Rahu as gnatikaraka

Rahu as gnatikaraka shows obstacles of a non-obvious kind: hidden rivals, tangled situations and anxieties that make a problem look bigger. At the same time Rahu gives cunning and unconventional solutions with which the person is able to get round difficulties.

When Rahu becomes the gnatikaraka

In the eight-karaka scheme Rahu’s degree is counted backwards from the end of the sign. It becomes seventh in size, that is, second to last, when it has fewer degrees left to the end of its sign than almost all the other planets have travelled from the start of theirs. Tradition considers Rahu strong in the upachaya houses, the 6th among them, and the role of gnatikaraka suits its nature: it knows how to fight.

How it manifests

• rivals who act behind the scenes, or confrontation with an alien milieu;
• unclear circumstances, rumours, a lack of information;
• worry that makes a problem bigger than it is;
• strategic thinking and the ability to find a way round.

What to look at

Rahu acts through the lord of its sign and the planets next to it. If the dispositor is strong and Jupiter gives support, Rahu as gnatikaraka often brings victory over competitors through an unexpected move. When the Moon or the lagna are under pressure, the theme calls for clarity: checking facts, transparent agreements and a calm look at one’s fears.

More about the planet is on the page on Rahu; the rule for counting degrees is in the overview of chara karakas. You can find your gnatikaraka after the chart calculation.