Signs of exaltation & debilation for Rahu and Ketu

There is a dispute regarding the signs of exaltation for Rahu and Ketu. In one opinion, these are said to be respectively Gemini and Saggitarius with Taurus and Scorpio being considered as the respective own signs. In another opinion, these two are considered in reverse way but in both opinions, the Mool Trikona signs are respectively Aquarius and Leo. However, in both opinions, it is accepted that Rahu is strong in Taurus, Gemini and Aquarius while Ketu is so in the respective seventh signs. Further, according to the sage Parashara, Rahu is also strong in Cancer, Leo and Virgo and therefore Ketu is so in the respective seventh signs. We shall now proceed to ascertain what sign should be designated as the place of exaltation for Rahu – Taurus or Gemini and so also the reverse for Ketu.

Taurus is the second sign of the Zodiac, fixed earthy sign of Rajas nature ruled by the Master of the Demons i.e. Venus of which it is the passive sign signifying material enjoyments. Being the second sign of the Zodiac, it is related to accumulated wealth, ornaments, face of the body and its all functions; moreover, it is the house of chief maraka because according to Hindu Philosophy excessive eating and other material enjoyments are the main roots of death. Rahu signifies totally uncontrolled lifestyle, selfishness, ever unsatisfied lust with which the characteristics of the sign Taurus and the second house in a natal chart are in harmony. Moreover, Taurus being owned by Venus, the Master of the Demons, it is very natural that the Demon Rahu will be strongest in its Master’s house.

On the contrary, Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac, dual airy sign of Sattwik nature ruled by Mercury which is described as the child planet in the planetary kingdom. Mercury is characterized by childlike simplicity, irresistible inquisitiveness, flickering mindedness etc. The third house in a natal chart signifies common-sense, strength, establishment etc. Rahu being airy in nature has similarity with Gemini in respect of element but being ruled by Tamas and Rajas nature has also dissimilarity with Gemini. Again, the characteristics of third house in a natal chart as described above are in harmony with those of Rahu. Again, Mercury being the child planet, the pretension and shrewdness of Rahu can be more active in Gemini which is also further added due to the third house being termed as “Upachaya Kshetra” where the natural malefic planets become strong.

Therefore, it is clear from the above consideration that Rahu is strong both in Taurus and in Gemini, but due to the greater similarities of the characteristics of Rahu with the sign Taurus, it is more justified to consider this sign as that of exaltation for Rahu and therefore, the sign Gemini is justified to be accepted as its own sign.

Now, the case of Ketu is being analyzed. In a very simple judgment, it may be said that since Rahu and Ketu are spotted at the two opposite points of an axis therefore the sign of exaltation for Ketu should be Scorpio and Saggitarius, the own sign. It is now being justified analytically.

Scorpio, the eight sign of the Zodiac is fixed and watery of Rajas nature ruled by Mars, the warrior planet of which it is the passive field and therefore its activities are at the depth of mind. According to Hindu Mythology, Ketu is the beheaded corpse of the demon Rahu. As such it is lifeless, devoid of eyesight, sense, feelings etc. but energy is also inherent in any matter and so also Ketu which is the significator of intrinsic energy. The latent energy of soul as described to be coiled in the Kula Kundalini is signified by Ketu. Like this, latent intrinsic energy function of Ketu is also mysterious. An object lying in the depth of water at rest is not apparently visible from the surface. Similarly, activities of Ketu are also beyond the vision. But if this latent energy be made active by means of ascetic practice, the native can achieve his spiritual aim i.e. the latent Rajas nature of Ketu guised in the external Tamasik form can be aroused which is in harmony with the characteristics of sign Scorpio.

Again, the sign Saggitarius is dual fiery in nature of Satta Guna. Being the ninth sign of the Zodiac, it is the significator of religion, conscience, fate, wisdom etc. The sign is composed of three constellations, the whole of Moola and Purvashada and one quarter of Uttarashada. Of the three, Moola is ruled by Ketu which is signified by the bunch of Tree-roots which indicates that on of the characteristics of this constellation is searching habit for the root of any thing. The inherent spiritual consciousness underlying life energy is signified by Ketu. The sign Saggitarius is signified by a man, the lower part of whom is that of a house having arrows and bow in hands aiming towards a target in the upward direction. The inherent significance of this symbol is that the life energy starting at the animal stage gradually attains manhood and then runs to arrive at the highest target of godhood and the high speed is comparable to the energy of fire expressing itself in different flames. Since higher consciousness is the target of this gradual upward motion, the sign is of Sattwik nature. Ketu is also the significator of this element fire but there is more Tamasik nature in Ketu than Sattwik Bhava. Again, after death, the soul exists in subtle body till it is reincarnated in suitable environment according to the deeds in the previous births. Ketu being the significator of this inherent subtle body has also some similarity with the ninth sign Saggitarius but a comparison of the two signs in every aspect suggests that the traits of Ketu are more similar to those of the sign Scorpio which is therefore considered as the sign of exaltation for Ketu while the Saggitarius is described as being ruled by Ketu.