Asuras

Rahu

Other names- Rahu

Rahu, the great warrior who divides even the Sun and Moon in half, is born from the womb of Simhikaa. Rahu is not an actual planet. In reality, it is an intelligent concept unique to Indian astrology. The two nodes where Earth’s trajectory round the Sun and Moon’s trajectory around the Earth intersects are named as Rahu and Ketu. Consideration of these two lunar nodes / imaginary planets lends more precision to analysis in astrology. According to Hindu mythology, Rahu is the head of the demon and is responsible for solar eclipse when Sun, moon and Earth aligns in common zodiacal longitude.

Mythology states that when Lord Vishnu extracted the nectar of immortality by churning the sea, he invited Gods and Gods only, to drink it. Rahu being a demon was prohibited to attend the distribution ceremony. Hence, Rahu disguised himself as God and drank the nectar, sitting between the Sun and moon gods. Both the gods came to know the reality of Rahu’s disguise and revealed it to Lord Vishnu. Enraged Vishnu cut the head of Rahu. Since the nectar had reached Rahu’s neck by then, the head survived, while the rest of the body turned to ashes. Later, the rest of the body was revived and was named Ketu. As the story goes, since then, both the planets are hell bent on taking revenge with Sun and Moon, by constantly causing Solar and Lunar eclipses. Garlic sprang up wherever drops of Rahu’s blood fell to earth; its medicinal qualities ( long and healthy life) are like those of Amrit but it has a Rahu-like effect (tamasic) on the minds of those who consume it.

Rahu is a legendary master of deception. Rahu is considered to be a Shudra graha, which rules illiteracy and uncultured people. In horoscopes it is considered to be a malefic planet, which signifies thieves, witches, magicians, venom, snake, jails, cemeteries, spies, criminals, terrorists etc. People dealing in occult, especially dark magic are deeply influenced by this planet. Rahu is similar to Saturn in its effects. Hence Rahu can also subject one with unexpected losses, frustration, failures etc, if not placed in the advantageous position. At the same time, if in favor of the person, Rahu grants success, unexpected gains, strengthen one’s powers and turns foes in friends. Rahu is the Significator of faulty logic, harsh speech, outcaste, an irreligious person, going to a foreign country, unclean, Bones, abdominal ulcers, falsehood.

Rahu is instinctual and animalistic in nature. It craves for pleasures, and is never satisfied with the gains. Fame, success in politics, money and physical attractions are all granted by this planet. And yet the ambition never seems to be fulfilled. It is said to be exalted in Taurus giving auspicious results in Libra as well. Virgo can be considered to be Rahu’s own house as Rahu is similar to Saturn and Mercury is the friend of Saturn. Rahu likes its friends Mercury, Saturn and Venus. The enemies are Sun, Moon and Mars. This planet relates to the mind and can give brooding habits, fights and trifles to an ignorant man. RAHU is debilitated in Scorpio. When it is weak then it causes diseases of phlegm, intestines, skin, nervous system, ulcers, blood pressure, heart trouble, psychic disturbances, insanity, leprosy, insect bite, and cancer etc.

Rahu’s favorite color: Blue, Black.
Rahu’s favorite Day: Saturday.
Rahu’s favorite gemstone: Hessonite.
Rahu’s favorite God/ Deity: Lord Hanuman.
Rahu’s element is air and direction is south-west.
Rahu as a provider of success and strength makes the mankind realize its best and worst aspects of human potential.
The Puranas say that Rahu is instrumental in strengthening one's power and converting even an enemy into a friend. Even the effect of snakebite could be removed by his grace. Success of effort is a blessing of Rahu as he stands for vigor and valour. Following the direction of your Rahu is quite a bit like being a sailor in ancient times. To keep their boats on course toward their destination, sailors kept looking for the North Star (one of the brightest stars in the sky) to get where they were going. They encountered many obstacles on their journeys - pirates, fog, thunderstorms, marshy swamps and more - yet they kept their focus on the North Star to guide them safely to their goal. Perhaps you have pirates, fog, thunderstorms and other distractions in your life, too! Whether it is irritating people, confusion about relationships or goals, or your own strong emotions, when you get thrown off course by situations and events in your life, you can look to your Rahu sign to help you get back on track.
In numerology, Rahu’s number is four. Number four people are rebellious, non –conformist, uncertain, opposition, unpredictable and creative.