The Most Mysterious “Planet” in Astrology🌙

Ketu, a gateway par excellence, induces the state of mind necessary to access planes imperceivable to the physical senses. In the medieval Indian text Phaladipika, Ketu is described as a startling, indistinct and spectral deity, with “red eyes,” quite similar to a classic description of a vampire lurking in the mist. Ketu, a serpent (Naga) has “no head” and symbolizes the withdrawal of energy from the sensory world, into the subtle body. This mechanism nourishes the soil of the Muladhara, and drenches the instinctual mind in Shakti (power). Please remember, Hindu iconography is carefully designed to reveal deep truths when we attune perception to this subtle information. The physical form of an “object” (prakriti), reveals clues about its subtler, spiritual nature (purusha). Purusha, in its subtlest form, is imperceivable to the physical senses. We cannot “see” Mahakala because he is the Absolute manifestation of Shiva. However, there are many forms we can interact with, which are intermediaries to higher awareness. Ketu is one such avenue, he is an “outsider” deity in every sense, because he moves us outside consciousness limited by conditions, to higher, unhindered awareness. Ketu like Dhumavati is catalytic and harsh, orchestrating “testing” or initiatory experiences that cause us to blast through barriers and lean into internal strength, which we did not know we had. These transformative experiences stimulate rapid growth and demand we act wisely, boldly, bravely. Ketu is yin, spacious and absorbent, and “consumes,” so it will temporarily remove a comfort to force us to find something deeper, something eternal. The grace of Ketu is solitude, which reduces external influences that distort perception, allowing us to perceive reality clearly and forge our own way. The objective of Ashtanga yoga for example is Kaivalya, which means "solitude", "detachment" or "isolation.” Interestingly, Dhumavati, with her shocking appearance, equipped with fangs and drooping skin, is sort of like “Nosferatu,” who requires sadhanas that lead to detachment, which help the Sādhaka to become self-realized and experience bliss.

Please note, Ketu is not a planet at all, but a node of the Moon, increasing his dynamism and mystery.

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