☊ Rahu (The North Lunar Node) in Vedic Astrology
Rahu is the north lunar node and represents illusion, obsession, and worldly desires in Vedic astrology. Unlike the physical planets, Rahu is a mathematical point calculated from the Moon's orbit. Ancient Vedic texts provide detailed observations about Rahu's movements, eclipse phenomena, and various effects that were believed to influence earthly events.
Rahu's primary role in astrology is related to eclipses. The ancient texts describe Rahu as a demon's head that was granted the power to eclipse the Sun and Moon. These observations form an important part of classical Vedic astrological texts.
The Nature of Rahu
A demon's head, though cut off for having devoured nectar, is still not deprived of life as a result of the potency of nectar. That head became a planet, so declare the ancient sages.
Rahu's disc is similar in form to those of the Sun and the Moon, but he is not visible in the heavens except on Parva days (New and Full Moon days) on account of his blackness in color. Owing to a boon conferred by Brahma, he is visible only at the time of eclipses and not on other days.
The Legend of Rahu
Simhika begged of Sage Kasyapa at an unseasonal hour for progeny. Enraged at this untimely request, he gave her a son who was dreadful like Yama. This son came to be called Rahu.
After performing severe penance for 10,000 divine years on the summit of the Himalayas, Rahu asked God Brahma to confer on him the status of a planet, immortality, victory over the Gods and power to devour the two luminaries.
God Vishnu hurled his discus and chopped his head off, saying: "Let the creator's words not go to waste. In your respective periods you may devour the two luminaries and thereby indicate good and bad things for the world."
The Form of Rahu
One school of learned men says that Rahu—son of Simhika—is of a serpentine form with only the face and the tail; while another class maintains that he is formless and of the nature of pure darkness.
If Rahu has a form, travels in the zodiac, possesses a head and has a circular orb, how is it that he whose movement is fixed and uniform seizes the two luminaries who are situated 180° away from him? If his gait has not been fixed, how is his exact position determined by calculation?
Rahu and Eclipses
Rahu is primarily known for his role in causing eclipses. The ancient texts describe the scientific basis of eclipses and Rahu's relationship to these celestial phenomena.
Lunar Eclipses
In a lunar eclipse, the Moon enters the shadow of the Earth. Therefore, the lunar eclipse does not commence at the western limb.
Just as the shadow of a tree goes on increasing on one side on account of the motion of the Sun, so is the case with the Earth's shadow every night by its hiding the Sun during its rotation.
Solar Eclipses
In a solar eclipse, the solar disc is obscured. The Moon moving from the west conceals the solar disc from below just like a cloud. The solar eclipse is therefore different in various countries according to the visibility of the eclipsed disc.
If the Moon, in her course towards the East and placed in the 7th house from the Sun, does not swerve much either to the north or the south, she enters the shadow of the earth.
Eclipse Characteristics
| Eclipse Type | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Lunar Eclipse | The concealing agency is very big, so the luminous horns are blunt |
| Solar Eclipse | The concealing agency is small, so the luminous horns are sharp |
| Semi-lunar Eclipse | Half of the Moon is visible with blunt horns |
| Semi-solar Eclipse | Half of the Sun is visible with sharp horns |
Eclipse Timing and Calculation
The magnitude of the Sun's eclipse is to be determined by the Moon's deflection (parallax). The direction in which the eclipse commences has to be found out through the deflection and angles of the Moon. The actual time of the eclipse has to be found out by noting the exact time of conjunction of the Sun and the Moon.
An eclipse can by no means be ascertained through symptoms in the form of portents. For, these latter, such as fall of meteors, occur at other times also. It is not correct to say that an eclipse cannot occur unless five planets combine.
Rahu's Boon and Significance
The following boon has been conferred by Brahman on Rahu, the Demon: "You shall have to live and rest satisfied with whatever gifts and oblations that may be given at the time of an eclipse." During that period his presence is recognised.
There are two places or nodes for the Moon caused by her deviation south or north and this is ascertained by astronomical calculation. The ascending node is termed Rahu, while the descending node is termed Ketu.
Eclipse Varieties
Savya Eclipse
When the lunar eclipse commences from the southeast, it is called Savya. When Rahu is on the southern side of the Sun or the Moon during an eclipse, floods will occur and there will be happiness and freedom from fear.
Apasavya Eclipse
When the lunar eclipse commences from the north-east, it is called Apasavya. In the case of the solar eclipse, the respective directions are northwest and southwest.
Leha Eclipse
The eclipse is called Leha where the orb of the Sun or the Moon is enveloped (as if licked) by darkness. All beings will be happy and there will be abundance of water all over the earth.
Grasana Eclipse
When a third or a fourth part of the disc or even half is concealed by darkness, it is called Grasana. A flourishing king will suffer loss of wealth and countries will suffer devastation.
Nirodha Eclipse
When Rahu eclipses the disc all round leaving a lump of thick darkness in the middle, it is called Nirodha. The effect of this will be that all creatures will be happy.
Avamardana Eclipse
When Rahu conceals the entire orb and is in that position for a considerably long period, it is called Avamardana. The result will be the destruction of leading kings and important countries.
Eclipse Colors and Effects
White color: Peace and prosperity all over, but the Brahmins will suffer.
Color like fire: Risk from fire and people who live by fire (gold and silversmiths) will suffer.
Parrot's hue: Outbreak of diseases and crops will be destroyed by excessive rain.
Reddish or tawny: Quick-footed animals such as camels and Mlechchas will suffer and there will be famine.
Rays of rising Sun: Famine and drought and birds will suffer.
Grey color: Prosperity all round and limited rain.
Planetary Aspects During Eclipses
Mercury Aspect
When Mercury aspects the eclipsed Sun or the Moon, ghee, honey and oil will become dear and rare and kings will suffer.
Mars Aspect
If Mars should aspect either of them in such a condition, there would be outbreak of war, risk from fire and danger from thieves.
Venus Aspect
If Venus be the aspecting planet, there will be destruction of crops and there will also arise various miseries and troubles in the land.
Saturn Aspect
When Saturn is the planet that is aspecting, rains will fail, famine and risk from thieves will result.
Jupiter Aspect
Whatever untoward effects have been declared as a result of aspects by planets on either of the luminaries, the intensity will be toned down and they will prove auspicious if only Jupiter's aspect falls on the same, just as blazing fire is put out by water.
Note: The ancient texts describe in detail the effects of eclipses occurring in different lunar months and zodiac signs, affecting various regions and classes of people. These effects are based on the classical Vedic astrological observations and should be understood in their historical and cultural context.