Note: This article’s planetary positions are based on the sidereal zodiac, which is 23 degrees, 49 minutes, and 30 seconds behind the tropical zodiac right now. Fixed stars or lunar mansions are nakshatras.
- Recognizing Rahu and Ketu in Our Birth Charts
- Hindu Hymn for Rahu
- The Nakshatras and Rahu
- Vedic Ketu Hymn
- The Nakshatras and Ketu
The Nodes of the Moon are referred to as Rahu Ketu. The North Node is Rahu, and the South Node is Ketu. They are locations on the ecliptic where the Moon and the Sun and Earth are in line with one another. They pinpoint the exact point of harmony with the Sun, Earth, and Moon, the three celestial bodies that have the most impact on our lives. This connection is crucial to how an individual’s consciousness unfolds.
Their ability to trigger eclipses is related to their function as karmic predictors of our lives. Both the Full Moon and the New Moon have eclipses close to Rahu Ketu. (The Solar eclipse occurs during the New Moon when it is +/- 18 degrees from Rahu Ketu. The lunar eclipse occurs when the full Moon is +/- 11 degrees 15′ from the nodal location.) They have a significant role to play in darkening our vision in order to bring in new light since they symbolically shade the Sun (awareness) and the Moon (the Mind). They discuss the ideas of metamorphosis and regeneration, as well as death and rebirth. The Luminaries’ illumination dims during eclipses. The energies produced have strong psychic qualities and are full of esoteric power and fresh knowledge. The time following the eclipse is regarded as the Sun and Moon’s rebirth. They play the role of the ultimate controllers of destiny thanks to Rahu Ketu’s contribution to this potent alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
One of Vedic Astrology’s most distinctive characteristics is the emphasis placed on Rahu Ketu. To emphasize their importance and the value put on eclipses, they have been accorded the status of planets. They’re referred to as Chayya Grahas (shadow planets). They are physically nonexistent and have no substance. However, their effect is strong and has deep meaning. Their goal is to churn our lives in order to externalize hidden potential and wisdom. They cooperate 180 degrees apart and have the same goal. They operate on a psychological level, in keeping with their enigmatic character. Because their primary focus is with our emotional composition, it is usually challenging to determine their impact. We feel their inside effects. We are not aware of the specifics of what is taking place at the moment.
The idea of the Soul’s journey through various lives is fundamental to Vedic astrology. Breaking the cycle of life and death is the soul’s ultimate objective. Lifetimes are strung together like beads on a necklace, each one unique yet connected by an unseen thread, creating a necklace. Rahu and Ketu are the thread that is invisible. The soul’s goal in this lifetime is to fulfill its karma, shatter the illusions of a worldly existence, and advance toward the pursuit of self realization. The mind must be tranquil and at peace in order to survive in the astral planes, where neither pleasure nor pain can hurt. Rahu and Ketu’s positions give clues about the soul’s journey during a specific lifetime and its connection to eternal life. Rahu deals with the future whereas Ketu deals with past karma.
The five instincts that keep us tethered to the worldly goal of life are Kaam (Desire, Passions), Krodh (Anger), Madh, and Vayu (intoxicants- drugs, alcohol etc) Moh (Attachment), Matsaya, and Lobh (Greed) (Jealousy). Instead of letting our instincts rule us, we must learn to control them. Rahu and Ketu both have the power to maintain our attention on these inclinations; Rahu does this by exaggerating, whereas Ketu does this by concealing or blocking. We are unable to separate from our lower selves, which keeps us trapped in the cycle of misery and dissatisfaction. The benefits and drawbacks of living on earth are something we encounter again until we realize they are just illusions. We are terrified of losing out if we give up these aspirations on a subconscious level. We can advance spiritually if we begin to comprehend the idea of letting goenjoying life without being emotionally invested. Rahu Ketu addresses our internal conflict, the moral and societal decisions we must continuously make, as well as our internal struggles.
In This Article...
The Mythology
Numerous myths and legends surround Rahu Ketu. The most popular one features Rahu Ketu as Patala Loka’s ruler, Naga Vasuki (the nether regions of the earth). In Vedic literature, nagas are not just regular snakes, but rather serpents possessing vast amounts of secret wisdom and understanding. The ocean was being churned in order to locate the buried treasures and the Amrita, the nectar of immortality, during the great battle between the gods and demons for control of the universe. Vasuki aided the gods in completing their task. He represented the rope that the gods had tied around the rod-like spiritual mountain Mandara, which they used to stir the sea.
The gods believed that the demons would misuse the Amrita if it was given to them, therefore they decided to keep it for themselves. Being a demon, Vasuki’s impulses were for worldly happiness and self-glorification rather than for the greater good. (Self-sacrifice for others is seen as the holy impulse.) Because Vasuki was smarter than the other demons, he refused to be sidetracked by the gods. He stealthily sipped the elixir of immortality. The Sun and the Moon complained to Lord Vishnu, the universe’s creator, who was furious at the trickery. He sliced Vasuki in half after hurling the Sudharshan Chakra at him out of rage. Vasuki was eternal after consuming the Amrita, making him immune to death. He continued to exist in the sky as Rahu (the head) and Ketu (the lower half), serving as a constant reminder to the other planets and gods of the negative aspects of life that humans must overcome in order to achieve immortality.
Because they informed Lord Vishnu about the Sun and Moon, Rahu Ketu is regarded as one of their greatest foes. Throughout the eclipses, they metaphorically ingest the two lights. Rahu Ketu are the most potent forces in the zodiac because of their ability to dim the Sun and the Moon. During eclipses, Rahu Ketu blocks the Sun, the planet around which the other planets and the solar system rotate, and the Moon, which governs life on earth. Rahu Ketu stands in for the Cosmic Law that the Sun and Moon as well as all other beings must abide by.
You have to think of this allegory as life. The Gods were unable to discover the key to immortality without Vasuki’s (Rahu Ketu’s) assistance. Similar to how we cannot discover our better selves as humans without comprehending the lessons of Rahu and Ketu. They stand for the more sinister element of who we are that we must overcome. Our internal feelings are like the churning of the seas. There are many treasures as well as venomous creatures and horrible things in this water. We have learned to distinguish between the valuable and the worthless, and we have finally discovered Amritathe key to eternal life or genuine bliss. The struggle between achieving spiritual emancipation and discovering peace and tranquility that are eternal and unending, as opposed to our devotion to materialistic successes (which provides us fleeting satisfaction that is an illusion as it has no actual basis, Rahu’s domain) (Ketu is the Moksha karaka significator for spiritual realisation). In the Amrita manthan, the gods required Vasuki’s assistance; similarly, we require the guidance that the knowledge offered by the wise nodes may supply.
Understanding Rahu and Ketu in our Natal Charts
We need to learn about Rahu and Ketu’s shadow aspects in order to comprehend their influence in our charts. This is the most significant component in when dealing with the influence of the nodes. They are unable to exert their power on their own because they are simply Zodiac points. The nodes adopt the traits of their dispositor because they lack substance on their own. Studying the depositor’s sign, placement, and position is crucial. Here, it’s crucial to realize that, even though the nodes are influenced by their depositor, the depositor also perpetuates the nodes’ effect. Rahu and Ketu’s placement in your chart affects their fundamental effects. The signs/ properties they are placed in. the elements they accept and the elements they discard. In addition, if they are in conjunction with another planet (remember that in Vedic astrology, a planet conjunct another planet is in the same house. They will expel its impact. The closer the conjunction, the stronger the influence. For instance, if Rahu is in conjunction with Mars, both Mars’ and its depositor’s aspects will be thrown.
The personal eclipse points are Rahu and Ketu. As a result, you must resolve both your past and future karma in these areas. These are our karmic obligations. We must develop the ability to see past the fleeting darkness that Rahu Ketu symbolizes. They draw attention to the shortcomings of our nature that we must get past in order to advance spiritually. It is challenging to pinpoint their impact because they have psychological effects. They represent the axis of life, showing the route of spiritual development from the past (Ketu) to the future (Rahu). For a complete grasp of life, one must have knowledge of both the past and the present. Our personalities and future experiences are shaped by our prior karma, whether good and bad. It casts a shadow on how we will approach the present in our minds. Since the future is never clear, it may appear dark and be filled with fear and uncertainty. To truly be at peace with our history and overcome our fear of the future, we must do so. Rahu is pointing in this direction, although Ketu occasionally acts as a barrier as a result of our previous deeds.
Rahu Ketu serves a dual duty, one in the worldly and one in the spiritual, yet they are linked, just like their enigmatic character. Their actions in the material world are intended to alter our perceptions of what we want and desire. For individuals on the path to Moksha and spiritual enlightenment, what appears to a person to be darkness can actually be a great spiritual energy.
There are constantly opposing goals served by the nodes: good and negative, a lot and nothing, give and take. Rahu offers, Ketu retracts. There are no clear-cut guidelines for them. They function in a variety of hues that can take you from the lowest spiritual low point to the greatest financial success, or vice versa. They may produce unexpected outcomes. Never make predictions that involve certainty.
They may inspire anxiety about the future. They may produce sudden and unforeseen outcomes.
Rahu Ketu is said to constantly take away what they offer because they have a particular motive for fulfilling your wants. to understand that, after you reach it, what they deliver is not necessarily what you want. They draw attention to our own unhappiness.
RAHU
Rahu is described as being snake-shaped, having been born of a lioness, and a sun- and moon-devourer.
The head of the cosmic serpent is Rahu. Rahu is described in this hymn as resembling a snake. In Vedic mythology, snakes are accorded significant importance. Lord Vishnu’s throne was Shesh Naga, the Eternal Serpent, and Lord Shiva wears a snake around his neck. Shesh Naga is a representation of the cosmic creation’s seedthe cycles of time and space. The Nagas have a snake-like form and are tall. The Nagas are extremely advanced creatures. They are wise, yet wisdom has both good and terrible uses. The Naga’s skin-shedding represents metamorphosis and rebirth. In Vedic literature, snakes serve as a grim reminder of human mortality.
Rahu’s eclipse of the luminaries is known as the “devouring of the Sun and Moon.” This demonstrates the crucial role Rahu has in altering the direction of our lives. The world and life on earth revolve around the Sun and Moon, which are Royal Planets. Rahu, however, has the ability to dim this light, therefore it has control over how life operates. When there is an eclipse, the Sunthe Souland the Moonthe Mindexperience regeneration, transformation, and death.
Rahu tempts people to turn away from their previous Dharmic path and into the path of self-destruction. But Rahu is doing this for a very specific reason. It wants you to experience everything, in order for you to fully satisfy your senses and then turn a fresh page on the road to self-realization and attain true enlightenment. Rahu offers you an unquenchable desire to succeed and conquer on the physical level. When you reach the height of prosperity, you realize that you were actually chasing an illusion, and that your success did not bring you satisfaction. There are several cults in India that advocate satisfying all of your base and sensual wants in order to teach us the crucial lesson that doing so would not actually make you happy.
Rahu acts similarly to Saturn. It discusses drugs, poisons, excessive ambition, power struggles, secret information,
Air is Rahu’s element. It covers all facets of air travel, aviation, pilots, and other associated activities. Rahu also represents astrology students, metaphysical understanding, witchcraft, skin conditions, the small pox, deception, politics, political scheming, scientific discoveries, executions, sicknesses, disillusionment, etc.
Rahu and the Nakshatras
Rahu-Ketu law Each nakshtra has three fixed stars. Rahu is in charge of the Air triplicity signs Ardra (6 degree 40′ to 20 degrees 00′ Gemini), Swati (6 degree 40′ to 20 degrees 00′ Libra), and Shatabishak (6 degree 40′ to 20 degrees 00′ Aquarius). Intellectualism, pleasure, and morality are represented by Mercury, Venus, and Saturn. Rahu is capable of bestowing in each of these areas.
As the fixed star Ardra’s ruler (6 degrees 40 to 20 degrees 00 Gemini), Rahu stands for the highest level of intellect. Ardra is also the nakshatra where we start to learn about the laws of nature. Ardra is in the Mercury-ruled sign of Gemini, which spans the degrees 6 40′ to 20. At the Ardra cosmic stage, there is conflict on the outer plane, and because we are unhappy with our current surroundings, we begin to hunt for solutions. Through knowledge, the occult, and communication, for example Both Mercury’s heavenly abilities and Gemini’s dualism are evident. Ardra’s symbol is either a head or a single diamond, both of which stand for concepts, the mind, and thought. Rahu is always associated with unrivaled ambition, and in Ardra it brings knowledge ability to the fore. Planets in Ardra are inspired to learn more about the occult. Ardra’s ruling deity is Rudra, the God of Destruction. Shiva takes the form of Rudra. Because Rudra’s goal is to eradicate ignorance, he guides consciousness toward knowledge and investigating this manifestation on our own to discover its causes. We begin learning about or studying the Law of Nature at Ardra. The first time we start to broaden our spiritual horizons after becoming disillusioned with how materialistic our lives have become.
Rahu is controlled by the Second Nakshatra, Swati (6 degrees 40′ to 20 degrees 00′ Libra). The level of the soul’s engagement in materialism is indicated by the planets in Swati. Here, Saturn, the worker of the zodiac, is exalted while the Sun, the indicator of the soul in our horoscope, is weakened. Under Swati, the primary motivation is monetary gain. Venus is in charge of a person’s planetary needs. When combined with Rahu, it increases the desire for success, wealth, and money even more. Millionaires frequently have their Moon or Saturn in Swati at birth. Vayu is the reigning diety (air). The coral is the symbol. This Nakshatra is in Libra, which suggests that experiencing total immersion in earthly, materialistic pleasures may leave one feeling dissatisfied because the balances will tip heavily in one direction. After achieving success, we often feel empty, alone, and unsatisfied with our accomplishment. Many people want to gain even greater success, but at this point, it would be best to turn your attention to your higher self. When we reach the stage of Libra in our lives, we begin to contemplate the ultimate purpose of being, but only after all other urges have been satisfied.
The final Nakshatra that Rahu rules is Shatabishak (6 degrees 40′ to 20 degrees 00′ Aquarius). Saturn rules Aquarius, while Rahu rules the Nakshtra, making for an extremely challenging combination where life must have a purpose and the overall focus is on lessons to be learned. Similar to Saturn, Rahu produces results, but on a psychological level. Unless our actions are focused on serving humanity, this double Saturnine impact on planets positioned here can be challenging to manage. Here, Rahu and Saturn are equally concerned with altering our life’s purpose and providing us with the definitive solutions. Restrictions, impediments, and transformation are offered by Rahu on an internal level and Saturn on an exterior level. Two of the most crucial elements of Shatabishak are the necessity to comprehend life’s last teachings and duty to others. Its emblem is a flower with a thousand petals, and Shatabishak is where the Kundalini arises as we strive for complete consciousness. At this time in our lives, the Sahasara (Crown) Chakra is activated. Rahu manifests in all of its strength since it is the cosmic law’s instructor. When the Moon is in Shatabishak, its impulses toward materialism are entirely shed, and we grow closer to the real goal of life. We are prepared to advance to the following stage of spiritual growth.
Jupiter and Saturn, the planets associated with spirituality and initiation into the occult, dominate each of the twelve signs that make up Rahu’s Nakshatra. They are Pisces, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Sagittarius. The ninth harmonic of a person’s natal chart is represented by each pada (quarter). These four indicators taken as a whole signify the culmination of spiritual growth. These padas also suggest that life will soon return to being the same internally, even if the Rahu Nakshatras signify a stage in the cycle of life when we are beginning to change. In Sagittarius, a person learns to control their primal impulses and transitions from being an animal to becoming a human. In Capricorn, we learn about our obligations to others, and in Aquarius, we reach the point in our development where we have complete knowledge. At Pisces, we have the power to make the final decision and plant the seeds of future development. The fundamental desire, symbolized by the quarters, to evolve remains the same despite the fact that the stages of the soul’s journey are different in Ardra (Gemini), Swati (Libra), and Shatabishak (Aquarius). a lifestyle coming to an end and a new one beginning.
Vedic Hymn to Ketu
Given birth to by Jaimini’s family during the Abhijit Nakshatra, she was “decked with silk, flowers, garlands, sandal paste, and an umbrella, of a variegated color…”
This hymn highlights the major distinction between Rahu and Ketu: Rahu is dark in color, whereas Ketu is multicolored. As a result, it has the power to unexpectedly shed light on you and lead to enlightenment.
The Jaimini family, who adhered to the Mimasa school of thought, gave birth to Ketu. Their primary concerns were resolving any disputes regarding the Vedic scriptures and providing accurate interpretations of the Vedic ceremonies. Ketu himself is directing people to meditate on the nature of creation, their intuition, their true comprehension of the cosmos, and how to direct their souls toward Moksha, or ultimate liberation.
Ketu poses significant obstacles in your way. It places obstacles like traffic jams and boulders in your path through life. It is painful. It wants to alter your mental state. You learn to let go of your extra karma from the past. You should enter your life with caution so that you can realize both the aspects of your life that require attention and those that can be left behind. Those who are unable to harness Ketu’s strength or comprehend its karmic path may be doomed to a life of misery. It can be challenging for anyone to oppose Ketu’s strength at times. Ketu is working to bring about in you the enlightenment that would lead to true enlightenment and honor, thus we need to embrace and grasp the divine plan that is a part of our destiny. The impact of the Ketu issues is comparable to going through a fire rite, from which one emerges more powerful and equipped to handle the obstacles that are sent our way.
Both Ketu and its dispositor will behave similarly to Mars. Given its fiery character, it denotes mishaps or harm, particularly from fire.
Ketu is in charge of seven years in the planetary cycle. Ketu’s stories are always bittersweet. As a result, the conclusion of Ketu Maha Dasha must involve various unforeseen events.
The name Ketu means “flag” in Dhwajah. Its honorable affiliation with a planet has the power to significantly increase its capacities for lotteries and windfalls, whether for good or ill reasons. A favorable and Ketu combination might provide beyond your wildest dreams.
Ketu can represent a variety of things, including ascetics, assassinations, difficulties with cats, clairvoyance, contemplation, a thirst for knowledge, introspection, incarceration, poison, intrigues, magical abilities, poverty, and mysticism.