ROLE OF RAHU & KETU IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY

RAHU and KETU are called snake planets, or shadow planets, in Vedic astrology. They do not exist as a visible celestial object like the other planets. They are called phantom planets and have no house representation in the zodiac chart. In Vedic astrology, they are considered as the nodes of the moon. Rahu is represented by the head of the snake and corresponds to the North Node of the Moon. Ketu has the body of the snake and is the South Node.

The Rahu & Ketu move together in the ephemeris. In ones horoscope, the move backwards, i.e. counter-clockwise, and remain in one Sign for approximately 1 ½ years. The snake planets are transiting on April 9, 2008 according to the Tamil tradition (Vakkiyam) of astrology. The Vedic astrology based on mathematical calculations has it on April 29, 2008. Both traditions are valid. The Tamil is more based on intuition of the Siddhas. Under the guidance of Dattatreya Siva Baba, Astroved will take advantage of both dates to remedy the unwanted effects this transit may bring and to augment the positive effects.

The movement of Ketu into Cancer has some serious consequences in the oceans and waterfront. People with their Moon in Capricorn will have to be cautious in investments and expansions. The Movement of Rahu into Capricorn will cause phenomenal influences in stock market and real estates. Capricorn people should be prudent in their endeavors so as to achieve success and popularity in the next 1 1/2 years.

Even though Rahu-Ketu transit together, they are yet two separate planets. Each planet giving their own effects: sometimes good, sometimes bad. Hence you may wish to remedy one or the other based on their effects predicted. The overlord for Rahu is Goddess Durga and the overlord for Ketu is Lord Ganesha. Click here to alleviate Rahu & Ketu affliction.

Story behind Rahu and Ketu:

In order to understand the power of the planets over human life or any life for that matter, one should understand the mythology of the planets. Ancient cultures with extrasensory perceptions knew that the planets are not simply celestial object coming around the Sun. They are beings with tremendous amount of power.

Rahu and Ketu, now two beings were initially one person the demon "Swarnabanu". The story goes that the Sun God and the Moon God prevented Swarnabanu from receiving the elixir of life from Lord Vishnu which was obtained by churning the celestial ocean "Kshirsagar". Receiving the hint from the Sun and the Moon about the demonic nature of Swarnabanu, Vishnu split Swarnabanu into two halves. Rahu and Ketu originated from the disected portions of the demon Swarnabanu. Rahu and Ketu undertook severe penance invoking Lord Brahma, the creator. Lord Brahma appeared before them and granted them a boon conferring them planet status. This is how Rahu and Ketu became two planets.

Rahu and Ketu since then became the enemies of the Sun and Moon. During the eclipses the snakes Rahu and Ketu attempt to swallow up the Sun and the Moon. Rahu and Ketu afflict Cancer and Leo most because, these two zodiacs signs belong to the Moon and the Sun. The two halves of Swarnabanu that attained planet status viz Rahu and Ketu are personification of time as Past and Future. Ketu- Past, Rahu-Future. The creator Brahma having realized that the separation of time was inevitable , bestowed planetary status to Rahu and Ketu. They would represent time till the dissolution of the Universe.

Rahu and Ketu are the planets of Karmic retribution. The placement of Rahu in our natal chart shows the areas in our life that will require special attention in this lifetime. And the Ketu placement indicates what we are carrying over from our previous lifetime. The two are always moving in retrograde direction and change their signs every eighteen months.