Ritual of the Nine Planets 15

The Invocation of Rahu

For the mantra "With what wondrous help" original: "kayā naścitra..." (Rig Veda 4.31.1). This mantra is used to invoke Rahu's power to provide protection and growth., the seer is Vamadeva and the meter is Gayatri. Invocation. Om. With what wondrous help will he come to us, our wondrous, ever-waxing friend? With what most mighty company?

O Lord Rahu, son of Simhika, born of the Paithinabha lineage, and ruler of the barbarian lands. Your complexion is like a dark rain cloud; you have a tiger's face and four arms, holding a sword, a shield, a trident, and making the gesture of granting boons. You are clothed in black garments, adorned with garlands and ointments, and decorated with ornaments of hessonite garnet term: gomed (the gemstone associated with Rahu).

Salutations to you, who are a treasure of wisdom! O you who are graced by a banner and flag marked with a water-pot, arriving on your vehicle, a chariot drawn by a black lion, as you circumambulate Mount Meru—come now! Along with the presiding deities, the Serpents, please take your place for the sake of offspring upon the lead image term: sīsaka (lead is the traditional metal used for Rahu’s icons) facing southward, situated in the middle of that petal.

To the right side of Rahu: Om Bhuh, I invoke the Serpents, the presiding deities term: adhidevatā (the primary overseeing deity) of Rahu. Om Bhuvah, I invoke the Serpents... Om Swah, I invoke the Serpents... Om Bhur-Bhuvah-Swah, I invoke the Serpents.

For the mantra "This spotted bull" original: "āyaṃ gauḥ..." (Rig Veda 10.189.1), the seer is the Serpent-Queen and the meter is Gayatri. Invocation. This spotted bull has come and settled before his mother in the east and his father as he travels to heaven. Shiva 15

---

He moves within the mother's breath. Holding a rosary and a water-pot, with a body like a water-jar, she sits upon the back of the earth. Enjoyment of men and women I invoke the presiding deities, the Serpents, who are deep and mysterious in appearance.

To the left side of Rahu: Om Bhuh, I invoke Time term: Kāla, the counter-presiding deity term: pratyadhidevatā (the balancing or secondary deity) of Rahu. Om Bhuvah, I invoke Time... Om Swah, I invoke Time... Om Bhur-Bhuvah-Swah, I invoke Time.

For the mantra "Away from death" original: "paraṃ mṛtyo..." (Rig Veda 10.18.1), the seer is Sankusuka, the deity is Death, and the meter is Trishtubh. Invocation. O Death, go forth along that distant path of yours, which is distinct from the path of the gods. I speak to you who have eyes and ears: do not harm our offspring or our heroes.

I invoke Time, the counter-presiding deity of Rahu, who has a terrifying face, who is eternally fearsome, who carries a noose and a staff, and whose hair is composed of snakes and scorpions.

The Invocation of Ketu

On the northwestern petal: Om Bhuh, I invoke Ketu. Om Bhuvah, I invoke Ketu... Om Swah, I invoke Ketu... Om Bhur-Bhuvah-Swah, I invoke Ketu.

For the mantra "Giving form to the formless" original: "ketuṃ kṛṇvan..." (Rig Veda 1.6.3), the seer is Madhuchandas and the meter is Gayatri. Invocation. Om. Giving form to the formless, O men, and a banner to the bannerless, you were born with the dawns.