Ketu Transit in Dhanishta

Dhanishta belongs to Mars, and Ketu behaves like Mars, so the lord of the star is kin. The eight Vasus are its deities and a drum or a flute its symbol. The first two padas lie in Capricorn and the last two in Aquarius, both owned by Saturn, whom Mars counts neutral.

Since Ketu moves backward, it enters through the Aquarius padas and leaves from the Capricorn ones, over around seven months and sometimes in two visits when the true node turns direct. Rahu stands in Magha, Ketu's own star, for the first half, and in Ashlesha for the second.

Wealth, music, rhythm, generosity and the fame the Vasus grant to those who give are Dhanishta's themes. Ketu loosens the grip on what was gathered. Money goes out in gifts, and giving comes easily. Musicians and those who work in rhythm often do their best work in these months, because the player is out of the way.

In the Aquarius padas, Sagittarius, Virgo and Aries Moons receive Ketu in the third, sixth and eleventh, Phaladeepika's favourable houses. Aquarius Moons carry Ketu on the lagna and Rahu in the seventh, and Leo Moons have the reverse. In the Capricorn padas, Scorpio, Leo and Pisces Moons gain, Capricorn Moons carry Ketu on the lagna, and Cancer Moons hold Rahu there. Pisces and Cancer Moons hold Ketu in the twelfth and eighth for the Aquarius months.

The transit shows whether a person's wealth was held or passed on.

The remedy is Ganesha and Om Kem Ketave Namah, with dana as the practice itself. Parashara prescribes mantra and dana for Ketu, and the traditional gifts are a blanket, sesame or food for dogs on Tuesday. Give without asking for a receipt.