Lesson 2 of 7 · 2 min read
What is a Graha?
The nine forces Vedic astrology reads.
Graha means 'one that grasps' — a force that holds an influence over us. Vedic astrology uses nine: Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budh, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu.
Seven are visible bodies. Rahu and Ketu are 'shadow grahas' — the two points where the Moon's path crosses the Sun's, which is where eclipses happen.
Each Graha signifies certain parts of life. Guru, for example, represents wisdom, teachers and children; Shani represents discipline, work and patience.
A Graha is not 'good' or 'bad' by itself. Its results depend on the sign it is in, the house it occupies and how other Grahas relate to it.