Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra Chapter 3
Planetary Characters and Description
The first two chapters of BPHS may not be very enjoyable for those who look for predictive principles, but from the third chapter onwards, the predictive principles starts. From this chapter only, we get the idea about the characters of planets and their description. This chapter is also in the mode of communication between sage Maitreya and Sage Parasara, but the specialty is that, in this Chapter Parasara gives the direct answers unlike the first two chapters. I read BPHS from Sagar Publications, and in that, the third chapter contains 29 pages. So, this is a very long chapter, and we will see this chapter part by part. In this article, we will see what scriptures until 18
Maitreya is requesting for planetary descriptions, and dispositions, and Parasara starts from nakshatras. Sage Parasara says that “Out of the many luminous bodies righted in the skies, some &re stars; yet some are planets. Those that have no movements are the Nakshatra”
Planet moves through Nakshatras
Average daily motion of the planets.
Planet – Degree
Sun 1
Moon 13-15
Mars 30-45
Mercury 65-100
Venus 62-82
Jupiter 5-15
Saturn 2
Nodes 3
Planetary moves are mentioned in Naraia Samhita, Vasishta Samhita etc
In the 10 shloka or scripture, Parasara speaks about the planets. The Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.
In the 11th shloka or scripture Parasara speaks about Benefics and Malefics. The Sun, Saturn, Mars, waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu are malefics while the rest are benefics. Mercury, however, is a malefic if he joins a malefic.
Waxing Moon is a benefic, while waning Moon is a malefic. Mercury is known as neuter planet and when it is with benefic, it is benefic and it is malefic when it is with malefic.
From Shlokas or Scripture 12-13 we can see what Parasara says about planetary indications
Sun-Soul
Moon-Mind
Mars-Strength
Mercury-Speech
Jupiter-Knowledge and happiness
Venus-Potency
Saturn-Grief
From 14-15, we can see Parasara talking about Planetary cabinet.
Sun-King
Moon-Queen
Mars-Soldier
Mercury-Prince
Venus-Minsiter
Jupiter-Minister
Saturn-Servant
Nodes- Planetary army
From Scriptures 16-17, we can see Parasara talking about planetary complexions
The Sun is blood-red. The Moon is tawny. Mars who is not very tall is blood-ied whiie Mercury’s hue is akin to that of green grass. Tawny, variegated and dark are Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in their order.