Navagraha · 7y dasha · malefic
Ketu — Ketu
Also known as: Ketu, South node, Dragon's tail, Shikhi.
Quick answer
Ketu (Ketu) is the malefic graha that signifies moksha, detachment, occult. It rules Not a physical planet — co-rulers: Scorpio / Pisces, reaches exaltation in Scorpio (some schools say Sagittarius), and becomes debilitated in Taurus (some schools say Gemini). In the Vimshottari dasha system, Ketu’s mahadasha lasts 7 years. Its presiding deity is Ganesha / Chitragupta, its weekday is Saturday (shared with Shani), its primary gemstone is Cat's eye (Lehsunia), and its bija mantra is Om Ketave Namah. When strong in a kundali, it produces deep spiritual insight, psychic sensitivity; when weak, it can bring sudden losses or disappearances.
Own signs
Not a physical planet — co-rulers: Scorpio / Pisces
Exalts in
Scorpio (some schools say Sagittarius)
Debilitates
Taurus (some schools say Gemini)
Mulatrikona
—
Dasha
7 years
Deity
Ganesha / Chitragupta
Weekday
Saturday (shared with Shani)
Direction
North-West
Element
Fire
Guna
Tamas
Gemstone
Cat's eye (Lehsunia)
Metal
Iron
What Ketu signifies (karakatva)
In classical Jyotish, every graha is the karaka (significator) of specific life areas and body parts. Ketu rules the following karakatva in a birth chart:
Body parts: Spine, Belly (navel), Digestive system.
When Ketu is strong
(In own sign, exalted, aspected by benefics, or well-placed in kendra/trikona)
- ✦Deep spiritual insight, psychic sensitivity
- ✦Mastery of occult, mystical, or research fields
- ✦Release of karmic burdens
- ✦Intuitive mastery in past-life talents
When Ketu is weak
(Debilitated, combust, in dusthana 6/8/12, or aspected by malefics)
- ✦Sudden losses or disappearances
- ✦Confusion, headaches, unexplained illnesses
- ✦Isolation, disconnection, depression
- ✦Inability to hold onto worldly gains
Planetary friendships (graha maitri)
Friends
Venus, Saturn, Mercury
Enemies
Sun, Moon
Neutral
Mars, Jupiter
Classical remedies (upaya)
- 1Chant Ganesha mantra (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)
- 2Donate multi-coloured cloth or blankets
- 3Wear cat's eye (after testing) on Saturday
- 4Spend time in spiritual retreat
- 5Care for dogs and wounded animals
⚠ Gemstones are powerful. Always wear on trial for 15 days before committing. Consult a qualified Jyotish before wearing blue sapphire (Neelam), hessonite (Gomed) or cat’s eye (Lehsunia).
Frequently asked about Ketu
- What does Ketu (Ketu) represent in Vedic astrology?
- Ketu is the karaka (significator) of moksha, detachment, occult, past-life mastery. Classically considered a malefic graha of Tamas guna and Fire element. Its mahadasha runs for 7 years in the Vimshottari cycle. The south node. Ketu is moksha — detachment, past-life mastery, and the release of what you no longer need.
- What are the effects of a strong Ketu?
- When Ketu is well-placed — in own sign (Not a physical planet — co-rulers: Scorpio / Pisces), in exaltation (Scorpio (some schools say Sagittarius)), or aspected by benefics — typical results are: Deep spiritual insight, psychic sensitivity; Mastery of occult, mystical, or research fields; Release of karmic burdens; Intuitive mastery in past-life talents.
- What are the effects of a weak or afflicted Ketu?
- A debilitated (Taurus (some schools say Gemini)), combust, or badly aspected Ketu can produce: Sudden losses or disappearances; Confusion, headaches, unexplained illnesses; Isolation, disconnection, depression; Inability to hold onto worldly gains. The severity depends on house placement and the running dasha/antardasha.
- What are the remedies for Ketu?
- Chant Ganesha mantra (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah). Donate multi-coloured cloth or blankets. Wear cat's eye (after testing) on Saturday. Mantra: Om Ketave Namah · Om Srāṁ Srīṁ Srauṁ Saḥ Ketave Namah. Gemstone: Cat's eye (Lehsunia) (always test for 15 days before permanent wear). Weekday: Saturday (shared with Shani).
- Which gemstone and mantra are associated with Ketu?
- Gemstone: Cat's eye (Lehsunia), worn in Iron. Primary mantra: Om Ketave Namah · Om Srāṁ Srīṁ Srauṁ Saḥ Ketave Namah. Deity: Ganesha / Chitragupta. Wear or worship on Saturday (shared with Shani).
- Who are the friends and enemies of Ketu in classical Jyotish?
- Friends: Venus, Saturn, Mercury. Enemies: Sun, Moon. Neutral: Mars, Jupiter. These friendships govern mutual aspects and conjunctions in chart interpretation.
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