#9

Ketu (केतु)

The Banner; The Tail of the Demon

Malefic | Fire | Dasha: 7 years

Quick Facts

NatureMalefic
ElementFire
GenderNeutral
DayTuesday
ColorGrey / Dull brown
GemstoneCat's Eye (Lehsunia/Vaidurya)
MetalIron / Mixed metals
ExaltationScorpio
DebilitationTaurus
Own SignsScorpio
Dasha Period7 years
SymbolTail of serpent / Dragon tail (South Node)

Overview

Ketu is the South Node of the Moon, a shadow planet representing spirituality, detachment, and liberation (Moksha). As the headless body of the demon Svarbhanu, Ketu operates beyond the realm of logic and material attachment. It signifies past-life karma, psychic abilities, and the path toward spiritual enlightenment. Ketu strips away worldly attachments to reveal the deeper spiritual truth.

Significations

Spirituality and liberation (Moksha)Past-life karma and experiencesDetachment and renunciationPsychic abilities and intuitionSudden events and accidentsHealing and alternative medicine

Positive & Negative Traits

When Strong

  • Deeply spiritual and intuitive
  • Detached and non-materialistic
  • Strong psychic and healing abilities
  • Mastery from past-life skills
  • Philosophical and contemplative nature

When Weak

  • Confused and directionless
  • Emotionally detached and isolated
  • Prone to mysterious illnesses
  • Self-doubting and insecure
  • Difficulty with worldly responsibilities

When Ketu is Strong

A well-placed Ketu grants profound spiritual wisdom, psychic abilities, and mastery in occult sciences. The native has natural healing powers, deep intuition, and can achieve sudden enlightenment. There is talent in research, investigation, and uncovering hidden truths. Past-life skills manifest effortlessly, and the person may become a renowned spiritual teacher, healer, or researcher. Ketu can grant Moksha (liberation) when well-placed with benefics.

When Ketu is Weak

An afflicted Ketu brings sudden losses, accidents, and mysterious ailments that defy conventional diagnosis. The native may experience extreme detachment, identity confusion, and difficulty finding purpose in life. There can be issues with the spine, nervous system, and recurring infections. The person may feel disconnected from reality, struggle with relationships, and experience sudden reversals of fortune. Ketu periods can bring intense spiritual crises.

Planetary Relationships

Friendly Planets

Enemy Planets

Career Significations

Spiritual healer / MonkResearcher / InvestigatorComputer programmer / Backend developerDoctor (alternative medicine)Mathematician / StatisticianAstrologer / Occultist

Ruled Nakshatras

Body Parts Governed

  • Spine
  • Nervous system
  • Abdomen
  • Claws
  • Skin
  • Joints

Remedies

GemstoneCat's Eye (Lehsunia/Vaidurya) - worn in gold/silver on the middle finger on Thursday
MantraOm Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah (17000 times in 40 days)
Deity WorshipLord Ganesha / Chitragupta
FastingTuesday or Saturday - abstain from non-vegetarian food
DonationsBlanket, iron, sesame, seven grains mix, grey cloth on Tuesdays or Saturdays
Favorable ColorsGreyBrownSmokyDull earthy tones

Related Grahas (Malefic)