RAHU AND KETU
There are different names given to Rahu and Ketu like Nodes,
Shadows, Head and Tail, Caput, Cauda etc. The Moon is a
satellite of the earth revolving around it in an orbit inclined to
that of the earth round the Sun at an angle of approximately
50. The Moon completes its orbit round the earth in about a
month crossing the orbit of earth twice in the same period,
once when it goes from south to north and at another time
while traveling from north to south. The ascending point is
called ‘Rahu’ and descending point ‘Ketu’. These have
retrograde motion in the zodiac at the rate of 19020' per year.
There is a fundamental difference between Rahu and Ketu
and the other planets. The other planets are bodies of physical
mass having form, shape, color, gravity, atmosphere, motion
etc. On the other hand Rahu and Ketu are two imaginary
points in the heavens without mass, shape or form. They are
the points of intersection of the apparent path of the Sun with
the path of Moon. It has been established beyond doubt that
Rahu and Ketu influence an individual’s life, at times more
than other planets. Since they are in exact opposition to each
other, their effect should be considered simultaneously.
Rahu and Ketu give the effects of the lords of the signs they
are in and also of those planets which are situated with them,
not having much individual characteristics of their own. Rahu
is known as Dragon’s head and Ketu as Dragon’s tail. Head
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is forward looking while the tail represents the past. The Rahu
represents the qualities to be developed and work to be done
during the present incarnation and Ketu denotes the qualities
during past lives and these indicate attitudes that come naturally
to the native. They are classified as Karmic planets.
According to Hindu astrology both Rahu and Ketu are malefic.
Rahu is considered as ‘giver’ and Ketu the ‘taker’ and since
giving and taking are results of former action, they may be
considered as planets of ‘gains’ and losses’. Ketu is considered
as a spiritual force causing salvation to human souls and Rahu
is more earthly indicating mundane prosperity. The effects of
the Nodes is not always evil, they are also productive and
causing Raj yogas. By and large Nodes play a constructive
role because after making the native pass through various
difficult phases, they also enable him to progress spiritually.
However, if the Nodes conjoin, Mars or Saturn without any
benefic aspect, life is marked by misery, struggle and
misunderstanding throughout. Rahu is also considered as a
diplomat and Ketu a seer. Rahu and Ketu eclipse the Sun and
Moon representing the soul and mind respectively. Hence they
have a great influence on the soul’s liberation or rebirth. Rahu
or Ketu within 2 degrees of the ascendant give an unusual
type of personality and a very distinctive appearance.
Rahu and Ketu signify one born in low caste, dissatisfied,
fond of travelling, telling lie, harsh in speech, involved in
unnatural sex. They also indicate change of residence, ill health,
dual marriage, serpents, mosquitoes, insects, spices, southwest
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direction etc. Part of the body represented by them are
buttocks, intestinal tract. The diseases indicated by them are
hiccups, insanity, intestinal problems, ulcer, gastric problems
etc. The products represented by them are meat, wine, eggs,
raddish, coconut, sacrifice of animal’s etc.
Rahu has the properties of Saturn whereas ketu has the
influence of Mars. Rahu is feminine. Its gem is Agate or
Lapis luzzli. Rahu is said to resemble Saturn. Rahu governs
paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother. Ketu is
eunuch. Its gem is turquoise. Ketu is said to be conductive to
liberation, Ketu is said to be similar to Mars in giving effects.
Ketu rules maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother.
Rahu represents the tall while Ketu represents the short
persons.
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will not be discussed in this book
as firstly these are very slow moving planets and secondly
these are hardly considered by astrologers for making
predictions.