Role of Mercury in Vedic Astrology

As per Vedic Astrology, the planet, Mercury is considered as the son of the Moon. As compared to all other planets, mercury is the smallest one. It is genderless, i.e. it is neither male nor female as well. The color of mercury is green, gem is an emerald, metal is brass, and direction is north. The nature of mercury is neutral and it is the only planet with such nature. It changes according to its placement in the particular house and sun sign owing to its neutral nature. Gemini and Virgo sun signs are ruled by Mercury.

Intelligence, communication, science, mathematics, business, education and research are associated with mercury. It is considered as the planets of writers and extraordinary speakers. The individuals who are driven by mercury are quick thinker, humorous, witty, and restless in mind. Such individuals remains curious about the answers in life. They are great explorers. They love to figure out why things works and how they work. The reason behind this really very interesting. Mercury is the son of Moon and the moon represents the mind, it rules the thoughts and intelligence in the mind. That is why, people who are driven by mercury are the way they are. More often than not, unless it is associated with a malefic planet, mercury is considered as a beneficial planet.

Mercury rules over the zodiac sign Gemini and Virgo. In your body, Mercury rules the nerve, abdomen, tongue, lungs, bowels, bile, hair, mouth, and muscular tissues. Nasal disorders, speech problems, brain or nervous disorders, asthma, bronchitis, and headaches are the diseases associated with Mercury. Mercury rules abdomen, nerve, bowels, tongue, lungs, muscular tissues, and mouth. There are several diseases associated with mercury, some of them are speech problems, brain or nervous disorders, nasal disorders, bronchitis, headaches, asthma, nervous disorders, and so forth.

As per Vedic Astrology, there are some Vedic rituals that are recommended with a sole goal to minimize the ill effects or increase the good effects of the Mercury. Let us have a look at them:

• Wear and donate green colored clothes on Wednesdays
• Emerald is worn to get the maximum benefits from the Mercury
• Worship goddess Parvati with yellow or green flowers
• Once can also distribute the fruits
• Donate alloy or alloy utensils
• Offer fodders to animals
• Distribute sugar, butter, or grams to needy people

With regard to the birth of mercury, there is a very interesting story in Vedic Astrology. It is believed that the moon was the disciple of the planet Jupiter. He got attracted towards the wife of Jupiter, named as “Tara”, and from this relation, Mercury was born.

Vedic Ritual and Sacrifices

People of ancient India excelled in performing Vedic ritual, invoking gods to resolve human issues. They considered Vedic ritual even more superior to God. The knowledge of Vedic ritual was all that mattered to them, since it was the source of all creation, diversity, and fulfillment of desires.

Here, with this post, we are going discuss about some of the aspects of Vedic ritual, how they were practiced and what part they played in the religious and social lives of common individuals.

The importance of sacrifices in Vedic religion

On the surface, you may notice difference between Vedic ritual and spiritual practices of Hinduism. But, after a close examination, you will figure out that both are complimentary rather than contradictory and play an important role in balancing the material and spiritual aspirations of individuals.

Ancient Indians used to practice numerous rituals and sacrifices which were called as Yajnas (Yagnas). These rituals and sacrifices were also known as homa, havana, and yaaga or yagya. Each sacrifices involved various offerings, such as, sacred fire (yagagni), utensils, one or more officiating priests (purohita), gifts (dakshina) for the priests and guests, expiation ceremony (prayaschitta) and several other concluding rituals.

These sacrifices were performed in temples, in open, palaces, or a temporary structure (yajnavatika) built for the purpose. The idea behind such sacrifices was to fulfill needs, please the gods, obtain their blessings, overcome problems, resolve issues or wash away sins.

Vedic people genuinely believed in the efficacy and divine nature of the sacrifices. They used to consider the reason behind every event and activity upon earth as divine cause or the activity of the gods. The idea of sacrifice was a way of life for them and a convenient means to ensure that they have some control over their lives and circumstances and if need arises, they could invoke the power of gods to alter them.

Vedic people believed that Vedic rituals can provide them with power to live like Gods upon earth. They used to believe that life is continues sacrifice in which they offered their lives and possessions as offerings. In order to achieve four aims of human life ­ namely Dharma, wealth, sexual pleasure and liberation, they relied upon Vedic rituals and sacrifices to express their allegiance to gods through prayers and chants.