Rahu Transit in Shravana

Shravana is the ear, the Moon's nakshatra in Capricorn, Saturn's sign, with Vishnu as its deity and three footprints as its second symbol. In the usual lists Saturn is Rahu's friend and the Moon is neutral, so the sign suits Rahu and the star is neutral ground. The result is a listening that takes in too much.

The stay is about eight months, backward from the fourth pada to the first, and where the true node turns direct for some weeks the table shows two visits. Hearing, learning by listening, tradition, fame, connection at a distance and the three steps by which Vishnu measured the worlds are Shravana's themes.

Rahu amplifies what is heard. Rumour travels faster, media and broadcasting expand, foreign teachings arrive, and a person may become known for something said in passing. The ears themselves need care. Ketu stands in Ashlesha meanwhile and moves back into Pushya for the second half, withdrawing from cunning and then from nourishment.

Scorpio, Leo and Pisces Moons receive Rahu in the third, sixth and eleventh, the houses Phaladeepika allows to Saturn and to Rahu. Capricorn Moons carry Rahu in the first and feel the noise in the mind and the strain in the knees. Cancer Moons have Ketu in the first and Rahu in the seventh. Aquarius and Gemini Moons hold Rahu in the twelfth and eighth; read the lagna by the same count.

This transit is about which voices a person lets in. Rahu fills the ear, and sitting in silence for a little each day shows which voices were worth hearing.

Worship Durga, and say the name of Vishnu, whose star this is. Recite Om Ram Rahave Namah, take no intoxicants, and read less news. Parashara's graha shanti asks for mantra and dana, and the traditional gifts for Rahu are dark cloth, sesame and oil on Saturday.