In astrology, planets are divided into benefic (positive) and malefic (challenging) influences. Benefic planets – like Jupiter and Venus – bring ease, growth, and blessings, while malefic planets – traditionally Mars and Saturn – tend to trigger obstacles and hard lessons. Think of malefics as tough coaches: they create friction or stress, but ultimately help us grow. As one commentary notes, “benefics invite love, joy, abundance; malefics challenge us to face fears, overcome obstacles and evolve”. In other words, malefic planets aren’t “evil” – they push us out of comfort zones.

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What Do “Benefic” and “Malefic” Mean?

“Malefic” comes from Latin for “doing ill.” In astrology it refers to planets believed to bring difficulty or misfortune in a chart. By contrast, “benefic” literally means “good-doer,” indicating positive, constructive influence. The AstroTwins put it simply: “benefic planets have pleasant influences and malefic planets present difficulties to overcome”. For example, a benefic planet in your chart may bless you with talent or ease (like Jupiter expanding wisdom), while a malefic may challenge you (like Saturn imposing delays). Another way to think of it: benefics are like friendly teachers or guardians, and malefics are like strict teachers who demand extra work. Both types play essential roles – benefics bring blessings, malefics bring lessons.

Traditional Benefic and Malefic Planets and Their Roles

Astrology identifies certain planets as naturally benefic or malefic, though context (like zodiac sign or house) can shift a planet’s effect.

Jupiter (the Greater Benefic) and Venus (the Lesser Benefic) are classic benefics. Jupiter, often pictured as the “Guru” of the gods, expands wisdom, luck, and opportunity where it sits. Venus brings love, harmony, beauty, and comfort. When well-placed, they shower good fortune – a generous boss (Jupiter) or a harmonious partnership (Venus). Mercury, Moon and Sun are more neutral: Mercury’s outcome depends on company, the Moon is waxing/waning (the Moon is benefic when waxing and malefic when waning), and the Sun’s warmth can be positive or overbearing. In short, Jupiter and Venus are always positive by nature, while Mercury and the Moon may act as benefic or malefic depending on their condition.

Malefic Planets

Saturn (Shani Dev, the Greater Malefic) and Mars (the Lesser Malefic) are the chief malefics. Saturn represents discipline, limits and karma – it builds structure but often through hardship. In a chart, Saturn can cause delays, restrictions or long-term obstacles until we learn patience. When weak or afflicted, it can manifest as serious delays or chronic issues (e.g. Saturn is known for bringing obstacles or setbacks). Mars rules energy, aggression and action. A well-placed Mars gives courage and drive, but an afflicted Mars can spark conflicts or accidents. Other malefics include the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu (shadow planets associated with obsession and sudden upheaval) and sometimes the Sun (especially in certain houses). These malefic planets tend to stir up the toughest situations in whatever house they occupy – for example, Mars in the marriage house can heat up conflicts, and Saturn in the career house can slow your progress. (Mercury, Sun and Moon are not listed here because they are either neutral or depend on phase/placement.)

How Malefic Planets Affect Areas of Life

Malefic planets challenge the areas of life they touch. For example, relationships (7th house) often feel the heat of malefics. Vedic astrologers note that malefics like Mars, Saturn, Rahu or Ketu in the 7th house can bring conflicts, delays or unconventional dynamics in partnerships. A Mars here can spark arguments, Saturn can delay marriage, Rahu can create obsession – but all teach important lessons. Career and reputation can be hindered by malefics too: Saturn in the 10th house may slow promotions, or Rahu in the 10th can cause sudden career shifts or public scrutiny. Health and wealth are also touched by malefics. Saturn and Mars govern the body – an afflicted Saturn might cause chronic health issues (bones, teeth, joints), while Mars can trigger accidents or fevers. Financially, malefics in the 2nd or 11th house can cause delays or losses in wealth. As one source sums up, malefic planets are “believed to adversely affect individuals’ lives, particularly in areas like health, wealth, and relationships”. In essence, wherever a malefic planet sits, it adds friction or hardship in that domain.

Common Misconceptions about Malefic Planets

A big myth is “all malefics = pure evil.” In reality, malefic planets are teachers, not demons. Modern astrology emphasizes that Mars and Saturn have complex psychological roles – they aren’t simply “good” or “bad”. For example, Saturn isn’t out to destroy you; it pushes you to master responsibility and patience. In CilGuru’s Shani Dev guide, Saturn (“Shani”) is described as the “examiner of your soul” whose lessons, though intense, help you mature. Likewise, malefics can have a positive side: a strong, well-placed Saturn ultimately brings stability and success once its test is passed. Another misconception is that benefics never cause harm – actually, excessive Jupiter can lead to overindulgence, and a weak Venus can cause relationship issues. Moreover, context matters: a planet’s effect depends on house, aspects, and planetary periods (dashas). As the Times of India astrology section notes, “understanding the nature of these planets and embracing the lessons they offer is crucial for personal growth”. In short, malefic planets aren’t meant to curse you forever; they’re meant to transform challenges into growth opportunities.

Benefic and Malefic Planets Calculator by Date of Birth

If you want to see which planets are benefic or malefic in your chart, there are online tools for that. Many astrology sites let you enter your birth date, time and place to generate a personalized horoscope. These charts will often label your functional benefics and malefics for your ascendant. (For example, one Vedic astrology blog explains how to find the “functional benefics and malefics” by your rising sign.) Even casual astrology guides (like AstroTwins) point out that you can use a free birth-chart calculator to locate all your planets and their houses. In practice, a “benefic/malefic calculator” simply automates traditional rules: it calculates your rising sign (Lagna) and then tells you which planets (by those rules) are naturally benefic or malefic to you. This can be a handy first step – but remember, it’s just a guide. For a truly accurate reading, you’d consider the whole chart context.

Practical Remedies for Balancing Malefic Influences

Astrology teaches that remedies can soften malefic energy. Here are some time-tested tips:

• Chant Planetary Mantras: Reciting a planet’s beej mantra regularly invokes its positive side. For example, Saturn’s mantra “Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah” can reduce Shani’s harshness. Similarly, Hanuman Chalisa or special chants (like Hanuman “Om Hanumate Namah”) are used to pacify Mars (Mangal).
  
• Offerings on Specific Days: Each malefic has an associated day and offering. For Saturn, donate or offer black items (e.g. sesame seeds, black cloth, mustard oil) on Saturday. Astrologers say feeding black dogs or crows on that day pleases Shani and reduces karmic burdens. (For Mars, red items are avoided and offering items like white mustard seeds to Hanuman is common.)
  
• Serve or Pray to Deities: Worship Lord Hanuman or Lord Shiva to protect against malefic influences. Hanuman in particular is known to “protect from Shani’s malefic effects”. Visiting a Shani temple and pouring mustard oil on the idol is another traditional practice. Even acts of service – helping the elderly, donating food, or giving charity – can balance a malefic planet’s negative karma.
  
• Gemstones and Colors: Under an expert’s guidance, wearing a corrective gemstone can channel a planet’s energy. For example, Hessonite (Gomed) is linked to Rahu, and Blue Sapphire (Neelam) to Saturn – but these should be prescribed carefully. Wearing the planet’s associated color (Saturn – black/blue on Saturday, Mars – red on Tuesday) is also common.
  
• Personal Discipline: Many remedies are about personal behavior – e.g., giving up alcohol or non-vegetarian food on certain days (Saturn’s day), practicing patience, and avoiding shortcuts. By aligning your actions with the planet’s nature (like acting ethically under Saturn’s test), you naturally reduce its friction.
  

These are examples – the best remedies depend on your individual chart. If you’re interested, consider learning more through structured guidance or courses. CilGuru offers an Astrology Remedies Course (and consultations) that dive deeper into these techniques. Still not sure how malefic planets play out in your life? Our expert astrologers can give you a personalized reading. Visit our contact page to get in touch and learn how to work with your chart’s malefic and benefic planets.

Shani Dev Remedies to Reduce Life Struggles