
1264
Puja
Astrology states that while Rahu represents indulgence, attachment, and desire, Ketu Grah represents renunciation, detachment, and liberation. Astrology calls Ketu a shadow planet, yet it remains mysterious, spiritual, and capable of giving unpredictable results. Although Ketu belongs to a demon’s portion, it is also considered a factor for liberation (moksha). Let us understand why, through mythology and astrology…
According to mythology, after the churning of the ocean, when the gods were drinking nectar, a demon named Swarbhanu deceitfully sat among the gods and drank the nectar. When Lord Vishnu saw this, he separated his head with the Sudarshan Chakra. The head portion became Rahu, and the body portion became Ketu. Thus, Ketu originated from a demonic lineage. Therefore, people say it is a “demonic planet.”
Ketu Grah demonic nature does not represent negativity but materialism and illusion. Despite its demonic origin, Ketu also contains divine qualities because it drank a portion of nectar. It contains elements of materialism (demonic nature) and spirituality (nectar). According to astrology, Ketu shows the results of our past-life karma and gives us opportunities to learn from them. Wherever Ketu sits in the birth chart, it detaches the person from material comforts.
Ketu grah gives difficulties in life, but these difficulties help a person mature. This separation and challenging situations become the first step toward detachment and liberation. In this way, Ketu becomes a symbol of renunciation, detachment, and self-realization. Ketu teaches how to free oneself from attachment after experiencing everything. It shows that the outer world is temporary and real happiness lies within. It leads the soul from illusion to truth. Ketu also teaches that a person can rise above success or failure if they view it as a spiritual experience.
When Ketu holds a positive position in a person’s birth chart, the person becomes deeply detached from within, realizes the transitory nature of life, and moves toward the path of liberation. It is said that Rahu symbolizes material desires, while Ketu symbolizes freedom from them. Rahu binds, Ketu frees.
