Last week, we explored Rahu, the North Node of the Moon in Vedic astrology, and how it pulls us toward our karmic lessons and growth. Rahu, with its intensity, teaches us to embrace transformation, even when it’s uncomfortable.
This week, the invitation is to deepen our exploration by introducing Rahu’s cosmic counterpart: Ketu, the South Node.
In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu are two parts of a whole, representing opposing et complementary forces that guide us along our spiritual path. While Rahu symbolizes our future, our desires, and the lessons we are meant to pursue in this lifetime, Ketu holds the wisdom of our past, urging us toward detachment, spiritual surrender, and letting go of what no longer serves us.
Together, Rahu and Ketu represent the eternal dance between ambition and surrender. Where Rahu pushes us to reach higher, Ketu pulls us inward, inviting us to release attachments. Understanding their balance can help us reconcile our drive for worldly success with the need for spiritual peace.
Rahu, as I mentioned last week, drives our ambitions. It can feel intense and consuming at times, drawing us toward new experiences, material gains, and the fulfillment of desires. Rahu often represents what we are yet to master in this life - our karmic challenges.
Ketu, on the other hand, represents our past lives, the gifts, and lessons we’ve already integrated. It calls us to let go of earthly attachments and embrace inner contentment. Ketu’s energy can often feel more elusive, like a soft whisper reminding us that true peace doesn’t come from external success, but from within.
This dynamic can feel like an internal tug-of-war. Have you felt this? Almost as if on one hand, we yearn for success, recognition, and growth (Rahu). On the other, we sense the need for simplicity, peace, and letting go (Ketu).
Finding balance between these forces is part of our journey.
For example, Rahu might push us to chase a new career opportunity, a relationship, or material success, while Ketu gently asks, “Will this truly bring your fulfillment? What can you release that no longer aligns with your higher purpose?”
Working with both energies can help us understand when to embrace new challenges and when to surrender. It’s about harmonizing these cosmic nodes, knowing when to drive forward and when to lean back in trust.
Just as we explored Rahu with garnet last week, we can invite Ketu’s energy to guide us this week.
As stone often associated with Ketu is cat’s eye - known for its ability to clear the mind, strengthen intuition, and promote detachment from worldly distractions.
Even if you don’t have cat’s eye, you can still work with the energy of Katu. Here’s a practice you can try to balance Rahu’s ambition with Ketu’s surrender:
Gather your garnet or the energy from it (from last week) and an object that represents calm and detachment for you. This could be a photo of cat’s eye, a feather, or even a candle. Sit in a comfortable space where you feel grounded.
Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. As you hold your garnet, reflect on what Rahu is guiding you toward.
What ambitions are pulling at me?
What desires feel strong in my life right now?
Let these thoughts come without judgment.
Now, place your garnet down and bring your focus to your item of detachment. Imagine the energy of Ketu flowing through you, inviting you to release your grip on what you think you need. Ask yourself…
What can I let go of?
What attachments might be holding. me back from true peace?
After your meditation, write in your journal about the balance between Rahu and Ketu in your life.
Where am I being pulled to grow, and what am I being asked to release? How can I honor both energies?
To close the practice, repeat an affirmation that bridges the two energies. For example…
I honor the lessons of Rahu and Ketu. I embrace the challenges that lead me forward, and I release all that no longer serves my higher path.
If this called to you, take it into the week! Reflect on a current challenge in your life. Ask yourself…
How can I channel Rahu’s energy to pursue this growth, while honoring Ketu’s call for spiritual surrender?
What do I need to strive for, and what do I need to let go of?
By weaving Rahu and Ketu’s energies together, you can find a path of growth that feels aligned yet peaceful. Life is a balance of holding on and letting go, of striving and surrendering - and these cosmic nodes remind us that both are necessary for spiritual evolution.
As you move forward this week, embrace your ambitions while remembering that true fulfillment comes not from achieving, but from letting go.
Sending you balance and clarity,
Alara
