Rahu, LP Hong

Rahu is the north lunar node (ascending) and it along with Ketu is a “shadow planet” that causes eclipses. Rahu has no physical shape. It is an imaginary planet but considering the importance of Rahu in astrology, it has been allocated the status of the planet by Rishis.

Rahu is known to confer malefic effects in general and is considered as a planet which induces laziness, delays, and hurdles in work. Rahu is known to reflect its shadow for 18 months in a zodiac. It can create confusion, depression and emotional imbalance if placed negatively in the horoscope. It is said that if Rahu sits in an auspicious position in the horoscope of a person, then luck is brightened. With this, the person attains sharp intellect.

The native receives honour and fame in the society. It has friendly ties with planets like Venus, Mercury, and Saturn. The Moon and Sun are the enemy planets in which it is more averse to the Sun:

When Rahu moved to any zodiac sign it was considered to be a bad sign. In astrology, Rahu represented the symbol of change. Humans are afraid of change or uncertainty so any negative changes were believed to have been caused by Rahu.

Thai Beliefs

In Thailand, belief in Rahu is influenced by Hinduism combined with Buddhism and also local faiths. Rahu assumes the image of the villain. Incidentally, Rahu is perceived also as the symbol of a bad year and as the god of Wednesday night, a time of misery. Therefore, Rahu is a symbol of evil omen or bad luck and is usually related to undesirable events.

Thai society recognizes Rahu as the asura who has a black half body and is often depicted as swallowing the sun or the moon. This image, depicted in many Thai mural paintings, sculptures and so on relates to the Hindu mythological scene of churning the milk ocean into an elixir. In the ritual, Rahu tried to steal the elixir. The sun god and the moon god saw this and told Vishnu, who cut Rahu’s body into two halves. Thus, Rahu has only a half body but since he had already drunk the elixir he is immortal. Rahu was angry with the sun god and the moon god, so whenever he saw the two gods he would try to eat them. This story has become the explanation for the natural phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses. Therefore, the Hindu myth became the subject matter of mural paintings and other forms of art. And via these works of art, the myth has been disseminated within Thai society.

Astrology

Thai society has long believed in astrology, especially a belief in luck as related to the way of life. From an astrological perspective, Rahu is related to misfortune as a sign of bad luck and sorrow. Rahu is the deva who dispelled misery. Thais believe that worshipping Rahu helps them to break free from suffering and avoid misfortune.

Thais believe in karma according to Buddhism, there is a belief that good and bad luck are influenced by astrology. Good things happen because of previous good deeds and bad events occur as the result of karma or misfortune. However, in the perception of Thai people, Rahu brings bad fortune. If a person had bad luck or the astrologer predicted an important misfortune, then the individual was advised to worship Rahu to exorcise the evil spirit and bring good luck.

Rahu, Luang Phor Hong

Blessed by the former guru monk, Luang Phor Hong at Thung Mon Cemetry, Prasat, Surin in BE 2556. This being serial number 754. He stated that Rahu is the god, Nophagraha. (Navagraha are nine hindu heavenly bodies and deities that influence human life on Earth) that affect the destiny of human life and veneration of this image will 

1. Protect from unatural death
2. Protect from many dangers such as fire, thieves
3. Protect from black magic & dark arts
4. Bring prosperity and wealth
5. Business success / higher yields from crops
6. Bring compassion and mercy
7. Bring good health
8. Bring luck and in particular during times of ecconomic depression

Worship of Rahu

Rahu governs one’s ego, anger, mentality, lust, and alcoholism. It also governs many awry activities of life. Rahu is often related with the unconscious desires, dissatisfactions, fears, obsessions, ambitions, illusion, hallucination, trance, and unresolved issues from previous lives. Luang Phor Hong stated that this Rahu has divine and supernatural powers 

First pray to the Triple Gems and then pray to Rahu Bodhisattva asking for help:

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa (x3)
(Homage to Him, the Gracious One, the Exalted One, the Perfect Sambuddha.)

Nameti, Pajakha, Namaput, Pajaa (x12)

Khapajoa Wai Phra Rahu Deva, Mee Rit Sip song Rit, Bundan Sing Rai Krai Pen Dee, Kwam Yak Jon Khen Jai Ya Dai Mee (I pay homage to Rahu Deva.)

Saturday is considered the best day for worshipping Rahu. Black grams, coconuts are offered to Rahu. According to Vedic astrology, black and blue colors are associated with Rahu. Luang Phor Hong also suggests that watermelon may be used