Hindu Predictive
Astrology-IV.
Planets, Signs and
Constellations.
Nine planets considered in Hindu astrology that affect
terrestrial phenomena are given below with their Sanskrit
equivalents.
Sun - Surya
Moon - Chandra
Mars - Kuja
Mercury - Budha
Jupiter - Brihaspati
Venus - Sukra
Saturn - Sani
Dragon’s Head - Rahu
Dragon’s Tail - Ketu
The twelve signs (Rasis) of the zodiac are:
1.Mesha - Aries - the Ram
2.Vrishava - Taurus - the Bull
3.Mithuna - Gemini - the Twins
4.Kataka - cancer - the Crab
5.Simha - Leo - the Lion
6.Kanya - Virgo - the Virgin
7.Tula - Libra - the Balance
8.Vrishchika - Scorpio - the Scorpion
9.Dhanus - Sagittarius - the Centaur
10.Makara - Capricorn - the Crocodile
11. Kumbha - Aquarius -the Water bearer
12. Meena -Pisces - the Fishes
Nakshatras (Constellations).
27 constellations or Nakshatras marks the zodiac. Each
Nakshatra measures 13
degree 20 minutes of arc and consists
of four
quarters each of 3 degree 20 minute arcs. Thus nine
quarters add up to 30 degrees and comprise a rasi. The
rasis and nakshatras are both reckoned from the same point.
The 27 constellations, their quarters, rasis and the space
they occupy on the ecliptic are given in tabular
form in the text.