Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury

Surya — the Sun

Signifies the soul, vitality, authority, the father, government, and self-definition. It is the atmakaraka in the general sense — the significator of the self — and it rules Leo, is exalted in Aries and debilitated in Libra.

A strong Sun gives confidence, a natural relationship to authority, and physical resilience. Afflicted, the tradition reads difficulty with the father, with figures of authority, or with self-worth. Its heat also has a practical effect on other planets, which Lesson 6 covers as combustion.

Chandra — the Moon

Signifies the mind, the mother, emotion, the public, and everything that fluctuates. It rules Cancer, is exalted in Taurus and debilitated in Scorpio. From Level 1 you already know it is the reference point for rashi, nakshatra and the entire dasha system.

Its phase matters more than for any other planet. A waxing Moon near full is strong; a dark Moon close to the Sun is considered weak regardless of sign. When assessing a chart, check the Moon’s phase before its dignity.

An afflicted Moon is read as affecting emotional steadiness and the relationship with the mother. It is also the placement most often overread — the tradition is describing temperament, not diagnosing anything.

Mangala — Mars

Signifies energy, courage, conflict, siblings, land and property, and anything sharp — surgery, engineering, weapons, argument. It rules Aries and Scorpio, is exalted in Capricorn and debilitated in Cancer.

Mars is the planet most associated with fear-marketing, through Mangal dosha. Worth restating what you learned earlier: the dosha is common, has recognised cancellations, and the combinations are present in a large share of charts.

Strong Mars gives drive and physical capability. Afflicted, the tradition reads temper, accidents, and conflict — but note the pattern: an afflicted planet’s difficulties are always the shadow of its strengths.

Budha — Mercury

Signifies intellect, speech, commerce, analysis, and dexterity. It rules Gemini and Virgo, is exalted in Virgo — unusually, the same sign it rules — and debilitated in Pisces.

Mercury never travels more than 28 degrees from the Sun, which has two consequences worth remembering. It is frequently combust, and Sun–Mercury conjunctions are extremely common, which is why Budha-Aditya yoga is far less remarkable than it is presented as being.

It is also the most context-dependent graha. Alone or with benefics it behaves benefically; with malefics it takes their character. Read Mercury by its company before its dignity.