Vedic astrology · graha · a benefic that takes on the nature of its company
Budha (Mercury)
Intellect, speech, trade, writing and youth.
At a glance
- Signifies
- intellect, speech, trade, writing and youth
- Nature
- a benefic that takes on the nature of its company
- Exalted
- Virgo, deepest at 15°
- Debilitated
- Pisces, deepest at 15°
- Own signs
- Gemini, Virgo
- Moolatrikona
- Virgo 16° to 20°
- Friends
- Sun, Venus
- Enemies
- Moon
- Neutral
- Mars, Jupiter, Saturn
- Day
- Wednesday
- Gemstone
- Emerald
Budha mahadasha: 17 years
Seventeen years of intellect and trade: study, writing, business, communication and friends.
In the Vimshottari order it follows the Saturn dasha and is followed by Ketu. Your first dasha is set by the nakshatra of your Moon at birth: anyone born with the Moon in Ashlesha, Jyeshtha or Revati starts life in the Mercury dasha.
The nakshatras of Budha
Budha as Atmakaraka and Darakaraka
In Jaimini astrology the graha furthest through its sign is the Atmakaraka and the least advanced is the Darakaraka.
- Atmakaraka (the soul)
- The soul wants to learn, speak and understand. The test is truthful speech and a humble mind.
- Darakaraka (the spouse)
- The spouse is youthful, witty, educated and talkative, perhaps in trade, writing or tech.
Budha in the 7th and the 10th
- In the 7th house
- A youthful, talkative, clever partner, perhaps in trade, writing or tech. Conversation is the glue, and there may be two important relationships.
- In the 10th house
- Mercury in the 10th gives a career in words, numbers, trade or technology, often more than one at once.
Yogas of Budha
- Budha-Aditya yoga
- Sun and Mercury in one sign: intelligence, learning and skill with words.
- Bhadra yoga
- Mercury strong in a kendra: intelligence, eloquence and business sense (a Pancha Mahapurusha yoga).
The nine grahas
Questions and answers
What does Budha signify in Vedic astrology?
Intellect, speech, trade, writing and youth. It is a benefic that takes on the nature of its company.
How long is the Mercury mahadasha?
17 years. Seventeen years of intellect and trade: study, writing, business, communication and friends.
Where is Mercury exalted and debilitated?
Exalted in Virgo (deepest at 15°), debilitated in Pisces.
Who are Mercury's friends and enemies?
Friends: Sun, Venus. Enemies: Moon.
What is the gemstone of Mercury?
Emerald, by tradition. Astrologers advise wearing it only after the whole chart has been read.