What Are Rahu and Ketu?
In Vedic astrology, Rahu (North Node of the Moon) and Ketu (South Node of the Moon) are not physical planets but rather mathematical points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic. They are always exactly opposite each other in your birth chart.
Rahu: The North Node
Rahu represents your karmic destiny — what you are meant to achieve and experience in this lifetime. It is associated with ambition, foreign lands, technology, illusion and material desires. Where Rahu sits in your chart shows where you will grow the most, though the journey is often intense.
Ketu: The South Node
Ketu represents your past life karma — what your soul has already mastered. It brings a sense of detachment, spiritual seeking and disinterest in the matters of its house. Ketu gives sharp intuition and deep wisdom.
The Rahu-Ketu Axis: Your Karmic Storyline
The house axis where Rahu and Ketu sit tells the complete story of your soul's journey. For example:
- Rahu in 7th/Ketu in 1st: Soul lesson is to focus on partnerships and others rather than self
- Rahu in 10th/Ketu in 4th: Karmic push toward career achievement, moving away from domestic comfort
- Rahu in 2nd/Ketu in 8th: Journey toward accumulating wealth and leaving behind dependence on others' resources
Rahu-Ketu Mahadasha
Rahu Mahadasha lasts 18 years and Ketu Mahadasha lasts 7 years. These periods bring intense transformation, unexpected changes and karmic acceleration. Knowing when these periods activate in your chart allows you to prepare and navigate with wisdom.