Rahu -North node of the Moon

Rahu -North node of the Moon

During the Great Churning of the Ocean — Samudra Manthāna, the asura Rāhu drank some of the amṛta (divine nectar). Sun and moon realized it and alerted Mohinī (the female avatāra of Vishnu). Before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohinī cut off his head. The head, however, remained immortal due to the effect of amrita and became Rāhu.

It is believed that this immortal head from time to time swallows the sun, causing eclipses. Then, the sun passes through the opening at the neck, ending the eclipse.

The body of Rāhu also turned into Ketu due to a boon, and it in turn swallows the moon on timely basis to cause a lunar eclipse.

Rāhu is a legendary master of deception who signifies cheaters, pleasure seekers, operators in foreign lands, drug dealers, poison dealers, insincere & immoral acts, etc.

It is the significator of an irreligious person, an outcast, harsh speech, falsehoods, uncleanliness, abdominal ulcers, bones, and transmigration. Rāhu is instrumental in strengthening one’s power and converting even an enemy into a friend.

In Vedic astrology Rāhu is seen as an asura or demon who does his best to plunge any area of life he controls into chaos, mystery, and cruelty.

He is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire, as well as random, uncontrolled growth without wisdom or understanding.

Rāhu is supposed to be a mighty and naughty child of Māyā, and thus has a lot of dualities attached to its Māyāvi (illusory) nature.

There is no equal to Rāhu when it comes to giving upliftment in name and fame or sudden luck at gambling. The area in which this success is attained usually relates to the significations of the house Rāhu is placed in.

All the electric lights that illuminate our world in the night-time can be said to be associated with Rāhu. Rāhu is known as the “artificial sun,” which is fitting considering the introduction of electric lights, adding to the illusion and glamour of modern times. Rāhu has in a way created its own artificial sun for his favoured time, the night.

Rāhu rides upon a lion and holds a sword (khaḍga), shield (Kheṭaka) a trident (Śūla) and displays the Varadā-mudra.

The gemstone related to Rahu is hessonite. Rahu rules number 4 in Indian numerology.

Rahu bīja mantra:

ॐ भ्रां भ्रीं भ्रों सः राहवे नमः

oṁ bhrāṁ bhrīṁ bhroṁ saḥ rāhave namaḥ

Vedic mantra for Rahu:

अर्धकायं महावीर्यं चन्द्रादित्यविमर्दनम् सिंहिकागर्भसम्भूतं तं राहुं प्रणमाम्यहम्

ardhakāyaṁ mahāvīryaṁ candrādityavimardanam

siṁhikāgarbhasambhūtaṁ taṁ rāhuṁ praṇamāmyaham

I bow to Rahu who has half a body, who is endowed with a lot of powers, who disturbs fiercely the Sun and the Moon and who is the Son of Simhikā.