Conventionally Rahu and Ketu are held beneficial, while transiting the 3rd, 6th and 11th rasis from the natal Moon of any individual. Mantreswara admits the 10th also in the group. As these two Nodes are always in opposition, they can give mutually contradictory results for transits for any rasi. So much so, the adverse effects of the one can get neutralised by the beneficial results of the other. Except for Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius and Capricorn, for which both Rahu and Ketu occupy detrimental positions during the impending transits, all other rasis get such a balancing proviso.

The lunar Nodes Rahu and Ketu, do their rounds of the twelve rasis of the Zodiac, in about 18 years, in the reverse direction. In the process, they change their signs, of course in retrograde motion, roughly, once in 18 months. Previously, Rahu and Ketu entered Aquarius and Leo respectively, on 9th November 2006. Having stayed there for nearly 18 months, the Nodes are entering Capricorn and Cancer, likewise, on 5 May 2008, where they are to remain till 3 November 2009.

Lunar Nodes, though technically not real planets and are only the points of intersection of the Moon's orbit with the ecliptic, their occupational effects in different rasis, according to Vedic astrology, are considerable, both in nativities and in transits. Rahu, giving results similar to that of Saturn and Ketu of Mars, affect individuals on mundane and spiritual levels respectively, as both are deemed as karmic planets. Though our Sanskrit texts do not contain much direct information on the results of the transits of Rahu and Ketu, hints are seen scattered in different texts under varied contexts and also in some of traditional texts in Tamil and Malayalam.

During the sojourn of Rahu and Ketu in Capricorn and Cancer respectively during 2008 and 2009, Jupiter will be transiting Sagittarius till 9 December 2008, Capricorn between 9 December 2008 and 1 May 2009, then after 30 July, 2009 and Aquarius between 1 May 2009 and 30 July 2009. Jupiter conjuncts Rahu on 13 February 2009. Saturn in Leo till the 9 September 2009 will be in conjunction with Mars on the 10 July 2008. Mars, conjunct with Ketu, will be in opposition to Rahu on 15 June 2008. The movements of Rahu in Capricorn can trigger strain in our global relations, affect the stability of our government with some possible internal dissentions and cause major changes in the political, social and cultural lives of nations, especially the Islamic ones.

Conventionally Rahu and Ketu are held beneficial, while transiting the 3rd, 6th and 11th rasis from the natal Moon of any individual. Mantreswara admits the 10th also in the group. As these two Nodes are always in opposition, they can give mutually contradictory results for transits for any rasi. So much so, the adverse effects of the one can get neutralised by the beneficial results of the other. Furthermore, when they are subjected to the vedha or check, their effects, good or bad can get modified. As malefics, Rahu and Ketu get a special categorisation under the Moorthy-nirnaya scheme, which depends on the rasi position of the Moon, on the day the transit occurs. All these factors have been taken to account in the assessment of the results.

According to some texts, Rahu and Ketu give very bad results in 9. However, when one of the pair goes to the ninth rasi, the next will be in 3 and this can offset the adverse effects of the other. Except for Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius and Capricorn, for which both Rahu and Ketu occupy detrimental positions, during the impending transits, all other rasis get such a balancing proviso. For Gemini, both Rahu in 8 and Ketu in 2 are unfavourable. However, the favourable disposition of Saturn till September 2009 can come much to its rescue. With Saturn becoming adverse throughout and Jupiter for a major spell during the tenure of stay of Rahu and Ketu in Capricorn and Cancer, only Capricorn may get affected to a great extant. Nodal changes from the 5th May 2008 make Rahu fully favourable for Leo and Pisces and mostly so, for Aries and Scorpio. Ketu becomes mostly favourable for Taurus, Virgo, Libra and Aquarius. These results are only indicative and are subject to aggravation or atonement, consistent with the strength of the running maha dasa-bhukti, good or bad, of the individuals.

Aries
Aswini, Bharani and Krittika 1
Rahu in 10 and Ketu in 4.
Favourability rating:
Rahu 62.5%; Ketu 12.5. %

General:
Rahu is under check (Vedha) from 3 December 2008 to 1 May 2009 and from the 30 July till 3 November 2009. Ketu is under check from the 13 June to 23 July 2008 and from 15 June 2009 to 16 July and from 27 July till 5 October 2009. A professional debacle ending up with unprofitable deals, mainly due to evil associations, can cause mental distress or humiliation. A tendency to gamble or to go on seclusion or pilgrimage, for gaining mental peace can arise.

Health, Personal and Domestic: Chronic patients must ensure preventive care. Domestic happiness can be impaired disturbing the peace and tranquillity. A change of residence lurks. The period is bad to parents, especially mother.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation : Despite small gains, wasteful expenditure can drain the resources. A probable loss through a property or conveyance may need caution. With professional gains, a sort of leadership can be thrust on you. Hard work can bring rewards. Those in research and development activities can anticipate awards. Nevertheless, enmity with one at the work place can hamper the business or professional interests. Those with political clout can aspire for small gains or some reputation amongst the masses.

Women : A love affair can cause a tussle to some. You may have to call a halt to the domination of the one with whom you develop intimate rapport.

Students: Interest in diversified activities can kill your concentration. Try to make good use of the period from May to July 2009 to advance your studies.

Remedy : Recite Vishnu Sahasranama. Do poojas in the temple of Lord Ganesha on Tuesdays.

Lal-kitab Remedies :
Wear a white cap, when you go out during noon.
Feed street dogs daily.
Wear a Silver chain around the neck.

Taurus
Krittika 2, 3 and 4, Rohini and Mrigasira 1 and 2.
Rahu in 9 and Ketu in 3.
Favourability rating:
Rahu 25%; Ketu 75%

General : Rahu comes under check (Vedha) from 5 May 2008 till 7 February 2009. Ketu is under check from 5 May to 20 May 2008 and from 6 April 2009 to 14 May and from 24 May till 3 July 2009. You can succeed in you business activities with the help of someone of a questionable character.

Health, Personal and Domestic: Power of intuition can develop bringing in religious or philosophical thoughts with faith in the occult or a pilgrimage. Health may need extra care. Though domestic happiness can accrue, a strained relation with a co-born can kill the peace. Avoid the company of an unwelcome person of opposite sex. A neighbour can cause some worry.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Travel, especially a foreign one can come about or an association with a religious body or institution can bring in much reputation. You will get professional advancement, small gains of wealth and some honour. There will be victory in ventures. Those in the writing or publishing efforts can do well. As loss is indicated, shun speculations. An unwelcome journey can cause some loss.

Women: May to July 2009 can bring a knotty problem caused by the resentment of a friend or colleague. Domestic burden can turn to be too heavy for you forcing you to seek some readjustments.

Students: Though between December 2008 and April 2009 and after July 2009 studies can prosper, the intermittent periods may demand sustained hard work. Those running adverse directions may have to face hindrances to continue the education.

Remedy: Recite Siva and Devi Stothras. Worship at the temple of Lord Subrahmanya on Tuesdays. Visit a Devi temple as often as possible.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Float a handful of rice in a flowing river or donate in any temple, every Monday.
Use pillow cover of Red colour and bed sheet of Yellow colour.
Do not wear Blue or Black clothes.

Gemini
Mrigasira 3 and 4, Aridra and Punarvasu 1, 2 and 3.
Rahu in 8 and Ketu in 2.
Favourability rating:
Rahu 12.5%; Ketu 12.5%

General: Rahu comes under check (Vedha) from 5 May till 7 February 2009 and Ketu during 2008, between 5 May and 21 June, from 8 July to 16 August and during 2009, from 15 July to 16 August, between 21 August and 15 September and from 5 October to 3 November. Some of you, running adverse directions, may become devious. Pointless spats because of your short temper can earn for you only enemies.

Health, Personal and Domestic: Avoid taking risky efforts. You may get interested in the occult. Conjugal life can go high. Death of a close relative is possible. Troubles relating to digestion can arise. Some may have to face a separation from the family, for usual reasons, like transfers.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Financial setback will dishearten you. However, some inflow of money through spouse or in-laws can arrive on time and help. A change of profession is possible. The daily routine can go haywire. Profession and services can suffer slightly.

Women:During the year 2008 an improved life-style can come about. However, later take care to see that rigorous religious inclinations do not make you neglect the health. While social workers can expect some power or position, career women can get stuck.

Health: Better health condition is foreseen. Throat problems or allergic complaints might cause concern. Avoid risky endeavours.

Students: Though till the turn of the year 2008, excellent opportunities can unfold to secure creditable success, later indolence can make you fumble and falter. Then sustained hard work will be necessary to sail through.

Remedy: Observe fast on Sankatahara-chaturthi days. Visit a Hanuman temple on Tuesdays and worship with an offering of a betel-leaf garland.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Bright Green
Donate one dry almond (with shell cover) in any temple, 43 days daily.
Be a pure vegetarian. Do not consume eggs/meat/fish/wine.
Apply turmeric or saffron as tilak on the forehead, daily.

Cancer
Punarvasu 4, Pushyami and Aslesha.
Rahu in 7 and Ketu in Janma.
Favourability rating:
Rahu 37.5%; Ketu 37.5%

General: Rahu comes under check (Vedha) from 5 May 2008 to 7 February 2009 and Ketu, during 2008, between 5 May 21 June, from 8 July to 16 August and during 2009, from 15 July to 16 August, between 21 August and 15 September and from 5 October to 3 November. Misunderstanding with a member of opposite sex can create a situation that can, make you tense.

Health and Domestic: Though domestic bliss can dominate for a while, there can be a sudden change to the normal life, to the adverse side, upsetting the peace. Try to gain self-confidence and get into a systematic life to come out of the chaos.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Devious deals can take you to difficult situations. With near success in public life, tolerable cooperation from colleagues and small gains in partnerships, you can browbeat your rivals. However, speculations can create losses.

Women: Though in general dejection can make you sag, off and on, during 2008, between May and July 2009 health may vacillate. Be vigilant in the kitchen work since a fire hazard lurks. However, September and October 2009 can bring a shine and unmarried can get married. A pilgrimage can boost your energy.

Students: Though in general only trouble is in store for education, the period after December 2008 can bring some shine and success in studies. Putting some extra efforts, you can even claim a rank, if directions support.

Remedy:Recite Gayatri mantra. Offer jaladhara (holy water bath) to Lord Shiva on Sundays.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Do not lend money to others
Feed jaggery (gur) to monkeys.
Worship Lord Hanuman & observe fasts on Tuesdays.

Leo
Makha, Poorvaphalguni and Uttaraphalguni 1
Rahu in 6 and Ketu in 12.
Favourability rating :
Rahu 100%; Ketu 50%

General: Rahu comes under check, during 2009, between 6 April and 14 May and from 24 May to 3 July and Ketu during 2008, from 13 June to 23 July and during 2009, between 15 June and 16 July and from 27 July to 5 October. Small gains mainly from the west can help you to clear your debts, if any. You can start new ventures. However, wander-lust can make you tired. Becoming pensive, quite often, you can become indecisive.

Health and Domestic: Over-strain can spoil your health, for which special care may become necessary. General welfare and domestic happiness can sustain. Inclination towards a secluded life can create interest in meditation, or esoteric studies. Your interests in sacrifices will increase. Becoming confused, you can turn a bit rebellious.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Though there are sufficient chances for money inflow, risky transactions in business can invite losses. Services can shine. Employees and subordinates will cooperate and help you to grow. Vacillation can make you lethargic. However, being aware of your own shortcomings, you can act judiciously and succeed.

Women: While mostly during the year 2008, you can accomplish some of your desires and auspicious functions can make you buzz with activity, later you may feel dejected over no cause. Try to maintain tolerable relations with neighbours and relations.

Students: Time, mostly, except for a few months in 2009, is tough for studies and unless you work hard, you may lose the battle. However, the researchers can find the period till November 2008, rewarding.

Remedy: Worship Lord Ayyappa or Anjaneya on Saturdays. Recite Durga Sookta, whenever possible.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Worship Lord Ganesha.
Wear Cat's eye in the pendent.
Feed a street dog daily.

Virgo
Uttaraphalguni 2, 3 and 4, Hasta and Chitta 1 and 2.
Rahu in 5 and Ketu in 11
Favourability rating:
Rahu 25%; Ketu 75%

General: Rahu comes under check (Vedha) from 5 May 2008 to 7 February 2009 and Ketu, throughout, from 5 May 2008 to 3 November 2009. Travel to a distant place or a foreign country, if envisaged, can become profitable. Charitable disposition or religious inclination can make you prefer a pilgrimage or turn to some scriptural studies.

Health and Domestic: Though, there will be happiness at home, children, in general, can be afflicted. Love affairs can flourish. However, relation with a close relative can get strained. An elder brother or cousin can part ways. Trouble from a member of the opposite sex is possible.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: There can be small gains and money flow in speculation or creative works, even in the midst of small financial problems. Agriculturists can reap good profits. Slight damage to a property lurks and it can be averted if necessary caution is bestowed on time.

Women: For those desiring a change to a new house or seeking favours from those in power, the period after the December 2008 would be propitious. After July 2008 love relations can get enlivened. A picnic or pilgrimage is on the cards.

Students:As concentration can go lacking, progress in studies can get halted demanding concerted efforts. Put up hard work to benefit from the few favourable opening months of the year 2009. Researchers may have to step-up their efforts, as their project works can slow down.

Remedy: Worship Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman daily. Perform Ganapathi Homa on the days of your birth nakshatra every month.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Do not wear Blue clothes.
Wear an Onyx or Emerald in the ring (Little finger).
Never make a false promise, never be proud, or abusive.

Libra
Chitra 3 and 4, Swati and Visaka 1, 2 and 3.
Rahu in 4 and Ketu in 10
Favourability rating:
Rahu 37.5%; Ketu 87.5%

General: Rahu comes under check (Vedha) from 5 May 2008 till 7 February 2009 and Ketu, during 2008, from 5 May 21 June, between 8 July and 16 August and during 2009, from 15 July to 16 August, between 21 August and 15 September and from 5 October to 3 November 2009. Grief and misery can take over forcing you not to stay in one place.

Health and Domestic: A tough time is ahead. A member of the family may become sick. Health of mother, if alive, may need extra care. You may get simple ailments of eyes and abdomen. A death in the family circle can happen. There can also be enmity with a relative. Disappointments can make you sag.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Even though there will be tolerable income, expenses can escalate with some wastage also. You may get or purchase a landed property or a conveyance. You must consolidate the gains now. Do not start any new venture. Hostility at workplace can hamper professional interests. A change of profession is likely. You must exercise control and not over-act with your powers in office.

Women:Beware of an emotional involvement. Keep in abeyance all your aspirations till April 2009. Afterwards, most of your desires can get fulfilled. A love affair can bring some solace. Separation from a son or an indifferent attitude towards him can result.

Students: Though time till November 2008 can help you to succeed in specialized studies, thereafter, concentration can go lacking demanding extra efforts in studies.

Remedy: Recite Durga Sookta daily. Visit a Vishnu temple and worship quite often.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Take a dip in a holy river.
Do not to change the position of puja room in your house/office, this year.
Do not keep electrical item in the North-east.

Scorpio
Visaka 4, Anuradha and Jyeshta
Rahu in 3 and Ketu in 9
Favourability rating:
Rahu 62.5%; Ketu 12.5%

General: Rahu comes under check from 19 September to 19 November 2008 and during 2009, between 17 October and 3 November and Ketu from 13 June to 23 July 2008 and during 2009, between 15 June and 16 July and from 27 July to 5 October. A tendency to undertake pilgrimages and acquire more learning can arise.

Health and Domestic: Your father or a maternal relative may have to confront several misfortunes in succession. Though limited domestic happiness will be present, a co-born can suffer slightly. Fear and ailments can vanish.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: You have to take care in all financial transactions even though gains and near success in all undertakings are assured. An unscrupulous spending tendancy may arise. Those in publishing industry can have a fine time. Your plans and methods can attract others and enhance your power and prestige. Circle of friends can enlarge. However, you have to be careful, later, to avoid wastage of efforts.

Women: Be careful to keep aloof from forbidden activities that can entice you and cause loss of honour. Health may need care. Favourable trends till November 2008 can help the unwed to get married. Later small disturbances in domestic affairs can erupt. If you act in haste, it can spoil all your cherished aspirations.

Students:Education will suffer causing retardation as the year 2009 dawns. Loss of memory can cause a reduction in rank. Bring forth extra efforts to tackle. Those seeking employment may have to wait.

Remedy: Recite Sudharshana mantra as many times as possible. Visit and worship Lord Vishnu on Thursdays.
Chant Sudarshan Gayatri 108 times daily
Sudarsanaya Vidhmahe Jwalachakraya dhimahi thannahchakra Prachodayat.


Lal-kitab Remedies:
Do not keep items of ivory in the house.
Respect your elders.
Do not any accept electric equipment as a gift.

Sagittarius
Moola, Poorvashada and Uttarashada 1.
Rahu in 2 and Ketu in 8
Favourability rating:
Rahu 50%; Ketu 50%

General:Rahu comes under check (Vedha) from 3 December 2008 to 1 May 2009 and between 30 July and 3 November 2009 and Ketu from 13 June till 23 July 2008 and during 2009, between 15 June and 16tJuly and from 27 July to 5 October. Casual remarks can create serious enmity, especially with a member of the family.

Health and Domestic: You may get the necessary physical and mental endurance to develop a practical outlook to men and matters and to build up a rapport with a person of good standing. A surgery, an accident or injury lurks. A problem regarding a dead person can engage you for a while. Some of you may have to meet a dentist.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Though finances can improve, expenditure can go out of control. There can be help and gain from a friend in power. Beware of being cheated while handling the money of others. Avoid speculation as loss lurks. You may get fame and reputation.

Women: You are likely to get irritated for no cause, especially till November 2008 and thereafter intermittently. Spiritual inclination can increase. Do not blindly believe anyone in the work-spot or stand surety. Care may be needed in handling legacies.

Students: As the period as a whole is not very helpful, your study efforts must be manifold. Though in general, the year 2009 can bring some solace, in the end you may feel utterly tired and torn apart.

Remedy: Worship Lord Ganesha daily. Offer dhurva (bent grass) garland to Lord Ganesha on Fridays.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Keep a glassful of water near the headside of your bed at night and pour it onto a plant or tree in the morning. Do it for 43 days, daily.
Every Thursday, donate 4 yellow laddoos in any temple.
Donate a black and white blanket in any temple.

Capricorn
Uttarashada 2, 3 and 4, Sravana Dhanishta 1 and
Rahu in Janma and Ketu in 7
Favourability rating:
Rahu 25%; Ketu 25%

General: Rahu comes under check from 3 December 2008 to 1 May 2009 and between 30 July and 3 November 2009 and Ketu from 13 June to 23 July 2008 and during 2009, between 15 June and 16 July and from 27 July to the 5 October. Memory lapses can make you bear the cross and take all blame on yourself.

Health and Domestic: Family life will dangle with sorrows and happiness. Strained relations with most of the relatives can bother you. Difference of opinions at home must be buried deep and not allowed to escalate. A constant fear can make you sleepless. Marital discords can mar conjugal happiness. Death of partner can happen. Danger or serious illness lurks for those running maraka dasa.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Beware of losses in speculation. Expenditure can go out of control and beyond all your expectation. Lack of shrewd judgment may spoil your business interests. There can be fear of penal action. There will be dissentions in partnerships. Litigation can give worries and losses.

Women: There can be illness to spouse. Those with spiritual inclinations can turn to prayer or meditation. Those with strong indicative adverse directions may have to confront a divorce or serious illness of the partner. Planned marriages may flop.

Students: Volley of diversions can throng your way to the studies. Be firm and double check your lessons, quite often, at least till mid-2009, when you can, to some extent, come out of the problems.

Remedy: Recite Mritunjaya mantra 108 times daily. Visit Durga temple on Tuesdays and worship. Perform Navagraha homa on the days of your birth nakshatra every month.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Donate 1Kg wheat in any temple, every Sunday.
Always keep a shining Copper coin with you. You should shine the coin with sand every Wednesday.
Wear Gold ring in the left Ring finger.

Aquarius
Dhanishta 3 and 4, Satabhisha & Poorvabhadrapada 1,2 and 3
Rahu in 12 and Ketu in 6.
Favourability rating:
Rahu 37.5%; Ketu 87.5%

General : Rahu comes under check (Vedha) from 5 May 2008 to 7 February 2009 and Ketu from 19 September to 19 November and during 2008, between 25 October and 3 November. A threat from a callous person can come about. Those running maraka dasa and bukthi may bid good-bye.

Health and Domestic: Health of self or a family member can get affected by an accident, injury or a fall. Interest in the occult or secret societies can emerge. Tendency to pick up quarrels can cause hostility with relations. There will be limited happiness at home.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: There will be small financial gains or prosperity in profession. Expenses may need strict control. For those with afflicted natal Rahu, a loss of property is possible. Unwelcome transfers, displeasure of superiors in office, a change in the working conditions or a loss through service can result. Loss or humiliation through a rival is possible.

Women: Though the year 2008 can help delayed marriage proposals to take off or increase the bank balance of some of you, the year 2009 can topple the mental peace and create stress. Be doubly careful in moving with male associates. Health of spouse may need special care.

Students: Those having their natal Mars, Jupiter or Mercury in Capricorn may experience a tough time, bringing a setback to studies. However, you can make good use of the bright time during 2008, by preferring group studies. Later diversions can take the toll or overconfidence can land you in trouble.

Remedy:Recite Laksmi-narasimha karavalamba Stothra. Light a ghee lamp at any Ganesha temple on Mondays.

Lal-kitab Remedies:
Do not disclose your plans to irrelevant persons.
Take atleast one time meal in the kitchen. Use pillow cover of dull red (not shining) colour.

Pisces
Poorvabhadrapada 4, Uttarabhadrapada and Revati.
Rahu in 11 and Ketu in 5.
Favourability rating:
Rahu 100%; Ketu 50%

General: Rahu comes under check throughout the period from 5 May 2008 to 3 November 2009 and Ketu between 13 June and the 23 July 2008 and during 2009, from 15 June to 16 July and between 27 July and 5 October. A successful foreign trip or a travel to a distant place can bring in small gains or acquisition of jewels or securities. You can turn to be irreligious or hurl abuses on the learned.

Health and Domestic: Limited happiness at home cannot stop the all around dissatisfaction. Sufferings from ailments of liver or stomach, aggravated conditions for the epileptics or worries through a child are possible. Romance and emotional attachments can suffer slightly.

Services, Profession, Finance and Speculation: Financial gains and profits can become a reality. Expansion of business with high profits is possible. However, speculation cannot help. You will show interest in getting loans as the expenditure can soar. There can be slight damage to a property or the articles of value in business or at home. Postpone new ventures.

Women: Initially, resentment with a colleague can lead you to a sticky situation. Later, life will be more of convenience and alleviation of ailments or worries can make you mentally strong. However, those in the family-way must be extra-cautious. A child can cause concern.

Students:The period will be excellent by all means to help you to come out in flying colours. Especially, the year 2009 can help you to make much progress in studies.

Remedy: Offer flowers to Lord Ketu or Lord Ganesha on Tuesdays. Recite adityahrudaya sloka daily.

Lal-kitab Remedies :
Donate milk and sugar to the poor.
Wear a Gold chain around the neck.
Use Silver tumbler to drink water or milk.