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Mercury
in Vedic astrology is known as BUDHA, the awakened discriminating
intellect and the part of us that knows. Mercury is
benefice if associated with benefice grahas, and malefic
is associated with malefic grahas. He is known as grahapati,
or lord of the planets.
Mercury rules over two signs of the
sidereal zodiac, Gemini and Virgo. He is exalted in
Virgo at 15 degrees, and in his fall in the opposite
sign of Pisces. Where the Moon is the innocent mind,
Mercury is the intellect that discriminates between
benefic and malefic ideas, or good and evil.
The intellect is neutral and becomes
whatever it is associated with. Mercury is learned in
behavior. Mercury is a karaka or indicator of intelligence,
commerce, education, communication writing, books, humor,
scholars, thieves and astrologers. Vedic sage Parasara
describes him; "Mercury is endowed with an attractive
physique and the capacity to use words with many meanings.
He is fond of jokes..."
Mercury reaches full maturity at age
32. In Vedic myth Mercury is born of the Moon. One myth
recounts how the Moon, overcome with lust, abducts Tara,
the wife of Brihaspati, or Jupiter. Out of their union
Budha, or Mercury is born. Thus the intellect is born
of the mind.
There is a relationship of enmity between
the Moon and Mercury that belies a deep truth. The Moon
is innocent in its observation, while Mercury is evaluative
and discriminating in its observation.
BUDHA or MERCURY is considered as the greatest among
the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth etc.
on his devotees. He removes evil thoughts from their
minds. He is the chief among GNANIS (realized souls).
He is considered Vishnu Rupi, because of his beauty
and resemblance. A prayer to Him, especially on Wednesdays
brings in manifold benefits like removal of all obstacles,
helps one to get a progeny, possession of fertile lands
etc.
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