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.