In Vedic astrology, Ketu is considered the Planet of Moksha (liberation). It governs spiritual enlightenment, detachment from material desires, and karmic lessons. Ketu represents the past and the lessons we have already mastered in previous lifetimes.
Attributes of Ketu
1. Role and Nature
- Role: Ketu symbolizes detachment, spiritual growth, and karmic lessons. It helps individuals overcome illusions and move toward enlightenment.
- Nature: Malefic, mysterious, and fiery.
- Caste: Outcaste (Chandala), representing transcendence beyond societal norms.
- Gender: Neutral.
2. Physical Description
- Ketu is described as:
- Smoky or headless.
- Mysterious and radiant in appearance.
3. Deity and Element
- Deity: Chitragupta, the keeper of karmic records.
- Element (Tattva): Fire, symbolizing transformation and purification.
- Sense Governed: Vision (focused on inner awareness).
4. Abode
- Ketu thrives in places associated with spirituality, isolation, and transformation, such as:
- Ashrams or monasteries.
- Caves or forests.
- Spiritual retreats.
Zodiacal Details of Ketu
1. Zodiac Signs
- Exaltation Sign: Scorpio (Vrishchika, at 20°).
- Debilitation Sign: Taurus (Vrishabha, at 20°).
2. Nakshatras Ruled by Ketu
Ketu governs 3 nakshatras:
- Ashwini (0° to 13°20′ Aries).
- Magha (0° to 13°20′ Leo).
- Mula (0° to 13°20′ Sagittarius).
Planetary Relationships
1. Friends, Enemies, and Neutrals
- Friends: Mercury, Venus, Saturn.
- Enemies: Sun, Moon, Mars.
- Neutral: Jupiter.
2. Direction and Strength
- Direction: North-west.
- Directional Strength (Dig Bala): Gains strength in the 12th house (associated with spirituality and liberation).
- Time of Strength: Night.
Physical and Material Attributes
1. Governing Body Parts
Ketu governs:
- Spinal cord.
- Nervous system.
- Skin diseases.
2. Associated Colors and Gemstones
- Color: Dusky red or grey.
- Gemstone: Cat’s Eye (Lehsunia).
- Metal: Lead.
3. Associated Tastes
- Ketu is associated with the bitter taste.
4. Day of the Week
- Tuesday is often linked with Ketu.
5. Seasonal Influence
- Ketu governs events that lead to transformation rather than specific seasons.
Astrological Effects of Ketu
1. General Effects
- A strong Ketu in a horoscope provides spiritual insight, intuition, and liberation.
- A weak or afflicted Ketu can lead to confusion, mental instability, or unexplained fears.
2. Effects in the Twelve Houses
| House | Effects of Ketu |
|---|---|
| 1st House | Intuitive personality, spiritual focus, but possible physical weakness. |
| 2nd House | Detachment from family or wealth, spiritual speech. |
| 3rd House | Courage in unconventional pursuits, mystical communication. |
| 4th House | Lack of attachment to home, interest in esoteric subjects. |
| 5th House | Spiritual creativity, detachment from children, or speculative wisdom. |
| 6th House | Victory over enemies through intuition, but possible health issues. |
| 7th House | Unconventional relationships, spiritual partnerships. |
| 8th House | Interest in the occult, sudden transformations, or hidden wisdom. |
| 9th House | Deep spiritual beliefs, detachment from traditional religion. |
| 10th House | Career in mystical or spiritual fields, detachment from worldly ambitions. |
| 11th House | Gains through spiritual networks, unconventional friends. |
| 12th House | Liberation, expenses on spirituality, or detachment from material life. |
Exaltation and Debilitation of Ketu
Why is Ketu Exalted in Scorpio (20°)?
- Scorpio’s Energy:
- Scorpio is intense, transformative, and mysterious, perfectly aligning with Ketu’s desire for spiritual growth and detachment.
- Why 20° in Scorpio?
- At 20°, Ketu operates at its peak, promoting profound transformation and spiritual awakening.
Why is Ketu Debilitated in Taurus (20°)?
- Taurus’ Energy:
- Taurus represents material stability and comfort, clashing with Ketu’s focus on transcendence and detachment.
- Why 20° in Taurus?
- At 20°, Ketu struggles to express its spiritual qualities in Taurus’ materialistic environment.
Logic Behind Remedies for Ketu
1. Chanting the Ketu Mantra
Mantra: “Om Ketave Namaha”
- Purpose: Invokes Ketu’s energy to enhance spiritual clarity and reduce confusion.
- Logic: The mantra’s sound vibrations align with Ketu’s transformative energy.
2. Offering Items Associated with Ketu
- Why Mustard Seeds or Black Cloth?
- These items resonate with Ketu’s shadowy nature, reducing its malefic effects.
3. Wearing Cat’s Eye
- Why Cat’s Eye?
- Cat’s Eye enhances intuition and clarity, helping balance Ketu’s energy.
- How to Wear It:
- Wear it on Tuesday in a silver ring on the middle finger of the dominant hand.
4. Strengthening Ketu Through Meditation
- Practicing meditation, especially focused on detachment, aligns with Ketu’s spiritual energy.
Example with a Birth Chart
Sample Chart:
- Ketu in Scorpio (20°) in the 12th house.
Interpretation:
- Exaltation in Scorpio:
- Indicates profound spiritual insight and liberation from material desires.
- 12th House Placement:
- Brings detachment from worldly pleasures and strong interest in moksha or spiritual practices.
Afflicted Ketu Example:
- Ketu in Taurus (20°) in the 4th house.
- Debilitation in Taurus:
- Causes attachment to material comforts, creating inner conflict.
- 4th House Placement:
- Indicates struggles with emotional stability and detachment from family.
Remedies for This Chart:
- Chant “Om Ketave Namaha” daily.
- Wear a Cat’s Eye gemstone in silver.
- Donate black cloth or mustard seeds.
Advanced Points
- Ketu in Dasha (Mahadasha):
- Ketu’s planetary period lasts for 7 years in the Vimshottari Dasha system.
- This period emphasizes spiritual growth and detachment from material life.
- Ketu in Transit:
- Ketu spends 18 months in each zodiac sign, influencing spiritual lessons and karmic release during its transit.