Ketu in the 4th House and Rahu in the 12th House
A Journey Through Balinese Hindu Mythology and Personal Reflection
The positions of Ketu and Rahu in my birth chart have apparently always held profound significance, but it’s taken me 50-plus years to figure this shit out.
In Balinese Hindu mythology, these celestial entities are not merely abstract astrological points but powerful deities with rich stories and complex influences on our lives. Known as Kala Ketu and Kala Rau, their placements in the 4th and 12th houses of my chart have shaped my journey in challenging and transformative ways that most would not understand.
Mythological Stories of Adoption Related to Ketu and Rahu
Ketu and Rahu are part of a well-known myth involving the demon Svarbhanu. During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita), Svarbhanu disguised himself as a god and sat between the Sun and the Moon to drink the nectar. However, the Sun and Moon recognized him and alerted Lord Vishnu, who swiftly decapitated Svarbhanu with his Sudarshana Chakra.
However, by that time, Svarbhanu had already consumed a few drops of the nectar, which made him immortal. As a result, his head (Rahu) and body (Ketu) were separated but continued to live as two distinct entities. Rahu and Ketu were placed in the sky as celestial nodes, forever chasing the Sun and Moon in an attempt to swallow them, causing eclipses.
Metaphorical Links to Adoption:
- Separation and Identity: Just as Rahu and Ketu were separated into two distinct entities, adoptees often experience a sense of separation from their birth family and a struggle with their identity. The myth of Rahu and Ketu symbolizes the journey of reconciling these two parts — one’s biological roots (Ketu) and one’s current life circumstances (Rahu).
- Transformation: The transformation of Svarbhanu into Rahu and Ketu can be seen as a metaphor for the transformative journey of adoption. Adoptees, like Rahu and Ketu, may go through a process of transformation as they seek to understand and integrate their past and present identities.
- Pursuit of Wholeness: The eternal chase of Rahu and Ketu after the Sun and Moon can be likened to the adoptee’s pursuit of wholeness. This pursuit often involves navigating complex emotions, seeking out one’s origins, and striving for a sense of completeness that may seem elusive.
Ketu (Kala Ketu) in the 4th House:
The Disconnect from Home and Emotional Roots
The 4th house, associated with home, family, and emotional foundations, is where Kala Ketu, the headless body of the demon, resides in my chart. Kala Ketu represents detachment, past karma, and spiritual liberation. This placement has had a profound impact on my relationships with both my families, my children, career, community inclusion, my overall sense of belonging, and my emotional security.
Emotional Disconnect and a Sense of Loss
Kala Ketu’s influence in the 4th house created an atmosphere of ambiguity and detachment, making it difficult for me to fully connect with the warmth and comfort that a home should ideally provide. It was as if an invisible barrier stood between me and my loved ones, making me feel isolated even in their presence.
This emotional disconnect often manifested as a struggle with understanding my own roots. The 4th house, being the foundation of one’s emotional life, should ideally provide a sense of security and belonging. However, with Kala Ketu’s presence, I frequently found myself questioning my place in my adoptive family and my connection to my biological heritage. It was as if I was searching for something, but I didn’t know what it was; how could I?
The Influence of Past Karma
Kala Ketu’s role as a karmic planet (South Node of the Moon) meant that my experiences in my adoptive home were heavily influenced by past life (pre-adopted) karma. There were times when I felt a strong pull towards certain spiritual practices and philosophies and needs that were not allowed to be spoken of in my adoptive family. This divergence often led to feelings of being misunderstood or alienated, as if I was carrying the weight of unfinished business from a previous existence.
In Balinese Hinduism, Kala Ketu is seen as a force that compels us to confront and resolve the unresolved issues of our past. In my life, this manifested through the need to find peace with my biological family’s history and to understand the deeper spiritual lessons that these relationships were meant to teach me. It wasn’t easy; I had nothing to go buy and no one to speak to, but over time, as relationships failed, I began to see how the challenges I faced were not just random occurrences but part of a larger cosmic design. However, by this time, I was already estranged from my adoptive family and my own biological children.
Detachment as a Path to Spiritual Growth
Despite the emotional challenges, Kala Ketu in the 4th house also brought on layers of detachment that, although painful, paved the way for significant spiritual growth. This detachment pushed me to look beyond the material and emotional comforts of home and seek a deeper connection with the spiritual realm. It was as if Kala Ketu was guiding me to find my true “home” not in the physical world but in the spiritual one.
This realisation has led me to explore various spiritual practices. The teachings of the Dewi Danu (known as the goddess of rivers and lakes) and Dewa Wisnu (Also known as Lord Vishnu in Hinduism) resonate with me deeply. They are teaching me that just as water flows and adapts, I, too, must learn to flow with life’s challenges and adapt to the spiritual lessons that come my way. My life now is completely different to what it once was and far different to anything the Western World could possibly offer.
Rahu (Kala Rau) in the 12th House:
The Shadowy Path of Spiritual Aspirations
While Kala Ketu (North Node of the Moon) brings detachment in the 4th house, Kala Rau, the head of the demon in Balinese mythology, exerts his influence in my 12th house. The 12th house, often referred to as the house of the subconscious, spirituality, losses, and isolation, is a place where Kala Rau’s insatiable desires and obsessions manifest in the most subtle and profound ways.
The Allure of the Unseen and the Mystical
Kala Rau’s presence in the 12th house has always drawn me towards the mystical and the unseen. From a young age, I was fascinated by the esoteric and spiritual while obviously being weary of Western religion, which had a significant hand in my forced separation and adoption. The idea of moksha (spiritual liberation) is now a daily fascination. It feels like an obsession, a deep, almost compulsive need to explore the spiritual dimensions of my life with gratitude, which I was once forbidden to do.
In Balinese mythology, Kala Rau is a force that drives us to pursue our desires, often leading us into uncharted territory. In the 12th house, this energy manifests as a relentless pursuit of spiritual knowledge and understanding. But this pursuit has its pitfalls. Kala Rau’s influence can sometimes blur the line between reality and illusion, leading to long periods of confusion and disillusionment, aka adoption!
Isolation and the Search for Inner Peace
The 12th house is also the house of isolation, and with Kala Rau’s influence, I often found myself retreating from the world. There were times when I felt an overwhelming need to be alone, to withdraw into my own inner world where I could explore the depths of my mind and spirit without distraction. This isolation wasn’t always voluntary; sometimes, it resulted from unforeseen circumstances that left me reeling and feeling cut off from the rest of the world.
However, these periods of isolation have also allowed me to engage in deep self-reflection. It was during these periods of solitude that I experienced some of my most profound spiritual insights. I have begun to understand that Kala Rau’s influence in the 12th house has been pushing me to transcend the material world and connect with the divine and authentic self on a much deeper level.
The Challenge of Letting Go
One of the most challenging aspects of Kala Rau in the 12th house is the difficulty in letting go. The 12th house is associated with endings, and Kala Rau’s presence here can make it hard to release attachments, whether they are to people, ideas, or material possessions. Due to the trauma of adoption, there have been many times when I’ve clung to relationships or beliefs long after they had ceased to serve me simply because the thought of letting go felt too overwhelming.
Yet, the lessons of Kala Rau are ultimately about surrender. In Balinese Hinduism, the concept of Lewa or release is central to spiritual growth. I am learning that in order to progress on my spiritual path, I have to let go of my fears and attachments and trust in the divine process. This hasn’t been easy, but with the guidance of Balinese spiritual practices, I hope to gradually release what no longer serves me and embrace the unknown with faith.
A Journey of Integration:
Connecting the Dots
The combined influence of Kala Ketu in the 4th house and Kala Rau in the 12th house have been and will continue to be a powerful force in shaping my life’s journey. These placements have challenged me to confront my past, face the future and navigate emotional disconnects, and explore the depths of my spirituality. But more importantly, they have guided me towards a deeper understanding of myself and my place in the universe.
The challenges posed by Kala Ketu and Kala Rau are not meant to be seen as punishments, but as opportunities for spiritual evolution. Through the detachment of Kala Ketu and the spiritual aspirations of Kala Rau, I have been able to explore the complexities of my own identity and connect with the divine in ways I never imagined possible.
This journey has taught me that true peace and understanding come not from clinging to the material world but from embracing the spiritual lessons that life offers. By honouring the energies of Kala Ketu and Kala Rau, I have learned to navigate the challenges of separation, disconnection, attachment and reunion with a sense of grace and humility. And in doing so, I have found a deeper connection to my true self and to the divine forces that guide us all.
This understanding has allowed me to embrace my adoption as a unique aspect of my life’s journey, one that has provided me with the opportunity to explore the complexities of identity, belonging, and spirituality in ways that are deeply meaningful and transformative.
Circumstances Leading Up to My Birth:
Given these placements, the circumstances leading up to my birth were obviously marked by themes of separation and detachment. The influence of Rahu and Ketu suggests that my soul chose this path to work through complex karmic issues related to family and identity. The decisions made by my birth family, possibly influenced by societal or hidden pressures and the subsequent adoption, could be viewed as part of this karmic plan.
During My Birth:
The energy of Rahu and Ketu intensified these themes, leading to a situation where separation (adoption) became a defining factor in my early life. The spiritual and karmic lessons associated with these placements suggest that my birth and adoption were not just random events but part of a larger, spiritually significant journey.
Positive Aspects of Ketu in the 4th House and Rahu in the 12th House
Despite the challenges associated with Ketu in the 4th house and Rahu in the 12th house, these placements also bring positive aspects that can lead to profound personal growth and spiritual evolution:
Ketu in the 4th House:
- Spiritual Insight: Ketu’s influence in the 4th house has heightened my spiritual awareness and intuition. This placement has amplified a deep connection to inner wisdom and an understanding of the spiritual or metaphysical aspects of life. This can be particularly valuable for someone exploring complex emotional or identity-related issues, such as those stemming from adoption.
- Detachment from Materialism: Ketu in the 4th house encourages detachment from material possessions and the conventional idea of security. This detachment has led to and will continue to lead to a more profound sense of inner peace as I learn to rely on spiritual and emotional fulfilment rather than external circumstances.
- Healing from Past Karma: Ketu represents past life experiences and karmic lessons. Its placement in the 4th house suggests that I am in the process of and continue to heal from karmic ties related to family and home. This healing can help break free from past patterns and move towards greater emotional freedom.
Rahu in the 12th House:
- Spiritual Exploration: Rahu in the 12th house drives a strong desire for spiritual exploration and self-discovery. This placement has led me to seek out mystical experiences, meditation, and practices that connect you to higher realms of consciousness. Rahu’s energy here can propel you toward a deeper understanding of the universe and your place within it.
- Hidden Strengths: Rahu’s presence in the 12th house reveals hidden strengths and talents, particularly in areas related to spirituality, healing, and the subconscious mind. I am finally finding that I have a natural ability to navigate the unseen aspects of life, which can be incredibly empowering.
- Liberation from Fears: The 12th house is associated with isolation and fears, but Rahu’s influence can help confront and transcend these fears. I am hoping that this placement can lead me to a sense of liberation as I overcome the limitations of my ego and embrace a more expansive understanding of myself.
While there are no direct stories of adoption involving Ketu and Rahu, their mythological narrative resonates with the themes of separation, transformation, and the search for identity that are central to the adoptee experience. The positive aspects of Ketu and Rahu in your chart suggest that this journey, while challenging, is also one of profound spiritual growth and self-discovery.
For clarification why “Ketu is in my 4th house, not the 6th house as in the usual opposition, because of how the houses are arranged in my birth chart. My 12th house is in Pisces, and the opposite of that is my 6th house, which is in Virgo.
However, Ketu is in Cancer, and in my chart, Cancer falls in the 4th house, not the 6th. The 4th house represents areas like home and emotions, and since Cancer is in the 4th house, that’s where Ketu influences my life. The 6th house, on the other hand, is connected to Virgo, which isn’t where Ketu is placed.”
