Planetary Aspects in Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology judges aspects not according to the exact degree of angle between the planets involved but relative to sign. 180-degree aspect is the main aspect in Jyotish. Planet aspects the sign opposite it.The aspects are from planet via sign they occupy to other sign of zodiac and to whatever may be contained in them. There are general (180 degree) and special aspects.

Vedic astrology doesn't ascribe any particular quality to different aspects. Special full strength aspect for Jupiter is 120 degrees (houses 5 and 9 from house of Jupiter). Some jyotishis are said, that Rahu and Ketu cast a full aspect to houses 5 and 9 too. Special full strength aspect for Mars is aspect to houses 4 and 8. Special full strength aspect for Saturn is aspect to houses 3 and 10 from its location.

Planetary aspects :

Projection of influence by planets from their given position in the zodiac to certain other points is called planetary aspect or drishti ("sight" in Sanskrit).

The special aspects for Jupiter, Rahu, and Ketu:

Jupiter, Rahu, and Ketu cast a full special aspect on fifth and ninth constellations counted inclusively.

The special aspects for Saturn:

Saturn aspects third and tenth constellations from its position.

The special aspects for Mars:

Mars aspects fours and eighth constellations from its position.

Combust planet:

Planets in close conjunction with the Sun become "combust". They are weakened and may be rendered powerless. For Mars, Jupiter, Saturn the orb of conjunction for combustion is 8 degrees and 30 minutes, for Moon 15 degrees, Venus 4 degrees and for Mercury 2 degrees.

Hemming in of a planet :

When planet has malefic planets of the same type (either malefic or benefic) on both adjacent sides, - it is called "hemming in between". While it is not technically an aspect, it has a strong effect like a major aspect. When planet "hemmed in by malefics", it is called "Papakartari Yoga" and planet in such position is weakened and harmed. When planet "hemmed in by benefics", it is called "Shubhakartari Yoga" and it protects and strengthen it.

Planets which are separative:

The Sun, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu and ruler of the twelfth house from Ascendant are separative planets. Sun burns things up. Saturn creates loss, detachment. Rahu is dispersing in its action and gives attraction to what is foreign or distant. Ketu makes us contract and causes negativity. The ruler of twelfth house creates loss and retreat, which is the nature of that house.