Grahas
Budha — Mercury in Vedic astrology
Budha is Mercury in Vedic astrology. It signifies intellect, speech, learning, trade and adaptability. It rules Gemini and Virgo, is exalted in Virgo (deepest at 15°) and debilitated in Pisces, and its Vimshottari mahadasha lasts 17 years.
| Signifies (karaka) | intellect, speech, learning, trade and adaptability |
|---|---|
| Rules | Gemini and Virgo |
| Exaltation | Virgo (deepest at 15°) |
| Debilitation | Pisces |
| Mahadasha | 17 years |
| Nakshatras ruled | Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati |
| Friends | Sun and Venus |
| Neutral | Mars, Jupiter and Saturn |
| Enemies | Moon |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Traditional gemstone | Emerald |
In the Vimshottari dasha the 17-year Budha period is divided into nine antardashas, one for each graha, in the same order as the mahadashas themselves. Anyone whose birth Moon is in Ashlesha, Jyeshtha or Revati begins life in it.
A graha in its own or exalted sign is read as strong and able to deliver what it signifies; in its debilitation, as struggling to — though classical cancellation rules (neecha bhanga) can reverse a debilitation. Its natural friendships, from Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, decide how it fares in another graha's sign.
Questions
In which sign is Budha exalted?
Virgo (deepest at 15°). Its debilitation is the opposite sign, Pisces.
How long is the Budha mahadasha?
17 years in the Vimshottari dasha system, out of a 120-year cycle.
Which nakshatras does Budha rule?
Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati — nine nakshatras (120°) apart, one in each third of the zodiac.
Which planets are friends of Budha?
The Sun and Venus. Neutral: Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Enemies: the Moon. These are the natural (naisargika) relationships of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.
What does Budha signify in Vedic astrology?
Intellect, speech, learning, trade and adaptability.
In Plutto
Plutto places all nine grahas in your chart and tells you which one is running your life now. Background: Vedic astrology.
Ask it something you actually want to know.