I received an intriguing question from an esteemed reader-

My Rahu Mahadasa has started and I am worried as Rahu is debilitated in my horoscope. My family Astrologer has predicted that I may be bankrupt. I may also suffer loss of my children. I am enclosing the prescribed remedies with this email. Please suggest whether these remedies would be enough or should I do something else? My family is tense and stressed out due to this.

I have all empathies for the esteemed reader. It will be a big problem if he incur losses in business and to his children. But the bigger problem is that the issue that he is facing could be NON-EXISTENT. He is ready to spend huge sums for gemstone (Gomed) and performing pujas etc for a possibly IMAGINED problem.

Thus, it is important to understand this concept and be aware to prevent exploitation.

brown and green wooden human face figurine — Photo by Alice on Unsplash

What are Rahu & Ketu ? 𐫰

Rahu and Ketu are not planets that have a physical form. They are only mathematical points. In Astrology, we call them "Chaya Grahas". The orbit of Moon around the Earth cuts across Ecliptic (Sun's path as observed from the Earth) at two points. We call these two points as Rahu and Ketu. In Astrophysics, these two points have a crucial mathematical significance. Astrology also treats these two points as Planets that has significant impact on us.

In Mythology, there is a story about the birth of Rahu and Ketu. After Samudra Manthan, Lord Vishnu disguised as Mohini was distributing the nectar. One of the Asura named Swarbhanu disguised himself as Deva and stood between Sun and Moon. Just as he drank the nectar and before he could swallow it, the Sun and Moon identified Swarbhanu. Lord Vishnu, through the Sudarshan Chakra, cut the throat of Swarbhanu. After that, Lord Brahma attached the head of Swarbhanu with a snake's body and named it Rahu. He connected the body of Swarbhanu with a snake's head and called it Ketu. Both Nodes- Rahu and Ketu cause eclipses to Sun and Moon. As per mythology, it is because the Sun and Moon are responsible for their creation.

What does Classical texts say about Rahu Ketu debilitation ? 𐫰

The most imporant book in Astrology is the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra (BPHS). Maharshi Parasara authored it. There is no mention about Rahu Ketu debilitation, exaltation or even Mool Trikona. Maharshi Parasara describes exaltation and debilitation signs of the seven planets. (Chapter-3, Verses 49 & 50). But it is silent on Rahu Ketu debilitation.

Renowned thinker Shri Kalyan Verma authored his monumental work Saravali. In Chapter-3, he explains exaltation and debilitation of planets. But he never talks of Rahu Ketu debilitation and exaltation.

Certain other classics mention exaltation and debilitation of Rahu and Ketu. Sarvartha Chintamani and Bhavartha Ratnakara consider Rahu exalted in Taurus. They consider Scorpio as exaltation sign of Ketu. Veemesaram, a Tamil work considers Rahu Ketu exalted in Vrischik (Scorpio). It treats them as debilitated in Vrishabh (Taurus). Jatakalankaram considers Ketu exalted in Mithun (Gemini). It assigns Sagittarius (Dhanu) as Ketu's sign of debilitation.

Thus, few classical books mention about Rahu Ketu Debilitation. But the Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra does not mention anything about it. When classical books offer varied opinion, the best is to check this concept in practice.

So, does Rahu Ketu debilitation matters? 𐫰

NO. Speaking from practical experience, I am convinced that it doesn't matter.

I have seen several horoscopes in which Rahu is in Scorpio and Ketu in Taurus. Even during Rahu or Ketu dashas, these people have no significant problems. They only experience normal ups and downs that we all face irrespective of dashas.

We cannot consider results due to Rahu and Ketu dashas in isolation. We need to consider the Planetary aspects, rasi aspects, the amsa rulers, exceptions et al. Even if Rahu is in Scorpio or Ketu is in Taurus in someone's horoscope, one should not worry about it.

Conclusion: 𐫰

In conclusion, Rahu and Ketu are auspicious nodes. They are not bad planets. Like any other planet, please do worship these nodes for spiritual upliftment.

Chanting or listening to Rahu and Ketu chants is an uplifting experience in itself. We have not observed any significant negative impact if Rahu is in Scorpio or Ketu is in Taurus. Thus, my humble request is not to spend on costly gemstones and remedies for an imaginary problem. Rather ignite the spirituality through Ketu and enjoy the material side of life through Rahu energies. Let’s spare a minute and listen in to the divine Rahu Stotra-Mantra.

🙏 Om Tat Sat 🙏

Anish Prasad

Astro-Jagriti

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Rahu Ketu debilitation in my Horoscope …