The Rahu (Northern Lunar Node) in Astrology

As you guys have already made it out by the title, next in the series is the turn of the deadliest one (laughs). Yes, today we gonna learn about the planet in the Vedic astrology which is in reality not even a planet rather a shadowy or an imaginary reference point in the universe. Despite not having a concrete structure and actual physical existence, it has an eclectic mix of impacts and mighty effects on human beings' life and events in general. 

It is one of the nine major astronomical bodies in ancient Vedic texts and considered equally important as other actual planets by our Gurus, Rishis or seers.

In Hindu Mythology, it is known as the Dragon's Head that causes eclipses and often considered as the King of Meteors. It also represents snakes and poisons.

Astronomical/Scientific significance of the Rahu.

As above-mentioned, unlike other planets, Rahu doesn't have an actual physical form. It is basically the reference point in the sky signified by the intersection of the Moon's orbit and the Sun's ecliptic (Sun's apparent path).

The Lunar orbit is inclined at 5 degrees and 9 minutes to the ecliptic (Horizontal plane which passes through the centre of the Earth and the Sun) and the ascending and descending nodes of the Moon's orbit, the point at which the Moon crosses the ecliptic into the Northern and Southern celestial hemispheres respectively regress (move clockwise if seen from the North) to complete a whole revolution after 18.6 years. 

These points of intersection at the northern hemisphere is referred to as the Northern Lunar(Moon) Node i.e. the Rahu. While the intersection point at the southern hemisphere is what we refer to as the Southern Lunar(Moon) Node i.e. the Ketu (will be discussing in the next post). 

Astrological significance of the Rahu.

In Vedic astrology, a lot of importance has been given to Rahu and Ketu, despite their physical non-existence. Hence, astrologers consider these as full-fledged planets and conceived the Moon's nodes as the crossroads of magnetic influences full of potency and gave them the status of being planets in so far their effects are concerned. Therefore the real character of Vedic astrology is said to be dependent on these two shadowy planets to quite an extent.

As per Hindu Mythology and ancient texts, there is a very interesting tale that basically describes the existence of both Rahu and Ketu. The story goes like :

Once the Gods and Demons decided to obtain the Amrit (nectar i.e. elixir of immortality) by churning the milk ocean. In the process, nectar was obtained through the churning. When the nectar was being distributed amongst the Gods, one demon, Svarbhanu, disguised himself into a God and sat in between the Sun God and the Moon God in the row and consumed the nectar.

Both the Sun and Moon Gods noticed it and informed Mohini, the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu (who was distributing the nectar to gods). Lord Vishnu as Mohini got furious on this betrayal and cut off the demon's head with his Sudarshan Chakra but by that time the demon had already consumed the nectar and became immortal. The chiselled head without the body became immortal called Rahu and the severed body without the head became Ketu.

Since then, the Sun and the Moon are inimical to Rahu and the latter is responsible for the eclipses involving the formers. 

And since both the head and the headless body got into the exact opposite direction on being severed, therefore Rahu and Ketu would always occupy exact opposite houses in the natal chart i.e. 180 degrees apart from each other (for example, if Rahu is in 1st house, Ketu would automatically be placed in 7th house of the natal chart), this placement often being termed as the Rahu-Ketu Axis in the natal chart.

Let us quickly see what more Rahu is all about:

Planetary Cabinet: Shadowy Planet

Planetary Nature: Malefic

Planetary Complexion: Black, smokey, Bluish-gray

Sex/Gender: Male

Relationship Governed: Ancestors, In-laws, Very old people 

Physical Appearance: Tall stature, black complexion, fierce-looking, rheumatic and aggressive.

Transit: 18 months

Direction: South-West

Metal: Lead

Gem: Hessonite(Gomed)

Body Parts Ruled: Skin, spleen, adrenal glands, boils, intestines, upper body parts, etc.

Own Sign: Aquarius (a fixed sign) along with Saturn

Mooltrikone sign: Taurus

Exalted sign: Taurus 20 degrees

Debilitated sign: Scorpio 20 degrees

Friendly Planet: Mercury, Venus, Saturn

Inimical Planet: Sun, Moon, Mars

Neutral Planet: Jupiter

Mahadasha Period: 18 years

Career/Profession Associated: Speculation business, stock-marketing, Gambling business as in Casinos, Alcohol or Drug Trades and manufacturing, Photography, actors, magicians, politicians, Doctors, Physiotherapists, Occult, Healers(especially Tantric Healers), Travel industry, etc.

BENEFIC RAHU EFFECTS:

Well placed Rahu makes a person rich and wealthy suddenly. It gives access to various other realms where a native enjoys worldly riches, power, strength, luxuries, and comfort through sudden gains. Victory over enemies mainly in the second half of life. Abroad travelling or settlement. Together with Mercury, it makes an excellent entrepreneur having sharp business intelligence. Lots of fame and prosperity. Such a person is good at making money through Stock markets or betting games as Rahu is the planet of gamblers (here, I would like to put a sort of disclaimer as there is no such encouragement to entering into such strata whatsoever)  Such a person can be a good Reiki healer too, provided other planetary placements produce the same effect synergistically. 

#Note: Despite the fact that well placed Rahu is capable of rendering wealth, fame, comforts and luxuries, yet it would always impart a sense of dissatisfaction in the area where it is placed in the natal chart. This is due to the insatiable hunger and obsession Rahu has (as this is the head without a body)and that is what it gives a person especially in the house concerned. It makes the native highly passionate, over-ambitious and hungry for the traits related to the house it sits in. It sort of magnifies the desires and hence the native relentlessly pursues the path to achieve these at any cost which further makes the person adopt unethical means to get the same.

MALEFIC RAHU EFFECTS:

The native under the mal effect of negative Rahu easily gets addicted to alcohols and drugs. It also includes gambling, betting, etc.  Has a strong tendency for many relations and often end up being promiscuous. Badly placed Rahu especially in 12th and 6th house may lead to imprisonment too. Harsh speech and quarrelsome nature. Aggressive, irrational, irascible and materialistic. Gives distorted mental make-up and person often lives in fantasy world. A dissatisfied soul and highly obsessed over matters governing to the house it is placed in. Lots of hurdles and struggles in achieving the desired results and their hard work never pays off in accordance with the amount of efforts.



##DISCLAIMER: 
This was my take on the shadowy planet Rahu in a very general form without taking into consideration the other aspects of astrology such as placements, aspects, conjunctions, etc. Proper analysis of the entire birth chart is of utmost importance in the process of final prediction for the person concerned.


So don't get too excited or disheartened by the general outlook or effects of the planets. Astrology is much deeper than it appears. So enjoy the ride!!


You may also refer:

https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/10/the-saturn-in-astrology.html

https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/10/the-venus-in-astrology.html

https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/09/the-jupiter-planet.html

The Saturn in Astrology

In Vedic astrology, Saturn planet is known as Shani, the one that moves slowly named after the Roman God of Wealth and Agriculture. According to me, it is the most misunderstood planet amongst all. Even though it is considered a natural malefic planet, yet it can be regarded as a strict teacher who not only punishes you when you are wrong but also rewards on you being righteous. It represents old, matured and wise people, servants, and labour class. It also signifies pain, sorrow, misery, hurdles in life, struggle in achieving desired results, delays or even denials in worst cases. It is the planet responsible for duty, commitments, sacrifices, discipline and also routine work. Saturn has a major role to play when it comes to determining the longevity and health of the person. It also represents boundaries and limitations (as you know Saturn has a peculiar ring around it signifying the same).

#Despite being a natural malefic planet, Saturn is the karaka(significator) of wealth. Yes, it is responsible for the earnings that you accumulate by your karmas. It makes you work towards your goals to gain wealth.

Astronomical/Scientific significance of the Saturn. 

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and fourth from our planet Earth. It is the second-largest planet after Jupiter in the Solar System. It has 9 times the radius as that of Earth's with only one-eighth of latter's density. However, it is almost 95% of Earth's volume. It is a giant gas that lacks proper structure and predominantly composed of hydrogen and helium. It has a peculiar feature i.e. Rings around it which is mostly the clouds of ice particles.
It is on an average of 1.5 billion kilometres away from the Earth and takes 29.5 Earth years for one revolution around the Sun.

Astrological significance of the Saturn.

Saturn is amongst the most dreadful planet astrologically especially due to it's Sade-Sati and Dhaiya where it stays in one sign for seven and a half years and two and a half years respectively (will be talking about this in detail in subsequent posts).
Mythically, Saturn is the son of Lord Surya (Sun) and his wife Chhaya (the shadow of his wife Sandhya). Saturn has a strained relationship with his father Surya (Sun).
Saturn stands for justice and lessons learned from the deeds whether good or bad. It makes us suffer hardships in order to balance our sins and then rewards us as well. Unlike Mars, wherein hardships and sufferings can mould native to resort to unethical means such as theft, dacoit, etc., Saturn transforms the native to spirituality and piousness as now the person realises that the sufferings are nothing but the outcome of his own karma.
It makes you work for something you desire to achieve so that you perform karmas to enjoy the fruits from its execution.

Below are certain facts related to the Saturn:

Planetary Cabinet: Servant

Planetary Nature: Malefic

Planetary Complexion: Dark

Planetary Deity: Lord Brahma

Relationship Governed: Servants, Old people

Sex/Gender: Neuter

Elements: Air

Planetary Caste: Shudra

Planetary Abode: Spot for Filth

Planetary Taste: Astringent

Planetary Period: Year

Planetary Directional Strength: West

Guna: Tamsika

Physical Appearance: has an emaciated and long physique, honey-coloured eyes. Is windy in temperament, indolent and lame & has big teeth. Coarse and rough hair.

Transit: 2.5 years

Direction: West

Day: Saturday

Metal: Iron

Gemstone: Blue Sapphire

Body Parts Ruled: Wind, bile, head, neck, teeth, legs, bones, organs, ears, hair, knee, etc.

Friendly Planets: Mercury, Venus

Inimical Planets: Sun, Moon, Mars

Neutral Planets: Jupiter

Own Sign: Capricorn, Aquarius

Mooltrikone Sign: Aquarius 1-20 degrees

Exalted Sign: Libra 20 degrees

Debilitated Sign: Aries 20 degrees

Mahadasha: 19 years

Ruling Number: 8(eight)

Natural Significator: 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th houses.

Profession/Career Associated: Lawyers, judges, Drivers, hard-working physical jobs, labour, servants, iron & steel industry, metallurgical jobs, carpentry, brick/tiles/glass factory, Dentists, footwears, government service, armoury, coal-mining industry, oil-digging jobs, leather factory, brothels, beggars, black magic and arts, agricultural jobs, contractors,etc.

BENEFIC SATURN EFFECTS:

Native with strong Saturn has a very hardworking nature. Full of perseverance, determination and honesty. Such a person never fails to give 100% to his duty, commitment and responsibilities. Strong Saturn makes the person wealthy and rich by making him work towards his goals. Mature, wise, punctual, unbiased, truthful, ethical and has conventional or traditional ways of leading life. Loves to be in routine jobs and pursue these with full integrity. Has disciplined life with a higher sense of loyalty and seriousness. Have lots of servants to their duty and righteously deals with them. Respects elderly people and have loving relationships with them as well. Very often, such a native is a bit strict and harsh on himself and his commitments.

#Strong Saturn sometimes makes a person work towards his goal so relentlessly that he isn't able to explore the fun side of life. It can make native workaholic and his close ones often have to face his wrath on being unable to keep up with his ways.

MALEFIC SATURN EFFECTS:

Afflicted or weak Saturn makes the person lazy and an escapist. He faces lots of struggles and miseries in life for achieving what he desires for. Often faces delays in important events of life and it becomes very challenging for them to accumulate money despite putting lots of hard work. Suffers penury in worst cases. Bad relationships with old people in the home and unable to keep servants. Chronic illness is common to such native. Gives mental distractions, distress, depression, pessimism and solitude. Such a person can even resort to addictions and overindulgence so as to relieve stress but it altogether worsens the situations more as Saturn wants you to work hard but due to your escapist tendencies you tend to overlook its repercussions.

#Native with mal placements or afflicted Saturn should never opt unethical means as this further makes a vicious cycle of pain and sorrows and one finds it very hard to come out of this.


Well, I can go on and on jotting down about the mysterious planet. But the only thing which I conclude my article with is that Saturn is the most unbiased planet which doesn't get flattered by any planetary remedies, rather it just works by the way your karma works. It has a tremendous potential to make rags to riches and vice versa, all based on your deeds. 

So according to me, it is just a neutral planet that gives you back what you give to the world. Hence whatever you receive good or bad, it is only because of the karmas you performed in the past or it the present birth and Saturn is the sole in charge of making you taste your own medicine.   

So guys make your life worth living and worth loving .....

XOXO...




##DISCLAIMER: 
This was my take on the planet Venus in a very general form without taking into consideration the other aspects of astrology such as placements, aspects, conjunctions, etc. Proper analysis of the entire birth chart is of utmost importance in the process of final prediction for the person concerned.

So don't get too excited or disheartened by the general outlook or effects of the planets. Astrology is much deeper than it appears. So enjoy the ride!!



You may also read:

https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/10/the-venus-in-astrology.html

https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/09/the-jupiter-planet.html

https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/08/the-mercury.html

The Venus in Astrology

Today, let us talk about a planet that stands for love, romance and a balance in relationships. Since Mars is one that represents impulsive and passionate love, when it comes to tender, gushy love that gives butterflies in your stomach, Venus is one that runs the show. The role of Venus doesn't end here. It represents luxuries in life, arts, music, fashion, beauty, creativity, designing, modelling, literature, poetry, etc. in one's life as well. 
It is the natural significator of a spouse and females in one's life in general other than mother (which is signified by the Moon).
It represents the quality of sexual life and harmony in one's love relationships. It also tells about how smoothly one deals with females around, valid for both, a man or a woman.
It is the only planet named after female Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and treasure according to Roman Mythology.


Scientific/Astronomical significance of Venus.

It is the second closest planet to the Sun after Mercury and next to planet Earth. It is also the brightest and the hottest planet in the solar system having too dry surface mainly consisting of Carbon dioxide and layers of clouds of Sulphuric acid. It is almost the size of Earth with similar density and mass due to which together these are called "Twin Sisters". Its diameter is 95% and the mass is 85% of that of Earth's respectively. 
At its closest, it is 38 million kilometres while 200 million kilometres away from Earth at its farthest point.

Astrological significance of the Venus.

In astrology, it represents Bhrigu Astrology. Just as Jupiter is considered as Dev Guru (Teacher of Devas), Venus is considered as Teacher of Demons. It is the planet related to legacy. Together with Mars, it brings out the passion and balanced sense of love in relationships. It loves to be in love and governs the courtship, adoration and aesthetics of oneself. It shows the artistic inclination of the native. It is also responsible for various desires such as sexual, wealth, luxurious lifestyle, etc.
It not only represents one's wealth but mainly, how you use that wealth to alter your lifestyle. Your materialistic gains and possessions are also what is being signified by Venus along with other planets such as Jupiter, etc. It is very soft in nature and considered as a Benevolent planet along with Jupiter and waxing Moon. It is a natural karaka/significator of Marriage and Love Union.
Below are certain astrological facts about the Venus:

Planetary Cabinet: The Ministerial Planet

Planetary Nature: Benefic

Planetary Complexion: Variegated

Planetary Deity: Shachi (Indrani, Lord Indra's consort)

Relationship Governed: Females, spouse, love partners

Sex/Gender: Female

Elements: Water

Planetary Caste: Brahmin

Planetary Abode: Bedroom

Planetary Taste: Acidous Taste

Planetary Period: Fortnight

Planetary Directional Strength: North

Guna: Rajsikas

Physical Appearance: Joyful, charming in physique, has beautiful eyes, is a poet, is phlegmatic and windy and has curly hair.

Transit: 28 days

Direction: South-east

Day: Friday

Metal: Silver

Gemstone: Diamond

Body Parts Ruled: Genital organs, phlegm, wind, eyes, urinary bladder, semen, kidney, Skin, seminal fluids, ovaries, etc.

Friendly Planets: Mercury, Saturn

Inimical Planets: Sun, Moon

Neutral Planets: Jupiter, Mars

Own Sign: Taurus and Libra

Mooltrikone Sign: Libra 0-15 degrees

Exalted Sign: Pisces 27 degrees

Debilitated Sign: Virgo 27 degrees

Mahadasha: 20 years

Ruling Number: 6(six)

Natural Significator: 4th and 7th houses

Profession/Career Associated: Artists, poets, musicians, dramatists, cinema industry, garments business, designing, modelling, jewellers, weavers, perfumes business, vehicle dealers, beauty products trading, excise department, sex industry, income tax, wealth tax and revenue, etc.

BENEFIC VENUS EFFECTS:

Well placed Venus gives an attractive personality and vigour. Talented and creative. Such a person becomes a giver of love and his love attains the spirituality, devotion and loyalty in relationships. Enjoys luxury, riches and wealth ethically. Always want to see the entire world with rose-tinted glasses and such a person even gets a chance to do the same as well. Believes in pleasure and leisure in life. Such a person has a good aesthetic taste and their homes reflect their artistic touch. Has good relationships with females around them.

# Too strong Venus is rather bad because such a person is prone to over-indulgence in sexual, pleasure and leisure activities. Thus their duties and responsibilities take a back seat. They always find a way to fulfil their carnal desires and excessive materialistic approach towards life over their priorities.

MALEFIC VENUS EFFECTS:

Weak or afflicted venus makes it hard for a native to achieve financial gains and lead a luxurious lifestyle. It is also seen that such a native becomes more prone to excessive sexual desires too so as to vent out their struggle of getting materialistic gains and opportunities. It can also render impotency, diabetes, hormonal issues, thyroid-related problems, obesity, etc.

#Combinations and permutations involving afflicted Venus can also lead to one becoming a Porn star, work in the sex industry or involve in unconventional sexual activities. 



##DISCLAIMER: 
This was my take on the planet Venus in a very general form without taking into consideration the other aspects of astrology such as placements, aspects, conjunctions, etc. Proper analysis of the entire birth chart is of utmost importance in the process of final prediction for the person concerned.

So don't get too excited or disheartened by the general outlook or effects of the planets. Astrology is much deeper than it appears. So enjoy the ride!!



You may also read:

https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/08/the-mercury.html


https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/09/affirmations-attract-what-you-seek.html


https://www.thehailphoenix.com/2019/09/the-jupiter-planet.html