Though there are 9 planets that are considered within the framework of Vedic Astrology, only 5 are real planets with the Sun being a star, Moon a natural satellite and Rahu/Ketu being astronomical points derived from the Moon's orbit around the Earth. Thus the remaining 5 left aside are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn and these form the fulcrum for the Pancha Bhootas.
The Pancha Bhootas represents the 5 basic elements which is said to be the genesis for cosmic creation. These elements are Fire, Earth, Ether, Air and Water and said to be governed by the 5 planets as mentioned below:
Fire - Mars
Earth - Mercury
Ether - Jupiter
Air - Saturn
Water - Venus
Let's briefly look at each of these elements and why they are being governed by a particular planet. The sequence on which the elements are formed are Ether -> Air -> Fire -> Water -> Earth
Ether: (Also Sky or Space)
The one keyword signifying Ether is 'Availability'. The nature of it is Sound, sense organ is Ears and it denotes a Vaccum state. The characteristic of Ether is is to make things available and basically indicates the availability of space around for it to grow. In Vedic Astrology, there is no specific sign allotted for Ether and it is believed that every house has an element of Ether entwined to it. Since Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, torchbearer of knowledge and also happens to be the largest planet in the solar system known for being expansive by nature, it is associated to be the Governor of Ether.
Air: (Also Wind)
The one keyword signifying Air is 'Movement'. The nature of it is Touch, sense organ is Skin and it denotes a Gaseous state. Characteristic of Air is motion or movement and there are 3 types of movement viz - collecting, holding and distributing. To make anything move, the effort to be taken is the job of air element. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Air Rasis are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Saturn
is the furthest planet in the solar system and windy by temperament. Saturn is the controller of Prana (Breath) by providing the Air and hence ends up being the Governor of Air.
Fire:
The one keyword signifying Fire is 'Creation'. The nature of it is Form, sense organ is Eyes and it denotes a Energy state. Characteristic of Fire is to go up and rise. It is about putting shape to an object and distinguishing it's form and features. The job is to gain knowledge, being authoritative and to perform action. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Fire Rasis are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Mars being the natural aggressor and depicting all fiery energetic traits gets to be the Governor of Fire.
Water:
The one keyword signifying Water is 'Application'. The nature of it is Taste, sense organ is Tongue and it denotes a Liquid state. Characteristic of Water is to build or give happiness as it is the best solvent. It collects, spreads, observes, synthesizes and applies to check if what was formed makes sense. It signifies pleasure by applying what has been formed. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Water Rasis are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Venus being the natural preserver of happiness and depicting all watery fluid traits is the Governor of Water.
Earth:
The one keyword signifying Earth is 'Preservation'. The nature of it is Smell, sense organ is Nose and it denotes a Solid state. Characteristic of Earth is to take care of small things and make into bigger things. It is steady in nature and unless external force is applied it does not move. Accumulating and increasing the learnt knowledge is a feature of Earth element. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Earth Rasis are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Mercury being the harbinger of logic and learning providing a foundation for the resources accumulated happens to be the rightful Governor of Earth.
Thus, if you look at it from a broad point of view, the Pancha Bhoota elements are associated with the characteristics that are exhibited by planets. However there is another feature which each of the planets denote which defines the innate nature or Tattva of these elements and that classification is entirely different as can be observed.
Mars relation to Earth:
Mars is said to be the Son of the Earth and is the closest planet that can be considered for living beings to exist apart from Earth. All Land related things that are fixed and rooted to the ground are all mostly ruled by Mars and it's rightfully called the Bhoomi Karaka carrying most of the Earthly significations.
Venus relation to Fire:
Venus is the signifier of Beauty and we are aware that Fire element arises by putting shape to an object. The light of fire is reflective and takes a form or feature that defines the inner passionate nature of Venus. Fire element is also to do with creation and there is a saying ''Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," which means beauty doesn't exist on its own but is created by observers. Also the brightest planet of the solar system happens to be Venus clearly bringing out the innate nature of Fire.
Mercury relation to Water:
Mercury defines intelligence and is said to be a youthful planet. It is the only planet that has a mixture of all the three humors making up the ayurvedic elements of Vaata, Pitta and Kapha. This certainly defines that Mercury is associated with a certain refined taste and artistic ability to portray it's talents. Also looking at it from the solar system, Mercury though being closest to the Sun is said to possess water in it's craters. All this perhaps defines the water element that is brought out by Mercury.
Jupiter relation to Air:
Jupiter is the planet of expansion and known to be the planet that is known to impart knowledge. Even the ancient temple Guruvayur split as Guru = Jupiter and Vayu = Air is dedicated to Lord Krishna and there is a popular statement stating Lord Krishna to be the greatest teacher. This is also justified by the fact that 'Teaching' happens to be one of the prominent significations of planet Jupiter. Also in the solar system Jupiter happens to be the largest planet and said to be a gas giant establishing it's gaseous nature that defines most Air related things.
Saturn relation to Ether:
Saturn defines a state of emptiness and is also a signification for separation. We know that Ether is everything that is associated with a Vacuum state. The 10th house is associated with Karma and it is also known to be the highest point in the sky called as the Mid Heaven and we know that the natural ruler of the 10th sign in the Zodiac happens to be Saturn. Among the Navagrahas, Saturn also happens to be the furthest planet in the solar system and consists of a magnetic field of mass with several Moon rings around it making it extensive and widespread. All these indicate that Saturn rules most of the Ether related significations.
Summary in a Nutshell:
- Ether characteristics are exhibited by Jupiter but Ether related significations are denoted by Saturn
- Air characteristics are exhibited by Saturn but Air related significations are denoted by Jupiter
- Fire characteristics are exhibited by Mars but Fire related significations are denoted by Venus
- Water characteristics are exhibited by Venus but Water related significations are denoted by Mercury
- Earth characteristics are exhibited by Mercury but Earth related significations are denoted by Mars
Alternatively, it can also be said that;
- Mars is Fire element by nature (One can think of Anger, Energy, Domination) but implies Earth significations (such as Landed Properties, Construction, Roots)
- Venus is Water element by nature (One can think of Sentiment, Happiness, Imagination) but implies Fire significations (Beauty, Passion, Creativity)
- Mercury is Earth element by nature (One can think of Intelligence, Logical, Organize) but implies Water significations (Application, Synthesis, Taste)
- Jupiter is Ether element by nature (One can think of Expansion, Life Force, Availability) but implies Air significations (Teaching, Learning, Knowledge Gathering)
- Saturn is Air element by nature (One can think of Movement, Unorthodox, Efforts) but implies Ether significations (Such as Distance, Separation, Karma)
Thus if you look at it from a larger picture including the zodiac signs which are assigned to each of the planets, it may be interesting to note that almost all the elements are associated with the planets;
- Mars owns a Fire (Aries) and a Water (Scorpio) sign, it is Fiery by nature and indicates Earth related things
- Venus owns a Earth (Taurus) and Air (Libra) sign, it is Watery by nature and indicates Fire related things
- Mercury owns a Air (Gemini) and Earth (Virgo) sign, it is Earthy by nature and indicates Water related things
- Jupiter owns a Fire (Sagittarius) and a Water (Pisces) sign, it is Ethery by nature and indicates Air related things
- Saturn owns a Earth (Capricorn) and Air (Aquarius) sign, it is Airy by nature and indicates Ether related things
Panchanga Planetary Rulers:
Air: (Also Wind)
The one keyword signifying Air is 'Movement'. The nature of it is Touch, sense organ is Skin and it denotes a Gaseous state. Characteristic of Air is motion or movement and there are 3 types of movement viz - collecting, holding and distributing. To make anything move, the effort to be taken is the job of air element. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Air Rasis are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Saturn
is the furthest planet in the solar system and windy by temperament. Saturn is the controller of Prana (Breath) by providing the Air and hence ends up being the Governor of Air.
Fire:
The one keyword signifying Fire is 'Creation'. The nature of it is Form, sense organ is Eyes and it denotes a Energy state. Characteristic of Fire is to go up and rise. It is about putting shape to an object and distinguishing it's form and features. The job is to gain knowledge, being authoritative and to perform action. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Fire Rasis are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Mars being the natural aggressor and depicting all fiery energetic traits gets to be the Governor of Fire.
Water:
The one keyword signifying Water is 'Application'. The nature of it is Taste, sense organ is Tongue and it denotes a Liquid state. Characteristic of Water is to build or give happiness as it is the best solvent. It collects, spreads, observes, synthesizes and applies to check if what was formed makes sense. It signifies pleasure by applying what has been formed. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Water Rasis are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Venus being the natural preserver of happiness and depicting all watery fluid traits is the Governor of Water.
Earth:
The one keyword signifying Earth is 'Preservation'. The nature of it is Smell, sense organ is Nose and it denotes a Solid state. Characteristic of Earth is to take care of small things and make into bigger things. It is steady in nature and unless external force is applied it does not move. Accumulating and increasing the learnt knowledge is a feature of Earth element. In Vedic Astrology, the 3 Earth Rasis are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Mercury being the harbinger of logic and learning providing a foundation for the resources accumulated happens to be the rightful Governor of Earth.
Thus, if you look at it from a broad point of view, the Pancha Bhoota elements are associated with the characteristics that are exhibited by planets. However there is another feature which each of the planets denote which defines the innate nature or Tattva of these elements and that classification is entirely different as can be observed.
Mars relation to Earth:
Mars is said to be the Son of the Earth and is the closest planet that can be considered for living beings to exist apart from Earth. All Land related things that are fixed and rooted to the ground are all mostly ruled by Mars and it's rightfully called the Bhoomi Karaka carrying most of the Earthly significations.
Venus relation to Fire:
Venus is the signifier of Beauty and we are aware that Fire element arises by putting shape to an object. The light of fire is reflective and takes a form or feature that defines the inner passionate nature of Venus. Fire element is also to do with creation and there is a saying ''Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," which means beauty doesn't exist on its own but is created by observers. Also the brightest planet of the solar system happens to be Venus clearly bringing out the innate nature of Fire.
Mercury relation to Water:
Mercury defines intelligence and is said to be a youthful planet. It is the only planet that has a mixture of all the three humors making up the ayurvedic elements of Vaata, Pitta and Kapha. This certainly defines that Mercury is associated with a certain refined taste and artistic ability to portray it's talents. Also looking at it from the solar system, Mercury though being closest to the Sun is said to possess water in it's craters. All this perhaps defines the water element that is brought out by Mercury.
Jupiter relation to Air:
Jupiter is the planet of expansion and known to be the planet that is known to impart knowledge. Even the ancient temple Guruvayur split as Guru = Jupiter and Vayu = Air is dedicated to Lord Krishna and there is a popular statement stating Lord Krishna to be the greatest teacher. This is also justified by the fact that 'Teaching' happens to be one of the prominent significations of planet Jupiter. Also in the solar system Jupiter happens to be the largest planet and said to be a gas giant establishing it's gaseous nature that defines most Air related things.
Saturn relation to Ether:
Saturn defines a state of emptiness and is also a signification for separation. We know that Ether is everything that is associated with a Vacuum state. The 10th house is associated with Karma and it is also known to be the highest point in the sky called as the Mid Heaven and we know that the natural ruler of the 10th sign in the Zodiac happens to be Saturn. Among the Navagrahas, Saturn also happens to be the furthest planet in the solar system and consists of a magnetic field of mass with several Moon rings around it making it extensive and widespread. All these indicate that Saturn rules most of the Ether related significations.
Summary in a Nutshell:
- Ether characteristics are exhibited by Jupiter but Ether related significations are denoted by Saturn
- Air characteristics are exhibited by Saturn but Air related significations are denoted by Jupiter
- Fire characteristics are exhibited by Mars but Fire related significations are denoted by Venus
- Water characteristics are exhibited by Venus but Water related significations are denoted by Mercury
- Earth characteristics are exhibited by Mercury but Earth related significations are denoted by Mars
Alternatively, it can also be said that;
- Mars is Fire element by nature (One can think of Anger, Energy, Domination) but implies Earth significations (such as Landed Properties, Construction, Roots)
- Venus is Water element by nature (One can think of Sentiment, Happiness, Imagination) but implies Fire significations (Beauty, Passion, Creativity)
- Mercury is Earth element by nature (One can think of Intelligence, Logical, Organize) but implies Water significations (Application, Synthesis, Taste)
- Jupiter is Ether element by nature (One can think of Expansion, Life Force, Availability) but implies Air significations (Teaching, Learning, Knowledge Gathering)
- Saturn is Air element by nature (One can think of Movement, Unorthodox, Efforts) but implies Ether significations (Such as Distance, Separation, Karma)
Thus if you look at it from a larger picture including the zodiac signs which are assigned to each of the planets, it may be interesting to note that almost all the elements are associated with the planets;
- Mars owns a Fire (Aries) and a Water (Scorpio) sign, it is Fiery by nature and indicates Earth related things
- Venus owns a Earth (Taurus) and Air (Libra) sign, it is Watery by nature and indicates Fire related things
- Mercury owns a Air (Gemini) and Earth (Virgo) sign, it is Earthy by nature and indicates Water related things
- Jupiter owns a Fire (Sagittarius) and a Water (Pisces) sign, it is Ethery by nature and indicates Air related things
- Saturn owns a Earth (Capricorn) and Air (Aquarius) sign, it is Airy by nature and indicates Ether related things
Panchanga Planetary Rulers:
Panchang represents the 5 limbs of Time and each element of the Panchang is also ruled by a certain planet. Listing below the planetary rulers with a brief synopsis of each of these elements that are prevalent in the Panchang:
Vara - Jupiter
Nakshatra - Mars
Tithi - Venus
Yoga - Mercury
Karana - Saturn
Vara : Solar Day Transiting at Birth
It is said that Knowledge of Vara brings Life. Few of the characteristics that Vara signifies can be categorized as Vitality, Health, Happiness, Characteristic, Life Force. We know the natural Jeeva Karaka is Jupiter and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Vara element.
Nakshatra : The constellation of Moon transiting at Birth
It is said that Knowledge of Nakshatra removes sins. Some characteristics that Nakshatra signifies can be classified as Laying foundation, Preserving knowledge, Consolidation, Growth. This talks about roots and ground level knowledge which is signified by Mars and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Nakshatra element. Also a Nakshatra based ancient text 'Kumaraswamiyam' that imparts the knowledge of Nakshatras which as legend goes is directly interpreted by Lord Muruga (Karthikeya) is known to be the deity of planet Mars. Hence the relation of Mars and Nakshatras.
Tithi : Every 12 degrees of angular distance at which the Moon moves away from the Sun
It is said that Knowledge of Tithi brings prosperity. Certain characteristics that Tithi states about is Passion, Pleasures, Relationship, Desires. This is under the ownership of Venus and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Tithi element.
Yoga : Sum total of Sun + Moon amounting to 13 degrees 20 minutes each
It is said that Knowledge of Yoga removes immunity from diseases. Yoga's characteristics speak about general well being, fulfillment of needs etc. This is under the control of Mercury and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Yoga element.
Karana : Every 6 degrees of angular distance at which the Moon moves away from the Sun
It is said that Knowledge of Karanas leads to success. Karanas characteristics include Work getting accomplished, providing a direction in life, making things happen. Saturn rules Karma and is the natural ruler of the 10th house of profession. It is also known to be the 'Karya Siddhi' which translates to tasks being completed. Hence Saturn takes the primary responsibility of the Karana element.
Vara - Jupiter
Nakshatra - Mars
Tithi - Venus
Yoga - Mercury
Karana - Saturn
Vara : Solar Day Transiting at Birth
It is said that Knowledge of Vara brings Life. Few of the characteristics that Vara signifies can be categorized as Vitality, Health, Happiness, Characteristic, Life Force. We know the natural Jeeva Karaka is Jupiter and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Vara element.
Nakshatra : The constellation of Moon transiting at Birth
It is said that Knowledge of Nakshatra removes sins. Some characteristics that Nakshatra signifies can be classified as Laying foundation, Preserving knowledge, Consolidation, Growth. This talks about roots and ground level knowledge which is signified by Mars and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Nakshatra element. Also a Nakshatra based ancient text 'Kumaraswamiyam' that imparts the knowledge of Nakshatras which as legend goes is directly interpreted by Lord Muruga (Karthikeya) is known to be the deity of planet Mars. Hence the relation of Mars and Nakshatras.
Tithi : Every 12 degrees of angular distance at which the Moon moves away from the Sun
It is said that Knowledge of Tithi brings prosperity. Certain characteristics that Tithi states about is Passion, Pleasures, Relationship, Desires. This is under the ownership of Venus and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Tithi element.
Yoga : Sum total of Sun + Moon amounting to 13 degrees 20 minutes each
It is said that Knowledge of Yoga removes immunity from diseases. Yoga's characteristics speak about general well being, fulfillment of needs etc. This is under the control of Mercury and hence it takes the primary responsibility of the Yoga element.
Karana : Every 6 degrees of angular distance at which the Moon moves away from the Sun
It is said that Knowledge of Karanas leads to success. Karanas characteristics include Work getting accomplished, providing a direction in life, making things happen. Saturn rules Karma and is the natural ruler of the 10th house of profession. It is also known to be the 'Karya Siddhi' which translates to tasks being completed. Hence Saturn takes the primary responsibility of the Karana element.
Note: There are also other views with respect to the Panchanga planetary rulers.
Alternate Planetary Panchang Rulers - 1
Vara - Mars
Nakshatra - Mercury
Tithi - Venus
Yoga - Jupiter
Karana - Saturn
Since Vara is all about energy it is said to be characterized by the Mars element. Nakshatra is all about relating to the mind and so there is a school that believes Mercury should be the harbinger behind the same. With regard to Yoga, it's all about auspiciousness and hence Jupiter by default takes centerstage in owning the same.
Alternate Planetary Panchang Rulers - 2
Vara - Mars
Nakshatra - Saturn
Tithi - Venus
Yoga - Jupiter
Karana - Mercury
The above list is based on the elements at play. Vara is said to be ruled by the fire element hence Mars takes ownership. Nakshatra is about the ability to think and dissect which deals with the air element and hence ruled by Saturn. Tithi is all about water and so Venus lords it. Yoga is associated with Ether and hence Jupiter takes rulership and Karana denotes earth element and hence associated with Mercury.
In essence, the panchanga elements can also tend to signify the following key words with Vara stating about health/well being (Arogyam), Nakshatra on knowledge/intelligence (Arivu), Tithi about wealth/prosperity (Selvam), Yoga mentioning completeness/satisfaction (Niraivu) and Karana speaks about efforts/perseverance (Muyarchi).
Alternate Planetary Panchang Rulers - 1
Vara - Mars
Nakshatra - Mercury
Tithi - Venus
Yoga - Jupiter
Karana - Saturn
Since Vara is all about energy it is said to be characterized by the Mars element. Nakshatra is all about relating to the mind and so there is a school that believes Mercury should be the harbinger behind the same. With regard to Yoga, it's all about auspiciousness and hence Jupiter by default takes centerstage in owning the same.
Alternate Planetary Panchang Rulers - 2
Vara - Mars
Nakshatra - Saturn
Tithi - Venus
Yoga - Jupiter
Karana - Mercury
The above list is based on the elements at play. Vara is said to be ruled by the fire element hence Mars takes ownership. Nakshatra is about the ability to think and dissect which deals with the air element and hence ruled by Saturn. Tithi is all about water and so Venus lords it. Yoga is associated with Ether and hence Jupiter takes rulership and Karana denotes earth element and hence associated with Mercury.
In essence, the panchanga elements can also tend to signify the following key words with Vara stating about health/well being (Arogyam), Nakshatra on knowledge/intelligence (Arivu), Tithi about wealth/prosperity (Selvam), Yoga mentioning completeness/satisfaction (Niraivu) and Karana speaks about efforts/perseverance (Muyarchi).
