Rahu (राहु) in Vedic Astrology
Rahu, the Moon's north node, is a shadow planet — the karaka of worldly ambition, obsession, foreign lands and cultures, technology, illusion (maya) and sudden, unconventional gains. It amplifies whatever it touches and behaves broadly like Saturn.
Quick facts
| Sanskrit name | Rahu |
| Signifies (Karaka) | Ambition, foreign, obsession, sudden gains |
| Nature | Malefic (shadow) |
| Element | Air |
| Gender | — |
| Own sign(s) | Co-lord of Aquarius (some) |
| Exaltation | Taurus / Gemini (debated) |
| Debilitation | Scorpio / Sagittarius (debated) |
| Mooltrikona | — |
| Friends | Venus, Saturn, Mercury |
| Enemies | Sun, Moon, Mars |
| Directional strength | — |
| Day | Saturday |
| Gemstone | Hessonite (Gomed) |
| Deity | Durga |
| Dasha period | 18 years |
When it is strong / well-placed
- Worldly success, fame and sudden gains
- Skill with technology and foreign matters
- Bold ambition and unconventional thinking
- Rise in politics, media or research
When it is weak or afflicted
- Confusion, anxiety and illusion
- Obsessions, addictions or scandals
- Sudden, unexpected upheavals
- Mysterious or hard-to-diagnose ailments
Career & life areas
Rahu favours technology, aviation, foreign trade and travel, research, film and media, speculation, and any new, unconventional or cutting-edge field.
Nakshatras ruled
In the Vimshottari dasha system Rahu rules three of the 27 nakshatras: Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha. Planets and the Moon falling in these nakshatras carry Rahu's flavour and start its dasha.
Remedies
- Worship Durga; recite the Rahu mantra or Durga Saptashati
- Donate blankets, mustard oil and sesame on Saturdays
- Serve outcasts and the marginalised; avoid intoxicants
- Wear Hessonite (Gomed) only after chart confirmation