The transiting lunar nodes in 2022
The (mean) lunar nodes move in a direction opposite to planetary movements. In other words, they are always in retrograde motion. Read this for its blend of mythology and astrology, western and Jyothish, and that explains the transcultural Rahu-Ketu influence on human lives.
Using sidereal chart and Lahiri ayanamsa, Rahu will transit Krittika nakshatra and Ketu will transit Vishakha nakshatra to mid-June 2022. From June 2022 or so, Rahu enters Bharani nakshatra and Ketu enters Swati nakshatra and they stay in those nakshatras until early 2023.
All delineations described below are based on the sidereal chart using whole sign system and Lahiri ayanamsa. Since dates of the transits differ if one uses true nodes vs mean nodes, I've shared a general period rather than exact dates. For precise transits, please cast your chart using sidereal/whole signs and Lahiri ayanamsa at www.astro.com or refer to an ephemeris. I recommend the free ephemeris at www.astro-seek.com
Rahu in Krittika and Ketu in Vishakha
Krittika nakshatra (26°40′ Aries to 10° Taurus ) is ruled by Sun. The placement of the sun and aspects in an individual birth chart are important as rahu’s energies will amplify the energy of the planet sitting next to it. If the Sun is conjunct Rahu and is afflicted by malefics, expect an amplification of the shadow side of Leo (as Rahu is a shadow energy). This suggests over-inflated sense of self, arrogance, ego and power struggles with others. If your birth Sun is aspected by one of the benefics- Jupiter or Venus, the shadow energy of Rahu could be mitigated.
Krittika signifies cutting or sharp objects. words, accidents, fights, aggression. Rahu transiting this nakshatra could signify cutting out something from your life. What it is that you cut out or struggle with can be determined by where Krittika falls in your chart. Cast your sidereal chart (Lahiri Ayanamsa) at www.astro.com and check the house that contains 26°40′ Aries to 10° Taurus and/or the planet contained in this nakshatra.
While Rahu transits Krittika and aggravates the shadow or denser energies of that nakshatra, Ketu transits Vishakha. Ruled by Jupiter, Vishakha nakshatra 20° Libra to 3° 20′ Scorpio signifies duality, choices and victory. Ketu transiting this nakshatra could have you faced with choices that might make you feel trapped either way you choose. Sort of like a catch 22. In tarot, this would be symbolised by the #2 cards where an individual waits patiently for wisdom or clarity to emerge that would help make the choice. Like for Rahu, check which house does 20° Libra to 3° 20′ Scorpio fall in your chart or if you have a planet in these degrees.
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Rahu in Bharani and Ketu in Swati
Post June’22, Rahu moves to Bharani nakshatra at 13° 20′ to 26°40′ Aries while Ketu eventually transits to Swati nakshatra at 6° 40′ to 20° Libra. Since both these nakshatras are entirely within the signs of Aries and Libra, the significations of Aries/Libra and the struggle to balance polarities will be a theme this entire year.
Ruled by Venus and co-ruled by Mars, Bharani signifies fertility, creativity, passion and ambition and passion. Rahu transiting this nakshatra could stoke your creative juices. Or fire up the urge to do something, anything with your skills. It might make you restless, impatient and willing to take risks. At the same time, Ketu transits Swati at 6° 40′ to 20° Libra which is ruled by Rahu and co-ruled by Venus. Swati nakshatra signifies diplomacy, balance, trade, social life. This year will prove to be interesting as Rahu-Ketu will not merely oppose each other, but possibly engage in a fist fight in Libra of sorts. Check your natal sidereal placements of Venus, Mars, Rahu (north node) and transits of Rahu/Ketu to see how this all plays out at the individual level. Rahu transiting Bharani and Ketu transiting Swati could generate misunderstandings in your inter-personal relationships, so watch out for passive-aggressive behaviours or blowing things out of proportion.
How will this transit affect you?
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A very brief overview of the houses affected during this transit. Do note that the nodes move in retrograde motion/regress through the signs. The delineations do not take the natal planet placements nor planetary transits into account.
Aries ascendant– At present, Rahu is transiting the 2nd and Ketu is in the 8th creating changes in your family (parents+siblings) and possibly ancestral property, legacies are brought into focus. Post June’22 Rahu will enter the 1st and Ketu the 7th house respectively bringing the attention back to where Aries love it best- themselves! Watch for the mega 3 planet conjunction in Capricorn in Mars taking place in your 10th house that could jumpstart your professional life.
Libra Ascendant- Rahu is moving through your 8th house and Ketu is transiting your 2nd house creating similar issues as for Aries ascendant natives. Post June, Rahu enters the 7th while Ketu enters the 1st. Attention and focus will move from personal finances/money/joint money/debt/repayment of loans to inter-personal relationships and maybe, just maybe, marriage! (if you’re in a committed relationship) given that this is the year of Venus and you are ruled by Venus. Of course, your whole chart and natal placement of Venus will play a role in how this year pans out.
Taurus ascendants– Rahu in your 1st and Ketu in your 7th is helping you detach from your one-on-one relationships, gently but surely. Your attention will move to maintaining good emotional and mental health (6th house Ketu) and you might prefer time spend in solitude and contemplation (12th house Rahu) to do so.
Scorpio Ascendants- Rahu transiting in the 7th and Ketu through your 1st house could have compelled you to focus on your one-on-one relationships, including your marriage. Post June’22, Rahu will transit to your 6th hosue and Ketu in the 12th which will redirect your attention to the minutae of daily life and living and urge you to pay attention to the details. Just like Taurus ascendants, it would be advisable to take extra care of your health through this year.
Gemini ascendants– Rahu in your 12th and Ketu in your 6th has been keeping you isolated and out of the public eye. Soon, you will be thrust back into social life or may feel the urge to get out and mingle online or offline (Rahu in 11th) and express yourself (Ketu in 5th) in a way that meets the needs of the community as well as makes you feel heard.
Sagittarius Ascendant- With Rahu transiting your 6th house and Ketu in your 12th house, your health could have been brought into focus. Maybe you were faced with a sudden illness. Or you decided to begin a new health regimen. Or the rigors of daily life and grind occupied most of your attention. Post June’22, as Rahu transits to the to 5th and Ketu moves to the 11th, you will be focused on having fun and maybe taking risks. This could take the shape of online dating or dabbling in the stock market. Or just learning a new craft and vlogging.
Cancer ascendants– You might have been active on social media or your real life community(Rahu in 11th) these past 4 months. You could have had a baby, started a new venture, or generally had fun and enjoyed yourself. After June ’22, its time to get serious as Rahu enters your 10th and Ketu enters your 4th. Which venture/project would you choose to develop and nurture further so that you establish yourself in the public eye?
Capricorn- While Rahu has been transiting your 5th, you could have had luck at the stock exchange for the most part. Or you might have felt the urge to learn a new skill or try online dating or even begun a new relationship/romance. Once Rahu moves to the 4th house and Ketu moved to the 10th, there might be disruptions in your home front or with your mother that demand your attention and energy. If you own a home, expect plumbing or appliance malfunctions post June’22.
Leo ascendant- Rahu has been transiting your 10th house and Ketu your 4th causing disruption in your professional and home life. You might have felt stretched too thin as you try and keep up with pressures at work as well as home. This scene will change once Rahu moves to your 9th house and Ketu transits to your 3rd. Maybe you will take that long awaited international trip. Or take up a year long course of study. Or decide to relocate. Or make long term plans and goals.
Aquarius ascendant– Rahu in your 4th house and Ketu in your 10th house has re-directed your attention away from your professional life to matters at home and possibly health of your mother. Post June’22 as Rahu moves to the 3rd house and Ketu to the 9th house could see you taking short trips to visit extend family and siblings. Or take up a short study for a certification.
Virgo Ascendant– While you’ve been setting long term goals and creating a vision for the future (Rahu in 9th, Ketu in 3rd), you will be asked to step up in circumstances related to your family of origin (Ketu in 2nd) and family after marriage (Rahu in 8th). Do read the description for Libra ascendants who will just complete the transit that you would be entering.
Pisces Ascendant- Rahu transiting your 3rd house and Ketu in your 9th house has been asking you to focus on your immediate surroundings and environment. Your sibling/s might have needed your attention during this period. With Rahu transiting to your 2nd house and Ketu in your 8th house would bring a sharp focus on your personal finances. You might feel the need to change jobs, or ask for a raise at work, or consolidate finances.
