Upaya

Upayas are astrological remedies - practices prescribed to strengthen weak planets, pacify afflicted ones, or enhance beneficial influences in the chart. These include: mantras, gemstones, charitable acts (dana), fasting, rituals (puja), and yantras.

Each planet has specific upayas. For Saturn: recite Saturn mantras, wear blue sapphire (with caution), donate to the elderly or service workers, fast on Saturdays. For a weak Sun: recite Surya mantras, wear ruby, honor father, practice sun salutations. The remedy must match both the planet and the specific affliction.

Upayas work on multiple levels: psychological (shifting attention and intention), energetic (through mantra vibration and gemstone resonance), and karmic (through conscious action that addresses the planet’s themes). They do not erase karma but create supportive conditions for working through it. The most effective upayas address both the astrological indication and the practical life situation.