The Shadow Self (Part 2): As mentioned in the previous post, the Rahu-Ketu axis holds a significant place in the chart. It emphasizes unresolved issues in the chart, where Ketu shows detachment, but Rahu is the planet of illusion and attachment. It is the North node of the Moon. Rahu follows a go-getter approach. Its agenda is not to deal with renunciation but instead gives ambition to the native. Wherever Rahu is placed, it gives obsession towards those significations. For example, Rahu in the first house gives a tendency to be in the spotlight. It also gives personality disorders, as Rahu-Ketu are Vakra (retrograde) planets, and their way of operating is never simple. Rahu is considered an outcaste as it doesn’t go along with traditional methods; hence, it always finds parallel ways to deal with things, so it is considered a planet of innovation.
As Rahu co-lords Aquarius along with Saturn, the sign of intelligence, innovation, and independence, representing the 11th house, the house of desires, gains, and friends. Rahu is a rebellious planet, and to do tasks that challenge traditional methods of society or require strong actions, Rahu’s energy is required. In the natural zodiac, it functions at its peak in the 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses, as the significations of those signs fulfill the agenda of Rahu, although the sign placed in those houses also matters. Rahu doesn’t perform well in water signs as well as it performs in earthy signs; water signs deal with emotions, considered Moksha signs, which clearly is not the agenda of Rahu. It rules over Bhautikta. Rahu in earthy signs would gather all the required resources and work smartly for material possessions. Rahu in air signs would give unconventional intellect and diplomacy. In fire signs, it becomes unstoppable, as the energy gets intensified, but in Sagittarius, it unsettles the energy of Rahu; for Rahu, Dharma depends on the situation; it goes with the Saam/Daam/Dandh/Bhed approach, where Sagittarius is the sign of Dharma, principles, and rules.
Rahu is associated with the nervous system, lungs, and respiratory system. Rahu, in certain cases, can also give addictions, but it mostly depends on the placement and strength of the Moon and Sun and connection with Saturn. Illusion, confusion, and impulsiveness can also be seen aggravated under the influence of malefic Rahu; people under the Dasha of Rahu experience sudden events in life that make them wonder about the reality of life. Rahu doesn’t have feet, which symbolizes its tendency to operate without a strong foundation. It often works on a shallow level, while on the other side, Ketu is the root; the interplay of both is crucial for balance. Rahu-Ketu placement in opposite signs or houses can show a disbalance of energy, for example, Rahu in the 12th and Ketu in the 6th. Our shadow self consists of repressed, hidden, and denied aspects of our personality, our fears, insecurities, desires, and impulses, which are often unconsciously manifested in life but can be better understood through the placement of Rahu-Ketu in the chart.