In astrology, the movement of planets through the zodiac is categorized into different speeds, which can provide insight into their astrological influence. Here’s a breakdown of these classifications:[ Chapter 5,Shloka 7, Jyotirvidhyabharanum ]
1. Sama (Direct)
o This refers to a planet moving in its usual, direct motion along its orbit. It’s neither exceptionally fast nor slow but follows its typical pace.
2. Vakra (Retrograde)
o When a planet appears to move backward with very slow speed relative to its usual direction, it's in retrograde motion. This is an optical illusion caused by the relative positions and speeds of Earth and the other planets.
3. Ati Vakra (Very Fast or Extremely Retrograde)
o This term describes a planet that is moving extremely fast in its retrograde motion, leaves the sign to move into previous sign.
4. Chara [Fast moving] A planet moving fast as compare to its normal speed .
5 Chara Tara (Very Fast)
o A planet categorized as "Chara Tara" is moving at an exceptionally high speed through the zodiac.
6 Manda (Slow)
a. A planet that is moving slowly as compare to its normal motion through the zodiac.
7 Krisha (Very Slow)
a. When a planet moves very slowly as compare to its normal motion , it's described as "Krisha."
Surya Siddhanta Types of Motion:
1. Vakra (Retrograde)
o This is when a planet appears to move backward with very slow speed relative to its usual direction.
2. Ativakra (Extremely Retrograde)
o An even more pronounced retrograde motion than Vakra, moves into the previous sign .
3. Vikala (Irregular)
o This term can refer to irregular or unusual motion patterns of a planet, which might not fit neatly into the typical classifications.
4. Manda (Slow)
o A planet moving slowly than its normal speed through the zodiac.
5. Mandtara (Very Slow)
o An even slower pace than Manda, speed of the planet.
6. Sama (Direct)
o This refers to a planet moving in its direct, usual motion along its orbit, without unusual speed or direction.
7. Shighra (Fast)
o A planet moving quickly than its normal speed through the zodiac.
8. Shightara (Very Fast)
o A planet moving at an exceptionally high speed, compare to its normal speed.
Practical Classifications in Astrology:
In practical astrological contexts, these classifications are often simplified into the following categories:
1. Sama (Direct)
o The planet moves in its normal, direct path.
2. Vakri (Retrograde)
o The planet is moving backward with very slow speed relative to its usual direction.
3. Sheeghra (Fast)
o The planet is moving quickly with fast motion through the zodiac.
4. Manda (Slow)
o The planet is moving slowly compare to normal speed.
5. Margi (Progressive)
o This term is used to describe a planet moving in a forward and direct path without any unusual speed or direction, akin to Sama.
Subdivisions of Motion:
1. Shighra (Fast)
o Often used in practice to describe planets moving at a high speed, but it might be divided into:
▪ Shigrahra (Fast)
▪ Shigrahtara (Very Fast)
2. Manda (Slow)
o Similarly, this can be divided into:
▪ Manda (Slow)
▪ Mandtara (Very Slow)
In Vedic astrology, the term Attichari (also spelled as Ati Chara) describes a specific type of planetary motion. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Attichari Planets
• Definition: An Attichari planet is one that moves with exceptionally high speed through a sign and, upon entering the next sign, continues to move at this high speed. This high speed in both the current and the following sign characterizes it as Attichari .
• Characteristics:
o Very Fast Movement: The planet is moving through its sign at a pace much faster than usual.
o Continued Speed: Upon transitioning to the next sign, it maintains this very fast speed.
Transition to Margi Planets
• Vakri (Retrograde) to Attichari to Margi: When a planet that was retrograde (Vakri) becomes Attichari, it first speeds up dramatically. Once it has completed this phase of very fast movement, it transitions into what is called a Margi planet.
• Margi Planets: After the phase of being Attichari, if the planet moves in a forward direction with normal or average speed, it is termed Margi.
o Margi Characteristics:
▪ Normal Speed: The planet moves at its usual pace after having gone through the intense speed phase.
▪ Forward Movement: The planet is no longer retrograde but continues its direct motion.
In Vedic astrology, Manda and Krishgati describe specific types of slow planetary motions. Here’s an explanation of each:
Manda Motion
• Definition: Manda motion refers to a planet that is moving more slowly than its average speed while in a particular sign.
Krishgati
• Definition: Krishgati is a specific type of Manda motion where the planet moves at an exceptionally slow pace, often to the point of being almost stationary.
The Bhavartha Ratnakar explains how planets move in relation to the Sun, and it describes their movements based on their position in the zodiac houses from the Sun. Here’s a simple breakdown of what it says for each house:
The Bhavartha Ratnakar explains planetary motions relative to the Sun in detail, categorizing them into different types based on their position in the zodiac houses from the Sun.Here’s a breakdown of how planetary motion is described in each house from the Sun according to this text:
Planetary Motions as per Bhavartha Ratnakar[Chapter 13, Shloka 12 to 16]
1. 2nd House from the Sun: Swift Motion (Fast)
o Description: When a planet is positioned in the 2nd house from the Sun, it is described as moving swiftly or fast.
3rd House from the Sun: Even Motion (Sama)
• Description: A planet in the 3rd house from the Sun is said to be in even motion, meaning it moves at its normal, direct pace.
4th House from the Sun: Slow Motion (Manda)
• Description: When a planet is in the 4th house from the Sun, it moves slowly.
5th and 6th Houses from the Sun: Somewhat Retrograde Motion
• Description: Planets in the 5th and 6th houses from the Sun exhibit a retrograde [Vakri] or somewhat backward motion.
7th and 8th Houses from the Sun: Retrograde Motion (Vakra)
• Description: In the 7th and 8th houses from the Sun, planets are in full retrograde motion.
9th and 10th Houses from the Sun: Transverse Motion (Wave-like Motion)
• Description: Planets in the 9th and 10th houses from the Sun move in a wave-like or transverse{Kutila motion] manner, signify fluctuating or inconsistent.
11th and 12th Houses from the Sun: Very Fast Motion (Sheeghrtara)
• Description: In the 11th and 12th houses from the Sun, planets are moving at very high speeds.
Planetary Motion and Its Effects
1. Benefic Planets (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury):
o Shighra Motion ( Fast): When benefic planets like Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury move very quickly (faster than usual), they are considered to be weakened or less effective. So, their positive influences may be diminished.
Malefic Planets:
2. Retrograde Motion: When malefic planets (such as Saturn and Mars) are in retrograde [Vakri] motion(appearing to move backward), produce auspicious results.
Jupiter and Sun Transit Details
1. Jupiter's Transit into Gemini:
o Date and Time: Jupiter will transit into Gemini on 14th May 2025 at 22:36:21 hours.
2. Sun's Position:
o On 14th May, the Sun will be at the last degree of Aries.
o On the next day, 15th May, the Sun will enter Taurus.
3. Planetary Motion as per Bhavartha Ratnakar:
o Jupiter in 2nd House from the Sun: Since Jupiter will be in Gemini and the Sun will be in Taurus (making Jupiter the 2nd house from the Sun), Jupiter is considered to be moving fast.
o Sun's Speed: The Sun generally moves faster than Jupiter. By 17th July 2025 , the Sun will be in Cancer sign while Jupiter remains in Gemini.
o Speed Comparison: Jupiter will continue to be categorized as moving very fast when the Sun is in Cancer as Jupiter is in 12th House from Sun , and this will remain the case until the Sun moves into Leo ,Jupiter will be 11th from Sun. So as per the principles of Bhavarhatha Ratnakar it will be in very fast motion .
4. Duration of Fast Motion:
o From 17th July: When the Sun is in Cancer, Jupiter in Gemini in 12th House from Sun is still moving very fast according to the Bhavartha Ratnakar.
o Until 16th September: This period continues until the Sun leaves Leo sign.
o On 17th September 2025, when the Sun enters Virgo, Jupiter, moving very fast, would be approximately at 26 degrees Gemini, aligning with the estimation given its rapid transit. This understanding highlights the importance of Jupiter’s rapid movement and the Sun’s position relative to Jupiter in determining astrological influences.
On October 18, 2025, Jupiter will enter the sign of Cancer while the Sun is in Libra. Since the Sun has just entered Libra at 1 degree 14 minutes longitudinally, Jupiter will be positioned almost in the 11th house from the Sun. According to Bhavartha Ratnakar, a classical, Chapter 13, Shloka 15, this positioning will result in very fast motion for Jupiter. Given Jupiter's rapid transition [Very fast motion]into Cancer, this transit exemplifies the concept of Atichari (excessive motion). As the Sun advances, Jupiter, located in the 10th house from the Sun, will initially experience Kutila motion (both forward and backward) before transitioning into Vakri (retrograde) motion on November 11, 2025.
Jupiter will spend only about 5 months and 4 days in Gemini, even though it typically remains in a sign for approximately 13 months. Jupiter will re-enter Gemini after going retrograde in Cancer.
When a planet is in exaltation it moves with slow motion (swalpa), it generally has a more favorable influence. Conversely, if a planet is in debilitation it moves with faster motion, its effects might be less pronounced. When a planet travels at a normal speed, it typically produces results according to the characteristics of the sign and Bhava , it is currently transiting.
However, if the planet exhibits Vakri (retrograde) or Attichari (extremely fast) motion, and then moves into a new sign, it will primarily give the results associated with the sign it was in for the duration of its Vakri or Attichari motion. Specifically, it will reflect the outcomes related to the previous sign for one-tenth of the time it spent in Vakri or Attichari motion. As per ParasharVarkri or Atichari planet do not give the results of the sign in which they are visible after changing the sign. { Shloka 12 , Chapter 5, Jyotirvidhyabharanum] , they give the result of the earlier sign.
Conclusion:
Analysing the birth chart with reference to the Sun is crucial for assessing the speed and retrograde motion of different planets. Outer planets such as Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn begin their retrograde motion when positioned in the 5th or 6th house from the Sun. Their retrograde effect becomes more pronounced when they occupy the 7th or 8th house.
In contrast, inner planets like Mercury and Venus cannot exceed 28 and 47 degrees, respectively, from the Sun. Consequently, they typically experience retrograde motion when in conjunction with the Sun or placed in the 2nd, 12th, 3rd, or 11th houses from the Sun. These planets can also simultaneously undergo retrogradation and combustion. Mercury goes retrograde at 28 degrees from the Sun, while Venus begins its retrograde motion at 47 degrees. The maximum speed of a retrograde planet occurs when it is closest to Earth. Retrograde motion arises because planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths, rather than perfect circles, resulting in varying speeds as they move closer or farther from the Sun.
Published in Express Star Teller November 2024
Written and Researched by Sunil Dutt
Comments