceremonies, Jupiter leads the planets and other celestial deities in the performance of ritual and sacrifice.

2.6 VENUS – MINISTER

Shukra: whose strength lies in the north, is four-limbed and peaceful, he stands upon the lotus bearing flowers and divine herbs and his symbol is a pentagram. White of body and ornament he is Shukracārya (instructor to demons), Lord of Vrishabha (Taurus) and Tula (Libra), his metal is tamra (copper).

Forty Vedic Hymns

Shukra delights in breaking tradition and social etiquette; as a secondary guru-figure in court his revolutionary ideas and colourful demeanour earn him looks of disdain yet he manages still to gain favour and standing within the royal court. Viewed with suspicion by Sûrya, this potent planet has long understood that his future is assured with the regent and with the support of the palace servants (Saturn). Like all of his enemies, Sûrya keeps Shukra close at hand, but declines to act against him unless he oversteps his authority.

2.7 SATURN – SERVANT

Shani: is blue of body and ornament, his strength lies in the west; his symbol is an archway, his eyes are black. Riding upon a crow, his caste is Sourastraka (Gujarat), his star is Bharani, his metal is nāgā (lead). Shani is lord of Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius).

Forty Vedic Hymns

Moving unbeknownst in the background of the court, Shani bides his time. His presence and patience ensure all daily tasks are fulfilled. Like a well-oiled machine, Saturn is unrelenting. He waits for the king to pass rulership to his son. Only then does Saturn feel that his status within the royal household will improve. Moving slowly about the kingdom, Shani conserves strength by metering energy; he knows everything must come to he who waits.

2.8 RĀHU AND KETU – MILITIA

Rāhu: is blue of body and of ornament, he rules the south-westerly direction; four-limbed, his teeth are fanged and irregular, his nature similar to that of the lion. His symbol is a winnowing basket, his metal is pittala (brass). Ketu: is variegated (multicoloured) of body and of ornament, his direction is similarly south-west, his symbol a flag. Riding upon a lion his temperament is likened to Kuja, his presence associated with Dhumraketu (comets) and smoke, his gaze is terrifying, his metal is kansya (bronze).

Forty Vedic Hymns

Both nodes are considered outcast or undesirable – far removed from events within the palace walls. Collectively they form the King’s militia. Begrudgingly they perform the bidding of the King, yet secretly await the downfall of their monarch. Rāhu is outwardly reckless and covets all manner of excitement and danger. Ketu broods inwardly on self-destructive thoughts and revenge. Both nodes maintain cordial relations with Saturn, Venus and Mercury. Rāhu is likened to Saturn (with somewhat less self-control), Ketu is likened to Mars; both having extremely wild and unpredictable temperaments.

The table below outlines Parasara’s views on the friendships, enmities and neutrality of planets.

Friendships, enmities and neutrality of planets
Mercury(Regent)	Friendship:Sun, VenusEnmity:MoonNeutral:Mars, Jupiter, Saturn	Venus(Minister)	Friendship:Mercury, SaturnEnmity:Sun, MoonNeutral:Mars, Jupiter	Moon(Queen)	Friendship:Sun, MercuryEnmity:NoneNeutral:Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn
Jupiter(Minister)	Friendship:Sun, Moon, MarsEnmity:Mercury, VenusNeutral:Saturn	Sun(King)	Friendship:Moon, Mars, JupiterEnmity:Venus, SaturnNeutral:Mercury	Mars(Comm-in-Chief)	Friendship:Sun, Moon, JupiterEnmity:MercuryNeutral:Venus, Saturn
Ketu(Militia)	Friendship:Mars, Venus, SaturnEnmity:Sun, MoonNeutral:Mercury, Jupiter	Saturn(Servants)	Friendship:Mercury, VenusEnmity:Sun, Moon, MarsNeutral:Jupiter	Rāhu(Militia)	Friendship:Jupiter, Venus, SaturnEnmity:Sun, Moon, MarsNeutral:Mercury

NOTES

1.As Kāraka for the intellect (and scholarship), Mercury’s disposition in the horoscope decidedly affects an individual’s power to discriminate.

2.The offspring of Brihaspati and Târâ (Kaca), apprenticed himself to Shukra in an effort to sequester the saṃjivani mantra. Kaca (a name meaning radiance) eventually succeeds in his mission, giving demons the chance of immortality.