Ketu in Astrology – Significance, Effects & Remedies
Introduction to Ketu in Vedic Astrology
In Indian Vedic astrology, Ketu is known as the South Lunar Node, representing the tail of the celestial serpent. Though not a physical planet, Ketu is a powerful shadow planet with deep karmic significance. It is associated with spirituality, detachment, liberation, past life karmas, and inner awakening. Unlike materialistic planets, Ketu guides individuals toward self-realization and higher consciousness.
Nature and Symbolism of Ketu
Ketu is often regarded as a moksha-karaka (significator of liberation) planet. It symbolizes:
Detachment from worldly pleasures
Mysticism and occult sciences
Past life deeds and karmic influences
Sudden transformations and spiritual growth
In mythology, Ketu emerged from the body of the demon Swarbhanu after Lord Vishnu severed it into two parts during the Samudra Manthan. The head became Rahu, and the tail became Ketu.
Effects of Ketu in Horoscope
The influence of Ketu in a horoscope can be both benefic and malefic, depending on its placement, conjunctions, and aspects.
Benefic Ketu brings spiritual wisdom, intuition, psychic abilities, fame in metaphysical sciences, and detachment from unnecessary desires.
Malefic Ketu may cause confusion, detachment from family, unexpected losses, depression, health issues, and fear of the unknown.
Ketu is exalted in Scorpio and debilitated in Taurus. Its Mahadasha runs for 7 years and can cause sudden life changes.
Ketu’s Placement in Different Houses
1st House: Mystical nature, spiritual focus, lack of ego
4th House: Detachment from home life, frequent changes of residence
7th House: Unconventional relationships, spiritual partners
10th House: Non-materialistic career approach, sudden career shifts
Each house placement carries a unique influence, shaping the native’s path toward detachment or material loss.
Remedies for Malefic Ketu
Vedic astrology offers several remedies to pacify Ketu’s negative effects:
Worship Lord Ganesha and Lord Bhairava.
Chant Ketu Beej Mantra: “Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah”.
Donate brown-colored clothes, sesame seeds, or blankets to the needy.
Keep a dog or feed stray dogs.
Wear a Cat’s Eye gemstone (Lehsuniya) after proper astrological consultation.
Nature and Symbolism of Ketu
Ketu is often regarded as a moksha-karaka (significator of liberation) planet. It symbolizes:
Detachment from worldly pleasures
Mysticism and occult sciences
Past life deeds and karmic influences
Sudden transformations and spiritual growth
In mythology, Ketu emerged from the body of the demon Swarbhanu after Lord Vishnu severed it into two parts during the Samudra Manthan. The head became Rahu, and the tail became Ketu.
Effects of Ketu in Horoscope
The influence of Ketu in a horoscope can be both benefic and malefic, depending on its placement, conjunctions, and aspects.
Benefic Ketu brings spiritual wisdom, intuition, psychic abilities, fame in metaphysical sciences, and detachment from unnecessary desires.
Malefic Ketu may cause confusion, detachment from family, unexpected losses, depression, health issues, and fear of the unknown.
Ketu is exalted in Scorpio and debilitated in Taurus. Its Mahadasha runs for 7 years and can cause sudden life changes.
Ketu’s Placement in Different Houses
1st House: Mystical nature, spiritual focus, lack of ego
4th House: Detachment from home life, frequent changes of residence
7th House: Unconventional relationships, spiritual partners
10th House: Non-materialistic career approach, sudden career shifts
Each house placement carries a unique influence, shaping the native’s path toward detachment or material loss.
Remedies for Malefic Ketu
Vedic astrology offers several remedies to pacify Ketu’s negative effects:
Worship Lord Ganesha and Lord Bhairava.
Chant Ketu Beej Mantra: “Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah”.
Donate brown-colored clothes, sesame seeds, or blankets to the needy.
Keep a dog or feed stray dogs.
Wear a Cat’s Eye gemstone (Lehsuniya) after proper astrological consultation.
