Rahu and Ketu
are strange and unique concepts in Vedic Astrology. They are not planets
in the classical definition of planets. They have no mass. Rahu and Ketu
are the two lunar nodes. Rahu is known as the Dragon's Head and Ketu as
the Dragon's tail. They are just two astronomical points. Rahu is the
point at which Moon crosses the ecliptic to the north. Ketu, the south
or descending node, is where it crosses it to the south. Eclipses of Sun
and Moon can occur in proximity to either of the nodes. The nodes were
regarded mythically as the demon which swallows the luminary and causes
the eclipse.
As such, they
have the power to overcome the Sun and Moon, and in the sense they can
be stronger than any of the planets. The subtle relationship between the
Sun, the Moon and the Earth plays a large part in the unfolding of each
individual's consciousness. The conjunction of any planet with either
of the lunar nodes is regarded as the kind of eclipse of that planet wherein
its energy is in some way obstructed, negated or liberated. Thus Vedic
Astrology regards these two nodes as among the most important factors
in chart interpretation. They possess the power not only to negate planetary
influences, but because eclipses are points of energy transformation,
they have additional special properties to transfer or to augment planetary
influences for good or bad. It was necessary to introduce the concept
of Rahu and Ketu in detail, as they are usually alien to a western person.
Ketu
The South
node or Ketu is regarded as a point of difficult Karma from a past life
in which the individual furthered his own selfish interest at the expense
of others. The South node, on the positive side, can develop strong concentration
and mastery of obscure or arcane subjects.
Ketu, though
regarded as less malefic than Saturn, is something like Mars in its malefic
aspects. Ketu creates doubt, disturbance, anger, ambition, willfulness
and a critical and often narrow vision in life, which may lead to conflict
and argument.
On the positive
side, Ketu means a flag. It has the power to boost up the effects of strong
planets with which it is conjoined. Ketu gives sudden and unexpected results
for good or bad. On the spiritual front Ketu gives perception, liberation,
wisdom and psychic sensitivity in a more genuine way but can give us a
too limiting, critical view of things.
