Ketu Mahadasha: why 7 years feel like losing everything, and what they give

Ketu Mahadasha is short, only seven years, but people remember it for life. Things you were attached to move away: a job, a city, a relationship, an idea of yourself. It can feel like loss. The tradition calls it something else: clearing.

What Ketu does

Ketu is the planet of moksha, of letting go. He has no head, so he does not plan. He cuts. In his dasha you lose interest in things that used to matter, and life removes what you would not have removed yourself.

• A feeling of being disconnected, even among people.
• Sudden endings and changes of direction.
• Strong intuition, vivid dreams and interest in spiritual subjects.
• Less hunger for status and show.

Where Ketu gives good results

Ketu does well in the 3rd, 6th and 11th houses, and in the 12th for spiritual growth. If Ketu sits with a strong planet or its sign lord is strong, the dasha can bring research, healing skills, technical mastery and sudden gains.

Why it is confusing

Ketu Mahadasha comes just before the 20 years of Venus. Seen that way, Ketu is the clearing of the ground before the building starts. Many people look back and see that what left in Ketu’s period had to leave for the next chapter to begin.

Remedies for Ketu

• Worship Lord Ganesha. Chant "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" daily.
• Chant "Om Kem Ketave Namah" 108 times.
• Feed stray dogs. This is the best known Ketu remedy.
• Meditate for a few minutes each day. Ketu rewards quiet.
• Do not make major decisions when you feel cut off. Wait a week.

If the feeling of emptiness is strong or lasts for weeks, please talk to someone you trust or a counsellor. Ketu’s period is easier when you do not go through it alone.