Ketu Mahadasha: 7 Years

The image of a body without a head is that of Ketu among the planets; it describes the planet, not the person. Ketu is the second lunar node. Its mahadasha, a major period of constant length, lasts seven years and sits eighth in the vimshottari order, between Budha and Shukra. It includes antardashas, sub-periods each directed by a second planet, and it is the first period of life when the natal Moon stands in Magha, Mula or Ashvini.

This period follows an unusual course: a surge of drive at the start, called raja yoga, apprehension in the middle and distant journeys toward the end. As Ketu is always retrograde, its effects follow one another in the reverse of the order of the drekkanas, the thirds of a sign. It supports the period when it occupies a kendra, a trikona or house 11, in a benefic sign, in exaltation or in its own sign, or else in houses 3, 6 or 11. The areas in play are harmony with those in power, running a place as you wished, contacts abroad and good relations with friends. In house 2 or 8, or aspected by a malefic, Ketu brings worries and low company; it is then your relatives and your home that are tested.

Its dignities are still debated. Ketu may be exalted in Vrishchika, with Dhanu in moolatrikona and Vrishchika as its own sign, or else exalted in Mina. Another system provides no period for Ketu: it keeps only the seven planets and the Lagna, and period length is calculated differently there than in the vimshottari.

So read these seven years in three phases, according to the house your natal Ketu occupies.

To read about the graha itself, open the Ketu guide.