Rahu and Ketu

[Guest guest]

Dear Mani

 

You are quite correct in astronomically stating that either node can cause

eclipses of the lights but symbolically speaking Rahu is associated with the

eclipse of the Moon and Ketu the Sun because Rahu indicates the forces of the

lower chakras and karmas of the past that can rise up from the sub-conscious and

take over the mind as represented by the Moon. Rahu is associated with neurosis,

illusion, drugs, cravings and all the things that keep us in the lower Chakras

where materialism, memories, individuality and egoism are seen as being

everything. This is where I think the symbology about Rahu being similar to

Saturn originates as Saturn is lord of the lowest chakra the Muladhara or root

chakra. The Muladhara chakra is said to hold the memories of past lives, so this

association of Rahu with old karma and the dark memories stored in the

sub-conscious is very real. The Moon is said to also represent the past and the

incarnating soul.

 

Ketu on the other hand is the karaka for moksha and is indicative of the higher

chakras. Ketu is symbolic of destruction of the "I" or self as represented by

the Sun. The Sun has always been associated with God or the divine light of

selflessness. This is why Ketu can destroy any planet it is closely associated

with. This is maybe why it is said to have the nature of Mars the other

destructive force. Rahu can give great material prosperity if well placed and

Ketu can give enlightenment if well placed. This is also maybe why the

westerners have considered Rahu a benefic as it can give great wealth and

prosperity while Ketu contracts and negates the planets it comes into contact

with. Saints are also usually depicted with this light, Sun, Halo or whatever

you want to call it around their head symbolising their enlightened state.

 

The effects of the nodes must be seen from a number of factors including the

positions of the dispositors and the nakshatra lords. Ketu is potentially the

strongest force because it symbolises the destruction of the self but Rahu can

be equally strong for good and bad. I stated on my page a part is not the whole

and this is particulary important when trying to judge the effects of the nodes.

The nodes show the duality of mans nature where we see ourselves as seperate

from the divine energies pervading the whole universe. When the forces of the

nodes are intergrated and the illusion of the self is destroyed there is no

longer this duality and we are one with the universe. Gurudeva refers to this as

"Merging with Siva"

 

I hope this clarifies my original statement.

 

Andrew