A lot of misconception floats around “Kaal Sarp Dosh” . As per Tantra astrology If Rahu and Ketu are surrounding planets, it also gives ” spiritual annubhuti” and a close association with ShivaShakti. So when awakening happens, and blocks get clear, people experience pain, detachment and struggle with clearance of karma. Now this was later used to create fear. Though in the materialistic world this might give struggle, but is actually a blessing.
In the earlier centuries , astrology was used mostly by rulers to take decisions regarding kingdom, wealth accumulation and power, very little focus was on spiritual side. So any chart that had” vairagya, sanyaas yog, sadhu yog, aghor, kundalini awakening combination of planets, was considered dosha, visha for materialistic or desire fulfilment.