Ketu Transit in Shatabhisha

The empty circle of Shatabhisha is Rahu's own nakshatra, and moving through it Ketu sits on its counterpart's ground. Varuna is its deity, a hundred healers its other symbol, and Aquarius, owned by Saturn, its sign. Mars counts Saturn neutral, and Ketu takes Mars's relationships.

The stay runs around seven months, backward from the fourth pada to the first, and the true node's direct spells can split it into two visits. Rahu stands in Purva Phalguni for the first half and in Magha, Ketu's own star, for the second, so each node then stands in the other's star.

Healing, secrecy, isolation, the vow, the ocean under Varuna and the illness that teaches are Shatabhisha's themes, and Ketu empties the circle. The person withdraws, by choice or through a condition that requires rest, and finds the solitude to be the medicine. Healers do steady work under this transit. They are also tempted to disappear from their own practices.

Habits that numb, such as drink, screens and the small compulsions, either fall away or bite harder, depending on whether one is watching. Varuna's noose, the broken vow, is felt as guilt without an object.

Sagittarius, Virgo and Aries Moons receive Ketu in the third, sixth and eleventh, the houses Phaladeepika names favourable. Aquarius Moons carry Ketu on the lagna and Rahu on the partner, and should watch the calves, the circulation and the marriage. Leo Moons have Rahu on the lagna and Ketu in the seventh. Pisces Moons hold Ketu in the twelfth and Cancer Moons in the eighth, and the lagna is counted the same way.

The transit shows what a person hides in order to function.

The remedy is Ganesha and Om Kem Ketave Namah, no intoxicants, and one vow small enough to keep. Parashara prescribes mantra and dana for Ketu, and the traditional gifts are a blanket, sesame or food for dogs on Tuesday.