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.

Sun in Capricorn January 16th

   Yesterday the Sun entered the Cardinal Earth Sign of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Sun in Capricorn is giving us structure, groundedness and security. This period is a very good time for planning and starting buildings and constructions. As this sign is ruled by Saturn, there should be an emphasis on discipline, punctuality and meticulous planning.

   Waxing Crescent Moon is in Fiery Aries, also a Cardinal sign, and it is aspected by the Sun, further enhancing the "starting" "initiating" energies of today's Sun-Moon combination. Time to take romantic situations to the next level, or simply giving structure to an existing relationship.
Mercury is still Retrograde in Sagittarius, and is still in Combustion with the Sun, so this time is not auspicious for financial transactions and business negotiations
.
   Venus and Saturn in the Fixed Water sign of Scorpio don't give adverse effect, as they are on "friendly terms" with each other.

   Mars in Libra allows for reasonably peaceful resolutions of conflicts, as the Warrior Planet's aggressiveness is under the control of the harmonious nature of Libra, but it's natural strength is intact.

   Retrograde Jupiter in Leo together with Rahu gives some benefit for growth and achievement in the fields of education and wealth, but this beneficial effect will be at its maximum strength only after Lucky Jupiter resumes it's forward path.

    Ketu in the Fixed Air sign of Aquarius may give some tendencies to withdraw from people and enjoy solitude, but don't give in to the temptation, this is the time for community, family, planning and enjoying and reaffirming our place in society.

 Ruby is the traditional gemstone recommended by Vedic Astrologers to channel the life giving energy of the Sun.

 Rhodolite Garnet is a wonderful and affordable secondary gem for the Sun.

Red Beryl, although rare and pricey if it is untreated, is also a superb gem to wear to attract invigorating Solar Energy.
Unless otherwise indicated by the Birth Chart, the first few days of the Solar Month (When the Sun "actually" enters a new sign, which roughly corresponds to the 15th of the Western Calendar Months)
wearing Rubies or other red translucent gemstones can be very beneficial!

New Moon in Sagittarius

Today is the New Moon in the Mutable Fire Sign of Sagittarius. Moon is in excellent position in Sagittarius, as it is in 'Planetary Friendship" with Jupiter, the Ruler of Sagittarius. The combination of the growing and expanding energy of the Waxing Crescent Moon and that of Jupiter is very powerful. As Jupiter right now is in its Retrograde Cycle in Leo, this combined effect is not quite as strong as it could be, nonetheless it is an excellent time for growth in the romantic and emotional arena.
As Retrograde Jupiter and Rahu are occupying together the Fixed Fire Sign of Leo, for individuals with Rahu and Jupiter in favorable position in their Birth Chart it is a very auspicious time for expansion in other matters as well.
Retrograde Mercury is in Combustion with the Sun, best to delay financial dealings, as without the energy of Mercury fully functional, communication and financial transactions won't get the necessary planetary boost.
For increased artistic creativity, and romantic success, today is a very good day to start wearing natural pearls or moonstone.

 Moonstone and natural pearl channels the energy of the Moon, wearing these beautiful gems is particularly effective during the Waxing Moon.

Worn as rings, or around the neck pearls and moonstones transmit the essential vibration of the Moon, tuning the subconscious mind into perfect harmony with the cyclical nature of Lunar energy, enhancing creativity, mental clarity and original thinking. Indirectly, moonstones and pearls also attract romance and admiration for women.
 

   Today we are in the midst of a full blown Planetary War between Venus and Saturn in the Fixed Water Sign of Scorpio. The consensus of ancient and modern astrologers is that Venus will emerge victorious, as it is brighter. No matter which planetary force will "win", during planetary war (Graha Yuddha) the energies of both planets involved are rendered ineffective. In this case, neither Venus's, nor Saturn's energy function in its usual strength and manner.
   The best thing to do today is to put on hold romantic plans, and everything that you need Venus or Saturn energy for. Planetary Wars are powerful events, but their effect is as short lived as the duration of the "close encounter".

   Today is the last day of the Waning Crescent Moon, relax, rest and don't start any new venture today. As it is Saturday, you can use the day for meditation, reading, a nice relaxing walk in the park.

   Today the two Lunar Nodes (Rahu and Ketu) are transiting into Leo and Aquarius respectively. For the duration of their transit, all eclipses will happen in the signs of Leo and Aquarius. Rahu and Ketu have a naturally retrograde path. As these Shadow Planets will be transiting the same signs for the next year and half, this is a very significant event. The exact effect of Rahu and Ketu in Leo and Aquarius is determined by the Birth Chart of each individual.
   On a broad, general note one can say however, that Rahu in Leo might be problematic, as Rahu is not in "planetary friendship" with Fiery Leo's ruling planet, the Sun. The obsessive nature of Rahu remaining in the house of Sun for a year and half is bound to cause some trouble. On the other hand, Ketu in Aquarius is very well placed, as the ruler of Airy Aquarius is Saturn, a planet in "friendship" with Ketu.

 Hessonite Garnet, also known as Gomed, the gemstone associated with Rahu in Vedic Astrology.

 Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye, the gem that represents and channels the energy of Ketu.

Caput Draconis (Head of the Dragon) is the Latin name used in traditional Western Astrology for Rahu, and Cauda Draconis (Tail of the Dragon) is the Latin name for Ketu. As with almost every astrological concept, the imagery is identical in Western and Indian Astrology.