Rahu or dragon's head

As per vedic astrology, Rahu is a cchaya graha(shadow planet). ie its more like a magnetic zone rather than a physical body.

The dictum "Sanivat rahu" means that Rahu is like Sani/saturn.

In some classical texts it is mentioned that Rahu behaves as per the lord of the house in which he is posited.

Rahu is he signifactor for our questioning nature(good for science), rule breaking/venting nature, hypocrisy n diplomacy, masking(good in cinema n drama), for potions, toxins and chemicals and also for foreign culture.

Traditionally Rahu in lagna or ascendant is considered as a difficult positioning, which makes the person brutal, selfish, conceited and unhealthy.

But i have seen many masters with Rahu in lagna, honest and straight forward.

But all these people also practice Kundalini tantra or atleast some breathing techniques.

So, i can safely assume that the ones who practice spiritual techniques don't get the negatives attributed to Rahu.

As the shadow planet which is responsible to cause grahana or eclipse of 2 life providing bodies, namely the sun and the moon, Rahu is feared a lot.

Rahu, the coiled serpent in the spine can be of tremendous advantage for all with rahu in 1, 5 or 9th house. Rahu in 1,5 and 9 is supposed to cause difficulties to children too.

Mntra for rahu:

om bhraam bhreem bhroum sa: rahuvae namaha.

kala bhairava prayers are also supposed to help.

pulse: urad dal/black gram

The story goes like:

when the asura suvarnabhanu was cut by vishnu's sudarsana chakra, (giving 2 forms as rahu n ketu) the blood that dripped down gave rise to garlic, a wonder drug, but something that provides lot of asuric qualities like suspicion.

turmeric is also used as an effective pariharam for rahu.

planting and watering turmeric plant, using it in food with prayers to rahu, is considered very positive remedy for rahu.

Rahu, like other malefic planets, is supposed to do good in upachayas, namely 3, 6, 10 and 11 houses. Rahu in dhanu is sometimes known as kodanda rahu with a benefic nature.

Sani or Saturn- the most dreaded of all planets- a myth.

For most people, the very mention of Sani is very scary.

True, Sani teaches one, valuable lessons during his period.

But Sani is one of the most misinterpreted planets.

Sani is the karaka/signifactor for prana, discipline, service, humility and patience.

The one who is aware of one's prana, one who is disciplined, humble and who is prepared to wait always gets the benefic looks of saturn.

Rahu is Sani's agent and mostly bring about Sani's results.

People born in certain ascendants or moon signs or sun signs, lack the above saturnian qualities by some percentage and hence are subjected to severe test by saturn.

The best remedy being development of the before said qualities.

The moola mantra for Sani is Om Praam Preem Proum Sa Saneescharaya namaha.

Sani likes yoga and regulation of breath or Pranayama.

Sani likes no show off.

Sani's stone is indra neela or blue sapphire

Sani's grain is sesame.

For certain lagnas or ascendants sani is very beneficial.

Like for Taurus/rishabha, Libra/thula and capricorn/Makara ascendants, if he is posited in positive houses.

Another dreaded period is 7 1/2 saturn and also kantaka sani.

when saturn transits 12th, 1st and 2nd houses from moon sign, it is called 7 1/2 saturn period.

And when in 1, 4, 7, 10 positions it is kantaka sani. Remember: The one who is aware of one's prana, one who is disciplined, humble and who is prepared to wait always gets the benefic looks of saturn.

Energies in breath or Prana and their classification

1) Prana

2) Apana

3) Samana

4) Udana

5) Vyana

and 5 more sub-energies

6) naga

7) koorma

8) Krkala

9) Devadatta

10) Dhananjaya

PRANA

Prana, which is centred at the heart, is that special function of the Cosmic Prana, which supplies the human body with essential oxygen. Its energy flows from the nostrils to the level of the heart.

Certain techniques in particular activate Prana Shakti, these are Bhastrika, Nadi Shodhana and Ujjai Pranayama.

APANA

Apana Prana, centred at the last portion of the large intestine, influences the lower part of the body from the navel to the soles of the feet. This Prana regulates the elimination process. Diseases that affect the lower abdomen, intestines, kidneys, urinary tract, legs, etc., are the result of disturbed Apana Prana. The techniques of Nauli, Agnisara Kriya, Ashvini Mudra and Mula Bandha serve to strengthen and purify Apana Prana.

SAMANA

Samana Prana classifies the energy in food as sthoola, sookshma and madhya. The sthoola is eliminated, sookshma is blended to mind and madhyama to flesh n bones.

Samana is centred at the navel.

This Prana is strengthened through the practice of Agnisara Kriya and Nauli. The practice of these two Kriyas prevents digestive problems and Diabetes. It also improves one’s resistance to infectious disease and cancer, due to the digestive fire that is awakened in the whole body, which purifies and cleans.

VYANA

Vyana Prana flows through the nerve channels of the human body. It has an effect upon the whole body and particularly on the Nadis. Poor circulation, impaired nerve stimulation and nervous breakdowns, originate from a deficiency in Vyana Prana.

It is highly recommended to perform the following breath exercise several times a day.

Inhale deeply and exhale once

Again inhale and hold the breath for as long as comfortable (counting to 20, 30, etc.)

Exhale and hold the breath again for a while

Repeat this exercise 4-5 times.

The benefit of this simple breath exercise is quickly noticed and our nerves will feel very energized.

UDANA

Udana centres itself in throat, with all the senses in equilibrium, and is active when the body is in sushupti. Udana is said to bring about centering and self contact.

Udana Prana is activated by the practice of Ujjayi Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, as well as Viparitakarani Mudra.

Bhramari Pranayama Technique

Close the ears with the fingers and inhale. While exhaling through the nose, hum like a bumble-bee (the mouth remains closed).

After about 5-7 breaths sit motionless and breathe normally with the ears still closed. Concentrate on your inner space and listen to the inner sound.

This exercise will calm the nerves and thoughts, promote concentration and bring you into contact with your Self.

The Five Upa-Pranas

The five Upa-Pranas regulate important functions in the human body.

NAGA - Burping

Removes blockages of Prana and Apana and prevents gas formation in the digestive system. Other functions include triggering of the vomit reflex due to indigestion and dissolving blockages of Samana Prana.

KURMA - Blinking

This Upa-Prana functions in the area of the eyes, controlling opening and closing of the eyelids. The energy of this Upa-Prana is active when we are awake and is revitalised when we sleep. Kurma protects the eyes from the penetration of dust and foreign bodies etc. Disturbance of this Upa-Prana causes uncontrolled blinking and twitching of the eyelids. The practice of Trataka provides balance and strength to Kurma, as does the chanting of OM, placing warm palms over the eyes and Asanas where the head is bent forward.

DEVADATTA - Yawning, crying, laughing

Yawning indicates tiredness, sometimes after eating too. Certain foods such as grains, onions and garlic cause fatigue. Many Yogis only eat vegetables and some milk products in order to sustain their level of vitality and thereby reduce lethargy. Devadatta also controls crying and laughter.

KRIKALA - Sneezing, hunger, thirst

Sneezing releases energy blockages in the head and neck. Krikala also has control over hinger and thirst.

DHANANJAYA - Opening and Closing of Heart Valves

It influences the whole body and in particular the muscles of the heart by opening and closing the heart valves.