Counter-magic and uncrossing
Navagraha shanti
A pacifying rite to the nine planetary powers of Hindu astrology, done when a horoscope is read as difficult.
Presented by ClearTrust Customs described as customs, free to read.
In Hindu astrology, jyotisha, nine planetary powers called the navagraha are believed to shape a life: the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and the two lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. When an astrologer reads a chart as showing a difficult period, a family may hold a navagraha shanti, a rite of pacifying. It is usually done at a temple or at home with a priest, often before a wedding, a house move or a business start.
This is an outline of a custom, said as belief and practice. It is not instruction, it does not say that the rite works, and it is not medical advice.
What goes into it
- Nine vessels or placesSpaceOne for each planet, set in a pattern.
- Nine grainsOfferingEach planet has its own grain.
- Sacred fire (homa)SubstanceThe fire in which offerings are made.
- Mantras to each planetWordRecited by the priest.
- Coloured clothsObjectEach tinted to a planet.
- Gifts (dana)OfferingGiven to priests and the needy.
- Space
- Offering
- Substance
- Word
- Object
Each part has an equal wedge. The ring shows what goes into the rite, not how much. Colour is the part's role.
The steps, drawn
Each drawing shows the kind of act in that step. Details differ from place to place, family to family and practitioner to practitioner.
Step 1: Gather The astrologer names which planets are to be honoured. Step 2: Circle A priest sets out the nine places and the homa fire. Step 3: Light The fire is lit and the grains are offered. Step 4: Speak Mantras to each planet are recited. Step 5: Offer Gifts are given to the priests and the poor. Step 6: Close The hosts take the blessed grain home.
What is done
A priest sets up nine places or vessels for the nine planets, each with its own colour, grain and mantra, and a sacred fire, a homa, is lit. The hosts make offerings and give gifts to priests and the poor, called dana. The idea is not that the planets can be commanded but that they can be honoured and their strength balanced.
Cost and scepticism
Some astrologers sell costly gemstones, rings and special rites, and consumer groups and sceptics have long warned of fraud and pressure on worried people. Scholars of religion point out that the rite offers a way to meet fear with community, charity and shared prayer. The nine-planet shrines in Tamil Nadu temples are also visited by people who simply seek blessing.
What it is for
- Pacify a difficult planetary period
- Bless a wedding, a house move or a new business
Who does it
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Original text and drawings by the EveryJaadu desk, written with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Closed or sacred detail is left out. If we have something wrong, tell us.