Ketu (केतु) in Vedic Astrology
Ketu, the Moon's south node, is the other shadow planet — the karaka of detachment, spirituality, liberation (moksha), intuition, past-life karma and sudden loss of ego. Opposite to Rahu, it withdraws and refines; it behaves broadly like Mars.
Quick facts
| Sanskrit name | Ketu |
| Signifies (Karaka) | Detachment, spirituality, past karma, moksha |
| Nature | Malefic (shadow) |
| Element | Fire |
| Gender | — |
| Own sign(s) | Co-lord of Scorpio (some) |
| Exaltation | Scorpio / Sagittarius (debated) |
| Debilitation | Taurus / Gemini (debated) |
| Mooltrikona | — |
| Friends | Mars, Venus, Saturn |
| Enemies | Sun, Moon |
| Directional strength | — |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Gemstone | Cat's Eye (Lehsunia) |
| Deity | Ganesha |
| Dasha period | 7 years |
When it is strong / well-placed
- Spiritual insight and detachment
- Sharp intuition and healing ability
- Success in occult, research and moksha-oriented pursuits
- Freedom from ego and materialism
When it is weak or afflicted
- Confusion, doubt and sudden losses
- Feeling directionless or detached from life
- Mysterious ailments, allergies or infections
- Separation from people or comforts
Career & life areas
Ketu favours spirituality, healing and medicine, research, the occult and astrology, IT and technical niches, and behind-the-scenes or investigative work.
Nakshatras ruled
In the Vimshottari dasha system Ketu rules three of the 27 nakshatras: Ashwini, Magha, Mula. Planets and the Moon falling in these nakshatras carry Ketu's flavour and start its dasha.
Remedies
- Worship Ganesha; recite the Ketu mantra
- Donate multi-coloured items and sesame
- Keep a dog; serve sadhus and the spiritually inclined
- Wear Cat's Eye only after chart confirmation