Astrological mantras are Sanskrit phrases, the effects of which (when chanted) are known. The meaning of each mantra is given below, and because they appear quite devotional, one could think that they work due to the faith of the person practicing. However, this is not the case. It is primarily the vibration of the sounds on the human nervous system which will cause the subtle positive effects on the person and neutralize the harmful energy indicated by an afflicted planet. 

Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, the Indian body of knowledge which predates religion and is said to have been cognized by ancient enlightened beings. It is revered as a pure language because there is essentially no difference between a particular word and the object it describes. This is called "name and form." These prayers of a sort invoke the grace of a planetary energy to lessen its negative effects as revealed in the horoscope.  

Mantras are commonly used in India,and have also withstood the test of time. Regarding proof of their power, it is simply up to the reader to test these practices and draw conclusions based upon experience. It is noted that Indians generally accept such matters on faith and also have great patience, the latter being a necessity for the use of mantras. Their behavior is not without reason, as anyone having been to India for any length of time may understand.  

Mantras, in India, are not closely guarded secrets despite what many people think. They are widely available in common print. In recent years, as Hindu teachers have come out to the West to spread their knowledge, many have through experience seen fit to attach a great privacy to the techniques they have given out. The West is an entirely different culture than the East, and their actions were likely quite appropriate. However, it should not be concluded that because these mantras are in print they are not effective, ancient, or genuine. They are a standard body of knowledge passed on from generation to generation. Many mantras considered highly esoteric or secretive in the West are found quite openly in  Indian scriptures on the subject. 

Regarding the procedure of chanting, one may be sitting, standing, or walking while practicing, but the best effects are gained when the chanting is done softly and gently. Although the instruction of chanting does not include dwelling on the meaning of the mantra, the process should be a conscious one. During the practice one may notice his attention easily focusing on the vibration of the sound within the body. A very peaceful and relaxing state will result when this is done properly. The chanting should be smooth and repeated somewhat in a monotone to fully appreciate the vibrations, but the rate of speed may be as quick as desired.  

Each mantra has a designated number of times it must be repeated. Although some peace of mind may immediately result from chanting, the desired effects connected to the significations of the planet and the houses that it rules are supposed to be realized after the allotted number of chantings have been performed. In India, beads similar to a rosary are used to count the chanting. During the practice, one bead is kept between the thumb and middle finger to keep track of the number of repetitions. The most desirable beads, according to many Hindus, are rudrakshas, which are found In India or Nepal and are considered somewhat sacred. The next best are tulst beads, which are also sacred but easier to come by. A string of 108 beads is used for the counting, and one bead, known as the Guru bead, is slightly protruded from the others so one knows when the mantra has been chanted 108 times. This is called one mala. At the conclusion of one mala the person either stops or turns back, so the Guru bead is never crossed. One may chant as many or as few malas as desired during each sessiorl In any case, it is the chanting, not the beads, which is important. Therefore, any means of counting will do. A rosary, though, is probably the simplest way.  

NOTE:  Mantras should be given to a person during the waxing phase of the Moon and on the day ruled by the planet whose mantra is employed. E.g., give out a Sun mantra on Sunday and let the person begin chanting on that day. The ideal time to chant one of these mantras Is In the early morning when all is quiet.