How to Determine Planetary Aspects in Vedic Astrology
...here's what to keep in mind when interpreting them
In Vedic astrology, drishti is a term used to describe the influence that planets exert over certain areas of the natal chart. One of these types of drishti is called graha drishti (planetary aspects)
In Sanskrit, Graha means “planet” or “grasper,” signifying entities that seize or influence life experiences. Drishti translates to “sight” or “gaze,” symbolizing the projection of the planet’s desires and intentions onto specific areas of the natal chart.
Graha drishti is central to understanding how the energies of planets manifest in our lives. Each planet projects its desires onto specific signs and other planetary bodies, shaping various aspects of existence such as relationships, career, emotions and spiritual growth.
Unlike mere conjunction, graha drishti demonstrates the range and reach of a planet’s influence, allowing us to decode the areas of life where its energy is most pronounced.
Graha drishti vs. aspects in Western Astrology
In Western astrology, aspects like conjunctions, oppositions, trines and squares are geometrical relationships based on angular distance between planets, reflecting harmony, tension or balance in those connections.
Vedic graha drishti, however, is not purely geometrical. Instead, it is also symbolic, emphasizing the active nature of a planet’s influence.
This distinction highlights the philosophical depth of Vedic astrology, where planetary aspects are not just mathematical but are rather tied to the intrinsic qualities and desires (kama) of the planets themselves.
Graha drishti: Why Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Jupiter are different
All planets have a direct impact and influence on any planet that are in conjunction with. This means that they are in the same sign, for example, if Mercury and Venus are both in Aries.
Every planet also has graha drishti on the 7th house/sign (and the planets in this sign/house, if any) from where it is located in the chart. The only exception to this rule is Ketu. Since he is “headless,” he logically cannot have “sight” – more on this later in a long overdue post about the nodes!
The four planets that set their sights on more that what is directly across from them are Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Jupiter.
Let’s go briefly through them one by one.
Mars (Mangala) Graha Drishti
The signs and/or planets that receive Mars’ “sight” are those which are 4th, 7th and 8th counterclockwise from its location in a chart.
Positive attributes of Mars graha drishti
Increased energy and drive: Brings vigor, enthusiasm, and determination to the influenced sign or planet.
Courage and leadership: Enhances the ability to take bold actions and assume leadership roles.
Physical strength: Contributes to stamina, competitiveness, and resilience.
Technical and mechanical skills: Encourages talent in engineering, technology, and problem-solving.
Negative attributes of Mars drishti
Aggression and anger issues: Amplifies tendencies toward impulsiveness, temper, or confrontational behavior.
Impatience and restlessness: Leads to a lack of patience or difficulty in sustaining long-term efforts.
Risk-taking and accidents: Promotes reckless actions, increasing the likelihood of physical injuries or financial losses.
Harsh speech and behavior: Tends to create sharpness in communication, potentially damaging relationships.
Excessive competition: Fosters unhealthy rivalry or an excessive desire to dominate others.
Attachment to control: The need to dominate or control outcomes can strain both personal and professional spheres.
Saturn (Shani) Graha Drishti
The signs and/or planets that receive Saturn’s “sight” are those which are 3rd, 7th and 10th counterclockwise from its location in a chart.
Positive attributes of Saturn graha drishti
Discipline and structure: Encourages a systematic approach and the ability to plan for the long term.
Patience and perseverance: Promotes the ability to endure challenges and delays with resilience.
Maturity and responsibility: Brings a sense of duty, reliability, and accountability to the influenced area.
Negative attributes of Saturn drishti
Delays and restrictions: Creates obstacles, slowing progress and causing frustration.
Fear and anxiety: Brings feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and a sense of inadequacy.
Coldness and detachment: Reduces warmth in relationships, leading to feelings of isolation or emotional distance.
Stagnation and lack of momentum: Leads to periods of inactivity or an inability to move forward.
Harsh realities: Exposes vulnerabilities or weaknesses, often in a challenging manner.
Pessimism and negativity: Encourages a focus on worst-case scenarios or a cynical outlook on life.
Health issues: Prolonged stress and rigidity can manifest as chronic health problems.
Rahu Graha Drishti
The signs and/or planets that receive Rahu’s “sight” are those which are 2nd, 5th, 7th and 9th counterclockwise from its location in a chart.
Positive attributes of Rahu drishti
Innovation and unconventional thinking: Inspires creative and out-of-the-box ideas, breaking traditional boundaries.
Mastery of illusion and strategy: Encourages expertise in navigating complex situations or dealing with ambiguity.
Material success: Pushes the native toward opportunities for wealth, fame, or recognition.
Negative attributes of Rahu drishti
Obsession and overindulgence: Amplifies desires, leading to excess in materialism, power, or sensory pleasures.
Deception and manipulation: Encourages unethical behavior, dishonesty, or exploiting others for personal gain.
Confusion and instability: Creates mental restlessness, leading to difficulty in making clear decisions.
Fear and anxiety: Heightens anxiety, insecurity, or irrational fears.
Addictive tendencies: Encourages attachment to substances, habits, or relationships that may be harmful.
Rebellion and non-conformity: Promotes a disregard for rules, tradition, or authority, potentially causing conflict.
Illusions and delusions: Distorts perceptions, leading to misguided pursuits or unrealistic expectations.
Sudden disruptions: Brings unexpected changes or chaotic events, disrupting stability.
Jupiter (Guru) Graha Drishti
The signs and/or planets that receive Jupiter’s “sight” are those which are 5th, 7th and 9th counterclockwise from its location in a chart.
Positive attributes of Jupiter drishti
Wisdom and guidance: Offers clarity, sound judgment, and the ability to make informed decisions.
Optimism and hope: Infuses positivity and faith, even during challenging times.
Expansion and growth: Promotes abundance, prosperity, and opportunities for personal or material development.
Moral and ethical influence: Encourages integrity, righteousness, and adherence to higher principles.
Protection and blessings: Acts as a shield, softening the harsh effects of negative planetary aspects or placements.
Healing and nurturing energy: Supports emotional and physical well-being, offering a sense of balance and harmony.
Supportive attributes of Jupiter graha drishti in challenging situations
Balances malefic influences: Helps mitigate the harsh effects of planets like Saturn, Rahu, or Mars by offering wisdom and patience to navigate difficulties.
Softens aggression: Jupiter’s aspect can temper Mars’ harshness, reducing impulsiveness and fostering cooperation.
Provides clarity amidst illusion: Jupiter’s influence can counter Rahu’s confusion and delusion, guiding toward truth and realistic expectations.
Restores faith in adversity: Instills optimism when the native faces setbacks, enabling resilience and a positive outlook.
Encourages ethical action: Balances Rahu’s manipulative tendencies with morality and higher purpose.
What graha drishti means for you personally
As is always the case, this depends on your particular chart.
However, there are a few general things you can say about graha drishti. These include the following:
Graha drishti is activated by dasha; what this means is that the dynamics won’t always be in play, especially if the planet/sign being aspected isn’t in the first house, lagna lord or the moon
In general, graha drishti from benefic planets (Jupiter, Moon, Venus, mostly Mercury and the Sun) strengthen a planet or sign, while graha drishti from malefic planets (Mars, Saturn, Rahu) damage a planet or sign
The one exception here is if a malefic is aspecting a sign it rules; in this case, it will be more favorable
Two or more aspects from a benefic planet is considered a “blessing,” while two or more aspects from a malefic is considered a “curse”
For my paid subscribers, I’ll be publishing a post at the beginning of next week that goes into this curse business, as this is where graha drishti can cause trouble and suffering. I’ll go into further details about the issues this can bring as well as suggest some basic remedies.
If you’re a free subscriber interested in going into a deeper dive and gaining some practical advice on this topic, please consider upgrading your subscription.
Michelle R. Dean is a Vedic astrologer and writer based in Berlin. To find out more about Michelle, swing by here.
LOVE IT. This was great. I gasped seeing how much Saturn impacts my life and also came away with the idea that I need more Jupiter boosting to help my rahu problems. Can't wait for the next one!