How to remove the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu?

In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu are two shadow planets. While Rahu is the “head” of the serpent and Ketu the “tail”, the two represent karmic forces. When these lunar nodes are afflicted in a chart (or when major dashas of Rahu/Ketu), their influence can create confusion, delays, restlessness, or detachment, among many feelings.

Fortunately, tradition offers a range of remedies to reduce the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu.Below is a well-researched and astrologer’s recommended remedies to reduce the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu.Understanding Rahu & KetuRahu is often linked with illusion, ambition, foreignness and unconventional paths. It pushes people to cross unseen boundaries. Ketu also corresponds to detachment, spirituality, past-life karmas, subtle awareness and dissolution of identity. When Rahu and Ketu are negative, it often shows as: unexpected obstaclesFearmental issuesObsessionkarmic burdensfamily lineage issuesrestless mindloss of directionspiritual confusionOn this note, let’s have a look at five astrologer suggested remedial strategies:Mantras & chanting

It is suggested that chanting specific beej mantras for Rahu and Ketu is one of the most powerful ways to pacify the negative energies of two nodes. For example:Rahu : Om Bhram Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave NamahKetu : Om Sram Sreem Sroum Sah Ketave NamahIt is suggested that chanting these mantras 108 or more times on a daily basis (with focused intention) can help reduce the negative effects of these planets.

Alongside with the mantras, worshipping certain deities which are specifically associated with them also helps. Like worshipping Lord Shiva helps in Ketu and Goddess Durga/Lord Bhairava helps in Rahu’s effects, as several astrological sources suggest. Charity, social animals & ancestral offerings

Rahu and Ketu are linked deeply with past-life karmas and ancestral lines. Therefore, acts of selfless service help neutralise their burden, as per sources.Feeding stray animals (dogs, birds, cows) and donating grains. Offering water with black sesame seeds to ancestors (especially during Pitru Paksha) Charity in the form of clothes, food, blankets especially on Saturdays for Rahu or according to Ketu-specific days. Lifestyle, diet & discipline

Rahu is the planet of illusions and instability, and Ketu is of detachment and spiritual search. It is important to maintain a grounded disciplined life.Adopt a sattvic diet, avoid heavy indulgence, alcohol, non-veg food in certain cases. Follow a routine, get up early, meditate, introspect. Reduce addiction, shortcuts, unethical behaviour Follow Vastu Shatra: like keep a silver elephant figure in SW corner to pacify RahuRituals, pujas & yantrasWhen the nodes are seriously afflicted, astrologers suggest some specific rituals:A joint Rahu-Ketu Puja during eclipse periods are specifically helpful, or specialised ceremonies like Kaal Sarp Yoga removal rituals.Keep Yantras (e.g., Rahu Yantra) at home after consulting an astrologer. These formal acts help send strong symbolic signals to the psyche and subtle energy field, reinforcing one’s commitment to transformation.Inner work and self-awareness

[This is perhaps the most important thing: understanding that Rahu and Ketu aren’t “bad” but asking you to work on areas of growth. Self-awareness: it is important to identify where illusions (Rahu) or detachment Ketu) show up in your life.Meditation and pranayama: Practice Anulom Vilom or Bhramari pranayama. These Yoga practices help clear mental fog (Rahu) and soothe the mind (Ketu). Humility and service: Rahu thrives on ego and shortcuts; Ketu on isolation and detachment. Choosing humility, service and integration helps. Look at these issues as karmic lessons and transform them into tools for spiritual growth.How to put it all togetherDaily – Chant a mantra (one or both of Rahu/Ketu), preferably early morning or evening for 108 times. Weekly – Every Saturday (for Rahu) or on a day recommended by your astrologer for Ketu, perform a charity: feed stray animals or donate without expectation.Monthly – Do a simple ritual at home: light a ghee lamp in the “southern direction” (linked with ancestors/Yama) with sesame seeds and offer water. Words of WisdomIt is important to keep in mind that remedies are not magic wands or quick fixes. Several practitioners note that change is gradual. A lot of things depend on the position, placement and strength of Rahu/Ketu. It varies from person to person. What applies to one may not to another. Avoid shortcuts like random gemstone wearing without proper guidance. Rahu and Ketu may bring discomfort, but also opportunity for transformation.

The shadow-planets Rahu and Ketu hold powerful karmic lessons.