Ketu The Tail of the Dragon in Astrology

Ketu, the Descending Lunar Node is a powerful Shadow Planet situated where the orbit of the Moon crosses the Celestial Equator. In Western Astrology Ketu is known as Cauda Draconis, the Tail of the Dragon. Right now Ketu is in the Fixed Air Sign Aquarius, sharing the sign with the Sun. Ketu (and the opposite Lunar Node Rahu) is naturally retrograde. The two Shadow Planets take about 20 months to transit one sign. Whichever Zodiac Sign Ketu is occupying is the place of the solar eclipse. As Ketu recently entered Aquarius, for the next 20 months Lunar Eclipse can occur when the New Moon is in Aquarius.

Ketu the "headless" Planet

Ketu is considered a Malefic Planet in Both Vedic and Western Astrology, but as with all the "evil planets" the real effect of Ketu on an individual's life depends on the Shadow Planet's placement in the Birth Chart. Ketu is a spiritual Planet, as it is strongly connected to Karmic energy and liberation (Moksha). Depending on the House and the Sign Ketu is placed, it can be an indicator of extreme intelligence, especially in the fields of science and the occult. Most successful research scientists have a very well placed Ketu in their Birth Chart.

Cauda Draconis the Tail of the Dragon

As Ketu represents "withdrawal" and "truth seeking" people with strong Ketu are adept at pattern recognition, which is essential in scientific research, astrology and tarot reading. There is a very strong spiritual dimension in the energies of Ketu, so spiritual leaders also tend to have well placed Ketu in their Birth Chart. In practical terms Ketu is often compared with Mars in its character, as both are very hot and capable of causing sudden, unexpected events.

Location of Ketu and Rahu

The Planetary Period (Dasha) of Ketu lasts 7 years. As Ketu is the ruler of the Lunar Mansions (Nakshatra) Ashwini Magha and Mula, if the Moon was in any of these Nakshatras at the time of birth, the person starts life with Ketu Dasha. Regardless of what time of life Ketu Dasha comes, these 7 years are often full of obstacles and difficulties, unless Ketu is well placed.

Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye set in a silver ring

If the placement of Ketu is good, wearing Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye can bring incredible results. Gamblers, researchers, financial speculators, scientists and professionals in the field of the occult often wear Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye.

The Importance of Mars in Astrology

Mars, the Warrior Planet is considered a Natural Malefic both in Vedic and Western Astrology. Mars's energy is hot, explosive and violent, this is why the Planet of War earned the classification "Malefic". But there are many areas and of life where this potentially destructive energy is not only beneficial, it is also necessary. Associating Mars with warfare is logical, because in battle, especially in old fashioned battles where fighting was face to face and often one on one, this explosive, murderous energy coupled with physical strength and courage is the primary force.

The visual representation of Mars in Vedic Astrology

Just remember that Mars's influence outside of the battlefield is also enormous. Professions like marketing, medicine, technology, engineering, mechanics, competitive sports and of course law enforcement and the military are also directly ruled by Mars. People successful in these professions usually have strong, well placed Mars in their Birth Chart. When Mars is in a good position, in its own sign, in exaltation, in a suitable house or in a "friendly" sign, it gives courage and the ability to get up and fight back. Generally those with strong Mars hugely benefit from losses and defeats, as they bounce back even stronger.

Mars the Red Planet

When Mars is not in a favorable Planetary Position, it can cause anger and unnecessary aggression. The energy of Mars is focused and intense. This is not the energy needed for long term continuous projects. Mars helps with short duration bursts of energy, like standing up for yourself in a certain situation or gathering your courage for a particular task. Mars, along with the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus is a "Personal Planet". Because of their relative closeness, these planets change positions in the sky fast, influencing day to day life and personal, short term matters.

Aries and Scorpio the Astrological Signs ruled by Mars

Mars is also responsible for passion and sexual desires and urges. If the Planet is well placed, it results in a healthy sex drive and a positive attitude, if not, it can wreak havoc in personal relationships, especially where marriage is concerned. 

Mars the Roman God of War

Following the daily, or at least monthly transits of Mars can give very useful insights, as this planet can really bring aggression and cause explosive situations. As we are "social animals", it is very important to avoid unnecessary confrontations, anger and violence. Because in spite of this inherent danger, Mars is also responsible for vitally important and very positive qualities, it is best not to fear the Warrior Planet, but embrace its energies in a careful manner.

Red Coral set in Jyotish ring

As Mars moves fast through the Zodiac, it is possible to avoid certain periods for actions where this aggression can be detrimental, without major inconvenience. These "dangerous times" are of a short duration. If Mars is well dignified in the Birth Chart, wearing Red Coral or Red Carnelian can bring success and wealth, as these gemstones channel Mars's energy to increase self confidence, courage, strength and the ability to focus.

Red Coral the Primary Gemstone of Mars

The human mind has an incredible capacity to overcome difficulties. Just by understanding the energies of Mars, both the scary and the wonderfully vibrant and alive, we can consciously change our attitudes and focus on the positive aspects of Mars. A badly placed Mars cannot be held responsible for bad temper and violence, once the Planetary Forces are understood, it is our own choice whether we give in or resist. Astrology's primary role is to understand these forces so people can make informed decisions and choices in order to live a happier, more successful life.

The Tower XVI represents the Planet Mars in the Tarot Deck

Astrology. Who Believes In It anyway?

Sometimes it seems like the world is made up by two kind of people. One half who uses Astrology and the other half who thinks that only backwards idiots believe in such an "unscientific" thing. Needless to say, this attitude often makes the people who believe in Astrology rather defensive and often secretive. Let's take a good look at the people who believe in, and use the services of Astrologers. 

The most obvious characteristic of these people is that they have an inquiring mind and that they are willing to put a lot of effort into finding answers and solving problems. Usually people going to an Astrologer have already did their homework thoroughly. They have already covered all other methods of inquiry, and they go the extra mile for one more source of information.

 

Have you ever wondered why are financiers, politicians and stock brokers who use Astrologers so successful? The answer is twofold. They are successful because they make their decisions on the maximum number of possible information, and they are very open minded. This character trait already puts them among the potentially most successful, BEFORE they even entered the Astrologer's home.  

On top of this, the insights they gain by understanding current planetary transits are very useful, regardless of their personal Birth Charts. While every individual's Chart is different, global events, financial fluctuations and international trends depend mainly on the planetary positions of the moment. To put it simply, how a planet effects a person in his or her personal life is almost completely immaterial in the formation of global events. Of course, it is of the utmost importance as far as an individual's life is concerned. 

Understanding how the stars affect our personal lives is just one more step towards understanding the Universe and our interconnectedness with everything around us. This is another common denominator among people who believe in Astrology. The desire to understand and honor the Oneness of the Universe. As most people would agree, this is a very positive attitude. It makes a person more open, more friendly, more accepting. I am an Astrologer, so evidently I believe that Astrology is a valid way of inquiry, and that Astrology can be very accurate and it is extremely helpful. But the point here is not whether Astrology is true or false. I am simply talking about the people who believe in Astrology. 

Belief in Astrology is an extension of awareness. It is a sort of Ultimate Paying Attention to everything around us. It is also a manifestation of the recognition that none of us live in a vacuum. The Universal Energies present in the world have an effect on all of us, and recognizing this makes a person at least curious about the stars and planets in the sky. Letting go of the idea that we are living, feeling, experiencing, thinking, acting and reacting without external influences is the first step towards a better, more harmonious, more holistic and ultimately more successful life.