WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF VEDIC ARCHETYPES! Every tradition in the world has its archetypes; powerful, mythical beings that shape our world and can be contacted when in need. (Think of the power of the story of the Christ Child and how it has given hope and love to westerners over the centuries.) I would like to introduce you to the planets as archetypes, and also to some of the Vedic (East Indian) beings that are associated with them. They also can powerfully influence and transform our lives. After the introduction there is a brief description of each planet, its sphere of influence, and how to connect with it. INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANETS AND THEIR MANTRAS Each of the planets has a divine energy that is most accessible at certain times, including its day of the week. If we sincerely commune with its energies, we get access to the many gifts and blessings that the planet can bestow. One of the most powerful ways to access this energy is through mantra, or sacred sound. The Sanskrit language is very special because the sounds that compose the words all have a specific vibration, and when we say the sounds, that vibration is activated. Therefore, be assured that if you pronounce them correctly, you are activating the planet s energy. (I will be making some audios with the sounds; for now try www.astroved.com if you want help with this.) Each planet also has an overlord, a cosmic archetype that can add to or modify the effects of the planet. Therefore, it is important to also acknowledge the overlord of the planet. It is a good idea to repeat a mantra in multiples of three times. If you repeat it 108 or more times, the vibration will penetrate your psyche and create a new vibration in you. Mantras can be sung out loud or silently. After repeating the mantra (or from time to time during, if you are making a lot of repetitions), make a sincere, specific request for the blessings you want. THE MOON, CHANDRA Day of the week: Monday. Colour: White The Moon s energy is very important in our lives as it rules our mind and psychology. We need positive Moon energy for overall balance, connection to others, nurturing, and success in life. MANTRA: OM CHANDRAYA NAMAHA (Om Chandra, I salute you.)
PARVATI, THE MOON S OVERLORD This beautiful archetype is a goddess who can bring us happiness and harmony at home. She represents unconditional love and can also help us be more self-disciplined. MANTRA: OM KLEEM PARVATIYE NAMAHA MARS, MANGALA Day of the week: Tuesday Colour: Red Mars is considered a symbol of courage, energy and vitality. He brings passion to any area of life he influences, but also brings a black and white outlook and sometimes aggression. Mars energy is heroic and is also associated with wealth and healing. MANTRA: OM MUM MANGALAYA NAMAHA MURUGA, THE OVERLORD OF MARS Muruga represents a very evolved consciousness of courage and success. Ask Muruga to remove your worries and fears, especially debt and litigation problems, and to replace them with calm and confidence! MANTRA: OM SARAVANABAVAYA NAMAHA (or just saravanabavaya) MERCURY BUDHA Day of the week: Wednesday Colour: Green Mercury is your intellect, skill and powers of discrimination. Mercury is also the power of communication, whether verbal, written, music, or even computers. Sense of humour and your interests are also associated with Mercury. With a strong Mercury you can succeed and do well financially. MANTRA: OM BUDHAYA NAMAHA VISHNU, THE OVERLORD OF MERCURY
Vishnu is the great warrior-king who protects this universe, including all the beings on planet Earth. He can bestow long life, happiness, health and success. The Tulsi plant (also called holy basil in the west) is a powerful healing herb, and is associated with Vishnu. MANTRA: OM NAMO NARAYANAYA NAMAHA JUPITER, GURU Day of the week: Thursday Colour: Gold Jupiter is the most benefic planet. It represents the higher mind, higher teachings, hope and optimism. Jupiter can increase your wealth, health, education and good reputation (and he WANTS to help you!) MANTRA: OM GURAVE NAMAHA SIVA, JUPITER S OVERLORD Colour: White Siva represents the ONE, supreme, cosmic energy that can remove fear, bring health, and overcome all negativity. This is the energy of compassion and enlightenment. MANTRA: OM NAMA SIVAYA (This mantra is good to chant at any time!) VENUS, SHUKRA Day of the week; Friday Colour: cream, pastel colours Venus is the planet whose energies connect us with the arts, beauty and pleasure all those things we enjoy and can get attached to. This includes romantic relationships, good food, entertainment and wealth. It is good to honour Venus for providing us with the things that make life worthwhile for us, and to ask for them if they are scarce in our lives. MANTRA: OM SHUKRAYA NAMAHA Lakshmi, Venus Overlord Colours: pink and gold
Lakshmi is a beautiful archetype that is infinitely wealthy, generous and loving. She resonates with purpose and direction, and represents the goal of life, which is both material and spiritual prosperity. You can ask her assistance to achieve peace, love and prosperity in your life. MANTRA: OM SHREEM LAKSHMIYE NAMAHA SATURN SHANI Day of the week: Saturday Colours: Black, brown, navy Saturn is the planet that helps us develop stamina and perseverance, which is necessary for success; he also enhances our sense of duty, discipline and responsibility. Saturn is pleased when we act with humility and in service to others. Sometimes Saturn precipitates difficulties or delays for us as an opportunity to grow. You can ask Saturn to make things easier for you, and also to give you qualities of strength and endurance. MANTRA: OM SANECHARAYA NAMAHA HANUMAN, SATURN S OVERLORD Hanuman symbolizes strength and loyalty, and can give you courage and inner peace. He has energy to overcome any kind of negativity. Good for students, business people, anyone wanting victory in some sphere of life. Ask him to relieve pressure you may be getting from Saturn. MANTRA: OM HANUMANPATYE NAMAHA SUN SURYA Day of the week: Sunday Colours: Gold, red The Sun is the source of all life; all the light and energy we receive from the other heavenly bodies in the solar system comes through it. The Sun stands for power and authority, strong steady energy and big things like institutions. It is the most important and powerful planet in your chart; ask the Sun to help you follow your true soul desires, and for help you attain true happiness and good finances. MANTRA: OM SURYAYA NAMAHA SIVA, THE SUN S OVERLORD
Siva represents Supreme Consciousness; he is unending Intelligence and Grace. He is often depicted as a yogi in deep meditation and is also known as the Destroyer because his energy clears out what is no longer useful so something new may come forth. Use Siva s mantra to harmonize the Sun s energy in your life, and to raise and balance your energy so you can change your karma and attain your soul s true desires. MANTRA: OM NAMAH SIVAYA RAHU AND KETU These two planets (the nodes of the Moon) mark points in the Moon s orbit around the Earth. Their influence is very strong, but since it is on the subconscious level, it is difficult to understand. RAHU Day of the week: Monday Colour: Purple and shades of gray Rahu s energy is an expansive force in our lives. It represents karmic lessons and skills we are learning in this life. This usually shows up as attachments that keep us coming back to a certain type of experience till we learn what is needed. Rahu can bring lots of energy, innovation and growth. It can also bring confusion, obsession and an inability to learn from our mistakes. MANTRA: OM RAHAVE NAMAHA DURGA, RAHU S OVERLORD This fierce goddess was created to SAVE the world from an evil demon which was destroying the world. She rides on a lion and h Nas many arms carrying different weapons, and she knows how to use them. Durga is still on duty today, and will gladly use her many celestial weapons to ward off even the darkest problems you may have. Nothing can defeat her. MANTRA: OM DUM DURGAYA NAMAHA KETU Day of the week: Sunday Colour: Variegated
Ketu represents gifts and abilities we bring from past lives. It is an energy of focus and perfecting something, and also can be withdrawal and lack of interest, since we are getting ready to move on to new challenges. Therefore Ketu is the planet of detachment and sometimes loss. Because letting go of attachments is part of the spiritual path, Ketu is known also as the Saintly planet. Ask Ketu to help you access hidden gifts and talents, to help you do an excellent job. Ask Ketu not to take away important things that you value. MANTRA: OM KETAVE NAMAHA GANESHA, THE OVERLORD OF KETU Much loved by those who have made his acquaintance, Ganesha has an elephant head with big ears for listening, tiny eyes for concentrating, a big belly to digest life s problems, a long flexible trunk and he delights in helping us. He is very fast and can travel instantly to heaven itself and get the information we need. One of his hands holds some sweets, symbolizing his love of the sweet things in life. Don t wait till Sunday to ask Ganesha for help! He is very generous, and happy to help us. With his great intelligence he can see obstacles, even in the future, and remove them for us if we only ask. MANTRA: OM GUM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA