ASTROLOGY REMEDIES

We are having a detailed instruction in my LEVEL II Course now about remedies.

This is from my book "Yoga and Vedic Astrology."
Mantras, Remedies and Devotion to Planets and Deities
In Vedic astrology the planets are not just big rocks moving around in the sky; they are the
intelligent, activating forces of life. When you have a problem, it is a wake-up call from the cosmos,
alerting you to a part of yourself that needs attention. In the language of yoga, problems are tamasic
(darkness, fear and confusion) compelling you to learn greater sattwa (light, love and wisdom).
As was said, the planets are the agents of sattwa, the wise forces of creation we are waking up to.
That is why they are revered as Gods, the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. They create and influence
events (astrology houses), your feelings about those events (astrology signs), and the deeper
wisdom and lessons you are supposed to learn from those events (the planets / light within).
The Vedic rishis developed many remedies to help us heal difficult planetary energies. Many of
these remedies come from Ayurveda, or at least have a correlation to ayurveda. Astrological
remedies include herbs and diet, mantras, pujas (religious ceremonies), gemstones, aromatherapy,
yoga postures and others. In ancient India many bewildering combinations of activities that
correspond to days of the week, colors and other things we prescribed. Such as “feed black seeds to
a black dog wearing an iron collar, facing West on Saturday” – for Saturn.
I personally feel that too much is made out of certain types of remedies, especially gemstones, pujas
and the strange actions mentioned above. I’m not saying those things are ineffective, just that too
often people are looking for these Vedic remedies to be a certain “Indian Prozac,” to take away the
pain of their circumstances by masking the symptoms of their karmic ills.
Often times a client will tell me an astrologer recommended they get a puja, wear a gem or perform
certain confusing activities. Yet the astrologer did not even explain why they should be doing those
things. Meaning, the astrologer might say the remedy is “for Saturn,” but unraveling a greater
awareness about Saturn is overlooked – the need to transform fear into service and solitude. Instead
Saturn is portrayed as “punishing them”, with his wrath needing to be appeased.
Any type of remedies can be a help to us, especially if our intention is to invite the wisdom of the
planet into our life, rather than fear it (or lust after it, in the case of Venus or Jupiter). Remedies or
activities that increase our understanding of that planetary force are the most important.
As the planets are the activating forces in life, the forces of intelligence, all suffering is due to a lack
on intelligence of that planet. The outer problem is a reflection of this lack of intelligence:
For Example:
Saturn can be difficult, because he shows things we cannot control, and the hard truths we must
accept, like death. Facing these things make us mature while avoiding them keeps us foolish. When
Saturn cycles run we are challenged to handle those themes and our level of maturity, compassion
and fear will be revealed.
Remedies for the Planets
There are many ways that we can heal, integrate and strengthen planetary forces in our life and
mind when their cycles run. Remedies can have the effect of both strengthening energies that are
weak and calming those that are too active.
Below are remedies for each of the planets.
The Sun – Problems with the Sun include a lack of confidence, vitality, lack of direction and purpose,
inability to move forward in life, heart problems
Activity: Working out, getting outdoors, physical activity, 
Color: Orange
Mantras: Om Soom Suryaya Namaha
Gem: Ruby, Garnet
Deity / God: Shiva, Narayana
The Moon - Problems with the Moon include excessive emotions, attachment, smothering behavior,
fear of bonding, unable to let go of the past
Activity: Meditation, care for a pet, service
Color: Opaque White
Mantra: Om Soam Somayai Namaha, Om Chum Chandrayai Namaya 
Gem: Moonstone, pearl
Deity: Durga, Lakshmi, Kali, Lalita
Mars - Problems with Mars include anger, a lack of courage, lack of enthusiasm, domination of
others, physical weakness, inability to complete our tasks, hypertension, herpes, acne.
Activity: disciplined actions like Yoga or martial arts, waking early, acupuncture, fire rituals
Color: Red, Maroon 
Mantra: Om Koom Kujayai Namaha
Gem: Coral
Deity: Skanda, Kartikeyya
Mercury - Problems with Mercury include communication problems, confusing speech (including
speech impediments), feeling stuck, skin problems, allergies
Activity: Journaling, mantra chanting, speech therapy, studying a new subject, cultivate fun and
lightness
Color: Green
Mantra: Om Buhm Budhayai Namaha
Gem: Emerald, tourmaline
Deity: Vishnu, Narayan, Saraswati
Jupiter - Problems with Jupiter include a lack of hope, over optimism, unrealistic standards,
judgmentalism, dogmatism, disappointment
Activity: Physical activity, working out, getting outdoors. 
Color: Yellow
Mantra: Om Brim Brihaspatayai Namaha, Om Gum Gurave Namaha
Gem: Yellow sapphire, topaz
Deity: Ganesha, Shiva, Indra
Venus - Problems with Venus include sensual indulgence, longing for romance, excessive people
pleasing, kidney problems, sexual problems (with the organs / intercourse) 
Activity: Buy flowers or burn incense (if weak), perform service to groups (if strong), devotion/bhakti
yoga 
Color: Pastel White, Pink, Floral Colors
Mantra: Om Shoom Shukraya Namaha 
Gem: Diamond, quartz, clear faceted stones
Deity: Lakshmi, Saraswati
Saturn - Problems with Saturn include avoiding things, fear, controlling behavior, facing death,
difficulty ending things / ending them too quickly, anti-social behavior, worrying
Activity: Eat less food, cultivate silence, get enough rest, do not strain yourself, socialize, cultivate
presence and trust
Color: Dark Blue, Deep Purple
Mantra: Om Sham Shanischarayai Namaha
Gem: Amethyst, Onyx, Obsidian
Deity: Brahma, Yama
Rahu - Problems with Rahu include obsessions, blowing things out of proportioin, willfulness,
confusion, myserious ilnnesses, accidents, thrill-seeking
Activity: Slow down and digest food / information, gather less integrate more, fire ceremony / puja,
fasting, moderation 
Color: Same as Saturn
Mantra: Om Ram Rahuve Namaha
Gem: Hessonite Garnet
Deity: Sarpa
Ketu - Problems with Ketu include excessive criticism, withdrawal, perfectionism, neuro-muscular
disorders, explosiveness 
Activity: More forgiveness and tolerance of mistakes, group activities, spiritual activities and groups,
mystical practices
Color: Same as Mars
Mantra: Om Kem Ketave Namaha
Gem: Cat’s eye
Deity: Ganesha