Navagraha · Vedic Astrology

Rahu (North Node)

Rāhu · राहु

Rahu is one of the two shadow planets (Chaya Grahas) — mathematical points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic. Unlike the other Navagraha, Rahu has no physical form; it is the north lunar node. In Vedic myth, Rahu is the severed head of the demon Svarbhanu who swallowed the amrit (nectar of immortality) by disguising himself as a god — Vishnu severed his head before the nectar passed his throat, producing Rahu (head) and Ketu (tail). Rahu governs obsession, illusion, worldly ambition, foreigners, technology, unconventional paths, and the unsatisfied craving for experience. Rahu in a birth chart shows where one has an intense, almost compulsive focus in this lifetime — the karmic direction of desire in this incarnation. Rahu amplifies and distorts whatever it touches, often producing extremes: great success or great illusion in its domain. In 2026, Rahu occupies Pisces for the entire year (until approximately January 2027).