Ketu
Ketu
Significator of maternal grandfather, mysticism, moksha, spiritual practice, and detachment
Ketu is the South Node of the Moon — Rahu's counterpart. While Rahu is the head, Ketu is the headless body. Ketu represents what the soul has already accomplished in past lifetimes, the residue of mastery that no longer satisfies, and the pull toward liberation (moksha) through dissolution of attachments. Ketu signifies mysticism, the occult, the unseen, isolation, sudden losses, and spiritual practice that bears fruit. A strong Ketu can give psychic ability, depth in spiritual practice, success in research and investigation, and the capacity for true non-attachment. An afflicted Ketu can manifest as confusion, sudden separations, accidents involving fire or sharp objects, and feelings of meaninglessness. Where Rahu pulls us into desire, Ketu pulls us out of it — both ultimately toward awakening through different doors.
Significations
- moksha
- isolation
- past karma
- spirituality
- mysticism
- loss
- detachment
- occult
Body parts ruled
- abdomen
- lower back
- feet
Dignities & relationships
When strong
- •Spiritual depth, psychic insight
- •Success in research, investigation, the occult
- •Capacity for non-attachment
- •Past-life skills emerging spontaneously
- •Profound moksha (liberation) potential
When weak or afflicted
- •Confusion, lack of direction
- •Sudden separations, losses
- •Accidents involving fire, sharp objects
- •Spiritual bypassing — escape disguised as detachment
- •Chronic feelings of meaninglessness
Day, direction, element
Day
Tuesday (shared)
Direction
(none — Ketu is associated with emptiness)
Element
Fire
Colour
Smoky / multicolour
Gemstone
Cat's eye (chrysoberyl)
Mantra
Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namaha
Remedial measures
Traditional Vedic remedies for strengthening this planet's positive qualities. Gemstones in particular should only be worn after consultation with a qualified Vedic astrologer who has examined your chart.
- •Ganesha Atharvashirsha recitation
- •Service to dogs (Ketu's animal)
- •Pilgrimage to ancient sacred sites
- •Daily meditation practice
- •Cat's eye (after astrological consultation — only when truly indicated)
These notes synthesise classical Jyotish (Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Saravali, Phaladeepika) and modern practitioner consensus. For personalised reading, compute your chart and read the planet in the context of its sign and house.