Benefic and malefic

Natural benefics: graha-guru, graha-shukra, bright graha-chandra, well-placed graha-budha.

Natural malefics: graha-mangala, graha-shani, graha-rahu, graha-ketu; graha-surya can scorch when harsh.

Functional benefics/malefics depend on lagna: a planet ruling dusthana houses (6, 8, 12) may act challenging even if naturally benefic.

Context matters: malefics in upachaya (3, 6, 10, 11) can strengthen competition; benefics afflicted in kendra may still struggle. Use shadbala and yogas-intro before labeling planets good or bad.