What is the significance of Rahu in astrology and how to understand its profound effects

In Vedic astrology, Rahu is regarded as a highly enigmatic and influential shadow planet, counted among the malefic planets. Though it does not physically exist, its force and influence are powerful enough to alter the course of a person's life. Rahu is linked with adventurous yet risky decisions, deceit, untruth, illusion and material desires. It arouses intense ambitions in the mind and pushes a person to break boundaries, whether the path is moral or immoral.

Rahu does not rule any zodiac sign but is exalted in Gemini and debilitated in Sagittarius. Among the 27 nakshatras, it governs Ardra, Swati and Shatabhisha. Its nature is changeable, unpredictable and complex, symbolizing sudden turns in life and unexpected gains or losses.

Astronomical and symbolic nature of Rahu

Rahu is a shadow planet representing the eclipse yoga formed with the Sun and Moon. When the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, facing the Sun, the shadow cast on Earth is known as Rahu. In astrology, this shadow is considered the head of the demon Swarbhanu, severed from Ketu by Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. This story symbolizes Rahu as an indicator of unfulfilled desires and incomplete ambitions carried over from past lives.

Rahu Kaal - the inauspicious period of the day

According to the Hindu calendar, there is an inauspicious period of about one and a half hours known as Rahu Kaal. This time is considered unfavorable for starting any auspicious work as it is believed to cause delays, obstacles and failure. The exact time varies according to location and date. Traditional belief advises against travel, purchases or new ventures during this period.

Influence of Rahu in the birth chart

1. Physical appearance and nature

• Rahu in the ascendant gives an attractive, influential and courageous personality.
• Such individuals are socially active but may face instability in married life.
• It makes the person ambitious, though sometimes inclined towards greed and materialism.

2. Strong Rahu

• When influenced by benefic planets, Rahu grants intelligence, fame, respect and luxury.
• It brings political success, business expansion and social recognition.
• Such Rahu makes a person visionary, innovative and able to find opportunities even in adverse situations.

3. Afflicted Rahu

• Malefic Rahu causes deceit, fraud, addictions and irreligious tendencies.
• It creates mental confusion, indecisiveness and stress.
• Health issues linked with afflicted Rahu include hiccups, mental disorders, intestinal diseases, ulcers and gastric troubles.

Elements associated with Rahu

Category	Details
Professions	Politics, law, hunting, diplomacy, magic, theft
Products	Meat, liquor, gutkha, tobacco, cigarettes
Places	Gambling dens, liquor shops, garbage heaps
Animals & Birds	Poisonous creatures, black and brown animals
Herb	Cyperus rotundus root
Gemstone	Hessonite (Gomed)
Rudraksha	Eight-faced Rudraksha
Yantra	Rahu Yantra
Color	Dark blue

Mantras of Rahu

• Vedic Mantra: Om kaya nashchitra aa bhuvadooti sadavridhah sakha. Kaya shachishthaya vruta.
• Tantric Mantra: Om ram rahave namah
• Beej Mantra: Om bhram bhreem bhroum sah rahave namah

Chanting these mantras helps in pacifying Rahu and reducing its malefic influence.

Auspicious and inauspicious traits of Rahu

• Auspicious Rahu: In the 3rd, 6th, 10th or 11th upachaya houses, Rahu gives political prominence, business growth, technological success and luxury.
• Inauspicious Rahu: In the 5th house, it may deny progeny, in the 8th house it can cause accidents and in the 12th house it can create imprisonment possibilities.

Remedies for Rahu

1. Keep a handful of mixed grains by the pillow at night and feed them to birds in the morning.
2. Wash barley with milk and immerse it in water if Rahu is severely afflicted.
3. If Rahu conjoins Jupiter and causes defamation, immerse barley or coal equal to your weight in water.
4. Apply saffron tilak on the navel, forehead and tongue to overcome addictions.