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Ketu, also known as the Dragon’s Tail, is renowned malefic in the context of Indian Astrology. Like Raahu, Ketu too denotes the point of intersection of constantly moving Moon and the Sun. It is one of the nodes in the Universe (the other being Raahu). It is the South node of the moon. Though considered as a malefic component, the transit of Ketu can also have immensely positive impact on the life of a person. This change can also bring about a major positive transition in a person’s life.
This node or shadow planet is said to be the karmic measure of an individual’s life, leading to related results.
In traditional Hindu mythology, Ketu is the remaining headless body of Raahu.
The legend has it that when Lord Vishnu had incarnated in the form of the Enchantress Mohini, the asuras (demi gods) were filled with lust for her. As per Mohini’s instructions, the devas and asuras sat in line and agreed to the nectar distribution. The nectar was being distributed to the Devas first, and it is said that Raahu disguised himself as a Deva. Lord Vishnu severed Raahu's head with his sudarshan charka. In the process, Raahu managed to consume a droplet of the nectar that was being distributed. This made him become immortal. While the head became Raahu, the tail became Ketu.
It is said that Raahu and Ketu constantly seeks revenge from the Sun and The Moon (as he sat in between during the nectar distribution). The Solar and Lunar eclipse is the result of them catching hold of the Sun and the Moon respectively.
Ketu is considered of Nuetral Gender. It is said to be the conveyor of the discipline of Moksha or liberation. Below are some quick facts about the Planet Ketu in context of Indian Vedic Astrology:
| Status of Ketu | No Status |
| Temperament | Erratic |
| Ruling Element | Fire |
| Caste | No Status or Caste |
| Dasha Period | Seven Years |
| Lunar Mansions that are Governed by Ketu | Ashwini Nakshatra, Magha Nakshatra and Mula Nakshatra |
| Ruler of Zodiac | No rule on any zodiac |
| The Exaltaton Zodiac for Ketu | Scorpio |
| Friendly Planets for Ketu | Venus, Mars and Saturn |
| Enemy Planets for Ketu | The Sun and the Moon |
| Neutral Planets for Ketu | Jupiter and Mercury |
| Governing Body Part of Ketu | Ketu, being on similar lines as Mars, is said to govern the similar body parts like Chest, Bone Marrow, Blood, Bile, Digestive Fire, Intestine, Forehead, Neck, Muscular System, Vision, Nose |
| Health Problems Influenced by Ketu | Blood pressure lowering, hearing impairment, wounds, burns, high fevers, digestion disorders, aberrations, defective speech. |
| Governing Direction | Southwest |
| Governing Metal | Lead |
| Governing Color | Gray and Black |
| Governing Gemstone | Cat’s Eye (Lehsunia in Hindi) |
| Substitute Gemstone for Cat’s Eye | Turquoise (Firoza in Hindi) |
| Governing Numbers | All numbers summing up to be ‘7’ (seven) like 7, 16, 25, 34 etc. |
| Governing Flavor | Leftovers, inedible and foul taste |
| Governing Professions | Ketu, having similar characteristic features as that of Mars, is immensely associated with the jobs and professions governed by them. Trades governed by Mars include jobs pertaining to police, army, firemen, security guards, weapons, ammunition, etc. Volatile, fast and active sports involving combats Repair works for machine, electronics, iron, etc. Traders of elements involving fire and heat like acids, furnaces, etc. Surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, etc. Beyond the major characteristic jobs it also signifies the menaces like magic, occult art, gambling, smuggling, underworld and other such indulgences. |
If the placement is not very favorable, the following remedies can be exercised to ameliorate the effects of such positioning. In such circumstances, the following quick remedies can help in improving the counter effects of Planet Ketu in your life:
Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Nama (Beej Mantra)
Palasha puspa sangasham taraka graha mastakam raudram raudratmakam ghoram tam ketum pranamamyaham (The Ketu Stotra)
Om aswadhwajaaya vidmahae soola hastaaya dheemahi tanno ketu prachodayaat (Gayatri Mantra of Ketu)
When the movement of the Moon is from the South to the North crossing through the Sun’s path, the point of such incision is known as Ketu. Strong positioning of Ketu brings great results and unfavorable positioning results in unwanted hindrances in one’s life. The degree has great impact on actual analysis of the effect on one’s natal chart.
