The renowned Indian poet, writer, philosopher and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) said,
- "Plants are the Earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven."
Astrology is a discipline that has a deep connection with both the heavens and the environment around us. Hence it only makes sense that we make use of the flowers, trees, seeds and houseplants around us to bring greater astrological harmony to our lives.
The influence of plants in astrology operates on three primary levels:
- The planetary level.
- The zodiac level.
- The astrological chart level.
The Plants Corresponding to Each Planet
These plants are used as astrology based remedies to enhance and appease planetary energies. The name of each planet in Vedic astrology is given in brackets and the botanical names of these plants have been provided where applicable:
Corresponding Plants: Wheat, arak or crown flower (calotropis gigantea), sunflower, arjuna tree (terminalia arjuna).
The Sun represents vitality, power and authority. Some of these plants, like crown flower are used in the worship of 'Surya'. These plants exemplify the Sun’s strong, radiant energy and are often used in rituals to invoke the Sun's power.
Corresponding Plants: Lotus (nelumbo nucifera), palash or ‘Flame of the Forest’ (butea monosperma), jasmine (jasminum), sandalwood trees, lilies, white flowers, white flowering plants.
The Moon governs emotions, the mind and fertility. The above plants are used in purification rituals and offerings and are representative of the Moon’s calming, nurturing energy.
Corresponding Plants: Peepal or Bodhi trees (ficus religiosa), marigolds and yellow flowers, banana trees, turmeric (curcuma longa).
Jupiter represents wisdom, progress and spiritual growth. The 'Peepal'' tree is sacred in many traditions and is said to connect the physical and spiritual worlds, embodying Jupiter's immense size and spiritual energy.
Corresponding Plants: Black gram (vigna mungo), grass, violets, bluebells, butterfly pea (clitoria ternatea), blue flowers, cacti.
Rahu is a shadowy planet that governs illusion, ambition and transformation. Its colours are light blue, purple and black. Nothing gets more basic than grass, as it is rooted to the earth and it is used in many sacred rites. Plants with shades of blue and green grass are said to appease Rahu’s unpredictable energy and tendency to cause obstacles and struggles.
Corresponding Plants: Holy basil or tulsi (ocimum sanctum), apamarg or prickly chaff flower, green grass, mint (mentha), banana trees.
Mercury represents intellect, communication and change. Some of the above mentioned plants have medicinal properties and reflect Mercury's association with healing, wisdom and clarity of thought.
Corresponding Plants: Roses (rosa), figs, lilies and white flowers, sandalwood trees.
Venus is the planet of beauty, love and luxury. These plants and trees are linked to fertility and prosperity. They enhance Venus' favourable influence on harmony, relationships and material comfort.
Corresponding Plants: Green grass, 'Neem' (azadirachta indica), halfa or kusha grass (desmostachya bipinnata), dried plants.
Ketu is associated with detachment, spiritual enlightenment, uncertainty and past karma. Kusha grass is sacred and symbolises purity. Prayer mats are often woven from kusha as it focuses spiritual concentration and mats woven from this straw like grass are considered to improve the meditative state.
Corresponding Plants: Red chillies (capsicum annuum), cacti and thorny plants, khair or the catechu tree (acacia catechu).
Mars rules energy, courage and aggression. Plants like the catechu tree are sturdy and hardy, representing the strength, resilience and fiery energy of this planet.
Corresponding Plants: Shami tree (prosopis cineraria), black sesame (sesamum indicum), violets, bluebells and blue flowers.
Saturn represents discipline, perseverance, justice and endurance. The Shami tree is revered for its protective qualities and hardy nature. Saturn is a hard, but just taskmaster and these plants appease Saturn’s influence, bringing out its more benevolent energy.
Lucky Plants for Each Zodiac Sign
In astrology, each zodiac sign is traditionally associated with specific plants, herbs or trees. Each plant is believed to embody attributes that align with those of its corresponding zodiac sign and which resonate with the sign’s ruling planet. These following plants are considered lucky for their corresponding zodiac sign.
- Ruling Planet: Mars.
- Plants:
- Nettle (urtica dioica).
- Honeysuckle (lonicera).
- Thistle (cirsium).
- Ruling Planet: Venus.
- Plants:
- Rose (rosa).
- Apple tree (malus domestica).
- Violet (viola).
- Ruling Planet: Mercury.
- Plants:
- Lavander (lavandula).
- Fern (pteridophyta).
- Dill (anethum graveolens).
- Ruling Planet: The Moon.
- Plants:
- Water lily (nymphaeaceae).
- Lotus (nelumbo nucifera).
- White rose (rosa alba).
- Ruling Planet: The Sun.
- Plants:
- Sunflower (helianthus annuus).
- Marigold (tagetes).
- Bay laurel (laurus nobilis).
Virgo ♍ (August 23 – September 22)
- Ruling Planet: Mercury.
- Plants:
- Rosemary (salvia rosmarinus).
- Parsley (petroselinum crispum).
- Ivy (hedera).
Libra ♎ (September 23 – October 22)
- Ruling Planet: Venus.
- Plants:
- Daisy (bellis perennis).
- Rose (rosa).
- Mint (mentha).
Scorpio ♏ (October 23 – November 21)
- Ruling Planet:Mars and Pluto.
- Plants:
- Cactus (cactaceae).
- Aloe (aloe vera).
- Basil (ocimum basilicum).
Sagittarius ♐ (November 22 – December 21)
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter.
- Plants:
- Sage (salvia officinalis).
- Oak tree (quercus).
- Clove (syzygium aromaticum).
Capricorn ♑ (December 22 – January 19)
- Ruling Planet: Saturn.
- Plants:
- Pine tree (pinus).
- Hemlock (tsuga).
- Ivy (hedera helix).
Aquarius ♒ (January 20 – February 18)
- Ruling Planet: Saturn and Uranus.
- Plants:
- Orchid (orchidaceae).
- Bird of paradise (strelitzia reginae).
- Aloe (aloe vera).
Pisces ♓ (February 19 – March 20)
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter and Neptune.
- Plants:
- Water lily (nymphaeaceae).
- Lotus (nelumbo nucifera).
- Seaweed (algae).
Plants According to the Birth Chart
While plants are commonly used as planetary remedies in Vedic astrology, the specific association of plants with birth chart houses is a more contemporary practice. The correlation of plants and chart houses may be considered to be an interpretation that combines astrological beliefs with those of other metaphysical or holistic systems like herbalism or nature based spirituality.
The following plants may be used as spiritual remedies, as they are believed to carry energy that corresponds to the areas of life governed by each house.
- 1st House (Ascendant): Represents self, personality.
- Plants:
- Neem (azadirachta indica).
- Holy basil (ocimum tenuiflorum).
- Symbolism: Purification, health, vitality.
- 2nd House: Represents wealth, family, household.
- Plants:
- Banyan tree (ficus benghalensis).
- Peepal tree (ficus religiosa).
- Symbolism: Stability, longevity, nourishment.
- 3rd House: Represents employment, siblings, courage.
- Plants:
- Ivy (hedera helix).
- Cactus (cactaceae).
- Symbolism: Growth, strength, adaptability.
- 4th House: Represents maternal influences, material assets.
- Plants:
- Jasmine.
- Rose.
- Symbolism: Comfort, love, emotional well being.
- 5th House: Represents progeny, creativity, academic accomplishment.
- Plants:
- Marigold.
- Hibiscus.
- Symbolism: Creativity, vibrancy, growth.
- 6th House: Represents health, enemies, hidden gains.
- Plants:
- Aloe.
- Basil (ocimum basilicum).
- Symbolism: Healing, purification, protection.
- 7th House: Represents partnerships, marriage.
- Plants:
- Lotus.
- Holy basil (ocimum tenuiflorum).
- Symbolism: Harmony, balance, spiritual connection.
- 8th House: Represents mysteries, transformation, death, unexpected gains.
- Plants:
- Cactus.
- Mushrooms.
- Symbolism: Transformation, resilience, hidden knowledge.
- 9th House: Represents fate, progress, philosophy, religion.
- Plants:
- Peepal (ficus religiosa).
- Oak.
- Symbolism: Wisdom, expansion, growth of knowledge.
- 10th House: Represents career, status, ambition.
- Plants:
- Bamboo.
- Holy basil (ocimum tenuiflorum).
- Symbolism: Strength, resilience, prosperity.
- 11th House: Represents gains, friendships, aspirations.
- Plants:
- Money plant (epipremnum aureum).
- Clover (trifolium).
- Symbolism: Prosperity, abundance, fulfilment of desires.
- 12th House: Represents financial expenses, spirituality, loss, after life.
- Plants:
- Lavender.
- Water lily (nymphaeaceae).
- Symbolism: Peace, tranquillity, spiritual growth.
How are Plants Used in Astrology?
Plants, trees, flowers and leaves have specific uses in astrological practices, especially in Vedic astrology. They are often used as remedies to balance planetary influences, enhance positive energies and mitigate negative effects. The spiritual worship of plants and trees often involves offering water, flowers, garlands, reciting Mantras or lighting incense and lamps. Here are some key ways plants are used in astrological practices:
- Planetary Remedies: Certain plants and trees are associated with planets and can be used to pacify malefic planetary influences. For instance, holy basil is linked with Venus and Jupiter, offering benefits for wealth and relationships. Peepal (sacred fig) is associated with Jupiter and Saturn and worshiping this tree is believed to bring wisdom and prosperity. The 'Neem' tree is associated with Mars and is used for purification and health.
- Herbal Offerings and Rituals: In Vedic astrology, specific plants, herbs and leaves are offered to planets or deities during prayers and rituals to strengthen a planet’s influence. For example, idols of ‘Lord Ganesh’ are seated on grass when they are consecrated.
- Healing and Protection: Certain plants are used in ayurvedic treatments and spiritual practices to heal, protect, and balance planetary energies in a person’s life. For instance, sandalwood is used to reduce the malefic effects of Mars and the Sun. Holy basil is believed to purify environments and offer protection from negative planetary influences.
- Astrological Jewelry and Talismans: There are also forms of plant based talismans or amulets. Dried beads and seeds like ‘Rudraksh’ beads are worn to strengthen the beneficial effects of Saturn and Jupiter. Similarly lotus seeds, sandalwood and other materials are used to make prayer beads that are worn for spiritual and astrological protection.
- Talisman and Mantra Activation: Plants are sometimes used to activate ‘Yantras’ (geometrical diagrams) or enhance the power of Mantras. For example, bilva leaves are used to activate the energies of 'Lord Shiva', associated with Saturn, during chanting of Saturn’s Mantra.
What to do Next
Start filling your surroundings with the plants that relate to all the above mentioned astrological influences, as reflected in your own personal profile. This applies to both the interior and exterior of your living space, as well as your workplace. You can also consider:
- Incorporating plants that align with prevailing planetary periods and transits.
- Allocating space to plants that can also be used as herbal remedies and which provide essential oils and extracts.
- Create a garden or space in which your recommended plants are oriented in shapes that mirror recognised symbols of good luck. You can find more details about such symbols in our article, 'Good Luck Charms for the Home'.
What are your thoughts?
Tell us what your favourite colours are:The Best Good Luck Charms, amulets and talismans to invite good fortune into your household. How astrology can improve your living space.
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