Rahu in Indian Astrology is actually not a planet but is termed as shadowy planet. In reality, it is an intelligent concept which is unique to Indian astrology. The two nodes where the trajectory of Earth round the Sun, and the trajectory of Moon around the earth intersect are named as Rahu and Ketu. Unlike other planets of the solar system, Rahu and Ketu are not observable, substantial heavenly bodies, with shape or mass content.

Legends of Rahu
Rahu was Danava Vipracitti"s son and his mother was Simhika. Maya, a Danava or Rakshasa, the famous architect and magician was his brother. According to mythology, when Lord Vishnu extracted the nectar of immortality by churning the sea, he invited Gods only, to drink it. Rahu disguised himself as God and drank the nectar, sitting between the Lord Surya and Lord Chandra. Hence Vishnu cut his head. Since the nectar had reached the neck of Rahu by that time, the head survived, while the rest of the body turned to ashes. Since then, both the planets are hell bent on taking revenge with Moon and Sun, by constantly causing Lunar and Solar eclipses.

Nature of Individual with Rahu as Ruling Planet
Rahu is regarded as a "Shudra Graha", which rules illiterate and uncultured people. In horoscopes, it is considered to be a malefic planet, which signifies thieves, witches, venom, magicians, snake, jails, spies, criminals, cemeteries, terrorists, etc. People dealing in occult, mainly dark magic are deeply influenced by this planet. Rahu is similar to Saturn in its effects.

Effects of Rahu
Rahu is instinctual and animalistic in nature. It craves for pleasures, and is never satisfied with the gains. Fame, success in politics, money and physical attractions are all granted by this planet. The presence of Rahu in peoples` horoscope signifies karma bondage coming down from the previous births thus making the lives of natives very difficult.

Colour for Rahu: Black.
Day for Rahu: Friday.
Gemstone for Rahu: Garnet.
Deity/God for Rahu: Lord Shiva.

Mantras for Rahu
"Ardha-kayam maha-viryam chandraditya-vimardanam simhika-garbha-sambhutam tam rahum pranamamy aham"

The above mentioned Mantra for Rahu means; "By bowing down to Rahu praises the famous warrior who splits even the Sun and Moon in two half, born from Simhika"s womb".

Importance of Rahu in Indian Astrology Rahu, the malefic planet occupies a significant place in the list of celestial bodies. The alignment of Rahu with different planets creates different types of bondages. As per the Indian tradition, Rahu represents the head. According to the Hindu belief, Rahu cannot discriminate between good and evil, and so it works against the Dharma. Rahu is stated to be ignorant about the spiritual subjects and it is a slave to the Maya.