Rahu and Ketu

In
Predictive Astrology

Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma

Iti1\ UB SPDB'
UBS Publishers' Distributors Pvt. Ltd.
New Delh i· BangaJorc • Kolbta' Chennai • Pama • Bhopal
Ernakulam • Mumbai • Luclmow • Pune • Hyderabad
 Preface

Vedic astrology is a part of Vedic knowledge;

hence it is as old as creation.
However, a ll knowledge if it fa lls in the hands of
unworthy people gets distorted and misrepresented over
a period of time. Given its exceptiona lly long history,
astrology too could not remain free from this malice.
In the recent past, there have also been discussions
as to whether astrology is a science. In this regard, I
would like to quote the thoughts of In dia's great seer,
Sri Aurobindo, "For if astrology is a science and is to
take its proper place, the first necessity is to dissipate by
an appeal to the empirical mind of the general public
as well as of the sceptical th inker the great mass of
unenquiring prejudice that now exists against it."
It is this inner urge to dispel unfounded horrors and
prejudices abou t the most important but either
misunderstood or ignored nodal points of the Moon-
Rahu and Ketu of Vedic astrology that I am inspired to
write this humble book.
The north and the south nod es of the Moon are
probably the most interesting and mysterious planetary
influences w hich were visualised by the grea t Indian
seers. A good understanding and practical insight about
these nodes will greatly help in the true appreciation of
Vedic astrology.
Th e pre se nt state of Vedic as tr o logy ca ll s for
continuing research to help restore its lost glory . I am
vi Preface

hopeful that this book will inspire contemporary

astrologers and the ever increasing number of students
of astrology, to further this process.
This book, however, is in no way the final word on
the nodal points of the Moon, but it will definitely dispel
the darkness of ignorance surrounding these nodes. I
believe, 'It is better to light a candle than to curse the
darkness', hence this book is a little candle for dispelling
this darkness. I have discussed the horoscopes of some
famous as well as the general people in this book to
prove the efficacy of the basic principles that I have
outlined. I hope th ese w ill help in a better
understanding of Rahu and Ketu.
It is my earnest hope that this book will succeed in
sa tisfying your quest for knowledge, and help you in
forming a balanced view about the lunar nodal points.

Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma

 Introduction

The four Vedas (the ancient Hindu scriptures), form the

basis of all our knowledge. The Vedas were created at
the beginning of creation and astrology is one of the six
Vedangs (limbs of the Vedas). Astrology was thought to
be necessary for the true appreciation of the Veda s.
Hence, Vedic astrology is the most ancient science.
Sri mad Bhaskaracharya in his treatise
Sidhantshiromani says:

'vedchakshuha kalcdam smritam jyotisham,

mukhayata chaagmadhayeashe tanouchate'

In other words, astrology (jyotish), being the eyes of

the Vedas, is the most important limb of the Vedas.

Vedic or Hindu astrology has many strong and

distinctive basic characteristics, which lend it a broad
and scientific base. Some of these are: the importance
given to a fixed or Niriyan Zodiac, N ak shatras or
constellations and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu.
The fact that thousands of years ago our ancestors
were in a position to predict lunar and solar eclipses
makes it clear that they were aware of the existence of
the north and south nodes of the Moon.
These two nodes, which are known as Rahu and
Ketu in Indian (also known as Vedic or Hindu) astrology,
do not have any physical existence like other planets;
viii In froductioll

rather they are termed as 'shadowy planets' . These are

the points of intersection of the path of the Earth arou nd
the Sun and the path of the Moon around the Earth.
It is quite natu ral to d oubt th at these points of
intersection are capable of influencing life on the Earth .
tn this regard, let us clarify that these are not only the
points of intersection of two paths but also the points of
intersection of very strong magnetic or cosmic fields.
The earth and the luminaries have their individual fields,
the nodes thus formed are th e vortexes of these fie lds
and hence a re strategic sens itive points ca pab le of
influencing life on the Earth .
There are many planes of existence other than the
physical, like astral and causal, a nd forces from these
planes can also cause influence. Also it is wrong to argue
that mere ma the mati ca l p Oints ca nnot ha ve any
Significa nce. We all accept the existence of some other
mathematical pa ints like ascendant and 'mid heaven',
t hen w hy should we not accept the existence a nd
influence of the nodes of the Moon, viz. Rahu and Ketu?
Whlle predicting a chart, one can not ignore these
nod a l points. Th e p lacement of the nodal a xis in
particular houses a nd signs reveals a grea t deal of
information about the native. The north and south nodes
(Rahu and Ketu) are very appropriately tenned 'Karmic
Planets' (planets which help in working out previous
karma and forming new karma) . The house and the
sign where the north node (Ra hu) is posited signifies
the areas of a native's life, which need to be developed
in the present life. Simila rly, the house and the sign
where the south node (Ketu) is posited, indicates past
develo pm ents and thus the hereditary· tra its of the
native due to his/ her past karma (natural law of justice
based on one's actions) . Apart from this, they reveal a
 Introduction ix

great deal of information which is discussed in the

following chapters.
Rahu and Ketu, and certain yogas (combinations)
formed by them with other planets lead to fear about
these nodes and they are also viewed with horror. A
conjunction of Rahu and Jupiter is called ChandaaI Yoga
or Guru Chandaal Yoga and all the seven planets getting
trapped on one side of the Rahu/Ketu axis is termed as
KilaIsarpa Yoga. A mere mention of these yagas is enough
to scare a person. But they are not always as horrific as
they are believed to be. My endeavour in this book is to
lift the unjust gloom surrounding these combinations.
Jupiter signifies expansion and Rahu signifies
materiality. So, this combination of Rahu and Jupiter
cannot be termed only as malefic. The nature of the
results that follows will depend upon the placement of
this combination as well as other influences. This could
be a positive combination in a particular chart and may
give a philosophical outlook and charitable qualities to
the native. Of course, under negative influences, this
combination can make the native indulgent, over
optimistic and selfish. But the important point is that it
is not always as bad as this combination is generally
considered.
Knalsarpa Yoga is generally considered a combination
with the most horrific results. The belief that a native
with this combination in the chart cannot prosper or
achieve commendable success in life is baseless and
wrong.
This yoga ceases to exist if one or more planets
irrespective of the fact that they are from within or
outside the nodal axis join either Rahu or Ketu. One
good example of this is the chart of India's first Prime
Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It was due to the
X Introductioll

cancellation of this yoga in his chart that he achieved

name and fam e.
Only if a distinct Knalsarpa Yoga is formed under
negative influences, a native may have to struggle and
face a sort of imbalanced life.
However, one need not fear the name of this yoga
because in most cases, it either stands cancelled or is
cou ntered by other positive influences in the chart.
Separa te chapters have been devoted to the specia l
combinations formed by these nodes, particularly the
Kaalsarpa Yoga.
The importance of a Navamsha Cha rt (a divisional
chart called D/ 9) cannot be ignored in Vedic predictive
astrology. Generally, books on these nodes do not include
their considera tion in a Navamsha Chart alongwith the
birth cha rt. Consid ering its importance and practical
value, a separate chapter has been assigned to this topic.
This book also gives a lot of useful information about
Rahu and Ketu which is usually not ava ilable in a single
book. For example, it is common to call Rahu and Ketu
as 'shadowy planets' and the real significa nce behind
this term is given in this book.
Though the information given in the book applies
equa lly to the male and female charts, a separate chapter
is devoted to the female chart because I beli eve tha t
certain situations and combinations involving Rahu and
Ketu effect a fema le chart.
'Pearls are not ga thered by surface riders, only deep
divers harves t them'. It is my earnest hope tha t this
humble book will be able to answer many questions,
and a lso inspire you to dive deep into the ocean of
astrology so that more pearls are extracted.

Dr. Prem Kumar Shanna

 Contents

Preface v
II/t raduction vii

1. The North and the South Nodes in Mythology 1

2. Astronomical View of the Two Nodes 5
3. The Two Nodes and Western Astrology 9
4. Sa lient Features of the Moon's Nodes 12
5. The Strength of the Nodes 24
6. Aspects of the North and the South Nodes 27
7. Constellations of Rahu and Ketu 40
8. Effects of the Placement of Rahu and Ketu
in Different Signs 48
9. Effects of Rahu and Ketu in Different
Houses ( BI/avas) 57
10. Rahu, Ketu and the Navamsha Chart 65
1l. Rahu, Ketu and Vimshotri Dasha 69
12. Transit of the Nodes and Predictive Astrology 80
13. Vegas Formed by the Nodes 94
14. Knalsarpa Yoga 97
xii Contents

15. Eclipses and Their Effects 107

16. The Nodes and the Female Charts
(Strijatakam) 116
17. Judging Compatibility (Sy"astry)
with the Help of the Nodes 120

18. Importance of Rahu Kaal and How

to Determine It 127

19. Analysis of Some Charts 130

20. Remedial Measures 141
 Chapter One

The North and the South Nodes In

Mythology

The names Rahu (north node) and Ketu (south nod e)

are linked to Hindu mythology and Vedic astrology.
Hindu mythology relates these nodes to a serpent. There
are man y tales in O Uf scriptures which give importance
to a serpent and to 'serpent power'. It is, therefore,
important to understa nd the real sig nificance o f this
se rp ent pow e r fo r a universal picture about th e
importance of these nodes to emerge, because a serpent
is give n a special pla ce in man y prominent ancient
civiJizations.

Mystery about serpents

A serpent enjoys a prominent place in Indian culture.
Fo r example, it is believed that the serpent calle d
sheshnaag, on whose lap Lord Vishnu (one of the three
gods of the Hindu trinity) rests, bears the Earth on its
head .
The king of serpents named Vaasuki was engaged
to act as a rope in the legendary churning of the celestial
ocea n .
And Lord Shiva (one of the three gods of the Hind u
trinity) carries a serpent around his neck. Sri Krishna ,
an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, kil1ed the multi-headed
serpent Kaaliya .
If one apprecia tes the fact th a t a serpent is not
always dangerous, the fear about Rahu and Ketu too
2 Ralw and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

will disappear. For example, a snake bites only if it is

aggravated or attacked. Also it is a fact that only a few
species of snakes are poisonous. Our ancestors
promoted the worship of serpents and the custom of
feeding them milk, especia lly on Naag Panchami (a
festival in which snakes are worshiped in order to get
their blessings) in order to establish a balanced view
about snakes.
Bu t w hy is so much importance given to a serpent,
and what is its relation to Rahu and Ketu? The answer
probably lies in the concept of Kundalini Shakti or serpent
power, which is the life force of the body.
Kunda/ini is imagined as a serpent which is sitting
co iled-up in the human body at a point, mid-way
between the organ of generation an d the organ of
excretion.
A sleeping kundalini drags one to material
a ttachments, which is akin to the lower manifestations
of Rahu. In the course of evolution, as the kundalini is
awakened, its transforming force rises along the spine,
awakening different spiritual centres known as clzakras
(wheels) causing more and more positive and higher
manifestations of Rahu and Ketu in the life of a person.
Fina lly, as this awakening reaches the topmost cJlakra
one is liberated, that means one achieves moksha (final
emancipation from the life-death cycle) through the
higher manifestations of Ketu.

The legend
In Hindu Mythology
Once upon a time, a demon (asura) named Swarbhanu
performed penance (tapa) and prayed to Lord Brahma
(one of the three gods of the Hindu trinity) the creator,
 The North alld tire Sol/th Nodes ill Mythology 3

to gran t him the s tatu s of a planet. Lord Brahma

appeared and fulfilled his w ish.
Later there was a great war betwee n the demons
(asums) and the gods (devafas) in which the gods were
badly defea ted and they appeared before Lord Brahma
for help.
Lord Brahma asked them to churn the celestial ocean
as a result of w hich nectar (amrita) would be obtained,
w hich when consumed would make them immortal and
all-powerful. w hich in turn would enable them to defeat
the demons.
Since churning the celestial ocean was really a big
task, the gods decided to take the help of the demons.
Vaasuki, the king of serpents offered to act as a rope
and the mountain Mandaracha l (a lso mentioned by
so me as Mand ara) became the pi vot. Lo rd Vishnu in
the form of a giant tortoise (also known as Koorma
Avata r) beca me th e base for the pi vot. Finally, the
churning process started.
Various things came out during this the process. At
last Dhan va ntri, the physician of the gods came out
holding a pot full of nectar. On seeing the pot there was
a mad rush for it. Observing this, Lord Vishnu took the
form of a beautiful dan cer Mohini (charming woman)
and offered to distribute the nectar among the demons
and the gods. She made both of them sit in two separa te
rows, but gave the nectar only to the gods.
Swarbhanu discovered her trick and stealthily sa t
among the gods and d ra nk the nectar. Soon he was
spo tted by Chandra (the Moon) and Surya (the Sun)
who raised an alarm . Lord Vishnu appeared in his real
form and severed Swarbh a nu 's head with the
Sudarshan C hakra (a moving circular weapon) .
4 Rahu alld Kefl/ ill Predictive Astrology

However, as Swa rbhanu had already consum ed the

nectar, his head got joined to the body of a serpent and
the rest of body got joined to the head of the serpent.
Both became immortal as th e planets Rahu and Ketu
respectively.

In the mythologies of other civilizations

In Egyptian mythology, there are illustrations of serpents
biting their own tails.
Then there is also a legend (in Egyptian mythology)
about a snake called Delphi, who chased the Sun during
the day and it was cut into pieces by the keepers of the
Sun. Overnight the cut pieces would get miraculously
reunited and revived and Delphi would start chasing
the Sun aga in the following day.
There is another story in Egyptian mythology about
the single eyed serpent, Uraeus. He was believed to be
the right eye of the Sun god, and a spiritua l force simila r
to the nodes.
Another tale describes a serpent called Asep as an
enemy of the Sun god . It represented darkness or evil
on the one hand and wi sdom or enlightenment on the
other w hich is similar to wha t is now believed about
the nodes.
The Chinese civilization is believed to be one of the
oldest. There have been many cha nges in its culture over
its long history, but it has upheld the symbol of the
dragon, which represents serpent power . The Chinese
have also associated the dragon w ith astrology.
Similar stories ex ist in ma ny othe r m ythologies
indicating the importance of fo rces similar to the nodes,
either directl y or indirectly.
 Chapler Two

Astronomical View of the

Two Nodes

Before we proceed further and consider the role of Rahu

and Kern in predictive astrologyI we must form a realistic
picture of the existence of these nodal'points.
Though mythology has its own ways of conveying
certain truths, I would like to consider a true conception
which is based purely on astronomical terms. Different
views have been expressed about the position of Rahu
and Ketu. Some believe that the actual geographical

Figure 1: Fonnation of the North and

the South Nodes (Rahu and Ketu)
6 &/111 find Ketll ill Predictive Astrology

north and south pol es of the Earth represent these nodes.

Another school of thought believes that these are the
dark and bright sides of the Moon. In my view, the
following generally accepted explana tion seems to be
the most ra tional:
The Earth moves around the Sun in an elliptical path
called ecliptic. The Moon revol ves around the Earth and
these two paths intersect at two points (Figure 1).
These two points of intersection are exactly opposite
to each other-they are 180 degrees apart. These points
are the nodes of the Moon (Rahu and Ketu).
The nodal paint crea ted by the intersection of the
ecliptic, by the path of the Moon, while the later moves
from the southern to the northern hemisphere of the
Earth, is ca lled the north node or Rahu. It is also known
as the a scendin g node. Similarly the nodal point,
created by the intersection of the ecl iptic, by the path of
the Moon, while the later moves from the northern to
the south ern hem isphere of the Earth, is ca lled the
south node or Ketu . It is also known as the descending
node.
InCidentally, it is worth mentioning that the planes
of the two paths, viz. the path of the Earth around the
Sun, also known as ecliptic, and the path of the Moon
around the Earth, intersect each ot he r at about 50
angles.
The nodes as we have mentioned above are placed
a t 1800 apart; this is the reason why the nodes, viz.
Rahu and Ketu are always posited in opposite houses
in a chart.

Shadowy Pla nets

Although Rahu and Ketu are given a status equal to
that of the other physical planets, these two nodes do
 Astronomical View of the Two Nodes 7

not have a physical existence in space and are hence

called Shadowy Planets. To understand why they are
called Shadowy Planets, we must consider the
phenomenon of the lunar and solar eclipses.
We all know that a lunar eclipse is formed when
the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon and
the shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon. A lunar
eclipse takes place only on a full Moon night. At the
same time, for a lunar eclipse the Sun and the Moon
must also be within close proximity of the opposite
nodes. That is why we do not have a lunar eclipse, on
every full moon night.
A solar eclipse takes place on a new Moon day when
the Moon comes in between the Earth and the Sun. The
disc of the Moon covers the Sun either partially or fully.
A solar eclipse takes place on a new Moon day only if
both the Sun and the Moon are conjunct and are within
close proximity of one of the nodes.
It is now clear that both Rahu and Ketu are
responsible for casting a 'shadow' on the Moon or the
Earth due to eclipses; hence they are appropriately
called the Shadowy Planets.

Astrological influence of the nodes

Some critics ignore the importance given to the Moon's
nodes on the ground that mere mathematical points in
space cannot influence life on Earth. They argue that
since the nodes are not physical bodies, it is not possible
for any influence to originate from them.
In order to understand this, we need to open up
our minds and accept that there are other planes of
existence like Astral and Causal which are beyond the
physical plane. Forces from these planes can influence
life on Earth. For example, we all believe in the force of
8 RaJIII and Ketll ill Predictive Astrology

Prana (or Reiki) and with practice can feel its effects on
the bod y. This fo rce too is not physical, but it is still
responsible for sustaining life on Earth.
The nodes are in fact strategic vortexes formed due
to the interaction of ex tremely powerful magnetic or
cosmic fields of the Earth and the luminaries. Therefore,
the Moon's nodes (like other planets) are capabl e of
astrologically influencing life.
 Chapter Three

The Two Nodes and Western Astrology

Even though we know that Vedic astrology is the most

ancient and original form of astrologica l knowledge yet
we find that astrology was developed in different parts
of the world in different forms. Now there are two main
systems that are in use--Western astrology and Vedic
astrology.
There are similarities, as well as differences, between
these two systems. But here I would like to consider
only the role of the Moon's nodes in the Western system
of astrology.
In Western astrology, the north node is known as
the Dragon's Head . This name originates from Caput
Draconis in Latin. The south node is ca lled Dragon 's
Tail, called Calida Draconis in Latin.
Some western authors believe that the north nod e
indicates benefits in the areas signified by its placement
in the chart. The north node represents Venus and
Jupiter together in its nature. The south node indicates
that considerable changes are required in the native's
character in the areas as per its position in the chart.
The south node indicates Saturn and Mars together in
its nature.
Further, western astrologers over the past 60 years
or so have understood the importance of the Moon 's
nodes and many support the idea or giv ing planetary
status to them. These astrologers have found through
10 Rnllll alld Ketu ill Predictive Astrology

experience that the nodes have a distinct influence on

human destinies.
When it comes to 'aspects', most of the western
astrologers believe that positive western aspects like
Sex tile and Trine of the Dragon 's Head w h ic h a re
acquired from the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus are
favourable. They also consider such aspects from Mars,
Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto as beneficia l.
Negative western aspects like Square and Opposition
from the bene fics and the Conjunctions, Square and
Opposition from the malefics are unfortunate in regard
to matters conce rnin g the houses a nd the plan e ts
involved.
Aspects of the Dragon's Tail indicate the results of
hidden tendencies or Karmic Patterns (patterns formed
due to previous karma). It is now believed by some that
the Moon's nodes are stores of Karmic Energy (energy
set into motion due to previous karma).
In the opinion of some western astrologers, it would
be a mistake to ignore the Moon 's nodes. The nodes
a nd the signs in which these fa ll in a chart reveal the
root polarity of the chart. There is a tussle inherent in
this root polarity between the tendency to grow and
develop due to the Dragon's Head and the pull back
towards instinctive behaviour due to the south node or
Dragon's Ta il.
As the nod es ha ve a lun a r influence on the ir
characteristics, they represent e motions w hich a re the
changing and susceptible areas of our psychology.
This growing western interest in the Moon's nodes
is a positive impact of Vedic astrology. Although there
may be so me h es itation on the part of weste rn
astrologers to give importance to Vedic astrological
beliefs, their scientific minds a re baffled by the depth
 Tile Two Nodes and Western Astrology 11

an d accuracy of Vedic a stro logy. He nce, an

a ma lgama ti on o f the two systems is necessa ry fo r
evolving a universally acceptable system.
In Western astrology, three outer planets-Uranus,
Nep tune and Pluto- are also know n as the Modern
Planets. These three were discovered between the years
1781 and 1930. Apart from western astrologers, some
present day Vedic astrologers too are now conSidering
these outer planets. Some basic de tail s about these
p lanets are mention below:
Uranus: William Herschel discovered this pla ne t in
1781; it is also known as HerscheL It takes Uranus about
84 yea rs to complete a cycle of the zodiac. Its Indian
name is Arun . Uran us mainly represe nts sudden or
di srupti ve change. At its best, it makes a pe rso n a
humanitarian who is concerned about the welfare of
others. But on the nega tive ~ide, Uranus may lead to
ten sion and exci tement and may al so make one
impulsive and unpredictable.
Neptune: Nep tu ne wa s discovered in 1840. It takes
about 146 years for this planet to complete one cycle of
th e zodi ac. Its Indian na me is Varun . Its pos iti ve
influ ence makes a person extreme ly pe rceptive a nd
inspired . But unde r its negati ve influence, illusion,
cl ou d ed me nta lit y an d deception can manifes t
themselves.
Pluto: Pluto was discovered in 1930. It is the most distant
pla net among all the planets considered in astrology. It
takes about 246 years for Pluto to complete a cycle of
the zodiac . In India, we know it as Yaum. Its influence
urges a person to bring his/ her problems into the open.
There can be drastic changes. As its influence ends, all
probl e ms see m to ge t so lved. It a lso in flu e nces
investments and insurance.
 Chapter FOlir

Salient Features of The Moon's Nodes

In this chapter, we will consider va riou s features like

personification (symbolised by a divine form), mode of
transport (vallan). graphical symbols, astrological signs,
fri e nd ship /enmity with other plane ts, significance,
aspects, movement throu gh sig ns , mean / true
longitudes, main period s (daslta), s ub-pe riods
(a llfardasl1a ) and sub-sub-periods (prafayallfardas}m), as
assigned to Rahu and Ketu in Vedic astrology.
Familiarity with all these features will lead to a better
understanding of these nodes. This in turn will help in
the correct delinea tion of birth charts.

Personification (symbolised by a divine form)

In Vedic astrology, all planets including Rahu and Ketu
are personified as divine beings, existing on the Astral
and Causa l planes of existence (each has a di stinct
appearance and other characteristics) as visualised by
ancient seers. These are discussed below.
Rahu: There are different beliefs about Rahu, but the
mos t common ly accepted one is-Ra hu as a warrior
holding weapons in three out of his four hand s. The
fourth hand is in a traditional blessing stance, revea ling
that Rahu is not all malefic but also has powers to bless
someone to reach great material heights.
 Salicnt Featlires of thc Mool/'s Nodes 13

Divine fonn of Rahu

Ketu: Ketu too is depicted in different divine forms. The
mos t com mon ly accepted one has a wea pon held in
o ne hand while the othe r hand is in a pose of giving
blessings (VaT Mudra). So, we must no t consider Ketu
as only evil as it can also liberate one from the shackles
of the materialistic plane and grant final emancipation
from the life-death cycle (moks/fa).

Divine fonn of Ketu

14 Rahu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Mode of Transport (Vahan)

In Hindu tradition, it is customary to assign a mode of
transport to each divine being or god (devata). This
mode of transport reveals a lot about the way that the
particular divine being acts or moves.
Rahu: Rahu is assigned a lion as its mode of transport.
A lion is in the habit of relaxing when not hungry, but it
attacks suddenly and secretly when it so decides. This
is exactly how Rahu behaves in a native's chart.
Ketu: Ketu is assigned a vulture as its mode of transport.
A vulture also sits lazily waiting for its prey. This is the
way Ketu functions, sometimes delaying results and then
suddenly springing into action.

Graphical Symbols
All planets are given graphical symbols or glyphs. The
symbols for the nodes are shown in Figure 2 below:

Q
Rahu Ketu
Figure 2: Graphical symbols of Rahu (north node)
and Ketu (south node)
Astrological Signs ...
Unlike other planets, Rahu and Ketu have not been
assigned lordship of distinct signs, and exaltation and
debilitation signs. There are various views about this
aspect. Some of these are described below.

Rahu: Some consider Taurus as its sign of exaltation

and Scorpio as its sign of debilitation, whereas others
consider Gemini as its sign of exaltation and Sagittarius
as its debilitation sign.
 Salient Features of the Moon's Nodes 15

My view is that Virgo is Rahu's own sign, Gemini

its exaltation sign and Sagittarius its debilitation sign.
Ketu: Some consider Scorpio as its exaltation sign and
Taurus as its debilitation sign, whereas others consider
Sagittarius as its exaltation sign and Gemini as its sign
of debilitation.
My view is that Pisces is Ketu's own sign, Sagittarius
its exaltation sign and Gemini its debilitation sign.

Friendship/Enmity
Planets are placed in three categories-Friends, Neutrals
and Enemies. There are three different sets of views in
case of Rahu and two in case of the Ketu, (see Table 1).

Table 1
Planets categorised as FriendslNeutrals/Enemies towards
Rahu and Ketu

Rahu Ketu

Category View 1 View 2 View 3 View 1 View 2

FRIENDS Saturn Saturn Saturn Mars Sun
Mercury Mercury Mercury Jupiter Mars
Venus Venus Venus Moon
NEUTRAL Mars Jupiter Mars Saturn Mercury
Jupiter Venus Jupiter
ENEMIES Moon Sun Sun Sun Venus
Sun Moon Moon Moon Saturn
(More to
Sun) Mars Jupiter (More to
Moon) Rahu
Ketu ~Mercury

~ It has been observed during practice that Ketu does not give
good results with Mercury.
16 Rallll and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

In my opinion, View 3 in case of Rahu and View 1

in case of Ketu are the best.

Significance
Rahu : It is a dry planet and signifies the quality of
ignorance (lamas) . Hence, it is a lso called a tamsic
planet. It represents the south west direction, which is
a lso known as Nairrtya Kon . Rahu also signifi es the
pate rnal grand father, a se rpent, air element, high
mountains, fo rests, mining, exploration, research work,
sense of hearing, oi ls, stock--exchange, etc.
When Rahu works through the lower princip le it
signifies criminal activities like stealing, looting, murder,
b lackma il, imprisonment, co nfinement , seve re
punish men t, torture, und erworld activ ities, people
connected with the underworld, extortion, blackmailing;
a ll kinds of perversions, p oisons, brutality, sad istic
attitude, ruthlessness, excessive rigidity, orthodox views,
excessive materialistic interests, seIf·aggrand ise men t;
disturbances a t emotional and psychological level, fears,
phobias, isolation, lunacy, lying, deceit, trickery, liquor
consumption , espio nage, widowhood, ghosts,
smugg ling, p olluti on, smokin g, clouded mentality,
co nfusion, low grade occult practices, deserts,
tornadoes, cyclones, black-magie, sorcery; diseases like
arthritis, eczema, ulcers, paralYSis, digestive problems,
nervous disorders, skin diseases, cancer, polio, breathing
disorders and; accidents, torture, animal skins, hard
manua l labour, hunger, poverty, unfortunate even ts,
obesity, gambling and pornography.
When Rahu works through the higher principle, it
sign ifies hi gher occult practices, sensitivity on as tra l
planes, trance state, extra sensory perception (ESP);
fame, fortune, prestige, sudden benefits, prophets, seers,
 Saliellf Features of the MoolI' s Nodes 17

psychologists, psyc ho~ th e rapi s ts, intuition, inspiration

andi pharmaceutical industry and photography.
My belief is that Rahu is a Karmic Planet (a planet
w hich h elps in wo rking out previous karma and
forming new karma). In a chart, it signifies those areas
w hich need to be developed during the present life.
These areas of one's life will usually be those in which
lot of development will be possible and required .
Ketu; It is a fiery p la net. It signifi es the quality of
ignorance (lamas), hence it is ca lled the tamsic planet.
Ketu signifies the ma ternal grand fath er, tantra (occult),
a surgeon, di ffic ult work, a pilot, a serpent. sense of
smell, law and lawyers.
When Ketu works through the lower principle, it
signifies the ma fia world, tantrik (mys tic) activiti es,
unfortunate person or event, wounds, suffering, misery,
poisons, scandals, ski n diseases, scavengers, parasites,
strong noxious smells, homeless, destitute, outcast, bad
company, infections, fever, false pride, selfishness, vicious
tendencies, secret intrigues and associa tions, hab it of
backbiting, bankruptcy, miserliness, deception, madness,
indulge nce, spying acti vity, geologica l disturba nces,
catastrophes, etc.
When Ketu works through the higher principle, it
signi fies moksha (final emancipation from the life~death
cycle), spiritual initiation, practice of yoga, sudden gain,
renu nciation, tatva jmma (knowledge of the real nature
of things), deep space exploration, places of religiOUS
and occult Significance, artistic taste, literary genius,
philosophical ou tlook, friends, etc.
My belief is that Ketu is also a Karmic Planet. In a
chart, it rep resents those areas w hich have a strong
impac t on th e nati ve's present likin gs. s t ro n g
attachments and weak points. It signifies our link with
past lives.
18 Rni!U and Ketu hI Predictive Astrology

Aspects
For practical purposes, we consider only full aspects in
Vedic astrology. In addition to the 'P' aspect, Rahu and
Ketu are also given the 5th and 9lh aspects as their special
aspects. These aspects are counted from the house where
the aspecting planet is posited and are not dependant
on the longitudes of the concerned planets. For example,
if in a chart, Rahu or Ketu is in the 2nd house and any
other planet is in the 6 th hou se, then irrespective of its
degree·wise position Rahu or Ketu is considered to
aspect that planet, due to their 51h aspect. Also the Vedic
aspects are not classified as good or bad as such. An
aspect is good or bad depending upon the nature of the
concerned planets.
Modern or Western aspects are different, and are
now generally used in case of these nodes. Modern
aspect:; are reckun ed from thl:! mutual longiludinal
distances of the concerned planets. If two planets are
posited at certain degrees from each other, then they
form a particular type of aspect. These aspects are as
follows:

Name of Aspect Longitudinal difference between

the planets

Conjunction o degrees
Sextile 60 degrees
Square 90 degrees
Trine 120 degrees
Opposition 180 degrees

Modem aspects are either good or bad irrespective of

the concerned planets. Genera lly, the Opposition and
Square aspects are consid ered to be bad, while the
 Salient Features of theMoolI's Nodes 19

Sextile and Trine aspects are considered to be good.

Conjunction itself is neutral.
Orbs of Aspects: In modern aspects, it will be rare for
the aspecting planets to be exactly so many degrees
apart. Therefore a certain ± degree margin (known as
Orb) is allowed within which the aspect will be effective.
Different astrologers consider different values of Orbs.
According to my view, generally, an Orb of ±10 degree
is good enough unless otherwise stated.

Movement through Signs

On an average, Rahu and Ketu each takes about 1 year
and 6 months to move through one sign, and about 18
yea rs to complete one round of the zod iac.

Mean I True Longitudes

This topic has not been discussed in many ava ilable
books on Rahu and Ketu.
It is generally accep ted that both Rahu and Ketu
always have a retrograde motion. On this base, the
calc ulated longi tudes a re the mea n longitudes. The
mean longitud es thu s decrease grad uall y over time.
Trad itional astrologers, and so me mod e rn day
astrologers too, use mean longitudes of the nodes for
casting horoscopes.
Some astrologers argue that since the nodes are
given the same status as the other physical planets, their
true longitudes should be used. H we observe the true
longitudes of the nodes as given in an ephemeris, we
find that th e nodes someti me become stationary and
even direct in motion.
The maximum deviation between the two types (true
and mean) of longitudes ca n be about 1°: 45'
20 RnllU and Ketll i" Predictive Astrology

However, w hich longitudes should be follo wed in

the case of the nodes is a ma tter of opinion only.
I am in favour of using the mean longitudes. During
my long and rich experience, I have observed that the
mean longi tudes of the nodes give more accuracy in
results.

Planetary Periods (dasha)

According to Vedic astrology, starting from the time of
birth, planetary periods run throughout the lifespan of
a person. Th ere a re many dasha systems, but most
astrologers generally follow the V imshotri Dasha System,
w hich is considered the king of all dasha systems. As
per this system, the lords of the ma in periods (dasha),
sequen ce a nd yea rs a llo tted a re me ntioned in the
following table.

Table 2
Lords of the main periods (da slla s)
and the duration in years

Dasha Lord Su Mo Ma Ra Ju Sa Me Ke Ve
Dasha Years 6 10 7 18 16 19 17 7 20

In th e Vim shotri Dasha system, dasha (a lso ca lled

mahadasllfl) of RallU is 18 years.
Sub-Periods (antarda shas) of Rahu: Dasha has sub-
periods (anfardaslms) of all planets, starting with the
first sub-period of Rahu.
The durations of each al1tardaslla in the main period
of Rahu are given in Table 3.
 Salient Features of the Moon's Nodes 21

Table 3
Durations of antardashas in the
main period (das"a) of Rahu

Lord of Sub-Period Duration

(A ntardasha) Years Months Days

Rahu 2 8 12
Jupiter 2 4 24
Saturn 2 10 6
Mercury 2 6 18
Ketu 1 0 18
Venus 3 0 0
Sun 0 10 24
Moon 1 6 0
Mars 1 0 18

Ketu 's dasha: Tn the VimsJwtri Dasha system , the Ke tu 's

dasha (also called mahadasha) is seven years.
Sub-Periods (antardashas) of Ketu: Dasha has sub-
periods (antarda shas) of aU planets starting with the first
sub-period of Ketu.
The duration of each antardasJIQ in the main period
of Ketu are given in table 4.

Table 4
Durations of antardashas
in the main period (dasha) of Ketu

Lord Of Sub-Period Duration

(Antardasha) Years Months Days

Ke tu 0 4 27
Venus 1 2 0
Sun 0 4 6
Moon 0 7 0
22 Rahu and Kctu in Predictive Astrology

Mars 0 4 27
Rahu 1 0 18
Jupiter 0 11 6
Saturn 1 1 9
Mercury 0 11 27

Sub-sub-periods (pratyantardasllas): Usually only sub-

periods (antardashas) in the main period (dasha) are
considered, but for some detailed study and to precisely
time the events, each antardasha can be broken into sub-
sub periods or pratyantardashas. For the interest of my
readers, the method of calculating the sub-sub-periods
(pratyantardashas) is discussed below:
Pratyantardashas of Rahu and Ketu: Remember that
the first pratyantardasha is always of the same planet as
the antardasha. For example, if you want to break-up
the antardasha of Rahu, in the dasha of Rahu, the first
pratyantardasha will be of Rahu, while the rest will be
in the same sequence as in case of antardashas. The
pratyantardasha duration in days can be calculated using
the following formula.

M.D. lord yrs. X A.D. lord yrs. X p.o. lord yrs.

p.o. in days", ----'------:C--'-------'---
40
~ Note: p.o., A.D. and MD. stand for Pratyantardasha, Antardasha and
Mahadasha respectively.
In order to clarify the above formula, let us break
up the antardasha of Rahu in the dasha of Rahu to get
the duration of each pratyantardasha:

18X18X18
Ra/Ra/Ra " ' - - - - - '" 14S.8days == 4 months 2S days 19.2 hours.
40
18X18X 16
Ra/Ra/Ju == - - - - 129.6 days == 4 months 09 days 14.4 hours.
 Salient Features of the Moon's Nodes 23

18X18X19
Ra/Ra/Sa == 153.9 days'" 5 months 03 days 21.6 hours.
4Q

18X18X17
Ra/Ra/Me== 137.7 days.-4 months 17 days 16.8 houf5.
4Q

18X18X7
Ra/Ra/Ke == == 56.7 days"'l month 26 days 16.8 houf5.
4Q

18X18X20
Ra/Ra/Ve '" 162.0 days=5 months 12 days 00.0 hours.
4Q

18X18X6
Ra/Ra/Su = 48.6 days=1 month 18 days 14.4 houf5.
4Q

18X18XlO
Ra/Ra/Mo= 81.0 days=2 months 21 days 00.0 houf5.
40

18X18X7
Ra/Ra/Ma= 56.7 days=1 month 26 daysl6.8 hours.
40

Using the same formula and procedure, the

pratyantardashas for Ketu can also be calculated.
 Chapter Five

The Strength of the Nodes

A weak and ill placed planet cannot give full-fledged

results during its dasha and antardasha.
There are two types of strengths (balns) attached
with a planet. Th ese are Inh e rent Strength and
Residential Strength; both are quantitative methods of
accessing the strengths of planets in a chart.

Inherent Strength
The inh e rent s trength depicts the capacity of th e
concerned planet to give results during its dashu and
antardasha. There is a comprehensive sys tem of
ascertaining the inherent strength of a planet ca lled the
Shadbala system, which considers six kinds of strength s.
The word shadbala literally means 'six-strengths',
However, the heroes of this book, Rahu and Ketu
have not been induded in the Shadbala system of Vedic
astrology. The reason for their exclusion is that being
shadowy planets they were not assigned lordship of
any signs. Although astrologers have now formed views
about their signs of exaltation and debilitation yet the
exact d egrees of exaltation are still not known . And one
needs to know the degrees of exaltation and d ebilitation
points in order to find the Uchcha Ba/a (strength of a
planet depending on its position in relation to its points
o f exaltation and d ebilitation) w hich is to be included
in the Shadbala of a planet.
 Tile Strength of the Nodes 2S

For accessing the inherent strengths of Rahu and

Ketu, one can use the Vimshopak Bala (literally meaning
'out of 20' as the total count of the strength is 20) in
place of the Shadbala. Vimshopak Ba/a is calculated for a
certain group of divisional charts. The procedure for
calculating Vimshopak Bala is not within the scope of
this book. Some computer softwares for making a
horoscope are available which provide Vimshopak Bala
for Rahu and Ketu.

Residential Strength
The extent of results a planet can give during its periods
pertaining to the house in which it is posited, is its
residential strength. This strength depends upon the
degree-wise position of a planet in a particular house
(bhava). The closer a planet is to the mid-point of a
house, the higher its residential strength and the better
results it can give pertaining to that house. The
maximum residential strength can be l.
The method which can be used for assessing the
residential strength of the nodes is to first determine
whether Rahu or Ketu, (whichever is under
consideration) is in the first half or the second half of a
house. For this, one needs to know the longitudes of the
starting point, mid-point and ending point of the
concerned house.

1. If the nodal point (Rahu or Ketu) is in the first half

of a house:
(Longitude of planet) - (Starting point of house )
ResidentialStrength= - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- -
(Mid-point of house) - (Starting point of house)
26 Rnhu and Ketu in. Predictive Astrology

2. If the nodal point (Rahu or Ketu) is in the second

half of a house:
(Ending point of house) - (Longitude of planet)
ResidentialStrength= - - -- - - - - -- - - -- - -
(Ending point of house) - (Mid-point of house)

Example
The following example, should make the understanding
of the above formulae clear.

Longitude of Rahu = 83° 49'

Starting paint of the house = 32' sao
Mid-point of the house = 75° 56'
Ending point of house = 88° 32'

It can be seen that the node is in the second half of the

house.

(88' 32') - (83' 49') 283'

Residential Strength= = -- = 0.37
(88' 32') - (75' 56') 756'

In this example, Rahu has very low Residential Strength.

 Chapter Six

Aspects of the North and the South Nodes

In astrology, the concept of aspects is quite important.

The results get modified a lot due to the aspects received
by a planet or a house. In the Western or modem system,
the aspects are classified as good or bad irrespective of
the nature of the planets involved , w hereas in Ved ic
astrology, the aspect itself has no character and whether
it is good or bad, it d epends upon the aspecting and
aspected plan e ts . As discussed in Chapter 4,
Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine and Oppos ition
aspects come under the Modem or Western system and
these are based on the difference of longitudes between
the concerned planets.
The Vedic system considers the 5 th and 9th aspects as
specia l aspects in case of Rahu and Ketu in addition to
the 7th aspect which is applicable for all the planets. In
this system, the 5th and 9th aspects are the same as the
Trine aspect and the 7th aspect is same as the Opposition
aspect of the Modem system, but the Vedic aspects are
not dependent on the longitudinal differences of the
concerned planets. Vedic aspects are counted from the
house-wise positions of the concerned planets. For
example, if in a chart, Rahu is placed in the ascendant,
it will aspect the 5th , 7th and 9th houses of the chart.
In this chapter, we will deal with the Conjunction,
Opposition, Square and Sextile / Trine aspects formed
by Rahu or Ketu with other planets.
28 Rahu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Sex tile and Trine aspects are considered together

because if one of the nodes is forming a Trine aspect
with a planet, the other node will automatically form a
Sextile aspect with that planet.
Based on my long experience, I would like to suggest
that wh ile considering the modern aspects in case of
Rahu and Ketu, an O rb of up to 10 degrees can be
allowed.
It needs to be emphasised that the following results
must not be applied verbatim . The overall results in a
chart w ill be modified due to other considerations such
as signs, houses and constellations (naks}wtras). This is
where a correct balancing of the results by an expert
astrologer comes into the picture.

Conjunction with Rahu or Opposition to Ketu

In a chart since Rahu and Ketu are always in opposite
houses, the cons ideration of Rahu's conjunction with
any planet is the same as Ketu opposing tha t planet.

Sun
Under Posit ive Influe'lce: The native gets professional
success and progress, promotion, independence of spirit,
revolutiona ry ideas, sense of discrimination and an
opportunity and ability to develop the areas signified
by Rahu in the chart. One also gets the ability to fight
for truth, exp ress indi viduality and execu te
responsibilities.
Under Neg ative Influence: The nati ve has a selfish,
arrogant, adamant and rebellious nature. This aspect
lends fascination for strange things, punishment from
authorities, problems with one's spouse and problems
w ith one's fath er. It leads to laziness, bad mentality,
eccentric nature, heart disease a nd fevers.
 Aspects of tile Nortll Qnd tile Soutll Nodes 29

Moon
UlIder Positive Influence: The native gets respect from
th e general public and has an influential personality.
Women play an important role in the native's life. This
aspect gives the native a calm and mature outlook,
emotional satisfaction and ability to face problems w ith
pa tience. One may succeed in getting residence in a
foreign country.
Under Negafive Illfluellce: One ge ts dis sa tisfa ctio n ,
fai lures, adversity, debt, eye troubles, sudden death,
base less fears and phobias, isolation and mental
disorders.

Mars
Ullder Positive Influence: Makes one a go~ge tter who is
fu ll of physical and mental energy. It also gives courage
and success in sports. One has depth of thought, is liked
by the opposite sex and gets assistance from brothers
and sisters.
Under Negative 11Ifluence: This aspect leads to crimina l
tendencies, anger, aggression, failure in lawsuits and
loss of accumu la ted wealth . The native may over
indulge in sex.

Mercury
Ullder Positive 11Ifluence: Th e native has good
communica tive powers, good intellect and a cordial
nahtre. One gets significan t help and cooperation from
brothers and sisters and has a lot of mental and nervous
energy. One has a versatile personality and develops a
feeling that one is getting energy from a mysterious
source.
Under Negative Influence: There may be interruptions in
education, inconsistency of mind and behaviour and
30 Rahu and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

a rroga nce. One may have crimi na l te nd encies an d

mental problems.

Jupiter
Ullder Positive Influence: This aspect gives a philosophica l
outlook, plenty of material possessions, good fortune, a
charitab le na ture and success in professions related to
w riting and teaching. It is also conside red good for
p rogeny.
Urtder Negative infl uence: One becomes selfi sh, over
optimistic, dishonest and forgetful. The native may get
in volved in anti -re li gious ac ti vities and excessive ly
indulge in material things. This aspect may lead to lack
of prospe rity, madness a nd ma y lea d one into d eep
trouble due to expanding one's activities beyond control.

Venus
Under Positive Influence: The native is strongly inclined
to luxury and comforts, has a loving and kind nature
an d a n a ttra cti ve p e rsonality. Th e nati ve may b e
successful in a business dealing with luxury items and
get gains from superiors. This aspect also leads to a
happy married li fe and a diploma tic nature.
Under Negative 1IIf/uence: One faces difficulti es in
business and married li fe and is a slave to one's desires.
The nati ve becomes greedy, faces loss of money and
honour and is a ttracted to other women. Trouble may
be crea ted by enemies and there may be scandal through
women.

Saturn
Under Positive Influence: This aspec t g ives pa tie nce,
tolerance, kindness, a peacefu l nature, good principles,
the ability to tackle problems, interest and expertise in
 Aspects of the North and the SOll tli Nodes 31

foreign -languages, literature or culture. The native

proves to be good for others.
Under Negat ive In f luence: One ha s th e te nd ency to
obstruct the progress of other people, indulge in disputes
and keep an eye on other's money the reby getting a
bad reputa tion. The native becomes greedy, pessimistic
and suffers from bad health, a depressive temperament
and uffers from chronic diseases like rheumatism, wind
and bile troubles.

Uranus
Under Posit ive In fluence: One has plenty of nervous
energy and also utilises it properly. This aspect also leads
to expertise in computers or in Internet related fields,
farsightedness and an inventive and research oriented
mind.
Under Negative [1I[[llenee: This aspect may lead to
eccentric nature, heart problems, accidents, sorrows and
suffering from paralysis and stroke.

Neptune
Under Positive Influence: The native acquires a sensitive,
helpful, sympathetic and generous nature, love and
respect for visitors, success in fields like the media ,
cinema, astrology and occult science. One becomes a
prophet and visionary with sensitivity on higher planes
of existence and utilises one's talents for helping others.
This aspect can make one a good musician, artist or
historian .
U nder Nega tive Inf luence: The native may be full of
illusions, hallucinations and fantasies and may indulge
in intake of drugs.
32 Rallu and Kctu in Predictive Astrology

Pluto
Under Positive Influence: As a result of some previous
good karma, the native may be gifted with Tatoo Jnana
(ability to understand the real nature of things).
Under Negative Influence; One may desire to have power
for selfish gains and the determination to get w hatever
one d esires using good or bad means. This aspect may
be looked at as a punishment because o f some previous
bad karma. One may suffer from g la nd ular and sexual
problem s and have a tendency to resort to terrorist
activities .

Conjunction with Ketu or Opposition to Rahu

In a chart, since Rahu and Ketu are always in opposite
houses, the consideration of Ketu conjoined w ith any
planet is the same as Rahu opposing that planet.

Sun
Under Positive [nfluellce: Thi s aspect lea d s to good
concentration and d eep insight.
Under Negative Influence: This aspect leads to a lack of
physica l strengt h and self-confide nce and also a slow
rise in life. The nati ve develops violent anger and a
suppressed ego. It also indica tes that there was a father-
son discord in the native's previous life.

Moon
Under Positive Influence: The native gets opportunities
fo r atta ining moksha an d may have an ex tra sensory
perception (ESP). It a lso leads to a s tro ng psychi c
connection with one's mother.
Under Negative [nfluellee: The re may be problem s of
blood circulation and digestion, obstacles in domestic
 Aspects of the North and the South Nodes 33

life an d problems with women. The native h as a

tendency to hurt others and suffers from baseless fears.
One may be haunted by spirits and get involved in black
magic.

Mars
Under Positive In fluence : 1t lea d s to courage,
concentration and a logical way of thinking.
Under Negative Influence: The native indulges in rash or
impulsive actions, suffers from problems of blood
circulation, is bad mannered has physical and mental
abnormalities and develops enmity with others. One
may have accidents, get involved in litigati on and
experience ups and downs in personal levels of energy.

Mercury
Under Positive Influence: This aspect makes one a genius
with an intellectual and philosophica l bent of mind. It
is considered a good influence for astrologers, lawyers
and people from the media.
Under Negative Influence: One is talkative, confused and
has an irritating and suspicious na ture. The native lacks
judgement, has an inconsistent mind and problems of
the nervous system. This aspect also leads to madness
and sometimes the native ma y indulge in crimin a l
activities or might get implicated in false cases.

Jupiter
Ultder Positive Influence: The native is adventurous with
good intuitive powers, has a penetrating and
philosophical insight and is able to overcome physical
barriers and perform heroic actions.
Under Negative Influence: One may suffer mentally
because of progeny. The native is authoritative with rigid
views and lacks sincerity in religion and philosophy.
34 Rnllu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Venus
Under Positive Influence: One is loving, has an artistic
talent and could be a prodigy in the fields of art, music
or other creative areas.
Und er Negative [lI f lllen ee: This aspect leads to
eccentric nature, lack of happiness, secret problems
related to love and romance, over sensitivity and an
emoti onal outlook. One may be confused regarding
which path to follow- indulgence or renunciation.

Satu rn
Under Positive Influence: This aspect leads to ex pertise
in detailed and precision work and a philosophica l
outlook.
Under Negat ive Influence: One is read y to sacrifice or
surrender. The native suffers from depression, delayed
success, test of patience, pessimistic nature, selfishness,
a fundamentalist approach and despair.

Uran us
Under Positive Illfluellce: This aspect lea ds to expertise
and interest in computers, Internet-related fields and
communication sources.
Under Negative Illfluellce: One has an eccentric nature,
failure in marriage and partnership business and has a
strange behaviour.

Neptun e
Ullder Positive Influence: One has an urge to improve
oneself through spiritual practices and use one's talents
for the be nefit of all. This also gives freedom from
restraint.
 Aspects of the North and the South Nodes 35

Under Nega tive blf1uence: One may suffer due to drug-

abuse, mental derangement and complicated emotional
prob lems.

Pluto
Under Positive Influence: One is determined to keep peace
and harmony and cooperate with others.
Under Negative Inf luence: Thi s makes the nati ve a
separatist 'by nature w ith a tendency towards terrorist
acts. One may u se destructive me th ods eve n for
constructive work.

Squares to Rahu/Ketu
(A planet wiff be in a Square position to botl! tile nodes at
tile same time.)
As mentioned earlier, a Square aspect is considered
only in the Western system of astrology.
The nature of this aspect is ma lefic irrespective of
the nature of the concerned planets. The key words for
this aspect are obstacles, stress and internal conflict for
change.

Sun
The native may face difficulties and obstacles in
receiving goodwill, popularity and general progress in
life and may fa ce difficulties w ith au thorities a nd his
father. There may be health problems, lack of honour
and recognition.

Moon
One experiences obsta cles and difficulti es cau sed by
women and a difficult relationship w ith one's mother.
There could be problems in blood circulation and the
36 Rnhu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

digestive system, lack of peace and harmony in domestic

life and mental unrest.

Mars
The native may lack physical strength and courage and
suffer due to blood related ailments, problems due to
sexual excesses and involvement in criminal activities.
There could be health problems necessitating surgery.'
One also experiences difficulties with brothers.

Mercury
There could be difficulties and obstacles due to lack of
intellectual ability, poor expression, speech problems, a
talkative nature and lack ability to take decisions. One
may have trouble of the nervous system and suffer from
epilepsy.

Jupiter
Adventurous actions may make one land in trouble.
There cou ld be difficulties regarding property or
children. One may fa ce obstacles in rising high in life.
There can be a lack of wisdom and religious interests.

Venus
The native may face miseries or sorrows due to obstacles
in life, a hyper·sensitive nature, difficulties and problems
due to over indulgence in sex, poverty, an unattractive
personality, eyesight problems and marriage related
problems.

Saturn
There could be difficulties and trouble due to lack of
action, lethargy or delayed action, a pessimistic attitude
 Aspects of the North and the Sou th Nodes 37

towards life and difficulties with workers, problems

related to one's work or service, lack of responsibility
and a sense of duty. Due to this aspect, one may not get
enough returns even after working hard.

Uranus
There could be difficulties and obstacles due to an
eccentric nature and impulsive actions, varying moods,
difficulties with life or business partner and accidents
due to being rash.

Neptune
Addiction to drugs may lead to problems and a dual
nature. There may be a tendency to resort to wrong
means for gaining spiritual powers.

Pluto
A separatist nature of the native could lead to trouble.
One may also be in trouble and face obstacles due to a
violent and aggressive attitude. One may desire peace
at heart but perform actions contrary to it.

Trines, Sextiles to the Nodes RahulKetu

A Sextile aspect is also a modern aspect. This aspect is
not being considered here separately but the fact is that
if a planet is forming a Trine aspect to either Rahu or
Ketu then it is automatically Sextile to the other one.
Both these aspects are positive in nature.
The key words for a Sextile aspect are opportunity
for productivity and creativity. The key words for Trine
aspect are harmony, ease, benefits without much effort
and ability to express creativity.
38 Rnlw and Ket" ;/1 Predictive Astrology

Sun
Th e native experiences publi c recognition, fame,
popularity and progress and might gain goodwill and
success through constructive actions. One develops a
harmonious re la ti onship with one's father.
Circumstances become helpful in one's progress and
one gains authority.

Moon
The native gets recognition due to the efforts of women
or with the help of the opposite sex. The native has a
pleasa nt nature and has good relations with nea r ones,
especially his or her mother. The native feels ease at
heart, has mental composure, good health, a pleasant
appearance, clarity of thought and has good relations
with people.

Mars
The native will have physical strength, an impressive
personality, an independent nature and get on well with
brothers who in turn will play an important role in his
or her life. The native also has the ability to win over
enemies.

Mercury
The native has good intellect, a good education, an
analytical ability and success in business, good expressive
powers and interest and success in astrology, law, media
and advertising.

Jupiter
One ha s worldly fame, comforts and peace of mind.
The native has the abili ty to attain success in rrofessional
and financial areas in his/ her life. There may be progress
 Aspects of the Nortll and tile Sou th Nodes 39

due to one's wisdom, common sense and a philosophical

and optimistic outlook.
Venus
The nati ve w ill have an attra ctive and charmin g
appearance a nd the ab ili ty to attract the opposite sex.
Th is asp ec t makes one wea lth y, sen s iti ve, ca rin g,
generous and a dependable person.
Saturn
The native is a sensible, dependable and mature person
with a down-to-earth personality and is a good worker
who is able to a chieve tar gets. The nativ e ha s an
inclination towa rds spiritual affairs, a motto to serve
others and get sa tisfaction through it. One's efforts bring
rewards and satisfaction to oneself.
Uranus
The native has an inner urge to respect human values
and lift up society. The na tive does not need any
guidance in taking right and timely action and has full
of innovative ideas.
Neptune
Under this aspect, one ca n become a reputed artist and
has the abili ty to appreciate fine arts and music. One
has spiritual interests, very high ideals and an interest
in religiOUS books.
Pluto
This aspect gives the native a lot of stre ngth, ene rgy
and confid ence. The native attains success and gets
rewards in his / her undertakings. He /she has the zeal
and enthusiasm to achieve goals. This aspec t is good
and leads to gains all around .
 Chapter Seven

Constellations of Rahu and Ketu

The zodiac of 360 degrees is divided into 27 equal parts,

each of 13°:20', starting from 0 degree Aries. These are
known as constellations (nakshatras). A constellation is
also known as an Asterism, Star or Lunar Mansion. A
constellation consists either of a single or a group of
stars with a distinct astrological influence.
It is believed that in the beginning, Vedic astrology
was based only on the nakshatras; the concept of signs
was introduced much later which gradually led to the
diminishing of the importance of the constellations.
The birth constellation (janam nakshatra), which is
the constellation of the natal Moon, and the constellation
in which the ascendant (lagan) falls reveal a great deal
about the phYSical, mental and general characteristics
of the native.
As there are nine planets, each planet is assigned
the lordship of a group of three constellations.
Only the constellations of Rahu and Ketu are
discussed in this chapter. However, the characteristics
mentioned here should not be applied verbatim because
they are further coloured by other influences in a birth
chart.

Constellations (Nakshatras) of Rahu

ARDRA
Location in the Zodiac: It falls in the Gemini sign, and
extends from 6D:40' to 20 degrees.
 Constellations of RnJIII and Ketll 41

As tronomical name: Betelguese or ex Orio11;s.

Number of Stars: It consists of only 1 star.
G ender: Fema le.
Deity: This constellation faUs und er the de ity Rlldra
(means fearsome and is also a title of Lord Shiva)
Category: It falls und er Manu shya or human ca tegory.
Body parts: This constellation governs throat, shoulders,
arms and ears.
Diseases: Mumps, ear troubles, dry cough, diphtheria
a nd respiratory problems fall under this constellation.
Professions: Main professions are salesmanship, book
se llin g, work relate d to the Pos t and Te leg raph
Department, writing, research, handwriting ana lysis,
tantra and magic.
Ge neral c.haracteristics: Under nega tive influences, the
native ma y be short tempered, revengeful, gluttonous,
aggressive, a liar, a thief and a sinfu l person. One may
be physica lly weak and also be a drug addict.
Under positive influences, the native w ill be polite,
social, affectionate, brave, intellectual and philosophical.

SWATI
Location in the Zodiac: It falls in the Libra sign, and
extends from 6°:40' to 20 degrees.
Astronomical name: Arcturus or ex Bootis.
Number of Stars: It consists of only 1 star.
Gender: Fema le.
Deity: This constellation falls under the deity Vayu (air)
Category: It comes under the Devas (gods) ca tegory.
Body parts: The body parts under this constellation are
skin, kidneys, urethra, bladder and append icitis.
Diseases: Urinary problems, kidney troubl es, skin
diseases and leprosy fall under this constellation .
42 Rallu and Ketu in Predictive A strology

Professions: The main professions that come under this

constellation are in fields related to automobiles, tourism,
music, science, plastic and glass, photography and
leather goods.
General characteristics: Under negative influences, the
native is adamant, sentimental, sensuous, indulgent and'
accident-prone.
Under positive influences, the native is honest,
intelligent, religious minded, expert in trading, has a
lot of worldly knowledge, is good looking, educated,
lucky and justice loving .

. SHATBHISHA
Location in the Zodiac: It falls in the Aquarius sign and
extends from 6°:40'to 20 degrees.
Astronomical name: A - Aquarii.
Number of Stars: It consists of 100 stars.
Gender: Neutral.
Deity: This constellation falls under the deity Varun (god
of water or ocean).
Category: It is classified under the Rnkshasas (demons)
category.
Body parts: The portion between the knee and the ankle
and calf muscles are the body parts governed by this
constellation .
Diseases: High blood pressure, heart ailments, leprosy,
eczema and palpitation.
Also any problems caused due to fracture or
amputation of leg fall under this constellation.
Professions: The main fields of profession are occult
science, electricity, astrology, astronomy and geography.
General characteristics: Under negative influences, the
native is cruel, separatist, sensuous, aggreSSive and
thoughtless.
 Constellation s of Rahu and K.etu 43

Under positive influences, the native is truthful,

patient, independent, adven tur ous, influential,
courageous, thoughtful and a good speaker.

Constellations (Nakshatras) of Ketu

ASHWINI
Location in the Zodiac: It fa lls in the Aries sign, and
extends from 0 degree to 13°:20'.
Astronomical name: ~ - Arietis
Number of Stars: It consists of 3 stars.
Gender: Male.
Deity: This constellation comes under the deity Ashwini
Kllmar (the celestial physician).
Category: It falls under Devas (gods) ca tegory.
Body parts: It gov e rns th e head a nd ce rebral
hemispheres.
Diseast!s: Blouu congestion in the brain, brain fever and
epilepsy, slipping into a coma, paralysis and insomnia.
Professions: The main fields under this con stellation
are police, defence, industry, surgery, law, railways and
machinery .
General characteristics: Under negative influences, the
native is rash, talkative a nd extravagant and has difficult
relations with brothers.
Under positive influences, the native is clever, good
looking, e ffici e nt, honest, intelligent, lucky, a good
adviser, thoughtful and rich.

MAGHA
Location in the Zodiac: It falls in the Leo sign and
extends from 0 degree to 13°:20'.
Astronomical name: Regulus or a - Leollis.
Number of Stars: rt consists of 5 stars.
44 Ralw and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

Gend er: Fema le.

Deity: It comes und er the de ity Pitras, which means
our ancestors. This is interesting because Ketu is also
related to our past.
Category: It is classified under the Rakshasas (demons)
category.
Body parts: The main body parts under this constellation
are spinal cord, heart, spleen and aorta .
Diseases: Heart attack, back pain, palpitation of the
heart and fainting fa ll under this constellation.
Professions: The main fi elds are drug manufacturing,
defe nce and gove rnm e nt service, surge ry and
manufacture of imitation jewellery.
General characteristics: Under negative influences, the
native is hard hearted and hates women. The native is
short tempered, outspoken, proud, impulsive, easily
annoyed and full of anxiety.
Unde r positive influences, the na tive is easy to
please, efficient, bold, sensitive, courageous, good for
others and has good writing skills.

MOOLA
Location in the Zodiac: It falls in the sign of Sagi ttarius,
and extends from 0 degree to 13°: 20'.
Astronomical name: A Scorpii.
Number of Stars: It consists of 11 stars.
Gender: Neutral.
Deity: The god dess of dissolution Nritti governs this
constellation .
Category: It is classified under the Rakshnsas (demons)
category.
Body parts: The body parts which it governs are hips,
thighs and the sciatic nerve.
 Constellations of Rnhu and Ketu 45

Diseases: Pulm ona ry and respiratory problems fall

under this constellation.
Professions: The main fields are law, teaching, social
work, international trade, astrology and consultancy
services.
General characteristics: Under negative influences, the
native is moody, destructive, a li ar and superstitious.
One does not prove good for one's parents.
Under positive influences, the native is kind,
forgiving, philosophical , generous, a philanthropist,
happy, good for others, religious, is a social worker and
is respected by others.

Gandamoola - Dosha (a sort of inauspicious blame) ...

A meeting place or time of two events or phenomenon
is always of great importance and it is called Sandhi or
Sandhi Knal.
On the same basis, the present moment, which is
called Vartmaan , is the Sandhi KDat or meeting time of
the past (Bhoot Kaal) and the future (Bhavishya Kaal)
and hence it is of utmost importance.
There are twenty seven constellations starting with
the first called Ashvini which is governed by Ketu (the
south node), the next eight up to Ashlesha are governed
by each of the remaining e ight planets, viz. Venus, Sun,
Moon, Mars, Rahu (the north node), Jupiter, Saturn and
Mercury respectively. The next nine constellations from
Magha to Jyeshtha are again governed by the above nine
planets from Ketu to Mercury.
The last set of nine constellations from Moo/a to Revati
again fall under the lordship of planets from Ketu to
Mercury respectively.
Thus, we observe that the end ing portions of the
three constellations of Mercury, viz. Aslilesha, Jyeshtlta
46 Rnhu Qnd Ketu in Predictive Astrology

and Revati and the beginning portions of the three

constellations of Ketu, viz. Magha, M oola and A shvin i
constitute the Sandhi or Ganda (a sort of knot or joint) of
Auta (ending) a nd Mool (beg innin g) or in s hort
Galldalltmoof or simply Galldamool.
These constellations or their certain portions are not
co nsi dered auspicious for childbirth and also for
performing any auspicious ceremony.
Results of birth in Gattdamool constellations: A
constellation is divid ed into four equal parts called
chara"s of 3°:20' each. Except the jyeshtha constellation,
which is wholly inauspicious, only some charans of other
five Ganda mool cons tellations are considered
inauspicious; the rest of their cham lls are auspicious,
the details are as follows:
Ashvini: P' charan: Inau spic iou s for father. 2nd
charan: Prosperity. 3,d charan : High status. 4th cha ran:
State honours.
Magha: p I chamn: Inau spicious for mothe r . 2 nd
c!lara,,: Inauspicious for father. 3rd charan: Pleasure and
property. 4th charan: Financial gains.
Moola: 1 ~ c!lara,,: Loss to father. 2nd chara,,: Loss to
mother. 3rd cltaran: Loss of money. 4th charan; Financial
gains.
Ashlesha: pi c1,aran: Pleasures of authority. 2nd
charm,: Loss of money. 3rd charM!; Loss to mother. 4th
charan: Loss to father.
Jyeshtha: 1"' cI,am,,: Sorrow to elder brother. 2nd
c11aran: Sorrow to younger brother. 3'.J cham n: Sorrow
to mother. 4th charau: Loss to sell.
Revati: pi cltaran: State honours. 2 nd charan:
Pleasures of authority. 3,d cltara,,; Pleasures. 4th charan:
Life full of sorrows.
 Constellations of Rahu and Ketu 47

Shanti of Gandamool Dosha: The three constellations,

viz Moola, Jyeshtha and Ashlesha are considered more
inauspicious as regarding this Dosha. If a child is born
during the above-described Dosha carrying charatls of
these constellations then a Shant; should be performed
under the same constellation as it returns after 27 days
from the birth. Until that time it is generally advised
that the father should not see the child.
For birth of a child during the Dosha carrying cltarans
of the rest of the three constellations, viz. As/luini, Magha
and Revati, Shanti can be performed on the 10 th or 19th
da y from the birth, under another constellation
governed by the same planet, which governed the
constellation under which the child was born.
The author beli eves that just getting the Shanti
performed will take care and one should not have undue
anxiety if a child is born under one of these
constellations. Also if the Siran ti could not be performed
after the birth then one should get it performed under
the appropriate constellation near the following birthday.
 Chapter Eight

Effects of the Placement of Rahu and

Ketu in Different Signs

In this chapter, the effects of the placement of the nodal

axis in different signs are considered .
There are variou s views r ega rding the s ign
des ig nations fo r Rahu and Ke tu . T favour the sign
designations as given in Table 5.

Table 5
Sign designations for Rahu and Ketu

Sign Criteria Rahu Ke tti

Own Sign Virgo Pisces

Sign of Exaltation Gemini Sagittarius
Sign of Debilitation Sagittarius Gemini

In a chart, the o verall res ults get modifi ed a l ot

d epending upo n the houses in which the nod es are
placed, the aspects a nd association of other planets and
the con s tellations in w hich th e n odes are pos ited .
Keeping this in mind, the resu lts given below sh ould
not be applied verbatim.

Rahu in Aries-Ketu in Libra

Depending upon the state of Mars and other influences
in the chart, the native may have scope and a need to
d evelop qualities o f inspiration, courage, enthusiasm,
 Effects of tile Placement of RIlhu and Ketu in Different Signs 49

origina lity, ind ependence, patience and thoughtful

action in those areas of life indica ted by the house
position of Rahu.
Depending upon the sta te of Venus and oth er
influ ences in the chart, the native either has negative
traits of indecisiveness, dep e nd e nce on othe rs,
possessiveness, jealousy, lazin ess, stubbornness,
extravagance, indulgence in sexual activity or positive
qua lities like perseverance, reliabi lity, compassio n,
loyalty and trustworthiness in the a reas specified by
the house in which Ketu is posited.
In general, this position of the nodal axis is believed
to lead to laziness, health problems, an irritable nature
and a very strong sex-drive. It also indicates that the
native was lu cky and materially well-off during the
previous life.

Rahu in Taurus-Ketu in Scorpio

Depending upon the state of Venus and other influences
in the chart, there may be scope and a need for
developing positive qualities of perseverance, reliability,
compassion, loyalty, trustworthiness, practicality and
a balance between material and spiritual inte rests in
relation to the areas indicated by the house position of
Rahu.
Depending upon the s tat e of Mars and other
influences in the chart, the native will either have
negative qualities of vindictiveness, resentfulness,
stubbornness, possessiveness, a sarcastic nature or
positive qualities like b ein g ambitious, efficient,
courageous, reso urcefu l, intuitive and spi ritually
inclined in the areas indicated by the house position of
Ketu.
50 Rnhu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

In general, this position of the nodal axis is believed

to lead to a fluctuating mind, tendencies to indulge, get
respect in society, gains from authorities and a materially
well-off position. It also indicates that the native was
engaged in anti social activities and satisfied his/her
carnal desires using wrong means during the previous
life.

Rahu in Gemini-Ketu in Sagittarius

Depending upon the state of Mercury and other
influences in the chart, there may be scope and a need
for developing positive qualities like good expression,
versatility, a friendly nature, good perception,
concentration, habit of finishing one job before
attempting another, in relation to the areas of life
signified by, the house position of Rahu.
Depending upon the state of Jupiter and other
influences in the chart, the native either has negative
traits like lack of tact, irresponsibility, is boastful and
has a quarrelling and domineering nature, or positive
qualities like optimism, dependability, a friendly attitude,
honesty and versatility in the areas represented by the
house in which Ketu is placed.
In general, this position of the nodal axis is believed
to lead to courage, interest in arts, physical strength
and a desire for self-respect. The native cannot remain
cut off from the society. It also indicates that the native
was engaged in deep study or research related to
philosophical and spiritual fields during his/her past
life.

Rahu in Cancer-Ketu in Capricorn

Depending upon the state of the Moon and other
influences in the chart, there may be scope and a need
 Effects of the Placement of Rnhu and Ketu in Different Signs 51

for developing positive qualities like sympathy,

industriousness, a social attitude, thrift, control over
moods and a control over emotions in the areas of life
indicated by the house occupied by Rahu.
Depending upon the state of Saturn and other
influences in the chart, the native either has negative
qualities like anxiety, retaliation, SusplCIon,
stubbornness, intolerance or a pessimistic attitude or
positive qualities like ambition, sense of responsibility, a
practical approach, efficiency and patience in the areas
specified by the house position of Ketu.
In general, this position of the nodal axis is believed
to lead to health problems, anxiety and scarcity of
money. It also indicates that the native passed through
difficult conditions which were not in hannony during
the past life.

Rahu in Leo-Ketu in Aquarius

Depending upon the state of the Sun and other
influences in the chart, there may be scope and a need
for developing positive qualities like generosity, optimism,
ambition, loyalty and affection in regard to the areas of
life represented by the house position of Rahu.
Depending upon the state of Saturn and other
influences in the chart, the native will either have
negative qualities like an impersonal and unpredictable
nature, lack of tact, a rebellious and self-centred nature
or positive qualities like friendliness, a broad minded
and helpful attitude, originality and intuition in the
areas of life which the house position of Ketu indicates.
In general, this position of the nodal axis is believed
to make the native clever, good for others and intelligent.
The native may face problems and losses due to poor
relations with the government or authorities. It also
52 Rahu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

indicates that during the past life, the native neglected

his/ her personal life a t the cost of working for other
people's interests and benefits.

Rahu in Virgo-Ketu in Pisces

Dependin g upo n th e stat e o f Me rcury and other
influences in the chart, there may be scope and a need
for developing positive qualities like ability to analyse
and work hard, have a systematic approach, reliability
and a considerate attitude in the areas of fife signified
by the house in which Rahu is posited.
Depe nding upon the state of Jupiter and othe r
influences in the chart, the nati ve w ill e ithe r have
negati ve qu a liti es like getting influ en ce d ea sily,
ind ecisiveness, a changing and hypersensitive nature
and self-pit y, or po sitive qu a liti es like sy mpathy,
compassion, m od esty a nd a self-sacrifici ng a ttitude in
areas of life indicated by the house pos ition of Ketu.
In ge ne ra l, this nodal ax is pos iti on lea d s to an
interest in poetry, politeness and love and respect for
oth e rs. Th e na tiv e ma y ha ve d o mes tic harmony,
comforts, contenbnent and wealth. It also indica tes that
the native was an ordinary person and could not rise
high in the past life.

Rahu in Libra-Ketu in Aries

Depending upon the state of Venus and other influences
in the cha rt, t he re ma y be scop e a nd a nee d for
developing positive qualities like diplomacy, cooperation,
helpfulness a nd a sociable na ture in the a reas of life
represented by the house position of Rahu .
Dep e nd in g upon th e state o f Ma rs and other
influences in the chart, the native will e ither have
negative qu a lities like impati ence, aggressiveness,
 E.ffects of /lIe Placemen t of Ralill alld Ke/ II ill Different Signs 53

impulsiveness, selfishness and a headstrong nature or

positive qualities like inspiration, courage, enthusiasm,
originality and independence in the areas specified by
the house position of Ketu .
In genera l, this position of the nodal axis is believed
to lead to dissa tisfacti on and sorrow due to sensuous
habits. The native may be simple minded, justice loving
and wi1l be able to succeed without much effort. It also
indicates that the native worked hard during hi s/her
past life but lacked balance.

Rah u in Scorpio-Ketu in Taurus

Depending upon the state of Mars and other influences
in the chart, there m ay be scope and a nee d for
developing positive qualities like a mbition, efficiency,
courage, intuition and resourcefulness in the areas
specified by the house position of Rahu.
Depending upon th e state o f Venus a nd other
influences in the chart, the native e ither has negati ve
qualities li ke possessiveness, jea lou sy, la zi ness,
stubbornness and extravagance or positive qualities like
pe rsev erance, reliabilit y, compass io n, loyalty and
tru stworthiness in the areas of life represented by the
house in which Ketu is placed.
In general, this position of the nodal axis is believed
to make the native scandalous and proud. The native
may win over enemies and gain money and respect
from authorities. It also indicates that the na tive spen t
his/ her past life in ma terial pursuits and did not pay
attention to self-improvement.

Rahu in Sagittarius- Ketu in Gemini

Depending upon the state of Jupiter and other influences
in th e cha rt , there may be sco pe and need fo r
54 RnllU mId Ketu ;/1 Predictive Astrology

de ve lo p ment of positive qualities lik e optim is m ,

dependability, fri endliness, versatility a nd honesty
regarding the a reas specified by the house w here Rahu
is posited .
Depend ing upon the state of Mercury and other
influences in the cha rt, the native w ill eit he r have
nega ti ve qua liti es like a cont rad ictory nature,
restlessness, a critical and impatient narure or positive
qualities like being friendly, witty, versatile and have a
good perception in the areas specified by the house
position of Ketu.
In general. this position of the nodal axis leads to
losses, fa ilu res in attemp ts and men ta l tensio n. The
na ti ve ma y have relig ious int e rests and a helpful
attitu de. It also indicates that during his/ her previous
life, the native worked in intellectual pursuits to fulfil
other people's desires.

Rahu in Capricorn-Ketu in Cancer

Depending upon the state ofSatum and o ther influences
in the char t, th e re m ay be scope and a need for
developing positive qualities like ambition, responSibility,
practicality, efficiency and patience in the areas where
Rahu is posited.
Depending upon the state of the Moon and other
influ ences in th e chart, th e native w ill either have
negative qua liti es like an argumen tat ive nature ,
changin g moods, over sensi ti vity and an emotiona l
nature or posi tive qualities like being thrifty, sympathetic,
a social and protecti ve nature and the ability to work
hard in areas represen ted by the house where Ketu is
pl aced.
In gene ral, Ihis position of the noda l axis lead s to
respect, prosperity and an interest in politics. There may
 Effec ts of the Placement of Ralru and Ketll in Differen t Signs 55

be health problems and the native may have an irritable

na ture . It also indi ca tes that the nati ve was mainl y
involved in domestic activities during the past life.

Rahu in Aquarius-Ketu in Leo

Depending upon the state of Saturn and other influences
in th e chart , there ma y be sco p e and a ne ed for
developing positive qualities like fri endliness, originality,
initia ti ve, broad mindedness and a helpful nature in
the areas represented by Rahu .
Depending upon th e state of the Sun and othe r
influences in th e chart, the nativ e will either have
negative qualities like a demandin g and dominating
na ture, laziness, intole rance, se lfis hness or posit ive
qualities like generosity, optimism, and being ambitious,
loya l and appecti onate in the areas specified by the
house where Ketu is placed.
In general, this position of the nodal axis makes the
native thoughtful, a good critic and someone who is
able to solve problems. The native may suffer because
of being separated from relatives. It also indicates that
the native was self-centred during his/ her past life.

Rahu in Pisces-Ketu in Virgo

Depending upon the state of Jupiter and other influences
in th e chart , th e re ma y be scop e and a nee d fo r
d eve lo ping p os iti ve qualiti es like sympath y ,
compassion, modes ty and a self-sacrificing and helpful
nature in the areas as represented by the house where
Rahu is posited.
Depending upon the state of Mercury and othe r
influ ences in the cha rt, the nati ve w ill e ither have
nega tive qualities like being aloof, sceptic and a critical
and self-centred na ture, or positive qua lities like the
56 Rah" ,,,d Ket" in P",iictive Astmiogy

ability to analyse and work hard, a systematic approach

and reliability in the areas represented by the house
where Ketu is placed.
In general, this position of the nodal axis may lead
to losses due to fire, theft or because of obstacles placed
by authorities. The native has good intentions and is an
efficient person at work. It also indicates that the native
was systematic and gave importance to details in work
during the past life.
 Chapter Nine

Effects of Rahu and Ketu in

Different Houses (Bhavas)

In this chapter, the effects of the placement of the

Rahu/Ketu axis in different houses in a chart are
considered. The results show a trend based on generally
accepted views. The actual results with respect to a
particular chart are, however, coloured due to effects
of signs, aspects and association with other planets.

Generally accepted guidelines

1. Rahu is always treated as auspicious and promises
favourable results in the 3rd , 6th and 11th houses, and
Ketu in the 9th , 12th and 5 th houses brings favourable
results.
2. Some astrologers believe that Rahu in addition to
the 3,d, 6th and 11th houses also gives good results in
the 4 th, 9th and 10th houses.
3. It is generally believed that Rahu gives bad results,
particularly in the 5th, 7th, 8 th and 12th houses.
4. Some astrologers believe that Rahu in the 5 th house
in a birth chart should be considered bad only if in
the Navamsha chart (a divisional chart also called
0/9), it is posited in the signs of Saturn.

I agree with the view that Rahu gives good results in

the 3rd , 6 th and 11th houses and Ketu in the 9th , 12th and
5 th houses, provided it enjoys a good position and does
not carry any malefic effects.
58 Ralw rl ll d Ketu ill Predictive Astrology

In my view, Rahu brings s udden and remarkable

s pecu la tive gains in the 5 th or 9111 houses w here it is not
treated as auspicious. Rahu in the 9111 house brings good
luck and prosperity, provided it falls in a good Nakshatra
or occupies its own house or is exa lted in one's birth
chart. For most high profile politicians, Rahu in the 9111
house has g iven qu ite surpri sing and commendable
resu lts.
I would also like to point ou t a few more points
based o n my observations. These are:

1. Rahu and Ketu give good results in the 3nl , 6111 , 10111
and 11 th houses.
2. Rahu a nd Ketu being karmic planets reveal a lot
about the life of a na tive. The area represented by
the house position of Rahu needs improvement in
th e present life. There may be lot of weaknesses
re lated to this a rea. The a rea in which Ketu fall s
s h ows the n at ive's basic inte res ts, h abi ts and
persistent thou ghts. Due to the actions of the pas t
life, one needs to overcome all negative habits and
compul sions in o rder to move ahead in the area
sig nified by Rahu.
3 . The closer the nodes are to the mid-point of a house,
th e s tronger a nd more di s tinct are the results
pertaining to tha t particular house.
4. Co nsider the signs where the n odes are p osited .
Pl acem e nt in own , friendl y o r e xa lta ti o n signs
augment and placement in inimical and debilitation
signs detriment the results.
5. As h as been a lready disc ussed , conjunctions and
.as pec ts o f other planets g rea tly co lo ur the final
results .
 Effects of RaJm and Ketrl i1l Different Houses (BJlatIas) 59

Results pertaining to the Rahu / Ketu axis falling in

each house in a chart are discussed below.

Rahu in the 1"' house-Ketu in the 7th house

Under positive influences the native will be wea lthy,
strong willed, able to win over enemies and competitors
and will be interested in spiritual matters. The native
will have a good personality and intellect.
Negative influ ences make the native ill- natu red,
short tempered and self-centred. The views of the native
may be against religion or tradition. There will be lack
of good health, self-confidence, domestic happiness and
harmony with spouse.
There will be a need for developing kindness towards
others and having con trol over sexual desires.

Rahu in the 2nd house-Ketu in the 8th house

Under positive influences, money and family play an
import ant role in the native ' s life. The na ti ve is
progressive, earns name, fame, material gains and
comforts. The native is well educated, achieves success
in poetry and in delivering good lectures. But und er
negative influences, ill-repute and suffering may result.
A tamasic (inert or la zy) nature is reflected in eating
and drinking habits and speech. Also sorrow, ill-repu te
an d fin ancial scarCity may result. This position of the
nodal axis may also trouble the native because of piles.
The native needs to develop his/ her own resources
so that his/ her material needs are fulfilled.

Rahu in the 3'" house-Ketu in the 9th house

Under positive influences, this position leads to courage,
a good reputation and victory over enemies. One may
benefit from journeys, tourism and com munications,
60 Rallfl mId Ketll ill Predictive A strology

ed iting a nd publishing and have good relations w ith

brothers, sisters and al so have mutual support. Short
journeys may be fruitful. The native is adventurous and
bold . This position proves lucky for the na tive and it
may lead to respect and fulfilm ent of desires.
Under negative influences, one may have troubles
with brothers, sisters and neighbours.
There may be need and a scope for developing the
ab ility to cope with the problems in one's immediate
environment (close· relatives and in the neighbourhood).

Rahu in the 4th house-Ketu in the 10th house

Under positive influences, this position leads to foresight,
a good intellect and imagination. The support of people
leads to attainment of wealth and fame.
It a lso leads to proficiency in Engli sh, a fertil e
imagina ti on, pilgri mages to sacred rivers a nd places,
interest in scriptures, support from people, benefits from
mother and gains in property matters.
Under negativ e influ e nces, one may h ave an
adamant nature, lack of domestic happiness and an
int e rrupti on in edu cation . Th e re may be lack of
maternal love. One of the parents may die early.
The re may be a need for dev elop ing emotiona l
stability with the help of the domestic environment.

Rahu in the 51h house-Ketu in the l l lh house

Under p os itive influen ces, thi s leads to wealth,
intelligt:nce, success in higher education, benefits from
professions related to sports, an interest in entertainment
a nd music, benefits from investments and sudden ga ins
through specula tion.
Und er nega tive influences, Rahu in the 51h house is
not good for children. It ma y lead to abortions and a
 Effects of Rol/ll and Ketu in Different Houses (B}uwas) 61

delay in conception, if it is present in a fe male's chart. It

ma y make one tyrannical, narrow mi nded, hard-
hearted and short tempered . One may have sick and
weak children. There can be failures in love affairs and
loss in specula tion.
Some believe that in this position, Rahu is not bad
for progeny if in the Navamshn chart, it is not posited in
the sign of Saturn.

Rahu in the 6th house-Ketu in the 12th house

Under positive influences, this position is favourable. It
leads to hea lth, weal th, good reputation, intellectual
abilities and victory over enem ies. It eliminates one's
opponents, gives courage, fea rlessness and good luck.
O ne may resid e in a fo reig n country, gain spiritual
knowledge and have good recuperative power. Under
negative influences, there may be hea lth problems,
venereal complaints, an unsettled mind a nd a lack of
bed-comforts.
One needs to develop relations with other people
through selfless service.

Rahu in the ']Ih house--Ketu in the 1st house

Under positive influences, one gets luxurious food and
a mature life or business partner. O ne may also gain
through journeys, tourism and one's seniors. The native
is determined and self-dependant and he gains through
wo men.
Under nega tive influences, o ne's w ife may suffer
from m e ns trual disorders . Th e nativ e ha s a n
emancipated figure and indulges in excessive sex. It is
believed to lead to problems in one's married life and
even to impotency.
62 Rnhll and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

The native would be of an independent nature and

needs to develop a cooperative attitude towards others.

Rahu in the 8th house-Ketu in the 2nd house

Under positive influences, one becomes economical. The
later part of the native's life is be tter than the earlier
part. This position is generall y believed to lead to an
interest in occult science and to benefits through legacies.
Under negative influences, it lead s to poverty,
financial losses, health problems, diseases in secret parts,
and an early death. It also give the native a quarrelsome
and sensuous nature.
The native needs to learn that relations with people
and working for common goals is more important than
material possessions.

Rahu in the 9th house-Ketu in the 3nl house

Under positive influences, the native gains through an
interest in mathematics, economics, research and forei gn
travel. He/she gets favours from authorities. The native
has a good intellect, success in religious activities and
higher educa tion . He /she travels on long journeys.
Under negative influences, one is superstitious, has
fundamentalist tendencies, is impolite and has loose
morals. This also generally leads to many ups and
downs in matters of luck.
The native needs to broaden his/ her outlook by
following a higher philosophy w hich embraces a ll
religions.

Rahu in the 10th house-Ketu in the 4th house

Under positive influ ences, the native enjoys a good
status, name and fame, comforts, has an interest in
 Effects of Ralw Qnd Ketu in Different Houses (Blzavas) 63

poetry, litera ture, art and politics . The na tive loves

humour and solitude.
Under negative influences, one has a quarrelsome
and talkative nature, a weak bod y, fear of poisons, early
death of paren ts and sudden ups and downs in his/
her ca reer. It is generall y believed to be bad for the
propagation of onc's family.
The first half of life is not as good as the second half.

Kahu in the 11th house-Ketu in the 5th house

Under positive influences, on e ca n become a good
agriculturist, be liberal-minded, intelligent, e ffi cient,
industrious and learned .
This posi tion is believed to lead to wea lth, success
in litigation and victory over enemies.
Under nega tive influences, it leads to loss of children,
immoral and sinful actions, loss in sp ec ula tion and
earnings through wrong means. The native might be
blessed w ith more fe male children as compared to male
children .
The native needs to learn to use his or her crea tive
abilities for the good of others rather than for just selfish
ends.

Rahu in the 12th house-Ketu in the 6th house

Under p ositive influences the native acquires good
con ve rs a ti on a l a biliti e s, su ccess in ta ntra and
spirituality.
Thi s position is ge ne rall y be lieved to lea d to a
residence in a foreign country and good monetary gains.
Und er nega ti ve influe nces, th e na ti ve ha s fe w
children, suffe rs from eyesight problems, ind ulges in
adultrous activities and may have venereal complaints.
The native faces an increase in expenses, lack of marital
64 Rahu and Ketu ill Predictive Astrology

bliss, bad health and has no gains in hi s/ her own

country.
The native needs to develop a positive outlook
towards life by helping others.
 Chapter Ten

Rahu, Ketu and the Navamsha Chart

There are many unique features of Vedic astrology one

of which is the concept of Divisional Charts or Varga
Kundalis.
In order to make various divisional charts, a sign
that is normally of 30 degrees is divided into certain
equal parts and the planets are relocated. There are
usually 16 divisional charts (Shodashvargas) which are
considered to be more significant. These are:

l. Lagan or birth chart. (DIU

2. Hom (D/2)
3. Dreshkaan (0/3)
4. Chaturthamsha (D / 4)
5. Saptamsha (D /7)
6. Navamsha (D 19)
7. Dashamsha (0/10)
8. Dwadashamsha (0/12)
9. Shodashamsha (D /16)
10 . Vimshamsha (0/20)
1l. Chatur-Vimshamsha (D/24)
12. Sapta-Vimshamsha or Bhamsha (0/27)
13. Trimshamsha (0/30)
14. Khavedamsha (D 1 40)
15. Akshavedamsha (D / 45)
16. Shashtyamsha (D 1 60)
66 Rilhu and Kefu ill Predictive Astrology

Each divisional chart relates either to a certain house

or a certain aspect of human life and gives some specific
information.
The divisional chart called the Navamsha Chart (also
ca lled 0 / 9 chart), ca rries great importance in Vedic
astrology. Apart from knowing about one's spouse, this
chart is also used to assess the strength or weakness of
the natal planets.
Whether the position of each planet of the birth chart
improves or deteriorates in the Navamsha Chart should
be observed. For example, if a planet is debilitated in
the birth chart, but exalted in the Navamsha Chart, it is
strengthened, or in other words, it should not be treated
as a debilitated planet and vice versa ,

Making a Navamsha (0/9) Chart

Using Table 6 given below, one can quickly make a
NavamsJta Chart from a birth chart:

Table 6
Making a Navamsha (0/9) Chart

Signs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Degrees

3° : 20' 10 7 4 10 7 4 JO 7 4
6°: 40' 2 11 8521185 2 11 8 5
l ao: 00' 3 12 9 6 3 12 9 6 3 12 9 6
13° : 20' 4 10 7 4 10741107
16° : 40' 5211 8 52 11 852 11 8
2r:P : 00' 6 3 12 9 6 3 12 9 6 3 12 9
23° : 20' 7 4 107 410 7410
26 0 : 40' 8 5 2 11 8 5 2 11 8 5 2 11
3(11 : o(r 9 6 3 12 9 6 3 12 9 6 3 12
 Rahu, Ketu and the NavamsJw Chart 67

Making a NavamsJra Chart for the following birth chart

will make the procedure clear:

.. ~
~2U2
So 108
ru.c 15,56
M. 23;50
!<olo 11:42
,

"~ 3, 40
. ,
"
, .
'"
J~ 00: 45

Chart 1: Birth Chart

,.
,.
..
""
" ~

..
'" •
. ,
, •
, ~
, ~

• K.
•
Chart 2: Navamsha Chart

The Proced ure

First determine the ascenda nt sign of the Navam sha
Chart. The ascendant of the birth chart (Chart 1) is
Gemini 15°: 56'; look in the row of 16°:40', under the
column of sign 3 (Gemini); it is sign 11 which means
Aquarius. Therefore, in this example, the ascendant sign
of the Navamsha Chart (Chart 2) is Aquarius.
Using the same procedure, place aU the planets one
by one and the Navamsha Chart wi ll be ready.
68 Rn}m and Kefu in Predictive Astrology

Rahu and Ketu from the Na vamsha Chart

In the Navamsha Chart, the foll owing pOints need to be
particularly analysed:

1. Sign wise position of the nodes: Observe whether

the sign wise position has improved or deteriorated.
For example, if Rahu is exalted in the birth chart
but debilitated in the Navamslla Chart, it is weakened
and may not give very good results. Similarly, if it is
debilitated in the birth chart but exalted in the
Navamsha Chart, it is strengthened.
2. House wise position of the nodes: Observe whether
it has improved or deteriorated in the Navamsha
C hart.
3. The Vargotam position of the nodes: If a planet
fa lls in the same sign as it is in the birth chart, it is
called a vargotam planet. Such a planet, (except when
it is in its sign of debilitation) is supposed to give
good results.
4. Association of the nodes: The association of the
nodes with Nava msha (0 /9) ascendant lord, lord of
the birth constellation, lord of the constellation of
the birth chart ascendant, exalted or Yogakarak
planets (planets causing auspicious combinations),
enhances their position and increases their ability
to give better and favourable results, whereas their
associat ion wit h debilitated or malefic planets
reduces their strength.
 Chapter Elevell

Rahu, Ketu and the Vimshotri Dasha

Planetary periods or the dasha system is one of the

unique features of Vedic astrology.
There are many systems of planetary periods, but
the most widely used (which is also considered the king
of aU dasha systems), is the Vims/lOtr; Daslla. The word
vims/lotT; means 120 years and this is the sum of the
main periods of all the nine planets in one cycle.
Maharishi Prashara in the chapter Dashadhyaya
(means chapter on dasha), sha/oka 2 (Sanskrit verse), in
his work Brj}/al Prashara Hom Sltastra says:

'da shn ba/llwidhastasll mukhya vimshotr; matta '

This means that there are many dasha systems, but

the Vim s/lOtT; Dasha sys tem is the most promin en t.
Details regarding the main, sub and the sub-sub periods
of this dasha system have already been discussed in
Chapter 4 of this book.
Predictive results as per the VimsJlOtri Dasha system
have been found to be quite accura te. Sri Mantreshwara,
a well-known Brahmin astrologer of the 13th century,
in his famous work Phaldeepika, confirms the accuracy
of this daslla system.
The results, good or bad, as promised by various
planets and their combinations in a birth chart are
realised during the main or sub-periods of the concerned
planets.
70 Rahu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

The generally accepted guidelines for assessing the

results of the sub periods (antardashas) of various planets
in the main period (dasha) of both the nodes are described
below.
House considerations
1. Rahu is treated as auspicious in the 3,d, 6 th and 11 th
houses and Ketu in the 9 1h , 121h and 5 1h houses.
Hence, if they are occupying their own or exalted
signs certainly promise good results during the
Vimshotri periods.
2. One should not expect satisfactory results during
the dashn periods of these nodes if Rahu is posited
in the 7 th , 8 th or 121h house and Ketu is occupying
the 8 1h , 10 lh or 11 th house. However, the signs in
which they are positioned would definitely matter
a lot.

Note: One should not ignore the constellations in which

these nodes fall at the time of birth and at the
time of transit.
3. Mixed results are experienced if you find them
posited in the 1"\ 2 nd , 4 th , 9 th and 10 th houses,
especially in the case of Rahu and 3n:l, 7th and 10 th in
case of Ketu.
4. Results may not be satisfactory or reliable if their
dispositors (sign lords where the nodes are placed)
are at 6 th, 8 th or 12th places from them.
5. They become strong in conjunction or within the 5
degrees orb of the ascendant or the 10 th house cusp.
6. If a node (Rahu or Ketu) occupies 5 th or 9 th house,
and is conjoined with 2nd or 7th or 8 th lord, then the
results during the dasha periods of these nodes
sometimes become quite demoralising or the native
may have to suffer big jolts at times.
 Rnllll, Kctll and the Vimshotri DaslUJ 71

7. If Rahu or Ketu is in the 2nd house, and is conjoined

wi th lord of 5lh or 9th house, then the period of that
node does not cause serious jolts but is rather seen
showing good and fruitful results.

Sign considerations
1. Rahu gives good results in the signs Taurus, Gemini,
Virgo and Aquarius.
2. Ketu gives good results in the signs Leo, Scorpio,
Sagittarius and Pisces.
3. If the lords of such signs are also lords of the kelldra
(square houses 1, 4, 7, 10) or trikona (trine houses 1,
5, 9) hou ses, th en more favourabl e res ults are
expected during the Vimshotri periods of these nod es.

Their association
1. The nod es g ive favo urabl e results if they are
associa ted w ith lords of squa re or trine houses
(houses 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10).
2. They give unfavourable results if associated with
the lords of 8th or 12th houses.

Consideration of constellations
1. The nodes posited in the constellation of the 6lh , 8th
or 12th lords give unfavourable results.
2. The nodes posited in the constellation of square or
trine lords (lords of houses I, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10) give
favourable results.
3. The nodes if posited in the constellations of the sou th
node (Ketu) give unfavourable results.
4. The nodes if posited in the constellations of the north
node (Rahu) give fa vourable results.
5. Rahu and Ketu become strong when posited in their
ow n constell ations.
72 Rallu and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

6. The nodes also include the results of the pla nets

posited in their constellations.
7. The nodes become strong when they are posited in
the constellations of their friends.
Note: There are other important factors, w hich a lso
need to be taken into account while reaching to
the fin al conclusions.

General considerations
1. If a node is placed in the ]"1, 5th or 9th house, it gives
good results in the sub-period of yogakaraka planets
(planets ca using auspicious yogas).
2. If daslra of Rahu or Ketu is the 3n1, 5111 or 7th as counted
from the daslra at birth th en unfavourable results
a re obtained. Some consider the 5th dasha, of Rahu
counted from the birth dasha as more inauspicious.
3 . If the nod es are placed alone in benefic signs in
auspicious houses like 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and they are
not under the influence of any other p lanet, they
give good results during their sub-periods.
4. If the nodes are placed alone in auspicious houses
like 1, 4, 5, 7,9, 10 and do not have the influence of
other pla nets, they give good resu lts in the sub-
periods of the yogakaraka planets.
Note: Other factors of predictive astrology should not
be ignored in making final conclusions.

Nature of results of the main periods of the nodes

The results will be favourable, unfavourable or mixed,
depending upon the positive or negative influences on
the nodes as well as the other details discussed above.
It also needs to be emphasised that Rahu and Ketu
are shadowy planets and because of this they have the
influence of other planets. If a node is posited with other
 Rahu, Ketll and the Vimshotri Dasha 73

planets, it carries the impact or influence of those planets.

In case a node is placed all alone, it represents the
planets aspecting it, and if no planets aspect it, then
that node represents the lord of the sign in which it is
posited.
Keeping all these factors in mind, one need not be
unnecessarily afraid of the periods of Rahu and Ketu
because these periods may prove to be very auspicious
and favourable for a particular native.
In this connection, I would like to quote slmloka
(Sanskrit verse) 21 of Yogphaladhyaye (chapter on the
results of yogas) of Uighu Parashari (a condensed trea tise
on predictive Vedic astrology):

'yadi kelldre trikolle va lIivsetaam tamogrehau,

nathenanyataredhayull sambandhaat yog karkau '

This shaloka explains that Rahu and Keto become

yogakarakn (planets causing auspicious yogas) and thus
prove auspicious when they are posited in a square
house and have a relation with a trine lord, or when
they are posited in a trine house and have relation with
a square lord.

Slmloka 36 of DashapllQladhyaye (chapter on the

results of planetary periods) of the same treatise says:

'tamogrellQu shubha-roodhalt asamballdhen kenchit,

a"tardasha-mwsaren bhavetaam yogkarkau'

This means that Rahu and Keto, when posited in

an auspicious house, give results like yogaknrakn planets
in their periods even if they are not associated with the
lords of auspicious houses.
74 Rahu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Results of the antardashas of all planets in dasha of

Rahu are described below.

Sub-period of Rahu in its dasha

Under Positive Influence: The native experiences peace
of mind, prosperity, promotion, sudden gains in business
and favour and help from the authorities. There may
be fruitful long journeys.
Under Negative Influence: The native experiences anxiety,
quarrels, separation from near and dear ones,
involvement in scandals, fevers and insect bites and lack
of mental peace. The native may face trouble due to the
use of harsh speech.

Sub-period of Jupiter in the main period of Rahu

Under Positive Influence: The native develops interest and
involvement in religious activities and charitable work.
The native's marriage and birth of children may take
place. There may be foreign travel in connection with
official work. One gains victory over enemies. Interest
in scriptures and a dip in holy rivers are also likely
during this period.
Under Negative itlfluenee: There may be loss of wealth
and reputation. This could be an inauspicious time for
brothers. Enemies may increase and there may be
involvement in litigation. In case of a female, troubles
with spouse and marriage related problems may be
experienced.

Sub-period of Saturn in the main period of Rahu

Under Positive Influence: The native wins honours, there
is acquisition of land and success in business related to
transport, oil and iron. There may be a transfer at job
or change of residence to a desired place.
 Rnlw , Kefu and the Vimshotri Daslm 75

Under Negative I"fluence: The native may fa ce sca ndals,

danger of falling and di vorce. There may be wind and
bile rela ted diseases, disputes and troubles ca used by
low cas te pe opl e. O ne ma y be tra ns ferr e d to a n
inconvenient place or lose one's job and may experience
sorrow and suffering.

Sub-period of Mercury in the main period of Rahu

Under Positive Influence: There may be increase of wealth,
he lp and support from fri end s, s uccess in educa tion,
learnin g, acquisiti on of new skill s and in crease in
business. There may be contacts with gentle people,
success in contrac t work and trading and help from
materna l uncles.
Under Negative Influence: Th e na ti ve ex pe rie nces a
d eclin e in business, losses and problems related to
business or business partners. Trouble may be ca used
by friends or there may be loss of rl;:'putation or litigations.

Sub-period of Ketu in the main period of Rahu

Un der Positive Influences: Th e na tive ma y purchase
landed property, have monetary gains and experience
success in spiritual pursuits. One may find this period
conducive for good luck a nd self-confidence.
Under Nega tive Infl uence: The native may fa ce d anger,
physical suffering, problems due to piles, misfortune and
loss of honour . One may lose money, develop bad
relations w ith people and face loss and trouble due to
journeys.

Sub-period of Venus in the main period of Rahu

Under Positive Influence: The native has chances of getting
married and acquiri ng ga ins through his wife, getting
comforts of a personal vehicle and increase in wealth.
76 Rnllll and Ketll itl Predictive Astrology

The na tive gets sexual enjoyment a nd an increase in

comfo rts. There may be ausp ici ous ceremonies in the
house. One gai ns through business and may receive
honours.
Under Nega tive Influence: There may be fin ancial loss,
trouble due to vehicles, service or business, failures in
love affa irs or sep aration from one's life partner. One
may over in d ul ge in sex a nd suffe r (ro m ve nereal
complaints.

Sub-period of the Sun in the main period of Rahu

Under Posit ive Influence: One gets benefits and favours
from authorities a nd the govern ment and there is an
increase in reputa tion and fame, success in examination,
fin ancia l gains and a position of authority. The native
may rece ive honours and attain su ccess in foreign
countries.
Under Negative Influence: There may be troubles from
e nemies and a uthorities, da nger o f poison and fir e,
in jury ca used by weapons, eye troubles and suffe ring
d ue to fevers. There may be domestic quarrels, mental
unrest and fa ilure in examina tion, litiga tions and losses.

Sub-period of the Moon in the main period of Rahu

U nder Posit ive Infl uence: One may receive honours,
comforts, respect and money and enjoy good health,
menta l peace and a romantic nature. There may be
in crease in lu xuries and good rela ti ons with one 's
mother.
Under Negative Influe nce: There may be mental unres t,
loss in agriculture, danger of chronic d iseases, danger
from wa ter, dea th, loss of money and eye troubles.
 Rnhu, Ketu and the Vimshotri Dasl!a 77

Sub-period of Mars in the main period of Rahu

U"der Positive Influence: There may be success in matters
of property, bUilding one's own house or getting an old
ho use re n ov at ed . There ma y a lso be success and
honours in defence and police related professions and
gains through brothers.
U nder Nega tive Influence: The re may be d a nge r of
thieves, authorities, police, weapons and fire. The native
may hav e trouble w ith bro th ers, liti gation, Joss of
property and inability to build his/ her own house.

Results of Sub-period (antardasha) of all planets in

the main period (das/Jtl) of Ketu are described below.

Sub-period of Ketu in the main period of Ketu

U"der Positive Influence: There may be monetary gains,
friendl y re la ti ons wit h spouse and chil dren and
promotion in the job, but the overall the benefi ts are
accompanied by mental stress and struggles.
U nder Negat ive Influence: There may be quarrels and
troubles caused by enemies, misunderstand ing w ith
people, danger of pOisons, financial losSes and dea th of
spouse or children.

Sub-period of Venus in the main period of Ke tu

Und er Positive Influ ence: The na tiv e ga in s w ea lth ,
honours and an increase in comforts. Th ere may be
au spici ous ce remoni es like ma rri age and birth o f
children. One may receive clothes and ornaments.
Under Nega tive Influence: The native may fa ce loss
in business, have a misund erstan ding with his wife,
hu miliation, lack of comforts and domestic unrest or
health problems.
78 Rallll and Ketu ill Predictive Astrology

Sub-period of the Sun in the main period of Ketu

Under Positive Influence: The native forms good rela tions
with authorities, the government and his seniors and
may ga in power and authority, good health, prosperity
and increase in knowledge.
Ullder Negative Influence: There may be disappointments,
ill-health and lack of support and help from authorities,
pre-mature death and danger from thieves.

Sub-period of the Moon in the main period of Ketu

Under Positive Influe1lce: There may be financial gains,
birth of daughters, gains from bu siness, mental peace
and overall success.
lInder Negative lnfluence: The native may experience loss
of wealth, disturbance of the mind , permanent health
problems, sometimes early death, worries and lack of
comforts.

Sub-period of Mars in the main period of Ketu

U"der Positive Illfluence: There may be monetary gains,
success and gains in matters of property, defeat of one's
enemies and recovery of lost money.
Under Negative II1f1ucll ce: There may be quarrels, troubles
due to enemies, litigation, danger from thieves and fire,
fea r, anXiety, disputes, robbery and need for surgica l
operations.

Sub-period of Rahu in the main period of Ketu

lInder Positive Influence: One may have monetary gains,
increase in com for ts and conten tmen t, success and
increase in business and promotion in one's job.
 RnJIIl, Krtll and the Vims/wtri DnS/1n 79

Under Negative Inflr.wlce: The native suffer due to w rong

actions; one may have to face new troubles, loss of land
and property, sorrow, poverty and th ere ma y be
involvement in adultery.

Sub-period of Jupiter in the main period of Ketu

Ullder Pos itive 1Ilflue nce: There may be marriage, birth
of children, acquisition of land and associati on with
wise and religious people. The na tive benefits through
edu cation a nd profess ions rela ted to law, receives
honours and undertakes pilgrimages.
LII/der Negative Influ ence: One may have to go far from
the na tive p lace in search of livelihood. There may be
loss of money, dea th of children and danger of snake
bite or other problems from animals.

Sub-period of Saturn in the main period of Ketu

Ullder Posit ive Influen ce: The na tive gets comforts,
fulfi lment of desires, improvement in reputation, new
opportuni ties and fruitful journeys.
Under Negative IIlflu ence: There may be danger from
enemies, change of residence, losses, exile in fo reign
countries, diseases, loss of accumulated wealth, increase
in debt, suffering and loss of job.

Sub-period of Mercury in the main period of Ketu

Und er Posit ive Influence: There may be progress in
business, association w ith gentle and good people, gain
in wealth and orname nts, auspicious ceremonies a t
horne and success in legal matters.
Under Negative Influence: There is danger from relatives,
trouble caused due to the jealous and deceptive attitude
of others. anxiety. loss in business and problems wi th
busi ness partners.
 Chapter Twelve

Transit of the Nodes and

Predictive Astrology

The planetary positions at the time of birth set a

permanent mark as the astrological make-up of the
native in the form of a birth chart. Therefore, the birth
chart may be considered as a specification sheet of the
native, which distinguishes him from others.
The planets are in constant motion and their current
positions, known as transits, are responsible for the
fm('tifi('ation of the results promised by the birth chart
and the dasha running at that time.
Transit of planets is an important and essential tool
of Vedic astrology and must not be ignored if one wants
accurate predictions.
In this chapter, the transiting effects of Rahu and
Ketu over various houses and planets of the birth chart
are considered.
It is customary to consider transit results with respect
to the natal Moon. Some astrologers consider transit
results with respect to the ascendant (lagan).
I am of the view that while taking the transit in
consideration or watching the results, it would be wise
to ascertain the strength of ascendant and the Moon. If
the ascendant is strong, it would be prudent to take
ascendant for the purpose of transit of the planets;
otherwise follow the natal Moon.
 Transit of tile Nodes and Predictive Astrology 81

Our great maharishis (sages) have assigned places

for each planet with respect to the natal Moon, where
they give beneficial results during transit, but Rahu and
Ketu have not been included in this.
However, some astrologers believe that the nodes
give beneficial results while transiting over the 3N , 6'h,
10th and 11th houses, with regard to the natal Moon.
It is generally believed that in a chart, Rahu behaves
as Saturn and Ketti as Mars.
My views about the transit of the nodes based on
my observations are described below.

1. The transit of the nodes over the natal planets is

important and should not be ignored.
2. The transit of the nodes gives more accurate results
while making predictions keeping the daslta poi nt
in view.
3. The nodes are ' Karmic Plane ts'. Rahu ca rries the
effect of Jupiter in conjunction with Venus and Ketu
that of Mars in conjunction with Saturn. The transit
of Rahu opens up areas for new growth; its transit
over natal planets c harges up th e ir inhere nt
poten tial. The transit of Ketu may not be good for
material gains, but it hits the sensi tive and sluggish
areas in one's life, and opens up the spiritual front
conducive to new growth.
4. The position of the nodes in the natal cha rt should
be ta ken into consid eration as per the signs and
houses they are pla ced in, their l1akshatras , the
conjunctions with other planets and aspects. These
will decide the overall broad picture about the type
of results that can be expected during tTansits.
82 Rnhll and Ketu ill Predictive Astrology

Results of the nodes transiting over houses

Rahu over the 1" house and Ketu over the 7111 house
During this transit, the native will get an opportunity
to develop different aspects of his/ her personality. As
per the actual trend set by the natal chart, there may be
pleasant or unpleasant situa tions regarding one's health,
accomplishme nts a nd indi vid ua lity. But this is fo r
evolving into a self-reliant personality .
Problems related to getting married or keeping a
harmoni ou s rela ti onship with one 's spouse ma y be
exp erienced . It is not a good time for entering into
par tnership business or other pursuits. Try to avoid
involvement in litiga tion.

Rahu over the 2nd house and Ketu over the 8 th house
Opportunities fo r fulfillin g o n e's d esires related to
material possession, hidden talents, financial security
and family ties w ill open up.
A lot w ill de pe nd upon the na ta l chart, but this
tra nsit is conducive for building a self-re liant a nd
dependable personality with a good reputation.
Thi s is a time when sexual indulgence should be
avoided .
The native is advised to be very ca reful when dealing
with or ha nd ling other people's money. Keep away from
low-grade tn ll l r;c (occult> practices.

Rahu over the 3'" house and Ketu over the 9th house
Thi s is an opportunity to d evelo p one's imm edi a te
environment, including neighbours, relatives and the
community . The other aspects are good education, short
journeys and com munication, writing and publishing.
 Trallsit of tile Nodes rHld Predictive Astrology 83

Although this will depend on the natal position of

the nodes, the circumstances will bring out issues, which
if attended to, will help strengthen the above areas.
Try to utilise the past experiences for future planning
and not for immediate gains only. The na tive should
ca refully plan all long journeys during this transit.

Rahu over the 4 th house and Ketu over the 10m house
This transit, in accordance with the promises of the natal
cha rt, opens up opp ortunities for d evelopment and
progress in the domestic environment, personal peace,
property, vehicle and support of people.
This can be a very sensitive and important time in
one's career. Try to be sa tisfied w ith whatever you have
achieved and help others to achieve their goals. Keep a
chec k on your te nd e ncy to ign ore or di sappoint
authorities and seniors.

Rahu over the 5th house and Ketu over the 11th house
Areas like p e rsona l interes ts, sp orts, love affairs,
enjoyment, pleasurable pursuits, specul ation, studies
and progeny will be in the forefront during this transit.
A lot will d epend upon the promi se of the natal
chart and other transiting planets.
Birth of childre n w hen Ra hu tra nsits over the 5th
ho use is no t good unless it is co unte red by othe r
beneficial transits.
This is the time when one needs true love. Use this
time to close the gap between your self and the person
you love.
Note: Transit of other planets like Jupiter and Saturn
should also be given due consideration.
84 Rallu alld Kefu ill Predictive Astrology

Rahu over the 6th house and Ketu over the 12th house
Areas like work, hea lth, service to o thers, litigation and
d ebts w ill rece ive a ttenti o n a nd there wi ll be
opportunities of tackling these.
Thi s m ay be a sensiti ve tim e w hi ch requires a
discriminating an d positive outl ook in o rder to free
oneself from the negativities of one's life.
Opportunities for se lfless service to o thers and
society on the whole must be availed in order to build a
good karma.
This is a time to move towards mokslta by providing
selfless service to the needy and the sick. O ne can use
this time for introspection and meditation.

Rahu over the 7 th house and Ketu over the l · t house

Depending upon the promises o f the natal chart, th,e
native may have opportunities with regard to marriage
business partners, cooperation and relations with others
and establishing one's own business.
During this transit, one may get in trouble or succeed
usi ng discriminatio n, understanding and the right
action .
There may be physical as well as mental strain on
the native. One may find difficulties in achieving results.
The native needs to be focused on the important issues.
One 's life wi ll Especia ll y require careful atten tion.
Relations w ith partner might get strained even over very
small issues du ring this transit, if the other planets are
also not very favourable during the transit.

Rahu over the 8 th house and Ketu over the 2nd house
This transit is important. The nati ve may face problems
and land in traps like sexual over indulgence, depression
and a hmder...:y to commit suicide.
 Trallsit of the Nodes alld Predictive Astrology 85

However, this is the time to overcome difficulties

through joint resources, personal sacrifices and gains
through legacies.
There may be financial problems and reverses in life.

Rahu over the 9th house and Ketu over the 3td house
This is th e tim e for development a nd ava ilin g
oppor tunities in areas of higher education, wisdom ,
religion and long journeys.
The native can expand his or her horizons.
If the natal chart indicates nega tive results, like
d isregard for religion or tendency to go against the law,
then discre tion should be used during this transit to
overcome negative tendencies.
The na ti ve's immediate envi ron me nt , w h ich
includes close relatives and neighbours, may become a
sou rce of disturbance and responsibilities toward s
brothers and sisters ca n make life difficult.

Rahu over the 10th house and Ketu over the 4th house
This transit may give opportunities for improving in the
professional field , getti ng recognition a nd respect,
ga ining the favour of authorities, building relations wit h
seniors, developing leadership qualities and expanding
one's business. A balance between one's personal and
professional life will be required.
This transit may shake up one's domestic life leading
to a change of residence or lack of peace.

Rahu over the 11th house and Ketu over the 5th house
The native may fi nd this time conducive for developing
friendship circle, social groups, goals and ambitions and
turn dreams into reality.
86 Rahll and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

As always, a lot depends upon the promise of the

natal chart. The best way is to know in advance the
positive and negative influences in one's chart and take
the right steps during this transit so that maximum gains
may result.
This is not a very good transit for ma tters concerning
children and childbirth. Avoid specula tive ventures. If
one is a stud ent, one needs to concentrate on one's
studies.

Rahu over the 12th house and Ketu over the 6th house
During this transit, the native may ex perience a n
increase in expenses, fru s tr a ti o ns, limitati on s,
co nfinement , hos pitalisation , seclusion, a nd
imprisonment. One ma y succeed in getting residence
in a foreign country .
It may be a n opportune time to render selfl ess
setvice to others and move towards moksha, otherwise
one may have to face a lot of trouble. There will be need
to care for one's health and avoid getting involved in
negativities of life. If possible, borrowing money should
be avoided during this transit.

Effects of Rahu and Ketu transiting over the na tal

planets
Transit of Rahu over a natal planet tends to give the
na tive an opportunity to develop the areas as per the
natural significance of that planet. The particular effects
w ill depend upon the exact rol e and position of that
planet in the natal chart und er consideration.
Apart from the natural general significance of that
planet, particular s ignificances depending upon the
lordship of houses, signs and placement will decide the
exact impact on tha t chart.
 Transit of the Nodes and Predictive Astrology 87

Whether the transit is favourable or not will depend

upon the condition and nature of that planet with
regards to that chart.
Rahu's transit over a natal planet tends to bring out
the capabilities of that planet.
Another important point to remember here is that
as the nodes are considered karmic planets, their transit
allows the working out of karma on the native and the
native may find lack of free-will in the areas concerned
during those times.
The transit effects are the highest when the nodes
pass in exact conjunction over the natal planet or within
an orb of ± 5 degrees. However, as the degreewise
separation between the transiting node and the natal
planet increases, the effect diminishes relatively, but it
is still there throughout the sign.

Rahu transiting conjunct over the natal planets

Sun
The impact is on the core of one's personality, the soul
or the real seU. The native will have an urge to develop
and reach out.
Depending upon the pragmatic approach of the native,
long awaited success can materialise.
There may be name, fame and increase of general good-
will and improvement in health.
There will be interaction with one's father, authorities
and the government.

Moon
This is the time to give expression to all that is in the
mind. This could be a sensitive time as well because
mental health plays a greater role over physical health.
88 Rahll and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Women will playa greater role in the na tive's life. This

period could prove to be fruitful if the native can keep a
check on the tendency to be impatient, touchy, anxious,
emotionally unstable and moody.

Mars
This is th e time when the energy required for
accomplishing things will be available. The native will
be required to keep a check on d esi res, arrogance,
selfishness, impulsiveness and aggression. If this is done,
positive aspects like courage, initiative and originality
w ill come forward a nd lead to a victory ove r the
obstacles in life.

Mercury
This could be a time for change and multiplicity in life.
The native is required to exercise reaso n and avoid
scep ticism and also avoid interference, indecis ion, a
critical nature and restlessness. One needs plenty of rest
to keep the nerves in a calm sta te.
The awards during this time can be the ability to do
the right analysis, agility, right expression, brilliant mind,
alertness, versatility and dexterity in achieving goals.

Jupiter
This co uld be a ve ry condu cive tim e for th e right
development and overall prosperity.
If the native can control ex travaga nce, bi go try,
indulgence and over enthusiasm, he /she will be able to
ava il of o pportunities for right expansion,
understanding and righteous living.
There w ill be optimism, tolera nce and enthusiasm
to lift oneself above materiali stic desires and achieve
 Transit at the Nodes and Predictive Astrology 89

overall evoluti o n through a philosophi ca l outlook

towards life.

VellU5

This cou ld be a rejuvenating time full of love and

romance and a comfortable lifestyle.
This is the time to shun laziness, indifference and self-
indulgence.
There will be need to exercise control to avoid
superficial and flirtatious habits and be more socia l.
The rewards can be harmony, devotion, refinement,
affection, good. values, love and cooperation, wealth and
good luck in one's life.

Satu rn
This is a time when one needs to learn to live within
one's limits.
Remember that nature does not want to cripple us.
In stead it creates situations to he lp us deve lop a
balanced outlook towards life.
The native needs to cop e with sorrow, delays,
disappointmen ts and limitations. Only then important
lessons in patience, humility, compassion and self-
diSCipline can be learnt. The awards will be stability
and wisdom.

Rahu
This is not the right time to be adventurous. Wherever
possible the native should take only the familiar route.
One needs to be careful in relations with peop le in
genera l and with seniors in particular.
All types of risks should be avoided .
90 R.1lhu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Ket u
There may be sudden problems, mental tension and loss
of reputation. This could be a time of conflict.

Uranu s
Try to avo id a rebellious, des tructive, unpredictable,
irresponsible and selfish a ttitude.
This is the time w hen changes may occur in one's
life. If one can take care of all the negative aspects, the
rew a rd s co uld be a n a w ak en in g, crea ti vit y, hig h
pe rcep ti on and resource fuln ess. One ca n d evelo p
intuition d uring this transit.

Neptune
The native should be prepared to deal with confusion,
d e lu sion a nd fea r , only t hen spiritu a l wis d om ,
inspiration, compassion and universal love may emerge.
One could be more creative during this transit.

Pluto
As p er my view, this transit, d u e to the very slow
movement of the planet through a sign is not to be
considered Significa nt.

Ketu transiting conjunct over the natal planets

In general, it can be sa id that when Ketu passes over a
planet in the natal chart, it tends to bring out some inner
habits or qualities w hich a re a result of previ ous
incarna tions. The transits of Ketu may prove difficult
to cope w ith.
The native may tend to focus inside, on the areas of
life represented by th e na ta l plane t a nd the hou se
concerned .
 Transit of the Nodes and Predictive Astrology 91

In a spiritu a l se n se, this co uld be a time of

transformation and a journey towards moksha.

Su n
This is the time to take ca re of one's health. The role of
the Sun in one's life is extremely important. One needs
to exe rci se balance. It is not a suitab le time for
speculation. Returns may not be in keeping w ith efforts;
there may be lack of self-confidence and en thusiasm.
The native should keep a control on money matters.
There is no need for one to feel an inferiority complex
because we all have some positive qualities too. This is
the time to introspect and discover your real self.

Moon
This could be a very sensitive time for an individual.
The native should keep good compan y to overcome
depression and gloom. One should take care of one's
mother'S health.
The native may need to give some rest to the mind .
Too much gloom may also cause digestive troubles. One
should not to be oversensitive and emotional.
U the native is involved in the agricultural field, care
should be taken about agricultural products.
He should keep good relations w ith women.

Mars
It is a time to avoid conflicts, litigation and offending
the au thoriti es.
The native should avoid risky tasks and situations
and avoid dealings in land and property.
It is not a good time to start any construction work.
One needs to exercise self-control and patience and have
a compromising attitude.
92 Rnhu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Mercury
This is the time to exercise patience and think before
taking any action.
Impulsive actions may lead to difficulties.
Great care is needed in money matt e rs a nd
partnership pursuits. The native may find it difficult to
concen trate.

Ju pifer
The na tive may find it difficult to keep to his budget
and may land in trouble due to unforeseen expenses.
This is a time to keep away from extravagance and
unplanned expansion. One needs to be optimistic and
patient so that happiness and good feelings continue to
be in one's advantage.
The nati ve must attend to any ailments that are
present as neglecting health may prove to be expensive.

Venus
This is not a good transit for marriage and married life.
There may be conflicts w ith one's life partner. There
may be financial problems and lack of comfort. It is not
a very good time for business also. As regards love affairs,
there may be more flirtations than true love. Avoid self-
indulgence.

Satllrn
This is an unfavourable time for the native. There can
be so rrow and su fferin gs. O ne feels restricti ons,
limitations and delays in all undertakings. Plenty of rest
may be needed to keep the tensions away. Returns will
be too little as compared to the efforts involved.
 Transit of the Nodes and Predictive Astrology 93

Rahu
Life may seem to be at a standstill. There will be lack of
interest in everything. One needs to learn to accept the
situation. The native is required to do things by force.
Lot of uncertainty and indecision accompanies this
transit.

Ketu
This is not considered as a good transit. There may be
many disappointments, loss in business and lack of
respect from others. Some believe that this transit gives
overconfidence which may lead to many problems.

Uranus
The native may have to accept things as they are and
keep a check on a destructive attitude. One may need
to relax and take things easy during this transit.

Neptune
This transit may bring with it chaos, confusion, delusion
and fear. The native will have a tendency to escape the
situation.

Pluto
In my view, this transit is not significant because of the
very slow movement of the planet.
 Chapter Thirteen

Yogas Formed by the Nodes

The word yoga here mea ns association of two or more

planets which are fou nd to g ive some specific results in
a chart.
There are thousands of such yogas in Vedic astrology.
Some yogas are auspicious or favourab le and others are
inau spiciou s or unfavourabl e. On ly a few yogas
in volv ing Rahu and Ketu are d iscussed in this chapter.

Cllnt-Cirandaal Yoga: This is also called Challdaaf Yoga.

The name does not sound promising and it is bound to
send a wave of shock in a na tive who has this yoga in
his/ her birth chart. The first step in lifting the gloom
surrounding this yoga is to analyse its name. The word
Gum here s ta nds for the plane t Jupiter, and Chal1daa l
mC<lns an outcast which refers to the north node (Rahu).
Although the name sounds horrifying, yet in practice,
this yoga is not always found to be inauspicious.
Jupiter is basica lly associated w ith piety, charity,
religion, prosperity a nd expansion, wherea s Rahu is
purely materialistic in nature. Therefore, under nega tive
inAuence in a chart dependi ng upon the sign, house,
constellati ons and aspects, etc, this comb ination may
hig hlight all. increase in materialistic desires and as a
res ult , the nati ve may get se lfi shl y invol ved in
materialistic pursuits, sometimes using even unju st and
immo ral ways.
 Yogns fortlled by the Nodes 95

But the same combination under a positive influence

can give a disposition of charity, a philosophical outlook
and controlled expansion on the materialistic plane.

Kaalsarpa Yoga: It is another horrifying yoga, which in

fact need not be feared. This yoga is formed if all the
seven planets in a chart are trapped in between Rahu
and Ketu. There can be many variations of this yoga
depending upon the house-wise position of the nodal
axis. This yoga is also generally misunderstood to be
only malefic. The topic needs to be discussed in some
detail in order to clarify the doubts regarding the
formation of this yoga and also to lift the aura of gloom
attached to it. The next chapter is therefore exclusively
devoted to this yoga.

Auspicious Yogas
There are some auspicious yogas which are described
below.

Budha Yoga: This yoga is formed in a chart if Jupiter is

placed in the ascendant, the Moon in a square (Kcllrim)
house, Rahu in the next house from Moon and Sun and
Mars in the 3m house from Rahu.
As a result of this yoga the native gets comfort, fame
and authority, has an interest in science and has a good
intellect.

Bahuputra Yoga: The word bahuplltm means many

children. This yoga is formed in a chart if Rahu is posited
in the 5 th house, but the condition is that it should not
be in the Navamslta of Saturn, which means that in the
Navamsha Chart, Rahu should not be posited in the signs
of the planet Saturn. As a result of this combination,
the native may have many children.
% Rnhll alld Ketti ill Predictive Astrology

Inauspicious Yogas
There are some inauspicious yogas which are described
below.

KlIsltyaroga Yoga : The wo rd khshyaroga m ea n s

tube rcul osis. This yoga is fo rmed in a chart if th e
ascend an t lord is posited in the 8 th house, the IIpgrella
(please refe r to the note below) called Malldi or Gulik is
in a Kelldra and Rahu is p laced in the 6'h house. This
yoga can cause tuberculosis in the native.

Note: The word upgre11a literally means a sa tellite, but

in Vedi c as tro logy, it stand s for the nin e strategic,
sensitive mathematical points which were visualised by
a ncient sages as capab le of cau s in g ast rol og ica l
influence. These are a ll malefic in nature. The nine
IIpgreilas can be calcul ated and posited in a birth chart
along with the planets.

Ba"dhalla Yoga: The word balld/wll a means confinement

or bondage. This yoga is form ed in a chart if Sa turn, the
ascendant lord and the 6 th lord are placed with either
Ra hu or Ketu in a Kendra or a Triko"a. This yoga can
ca use the imprisonment of the native. The ev il effects of
this yoga a re reduced if Saturn itself is the ascendant
lord . Any benefic aspects can also reduce the evil effec ts
of this yoga.

Dun"ama Yoga: The name implies unnatural death. If

th e moon is aspected by the ascenda nt lord and is
posited in 6'.., 8th or 12U\ house along with Saturn, Matldi
or Rahu, the native will have an unna tural death.
 Chapter Fourteen

Kaa/sarpa Yoga

As mentioned in th e previous chapte r, there a re

numerous yogas possible in a chart due to the association
of two or more planets. The good or bad results of these
combinations are realised particularly during the
periods of the concerned planets. This chapter is devoted
to the stud y of Kaalsarpa Yoga. There ex ists a lot of
misconception regarding its forma tion a nd the type of
results to be expected. It is generally projected to be a
terrifying yoga.
There is a popul ar saying in India Badd se baddllaam
bum, which means that 'a bad man is better than a bad
name'. This saying fits well in case of this yoga, which
in reality is not always as bad as it is projected to be.

What do ancient astrological works say?

I would like to point ou t that Hindu or Vedic astrology
is mainly based on the principles laid down by the grea t
a ncie nt maharishi Parashara. His astrological works
form the main pillar on w hich Vedic astrology rests.
The great sage ha s not mentioned a word about th e
Kaa[sarpa Yoga. The Sarpa Yoga mentioned by him in his
comprehensive astrolog ical trea ti se Brihat Parashara
Horn SJrnstrn has no similarity with the Kaafsarpa Yoga .
Similarly, other renowned astrological works like
Pflafdeepika by Sri Mantreswara, Brillat Samhita by Sri
Varahmihir and jatnkabharaH by Sri Dhundiraj have not
men tioned about this yoga at all.
ytl RIlJIl/ IIlId Ketll ill Predictive Astr%gy

Forming a balanced view

I ag ree with those who believe that even if prominent
ancient works have not mentioned this yoga, one should
keep an open mind and recognise it as it is found to
affect the native practically. But at the same time, based
on my firm ancestral roots in astrology and experience
in the field, I feel that many astrologers have spread a
lot of undue horror about this yoga. My endeavour, in
this chapter, is to help readers in forming a balanced
view about this yoga.

What does the n ame imply?

The name literally means 'Serpent of Time' because Kaal
here means cosmic time and Sarpa means a serpent.
Although the name sounds horrifying yet it need
not be considered inauspicious. I am stating this on the
basis of m y practical analysis of many charts.

Fonnation of the Kaalsarpa Yoga

Basically, this yoga is form ed when all the seven planets
get trapped between Rahu and Ketu. This can happen
111 two ways:

1. When the planets lie between Ketu and Rahu as

s h own in Chart 3. The planets normally move
directly, whereas the nodes always move in
retrograde, so in this case, the planets seem to move
into the mouth of Rahu. This type of Kaalsarpa Yoga
is named Udif Galaard!! (ascending hemisphere) and
is also known as Grassit (possessed) Yoga.
2. When the planets lie between Rahu and Ke tu as
shown in chart 4. Here, the p lanets seem to move
away from Rahu. Th is is called Anudit Galaardh
 Knalsnrptl Yoga 9Y

(descending hemisphere) type and is also known as

Mukta (emancipated) Yoga.
Some astrologers believe that only the Udit Golaarrih
type is the effecti ve Kaalsarpa Yoga and the Anlldit
Go/aardh type does not cause much harm.

• Mo
4 R,
J,
7
Vc

6 12

5, I 5 S, 7
2
Me
R, 4
8
Me
Ke
"
Chart 3 Chart 4

On the basis of my experience, I believe that a full -

fledged Kila/sarpa yoga is formed, in both the above cases,
irrespective of the relative positions of Rahu and Ketu.

Cancellation of the Kaalsarpa yoga

In some charts, one or more pl anets join either or both
the nodes. In such a case, the joining planet can either
be inside Rahu, Ketu axis (Chart 5) or outside the axis
(Chart 6).
So me astrologers believe tha t full Kaa/sarpa Yoga
exists; only if the joining planet is within the nodal axis
and if the joining planet has moved outside the nodal
axis, a AallShik (partial) Kaalsarpa Yoga is formed .
I do not believe in a pa rtial Kaafsarpa Yoga. In both
the above cases, the Kaa/sarpa Yoga is cance lled. The
100 Rnhu and Kehl ;11 Predictive Asfrology

Mo
10 K, 8
J~ 11 7
V,

5.01 Me 10" 5 S;. 1 Me 18" 5

4
. . I~ 2 Ra IS'
2
4

Chart 5 Chart 6

joining planet distracts the attention of the nodes w hich

thereby lose the power to cause harm .
India 's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawa harlal N~hru
had name, fame and a powerful political stature, which
made him an international personality. This would not
have been possib le with the presence of the Knalsnrpa
Yoga in his chart.
The truth is tha t the Kaalsa rpa Yoga in hi s chart
stands cancelled as planet Jupiter lies outside the nodal
axis (refer to his chart given in Chap ter 19).
Some astrologers, in order to justify their view that
Kaalsarpa Yoga exists in Pandit Nehru 's chart, argue that
it was due to this yoga that he had a life full of struggles
a nd lack of comforts. But this a rgument is not correct
because he opted for the hard way of life with the high
aim of serving his motherland .

Results of Kaa/sarpa Yoga

The follo wing points should be consid e re d whil e
assessing the results of Kaalsnrpa Yoga:
 Kna/sarpa Yoga 101

1. The 12 bhavas of a chart constitute the whole life of

the native. A chart in which the planets are well
spread out is generally better than the one in which
the planets are segregated in only half the portion
of the chart as in the case of Kaa/sarpa Yoga. This
tends to imbalance the life of the native in the areas
specified by the nodal axis.
2. The ascendant, ascendant lord, Sun and Moon carry
special importance in a chart. A better position of
all these gives essential strength to the chart and
hence to the personality of the native. A good
astrologer should first assess these constituents and
only then conclude whether under the influence of
an adverse Kna/sarpa Yoga, the native will be ruined
or will get through successfully.
3. The presence of other positive factors in a chart like
exalted planets, planets posited in their own or
friendly signs and planets aspecting their own
houses, etc. give overall strength to the chart and
greatly help in reducing the malefic effects due to
an inauspicious yoga.
4. The Knalsarpa Yoga formed in the 3,d, 6 th or 11th house
is considered favourable as it does not cause much
harm. This yoga formed in the 9th house is also not
very harmful.
5. As pointed out in Chapter 10, one needs to assess
the position of the nodal axis in the Navamsha Chart.
If the sign and house*wise position of the nodes
improves, the adverse effects will be reduced.
6. Being Shadowy planets, the nodes are influenced
by the planets with which they conjoin, planets
aspecting them and the lords of the signs occupied
by them. Also, the effect of the constellation in which
102 Rahu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

the nodes fall in the birth chart is of paramount

importance. If the nodes are in the constellations of
benefic planets, favourable results can be expected.

Various types of Kaalsarpa Yoga

There are 12 distinct types of Kaalsarpa Yoga. These are
explained below along with a general pattern of the
result to be expected. The actual results, however, will
depend upon all the factors discussed above.

1. Annant Kaalsarpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the

ascendant, Ketu in the 7th house and all other
planets are placed between them.
The native may make progress through self-effort
and have a life full of struggle. There may be
problems related to health, progeny, marriage,
some problems related to business or life partners
and other people.
The native may experience sudden strokes of good
or bad luck. Overall, there will be good scope for
personal development through perseverance.

2. Kulik Kaalsarpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the 2 nd

house, Ketu in the 8 th house and all other planets
are placed between them.
The native earns money through struggle and self-
efforts and faces difficulties in accumulating it.
There may be diseases of the sexual or excretory
parts and problems related to business and legacies.
The native takes an interest in occult practices and
may land in problems due to their misuse.

3. Vasuki Kaalsarpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the 3rd

house, Ketu in the 91h house and all other planets
are between them.
 KaafSDrpa Yoga 103

The native may have to struggle to stand on his

own feet and get recognition and goodwill in life.
There may be a lot of interaction with brothers and
sisters, sudden strokes of fortune or misfortune and
sudden gains.
One may develop an interest in religious matters
and in secret doctrines.

4. Shankhpaal Kaalsa rpa Yoga: Whe n Rahu is in the

4 thhou se, Ketu in the 10 th house and all other
planets fall in their grip.
The native may have to struggle for domestic peace,
harmony, comfort and owning a vehicle.
There could be problems related to health, progeny
and marriage.
The native may experience sudden strokes of good
or bad luck. There will be good scope for personal
development.
Some slow progress in dealing with people and
partners can bother the native.

5. Padam Kaa/ sarpa Yoga: Whe n Rahu is in the 5th

house, Keto in the 11 th house and all other planets
are between them.
The native has a life full of struggle in relation to
education and children and may feel emotionally
insecure due to lack of true love from others. The
native may be betrayed or troubled by friends and
land into trouble due to illegitimate children.
There will be scope and a need for developing a
balanced outlook towards life.
104 Rahu and Ketti in Predictive Astrology

6. Ma1Japadam Kaalsarpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the

6th house, Ketu in the 12lh house and rest of the
planets fall in between them.
The native has secret ene mies and a mysterious
character and ma y suffer due to th ese, or ge t
inspired to follo w the spiritual path. There will be
positive or negative interaction with the family. The
native will have the tendency to break the law and
land in trouble. There can be struggle in relation
to one's occupation.

7. Takshak Kaalsarpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the 7 1h

house, Ke tu in the I"' house and a ll other planets
are between them.
There may be difficulties rega rding health, love
affairs, progeny and marriage.
Li fe may be full of struggle and the native may
face difficulty in accomplishing things.
Th e re may be pro blems re late d to bu s in ess
partnership and sexual relations.
There is a scope to develop a right interaction with
others.

8. Karkotak Kaalsarpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the 8th

house, Ketu in the 2nd house and all other planets
are between them .
There may be some habits like drinking, smoking
and use of harsh speech. The native may suffer
loss of money and domestic peace. There may be
health problems and lack of harmony.
There will be danger fr om sudd en events a nd
accidents. The native need s to develop his or her
hidden talents.
 Kna /sarpa Yoga 105

9. Shankellood Kaalsa rpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the

9th house, Ketu in the 3rd house and all other planets
are between them.
The native finds tha t progress in life is only through
struggle and difficulties.
There will be fear of downfall and problems with
brothers and sisters. One may ea rn a bad name.
Luck does not seem to favour the native.
The native need s to develop a balance between a
religious and a materialistic outlook.
There may be difficulties in having good relations
with one's father.

10. Ghafak Kanlsarpn Yoga: When Rahu is in th e 10th

house, Ketu in the 4 1h house and all other planets
are between them .
The native may experience interruptions or other
problems related to hi s/ her job . There may be
sudden ups and downs in one's profession, success
in politics and difficulties with seniors. There may
be s tru gg le du e to di sease, d e bt and other
di ffic ulties in life. Some bad habits may rob the
native of peace of mind.
There will be scope and the need for developing in
one's profession.

11 . Vishdhar Kaalsarpa Yoga : When Rahu is in the 11 th

house, Ketu in the 5th house and all other planets

are between them.
The native faces difficulties related to education,
progeny and partn ers and suffers losses due to
speculation . The native has an egoistic outlook and
may find it difficult to ga in recognition and good-
w ill . Professio nal tens io ns might mar hi s / he r
peace.
106 Ra}m and Ketll ill Predictive Astrology

There will be scope for developing good relations

with brothers and friends.

12. Sheslmang Knafsarpa Yoga: When Rahu is in the 12ul

house, Ketu in the 6 th house and all other planets
are between them.
The native faces difficulties due to a selfish nature,
eyes ig ht prob le m a nd troubl e ca used du e to
offe nding the a uthoriti es. Th e native may ge t
involved in litiga tion and also use low grade means.
Hea lth m ig ht ca use grea t co nce rn. Th ere a re
chances of going abroad and settling there.
There will be scope for developing a positive outlook
towards life and be helpful to others.

Conclusion
Mere presence of the Kna /sa rpa Yoga in a chart does not
prevent a native from rising high in li fe. There are many
examples supporting this. Firstly, one needs to determine
w hether Kaalsarpa Yoga exists or w he ther it has been
ca ncelled .
Secondly, assess the degree of adversity of the Yoga
by considering all the fac tors pointed out in this chapter.
There is no authentic proof th at as is believed by
some astrologers, this Yoga shortens one's life span.
So me mode rn d ay astro loge rs a lso ta ke in to
consideration the three outer planetS-Uranus, Nep tune
a nd Pluto while conSidering th is Yoga. I w ould not
suggest considering these planets in the Knalsarpa Yoga.
 Chapter Fifteen

Eclipses and Their Effects

In the chapter on mythology, the legendary ta le about

th e ori gin of Ra hu and Ke tu is na rrated . When the
d em o n ca ll ed Swarbhan u s te althil y sa t amo ng th e
Dcvatas he was noticed by the luminaries, the Sun and
the Moon, who raised an alarm and Lord Vishnu severed
Swarbllanu's head, but as he had already consumed the
nectar, his two separated body parts became immortal
as the planets Rahu and Ketu .
Since then, as an act o f revenge, Rahu and Ketu
swallow the Sun w hich resu lts in the solar eclipse and
the Moon w hich results in the lunar eclipse.
This is what our mythology says, but a scien tific
mind need s some log ica l ex pl ana tion, w h ic h is as
follows:

Formation of a solar eclipse ...

A solar eclipse occurs on a new moon day, w hen the
moon comes in between the sun and the earth (Figure
3).
The light of the sun is partially or fu lly blocked by
the moon from reaching the earth.
A solar eclipse occurs on a new moon day, only if
the sun and the moon both come d ose to one of the
nodal points-Rahu or Ketu . Whether the eclipse is total
or partial depends upon this closeness of the sun and
the moon to the nodes. This closeness in terms of degrees
is given in Tab le 7.
108 Ralw and Ketu in Predictive A strology

Figure 3: Formation of the Solar Eclipse

Table 7
Orbs of Rahu or Ketu to the SunIMoon
for causing a solar eclipse

Orb ± Formation of eclipse

90:55' or less Total

9°:55' to 11°:15' Either partial or total.
11 °:15' to 15°:31' Partia l
15°:31' to 18°:31' Can occur but not always.
More than 18°: 31' No eclipse

Fonnation of a lunar eclipse

A lunar eclipse takes place on a full moon day, when
the earth comes in betwee n the su n and the moon
(Figure 4). The light of the sun is partially or fully
blocked by the earth from reaching the moon.
A lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon da y, on ly
when the sun comes close to one of the nodes and the
moon comes close to the other node.
Whether the eclipse is total or partial depends upon
the closeness of the Sun to one node and the moon to
the other. This closeness in terms of degrees is given in
Table 8.
 Eclipses and Their Effects 109

Figure 4: Formation of the Lunar Eclipse

Table 8
Orbs of Rahu or Ketu to the Sun/Moon for
causing a lunar ecl ipse

Orb± Formation of eclipse

3°:45' or less Total

3°:45' to 6°:00' Either partial or total.
6':00' to 9":30' Partial
9°:30' to 12°:15' Can occur but not always.
More than12°: 15' No eclipse

In a nutshell, it can be said that a solar eclipse is the

conjunction of the sun and the moon, w hen the sun
and the moon are also conjoined with one of the nodes.
A lunar eclipse is the opposition of the sun and the
moon, when the sun is conjoined with one node and
the moon w ith the other.
Duration of an eclipse
The duration of an eclipse is calculated from its first
traces to appear till the last traces are visible.
If an ecl ipse in a particular area starts before the
rising of the sun or the moon, the rising time is taken as
the starting time of the eclipse for that area.
110 RaJIII Qlld K.etu ill Predictive Astrology

Astrological effects of the eclipses

For the scientifically minded readers, it is worth
mentioning here that it is not just superstitious to believe
in the influence of the eclipses over life on earth . Both
the eclipses affect the electro magnetic field of the Earth
which is measurable.
Two factors need to be co nsidered, one, is the
duration of the effects, and the other, the nature of the
effects which could be favourable or unfavourable.

Duration of effects
1. It is generally believed that the effect of a solar eclipse
lasts for as many years as the number of hours that
it occurs. And the effect of a lunar eclipse lasts for
as many months as the number of hours that it
occurs.
2. It is also believed that during a period of 12 hours
preceding a solar eclipse and 9 hours preceding a
lunar eclipse which is known as Sootak Kaal or time
of impurity, one must avoid certain activities like
sleeping, eating and copu lation.
3. Some astrologers believe that if an eclipse occurs in
th e movabl e signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and
Capricorn, the effect lasts for a short time only. U it
occurs in the fi xed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and
Aquarius the effect lasts for several years. And if it
occurs in the dual signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius
and Pisces, the effects are stronger and begin much
sooner and also last for a longer time.

Favourable effects
1. An eclipse in conjunction with one or more benefic
planets in a chart gives favourable results to the
na tive.
 Eclipses and Their Effects 11 1

2. An ecl ipse falling in the 3rd, 61h., 10th or 11 th place

from the natal Moon in a chart is favourable to the
native.
3. An eclipse occurring during the visibility of a comet
may indicate birth of some distinguished person.

Unfavourable effects
1. Whe n an eclip se occurs in co njun ction or in
opposition (consider an orb of ±SO) to the natal Sun,
Moon, Rahu, Ketu, ascendant, 10th house cusp or
a ny male fic plane t in the chart, th e effec ts are
unfavourable.
2. An eclipse falling in the 19th constellation from the
birth co nste ll ation of a n a tive is cons idered
unfa vourable for that native.
3. An eclipse occurring during the visibility of a comet
may ind ica te death of an important person.
4. A lunar eclipse falling in the Sun ascend ant (the
house in which Sun is posited) and not having the
beneficial aspect of Jupiter is unfavourable to the
native. U an eclipse falls on the natal Sun, the father
of the native suffers and if it falls on the natal Moon
the mother suffers.
5. A child born during an eclipse may have some life
long abnormality in the body part signified by the
house in which it falls.
6. An eclipse falling on one's birth cons tellation is
unfavourable.

General views about the effects of eclipses

1. A solar eclipse is stronger in influence and affects
the core personality of the native.
2, A lunar eclipse is comparatively mild in its influence
and affects the mind of the native.
112 Rnhu alld Ketu ill Predictive Astrology

3. Eclipses have been observed not to give extremely

favourable results.
4. An eclipse is more effective if it takes place over any
of these in a chart; the ascendant, mid-heaven (10th
house cusp), mid-point of all houses, the natal Sun,
the natal Moon.
5. Effects are the strongest at exact conjunctions of the
above points but an orb of ± 5° is workable.
6. The effects of a solar eclipse occurring on a Sunday
and a lunar eclipse occurring on a Monday (these
occurrences are called Choodamani Yoga), are
stronger as compared to those falling on other week
days.

Effects of an eclipse falling in each house of a chart

It must be emphasised that the effects are either
favourable (positive) or unfavourable (negative),
depending upon the type of sign, house and planets
involved, planets transiting the eclipse points and the
types of aspects they form. With regard to the aspects,
the Square and the Opposition aspects are negative,
whereas Sextile and Trine are positive.

First House (Ascendant)

Positive effects: The native is bestowed with success, good
health and self-improvement.
Negative effects: The native faces failures in his/her
activities. There may be accidents or other health
problems and lack of enthusiasm. There may also be
unnecessary anxiety.

Second House
Positive effects: The existing wealth of the native is not
only safe but also multiplies. New avenues for monetary
 Eclipses and Their Effects 11 3

gains open up. There is closer bond and love among

fa mily members.
Negative effects: The native face s mon e tary loss,
diminishing wealth reserves, loss in new ventures in
which money is invested and trouble in the family.

Third House
Positi ve effects: The native will have bett e r
communication and undertake fruitful and pl ea sant
journeys. Increase in good w ill , reputat ion, be tte r
understanding, and link with one's younger brothers
and sisters, success in w riting, correspondence and
publishing.
Negative effects: Tro uble or mi sunde rstandings with
neighbours and brothers and sisters. The native may
have to face problems due to correspondence, because
of sure ti es or some oth e r sort of co mmunica tion
problems or financial transactions.

Fourth House
Positive effects: The native may have good relations with
hi s/ her mothe r, increase in peace and harmo ny at
home, success in gettin g own hou se/ property and
vehicle.
Negative effects: The native lacks personal pea ce and
domestic harmony and faces problems due to his/ her
mother, property and vehicle.

Fifth House
Positive effects: Success in speculation, good resu lts in
matters of progeny, success in studies, success in love
affairs and happiness due to children. Good intellect.
Negative effects: There may be tension and problems
114 Rnhu al1d Ketu ill Predictive Astrology

related to children, child birth, specu lati on a nd love

affairs. The native faces emotional instability.

Sixth House
Positive effects: One finds an improvem ent in health,
success in litigation, availability of loa ns a nd good
relations wi th materna l uncles.
Negative effects: The native suffers from diseases, debt
and difficulties, misunderstanding with maternal uncles,
problems due to litigation, loans and other difficulties.

Seventh House
Positive effects: Th e nati ve h as the support and
understanding of partners, success in business and good
contacts w ith people.
Negative effects: The native fa ces trouble in married life,
misund erstanding with partn er, and diffic ulties in
dealing with other people. One may land in trouble due
to signing of contracts.

Eighth House
Posit ive effects: There will be success in getting ancestral
property/assets, success and interest in occult science,
success in clearing loans and improved bondage with
one's life partner.
Nega tive effects: Th e nativ e may face trou ble and
difficulties in life, loss of ancestral property/assets. One
may lan d in troubl e as a resu lt of misusing occult
techniques. There may be increase in one's liabilities.

Ninth House
Positive effects: The native will have good relations with
his/ her father, bene fits from father, fa vourable luck,
foreign travel and an interest in religious activity.
 Eclipses and Tlleir Effects 115

Negative effects: There may be deterioration of relations

w ith hi s/ he r father, bad lu ck, troubl esome lo ng
journeys or obstacles in getting things done overseas.

Tenth House
Positive effects: There is success in one 's activiti es,
promotion at job and good rel a tion s with seniors,
success in business and its expansion.
Negative effec ts: Th e re could be death o f parents,
misunderstanding with seniors, difficulties in service or
business and very little gains even after hard work.

Eleventh House
Positive effects: One gets good returns for a ll efforts,
financial gains, increase in income and good relations
with elder brothers. The native ma y rea lise his / he r
dreams and will be lucky in having sincere friends.
Negative effects: One may fa ce difficulties due to friends,
misunderstanding w ith elder brothers, decrease or loss
of income and difficulties in realising one's dreams and
aspirations.

Twelfth House
Positi ve effects: The na tive su ccee ds in ge ttin g a
permanent residence abroad . The na tive gets comforts
of the bed, renders service in hospitals and jails and has
control over expenses.
Negative effects: The native faces hos pita li sa tion or
imprisonment. There may be uncontrolled expenses, lack
of bed-comfort and difficulties in settling abroad.
 Chapter Sixteen

The Nodes and the Female Charts

(Strijatakam)

The information given throughout this book applies

equally to a male and a female chart. However, this
chapter is exclusively devoted to female charts. There is
nothing new in this approach; prominent ancient
astrological works like Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra,
Brihat Jataka, Phafdeepika and Saravali have dealt with
the subject of female horoscopes called Strijatakilm.
Probably because the physiological, psychological
and social responsibilities are different for women, there
was a need to give special attention to the subject. Some
people, however, argue that times have changed and
women are now equal to men in all respects so this topic
is irrelevant.
I am treating this topic seperately because certain
situations and combinations involving Rahu and Ketu
have been found to affect a female chart.

Onset of Menstrual Cycle

1. The first menses starting when the Moon is in either
of the two constellations of Rahu namely Swat; and
Shatbhisha, or in either of the two constellations of
Ketu namely Ashwini and Moofa, is considered
auspicious for the native.
2. The first menses starting during an eclipse is not
considered auspicious.
 The Nodes and the Female Charts (Strijatakilm) 117

3. The first menses starting when the Sun is in the Ardra

constellation of Rahu is not considered auspicious.

Marriage
1. A girl may be lucky to get married to an educated
person of high status if in her chart, Rahu is with
Mercury in the 1 ~ or the 9 th house.
2. Presence of Rahu in the ]'1 house may give her a
husband prone to sickness.
3. Presence of Rahu in the 7th house may lead to delay
in marriage or may lead to a troubled marriage.
4. Presen ce of Ketu in the 7 th house ca n lead to an
unhappy married life.
5. Presence of Rahu in the Leo ascendant leads to a
comfortable married life.
6. Afflictions of the 8th house and the house lord by
Rahu or Ketu in birth chart as well as in the
Navamsha C ha rt ca n lead to an unconventiona l
marriage.

Progeny
1. Rahu placed in the 5th house in the birth chart but
not in the Navamslla of Saturn (which means, in the
divisional chart 0 /9, it should not be in the signs of
Saturn) leads to many children. This is also known
as the Bahuputra Yoga.
2. If Rahu is in the 5th house in the birth chart and in
the NavamsM Chart, it is in the signs of Saturn then
it leads to loss of children or no children at all.
3. Rahu in the 10th house leads to a limited number of
children.
4. Ketu in the 9th house leads to birth of many children.
5. Ketu in the 5th house, under ma lefic effects either
does not lead to any children or sometimes causes
loss of children.
118 Rahu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

6. The presence of Rahu in the }'t house, if debilitated

or carrying the malefic effects because of affliction
or conjunction of strongly malefic planets for the
concerned chart can lead to the birth of a stillborn
child.

Sexual Desires/Relations
1. A combination of Venus and Mars with a node leads
to immoral sexual relations or desires.
2. An association of Venus with Rahu in the 5 th house
may lead to homosexual tendencies.
3. The presence of Ketu in the 7th house under evil
effects increases the native's sexual appetite.
4. The presence of Ketu in the 15t house leads to sexual
indulgence.
S. Rahu in the 10 th house may trouble the native due
to a sexual urge.

Sexual Diseases
1. The ascendant lord in the 8th house with Rahu may
cause a disease of the ovaries.
2. Rahu in the ascendant, the upgreha (please refer the
note below) called Guiik or Mandi in a Trine house,
and Mars placed with Saturn in the 8th house also
leads to a disease of the ovaries.
3. Rahu associated with Mars or Saturn may lead to
venereal problems.
4. The presence of Ketu in the 6 th house, under malefic
effects, may lead to venereal complaints.

Note: The word upgreha literally means a satellite, but

in Vedic astrology, it stands for the nine strategic,
sensitive mathematical points, which were visualised
by the ancient sages as capable of causing astrological
 The Nodes and tile Fenwle Cha rts (S trijatakam) 119

influence. These are all malefic in nature . The nine

upgre}l4s can be calculated and posited in a birth chart
along w ith the planets.

Widowhood/serious separation
The fo llowing indicate widowhood:
1. Presence of Rahu along with Saturn and Mars in
the 7th house.
2. Placement of Rahu in the 8th house and the'? lord
placed with Saturn and aspected by Mars and the
Moon .
3. Presence of Rahu in the 7th house, and the 7th lord in
conjunction with Sun and aspected by the 8th lord .
4. For Taurus and Libra ascendants, the presence of
Rahu in the 7th house without any beneficial aspects.
 Chapter Sevellfeell

Judging Compatibility (Synastnj)

with the Help of the Nodes

It is a custom to compare the birth charts of a boy and a

g irl fo r a proposed alliance fo r marriage in Hindu
culture.
In a detailed analysis of both the charts, features
like physica l, mental a nd emotional compati bility
between the two are of primary consid eration .
In a broad er sense, the compatibili ty between any
two persons even of the sa me sex for a business or a
similar olher a llia nce may also be considered.
Such an an alysis requires a thorough ground ing in
all aspects o f natal astrology.
Thi s a rt of co mparin g ch a rt s is also k now n as
SyHasfry.
In this chapter, we will cons ider only the ro le of
Rahu and Ketu in d eterminin g compa tibility between
two individuals.

In this connection, some generaUy accepted vie ws are,

as follows:
1. If the position of the nodal (Rahu/Ketu) axis in one's
chart is reversed in the partner's chart, there will be
'mutual help and understand ing between the two.
2. The sensitive a reas i n one's chart are those w hich
are indicated by the nodal ax is position in the
partner's chart. There are chances of an imbalance
in these areas.
 Judging Compatibility (S y nastry) with the Help of the Nodes 121

3. Favourable aspects between the relative positions

of Rahu and Ketu in both the charts are helpful and
assure a good association, whereas unfavourable
aspects can lead to separation.
4. The effects of Ketu are stronger than those of Rahu.
5. Conjunctions between the nodes in one's chart and
a planet falling in the same sign in the partner's
chart carry a lot of influence.
6. In the above-mentioned conjunctions between Rahu
in one's chart and a planet in the same sign in the
partner's chart, the planet is stronger than Rahu.
And in conjunctions between Ketu in one's chart
and a planet in the same sign in the partner's chart,
it is Ketu that has a stronger effect than that of the
planet.

There is no doubt that the closer (degree-wise) the

two conjunct planets are, the better it is. Exact
conjunction is the most powerful, but for practical
purposes, an orb of ± 5 degrees is workable.

Conjunctions of Rahu in one's chart and a planet in

the partner's chart

51111

This is an optimistic conjunction, leading to mutual

understanding and it lends a helping attitude towards
partners. As pointed out earlier, the conjunct planet is
more assertive, therefore, a Rahu person will receive
more help for growth, from the Sun person. Sun being
a 5atvic (quality of purity and goodness) planet helps in
evolutionary growth of both the partners.
122 RaIIU and Ketu i" Predicfive Astrology

Moon
This is also a helpful conjunction. In this case, mutual
help is based on love, affection, a ttraction, emotional
unde rs ta nd ing and care for eac h other. The major
impact is on the domestic life and environment.

Mars
As we kn ow that Mars signifies energy and creative
ability, so it will be more appropriate if Mars is in the
male's chart and Rahu in the female's chart. Then there
will be mutual help based on an energetic and creative
approach in solving problems and generating the drive
to face difficulties in life.

Mercury
As Mercury is connected with logic and intellect, a sort
uf balance will be impartt:!d to a Rahu person by the
Mercury person. This mutual help wi.U ensure better
communication, success in education and joint business
deals. They will also be good friends.

Jupiter
This is very good conjunction which will help both
partners to ri se on the ladder of evolution. Such an
alliance aids tolerance, confidence and expansion. There
may be prosperity at the material level, but the danger
of becoming too materialistic is there.

Vet/us
This conjunction can be good for marital compatibility.
There will be mutual attraction between the two. There
will also be less chance of one hurting the other provided
they do not indulge too much in physical pleasures.
 Judgillg Compatibility (Synastry) with tlte Help at the Nodes 123

Saturn
In terms of an alliance for marriage, this conjunction is
not very good. There will be a sense of discipline,
limita tions and duty imposed by the Saturn person on
the Rahu person. For marriage w hich is a very fragi le
relation, the above-mentioned restrictions may be too
much to handle. Such an alliance between an employer
and an employee may be good.

Rahu
There wilt be better understanding between the two.
The areas of life in which they want to develop w ill be
similar, hence there will not be any clash in their
interests.

Ketu
There w ill be better understanding between the two.
The a reas of life in w hich the Rahu person needs
development in the present life are those which the Ketu
person had experienced in previous lives. This alliance
may work well in marriage and in other spheres as well.

Ura nus
This conjunction is not good for marriage or business
alliances.

Neptune
It is a good conjunction for a strong bond between two
persons.

Pluto
It is a good conjunction which assures compatibility.
124 RnJIII alld Ketll ill Predictive Astrology

Conjunctions of Ketu in one's chart and a pla net in

the partner's chart
511 11

Such an alliance may take pla ce for w orking ou t the

previous karma between two persons. As pointed out
earlier, in all conj unctions formed by Ketu, it is more
powerful than the other planet. The Ketu person will
h ave more say in a ll matt e rs. This ma y lead to
resentments and put a strain on the relationship.

Mool!
A karmic attraction may result in such an alliance. The
ma in burden w ill be on the Moon person to meet the
dragging requirements of the Ketu person. This could
lea d to an imba lance in th e e motiona l and menta l
outlook of the Moon person and the relationship may
be strained.

Mars
Such an alliance is not good for marriage. The Mars
person has an energetic, passiona te and desire based
outlook and may not be able to cope with the restrictive
and domineering nature of a Ketu person.

Mercury
If a teacher (guru) has Ketu in his/ her chart and the
student has Mercury causing this conjunction, such an
alliance may last long. This conj unction may not work
well in othe r a llia nces includin g marria ge ma inl y
because the Mercury person is reason based, whereas a
Ketu person is no t.
 Judgillg Compatibility (SYllastry) witll the Help of the Nodes 125

Jupiter
This type of an alliance in marriage and even In a
teacherlshtdent relationship may not last long.

Vellus
Initially there may be attraction due to Venus, but the
one-sided approach of the Ketu person may strain the
relationship. Marriage, as we all know is based on 'give
and take' principle, therefore, a one-sided or a selfish
approach does not last long.

Satllrn
In s uch an alliance each partner will cause strain on
the other. The karmic requirements of discipline and
restrictions may be responsible for such an alliance. Both
will be at cross-roads and may either break away or
resort to renunciation embracing a spiritual life.

RallU
There will be better understanding between the two.
The area s of life in which the Rahu person need s
development in the present life are those where the Ketu
person had experience in previous lives. This alliance
may work well in marriage and other spheres of life.

Kefll

It is a good alliance for marriage. There will be mutual

und erstanding and ca re for each other's interests,
because both have traversed similar areas of life during
their previous incarnations.
126 Rllhu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

Uranu s
This is not considered good for any kind of alliance.

NeptUlte
This conjunction is helpful if both partners are engaged
in work in the fields of astrology or occult science or
any type of research work.

Pluto
This conjunction is not favourable for any kind of
alliance.
 Chapter Eighteen

Importance of Rahu Kaal and

How to Determine It

There is a certain time period during a day which is

called Rahu Kaal (Rahu's time). This period occurs at
different times on each day of the week.
This period is not considered auspicious for starting
any important work or a journey. It is given much
importance in southern India. Usually a generalised
time schedule for Rahu Kaal is mentioned in books,
magazines or Panchangs (Ephemeris). However, this
may not be accurate every time because the periods need
to be calculated for a particular weekday as per the
local sunrise and sunset timings.

How to calculate Rahu Kaal

In order to find the length of the daytime, note down
the sunrise and sunse: l"imirogs for the required day and
locality from the ephemens or Panchangs. The day length
is equal to the sunset time minus the sunrise time.
Divide this duration in eight equal parts starting from
the sunrise time. Then look up the required part of the
day length as Rahu Knal for the weekday referring to
Table 9.
128 Rnhu and Ketu it! Predictive Astrology

Table 9
The part of the day length as
Rahu Kaal for each weekday.

Weekday Rahu Kaal

Sunday 8'" part

Monday 2r>d part
Tuesday 7th part

Wednesday 5th part

Thursday 6th part
Friday 4th. part
Saturday 3,d part

The following example clarifies the procedure:

Suppose you want to know the RallU Kaal for Monday,

6 September, 2004 for Delhi or a nearby place. Note
down the time of sunset and the time of sunrise from a
Pal/chang for Delhi:

Sunset time = 18:33 hrs.

Sunrise time = 06:05 hrs.

Day Length = 12: 28 (12 hours and 28 minutes)

Eighth part of the day length = 12 hours 28 minutes +

8 = 1 hour, 33 minutes 30 seconds.
Now add this to the sunrise time repea tedly till you
get the sunset time.
 Importance of Rilhu Kaal and How to Determine It 129

Sunrise time = 6:05:00 AM

+ 1:33:30 p t Part

= 7:38:30 AM -
+ 1 :33:30 2nd Part
= 9:12:00 AM
+ 1:33:30 3«1 Part

= m45:30AM-
+ 1:33:30 41h Part

= 12:19:00PM
+ 1:33:30 5th Part

= 13:52:30PM-
+ 1:33:30 61h Part

= 15:26:00PM
+ 1:33:30 71h Part

= 16:59:30PM
+ 1:33:30 81h Part

Sunset time = 18:33:00PM

As the day in the above example is a Monday, so
take the 2nd part (see Table 9). The Rallu Kaal for Monday
6 September for Delhi and adjoining areas is from
7:38:30 a.m. till 9:12:00 a.m.
In one of the Panchangs, the general Rahu Knat for a
Monday is given from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. There is a
difference of a couple of minutes as per the calculation
shown above and this can be important if you are
particular about finding the exact auspicious time.
The saying goes 'well begun is half done'.
 Chapter Nineteen

Analysis of Some Charts

in this chapter, charts of some famous and well-known

people are analysed. The main emphasis is on the role
played by the nodes, viz. Rahu and Ketu in the life of
the native.

1. Pandit Ja tvah arlal Nehru (India ' s first Prime

Ministe r)
Birth Details: 14 November 1889 23:33:00 hours. LMT
81E51 25N27
Dasha balance at birth: Mercury 15 years, 1 month, 17
days.

S. R.
5 3 Me Ma 11
M
., 2
2 10,..

, 12

V. 7 3 9 V,
M<
, M>

'" 8
10
12 '"K"
S.
8
5 7
9
Ke Ju i"

Chart 7 Chart 8
Birth Chart Navarnsha Chart
 Analysis of Some ChIlrts 131

Table 10
Astrological details of the Birth Chart 7
Planet Longitude Constellation ConsteUation
Loed

Asc. 29°:31 ' Ashlesha Me

Su 00°:17' Vishakha Ju
Mo 18°:08' Ashlesha Me
Ma 09°:59' U. Phalguni Su
Me 1;>',10' Swati Ra
Ju 15°: 11 ' P.Shada Ye
\k 0;>',23' Swati Ra
Sa 10°: 48' Magha 1("
North node 12°:44' Ardra Ra
(Ra)
South node 12°:44' Moola 1("
(Ke)

In the birth chart of Pandit Jawaharlal Nphru,

Rahu / Ketu axis is located in the 12'''/6111 houses. Both
the nodes are exalted in his birth chart. Ketu is conjoined
with Jupiter and there is an aspect of Jupiter on Rahu.
Also, both the nodes are posited in their own respective
constellations, making them strong.
Placement of an exalted Rahu in the 12th house and
aspect of Jupiter that belongs to the house of luck on
this node has stren gthen ed the 12'" house a nd its
significance; because of this he received honours not
only in his own country but also abroad.
It was mainly in the dasha of Rahu from the year
1955 till his death that he was involved in international
affairs, again a 12th house significance.
Conjunction of Jupiter with Ketu in the 6111 house
gave him the power to take initiative, an adventurous
outl ook, a philosophical insight and the ability to
perform heroic actions like a long drawn fight against
the British.
132 Rahu and Kefu in Predictive Astr%gy

In the Navamsha Chart 8, Rahu moves to the 11 th

house where it is considered to give good results.
Regarding the claim of some people that Kaalsarpa
Yoga exists in his chart, and because of this he had a
hard life, the following importa nt pOints need to be
emphasised :

1. The plane t Jupiter has conj oined with Ketu and

he nce as ha s been pointed ou t in Chapter 14,
Kaalsarpa Yoga ceases to exist.
2. The nodes have a strong position because of their
placeme nt in exa lted sign s a nd in their own
constellations.
3. Movement of the nodal axis to 11 tII / 5t11 houses in the
Navamslla Cha rt 8, further stren gt hens their
position.
4. Moon, Jupiter and Venus posited in their own signs
and the Sun posited in a Trine house in a friendly
sign give overall strength to the birth chart.

Therefore, because of the these factors the native

enjoyed name, fame and a powerful political position.
He is remembered worldwide even today for his great
personality. He had sacrificed a comfortable lifestyle
only by hi s ow n discretion in order to serve hi s
motherland . There is no indication of the Kaalsarpa Yoga
influencing his chart.

2. Swami Vivekananda (disciple of Sri Rama Krishna

Pannahansa)
Birth De ta il s: 12 January 1863 06:33:00 hours. LMT
88E30 22N40
Daslla (main period) balance at birth: Moon 4 years, 4
months, 21 days,
 Analysis of Some Charts 133

Ve Me
8
... Su
7
10
11 '" 71" ... 10
9
1" 6
,
12
9
Mo JJ ,
6 50
3
2
V. 50 M.
12 H.
Mo
2 3
Mo
K. M,

Chart 9 Chart 10
Birth Chart Nnvamsha Chart

Table 11
Astrological details of Birth Chart 9
Planet Longitude Constellation Constellation
L",d

As<. 25°:59' P.Shada Ve

Su 29°:25' U.Shada Su
Mo 17°:26' Hasta Mo
Ma 06°:19' Ashwini Ke
Me 11°:46' Shravan Mo
Ju 04°:01' Chitra Ma
Ve 07',06' U.Shada Su
Sa 13°:34' Hasta Mo
North node 22°:15' Jyeshtha Me
(Ra)
South node 22°:15' Rohini Mo
(Ke)

In Swami Vivekananda's birth chart, the nodal axis

is placed in the 12th/ 6th houses. Sign wise placement of
both the nodes is not good. The nodal position in the
Navamsha Chart 10 has improved.
The sign in which Rahu is posited belongs to the
planet Mars that is occupying its own house which is
the second Trine of the nativity chart and hence gains a
134 Rallu and Kelu in Predictive Astrology

lot of strength improving the position of Rahu with its

8th aspect. The aspect of the ascendant lord and natural
benefic Jupiter on the 5 th house and Mars further
improves the position of Rahu . Due to this, in spite of
sca rcity and poverty on the mate ria l p lane, Swami
Vivekananda's sharp intellect gave him spiritual success.
Another significant factor in his chart is th e
placement of Mars, the depositor of Rahu is in Ashwini
Star, which is ruled by the planet Ketu . This gave him
abundant physical strength, a good nature, intelligence,
strong wiU-power and an optimistic outlook.
The placement of Ketu in the Taurus sign in the 6th
house in the constellation of the 8th lord Moon caused
him some health problems.

3. Abraham Lillco/n (Fonne r President of America)

Birth Details: 12 February 1809 07:32:00 hours. LMT
85W4637N33
Dasha (main period) balance at birth: Sun 1 year, 8
months, 24 days.
Mo M,
10 12 RoM. 10

9 9

11

8
So , Il

8
V.
....
5 5
7 ..
, 3
, 7Su

• '"
3 M. So
•
Chart 11
'" Chart 12
Birth Chart Navamsha Chart
 Analysis of Some Charts 135

Table 12
Astrological details of Birth Chart 11
Planet Longitude Constellation Constellation
Lon!
Asc. 15° :00' Shatabhisha Ra
5u 02°:17' Dhanishta Ma
Mo 06°:10' U. Shadha Su
M. 04°:18' Chitra Ma
Me 19°:09' Shalabhisha Ra
Ju 00°:54' P.Bhadrapad Ju
Ve 16°:18' U. Bhadrapad Sa
5. 11°:57' Anuradha Sa
North node 15°:44 ' Swali Ra
(Ra)
South node
(I(e) 15°:44' Bharni Ve

In Lincoln's birth chart, the nodal axis fa lls in the

9 13,d houses.
th

As mentioned in Chapter 14, Rahu in the 9th house

a lso ensures commendable results, especially when
occupying its own house, or friendly signs or is exalted
in one's birth chart. In the existing cha rt, Rahu is in its
friendly Libra sign and is conjoined with Mars. Hence
the effect of KaaJsarpa Yoga is diminished . Rahu is the
signification of elephant and Mars is known as its rider
and he nce thi s promises highly authoritative a nd
glorious results. This conjunction with Mars gave
Lincoln courage and depth of thought.
Due to the aspect of Rahu on the ascendant in the
birth chart and placement of Ra hu in the Vargotam
Nava mslw ascendant (birth chart and Nava msha Chart
ascendants are of the same sign), it gave him good
stature.
136 R11JIU Qnd Ketll in Predictive Astrology

Rahu is posited in its own constellation which makes

it strong. Rahu being placed with Mars gave the results
of Mars during its periods. Mars itself did not give good
results because it was carrying the malefic effect of Rahu,
because Rahu is stro nger than Mars keeping degrees of
both the planets in view. Hence, during the periods of
Mars and Rahu, the native faced poverty.
The 6th lord Moon is fonning a square aspect with
the nodes. This caused plenty of difficulties in his life,
but also influenced him to win over these difficulties.
Moon 's squa re aspect with the nodes in the birth
chart and its conjunction wi th Rahu in the Navamsha
Chart 12 caused early death of his mother.
Rega rding the ca ncellation of the Kaalsarpa Yoga,
and Lincoln 's success in We following points need to be
emphasised:
1. In the birth chart, as the planet Mars joined Rahu,
therefore irrespective of its degree-wise position, the
Kaalsarpa Yoga is cancelled.
2. In the Navamslla Chart 12, Rahu moves to the
Aquarius sign and Ketu to the Leo Sign, both the
nodes in these respective signs give good results.
3. In the birth chart, Jupiter is posited in its own sign
and Venus is e xalted. Jupite r is exa lted in the
Navam sha Chart 12.
Therefore, due to the cancellation of Kaalsarpa Yoga
and the presence of other positive fac tors, the native
achieved extraordinary success in life moving from a
log hut to the White House and is remembered even
today.
4. A male native (lawyer by profession).
Birth Details: 19 November, 1865 09:50 hours. LMT
84 E 11 18N 46
 Analysis of Some Charts 137

Dasha (main period) balance at birth: Saturn 5 years, 5

months, 0 day.
Me Mo Su
10
M,
8
9 ""7
M,
11
I" "
7 V, v, 10 6 R,

..
9 8
5 5u
12

3
6
Ro " 11

2
5 Ke 12 4M,
2 4 3
lu

Chart 13 Chart 14
Birth Chart Navamsha chart

Table 13
Astrological details of Birth Chart 13

Planet Longirude Constellation Constellation

Lord
Asc. 24°:16' P. Shadha Ve
Su 04°:54' Anuradha Sa
Mo 12°:51 ' Anuradha Sa
Ma 02°:33' Vishakha Ju
Me 20°:45' Jyeshtha Me
Ju 08°:52' Moola Ke
Ve 11 °:16' Sw,ti Ra
Sa 13°:59' Swati Ra
North node 27°:01 ' Chitra Ma
(Ra)
South node 27°:01 ' Revati Me
(Ke)

In the birth chart 13, a full· fledged Knalsarpa Yoga is

formed. But one also needs to look at all the positive
factors of this chart. Five out of nine planets-Mars,
Jupiter, Venus, Rahu and Ketu are posited in their own
138 Rahu and Ketll ill Predictive Astrology

respech ve signs. Saturn the lord of the 2M and 3'" houses

is exalted .
The a sce nd a nt lo rd Jupite r is pos ited in the
ascendant, giving overall streng th to the native. Sun,
the lord of the 9th house, is placed at a square position
with respect to its own house in a friendly sign.
An auspicious yoga called Rilja Yoga is also formed
beca use the Trine lord Sun is associated with the Square
lord Mercury.
Sun, Sa turn and the nodes are posited in their own
si gns in the divisional 0 / 9 Chart 14. The nodes, viz.
Rahu and Ketu become Va rgotam as they are in the same
signs in the birth as well as in the D/9 charts.
In the 0 /9 chart, the nod al axis moves to 1 Ph/ 5th
houses where the Kaafsarpa Yoga becomes fa vourable.
Had an astrol oger pred icted d ire co nseque nces
hecause of Kaa/sa rpa Yoga form ed in this chart, he would
have been p roved w rong. The native was a successful
la wyer and earned well. He prospered mainly in the
periods of Ketu and Venus.

5. A male native (lrigh court judge and later vice

chancellor of a university).

Birth Details: 29 June 1864 04:05 hours. LMT 77 E 05

14N 54
Daslm (main period) balance at birth: Venus 16 years,
10 months, 25 d ays.
 Analysis of Some Chnrts 139

Ve Su

3
3S.
4 M,
,
5 II 8 , Ro,"
8 II
Sa 6 10 9 1M.
7 9 12
lUI Ju (R) 10
V. '"
Chart 15 Chart 16
Birth Chart Nilvumshil Chart

Table 14
Astrological details of the Birth Chart 15

Planet Longitude Constellation Constellation

Lord
AS<. 24°:10' Mrigshira Ma
Su 15°:25' Ardra Ra
Mo 15°:25' Bharni Ve
M. 01°:13' Ashwini Ke
Me 26°:26' Mrigshira Ma
Ju 26°:09' Vishakha Ju
Ve 10°:02' Ard ra Ra
Sa 19°:33' Has ta Mo
North node 23°:57' Vishakha Ju
(Ra)
South node 23°:57' Bharni Ve
(](e)

In the Birth Chart 15, the KJlafsarpa Yoga is cancelled

because other planets have joined the nodes. Moon and
Mars are insid e the nodal ax is, whereas Jupiter has
moved outsid e this axis.
G,lru Chandaal Yoga, also ca lled Chandaa' Yoga is
formed , as Ju piter and Rahu are conjoined together.
140 Rllhll and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

Despite this horrifying sounding yoga, the native had

name, fame and a very successful ca reer. H e was
bestowed the most prestigious title of 'Sir' by the British.
Jupiter being the lord of the 8th house is posited in
the 6th house, forming The Vipreet Raja Yoga. This is an
auspicious yoga due to w hich the native progresses even
under unfavourable conditions. Al so, there are other
positive factors present in this char t. For exa mple,
Saturn which is Bhagyesh (lord of the house of luck) is
also a yogaknrak (because it is the lord of a Square and a
Trine house) planet for this chart and it is very well
placed in the other Trine house in a friendly sign. The
planets Mars and Sun are very strong in their shadbalas
Due to these facto rs, the native enjoyed position of
authority and received favours from the government.
The main pOint w hich I would like to e mphasise
here is that the mere presence of Chandaul Yoga could
not stop the native from enj oying a prestigious and
successfu l life. This is because of the presence of other
positive factors in his chart.
 Chapter Twenty

Remedial Measures

We all know that large organisations follow a

hierarchical system fo r the ir smooth functioning. In such
a system, the CEO or the Chairman is not to be bothered
for petty day-ta-day problems. The workers can
approach their supervisors or the d epartmental heads
for these, but not the Chairman directly.
The same system works in the higher realms w hich
control life on earth. God is the supreme force who has
assigned various departments or functions to the devalas.
This is a universal system and is not confined to any
pa rticular religion or belief.
All the nine planets considered in Vedic astrology
have their existence as divine beings known by the same
names as the planets. Each planet is also under a devatfl
(deity).
All the remedial measures performed in ord er to
propitiate or appease a specific planet are, in fac t,
directed to the divine form of that planet or to the deity
controlling that planet.
The great sage Para shara in sllalokas 2 a nd 3 of
Greha-shanti-vivekadltyaya (chapter on the propitiation
of planets) of Brilwl Parashara Hom Shastra says:

'grelw suryadye pooroam mya prokta dwijotam ,

jagtayaam sarvjantunaam taddheenam sukhasukham. '
'tasmaa ! SlIshalltikamo va s/" ikamo va suchetsa,
vrishtyayu pushtikamo va teshaam yajjyam smacharet.'
142 Ra}1Il and Ketll in Predictive Astrology

This means that the joys and sorrows of the crea tures
of this world are under th e pla nets. Th ere fore, for
auspicious desires of peace, wealth, grace, rain, longevity
and prosperity, one should always perform yajjyam. (The
word yajjyam includes worship, company of the saints
or listening to their discourse and giving alms).

The law of Karma

There is a universal law of divine justice called the law
of ka rma. All our good or bad actions are stored as
Sallchita Knrma (accumulated effects of our actions).
A part of thi s long accumulated karma, which is
destined to fru ctify during the present incarnation is
know n as Prarabdha Karma, which is indicated in the
form of the birth chart of a native.
Some part of the Prarabdha Karma, is not very strong
and the ill-effects due to this can be partially or fully
cured by some remedial measures.
An expert astrologer needs to pinpoint the offending
or wea k pla ne t a nd then prescribe an appro pria te
remedy.

Do the remedial measures work?

The system of propitiation or remedial measures d oes
work, w hether you believe in it or not. Here is a logical
expla nation w hich will help in forming a firm belief in
order to get better results.
All human ill s are due to the violation of some
universal law s b y the native, during the present or
previous lives.
Due to our viola tion of the universal laws, the
concerned planets are offended and their propitiation
or appeasement becomes necessary.
 Remedial Measures 143

It is feasible to appease the offending planets,

provided the right and effective methods are followed,
and one has 'full faith' and 'sincerity' in doing so.
For example, when we fall sick, we go to a doctor
a nd place full faith in him / h er and in hi s/ h er
prescription. If we look closely, we find that physical
cure depends upon three factors:

(a) Right diagnosis

(b) Right prescription
(c) Sincerity in following the prescription.

But sometimes, even by strict adherence to these, a

cure is either partially effective or it is not effec tive at
all, or sometimes even an expert doctor makes a mistake
in making the right diagnosis. This is because a fourth
factor of Divine Will operates.
Th e same four fa ctors ope rate in the case of
propitiation or remedial measures for planets. Our du ty
is to do our part well and leave the results of our efforts
to God.

Propitiation or remedial measures

Th ere are va riou s remedia l measures like flpasana
(worship), dann (giving alms), mantra jaap (recitation of
powerful sacred verses), wea ri ng gems tones, bvnch
panth (recita tion of protective verses). yantra (an
as trologica l charm ), wearing he rb s re lated to the
concerned planet and consuming bhasams (ashes) of
gemstones. These are discussed in detail below:

1. Upasana (worship): The literal meaning of upasmra

is 'to sit near' . The idea is to pray to the divine form
of the concerned planet or the deity of that planet
144 Ra/III and Ketll ifl Predictive Astrology

for its help in removing ill effects. Simloka (Sanskrit

verse) 23 of chapter 87 na m ed Grel/a-s lwnti -
vivekadllyaya (chap ter on propitiation of Planets) in
the famous astrological treatise Brihat Parnshara Horn
Simstra says tha t o ne should worship the planet
w hich in a cha rt is malefic, wea k, posited in a malefic
place or debilitated.
Bra hma, the crea tor, gave th e planets powers to
bless someone w ho worships them.
2. Daa" (giving alms): It is believed tha t by giving those
things governed by the offended planet as alms, that
planet is pacified. It is important that one gives alms
happily and without making a show of it.
Va rious things that ma y be g iven as alms for the
nodes are:
Rahu : Shaloka 9 of Onalladhyaya (c hapter o n a lms) in
]a fnkabharnl/a by Sri Dhundhiraj says:

'gomedratnn m elm; tllrangmnshclmye, s lIlIee1cltnilnal/i

chai kamblasl/Clmi,
ti/aashclmi tai/am kha /If /ohmishram, sarvbltallvey
daal/midam vad/lI1fi.'

According to this verse, things that may be given as

a lm s a re gomed (hessonite) ge ms tone, horse, blue-
clothes, blanket, sesa me (tm, o il and iron.
Ketu : Shaloka 10 of Daal1adhyaya (chapter on alms) in
the trea tise on astrology ]ntakabharalln by Sri Dhundhiraj
says:

'vaidooriaratllam sa tilam ehai lailam,

sllknmblamchapi 11Iadomrigasye,
shastrall elm keto pnritoshlletorudiritam
dna l/m ida m /llIIl/il/drai. '
 Remedial Measures 145

According to this verse, things that ma y be given as

alms are Lellslmia (Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye) gemstone,
sesa me (1m, oil. blanket, kasfoor; (musk) and a sword .

3. Matttra jaap (recitation of sacred verses): A l1W/llra

is a sacred verse that has magical powers. By
reciting a particula r mantra , one ca n pacify and
strengthen the concerned planet. The mal1tra needs
to be recited with concentration fo r the prescribed
number of times. Mantras for the nod es are:

Rahu : (a) Om raallg rahvey namaha

(b) Om bhraal1 bltreen bl1ron salla rahvey l1amaha

Recite anyone of these 18,000 times preferably at

night.

Ketu: (a) amkelll ketvey Ilamaha

(b) Om stmlrl streem strom salla ketvey lIamaha

Recite anyone of these for 17,000 times, preferably

at night.

4 . Wearing Gemstones: By wearing a gemstone for a

particu lar planet the power of th e latter is
strengt hened . It is extremely imp or tant that
gemstones for malefic and ill placed planets in a
chart should never be worn. Particularly for wearing
gemstones for Rahu and Ketu, advice of a reputed
astrologer, based on the birth chart should be taken.

Rahu: Hessonite called gomed or any of its substitutes,

w hich a re brown agate, brown tourma line and zircon
of the same colour. The gemstone may be worn set in a
146 Rnhu and Ketu in Predictive Astrology

ring of panch dha tll (alloy of silver, gold, copper, iron

and zinc) in the middle finger of the right hand .
Ketu: Cat's eye chrysoberyl or cymophane known as
leltsu.n ia or any of its substitutes, tiger's eye or
alexandrite. The gemstone may be worn set in a ring of
pa" c" dhalll (alloy of silver, gold, copper, iron and zinc)
in the little finger of the right hand .

5. Kavac11 paath (recitation of protective verses) :

Kamch literally means a shield, which was used by
warriors for protection of their bodies in a war in
ancient times. There are special verses called kamch,
which act as a shield. By reciting kavach paall! for
the offended planet the native receives protection
from its ill effects.
6. Yantra : A yan tra means an astrological charm . A
yantra may be worn on the body or kept in th e
pocket. The yantras for the nodes are described
below:
Rahu: Inscribe the following on a plate of silver or alloy
of seven metals Sapt dhatu on a Saturday in the dark
half of a lunar month under Ardra, Swati or Shatbhisha
nakshatra; recite at least three mala (a rosary of 108 beads
for counting) of the Rahu Mnntra and keep this Yantra
wrapped in a smoke coloured cloth in your pocket.

13 8 15

14 12 10

16
/
9 11

Figure 5: Yan/ra for Rahu

\
 Remedial Measures 147

Ketu: Inscribe the following on a plate of silver or alloy

of seven metals (saptdhatu) on a Tuesday in the bright
half of a lunar month under A shwini, Magha or Maola
llakshatra (constellation); recite at least three mala (rosary
of 108 beads for counting) of the Ketu Mantra and keep
this Ya,lfra in your pocket.

14 9 16
15 13 11
10 17 12

Figure 6: Yantra for Ketu

7. Herbs: Small pieces of the herb of the concerned
planet can be put on a thread and worn on the body.
These herbs are considered very effective in reducing
the ill effects of the concerned planet. The herbs for
the nodes are:

Rahu: Shvet Chandan which is white sandalwood, also

ca lled Santalum album.
Ketu: Roo t of A sgalldh also known as Ashwagu1ldha.
This is a medicinal plant called Physalis flexuosa.

8. Consuming blJasams (ashes) of Gemstones:

148 RnllU mId Ketll ill Predictive Astrology

Importallt Note: My ad vise is to follo w this remed ial

measure only und er the expert supervision of a qualified
Ayurvedic (Indian system of medicine) d octor.

Hessonite (Ga med) (gemstone for Rahu) :

Sri Va ag bhattach Cl rya in Ras ratall samu chaye- hi s
authoritative treatise on Ayllrveda says in shaloka 56 of
cha pte r 4:

'Gomedam kafpitg lwllam khslw yepaalldu

khslmyemakram, deep"am patcl",am rooclmyam
tawachayam budhi,Jrbodhnam .'

This means that the bhaSllni of gomed cures phlegm,

problems due to an imbalance of pit (one o f the three
bod il y humours), tuberculosis an d jaundice. It a lso
improves di ges ti on and inte lli gence and cures skin
diseases.

C at' s Eye -Chry sob e ryl or Cy mophan e ( L eltstwia )

(gemston e for Ketu):
Sr i Vaagbhat tacharya in Ra sratall samuchaye-h is
authoritative treatise on Ayurveda says in Shaloka 59 of
chapte r 4:

'Va idoorium sa fpitg lm lmm pragyayur ba/vardhallam,

pifpradhaa"rogg/w llam deepl/am ma/motel/llam. '

This means th"t the bhasam o f eat's eye-chrysoberyl

cures problems of blood " nd ot he r parts due to a n
imbala nce of the bod ily humou r 'called pit. It improves
intelligence a nd increases li fe s pan. It " Iso improves
digesti on, and excretion.
 Remedial Measures 149

Its blJasam when co nsum ed with milk cures

inflammation.

Remedial measures for Kaa lsarpa Yoga:

In places like Trinmbkeslnoor (near Nasik) in the state of
Maharashtra in In dia, there is provision for a proper
procedural propitiation of Kanlsarpa Yoga. Triambkeshwar
is one of the '12 /yolirlillgas (a phallus shaped structure
with specia l powe rs) of Lord Shiva. There are other
p laces also where such a provision is ava ilable. If the
nati ve is suffering because of this yoga in the chart, the
best thing is to go to such a place and get the proper
propitiation performed by professional priests.
If it is not possible to go to stich a place then one
may follOW one or mo re of th e following remedial
measures.

1. Recite the ma ntra 0111 lIamalla sh ivaye.

2. Observe a fas t on Nang Pal1c!lallli which fa ll s on
the 5!k lithi (lunar date) of the bright half of the
luna r month of Slmwall.
3. Place a pea coc k fe ather in the hou se and work
place.
4. Get a small pair of sil ver images of a serpen t fixed
on a piece of sa ndalwood and wear it as a pendent.
5. Offer a copper image of a serpent on a shiv/illg
(phallus shaped structure) in a Shiva temple.
6. Imm erse a pair of iron images of a serpent in
running water.
7. Immerse some coal pieces in running water.
S. Give fresh rad ish as alms.
9. Keep some barley seeds next to your bed at night
and feed these to the bi rd s the next morning.
150 Rahu Qnd Ketu in Predictive Astrology

10. If due to the presence of Kna/sarpa Yoga in the chart

there are some problems with the spouse, perform
the marri age ceremony once again with your
spouse.
11. Put four dry coconuts into a river.
12. Get Knalsarpa Yoga shanti (pacification) performed
by a professional priest.