The Liberating Tail
☋ South Lunar NodeKetu · The Sage · The Ascetic · The Gatekeeper of Moksha
Ketu dissolves ego attachments, pointing toward moksha and intuitive mastery.
Ketu, the headless tail of the cosmic serpent, severs worldly attachments to reveal the soul’s deepest wisdom. He is the mystic who finds freedom through surrender.
A balanced Ketu awakens intuition, spiritual depth, and fearless detachment. When imbalanced, he can scatter consciousness, causing confusion or dissociation from the tangible world.
Core Identity
Names
Sanskrit: Ketu
English: South Lunar Node
Archetype
The Sage · The Ascetic · The Gatekeeper of Moksha
Anthropomorphic Form
A headless sage with radiant aura, seated in meditation on a smoky pedestal, holding a flag symbolizing victory over ego.
Devata Guidance
Adhi Devta: Lord Ganesha
Pratyadi Devta: Matsya Avatar
Mantras
- Main mantra: Om Sram Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah
- Beej mantra: Om Ketave Namah
Astronomical & Physical Aspects
Distance & Orbit
Shadow point opposite Rahu
Orbital period: 18.6 years retrograde
Appearance
Shadow; mathematical point
Rhythms
Day: Tuesday (shared) / Thursday dawn
Direction: North-East
Associations
- Metal: Ashtadhatu, brass
- Gemstone: Cat's Eye (Lehsunia)
- Color: Smoky white, teal
- Element: Fire fused with Ether
Astrological Core Properties
Essence
Gender: Neutral
Nature: Shadow planet promoting detachment
Varna: Moksha-driven renunciate
Guna: Sattva with Tamas
Temperament
Temperament: Dry and Fiery
Speed: Retrograde motion mirroring Rahu
Karakatva
- Liberation, spirituality, moksha
- Past life karmas, ancestors
- Sudden separations, surgery
- Mysticism, occult insights
Zodiac Relationships
Ownership & Strength
Own signs: Scorpio
Mooltrikona: Sagittarius (traditionally)
Exaltation: Scorpio
Debilitation: Taurus
Allies & Adversaries
- Friendly signs: Mars, Jupiter, Sun
- Enemy signs: Moon
- Neutral signs: Venus, Saturn, Mercury
Planetary Relationships
Permanent Relationships
- Friends: Mars, Jupiter, Sun
- Enemies: Moon
- Neutrals: Venus, Saturn, Mercury
Temporary Relationships
- Friends: Planets in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th from Ketu
- Enemies: Planets in 12th, 5th, 9th from Ketu
Functional Nature
- Benefic: For Cancer, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Pisces Lagnas when spiritually engaged
- Malefic: For Taurus, Gemini, Leo Lagnas when imbalanced
Planetary Drishti
Aspects 5th, 7th, and 9th houses like Rahu
Karakas · Life Domains
| Area | Role |
|---|---|
| Spiritual liberation | Encourages surrender, meditation, and insight into impermanence. |
| Sudden severance | Indicates endings, surgeries, and karmic release from attachments. |
Houses & Strength
Strength Zones
- Strong in: 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th
- Weak in: 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th
Special Considerations
- Digbala: Sagittarius spiritual direction
- Ashtakavarga: High bindus bring deep insight; low bindus may cause confusion or escapism
- Retrograde: Always retrograde; fosters inward detachment
- Combust: Non-applicable but conjunction with Sun eclipses karmic ego
Planetary Periods
Mahadasha Duration
7 years
Key Effects
- Intense spiritual awakenings or separations
- Heightened intuition, interest in healing arts
- Need to avoid escapism or self-isolation
Nakshatra Allies
Ashwini, Magha, Mula
Transit Wisdom
Ketu's 18-month transit mirrors Rahu; it severs attachments to help align with soul purpose
Conjunctions & Yogas
Best Pairings
- Ketu + Jupiter = spiritual devotion
- Ketu + Mars = disciplined mystic warrior
Tense Alignments
- Ketu + Moon = emotional detachment
- Ketu + Venus = austere love lessons
Special Yogas
- Ketu in 12th gives Moksha Yoga
- Sarpa Yogas emphasizing karmic release
Remedies & Balancing
Mantras & Yantras
- Ganapati Atharvashirsha
- Ketu Beej Mantra
- Yantra: Ketu Yantra on copper or bhojpatra
Gemstones & Fasting
- Gemstone: Cat's eye in silver (expert advice essential)
- Fasting: Tuesday/Saturday fast with neem leaves
Charity & Puja
- Donate blankets, help stray animals, support monasteries
- Puja: Worship Lord Ganesha or Bhairava, practice meditation, offer incense at dawn
Mythological Story
Ketu, the tail of the celestial serpent, represents the body that fell away when Rahu was beheaded. Without a head, he seeks inner light beyond sensory distractions.