Grahas
Ketu (south lunar node)
Ketu, the south lunar node, signifies detachment, spirituality, the past and liberation. It rules no sign of its own in the classical scheme and is exalted in Scorpio in most texts (some schools: Sagittarius) and debilitated in Taurus (some schools: Gemini), and its Vimshottari mahadasha lasts 7 years.
| Signifies (karaka) | detachment, spirituality, the past and liberation |
|---|---|
| Rules | — (a shadow planet) |
| Exaltation | Scorpio in most texts (some schools: Sagittarius) |
| Debilitation | Taurus (some schools: Gemini) |
| Mahadasha | 7 years |
| Nakshatras ruled | Ashwini, Magha and Mula |
| Traditional gemstone | Cat's eye |
In the Vimshottari dasha the 7-year Ketu period is divided into nine antardashas, one for each graha, in the same order as the mahadashas themselves. Anyone whose birth Moon is in Ashwini, Magha or Mula begins life in it.
Rahu and Ketu are always exactly opposite each other. They are not bodies but the points where the Moon’s path crosses the Sun’s — where eclipses happen — which is why Jyotish calls them chhaya grahas, shadow planets, and why the schools disagree about their exaltation.
Questions
In which sign is Ketu exalted?
Scorpio in most texts (some schools: Sagittarius). Its debilitation is the opposite sign, Taurus (some schools: Gemini).
How long is the Ketu mahadasha?
7 years in the Vimshottari dasha system, out of a 120-year cycle.
Which nakshatras does Ketu rule?
Ashwini, Magha and Mula — nine nakshatras (120°) apart, one in each third of the zodiac.
What does Ketu signify in Vedic astrology?
Detachment, spirituality, the past and liberation.
In Plutto
Plutto places all nine grahas in your chart and tells you which one is running your life now. Background: Vedic astrology.
Ask it something you actually want to know.