The Seven Sages (Saptarishi) in Vedic Astrology
The Seven Sages (Saptarishi) are the most revered celestial sages in Hindu mythology and Vedic astrology. They are represented by the seven bright stars of the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation. According to Vedic astrology, these sages have a circular motion around the Pole Star and are observed to predict events affecting kingdoms and the welfare of people.
The Seven Sages were in the lunar mansion Magha when King Yudhishtira was ruling over the earth, approximately 2526 years before the commencement of the Saka era. Their movements through the lunar mansions are carefully tracked by astrologers to understand their influence on earthly events.
The Seven Sages and Their Positions
Marichi (मरीचि)
Situated in the east. When hurt, proves destructive to the Gandharvas, Gods, demons, spells, herbs, angels, Yakshas, Nagas and Vidyadharas.
Vasishta (वसिष्ठ)
Situated to the west of Marichi. When hurt, proves destructive to the Sakas, Yavanas, Daradas, Paratas, Kambojas and hermits living in the forest. When radiant, he bestows prosperity.
Angiras (अंगिरस)
Situated to the west of Vasishta. Scholars, intelligent men and Brahmins are enumerated as belonging to Angiras.
Atri (अत्रि)
Situated to the west of Angiras. Foresters, aquatic products, the ocean and rivers are allotted to Sage Atri.
Pulasthya (पुलस्त्य)
Situated next to Atri. Giants, devils, demons, Daityas and serpents are said to belong to Pulasthya.
Pulaha (पुलह)
Situated next to Pulasthya. Roots and fruits are allotted to Pulaha.
Kratu (क्रतु)
Situated next to Pulaha. Sacrifices and sacred rituals are allotted to Kratu.
Arundhatee (अरुंधती)
The paragon of virtue, following the great Sage Vasishta. She is the chaste companion of the Seven Sages.
Duration and Movement
The sages in their course remain for a period of 100 years in each lunar mansion. Whichever star to the east of which the sages rise, makes them conspicuous, in that they are said to be posited.
The sages rise constantly in the northeast, together with the chaste Arundhatee, moving in a circular motion around the Pole Star. The northern region shines as if adorned with a necklace of pearls through the movements of these sages.
Effects of the Seven Sages
When Pale or Vexed
When these stars are pale, devoid of beams, vexed by meteors, thunderbolts, smoke and the like, or tiny, they will destroy severally their own dependencies.
When Large and Bright
When they appear large and bright, they tend to make their dependencies prosper and flourish.
The Circular Motion
The Seven Sages move in a circular motion around the Pole Star (Dhruva), the leader of the northern region. Through their circular movements, the northern region seems verily dancing at the instruction of the Pole-Star. This celestial dance is observed by astrologers to understand the cosmic order and its influence on earthly events.