Rahu

Rahu Planet is actually not a planet. In reality, it is an intelligent concept which is unique to Indian astrology. The two nodes where the trajectory of Earth round the Sun, and the trajectory of Moon around the earth intersect are named as Rahu and Ketu. Consideration of these two lunar nodes/imaginary planets lends more precision to analysis in astrology. As per Hindu mythology, Rahu is the head of the demon, and is responsible for solar eclipse when Sun, Moon and Earth align in common zodiacal longitude. In Sanskrit language, there is a prayer to Rahu which reads;

"Ardha-kayam maha-viryam chandraditya-vimardanam
simhika-garbha-sambhutam tam rahum pranamamy aham"

The above lines are in praise of the Rahu Planet and it tells that the worshipper by bowing down to Rahu praises the famous warrior who splits even the Sun and Moon in two half, born from Simhikaa` womb.

In the old scriptures on Vedic astrology, there is no mention of Rahu and Ketu, it counterpart. Rahu`s name appeared first in the great epic of Mahabharata, when the churning of the Ocean of Milk is described. Churning of Ocean is done to find ambrosia. Ambrosia is the elixir of immortality and it is called `amrita` in Sanskrit Language. Rahu was Danava Vipracitti`s son and his mother was Simhika. Maya, a Danava or Rakshasa, the famous architect and magician was his brother.

According to mythology, 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 not permitted 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 the disguise of Rahu, and revealed it to Lord Vishnu. Enraged Vishnu cut the head of Rahu. Since the nectar had reached the neck of Rahu by that time, 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 Moon and Sun, by constantly causing Lunar and Solar eclipses.

Rahu is regarded as a Shudra graha, which rules illiteracy and uncultured people. In horoscopes, it is considered to be a malefic planet, which signifies thieves, witches, venom, magicians, snake, jails, spies, criminals, cemeteries, terrorists, etc. People dealing in occult, mainly 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, failures, frustration, etc, if not placed in the advantageous position. At the same time, if in favour of the person, Rahu grants success, unexpected gains, strengthen one`s powers and turns foes into friends.

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 is regarded as the own house of Rahu. As Rahu is related to Saturn and as Saturn is the friend of Mercury, Rahu is in favour of Mercury Planet, Venus Planet and Saturn Planet. The enemies of Rahu are Moon, Sun and Mars. Rahu also relates to the mind, and can give brooding habits, fights and trifles to an ignorant man. The favourite colour of Rahu is Black and Blue and the favourite day is Saturday. The favourite gemstone of Rahu is Hessonite and the favourite God or Deity of this planet is Lord Hanuman. Rahu provides strength and success and makes human beings to realize the best and worst aspects of human potential.

Positin of Rahu in the Rashi System
The placement of Rahu in a zodiac considerably diminishes or changes the powers of that Rashi in our natal chart. To counteract it, one should give extra attention to the qualities of that particular sign. In Aries Rahu establishes every friendly aspects of the zodiac and leaves aggressiveness and drive. The person needs to increase the inheriting traits of individuality and drive in him. Negatively, the person may be non-individual, always leaning on the opinion of others. If positively changed, the person can be an achiever when in the right fields of leadership. Rahu in Taurus can diminish the natural benefits, and therefore one needs to be aware of loosing out on patience and stability, which happens to be the greatest assets of this sign. The intense emotions have to be controlled to get the real things in life. Negatively, a person can be demanding without working out in life. A person achieves great success when he or she overcomes the negative characteristics by working hard. In Gemini Rahu does not necessarily lessen the quick thinking and intellect, but can greatly effect communication skills. One needs to improve on this aspect in order to gain basic success in life.

Rahu in cancer forces the person to get serious early in life, probably due to certain mishaps of childhood. The feelings have to be let out to be comfortable with oneself, and one`s family. It is thus required to make a strenuous effect to make the life stable. Rahu in Leo forces the person to hide his/her feelings of being openly creative or being the centre of applause. A person with genuine talent should not let this combination ruin their share of joy. They should come out and bask in creativity with fearless pride. In Virgo Rahu fuels imagination and love for finer things and beauty. But it can diminish the sense of practical viewpoint which is so necessary. A friendly and romantic ambience encompasses such people. But a down to earth attitude will make them brilliant achievers as this combination favour success. Rahu in Libra attacks the very sweetness of this sign, forcing the people to be more pushy and aggressive. This influence also affects their relationships with people, let alone romance. Gentleness, diplomacy and charm should be practiced to acquire more fulfilling life. Beauty and arts should be the integral part of life to increase the happiness.

Rahu in scorpio produces people with simplistic approach in life with high sense of contention from whatever they have. Sexual ecstasy and deep insights is alien to them. They should practice to broaden their horizons, go deep within themselves and their sexuality. Rahu in Sagittarius produces intelligent and clever thinking, though long term visions and ideals may just be lacking. The person should make use of education and experience to lay a solid and ambitious foundation for his success in life. The alliance of Rahu with Capricorn makes one a sentimental, family oriented person. You are a natural disciplinarian. Once you acquire practical viewpoint, one will achieve success irrespective of odds. Rahu and Aquarius combination brings out the natural good side of the zodiac to be person of masses. The drawback being, the person usually attaches his or her egos with the same, and starts treating others as slaves than actual friends. They have to let go of this habit to be truly generous and friendly and to reap the rewards Rahu brings. Working hard and living practically is all-consummate for life of people with the amalgamation of Rahu and Pisces. The person has to consciously see the romantic, creative and spiritual side in their life to be truly enriching.

According to Skanda Purana, Rahu is helps in fortifying the power of an individual and converts even the foe into a friend. Even the result of a snake bite can also be removed by Rahu`s grace.