Ketu

Ketu in Vedic astrology

Ketu is the second chhaya graha, the Moon's south node, always exactly opposite Rahu. In the story of the churning of the ocean he is the body of the asura Svarbhanu after the head was cut away: a body without a head, acting from instinct and inner knowing rather than desire.

By tradition Ketu is a natural malefic, yet he is also called the moksha karaka, the significator of liberation. Like Rahu, he tends to act like the lord of the sign he occupies.

What Ketu signifies

Ketu's karakatva covers detachment, intuition, spirituality, research and past skills. Where Rahu reaches outward, Ketu turns inward. He is read for abilities that come naturally, as if learned before, and for the area of life a person may value less than others expect. He is linked with meditation, mysticism, languages and precise, technical work.

Dignity: where tradition varies

The classical tables used here give Ketu no exaltation, debilitation, own sign or moolatrikona, so he is read through the sign he is in and its lord. Later traditions differ: many give Ketu exaltation in Scorpio or Sagittarius and debilitation in Taurus or Gemini, opposite to Rahu, and some treat Scorpio as his own sign.

Ketu's friendships

Parashara's table of natural friendships does not list Ketu, and the data here leaves his friendships open. The saying Kujavat Ketu, Ketu behaves like Mars, leads some traditions to give him Mars's friends and enemies.

Nakshatras ruled by Ketu

Ketu rules Ashwini, Magha and Mula, each the first nakshatra of a fire sign. Ashwini is the swift healer, Magha the throne of the ancestors, and Mula the root that seeks the truth beneath things. A person born with the Moon in one of these begins life in the Ketu Mahadasha.

The Ketu Mahadasha

The Ketu Mahadasha lasts 7 years in the Vimshottari scheme; it follows Mercury and comes before Venus, opening each new 120-year cycle. It tends to bring inward reflection, spiritual interest, research and a letting go of what no longer fits. With a well-placed Ketu it is traditionally a time of insight; under strain, a sense of drift may need attention, and simple service and focus help.

Ketu in the twelve houses

Ketu brings detachment and quiet skill to his house. Rahu always sits in the house opposite.

• 1st house: an introspective, unusual and intuitive nature
• 2nd house: few words; detachment from material show
• 3rd house: quiet courage; a strong place for effort
• 4th house: inner rather than outer comfort
• 5th house: intuitive intelligence; interest in mantra
• 6th house: a strong place for overcoming obstacles
• 7th house: a spiritual or unconventional partner
• 8th house: deep research and interest in hidden matters
• 9th house: personal faith beyond rituals
• 10th house: work done for its own sake, not for show
• 11th house: gains that come without much chasing
• 12th house: spiritual practice, retreat and letting go

Traditional remedies for Ketu

Ketu's day is Tuesday, his colour grey, his direction the North-West and his number 7. His deity is Ganesha, and prayers to him are the most widely followed practice. His mantra is Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah. Charity of a blanket or sesame is the traditional offering.

His gemstone is Cat's Eye (lehsunia), traditionally set in panchdhatu and worn on the ring finger, with tiger's eye as a substitute. Tradition advises wearing it on trial first. Consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone; the mantra and charity suit everyone.