Vedic astrology · graha · a shadow planet and a malefic
Ketu
Detachment, insight, past-life skill and liberation.
At a glance
- Signifies
- detachment, insight, past-life skill and liberation
- Nature
- a shadow planet and a malefic
- Exalted
- Scorpio, deepest at 20°
- Debilitated
- Taurus, deepest at 20°
- Own signs
- Scorpio
- Gemstone
- Cat's eye
Ketu mahadasha: 7 years
A quiet, inward period: detachment, sudden endings, spiritual interest and skills from the past. Let go of what is finished.
In the Vimshottari order it follows the Mercury dasha and is followed by Venus. Your first dasha is set by the nakshatra of your Moon at birth: anyone born with the Moon in Ashwini, Magha or Mula starts life in the Ketu dasha.
The nakshatras of Ketu
Ketu in each house
- 1st house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 7th: an unusual or foreign spouse and an obsession with partnership; strangely detached from yourself.
- 2nd house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 8th: occult interests, sudden events, other people's money; an odd relation to wealth and speech.
- 3rd house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 9th: unorthodox beliefs, foreign teachers and long journeys; small efforts let go.
- 4th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 10th: burning ambition and a sudden rise in career or fame; detached from home.
- 5th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 11th: big gains, big networks, wishes fulfilled, another of Rahu's best houses; detached from romance.
- 6th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 12th: foreign lands, hidden expenses, spiritual seeking and vivid dreams; enemies fall away without a fight.
- 7th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 1st: hungry to make a name and an image; partnerships feel karmic, and you learn to stand alone.
- 8th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 2nd: hunger for money, food and a voice; uncanny intuition about hidden things.
- 9th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 3rd: fearless effort, media and courage, a famous placement for success; inherited faith is questioned.
- 10th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 4th: restless at home, longing for land and a mother's comfort; detached from status.
- 11th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 5th: unusual romances, speculation and a sharp, unconventional mind; little care for crowds.
- 12th house: Ketu here, Rahu in the 6th: victory over enemies, illness and rivals, one of Rahu's best houses; spiritual sleep and vivid dreams.
Ketu in the 7th and the 10th
- In the 7th house
- A partner who feels known from another life: a spiritual or detached bond, and lessons about letting go in love.
- In the 10th house
- Ketu in the 10th makes you detached from titles: skilled and respected, but drawn to work that serves something higher.
Yogas of Ketu
- Kaal Sarpa
- All seven grahas between Rahu and Ketu: a life of strong ups and downs and a powerful drive toward one aim.
The nine grahas
Questions and answers
What does Ketu signify in Vedic astrology?
Detachment, insight, past-life skill and liberation. It is a shadow planet and a malefic.
How long is the Ketu mahadasha?
7 years. A quiet, inward period: detachment, sudden endings, spiritual interest and skills from the past. Let go of what is finished.
Where is Ketu exalted and debilitated?
Exalted in Scorpio (deepest at 20°), debilitated in Taurus.
What is the gemstone of Ketu?
Cat's eye, by tradition. Astrologers advise wearing it only after the whole chart has been read.