There are different names given to
Rahu and
Ketu
like Nodes, Shadows, Head and Tail, Caput, Cauda etc. The Moon (
Chandra) is a
satellite of the Earth revolving around it in an orbit inclined to that
of the Earth round the Sun (
Surya) at an angle of approximately 50. The Moon (
Chandra)
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 travelling 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 19°20' per year.
"Chaya Grahas" or "Shadow planets"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. 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.
EffectsRahu
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 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 stereotypes and 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
Raja Yogas. 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
Mangala (Mars) or
Shani (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 (
Surya) and Moon (
Chandra) 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
direction etc. Part of the body represented by them are buttocks,
intestinal tract.
Rahu has the properties of
Shani (Saturn) whereas Ketu
has the influence of
Mangala (Mars). Rahu governs paternal grandfather and
maternal grandmother. Ketu is eunuch. Ketu is said to be conductive to
liberation, Ketu is said to be similar to
Mangala (Mars) in giving effects. Ketu
rules maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother. Rahu represents the
tall while Ketu represents the short persons.
Health
The diseases indicated by them are hiccups, insanity, intestinal problems, ulcer, gastric problems etc.
Products
The products represented by them are meat, wine, eggs, radish, coconut, sacrifice of animal’s etc.
