Let’s dive deeper into the motion of all nine planets (Surya, Chandra, Budh, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, and Ketu) in Vaidik Jyotish Shastra, covering their daily motion, rashi motion, and zodiac motion. I’ll also include a detailed comparison chart to give clarity across all dimensions.
Planetary Motions in Jyotish: Daily, Rashi, and Zodiac Movement Comparison
1. Overview of Planetary Motion
In Vedic astrology, the planets exhibit distinct movements across three timelines:
- Daily Motion: Movement observed within one day, affecting hourly changes (hora charts).
- Rashi Motion: Planetary transit through rashis (zodiac signs), influencing medium-term effects.
- Zodiac Motion: Complete movement across all 12 rashis (360°), which governs long-term karmic cycles.
2. Detailed Motion of All Planets
Let’s analyze the motion for each planet:
Surya (Sun)
- Daily Motion: Surya moves 1° per day.
- Rashi Motion: Takes 30 days to complete one rashi.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 1 year (12 months).
Chandra (Moon)
- Daily Motion: Moves approximately 13°20′ per day, completing one nakshatra daily.
- Rashi Motion: Takes 2.25 days per rashi.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 27.3 days.
Budh (Mercury)
- Daily Motion: Moves 1° to 1.5° per day (speed varies during retrograde).
- Rashi Motion: Takes 15–30 days per rashi.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 88 days.
Shukra (Venus)
- Daily Motion: Moves 1° per day (retrograde motion slows progress).
- Rashi Motion: Takes 20–40 days per rashi.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 225 days.
Mangal (Mars)
- Daily Motion: Moves 0.5°–0.7° per day (very slow).
- Rashi Motion: Takes approximately 45 days to 2 months per rashi.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 687 days (nearly 2 years).
Guru (Jupiter)
- Daily Motion: Negligible motion visible daily.
- Rashi Motion: Takes 12–13 months to traverse one rashi.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 12 years.
Shani (Saturn)
- Daily Motion: Moves extremely slowly, covering 0.1° per day.
- Rashi Motion: Takes 2.5 years to complete one rashi.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 29.5 years.
Rahu and Ketu
- Daily Motion: Retrograde motion visible daily, covering approximately 0.05° per day.
- Rashi Motion: Takes 1.5 years per rashi in retrograde motion.
- Zodiac Motion: Completes the zodiac in 18 years.
3. Comparison Chart of Planetary Motion
| Planet | Daily Motion | Rashi Motion | Zodiac Motion | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surya (Sun) | 1° per day | 30 days per rashi | 1 year | Exalted in Mesh (Aries); debilitated in Tula (Libra). |
| Chandra (Moon) | 13°20′ per day | 2.25 days per rashi | 27.3 days | Fastest-moving graha; controls emotions and mind. |
| Budh (Mercury) | 1°–1.5° per day | 15–30 days per rashi | 88 days | Retrograde motion often intensifies intellect. |
| Shukra (Venus) | 1° per day | 20–40 days per rashi | 225 days | Governs relationships, luxury, beauty. |
| Mangal (Mars) | 0.5°–0.7° per day | 45 days–2 months per rashi | 687 days (2 years) | Signifies courage, aggression; exalted in Makar (Capricorn). |
| Guru (Jupiter) | Negligible | 12–13 months per rashi | 12 years | Highly benefic; governs wisdom and spirituality. |
| Shani (Saturn) | 0.1° per day | 2.5 years per rashi | 29.5 years | Karmic taskmaster; exalted in Tula (Libra). |
| Rahu | Retrograde | 1.5 years per rashi (retrograde) | 18 years | Intensifies desires and material ambitions. |
| Ketu | Retrograde | 1.5 years per rashi (retrograde) | 18 years | Governs spiritual detachment and moksha. |
4. Conclusion
Each planet’s motion varies significantly based on its orbit, distance from Earth, and retrograde behaviors. These differences are central to Vedic astrology predictions, influencing everything from daily events to long-term karmic cycles.
