Ketu
Ketu, the South Node of the Moon
means a "sign", or a "banner" in Sanskrit. If Rahu
is the planet of worldly desire, then Ketu is the planet of
otherworldly desire, or spirituality. Ketu represents the
spiritual process of evolution, or the refinement of materialization
to spirit. Ketu is considered a worldly malefic and spiritual
benefice, as it causes sorrow and loss, which ultimately turns
the individual to god.
The karakas, or indicators of Ketu are
focused intelligence, indicator of liberation, indicator of
wisdom, non-attachment, other worldly interests, fantasy,
penetrating insight, derangement, carrier of arms and weapons,
invisibility and physic abilities.
Ketu's gem is the cat's eye. This
Graha is of a Pitta, or fiery temperament.Ketu has
the last maturity of all the planets at age 48, when the soul
turns to the pursuit of MOKSHA the pursuit of liberation from
this world.
Ketu is often depicted with a gem, or a star on his head,
which emits a mystery light. Ketu is said to be a member of
the Jaimini lineage of sages, who founded one of the several
systems of philosophy of ancient India. There are wonderful
myths associated with Rahu and Ketu.
The Nagas of Vedic lore is serpent like, semi-divine beings,
which offer knowledge, protection, as well as wrath and retribution
to those they encounter. The forked tongue of the serpent's
bite represents intoxication, the first being poison, resulting
in dementia, the second being amrita, or spiritual nectar,
resulting in ecstasy and divine consciousness.
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| KETU AS SEEN IN TEMPLES |
There is a myth in the Puranas that tells of the God Vishnu
dispensing AMRITA, the nectar of immortality to the Devas. While
Vishnu was dispensing this amrita, a demon, Rahu mingled with
the Devas and was receiving the amrita when the Sun and the
Moon discovered him.
With the luminaries calling alarm, Vishnu threw his discus at
Rahu and cut off his head. But, Rahu had already drunk the Amrita
and now remained an immortal head, disassociated from an immortal
body.
There is much lore and mystery surround the Moon's Nodes in
Vedic myth, and they are considered of paramount importance
in chart interpretation. In fact, in assessing planetary power,
the only Graha that is more powerful than the Sun is Rahu, the
North Node of the Moon, because of his ability to swallow the
Sun during a total solar eclipse.
Ketu brings prosperity to the devotee's
family, removes the effect of snakebite and illness arising
out of poisonous matter entering one's body He grants good health,
wealth, cattle and all around prosperity.
Lunar and solar eclipses are said
to occur because of Rahu and Ketu.
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