The Ketu in the first house has a detrimental influence on the development of the native in the early period of his life. It upsets his health, and often his mind as well, in as much as he will be too analytical and will not always see things as a whole, but will become absorbed in small details. In regard to any special question put, it would signify a very bad beginning for the matter under consideration, as it always entails trouble and worry. This influence in a horoscope continues for a fairly long period, in a smuch as the Nodes being retrograde Ketu passes from the first to the twelfth house, which is also malefic.
Needs to get away from himself. Has lived for and to himself until he has become too independent. Needs to take other people into account and get away from too much self-centeredness. Self-assertion has to be eliminated. Integration and fulfillment come through giving up the personal ego and helping others to attain a sense of their worth.
This person has to overcome a tendency to work by himself. He needs to learn to work with a partner, to learn the balance it takes to do this. He has to strive for a close personal relationship with others. This relationship should bear some constructive fruit, whether business or marriage. This is quite a step because it leads to the death of the self-centered ego. The person then acquires the knack for becoming an arbitrator. He needs to develop an appreciation of beauty in the arts.
Ketu in the first is the egotist. This is the person who tries too hard and, as a result, comes on strong at first. It gives a strong pioneering spirit with a ‘me-first’ attitude. There is an ability to do all things by oneself. This position can give a changeable personality. He tries too hard to be a special personality. This person may think in terms of his physical body being superior to others. He has a tendency to push himself too hard because of a lack in partnerships. The problems in life seem to be very much concerned with self. He can be the fearless pioneer of new concepts or new activity.
This condition often signifies marriage or partnership activities are extremely important in his life. Self is often given no priority but what is best for the marriage is taken into consideration. Thus, a self-sacrifice for the betterment of the marriage may turn out to be a devastating situation. This individual will try everything to maintain that relationship. As an individual, they may not be able to contribute and achieve much in life; however, with partnership activities their contribution and output is substantially increased. They often have a good public image; and their objectivity is fairly well known among others. They are very charming, diplomatic and polite in general expression or communication.
Here the individual has many lessons to learn in areas of partnerships, marriage and co-operation with others. In past incarnations, he had to account only to himself for all his thoughts and actions. Now in the current life, his soul remembers all the individualism and independence he enjoyed. While he may pretend to be a good listener for the sake of society’s acceptance, he rarely takes advice given to him. Instead, he spends most of his energy developing whatever abilities he has, while constantly seeking approval for the efforts he has made.
Although he will be the last to admit it openly, he never quite notices others as much as himself. He has great apprehensions about being outdone, and will go far out of his way to secure for himself a position where his dominion will not be challenged. If the rest of the horoscope shows strength, then this is truly the individual who wishes to be ‘King of the Mountain’.