Planets: Dhaatus, Time Periods, and Tastes
In Vedic astrology, planets are associated with various aspects of human life and the physical world. These associations help astrologers understand how planetary influences manifest in different areas of life.
This page explores three important planetary associations: the seven bodily tissues (Sapta Dhaatus), time periods, and tastes. These correspondences are used in medical astrology, timing of events, and dietary recommendations based on one's birth chart.
| Planet | Symbol | Dhaatu (Body Tissue) | Time Period | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VENUS | ♀ | Semen/Reproductive system | Fortnight (15 days) | Sour (e.g., lemon, tamarind) |
| SUN | ☉ | Bones | Ayana (6 months) | Pungent (e.g., onion, ginger, pepper) |
| MOON | ☽ | Blood | Minute | Saline (e.g., sea salt, rock salt) |
| MARS | ♂ | Marrow | Week | Bitter (e.g., bitter melon, dandelion root, neem leaves) |
| JUPITER | ♃ | Fat | Month | Sweet (e.g., sugar, dates) |
| SATURN | ♄ | Muscles | Year | Astringent (e.g., plantain, pomegranate) |
| MERCURY | ☿ | Skin | Ritu (Season, 2 months) | Mixed |
Sapta Dhaatus (Seven Body Tissues)
According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of seven fundamental tissues or dhaatus. Each planet rules one of these tissues, and the condition of a planet in the birth chart can indicate potential health issues related to its corresponding tissue.
Time Periods
Planets are associated with specific time periods, which are particularly useful in horary astrology (Prasna). When interpreting a horary chart, these time periods can indicate when the queried event might occur.
Tastes
Each planet governs a specific taste. These associations are used in medical astrology to recommend dietary adjustments based on one's birth chart. For example, if a planet is likely to cause health issues during a particular period, one might be advised to reduce foods with that planet's taste.
Applications in Vedic Astrology
These planetary associations have several practical applications in Vedic astrology:
Medical Astrology
The dhaatu associations help identify potential health vulnerabilities. For example, if the Sun is afflicted in a birth chart, it may indicate potential issues with bones. Similarly, a weak Moon might suggest blood-related problems.
Timing of Events
In horary astrology (Prasna), the time periods associated with planets help predict when a queried event might occur. For instance, if Jupiter is significant in a horary chart, the event might manifest within a month.
Dietary Recommendations
The taste associations guide dietary adjustments. The 2nd house in a birth chart indicates one's food preferences, and the planets influencing it may determine favorite tastes. Additionally, during challenging planetary periods, one might be advised to reduce foods with tastes governed by the problematic planet.
Remedial Measures
These associations are used in formulating remedial measures. For example, if Mars is causing problems, reducing bitter foods might help mitigate its negative effects. Similarly, strengthening a weak planet might involve consuming foods with its associated taste in moderation.