Rahu (Caput Draconis)
With planetary number 8 Rahu is also known as the North Node of the Moon. Illusions, delusions, greed and violence are the true nature of Rahu. When well placed in the Birth Chart, it can give immense wealth and good fortune. Rahu is the Head of the Dragon, (Caput Draconis) in traditional Western Astrology, and as the head has no body, its hunger and greed are insatiable.
Rahu the Shadow Planet connects us to the unseen forces of the Universe
Rahu (and Ketu) are invisible energy point where the Path of the Sun and the Path of the Moon intersect. Rahu aspects 3 Houses, the 5th, 7th, and 9th Houses from its placement
3rd House Rahu aspects the 7th 9th and 11th Houses, 8th House Rahu aspects the 12th, 4th and 2nd Houses, etc.
As Rahu and Ketu are always 180 degrees apart and move in perfect unison, usually the 7th House aspect of Rahu is not marked in the Chart, as this is the placement of Ketu.
Rahu co-rules the Karmic Sign of Aquarius. (The other ruler of Aquarius is Saturn) Rahu does very well in Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) as its materialistic nature is comfortable in stable, grounded and practical Earth Signs. In Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) it tends to give tendency to rage and ill temper. Rahu in Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) gives immense intellectual creativity and a truly crafty and taboo breaking mind.
Rahu is a Malefic planet, so it does well in Malefic Dushtana Houses (6th, 8th, 12th) and of course in the 10th House where all planets can give good results. Rahu is associated with disrespect and rejection for set rules and orthodox practices, so innovation, originality and daring can be the wonderful gifts of Rahu.
Rahu tends to greatly magnify the power of the planet it is in conjunction with, and also the Lord of the Sign it is placed in.
Rahu in Leo magnifies the powers of the Sun, Rahu in Taurus magnifies the powers of Venus, etc.
Hessonite Garnet is the Traditional Gemstone of Rahu
Rahu’s planetary gemstone is the Hessonite Garnet, as with every planetary gem, it should only be worn by people with well placed Rahu in their Birth Chart. Rahu doesn’t rule any day of the week, and it doesn’t have Hora rulership either. The inauspicious period of Rahu Kalam that occurs every day is ruled by Rahu.