Why Rahu & Ketu, Though Shadows, Are Treated as Planets in Astrology

Overview:

Whether or not we believe in the Doctrine of Karma, truth stands untouched. Belief is often just a personal or collective sentiment. By that logic, even the existence of the Creator becomes a matter of debate! These are intellectual gymnastics that try to box the vastness of spiritual truth into human logic. But the Science of the Soul has only been mastered by saints, sages, and mystics—not by intellectuals.

Astrology is a sacred by-product of the Doctrine of Karma, the governing law of the Universe. Without this foundational understanding, astrology becomes a lifeless shell—an orphaned system devoid of purpose or spiritual truth.

Why Are Rahu & Ketu—Shadows—Still Treated as Planets?

The answer lies not in astronomy but in spiritual realism.

• The Sun represents the immortal Soul, shining unconditionally.
• The Moon, on the other hand, signifies the Mind, which is ever restless, pulled by the five senses (Panchendriyas). It is this mind that seeks, craves, grasps, and still remains dissatisfied.
• The greed never stops barking. The longing never ends. And thus, because of the mind, the entire world remains in suffering.

Rahu and Ketu operate within this framework. Their shadow nature is what makes them perfect karmic instruments, syncing seamlessly with our intentions and actions.

Why Are Rahu & Ketu Shadows?

This very question has deep karmic roots.

Rahu and Ketu aren't physical masses. They have no fixed form, color, or size. And that is a divine blessing.

Why?

If karma were delivered only through fixed, tangible celestial bodies, then criminals would remain criminals eternally. Wrongdoers would dominate forever. But because Rahu and Ketu are shadows, they can transform, allowing room for remorse, reform, and redemption.

Their very flexibility embodies the law of Karma:

• Every action has a consequence.
• A good deed yields good fruit.
• A harmful deed brings suffering.
• As you sow, so shall you reap.

Thus, the Creator dispenses justice with flawless precision—no bias, no favoritism.

Why Don't Rahu & Ketu Own Any Zodiac Sign?

This, again, is not a flaw but a divine design.

Because they own no signs, they remain free to act purely as karmic forces. They do not dominate—they audit. And this is the greatest hope for humanity.

As Supreme Karmic Auditors, Rahu and Ketu analyze our past-life ledger and decide the future based on it. Yes, we have free will, but that will operates within the framework of karmic accountability.

Why Shouldn't We Fear Rahu & Ketu?

Sadly, fear-based astrology has done immense damage. Rahu and Ketu are often portrayed through mythological horror stories and painted as malefic forces. This has created a deep psychological block in seekers.

But in truth:

• Rahu points to the future—the unfulfilled karmas, the path ahead.
• Ketu signifies the past—the leftover residues of what we've already lived.

This makes them unparalleled karmic indicators—not villains but divine guides.

Rahu & Ketu as Karmic Timekeepers: Nodal Returns Explained

Let's talk about Nodal Returns—one of the most powerful astrological checkpoints in human life.

• Nodal Return: When Rahu and Ketu return to their natal positions (~every 18 years). This is the completion of a Karmic Orbit.
• Reverse Nodal Return: Occurs every 9 years, when Rahu crosses natal Ketu and vice versa.

These are spiritual milestones, often triggering life-changing events:

• Wake-up calls
• Major health or emotional upheavals
• Career shifts
• Deep spiritual transformations

These aren't accidents. They are Karmic Checkpoints, inviting you to rethink your life, your values, and your dharma.

Let's connect this to spiritual and biological truths:

• Why is gestation 9 months?
• Why do profound life shifts happen at 18, 27, 36, 45...?

These are not just years. They are karmic harmonics—your inner clock chiming to evolution.