Ketu Transit in Purva Bhadrapada

Purva Bhadrapada belongs to Jupiter, a friend of Mars, so by the Kujavat rule Ketu is well received by the lord of the star. Aja Ekapada, counted among the Rudras in some lists, is its deity, and its symbol is the front legs of a funeral cot or a sword. Three padas lie in Aquarius, owned by Saturn, who is neutral, and the fourth in Pisces, owned by Jupiter.

Ketu moves backward, so it enters through the Pisces pada and spends most of the stay in Aquarius. Around seven months pass from the fourth pada to the first, sometimes in two visits when the true node runs direct. Rahu stands in Uttara Phalguni for the first half and in Purva Phalguni for the second.

Tapas, intensity, penance, the fire that burns what is no longer needed, and the extremity that goes with it are the themes, and Ketu adds to the heat. Austerity chosen in these months holds. When it is forced by anger it does harm, and the sword can turn on its holder. The Pisces pada at the start is the gentler entrance, and what begins there sets the tone.

For 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 the reverse. For the Pisces pada, Capricorn, Libra and Taurus Moons gain, Pisces Moons hold Ketu on the lagna, and Virgo Moons hold Rahu there.

The transit shows how a person uses heat, as sadhana or as fanaticism.

The remedy is Ganesha and Om Kem Ketave Namah, with a fire offering made with a steady hand. Give a blanket, sesame or food for dogs on Tuesday. Keep the tapas moderate and the temper cool.