Rahu and Ketu are terms in Indian Astrology that refer to the Nodes of the Moon, with Rahu being the North Node, while Ketu is the South Node. These shadow planets have distinct characteristics and purposes. Rahu is believed to be snake-shaped and born to a lioness, representing the head part of the heavenly snake. On the other hand, Ketu is the lower part of the heavenly snake.
Key Takeaways
- Rahu is dark in color and leads to material pleasures, eventually leading to emancipation. It is believed to behave like Saturn and has an 18-year period in the planetary life cycle.
- Ketu has a mixed color and is believed to cause enlightenment, obstructions, and pain. It is the preserver of past and present actions and has a 7-year period in the planetary life cycle. It is fiery in nature and tends to act like Mars.
- Both Rahu and Ketu belong to the Navagraha, or the nine planet worship of the Hindus, and they are meant to test our abilities and lead us to self-improvement.
