Past Lives Through the Eyes of Ketu: The South Node of the Moon

Past Life Clues from Ketu in Each Zodiac Sign

In Vedic astrology, Ketu is the mysterious tail of the celestial serpent, representing the karmic residue of past lives. Unlike Rahu, which draws us toward future experiences, Ketu signifies that which we have already mastered, suffered, or detached from in previous incarnations. Its presence in a birth chart is a whisper from the past—one that echoes spiritual knowledge, unhealed scars, or psychic imprints still carried by the soul.

This article explores the past-life themes of Ketu as it passes through each zodiac sign, by drawing meaning from the nakshatras (lunar mansions) it occupies within them. All insights are rooted in classical Jyotisha texts and the symbolic archetypes of nakshatras, without borrowing from modern interpretations.

Ketu in Aries – Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika

Ashwini (Devas of healing and speed): A past life of great urgency—perhaps a healer, horseman, or traveler. The soul has mastered swift action but may carry residual impulsiveness or restlessness.

Bharani (Yama, god of death): The soul has seen life and death closely—likely lived a role of caretaker, undertaker, or witness to intense suffering. Themes of moral judgment and karmic burden linger.

Krittika (Agni, the sacred fire): Past lives involved purification—possibly as a priest, warrior, or one who wielded fire (literal or symbolic). The soul now seeks detachment from harsh discipline or rigid righteousness.

Ketu in Taurus – Rohini, Mrigashira

Rohini (Brahma, the creator): A sensual or artistic past life. Attachment to beauty, fertility, or status was strong. There may be karmic residue from overindulgence or possessiveness.

Mrigashira (Soma, the moon deity): A seeker of knowledge or pleasures—perhaps a poet, lover, or wanderer. The soul carries curiosity but also emotional restlessness from unfulfilled desires.

Ketu in Gemini – Ardra, Punarvasu

Ardra (Rudra, the storm god): A tumultuous past life—possibly marked by emotional loss, intellectual rebellion, or trauma. The soul now fears chaos and may reject strong emotions.

Punarvasu (Aditi, the cosmic mother): A past life devoted to healing, teaching, or rebuilding. The soul carries ancient nurturing wisdom but also guilt from things left incomplete.

Ketu in Cancer – Pushya, Ashlesha

Pushya (Brihaspati, guru of the gods): The soul has served as a guide or caretaker—perhaps a monk, parent, or priest. A karmic pattern of service and emotional suppression remains.

Ashlesha (Nagas, the serpents): A mystical or manipulative past life. The soul has knowledge of secrets, mysticism, or power games. It now struggles with detachment from emotional entanglements.

Ketu in Leo – Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni

Magha (Pitrs, ancestral spirits): A royal or ancestral life—nobility, leaders, or gatekeepers. The soul carries pride, responsibility, or past misuse of power.

Purva Phalguni (Bhaga, god of pleasure): A luxurious past life—perhaps a courtesan, artist, or lover. There is past karma from indulgence or attachment to admiration.

Uttara Phalguni (Aryaman, god of contracts): Past life themes involve marriage, alliances, or leadership duties. The soul seeks to balance ego with humility now.

Ketu in Virgo – Hasta, Chitra

Hasta (Savitar, the skillful Sun): A craftsman, healer, or scribe in past lives. The soul has perfected skills but may now feel emotionally disconnected or over-analytical.

Chitra (Tvashtar, celestial architect): The soul has lived as an artisan, architect, or image-maker. Karma involves beauty, illusion, or perfectionism.

Ketu in Libra – Swati, Vishakha

Swati (Vayu, the wind god): A solitary, freedom-seeking past. Possibly a wanderer or philosopher. The soul now resists attachment, fearing loss of independence.

Vishakha (Indra-Agni, dual deities of force): A past life of ambition, politics, or duality. The soul may carry burdens of divided loyalty or karmic debts in partnerships.

Ketu in Sagittarius – Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha

Mula (Nirriti, goddess of destruction): A life tied to root karma—deep ancestral or tribal ties. Possibly involved in occult, surgery, or destruction. Intense karmic clearing is underway.

Purva Ashadha (Apas, goddess of waters): Past life involved spreading ideas, travels, or teachings. Karma from pride or escapism remains.

Uttara Ashadha (Vishvadevas, universal gods): A noble or moral past—possibly a judge, teacher, or leader. The soul carries unfinished duties or over-idealism.

Ketu in Capricorn – Shravana, Dhanishta

Shravana (Vishnu, the preserver): A wise listener or chronicler in past lives. The soul now resists worldly duties or struggles with inherited authority structures.

Dhanishta (Vasus, the wealthy gods): A past tied to music, rhythm, or wealth. The soul may feel karmically detached from material success or communal recognition.

Ketu in Aquarius – Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada

Shatabhisha (Varuna, the cosmic order): A hermit, scientist, or healer of past times. Karma includes isolation, detachment from society, or emotional suppression.

Purva Bhadrapada (Aja Ekapada, fiery deity): A mystical or eccentric past life. Themes of sacrifice, visionary experiences, or spiritual intensity remain. Soul now detaches from extremism.

Ketu in Pisces – Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati

Uttara Bhadrapada (Ahir Budhnya, serpent of the deep): Past life as monk, yogi, or oceanic traveler. The soul has known detachment but must reintegrate into service.

Revati (Pushan, protector of paths): A guide or compassionate figure in a past life. The soul has come full circle and now seeks peace, rest, or closure.

Ketu doesn’t indicate punishment—it shows where the soul has been and what it is done with. By understanding its placement in your chart through nakshatras and zodiac signs, you gain clarity on what to release, what to integrate, and where to go next.

Past Lives Through the Eyes of Ketu | Vedic Astrology South Node Secrets