Names and nature of the Grahas

The Sanskrit word “Graha” means “that which grasps.” The Grahas grasp our consciousness, and the astrological condition of a particular Graha represents our state of consciousness in the areas of life “held” by that Graha. The nine Grahas (planets) are called Surya (the Sun), Chandra (the Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (Northern lunar node), and Ketu (Southern lunar node). These names are listed in Sanskrit, to encourage you to become familiar with their original names. The Sanskrit names/sounds are said to correspond more accurately to the actual properties of the Grahas. For example, when you consistently use the term "Shukra" your brain will be able to get to the true significance better than when you use "Venus". Most texts on Jyotish use the word "planets" instead of Grahas. Since the Sun, the Moon, Rahu, and Ketu are technically not planets, it is more correct to call them Grahas. The Grahas are divided into two groups, according to their general auspicious or inauspicious effects. The Sanskrit terms used to label these two groups are "Saumya" (benefic) and "Krura" (malefic). Surya (the Sun), Shani (Saturn), Mangal (Mars), waning Chandra (the Moon), Rahu, and Ketu are all classified as malefics. The waxing Chandra (the Moon), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter) and Shukra (Venus) are classified as benefics. When Mercury is in the same sign as another malefic, it is considered to be a malefic also. Most Grahas are fixed in nature. Only Chandra (Moon) and Budha (Mercury) can be affected by their specific placement in the chart. The Moon is benefic when bright. In your chart, the Moon is waning, and 262:37:39 degrees from the Sun. It is therefore a malefic. Mercury is conjunct malefics and therefore is considered malefic.