Preface

Rahu (the North Lunar Node, "Dragon’s Head") and Ketu (the South Lunar Node, "Dragon’s Tail") have no physical manifestation but are mathematical points of intersection between the ecliptic of the Moon’s orbit around the Earth and the ecliptic of the Sun. Solar and lunar eclipses occur at these points.

Rahu and Ketu cannot be seen, which is why their influence carries illusions. Nevertheless, they have a profound impact on human life, as they are connected to karmic tasks and realization. The positions of Rahu and Ketu allow us to trace complex life situations. They reflect cyclical moments of fate. The transits of Rahu and Ketu indicate ambiguous events that can either improve or worsen certain areas of life.

On the Transits of the Karmic Nodes Rahu and Ketu

The North (Ascending) Lunar Node, Rahu, and the South (Descending) Lunar Node, Ketu, are shadow planets in Vedic astrology. They are associated with karma and dharma, meaning past-life experiences, talents, and debts (Ketu), as well as life tasks and destiny in this incarnation (Rahu).

Rahu and Ketu are always positioned opposite each other in the sky, forming the karmic axis or the axis of soul evolution on Earth. Approximately every one and a half years, the lunar nodes change their position in the zodiac signs, thereby altering the energies of the evolutionary axis for all people. Rahu and Ketu always move retrograde (from Aries to Pisces, and so on), completing a full zodiacal cycle approximately every eighteen years.

Planetary transits are a deeply individual process for each person. Their influence is determined by the personal horoscope, but the general planetary positions create collective characteristics of a particular time for all living beings on Earth.

The transits of Rahu and Ketu are analyzed from both the Ascendant and the Moon. The transit of Ketu through a particular house signifies the conclusion of relationships with the matters represented by that house. This may impose certain restrictions on the affairs of that house. Ketu is not particularly favorable for material indicators; it provides spiritual energy. Additionally, some negative event or unexpected circumstance related to that house may arise, and this can happen at the very beginning of the transit. If a person understands the purpose of this event (through wisdom), the situation can ultimately bring something highly beneficial. The extent to which this will manifest depends on the natal chart and the influence of other transits.

It is essential to consider all aspects of natal and transiting planets regarding the specific Rahu and Ketu transit being examined. Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu, and Ketu are the primary planets used in forecasting.

A particularly significant situation occurs when transiting Ketu passes through the house where natal Ketu is located, or when transiting Rahu moves through the house where natal Rahu is positioned (this, naturally, happens simultaneously). This occurs at the ages of nineteen, thirty-eight, fifty-seven, seventy-six, and ninety-five. Usually, such a transit marks a new direction in life. The chosen path may either continue throughout life or be temporary.

The transit of Ketu over natal Rahu or the transit of Rahu over natal Ketu is also a special case. The first occurrence of this happens at the age of twenty-eight. If a person has been following their destined path, they will experience a sense of fulfillment in their life at this age. If they have been engaging in the wrong pursuits, they will begin to reassess their past actions. If they realize they have been on the wrong track, they may start changing their life course.

The house through which transiting Rahu moves will capture the person's attention throughout the entire transit period. This is the area in which they will attempt to bring change, achieve something, or enhance material growth. It is recommended to start new ventures related to the matters of this house, as the transit will likely support such efforts. The extent of success depends on the overall planetary positions in the natal chart. Unexpected results may arise as soon as Rahu enters a new sign.

Rahu transits are more favorable for non-living things. For example, when transiting the fifth house, Rahu will bring positive results in creativity, but children born during this period may cause significant emotional turmoil. In any case, Rahu can create illusions and obscure clarity.

When Rahu transits natal planetary positions, it unlocks their potential. The extent to which this manifests positively or negatively depends on the placement of the natal planet in the house that Rahu is transiting. The transit of Rahu amplifies the influence of the planet it contacts, strengthening its qualities. In contrast, Ketu weakens the qualities of the planet it affects, reducing its influence on a person.

If Ketu transits over a natal planet, such a transit is considered unfavorable. It is associated with troubles, difficult decisions, and various obstacles. The transit of Ketu over the Sun, the Moon, Atmakaraka, or Lagnesha leads to a personal crisis.

The most favorable interactions of Rahu occur with Jupiter, the Moon, Venus, and Mercury. The least favorable interactions occur with the Sun, Saturn, and Mars.

The Sun

If transiting Rahu moves through the house where the natal Sun is located, more time should be devoted to achieving one's goals and developing spiritually. It is very important during this period to monitor one's ego, as Rahu, when conjunct the natal Sun, amplifies ego and ambitions.

This is a favorable time for resolving issues related to superiors, fathers, or figures of authority.

Transiting Ketu over the Sun can reduce ego and ambitions, making a person more humble.

The Moon

If transiting Rahu conjoins the natal Moon, it is important to work on eliminating fears and phobias and overcoming doubts. Do not let emotions control you. Learn to always find joy in life. Meditation will be beneficial.

Transiting Ketu over the Moon makes the mind more detached from the external world. A person becomes more sensitive to internal processes.

Mars

When transiting Rahu moves through the house where the natal Mars is located, it is favorable to move toward one's goals. During this time, one should develop decisiveness, courage, foresight, and caution.

It is recommended to remain calm and avoid aggression, as Rahu in conjunction with Mars not only brings energy but also increases irritability and anger.

Transiting Ketu over Mars increases fatigue and depletes energy. The risk of injuries rises. One must be cautious with weapons and when working with tools.

Mercury

If transiting Rahu conjoins the natal Mercury, it is a good time for business. Acquiring necessary knowledge will be beneficial and can be successfully applied in practice. This period is favorable for studying esotericism, astrology, and public speaking. Calculative thinking and eloquence increase.

Transiting Ketu over Mercury weakens attention, leading to possible errors in calculations and loss of important documents.

Venus

Rahu in conjunction with the natal Venus creates a craving for sensual pleasures, where one may lose a sense of moderation in this sphere. Typically, quality of life improves during this period. There may be opportunities for making expensive purchases and enjoying luxurious vacations. Creative abilities become more pronounced. A new marriage partner may be encountered.

Transiting Ketu over Venus leads to a decline in living standards, reduced comfort, car-related issues, and disappointments in love.

Jupiter

Rahu in conjunction with natal Jupiter generates a strong desire for material gain. During this period, one may receive everything they dreamed of—even things they never dared to wish for. It is crucial to use these opportunities wisely. Following legal and ethical principles, developing spiritually, and studying philosophy and religious history are recommended.

Transiting Ketu over Jupiter brings misfortunes, problems with children, and financial difficulties.

Saturn

Rahu in conjunction with natal Saturn can lead to an excessive workload, high levels of fatigue, and intensification of inner suffering through various difficulties.

It is recommended to cultivate humility, diligence, and discipline during this period.

Transiting Ketu over Saturn reduces productivity, causes work interruptions, and brings issues with employees.

If one is undergoing the major period (Mahadasha) of Rahu or Ketu, their transits will have an even more significant impact (this applies to other planets as well—the transit of the planet whose period one is experiencing will be especially influential). It is also important to consider the sub-periods (Antardashas) of planets. Everything regarding planetary periods is covered in my book The Art of Jyotish: Secrets Unlocked.

When transiting Rahu and Ketu occupy angular houses in the horoscope, they bring the greatest societal and personal changes (on the Sagittarius-Gemini and Virgo-Pisces axes).

Ketu does not cast aspects—meaning it does not "glance" at other planets—since it has no head and no eyes, as it strives for Moksha (liberation). Rahu aspects the 7th, 5th, and 9th houses from its position.

I have observed that Rahu and Ketu begin exerting influence approximately one month before transitioning into their next signs.

It is also recommended to pay attention to the dispositors of transiting Rahu and Ketu—that is, the planets ruling the houses through which Rahu or Ketu are transiting, as their placement in the natal chart will influence the transit's effects.

Transits of Rahu and Ketu, as well as their aspects (this also applies to transits of other planets), activate the Bhrigu Bindu point—a highly sensitive point in the natal chart, located between the natal Moon and Rahu (information on how to calculate it can be found online).

When transiting planets affect this point, they trigger fated events in the life of the chart’s owner. The nature of these events will correspond to the characteristics of the planets involved and will be unique to each individual.

Rahu and Ketu, in particular, bring unpredictable and unfavorable situations. These may include injuries, conflicts, theft, separations, persecution by enemies, and various forms of suffering.

Below, the illustrations contain information on how Rahu and Ketu manifest in different signs. Astrologers’ opinions on this matter are not always unanimous. The karmic nodes always create illusions; therefore, even in favorable placements, they can negatively affect the living indicators of the horoscope, damage relationships, take away people or things—often as a means of pushing an individual toward personal growth and guiding them in the necessary direction.