In Vedic scriptures and astrology, Rahu is considered as a Shadow planet or Chayagraha or a node. It is also called Bhayanaka. It has a unique, overwhelming and predictable impact in an individual’s life. Rahu (as well as Ketu) is not a physical or observable heavenly body like all the other planets that form the Navagrahas. It owns no any zodiac sign. It is an imaginary point in the sky but because of its strong influence on human lives it has been given the status of a planet by the ancient Rishis and sages. The movements of Rahu and Ketu are interrelated and as the parts of a same body they are always opposite to each other. Rahu has a greater significance in influencing an individual’s life.
Rahu stays in a person’s zodiac sign for 18 months and is responsible for a person’s behavior. Rahu leads an individual on a path to spiritual enlightenment by teaching him to overcome worldly desires.
Rahu Kaal is the period in one’s life when he/she is under the malefic influence of Rahu. However, depending on the planet or bhava (the pattern of life such as longevity, money, pleasures etc.) controlling Hhim, Rahu dasha can also become the best time in an individual’s life. This period has a vast potential to get desirable results with dhyana or worship.
Astrological Significance of Rahu
Rahu is the North-node of the Moon, which in Sanskrit means to conceal or hide. This planet relates to a person’s mind and its wandering nature. It is connected to worldly desires or material manifestations of the world and engrossing one’s spirit in materialization. Due to its instinctual and animalistic nature it craves for pleasure but is never satisfied. Rahu is also the karaka or the indicator of worldly desire, high intelligence and recognition. He is also linked to the spiritual process of evolution. This planet represents Vata or an Airy nature.
A benefic Rahu is instrumental in fortifying one’s power and even transforming an enemy into a friend. It is believed that Rahu’s grace can even heal a person bitten by a poisonous snake.
Rahu in a person’s natal chart works well in conjunction with Mercury, Saturn and Venus, the enemy planets of the Sun, Moon and Mars. It has similar traits as that of Saturn. As per Vedic astrology, the alignment of Rahu with Saturn, Mercury and Ketu gives good results as they are considered his friends. Its alignment with Sun, Mars and Venus gives adverse results as they are believed to be his enemies. Jupiter and Chandra are neutral to Rahu.
The color related to Rahu is violet. Its gemstone is honey-colored Hessonite or Gomedh.
Lessons That Rahu Teaches
Rahu is represented as the head of a celestial snake. Rahu is believed to take people off their course of past Dharmic paths and tempt them to thread the path of self-destruction. However Rahu does have a specific reason for its acts. It wants you to feel and taste and thereby learn everything so that you satisfy all your carnal and worldly desires and then turn a new leaf and embark upon the path of self-realization and self-enlightenment. On a physical level Rahu evokes an insatiable desire in you to achieve and conquer. And once you have achieved and conquered, it makes you realize that all your achievements does not bring with it happiness, because all this while you were only chasing an illusion. Following this method of Rahu, there are many cults in India that encourage and preach the satiation of your carnal and worldly desires so that eventually you learn the important lesson that all your desires does not give you true happiness.