Rahu

Rahu in Vedic astrology

Rahu is a chhaya graha, a shadow planet: the Moon's north node, the point where the Moon's path crosses the Sun's going north. In the Puranic story of the churning of the ocean, the asura Svarbhanu drank the nectar and was cut in two; the head became Rahu and the body Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are always exactly opposite each other and move backwards through the zodiac.

By tradition Rahu is a natural malefic, but having no body of his own he acts like the lord of the sign he occupies and the planets he joins.

What Rahu signifies

Rahu's karakatva covers ambition, foreign lands, technology, the unconventional and sudden rises. He is the head that hungers and is never full: desire, the drive towards the new and unknown, outsiders and those who break the mould. He is read for the area of life where a person reaches furthest, and where they must learn what is enough.

Dignity: where tradition varies

The classical tables used here give Rahu no exaltation, debilitation, own sign or moolatrikona, so he is read mostly through the sign he is in and the lord of that sign. Later traditions differ: many give Rahu exaltation in Taurus or Gemini and debilitation in Scorpio or Sagittarius, and some treat Aquarius as his own sign. An astrologer will tell you which convention they follow.

Rahu's friendships

Parashara's table of natural friendships does not list Rahu, and the data here leaves his friendships open. A common saying, Shanivat Rahu, says Rahu behaves like Saturn, so some traditions give him Saturn's friends and enemies.

Nakshatras ruled by Rahu

Rahu rules Ardra, Swati and Shatabhisha, all in air signs. Ardra is the storm that clears, Swati the independent wind, and Shatabhisha the hundred healers and the keeper of secrets. A person born with the Moon in one of these begins life in the Rahu Mahadasha.

The Rahu Mahadasha

The Rahu Mahadasha lasts 18 years in the Vimshottari scheme; it follows Mars and comes before Jupiter. It tends to bring ambition, change, foreign connections, technology and unconventional paths to the front, often with rapid shifts. With a well-placed Rahu it is traditionally a time of bold growth; under strain, restlessness or confusion may need attention, and clear values keep it on course.

Rahu in the twelve houses

Rahu magnifies the house he occupies and brings an unusual or foreign flavour to it. Ketu always sits in the house opposite.

• 1st house: a distinctive, ambitious personality
• 2nd house: unconventional speech or ways of earning
• 3rd house: bold courage; a strong place for initiative
• 4th house: restlessness at home; homes in new places
• 5th house: original ideas and unusual interests in learning
• 6th house: a strong place for overcoming competition
• 7th house: a partner from a different background
• 8th house: research, hidden matters and sudden change
• 9th house: questioning tradition; distant travel
• 10th house: ambition and a rise in public life
• 11th house: a strong place for gains and large networks
• 12th house: foreign lands, retreat and spending

Traditional remedies for Rahu

Rahu's day is Saturday, his colour smoky blue, his direction the South-West and his number 4. His deity is Durga, and her prayers are the most widely followed practice. His mantra is Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah. Charity of black gram or a blanket is the traditional offering.

His gemstone is Hessonite (gomed), traditionally set in panchdhatu and worn on the middle finger, with smoky quartz as a substitute. Consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone, since strengthening Rahu does not suit every chart; the mantra and charity suit everyone.