Rahu - Astrology

Astrology

In Vedic astrology Rahu is seen as an asura or demon who does his best to plunge any area of life he controls into chaos, mystery, and cruelty. He is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire, as well as random, uncontrolled growth without wisdom or understanding.

Rahu is supposed to be a mighty and naughty child of Maya, and thus has a lot of dualities attached to its mayavi (illusory) nature. It relates to the Seventh Ray energy of esoteric astrology, as it represents a force displaying all the possibilities within the realm of existence.

Various names assigned to Rahu in Vedic texts—the chief, the advisor of the demons, the minister of the demons, ever-angry, the tormentor, bitter enemy of the luminaries, lord of illusions, one who frightens the Sun, the one who makes the Moon lustreless, the peacemaker, the immortal (having drunk the divine nectar), bestower of prosperity and wealth and ultimate knowledge—give a clue to its basic energy and attributes.

Rahu can be considered the expert among the planets when it comes to scheming and plotting. It is the master of manipulation.

The astrological text Lal Kitab makes an interesting point that if Jupiter and Venus are conjunct in a chart, they can together be treated as Rahu. This relates to the fact that Rahu acts as a bridge between Jupiter, the preceptor of the gods, and Venus, the preceptor of the demons.

Mining of petroleum also falls under the significations of Rahu according to Vedic astrology. Snake charmers and all other people whose lives are very much entwined with that of reptiles and snakes could be said to be under a heavy influence of Rahu.

Rahu governs all sorts of poisonous chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and disinfectants that are in use in the present times. It also governs all the substances with a strong pungent smell like sulfur dioxide gas. In other words, Rahu has a role to play whenever a poisonous substance is involved.

There is no equal to Rahu when it comes to giving upliftment in name and fame or sudden luck at gambling, which is probably the reason why Western astrologers regard it as the greatest benefic force. The area in which this success is attained usually relates to the significations of the house Rahu is placed in. All the electric lights that illuminate our world in the nighttime can be said to be associated with Rahu. Rahu is known as the "artificial sun," which is fitting considering the introduction of electric lights, adding to the illusion and glamour of modern times. Rahu has in a way created its own artificial sun for its favoured time, the night.

Rahu's rulership, exaltation, debilitation, and mulatriko?a are topics of controversy, as many views abound as to the sign that Rahu rules. The Western system refuses to assign Rahu the rulership of any sign. In Vedic astrology, different systems assign Rahu different signs regarding rulership, exaltation, and debilitation. In establishing the rulership, exaltation, and debilitation signs of Rahu, its relationship with other planets may be considered: Rahu is friends with Ketu, Saturn, Mercury and Venus. It is the enemy of Sun, Moon, Mars, and Jupiter. It is important to note that Rahu is more inimical to the Sun as compared to the Moon.

Rahu is lord of three nakshatras or lunar mansions: Ardra, Svati and Shatabhisha. Rahu is associated with the following: its color is smoky, metal is lead, and its gemstone is honey-colored hessonite. Its element is air and its direction is southwest.