Transits · Rahu and Ketu
Rahu Ketu transit 2026 to 2028: dates by true and mean node
When Rahu and Ketu change sign from 2026 to 2028, by the true node Astrojar's charts use and by the mean node of many panchangs, and how each Moon sign reads the transit.
In short
Rahu is in Kumbha (Aquarius) and Ketu in Simha (Leo) on 18 Oct 2026. Rahu enters Makara (Capricorn) on 25 Nov 2026, between 7 pm and 8 pm IST by the true node (5–6 Dec 2026 by the mean node), and Ketu enters the opposite sign at the same moment. They are favourable in the 3rd, 6th and 11th signs from your Moon sign (Phaladeepika ch. 26).
Rahu and Ketu transit dates 2026 to 2028
| Rahu enters (true node) | Rahu leaves | Rahu enters | Time | Mean node date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Nov 2026 | Kumbha (Aquarius) | Makara (Capricorn) | between 7 pm and 8 pm IST | 5–6 Dec 2026 |
| 24 May 2028 | Makara (Capricorn) | Dhanu (Sagittarius) | between 3 pm and 4 pm IST | 23–24 Jun 2028 |
Ketu is always exactly opposite Rahu, so it changes sign at the same moment, into the sign seven places on. Rahu and Ketu move backwards through the zodiac, about one sign every 18 months.
Two dates, two conventions. Astrojar's charts use the true node, which wobbles around the mean node; many printed panchangs use the mean node, so their dates for Rahu and Ketu can differ by days or weeks. Both are shown.
Rahu and Ketu transit by Moon sign
By Phaladeepika ch. 26, Rahu and Ketu give good results in the 3rd, 6th and 11th signs from the Moon sign. For Rahu:
| Your Moon sign | Rahu in Kumbha | Rahu in Makara | Rahu in Dhanu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesha (Aries) | 11th: favourable | 10th: not favourable | 9th: not favourable |
| Vrishabha (Taurus) | 10th: not favourable | 9th: not favourable | 8th: not favourable |
| Mithuna (Gemini) | 9th: not favourable | 8th: not favourable | 7th: not favourable |
| Karka (Cancer) | 8th: not favourable | 7th: not favourable | 6th: favourable |
| Simha (Leo) | 7th: not favourable | 6th: favourable | 5th: not favourable |
| Kanya (Virgo) | 6th: favourable | 5th: not favourable | 4th: not favourable |
| Tula (Libra) | 5th: not favourable | 4th: not favourable | 3rd: favourable |
| Vrishchika (Scorpio) | 4th: not favourable | 3rd: favourable | 2nd: not favourable |
| Dhanu (Sagittarius) | 3rd: favourable | 2nd: not favourable | 1st: not favourable |
| Makara (Capricorn) | 2nd: not favourable | 1st: not favourable | 12th: not favourable |
| Kumbha (Aquarius) | 1st: not favourable | 12th: not favourable | 11th: favourable |
| Meena (Pisces) | 12th: not favourable | 11th: favourable | 10th: not favourable |
Questions about the Rahu-Ketu transit
When do Rahu and Ketu change sign?
On 18 Oct 2026 Rahu is in Kumbha (Aquarius) and Ketu in Simha (Leo). The table gives each change to 2028, by the true node and by the mean node.
Why do websites give different dates for the Rahu transit?
Some use the true node and some the mean node; the two differ by up to about a degree and a half, which moves a sign change by days or weeks.
Are Rahu and Ketu ever direct?
The mean node always moves backwards. The true node now and then stands still or moves forward briefly; both still go backwards through the signs over time.
Sources
- Dates and positions: Astrojar's chart engine (Lahiri ayanamsa, sidereal zodiac, true lunar node), sampled at noon IST and refined to the hour for each sign change and retrograde station.
- Good houses from the Moon sign for Jupiter (2, 5, 7, 9, 11) and for Saturn, Rahu and Ketu (3, 6, 11); Sade Sati, Ashtama and Kantaka Shani: Phaladeepika ch. 26 (gochara), as Astrojar's transit rules use it.
This is the traditional reading of the classical texts, given for learning and reflection. It is not a prediction for you, and not medical, legal or financial advice.
How do Rahu and Ketu sit in your chart?
Sign up free with your birth date, time and place: Astrojar reads these transits from your own Moon sign and Lagna, together with your dasha, and your first 3 questions are free.