The North and South Nodes in Mythology
The names Rahu (north node) and Ketu (south node) are linked to Hindu mythology and Vedic Astrology. Hindu mythology relates these nodes to a serpent. There are many tales in our scriptures which give importance to a serpent and to 'serpent power'. It is, therefore, important to understand the real significance of this serpent power for a universal picture about the importance of these nodes to emerge, because a serpent is given a special place in many prominent ancient civilizations.
Mystery about serpents
A serpent enjoys a prominent place in Indian culture. For example, it is believed that the serpent called 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 acts as a rope in the legendary, churning of the celestial ocean. And Lord Shiva (one of the three gods of the Hindu trinity) carries a serpent around his neck. Sri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, killed the multi-headed serpent Kaaliya. If one appreciate the fact that a serpent is not always dangerous, the fear about Rahu and Ketu too will disappear.
Why 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. Kundalini is imagined as a serpent which is sitting coiled-up in the human body at a point, mid-way between the organ of generation and the organ of exception.
A sleeping Kundalini drags one to material attachments, 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 chakras (wheels) causing more and more positive and higher manifestations of Rahu and Ketu in the life of a person. Finally, as this awakening reaches the topmost chakra one is liberated, that means one achieves moksha (final emancipation from the life-death cycle) through the higher manifestations of Ketu.
Shadowy Planets
Although Rahu and Ketu are given a status equal to that of the other physical planets, these two nodes do not have a physical existence in space and are hence called Shadowy Planets. 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. 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.
Personification (symbolised by a divine form) and Significance
In Vedic astrology, all planets including Rahu and Ketu are personified as divine beings, existing on the Astral and Casual planes of existence (each has a distinct appearance and other characteristics) as visualized by ancient seers.
Rahu - It is a dry planet and signifies the quality of ignorance (tamas). Hence, it is also called a tamsic planet. It represents the southwest direction, which is also known as Nairrtya Kon. Rahu also signifies the paternal grand father, a serpent, air element, high mountains, forests, mining, exploration, research work, sense of hearing, oils, stock-exchange etc.
There are different beliefs about Rahu, but the most commonly accepted one is - Rahu as a warrior holding weapons in three out of his four hands. The fourth hand is in a traditional blessing stance, revealing that Rahu is not all malefic but also has powers to bless someone to reach great material heights.
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.
When Rahu works through the lower principle it signifies criminal activities like stealing, looting, murder, blackmail, imprisonment, confinement, severe punishment, torture, underworld, extortion, blackmailing; all kinds of perversions, poisons, brutality, sadistic attitude, ruthlessness, excessive rigidity, orthodox views, excessive materialistic interests, self-aggrandisement; disturbance at emotional and psychological level fears, phobias, isolation, lunacy, lying, deceit, trickery, liquor consumption, espionage, widowhood, ghosts, smuggling, pollution, smoking, clouded mentality, confusion, low grade occult practices, deserts, tornadoes, cyclones, black-magic, sorcery; diseases like arthritis, eczema, ulcers, paralysis, digestive problems, nervous disorders, skin diseases, cancer, polio, breathing disorders and; accidents, animal skins, hard manual labour, hunger, poverty, unfortunate events, obesity, gambling and pornography.
When Rahu works through the higher principle, it signifies higher occult practices, sensitivity on astral planes, trance state, extra sensory perception (ESP); fame, fortune, prestige, sudden benefits, prophets, seers, psychologists, psycho-therapists, intuition, inspiration and; pharmaceutical industry and photography.
Overall, Rahu is a Karmic Planet (a planet which helps in working out previous karma and forming new karma). In a chart, it signifies those areas which 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 planet. It signifies the quality of ignorance (tamas), hence it is called the tamsic planet. Ketu signifies the maternal grand father, tantra (occult), a surgeon, a difficult work, a pilot, a serpent, sense of smell, law and lawyers.
Ketu too depicted in different divine forms. The most commonly accepted one has a weapon held in one hand while the other hand is in a pose of giving blessings (Var Mudra). So, we must not 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. (moksha).
Ketu is assigned a vulture as its mode of 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.
When Ketu works through the lower principle, it signifies the mafia world, tantrik (mystic) activities, unfortunate person or event, wounds suffering, misery, poisons, scandals, skin diseases, scavengers, parasites, strong noxious smells, homeless, destitute, outcast, bad company, infections, fever, false pride, selfishness, vicious tendencies, secret intrigues and associations, habit of backbiting, bankruptcy, miserliness, deception, madness, indulgence, spying activity, geological disturbances, catastrophes, etc.
When Ketu works through the higher principle, it signifies moksha (final emancipation from the life-death cycle), spiritual initiation, practice of yoga, sudden gain, renunciation, tatva jnana (knowledge of the real nature of things), deep space exploration, places of religious and occult significance, artistic taste, literary genius, philosophical outlook, friends etc.
Overall Ketu is also a Karmic Planet. In a chart, it represents those areas which have a strong impact on the native's present likings, strong attachments and weak points. It signifies our link with past lives.
Remedial Measures
The great sage Parashara in shlokas 2 and 3 of Greha-shanti-vivekadhyaa (chapter on the propitiation of planets) of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra says:
'greha suryadye poorvan mya prokta dwijotam,
jagtayaam sarvjantunaam taddheenam sukhasukham.'
'tasmaat sushantikamo va shrikamo va suchetsa,
vrishtyayu pushtikamo va teshaam yajjyam smacharet.'
This means that the joys and sorrows of the creatures of this world are under the planets. Therefore, for auspicious desires for 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 system of propitiation or remedial measures does work. 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.
There are various remedial measures like upasana (worship), daan (giving alms), mantra jaap (recitation of powerful sacred verses), wearing gemstones, kavach paath (recitation of protective verses), yantra (an astrological charm), wearing herbs related to the concerned planet and consuming bhasmas (ashes) of gemstones.
This information till here was written by Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma for satisfying quest for knowledge and forming a balanced view about the Nodal Points.
Rahu's effects on homes:-
A home that is under the negative effects of Rahu will not have love, unity or any peacefulness. There will be sibling rivalry and many fights and conspiracies between people. Such negative effects are not just limited to a particular home, but can also show their effects in a bigger area of residence - like certain neighbourhoods or blocks of flats.
Rahu's negative effect makes children's growth weak; they start talking about going away to study in a hostel from a young age; or in grown up children the symptom shows in them talking about moving to another place once they get a job.
Below are some indications of a negative Rahu on one's home :-
- water will start getting stuck in certain areas of the home
- there will be a lot of dust and dirtiness in the home
- plants will not prosper in such homes
- one feels a dire need of light in the home after sunset; it will feel that the home is dull despite whatever lighting there may be.
- servants or maids don't usually last long in such homes; even if one has employees in their business, then they too will not stay with them for long if Rahu is negative despite the good salary or perks you may given them.
- there will be a lot of small issues in the home; for example, a shoe going missing, the milk going bad, a broken sandal...etc. the signs will be such that they will disturb your mind's peace despite the small size of the problems. These will stop you from thinking anything creative or constructive.
- Rahu causes great struggle to people who are in the ages of 38 to 45 years in the home. Usually, the problems start after 36.
- In general, all the members of the home will have stomach related problems. There may be a lucky one or two who may not have them.
- A lot of money will get wasted. For example, buying things that may turn out to be really bad quality and hence had to be discarded.
- There won't be happiness in such homes.
- The family members will have some unknown fear in them at all times.
- There may be wall cracks in the kitchen or in the roof.
Remedies for negative effect's on one's home :-
- Put together some mishri, black lentils, gomed stone, and some silver in a small white cloth and either hang it at your home's entrance or bury it at the entrance.
- Give respect to your pitra (ancestors) everyday and also do some donations on their behalf sometimes. Do the remedies for pitra dosh.
- Never write your name on the house - always name the home in your ancestor's name - example - in your grandmother, father, grandfather's name.
- Use the East side of your home more, sit there and eat there, put some flower pots/plants there, arrange for some food for birds in the East side of your home.
Rahu's effects on Individuals :-
A positive Rahu can help in civil services, politics and engineering to name a few. A negative Rahu creates illusions in the mind, which may make a person give excuses for everything that they may be asked to do.
However, Rahu also intensifies energy, so if one works hard, then it will give even more energy to keep one going. This energy is unbridled and can even take one to the dark side - towards negativity (criminal, mindset, gambler, etc.).
If one is going under the dasha or mahadasha of Rahu or Rahu is in the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house in the kundali chart and one is able to get some Guru in their life, then it can take one to great heights. So Rahu + Jupiter = great achievements. Even if one does not have a guru, it's important to be inspired by one, so perhaps putting a poster of the one that someone idolizes can greatly help them succeed in life.
If a child is greatly under the influence of Rahu, and not listening to anyone, then it's important for them to do a lot of sports; given them something that they will be allowed to break (if it's an adult - give them something like a motorcycle).
If someone's Rahu is negative and they are going through the dasha of Rahu then there is a very high likelihood of the person becoming very negative and they may have quite a few of the following traits :-
- sleeping late at night and getting up late in the day,
- can become dependent on alcohol/drugs/other substance,
- may not be able to concentrate on anything for more than 15 minutes,
- may feel like breaking things; will get involved in mobiles and technology too much;
- one may waste the whole day in trying to fix something;
- can become violent - especially when someone has married and their Rahu dasha has also started, the couple needs to be very careful so their relationship does not break.
- too much excitement
- not believing in any traditions or rituals
- being angry and irritable
- making many excuses and telling lies
all of these show that Rahu has started creating conditions that will create many problems in one's future.
Remedies for Rahu for self :-
- Donate 4 coconuts in the temple on every Amavasya
- If you are not able to study, are fearful, are angry most of the time, feel like killing someone, then tie a piece of white sandalwood in a blue thread and wear it on you.
- Add some Ashoka leaves and some drops of sandalwood perfume/oil to your bath water.
- If you are able to procure pure sandalwood sherbet, then drink it first thing in the morning to get rid of the Rahu effects.
- Do not eat left-over food or food that has become stale.
- Do not eat late at night - ideally, you should have dinner within an hour after sunset.
- Free some fish in water - buy a fish and then let it go free in a pond/river.
- Feed fish.
- Donate coconuts to people.
- Drink and eat coconut in any form.
- Start giving a full glass of water to people whom you want to give drinking water to.
- Do not give or take any alcoholic or any other intoxicating substance.
Rahu in Artha House (2nd, 6th and 10th House) will influence or aspect the 10th house of career and public image. Rahu having 3rd and 11th house aspect is a different thing but from the Artha houses which are known as the houses career, earning and money makes a huge difference. Why is this the most unique position for Rahu? This is either a hidden secret information or simply a overlooked fact of Rahu. When a person has Rahu in Artha houses he or she must make a face impression on people to make their money. This means people need to know you name and profession related you name to your face in order for you to make money. Rahu is a planet that loves being in front of the crowd, loves being in front of the limelight. When placed in houses of work and money Rahu sets his own rules and regulations. In a way Rahu being a functional malefic planet becomes a tricky argla (obstruction) in the horoscope. If an astrologer didn't know about his Rahu's scenario would probably deemed a horoscope of wealth. But Rahu is willing to give you anything and everything if you help Rahu. When you show your face to public you are not doing it for yourself, you are doing it for Rahu.
