On September 24, 2020 Rāhu, the north node moves into sidereal Taurus, as Ketu, the south node moves into Scorpio, transiting these signs until April 12, 2022*
*mean node calculation
Rāhu points us eagerly forward; sometimes, obsessively so, as we reach for new goals and attainments. But as we do so, Ketu points us back, to a past we cannot ignore, unless we are to continue to make the same old mistakes. Even if we are fully aware of our mistakes, we are likely to repeat them. Certainly, societies and nations are, as ancestral missteps are passed along to their descendants.
The nodes are appropriately symbolized as a head and tail of a serpent in Indian astrology, while the image of a serpent devouring its own tail, the Ouroboros, is apt.
*mean node calculation
Rāhu points us eagerly forward; sometimes, obsessively so, as we reach for new goals and attainments. But as we do so, Ketu points us back, to a past we cannot ignore, unless we are to continue to make the same old mistakes. Even if we are fully aware of our mistakes, we are likely to repeat them. Certainly, societies and nations are, as ancestral missteps are passed along to their descendants.
The nodes are appropriately symbolized as a head and tail of a serpent in Indian astrology, while the image of a serpent devouring its own tail, the Ouroboros, is apt.
Ouroboros
The symbol of an entangled serpent or dragon represents a loop we get caught in. The more we struggle to get out, the tighter the bind. We cannot lie, cheat, or manipulate (Rāhu) our way out of it, as much as we think we can, and we cannot ignore it (Ketu), either.
Following the transit of the nodes allows us to make a bit more sense of the pattern we are stuck in, over time. How much we can change the pattern remains to be seen, but we can certainly make patterns more conscious - we can be a little more objective about them, at least.
As individuals, we can do much to change the story we have on repeat, a subconscious pattern we play on a loop. Whether we can change the essence of the story, or the soul’s need to live it out, again and again, is another matter. The soul seeks to repeat patterns until we are done with them, even if the mind and body are unwilling or unable. The soul keeps records and plays them joyously on repeat.
History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes.
- Mark Twain
One of the ways we can begin to tune into the nodes' transits in signs is to see the last time they visited a particular section of the zodiac, in their 18.5-year cycle, to see some similar themes play out, in our lives and on the world stage.
Ketu in Scorpio: Healing Past Trauma
The power of Ketu in Scorpio is to remove fears and to heal past traumas. We may, however, be too eager to leave something unresolved in the past, something which festers if it is not dealt with fully. At some point, there is a reopening of the wound. Therapists refer to retraumatizing through repeated exposure. Either we ignore the problem and let it get infected, or we obsess over it and do not allow the scab to fully heal. Either way, we are left with a scar.
Ketu represents our default programming, in many ways. It’s what we seem to gravitate towards when under duress, what’s more familiar to us, an old pattern we get stuck in. It’s that thing we’ve always done and can easily fall back into when the going gets tough. But it also points to something we wish to move on from, even past lives, and all the baggage that entails, both personal and collective. If we ignore it, we are doomed to repeat it. Heck, even if we do acknowledge it, it may still happen, as we continue to keep it alive in our awareness. On and on it goes, life after life, death after death.
In September 2020, Ketu returns to Scorpio, triggering the solar eclipse which occurs on December 14, as the Sun and Moon join Ketu at the juncture between Scorpio and Sagittarius, the section of the zodiac known in Indian astrology known as gaṇḍānta, the ‘ending’ (anta) place in the zodiac where both solar and lunar signs end, where ‘knots’ (gaṇḍā) come undone before being remade anew, before we become anchored to something else.
This is a highly sensitized new beginning, of course, as we move from one mode of being to another, from one life stage to the next, sometimes, even from one life to the next.
These knots in the zodiac are highly volatile, as we have already seen in the recent Beirut explosion as Ketu transits through the Scorpio/Sagittarius juncture, bringing up the issue of negligence. Ketu certainly represents the possibility of negligence, but it also brings us back to our roots, spiritually speaking, removing things which stand in the way of this, including life itself many times. The destruction that is possible is shocking and uprooting, leaving many shaken to their core. For onlookers, all seems lost, left without an anchor, unless we can orientate ourselves to the spiritual, our essence nature and eternal Self.
The last time Ketu was in Scorpio was in 2002/2003, when we saw the invasion of Iraq by the United States, subsequent to the 9/11 attacks. Ketu wants to root out the problem and is more than willing and able to do so while in Scorpio. Ketu is seen by many as being exalted in Scorpio. It is also said to co-rule the sign along with Mars, so it is very much at home and willing to fight.
In 2002, there was the Bali bombing. Ketu intensifies Mars’ impulse in Scorpio, which is to destroy something, promoting secret activities and terrorist attacks. Rāhu, on other hand, points to blocks to Taurus on the other side of the zodiac, which includes luxury hotels, for example. The Marriott bombing in Indonesia in 2003 is another example, which occurred just as Rāhu and Ketu were finishing up their transit in Taurus and Scorpio.
Other events the last time Ketu was in Scorpio and Rāhu was in Taurus were riots and mass killings in Gujarat, India, while Israel began construction of the West Bank barrier. Chechen rebels seized a theatre in Moscow (again, Taurus relates to the arts), and the Guantanamo Bay detention camp was established, where untold horrors and torture have occurred since. Ketu represents hidden activity, all the more hidden and intense as it transits Scorpio, while Rāhu in Taurus shows the need to gain security and stability - by any means necessary.
Scorpio is our insecurity and vulnerability which we wish to rid ourselves of while Ketu transits the sign.
In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein, rooting him out from his hiding place. The ‘war on terror’ was a prime example of Ketu in Scorpio wishing to rid the world of terrorists, while Rāhu in Taurus promotes the need for peace – but with a heavy cost involved.
The only thing that Rāhu guarantees us is the need for something. We may create as many problems as we think we are solving in the process. These mistakes come back to haunt us in time. Eventually, the mistakes we make become the losses we must experience. The snake continues to swallow its own tail.
2003 also saw the completion of the Human Genome Project, which mapped 99% of the entire human genome. Ketu in Scorpio is ideal for research, which is one of the things which may be helpful while it transits the sign during a pandemic. It is likely we will see some valuable insights into viruses, ruled by Ketu, in the next 18 months. It is, however, just as likely that we will see some mutations. 2002 and 2003 also saw Ebola, SARS and Avian flu outbreaks, as Ketu transited the sign.
There are lots of examples of things coming to an end in 2003 as Ketu transited Mars’ sign, the planet of war. These included the end of the Congo and the Liberian Civil War, for example. So, all endings are not bad. We are likely to see the war on the current coronavirus take another major step forward while Ketu transits Scorpio, and who knows, perhaps even more insights into the nature of all viruses, after much research. Just like the nodes in myth, viruses are not alive. They hijack cells to proliferate, reminding us of the deceit in the story of how the nodes of the Moon were formed in myth, reflecting their ability to infiltrate and hide in cells. While in Scorpio, Ketu will likely root many things out from their hiding places.
During Rāhu and Ketu’s transit in Taurus and Scorpio, Venus and Mars become Rāhu and Ketu’s hosts, so keeping an eye on these planets’ transits will be helpful in understanding the dynamics involved.
Another significant event which occurred the last time Ketu was in Scorpio, in 2003, was when the Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed upon re-entry, killing all 7 crew members. Ketu represents losses, of course, but Ketu also represents mistakes and accidents. It is now believed that the shuttle’s demise was initiated during its launch, when a piece of foam broke off and struck the left wing. Although leaving no obvious damage, as is the nature of the nodes, it created excessive heat on the wing upon re-entry. It is precisely because we cannot see them that the nodes create such havoc.
Taking a step further back in time, between 1983 and 1985, as Ketu transited Scorpio and Rahu transited Taurus, we saw some big events and themes these two signs point towards; that is, resources, or the lack thereof.
In 1984, Band Aid drew our attention to the famine in Ethiopia with singers from around the world coming together to help. Taurus represents the voice, of course, while Ketu in Scorpio reminds us not to forget those in dire need of help. UK miners went on strike from March 1984, and for the following year, reflecting Ketu’s transit in Scorpio, representing resources held underground.
Another significant discovery for us today, as we trace the loop of the nodes back in time, was the identification of how HIV was spread, a complete mystery until Ketu moved into Scorpio in 1983, thereafter revealing some of its secrets.
Rāhu in Taurus: Security. Stability. Sustenance.
While Ketu is burying deep in Scorpio, either rooting out problems or avoiding the issues, depending, Rāhu in Taurus shows where the attention is directed to the world of things. Rāhu in Taurus shows a need to find more stability, security, even luxury, to make up for the losses, the sense of vulnerability brought about by Ketu in Scorpio. But it implies there are blocks to these things, too.
Famines are one example of the extreme blocks that are possible while Rāhu transits Taurus. Taurus represents food, family, and finances, all of which are intricately linked. Breaking bread together is a strong need, as is banding together with those who share similar values. Rāhu brings the need, but that is all its guaranteed to bring.
An example of the last transit of Rāhu in Taurus was the introduction of the Euro. It first entered circulation in 2002 as Rahu transited the sign. Rahu intensifies Venus’ impulse in Taurus, which is to secure something. A group of countries coming together with a common currency is one such example of the sign Taurus, the natural second house of the zodiac.
Rāhu’s transit in Taurus for the next 18 months suggests we are about to go through some economic adjustments, as money goes through a transformation and resources become a focal point. This will likely fuel innovations in how we spend, and the amount of money spent, but it will also likely highlight the stark contrast between ‘the haves and have nots’.
On the other side of the same coin (pardon the pun), the last time the nodes where in Taurus and Scorpio was when the US invaded Iraq, in 2002, as mentioned. The official US statement has been because of ‘weapons of mass destruction’, although there was no evidence of this prior or since, it seems. The motives are always hidden in Scorpio, and many believe that the US had a vested interest in invading Iraq, apart from the attempt to root out an ‘axis of evil’. Ketu in Scorpio shows the need to get rid of a perceived threat, but also the need for other’s hidden resources, including wealth buried underground such as oil.
In 2020/2021, during the pandemic, we will probably see this play out as a fight against the virus and the need for a cure, as well as the shady politics and financial incentives in producing a vaccine or cure. The nodes block us from seeing the full picture, so we are unlikely to be aware of this from the outset. This may express itself as a change in how countries share the resources - or not.
Another expression of Rāhu in Taurus may be the way we approach luxury items, or stockpile resources. Rāhu in Taurus can show greed and hoarding of wealth and resources.
Donald Trump’s Nodal Return
President Trump is one person to keep an eye on to see how the nodes' transit in Taurus and Scorpio will play out. That's because he is about to experience the nodes return to where they were when he was born. In other words, Donald Trump has Rāhu in Taurus and Ketu in Scorpio in his birth chart, and this transit will trigger them again in his life.
Ketu in Scorpio can reject anything that is deemed unsavoury, while Rāhu in Taurus wants more and more resources to feel secure.
Donald Trump is a good example of this combination, and how it can play out in more extreme ways, with Rāhu prominent in the 10th house of status and career, conjoined his ruling planet, the Sun. He was born within hours of a total lunar eclipse in Scorpio, in his 4th house of home, which highlights, or perhaps obscures, his home life and upbringing, casting a shadow on his personal life which he seems to compensate for by seeking recognition in the world of material riches.
The nodes are about to get triggered in his life in a big way, fuelling rejection on the one hand, and a strong need for power and resources on the other, possibly through a grab for power and resources at any cost, by any means necessary.
Mars and Venus will be important to watch during his nodal return, as they play host to the nodes, giving us another flavour of how they will express themselves. Mars brings war, on the one hand, but it has also brought an end to war. Venus brings a need for peace and safety, but it can bring blocks to these, too. In either case, do not expect the nodes, or Trump, to do what you expect. Expect the unexpected!
This is further accentuated by the position of Venus and Mars at the time of his nodal return (mean nodes). Venus, which shows how Rāhu’s greed can play out, will be transiting his second house of wealth, in Virgo, debilitated, bringing out a less savoury side. If you use the true node calculation, the nodal return occurs earlier, when Venus is in Leo, his rising sign, thus, promoting him. Mars shows how Ketu will play out in the next nodal cycle and will be retrograde in his 8th house of other people’s money and resources whether you use the mean or true node. The 8th house represents other people’s values, showing obstacles coming from others that he will likely reject or deny.
These feelings of rejection may trigger irrational and impulsive reactions. This begins as soon as Ketu moves into Scorpio from the end of September and through the end of the year, as he experiences the total solar eclipse where his natal Moon is placed, at 28 degrees of Scorpio, on December 14. This eclipse degree triggers the eclipsed Moon he was born under. This time, it’s a solar eclipse, which may show his loss of power. Even if he is re-elected, he may experience personal losses or attacks from hidden enemies, as the Moon rules his 12th house. He has already had several assassination attempts.
Because the nodes are returning to where they were when he was born, right at the time of the election, it may be an extreme result in one way or the other, i.e. he may lose big or win unexpectedly once again, or refuse to recognize the result, as he is already hinting at. Either way, I do not think it is going to be business as usual.
Remember, Ketu in 4th house with his Moon is basically about his feelings of rejection, while Rāhu in his 10th shows his need to get as much power in compensation for this. He may reject the outcome, or he may even reject the country and walk away from the election if it seems it is not going his way. Another possibility is that if this occurs, he may try some underhanded tactics to remain in power and fight it to the bitter end.
We should be clearer about what is going to play out as soon as Rāhu moves into Taurus and Ketu moves into Scorpio from the end of September – if being clear is a phrase that can ever be used when referring to the nodes!
Donald Trump’s Nodal Return
President Trump is one person to keep an eye on to see how the nodes' transit in Taurus and Scorpio will play out. That's because he is about to experience the nodes return to where they were when he was born. In other words, Donald Trump has Rāhu in Taurus and Ketu in Scorpio in his birth chart, and this transit will trigger them again in his life.
Ketu in Scorpio can reject anything that is deemed unsavoury, while Rāhu in Taurus wants more and more resources to feel secure.
Donald Trump is a good example of this combination, and how it can play out in more extreme ways, with Rāhu prominent in the 10th house of status and career, conjoined his ruling planet, the Sun. He was born within hours of a total lunar eclipse in Scorpio, in his 4th house of home, which highlights, or perhaps obscures, his home life and upbringing, casting a shadow on his personal life which he seems to compensate for by seeking recognition in the world of material riches.
The nodes are about to get triggered in his life in a big way, fuelling rejection on the one hand, and a strong need for power and resources on the other, possibly through a grab for power and resources at any cost, by any means necessary.
Mars and Venus will be important to watch during his nodal return, as they play host to the nodes, giving us another flavour of how they will express themselves. Mars brings war, on the one hand, but it has also brought an end to war. Venus brings a need for peace and safety, but it can bring blocks to these, too. In either case, do not expect the nodes, or Trump, to do what you expect. Expect the unexpected!
This is further accentuated by the position of Venus and Mars at the time of his nodal return (mean nodes). Venus, which shows how Rāhu’s greed can play out, will be transiting his second house of wealth, in Virgo, debilitated, bringing out a less savoury side. If you use the true node calculation, the nodal return occurs earlier, when Venus is in Leo, his rising sign, thus, promoting him. Mars shows how Ketu will play out in the next nodal cycle and will be retrograde in his 8th house of other people’s money and resources whether you use the mean or true node. The 8th house represents other people’s values, showing obstacles coming from others that he will likely reject or deny.
These feelings of rejection may trigger irrational and impulsive reactions. This begins as soon as Ketu moves into Scorpio from the end of September and through the end of the year, as he experiences the total solar eclipse where his natal Moon is placed, at 28 degrees of Scorpio, on December 14. This eclipse degree triggers the eclipsed Moon he was born under. This time, it’s a solar eclipse, which may show his loss of power. Even if he is re-elected, he may experience personal losses or attacks from hidden enemies, as the Moon rules his 12th house. He has already had several assassination attempts.
Because the nodes are returning to where they were when he was born, right at the time of the election, it may be an extreme result in one way or the other, i.e. he may lose big or win unexpectedly once again, or refuse to recognize the result, as he is already hinting at. Either way, I do not think it is going to be business as usual.
Remember, Ketu in 4th house with his Moon is basically about his feelings of rejection, while Rāhu in his 10th shows his need to get as much power in compensation for this. He may reject the outcome, or he may even reject the country and walk away from the election if it seems it is not going his way. Another possibility is that if this occurs, he may try some underhanded tactics to remain in power and fight it to the bitter end.
We should be clearer about what is going to play out as soon as Rāhu moves into Taurus and Ketu moves into Scorpio from the end of September – if being clear is a phrase that can ever be used when referring to the nodes!
Lunar Mansion Transits in Taurus & Scorpio*
*mean node calculation
The nodes’ transits through each of the lunar mansions shows more detailed themes beyond the Taurus/Scorpio themes mentioned, although the lunar mansions themselves make up a lot of the stories we tell about the Sun signs.
Ketu in Jyeṣṭhā Sep 24, 2020 – Jun 2, 2021
Jyeṣṭhā means 'elder', referring to someone having acquired skills and secret knowledge. As an elder, those with the sign prominent can sometimes feel overlooked and become bitter, although any bitterness can be used to propel one to even greater heights. Its symbols are a talisman and umbrella, both symbolizing being initiated into secret knowledge and the protection it offers.
This brings Ketu into a more strategic and controlled sign at the end of sidereal Scorpio, a lunar mansion that is all about going deeper into things that make us weak, to remove them, allowing us to overcome something with the aid of secret knowledge and skills. This lunar mansion is steeped in mystery and research, bringing out many possibilities in relation to the virus as Ketu transits here until the summer of 2021. However, while Jyeṣṭhā is all about personal transmutation of energy, in mundane events we may see some issues, including the possibility of viral mutations. Historic events such as wars targeting terrorists, no matter how strategic the plan, have created many more problems with other militant groups being formed.
Mercury’s association with Jyeṣṭhā shows the skills acquired through trial and error – what we learn in the process. Ketu’s influence on Mercury can lead to some irrational thoughts and actions, of course, but as long as we aware of this possibility, we can mitigate it somewhat.
This is the section of Scorpio where we have to dig deep and find that our obsessions about a problem only serve to keep us rooted in it. While removing the problems themselves will be a focus, we must not fall into the trap of Ketu, which is the possibility of pretending the problem does not exist.
Ketu in Anurādhā Jun 2, 2021 – Feb 8, 2022
Anurādhā means 'another Radha' or ‘after Radha’, referring to Krishna's devoted lover and the loyalty reflected in the sign. It is the most loyal and devoted of signs. It is ruled by the god of friendship, showing great love and co-operation. One of its symbols is a lotus flower, highlighting the depth of feeling which allows a flowering to occur.
Ketu’s transit through Anuradha, until February 2022, will bring a more sober and committed feel, but it may also lead some to neglecting their responsibilities. That is because Anurādhā is associated with Saturn, which represents the ability to do the right thing, on the one hand, even in the depths of our fears, while Ketu represents a need to run from our problems, at times. There is a possibility of rising above our fears and opening our hearts to the pain of others, to devote ourselves to a cause, not to avoid others or how we are feeling.
Ketu in Viśākhā Feb 8 – Apr 12, 2022
Viśākhā means 'two-branched' and its symbol is a decorated archway. While the meaning of two-branched shows more than one choice, the possibility of focusing on one is also emphasized. Viśākhā is all about developing courage and will power to achieve desires. Although it can focus on goals, there is also the possibility of compromise. It is ruled by two gods: the god of fire and the chief of the gods, reflecting its two-sided approach, as well as immense ambition and courage in making decisions.
As Ketu transits the section of this sign within Scorpio, in February and March 2022, it’s a more directed and exacting affair, although again, Ketu’s impulse can be to remove blocks, and choices. Viśākhā is associated with Jupiter which shows a change in what we believe to be true, and a change in the actions we take based on new insights and beliefs. This has the potential for more explosive events and attacks, especially when Rāhu’s transit in the opposite sign Kṛttikā is considered.
Rāhu in Mṛgaśīrṣā Sep 24, 2020 – Jan 27, 2021
Mṛgaśīrṣā means 'deer head' and, just like a deer, the sign is curious and likes to roam, innocently exploring new avenues of adventure. This sign is always on guard, just as a deer is hyper-vigilant to any sounds or movements. It a very social creature and highly attuned. Rāhu only serves to ramp up the sensitivity and nervousness.
Rāhu has been transiting Mṛgaśīrṣā since May 2020 and continues here until February 2021. This fuels a more intense search for a cure for the virus, as Mṛgaśīrṣā is often referred to as the ‘star of searching’ and is ruled by Soma, the Moon god which is reflected in healing substances.
Rāhu in Taurus can corrupt resources, of course. At least it keeps pushing us forward, into new territories and possibilities, which is no bad thing when developments into treatments are the only way forward. It can, however, block such things, or at least block us from seeing the full picture, as well as representing the ruthless push for resources and making money, regardless of the effects such ‘cures’ have.
Rāhu in Rohiṇī Jan 27 – Oct 6, 2021
Rohiṇī means ‘red one’, reflecting its passionate nature, exuding a sense of warmth and pleasure. It is a creative and sensual sign, a fertile ground for building something beautiful. Its symbol is a chariot, a symbol of wealth and comfort. It is steady and lovely and can use its creative strengths to increase and accumulate assets, with a love of the finer things in life.
Rāhu behaves steadier in Rohiṇī, instilling in us a need to find something to keep our minds grounded in reality, in the earth, in comfort, and luxury. Rāhu can overdo it, of course, and we can slip into addictions and indulgences at this stage, as well as hoarding resources, cutting off the supply chain.
Sexuality is another key component of the sign, which Rāhu will increase the need for, and yet also block, at the same time. Rāhu creates fear around such things, just as it did in 1984, during the AIDS crisis.
Rohiṇī likes its material comforts, too, so we are likely to see some hoarding of things, including food and medicines, whether this is seen in individual behaviours or by nations.
Rāhu in Kṛttikā Oct 6, 2021 – Apr 12, 2022
Kṛttikā means ‘to cut’, its symbols being a knife and blade. Cutting away imperfections is the best way to use its sharpness, while blades can be used to heal or to kill, of course. This sign is usually very protective, using its sharpness to stand up for individuals who need help.
While Rāhu in Kṛttikā intensifies the need for power, if someone has the power, someone else has to lose out. This lunar mansion is associated with the Sun, linking the Sun and Rāhu, reflecting the need for resources and recognition. But it also highlights the plight of others and a need to help, an impulse more obviously expressed by Bob Geldof in 1984, when he formed Band Aid as Rāhu transited Kṛttikā.
For Each Rising or Moon Sign
When reading the general indications below for each sign, be aware that the nodes operate very differently for each person, based on where they are placed in each person’s birth chart. The sign placement of the nodes, and the planet which rules this sign, will show more specific themes, along with the house positions mentioned briefly below.
Most people experience Rāhu as a need for something, and Ketu as a need to let go of something, although not necessarily consciously. Occasionally, you will see the opposite results, if Rāhu were in one of Ketu’s lunar mansions, and Ketu were in one of Rāhu’s, for example.
The nodes are more activated in cycles and transits of the nodes themselves, i.e. if you are currently experiencing a Rāhu or Ketu cycle, and during eclipses. These times offer us an opportunity to transform, to incorporate the lessons they have to teach.
Aries
Whenever astrologers talk about transits in a general way, those with Aries rising or Moon sign can take a little less salt with forecasts. This is because Aries is the natural 1st house of the zodiac and shows general themes. For you, Aries, these are not generalities, but are very personal. Rāhu moving into your 2nd house highlights the need for security through resources and wealth, but the question to ask is: is this a compensation for feelings of vulnerability during times of change and uncertainty? Certainly, there are unexpected changes possible at this time, with Ketu in your 8th house. But more so, because Mars is transiting back and over your 1st and 12th houses as Ketu ingresses into Scorpio. These changes impact you very personally, requiring more support from family, community, and financial security, possibly some sensual indulgence, to keep you grounded in what seems real. Remind yourself of your spiritual essence, as Ketu is what is actually real from a spiritual perspective, while life’s pleasures are fleeting.
Taurus
Rāhu moving into your sign is about to shake things up for you in a big way and this will have a direct impact on who you think you are, and your relationships, especially with a significant other or others. Rāhu in your sign is all about you, so just make sure you don’t burn your bridges while you try to figure yourself out. Your usual accommodating nature and steadfast approach could do with a little shake up, so explore what is possible, pushing yourself out of your comfort zones. But make sure to let everyone else know that you may need a little more at this time, without being too critical of who is offering you what. There is a way you can be with your partner and others without losing yourself and your needs, but it may mean you have to find that balance later, after testing the waters a bit first. This may mean overdoing either end of the equation: either walking away from a situation or forgetting to think about your needs in the exchange. Eventually, the shakeup brings things back into equilibrium again.
Gemini
Rāhu moves into your 12th house of expense, retreat, and surrender, while Ketu moves into your 6th house of the everyday drudgery and routine; routine you are probably done with already at this stage. Perhaps a retreat or long distance travel would be a good expression of this need, as long as you are not neglecting your everyday responsibilities or running away from your problems. Ketu in your 6th is great for dealing with problems, actually, so use the time to rid yourself of any bad habits, cleaning up your act as you take yourself away somewhere for a well-earned break. Retreats are a great reset in this regard, too. You have been dealing with the nodes in your sign and opposite in your relationships in the last year and a half, so you are well overdue a break. Just be mindful of your expenses spiralling, and that you are kind to others you perceive as a threat to your freedom, as you may need them again when you are back to the ‘real world’.
Cancer
Rāhu moves into your 11th house of earnings, friendships, and gains, which is a great place to put your desire-filled needs, increasing the possibility of earning more, gaining more in general and finding new and unusual friends or associates to connect with. Be aware, however, that Rāhu can be a little greedy and cut off the supply eventually. This could mean extreme experiences in gaining income and new friends, while you navigate the choppy waters of Scorpio and your need to reject what your own heart has to say about the matter. While that is all very well in terms of pleasing the masses, your network and circle of friends, it is important to check in with what your heart truly wants, and what you can offer the group. By checking in, you can offer up more to your community and fuel a bigger picture view of your future in the process.
Leo
Rāhu moves into your most prominent place, the 10th house of career, creating a need to change your work environment and instil in you a hunger for success and promotion. Be mindful of the need to change the home environment as you take on some new adventure professionally. Although this may be just a home renovation or repair, be mindful of the emotional needs reflected in the home environment and take care of your emotional heart. It is important to look at why you need the change, the status and recognition, what emotional needs may not be met in the process of focusing solely on career. By doing so, you can get the work-life balance right, as you take care of business and take care of your family and yourself during your advancement.
Virgo
Rāhu moves into your area of life purpose and beliefs, which suggests some changes and progress that needs a certain amount of consideration. Rāhu likes to change at every turn, and the 9th house represents a tradition or belief you have been following for many years, maybe even your whole life. Something’s gotta give. This change of belief in what you are doing, as Rāhu moves from your career space to your sense of purpose, can change your direction in life in a big way, especially if one of the nodes are activated in your chart through cycles. Ketu moves into your 3rd house of self-expression and confidence, which will likely be experienced through changes in what you are communicating as you figure out your new paradigm and how you are going to relay this to everyone else. Whatever you are writing about, speaking about, or communicating in any way, make sure you leave room for the changes that are on the horizon.
Libra
Rāhu moves into your 8th house and seeks to bring unexpected and exciting changes into your life in the coming 18 months, moving through your ruling planets other, usually more stable, house; that of joint resources, the things you share with your partner, including money, assets and intimacy. All of the above is up for a shake up, as you personally make some adjustments along with your partner. Ketu moves into your 2nd house of accumulated wealth and will likely mean you have to rely more on your partner’s wealth or at least pool your resources together for the unexpected changes that are about to occur. Try not to think of this as a bad thing; rather, stay open for some pleasant surprises. You may need some stored wealth to see you through the transition period.
Scorpio
Big changes are afoot as your ruling planet Ketu comes home to your sign and Rāhu moves into your opposite, creating very personal changes for you and how you interact with others, especially a significant other or others. Ketu in your sign shows a need to change how you see yourself, which may mean not being seen for a while as you make some big changes. These may even be reflected in physical changes, but certainly there are changes occurring for you on every level of your being which may or may not be seen outwardly. More obvious changes are likely to come in the form of new relationships or a new way you approach existing ones. Either way, you, and your way of interacting with everyone else is about to go through some big changes. This is further pronounced as your other ruler, Mars is about to go through its own transition, and retrograde in 2020. A big part of the change is reflected what you love to do and how you go about doing it. Some work may be needed on your part, but mostly, you can rest assured that Ketu’s strength in your sign will allow things to unfold as they must.
Sagittarius
By the time Rāhu and Ketu move out of your sign and its opposite, you are ready to move on from the very personal changes you and your relations with others have gone through. This shifts your awareness into what you are doing day-by-day. This may include rejecting any fanciful ideas of retreat while Ketu is in Scorpio, but it does not mean you should avoid taking some time out, so as to avoid getting too bogged down in the everyday chores. Better health practices and routines, as well as rest are a big part of the equation, as is being more visible in your work and in life in general. Ketu in your 12th house promotes deep spiritual longing, which could be balanced with how you approach your life on a day-to-day basis.
Capricorn
Rāhu in your 5th house promotes creative pursuits and creative self-expression, doing what you love to do, with who you love to do it with. But, as always, there is a price to pay for doing so, and that may include neglecting your long term goals in life, or indeed, friends or groups you associate with that do not fit with what you currently long for. Rāhu in your 5th is great for enjoyment and play, as long as you do not get too carried away, of course. But you are Capricorn, so that is unlikely! If you have children, this transit can change your way with them, and if you do not have children but are planning to, then this would bring an even stronger need. Ketu, on the other hand, shows your friendship circle can change when you follow what or who you love, changing your trajectory for the long term. Naturally, the long term goals you once had must change as your current motivations change.
Aquarius
Rāhu in your 4th house of home and safety, of emotional stability, will likely fuel a need to be at home more, changing the way you work and your professional drives. This suggests your career is about to go through some changes which may require more of a focus on the home as you let the changes settle. Either way, your work-life balance is about to go through a change and could be balanced with your awareness and intention to find more balance. Rāhu intends to seek happiness in the 4th house, not realizing that happiness is not a thing, but a state of mind which fluctuates. This can send you off on a journey to try and tie it down, whereas happiness cannot be sought and wrestled to the ground and kept forever more. When you experience moments of happiness, either at home, or returning to your homeland or your emotional heart, make sure you do not neglect your work life in favour of chasing a utopia.
Pisces
Rāhu moves into your 3rd house of communication and confidence, of everyday short journeys and interactions. This can ramp up your output and interaction with others, which needs to be balanced with something more meaningful. Talk is cheap, as they say, and this transit suggests a need to balance self-expression with listening carefully to higher truths. Ketu in your 9th house can certainly provide those for you, giving you something more profound to talk about, of course. Just remember that not all things can be expressed verbally, which means you may be changing how or what you are communicating in the next 18 months.
OM TAT SAT
