In Vedic astrology, Ketu, the South Node of the Moon, embodies spiritual enlightenment, detachment, introspection, mysticism, and karmic liberation. Classical texts such as Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Saravali, and Phaladeepika highlight Ketu’s profound influence on one’s spiritual journey, intuition, and inner wisdom.
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra identifies Ketu as the natural significator of spiritual detachment, past-life karma, psychic abilities, and mystical experiences. Ketu represents renunciation, intuitive insight, unconventional wisdom, and liberation from material attachments. A positively placed Ketu grants deep spiritual insight, intuitive powers, detachment from materialism, and success in mystical or spiritual practices. Conversely, an afflicted Ketu may lead to confusion, anxiety, isolation, withdrawal from society, or abrupt endings and losses, urging the soul toward spiritual awakening.
According to Saravali, Ketu does not rule any zodiac sign but is exalted in Scorpio, emphasizing deep spiritual transformation, intense inner exploration, psychic sensitivity, and emotional depth. Ketu is debilitated in Taurus, suggesting resistance to change, over-attachment to material comforts, and difficulty embracing spiritual growth. Ketu’s directional strength (Digbala) is notable in the twelfth house, enhancing spiritual retreat, liberation, intuitive dreams, and profound inner peace.
Phaladeepika emphasizes Ketu’s role in spiritual evolution and inner transformation. It recommends practices like chanting Ketu-related mantras, fasting, meditation, engaging in introspective activities, and charitable acts to harmonize Ketu’s energy, diminish negative influences, and facilitate spiritual enlightenment and karmic release.
Ketu in Bhrigu Nadi is the moksha-giving planet, indicating past-life mastery, detachment, and subtle perception. It often shows areas where the native has already experienced fulfillment and now seeks transcendence. Ketu with Sun grants spiritual insight but challenges authority; with Mercury, it may cause abstract or non-linear thinking. Ketu in the 12th house or with Venus may indicate detachment from sensual life. It reveals intuitive power, psychic abilities, and disinterest in the material, often pointing toward hidden blessings that unfold through solitude, austerity, or surrender.
Understanding Ketu’s placement and condition in one’s birth chart provides essential insights into one’s spiritual journey, past-life influences, detachment from worldly desires, and transformative experiences, guiding individuals toward spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and ultimate liberation.
What once was, now hides within,
A whisper deep beneath the skin.
He knows the truth we can’t let go—
Ketu holds what we think we know.