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A brief note on the influence of Rahu and Ketu

by Prof. C.Sambasiva Rao , Astro Counselor,
www.astrocounselor.com, Hyderabad-74
Associate Member, American Federation of Astrologers,USA

Published in Astrovison Magazine - March 2014 - Volume 7 -Issue 75

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(Topics covered :: Need of the study of rahu and ketu - Influence of their transits around
chakras (nerve centers) and endocrine glands -Transits on imaginary Brigu bindu point in birth
chart.\ - Transit on their natal their natal points.- References:: articles from old Journals and
Websites)

Sun and Moon are supreme in planetary system - yet they do get eclipsed by Rahu or Ketu They
are Karmic planets and are points of personal eclipses. Their axis serves twin purposes - both
mundane and spiritual life - good and bad. The opposing influences from nodes baffle the
astrological findings and demand a specific attention.

Every planet has nodes. Only Moon’s Nodes are considered from a long time. The Moon's
nodes are generally believed to be points where relationships with other people are influenced.
One school of thought is Moon’s North Node (Rahu) is a point of destiny while the South Node
(Ketu) is a point of karmic obstacles.

It is interesting to study the role of Rahu and Ketu with their natal positions as well as their
transits in natal chart.

Earliest use of Rahu -Ketu points were used in Mundane astrology to calculate the time of
eclipses. It was, perhaps, prior to the use of these nodes in individual charts.

Satyachareeyams monumental versions on stellar lordship of planets is quoted by eminent

authors like Varahamira, Saravali etc., YET many differences cropped up in the use of Moon’s
Nodes in predictive astrology It is because the Classical astrologers could not relish the Stellar
lordship of Rahu and Ketu especially when they are not considered for ..

(1) In rasi chart - for ownership of signs –

(2) Not considered in Divisional charts in earlier studies-
(3) No mention in Shadbala calculations- as they are exempt from Chesta bala, Kala bala
, Directional strength etc., ;
(4) No combustion for Rahu and Ketu -(they have no rays),
(5)They are not considered for lagna -wise calculation of Marakas / Yoga karakas. They
act by virtue of their position.
(6) Even renowned classical authors differed in the Exaltation and Debilitation positions
of Rahu and Ketu.
(7) In Ashtakavarga system - only Sambhu Hora considered Rahu for Rahu
Ashtakavarga - There again the reduction method is not followed.
(8) Except in Vimshottari dasa system the Rahu and Ketu are not seen. Even in Ashottari
dasa Ketu is not considered.
(9) Seasonal cycles are not attributed to Rahu and Ketu.-
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(10) No rulership is allotted to Rahu and Ketu among the five Elements which are ruled
by five planets. Sun is representing the Creator and Moon is for fundamental energy.
(11) Three among the Panchanga (Hindu Almanac) details -i.e., Tithi, Yoga and Karana
have no planetary lordship. But among Stars we have lordship of Rahu and Ketu for six
stars.
(12) In a week Weekdays (vara ) are allotted to seven planets only- No Rahu vara and
Ketu vara. (13) In a Day and Night - Hora division is only among seven planets - No
Rahu Hora and Ketu Hora.

The classical authors, even among themselves differed about the ownership, exaltation,
debilitation, moolatrikona, friend’s, enemiy’s and neutral houses, aspects for these Nodes.
However, despite of conceptual differences, it is commonly accepted as the NODES do have an
influence in causing human life events.

Many oldest books like Satyachareeyam, Manasagari, Jatakaabharanam Sarvardha Chintamani,

Phaladeepika, Uttarakalamruta, Laghu Parasari, Brihat parasara Hora Sastra have dealt with the
influence of these nodes in the life of human beings.

Revival of Stellar theories in practical astrology, of late, has brought back the importance of this
study of role of Nodes. Recent evolution of K.P.System is a refinement of the earliest / earlier
stellar theories attuned to understand the way of latest human affairs.

The interpretation of the influence of these nodes is very validly helping to bring out more and
more details in the present competitive and complex life situations. With this we find in recent
global trends the inclusion of the study of MOON’s NODES in by Western astrologers. We also
see the use of OUTER planets in India by Vedic astrologers.

In the above context - an attempt is made here to highlight the role of these NODES in TRANSIT
astrology. A caution, here, is that transit astrology is essentially to be interpolated with basic
influence of any planet / node as per its natal position in individual’s birth chart.

Nodes move in the anti- direction to that of planets. Nodes take about 18 and half a year to cover
360 degrees. Following two items from the symptoms of transits are dealt with here.

Emphasis in this study is to consider the transit of nodes in the physical development of the body
- irrespective of the house division i.e., lagna and other houses.

Effects of Transit of NODES from Birth time are to be seen in the following aspects.
A. Rahu- transit on the Chakras and Endocrine gland areas in physical body.
B. Transit of all planets and nodes on the brigu bindu point in natal chart. i.e., middle
point between Rahu and Moon.
C. Transiting Rahu and Ketu on their natal points.
D. Transiting rahu and ketu on the natal points of all planets in birth chart. ( This is not
covered in this article for reasons of brevity)
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(A) Rahu- transit on the Chakras and Endocrine gland areas in physical body.
Out of the seven chakras Sahasrasara chakra is considered as connecting the native to divine
area and is excluded in this study. Other six chakras viz., Ajna, Visudha, Anahata, Manipura,
Swadishtana, Muladhara are considered.

Chakras are nerve centers in physical body. Endocrine glands which contribute to body’s
health are closer to the nerve centers.

Glands that are closer to chakras are - Pitutory gland to Ajna chakra; Thyroid gland to
Visudha chakra; Thymus gland to Anahata chakra; Pancreas gland to Manipura chakra;
Gonad gland to Swadishtana chakra and Adrenal gland to Muladhara chakras.

For a broad understanding the endocrine glands are responsible for cell growth in body process
while the nervous system (chakras) is responsible for functions like breathing, body movement
etc., Both the endocrine system and nervous system functions together to help the body
functions. Well known theory is - a sound mind is in a sound body.

Coming to the transit of Rahu-Ketu axis since birth time - Transit rahu period in birth chart
is studied in two parts.
(1) from natal point of Rahu to natal point of Ketu in birth chart; and
(2) from natal point of Ketu to natal point of Rahu itself in birth chart.

Each transit takes about 9 and odd years in life time. In the first period of this 9 and odd years
Transit rahu moves on one side (viz., right side ) of the Nervous system in the body. Its
commencement is counted from Ajna chakra i.e., Rahu being the head of the axis.

This 9 and odd year’s period is sub-divided among the six chakras in nervous system - with each
of about 1 and half years. Each of these sub-periods is very important for the study of growth of
physical body and its right / wrong functions later on.

Thus, the sub periods are 12 - covering on either side of the nervous system - that is - the right
and left sides of the chakras and endocrine glands in the body.

Triggering of transit Rahu on both sides of the nervous system contributes to the good and bad
development of physical body.

Triggering symptoms of Transit Rahu, in brief, in each of the sub-periods are :

Note: In this study – (1). Out of the seven chakras - Sahasrasara chakra is excluded - as it is
considered as connecting the native to divine area. Only six are considered.(2). The Ajna Chakra
location and other chakras thereon is considered to commence from the natal point of Rahu in a
birth chart -irrespective of (a) the natural Zodiac- (kalapurusha - commencing from Aries) (b)
house division in natal chart i.e., lagna to 12 houses.
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(1) First 1.5 years - on right side of Ajna chakra and Pituitary gland- Child is in the growing
stage - understanding surroundings - learning to crawl, stand, walk, understanding body
language and words from the surroundings.
(2) Second 1.5 years - Right side of Visudha Chakra -Thyroid gland- learns words, broken
speech etc.,-
(3) Next 1.5 years -Anahata chakra and Thymus gland- Enjoying and reciprocating
mother’s love and of other members in the family.
(4) Next 1.5 years - Manipura chakra and Pancreas gland- understands his own personality
- expresses or demands his own likings and desires -try to exercise own choices,
(5) Next 1.5 years -Swadishtana chakra and Gonad gland- learns about social behavior with
friends at home and school.
(6) Next 1.5 years - Muladhara chakra and Adrenal gland- by now the native is above 9
years and acquires good physical strength - learns to move around - likes games, sports
etc.,

By this time native child grow by 9 and odd years

(7) Next 1.5 years - other side of Muladhara chakra and Adrenal gland -Physical energy is
put into practical side - games, sports etc.,
(8) Next 1.5 years - Other side of Swadhishtana and Gonad gland-understands the gender
differences. Experiences increasing trends of socialization and moving or mixing with
others. Female native experiences commencement of menstrual periods.
(9) Next 1.5 years - Other side of Manipura and Pancreas gland -individual personality cult
develops- teenage problems starts - want to control their own needs- wants authority,
likes to take charge of his own destiny.
(10) Next 1.5 years - other side of Anahata chakra and Thymus gland- feelings of
linking others, love feelings etc., starts
(11) Next 1.5 years -other side of Visudha chakra and Thyroid gland - understands
beyond the words, dialogues etc., gains a better image of the surrounding society or
social relations.
(12) Next 1.5 years - on side of Ajna chakra and Pituitary gland - Native by now
crossed 18th year - fully grown to understand reality and able to express his own ideas in
their actions and reactions.

By the native reaches about 18 and years of age - further happenings on the transit Rahu in
these areas depend on the age and socio-economic surroundings of the native.

(B) Transit of all planets and nodes on the Brigu Bindu point in natal chart. i.e., middle
point between Rahu to Moon.

Brigu bindu point is derived from Nadi astrology- It is a sensitive point in natal chart. It is an
imaginary point at the middle of the distance travelled by Moon from Rahu in birth chart -
i.e., in the separating aspect (clock-wise direction) of Moon from Rahu point.

When any transiting planet benefic or malefic - including the nodes - conjoin or aspect this
point an event occurs. Conjunctions are more powerful than aspects. When more than one
planet triggers this point the results are to be carefully assessed.
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( C )Transiting Rahu and Ketu on their natal points.

In the life time - Transit Rahu or Ketu conjoin --
(a) their natal points in birth chart once in around 18 and odd years.
(b) Transiting Rahu or Ketu conjoin the natal position of each other once in around 9 and
odd years.
Thus once in around 9 and odd years i.e., in multiples of around 9 and odd years of age in
the life time EVERY ONE gets this influence. At this transit time native is likely to
experience ill-health or mental tensions. These triggering effects are to be studied with a
holistic approach of the entire natal chart.

Caution: No planet acts in isolation at any given time. -All planets works in a concerted
manner. - Any package deal from planets to any native may be with a leadership of one or few
planets by virtue of transit or natal positions and or their dasa main/sub periods. - Therefore it
is highly essential to resort to a holistic approach while decoding any individual chart.

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