The Dragon’s Head
Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets. These are the imaginary planets and have no physical shape or existence. Even then, they have been granted the status of planets and are an inherent part of the ‘Navgraha’ i.e. council of nine planets. According to mythology, there is an interesting anecdote about the creation of these two planets. Once, Gods and demons decided to churn the ocean together to produce nectar and gain immortality. After nectar was churned out, Lord Vishnu disguised as a female and served the nectar to the Gods. In the meantime, a demon disguised himself as God and sat in between them to consume nectar. The Sun and the Moon recognized him and complained to Lord Vishnu, who cut off his head. Since he had consumed nectar, he became immortal. The head of the demon came to be known as Rahu and the rest body as Ketu. Ever since, Rahu and Ketu became staunch enemies of Sun and Moon. They swallow sun and moon when they come near them, thereby causing sun and moon eclipses.
In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu are the astronomical points in the sky, called north and south lunar nodes respectively. Rahu is a malefic planet. Being a shadow planet, it has not been assigned the ownership of any zodiac sign or House in the horoscope. Even then, it gets exalted in the Taurus and gets debilitated in the Scorpio. It always moves in the retrograde direction. It stays for 1.5 years in one zodiac sign and completes one orbit cycle in 18 years. It rules the constellations Adra, Swati and Shatbhisha. It considers Venus, Saturn and Mercury as friendly planets while it has strong enmity with Sun, Moon and Mars. It is neutral towards Jupiter. It represents very old people, north lunar node direction and grey color. Its Vimshottari Mahadasha period lasts for 18 years.
It is powerful in 3rd, 6th and 11th Houses of the horoscope. If well placed, it gives sudden wealth and prosperity. It makes native famous and influential. It gives position of power in politics. It rules over jails, thieves, magicians, snakes and poison. If it is badly placed or afflicted in the horoscope, it creates confusion, mental disturbances and emotional upheavals in the life of the native. It makes the native arrogant and jealous and the native may fall prey to black magic. It gives diseases like fever, leprosy, snake bite, restlessness and psychological abnormality.
Remedies for Rahu
The gemstone for Rahu is hessonite.
The most effective way to defend against Rahu is to worship sincerely. The worshipping of Lord Shiva and chanting of verses related to Goddess Durga are the ways to safeguard oneself from the clutches of Rahu.
Rahu’s Mantra
Om Bhram Bhrim Bhroum Sah Rahave Namah
