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.
