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.
Rahu
Rahu the
north node is equated with Saturn the great malefic by Vedic Astrologers,
while Western Astrologers equate it with Jupiter the great natural benefic.
But Vedic Astrology does recognize that lunar nodes can function in a
positive, Jupiterian manner when associated with a strong planet or when
in a strong position.
A strong
Rahu gives the individual worldly powers and success. But Rahu always
gives the individual a filling of dissatisfaction, as his worldly desires
can never be fulfilled, however successful the individual may be. In its
positive aspects it shows the opening up of a new and positive Karmic
sphere. Well placed, it makes the individual strong but not necessarily
sensitive to others. It will provide all the outer success but it can
get us trapped in the realm of the senses and in the abnormal or unnatural
use of the body. In the spiritual realm, Rahu can give psychic powers,
but also there may be danger from drugs, and danger from black magic.
On the positive side, the influence of Rahu can put us in harmony with
collective trends and give popularity, prestige, fame and power. It imparts
an almost psychic sensitivity to mass trends, mass media and a capacity
to use them.
But Rahu
is the greatest consumer, it will drive us into frenzy to consume and
consume and consume - the mythological representation for Rahu is that
after consuming everything, it starts consuming its own blood. In its
extreme affliction Rahu becomes the main planetary factor behind insanity,
neurosis, neurological disorders, possession by negative entities, and
other such abnormal sensitivities of the mind and nervous system particularly
when it influences the Moon in the chart especially by conjunction.
