What Are the Nine Planets (Navagraha)?

In the Thai astrological system, the nine planets — known as Navagraha — are cosmic forces that influence every aspect of human life, from personality, health, career, and love, to fortune and obstacles.

1. The Sun (Code 1) — Planet of Power

Rules Sunday, color red, strength 6. Governs the father, authority, reputation, honor, the eyes, and the heart. Those with a strong Sun carry great personal magnetism and command respect from others.

2. The Moon (Code 2) — Planet of Emotion

Rules Monday, color yellow/cream, strength 15. Governs the mother, emotions, home, water, and the lungs. Those with a strong Moon are gentle-hearted and highly attuned to the feelings of others.

3. Mars (Code 3) — Planet of Energy

Rules Tuesday, color pink/deep red, strength 8. Governs energy, courage, combat, blood, and muscles. Those with a strong Mars are bold and quick to make decisions.

4. Mercury (Code 4) — Planet of Wisdom

Rules Wednesday, color green, strength 17. Governs intellect, commerce, communication, the skin, and the nervous system. Those with a strong Mercury are sharp-minded, eloquent, and skilled in trade.

5. Jupiter (Code 5) — Planet of Fortune

Rules Thursday, color orange/golden yellow, strength 19. Regarded as the planet of great charm and allure, it governs teachers, religion, luck, the liver, and fat. It is considered the most auspicious planet in the system.

6. Venus (Code 6) — Planet of Love

Rules Friday, color light blue/indigo, strength 21 (the highest). Governs love, beauty, the arts, the kidneys, and the reproductive system. Those with a strong Venus are naturally charming and have a keen sense of beauty.

7. Saturn (Code 7) — Planet of Endurance

Rules Saturday, color purple/black, strength 10. Governs obstacles, karma, longevity, bones, and teeth. Many people mistakenly view Saturn as a malefic planet, but in truth it is the planet that brings great achievements through perseverance.

8. Rahu (Code 8) — Planet of Mystery

Color deep blue/black, strength 12. Has no day of direct rulership. Governs dark karma, the occult, technology, skin rashes, and foreign influences. Those with a strong Rahu tend to lead extraordinary lives.

9. Ketu (Code 9) — Planet of the Spirit

Governs past karma, the spirit, dreams, the head, and the central nervous system. Ketu serves as the axis of the zodiac, reflecting the karmic residue carried over from past lives.

Friendly and Enemy Planets

When analyzing a horoscope, knowing which planets are friendly or hostile to one another is of great importance. When a transiting friendly planet aspects a natal planet, it amplifies positive energy; but when an enemy planet moves in, obstacles arise. Slow-moving planets — Saturn, Jupiter, and Rahu-Ketu — exert their influence over years, while fast-moving planets — the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, and Venus — produce effects lasting days or weeks.