Difference Between Rahu and Ketu

Rahu vs Ketu

Rahu and Ketu are two terms used in Indian Astrology with difference. It is important to known that Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets. They represent the Nodes of the Moon. The main difference between them is that Rahu is the North Node, whereas Ketu is the South Node.

It is a mythological belief that Rahu is snake-shaped. Rahu is considered as born to lioness, and it swallows up the Sun and the Moon. In fact Rahu is the head part of the heavenly snake. On the other hand, Ketu is the lower part of the heavenly snake.

Another difference between the two is that while Rahu is of a dark color, Ketu sports a mixed color. Thus, Ketu is believed to cause enlightenment in you. Ketu is also said to cause obstructions in your paths. It gives birth to pain. At the end of the day, Ketu causes enlightenment in us once we learn to live with the pain it causes.

Ketu is believed to be the preserver of all our past and present actions. On the other hand, Rahu causes enticement and tries to lead us towards self-destruction in a way to test our ability to withstand and combat the temptations around us. Thus, both Rahu and Ketu are supposed to do only good to us by way of testing our abilities.

Rahu causes us to learn and experience all the material pleasures in life only to realize the momentary happiness in them. Thus, Rahu leads us towards emancipation. Rahu is believed to behave like Saturn. Rahu has an 18 year period, whereas Ketu has a 7 year period in the planetary life cycle. This is an important difference between the two. Ketu has the tendency to act like Mars. It is fiery in nature too. Both Rahu and Ketu belong to the Navagraha or the nine planet worship of the Hindus.