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The Nakshatras from Vishakha to Revati

By Michael Laughrin (michael@jyotish.ws)

Vishakha goes from 20 degrees of Libra to 3 degrees and 20 minutes of Scorpio. It means 'forked' but also stands for Radha (Lord Krishna's favorite consort). Radha means 'delightful.' Vishakha individuals are fixed on some goal (but, the issue is - is it a good goal or a bad goal?). Another symbol of Vishakha is "a gateway". The 2 ruling deities of this star are Indra and Agni. Indra is used to getting whatever he wants, by any means whatsoever - be they good or evil, even if they are not good for him or good for the Universe. Agni (the fire god) is an energy that will go to any lengths to achieve his goals. This gives natives of this star courage, and the ability to work in a very determined manner. However, just like fire gone amok, Vishakha natives might cause harm to others in the one-pointed pursuit of their goals. Also, since Indra and Agni rule heat and rain, this asterism relates to agriculture. 

For Vishakhas, it is so easy nowadays to become addicted to substances or the Rahu type world of the Internet. "Fixed in purpose" is the phrase that best sums up the nature of Vishakha. They can become real party animals, even though, ultimately, parties are distinctly unsatisfying in the long run. Being very focused on attaining their personal goals, they often are uninterested in the lives of others, except if those others can be useful to the Vishakha native. They can be very charming and soft when they want to be. Vishakha is the most obsessive-compulsive of all the nakshatras. They easily become addicted to sex and alcohol. Furthermore, often they feel hollow with what they have even if they are rich and self-indulgent. The emotions of envy, viciousness and feeling like losers (when comparing themselves to others) can wreck the lives of Vishakha people if they take the wrong path in life. 

Like Radha, many Vishakhas are extremely devoted to the Divine even if their devotion causes them many difficulties in worldly life. 

They are very active, perhaps more so than any other nakshatra. However, because they are so fixed upon achieving their goals, many Vishakhas become quite rich. 

Professions associated with this star include: anyone who deals with alcohol in any way; all professions that use speech as a primary mode of functioning; athletes; members of cults and fundamentalists; soldiers; criminals; policemen and prostitutes.

Anuradha is from 3 degrees 20 minutes of Scorpio to 16 degrees 40 minutes of Scorpio. The name "Anuradha" means 'after Radha' [the previous star, Vishakha, stands for Radha] or 'subsequent success'. Symbols relating to this star are: the staff (the staff of an ascetic has all the power of his sadhana); the lotus - symbolizing purity, luck, and Enlightenment; a triumphant gateway surrounded by leaves - Vishakha has a similar symbol. The gateway represents victory for both Vishakha and Anuradha. This asterism is goal-centered like its predecessor, but, unlike Vishakha, the goals of Anuradha tend to be sattwic. Also Anuradha prefers to work with others (Vishakha prefers to go it alone), and, therefore, can achieve his goals relatively easily. 

The main deity associated with Anuradha is Mitra (which means "friend"). Mitra also is related to faith, cordiality, warmth, leadership, helpfulness and a strongly positive attitude. Aquarius, as well as Anuradha, is related to Mitra. Also, as Anuradha is obsessed with learning, Saraswati is strongly related to this star. As Saraswati sings and plays the Veena (an ancient Indian stringed instrument), Anuradha natives often have good musical talents. 

The most important concept for Anuradha is "exploration". Usually this exploration is a group project. Anuradha is gifted at tying together (emotionally) people who otherwise would never talk because they have little in common. Anuradha is a kind of universal connector. Natives of this star are very open to new ideas, new people and new ways of life. Sometimes they are too open and associate with the wrong people or ideas far past their expiration dates. But Anuradhas are also quite logical and have, at best, a strong sense of discrimination. Anuradhas have the power of worship. And they usually try to make everyone happy. 

People with a strong Anuradha (Moon or Lagna in Anuradha) are very friendly, yet they are also rather secretive. They love the occult and secrets. Therefore, they make good astrologers, spies, and, because of their natural friendliness with virtually everyone, they are good organizers and excel at all professions dealing with groups of people. Also, they are good counselors, artists (of all types) and are good at all professions dealing with foreign countries.
They are ruled by both Mars and Saturn. They have learned to take the middle path, one that will satisfy both Mars and Saturn. They are kindly, soft, mild and tend to create harmony between different individuals and groups.

Anuradhas are very devoted, both to other people, higher ideas and various forms of Divinity. However, they are often "off the beaten path" and are often affiliated with hippies, revolutionaries, and all unorthodox activities and beliefs.

Jyestha goes from 16 degrees and 40 minutes of Scorpio to 30 degrees of Scorpio. The name Jyeshta means 'the Eldest'. Therefore, Jyestha is associated with everyone who has a position of authority. 

Indra is the deity who governs Jyestha. Indra used to be the main deity in the Indian pantheon. He is called "the King of the gods." The word "Indra" translates as "a celestial drop." Indra was also the rain god. Rain leads to successful crops which lead to prosperity. Jyestha can be very benevolent - giving prosperity, and protectiveness of others. He can also be problematic - giving rise to misuse of power and extreme vanity. Jyesthas will sacrifice present day pleasures for the sake of their long term duties. Jyestha represents the harsh, nasty and violent aspect of Scorpio. Also, they are often obsessed with 'getting even.' Jyestha can also bring the opposite of prosperity - hard times. 

Symbols associated with Jyestha are "a round talisman", an earring and an umbrella. The round talisman stands for divine protection and also represents one who is a leader. The earring is another type of a round talisman. The umbrella protects one from the Sun and the rain. Jyestha protects one against the dark side of the universal forces. 

Jyestha completes the second group of 9 nakshatras. The main focus is on worldly achievements and populatity. Image is everything to a Jyestha native. 

Jyesthas are very competitive. Also they have a strong inner streak of jealousy, envy and a desire for revenge. However, the good side of Jyestha is that they often protect the weak and underprivileged segment of society. Nowadays, we find many Jyesthas working in the military or for the police. If, in an astrological chart, Jyestha is afflicted, it will give problems and poverty. If unafflicted, it gives protection, prosperity and sympathy for others.

Both Mercury and Mars rule Jyestha, creating an inner desire to go in 2 different directions - free and floating around from Mercury and following the path of the warrior (more or less) from Mars. 

Professions associated with Jyestha are: any activity associated with the police or the government; workers in the media such as reporters or TV announcers; occultists; the Mafia; anything related to the military; manual laborers; athletes and surgeons.

Moola goes from 0 degrees Sagittarius to 13 degrees 20 minutes of Sagittarius. The name Moola means root in Sanskrit. Also it may be translated as "the Center". This is very appropriate because the center of our galaxy is found in the nakshatra Moola. Pretty much everything that can be said about Moola can be derived from the meaning of 'the Root.'

Moola relates to the 'Root' of everything which is the great Brahman or God

Moola types tend to get to the root of any discussion or any matter immediately.
Roots are unseen, so Moola rules all that is hidden - materially, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

Moola has the strongest desire to get to "the Heart of the Matter" of all the nakshatras.
Of course, Moola relates to Ayurvedic remedies as many of these come from the roots of plants.

In its desire to quickly get to the heart of the matter, Moola people are quite willing to discard anything or anyone who does not serve their purpose of digging deeply. 

Moola natives often seem to be arrogant because of their one-pointedness. Sometimes they are overly focused on a specific goal and become obsessed. Obviously, this does not lead to lasting friendships for some Moola natives.

Some professions associated with Moola are medical practitioners (givers of poisons); people dealing with death; investigators of any kind and jobs that include destructive actions.

Moola is ruled by Jupiter and Ketu, but primarily by Ketu - who is willing to do anything, to get rid of anything, to attain Oneness with the Supreme Reality. Although, obviously, not all Moola people are true spiritual seekers.

Poorvashadha goes from 13 degrees and 20 minutes to 26 degrees and 40 minutes of the sign Sagittarius. Poorvashadha translates as 'the former Invincible One.' It is the only nakshatra ruled by the 2 Brahmin planets Venus and Jupiter. Therefore, this star is usually very high minded as well as being extremely self-confident. They expect the best in life, be it victory or luxuries, and they usually get it. The deity ruling this star is a little known water goddess Apas.

Jyestha wants to get to the root of everything. Moola often does realize the Ultimate Root of Existence. But the next star, Poorvashadha, having accomplished most of the desires of the 2 previous stars, is ready, willing and able to be a Star in Life. A Poorvashadha native tends to be a winner, a leader, one who wallows in all luxuries. The best qualities of the sign of Sagittarius are found in this Venusian nakshatra. 

They are ambitious, adventurous, exuberant and optimistic. Yet they are willing to wait for the victory; to wait for the riches to manifest. Virtually nothing can disturb their mind-set of victory and accomplishing their goals. 

Obviously, one who is too filled with visions of victory may not have his/her mind focused on the here and now. They may not be realistic in their goals. However, on the good side, they can often inspire the rest of us to think big, to win big, to always have a positive mind-set. 

This nakshatra perhaps has the most "joie de vivre" of any of the 27 stars. Almost nothing - no tragedy, no loss, no depression - can bring them down in their inner selves. 

Some professions associated with this star are: psychics; those in the entertainment industry; motivational speakers; and all professions associated with water and/or liquids of any type. This is because this star is ruled by the water goddess Apas.

Uttarashadha goes from 26 degrees 40 minutes of Sagittarius to 10 degrees of Capricorn. The translation of Uttarashadha is "the latter Invincible One". If Poorvashadha is good, Uttarashadha is excellent. It represents ultimate victory. Uttarashadha represents all that is good on Earth. Being ruled by the Sun (and he is the strongest of the Sun ruled nakshatras - the others are Krittika and Uttaraphalguni), he represents kingship, virtuous military might, and responsibility. 

The main symbol of this star is the elephant tusk. The tusk is used for fighting. Uttarashadha especially represents the right tusk of the elephant - meaning a just war. The tusk also penetrates, so Uttarashadha natives have piercing mental insights. Also they are full of courage. They are willing to try new things.

Ganesh is the ultimate deity ruling this star. Both Poorvashadha and Uttarashadha represent victory, but Uttarashadha stands for final and complete victory. Also, because Ganesh is the god of Beginnings, Uttarashadha relates to all kinds of beginnings. Virtually any activity started under the benevolent influence of Uttarashadha will be successful in the long run.

This tremendous ability to win at almost anything does not come from the native alone, but comes because he/she is firmly aligned with the celestial forces of good. This asterism is Kapha in nature. Kapha is stable, trustworthy (usually), and, is ultimately the strongest of the 3 doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha.)

Professions associated with this nakshatra are any who are authority figures. This includes priests, astrologers, lawyers, teachers and government workers.

Shravana goes from 10 degrees of Capricorn to 23 degrees and 20 minutes of Capricorn. The word 'Shravana' means 'hearing'. The 3 most important symbols of this nakshatra are:

  1. A row of 3 uneven footsteps (reprenting Vishnu's 3 steps that encompassed the whole Universe)
  2. A trident which relates to the number 3 - the number of communication.
  3. The ear. This implies that one should listen more than one should speak. This is pretty much the only way that one can learn anything and progress in life.

Vishnu is the main deity associated with Shravana. This is why this star has strong organizational abilities. Saraswati is the secondary deity associated with Shravana. After one has listened and learned for a long time, it is time for one to speak (Saraswati!) and teach what one has learned. Saraswati (and Shravana) are also associated with foreign languages, music and education.

This asterism is friendly, reasonable and peaceful (most of the time.) Shravana has great perseverance because of Saturn's influence. The other planet that rules Shravana is the Moon.

Shravana is very businesslike in his dealings with others, but generally is quite honest. They are clever, well spoken, and receptive (from the Moon). Also they have good manners. 

Like the preceding nakshatra - Uttarashadha - Shravana often has the ability to give permanent victory. Again, like its neighbor, the ability to win comes from being aligned with benevolent higher energies. 

In the physical body, this nakshatra relates to the ears and the sex organs.

Professions associated with Shravana are teachers of all kinds; students; those in the music business; any work that involves using telephones a lot; business executives; counselors of all kinds; and medical practitioners.

Dhanista goes from 23 degrees 20 minutes of Capricorn to 6 degrees 40 minutes of Aquarius. The name Dhanista means "the wealthiest". The other name for this asterism is "Shravishta" which means "the most famous." Shravana and Dhanista form a matching pair of stars.

Obviously, those with a well placed Dhanista will tend to be rich or famous or both. Two of the symbols of this star are the drum and the flute. Music is a strong theme for Dhanista. Also, both instruments are hollow indicating potentially great receptiveness on the part of Dhanista natives. But the question is - receptive to what? At the highest level, it means that the native is tuned into God's will or the will of Nature without any undue influences from the ego. At the lowest level, the native will pick the low, selfish, materialistic mind-sets of those around him.

Dhanista is ruled by 8 gods called "the Vasus". The word "Vasu" means superb or excellent or wealthy. So we can see that, generally, those with a strong Dhanista are indeed blessed in life far more than most other nakshatras. 

Shiva is the ultimate deity associated with this star. Shiva is, among other qualities, very musical, graceful, and an excellent dancer. He (and Dhanista) are therefore very tuned into rhythm - be it the rhythm of the Universe, the body, music or dance or the ever present rhythm of life itself. Because of their gracefulness and natural rhythm, Dhanista people may also be excellent athletes. 

Mars, one of the planetary rulers of this star (the other is Saturn), is at his peak here. Mars is exalted at around 28 degrees of Capricorn - right in the middle of Dhanista. 

The natives of this star love "the good life" - mostly in a worldly sense. They are good talkers. They love parties and tend to be an integral part of a social group. They are quite ambitious although they never forget their true Dharma. 

Professions related to Dhanista are musicians, dancers, athletes, poets, military people, and astrologers and psychics. Also they may become medical practitioners. Because they are so versatile, they may work in any number of different fields, especially ones that pay very well.

Shatabhisha goes from 6 degrees 40 minutes of Aquarius to 20 degrees of Aquarius. Shatabhisha means "one hundred physicians" or "one hundred medicines". The most important symbol of this asterism is an empty circle. The circle represents many things - the whole universe from beginning to its end, the seasons and the zodiac. Also a circle suggests the idea of containment. One can hide in the circle. A circle made of solid matter can hide or protect many people and things.

Therefore, this nakshatra is strongly related to secrets and hidden things. Other stars are secretive, too, such as Anuradha and Jyestha, but this star could be called the King of Secrets. He wants to keep all secrets and all knowledge to himself, yet he longs to discover others' secrets and hidden aspects. Almost all of his power comes from hidden knowledge and secrets. 

The 2 main deities associated with Shatabhisha are Varuna, the god of the oceans, and Shiva. This star relates to all liquids because of his relationship with Varuna. Varuna has a pot in one hand and some healing herbs in the other hand. Obviously, this star indicates the ability to heal (on many different levels). In the pot in Varuna's hand is the divine elixir of immortality - Soma. This indicates both rejuvenation and intoxication. 

Because of his relationship to Shiva, (who rules the whole sign of Aquarius), Shatabhisha is associated with Shiva's qualities of meditation, asceticism and dissolution.

Strangely (at first glance), Shatabhisha rules all forms of mass media such as radio, TV and the Internet. This is because most forms of media have a secret agenda that is different from what is fed to the public. This star is related to electricity in all its forms. Therefore, Satabhisha is extremely important in this Age of the Internet. This nakshatra is good for signing contracts; education; sex (but it tends to prevent child birth if placed in the 5th house); all types of medical therapies; the media; and travel over water. 

Shatabhisha natives are difficult to know as they do not readily welcome sharing and intimacy. They draw a 'magical' protective circle around themselves through which virtually no one can pass. They are introverted. 

But what motivates Shatabhishas to act is their extreme desire to know things - to get to the heart of the matter. This is an airy (Vata) nakshatra. Perhaps the air element is at its highest point in Shatabhisha. This often gives great intelligence and analytical abilities to its natives. They seek the Truth and also have unbounded vision. 

Professions related to Shatabhisha include all those who work with electricity; astrologers; workers in the entertainment fields; dealers in drugs and alcohol (whether legal or illegal); investigators and meditation gurus. Satabhisha can be wonderful at helping the native to gain higher consciousness or Enlightenment.

Poorvabhadra goes from 20 degrees of Aquarius to 3 degrees 20 minutes of Pisces. Its' translation is "the former one who has lucky feet." The various symbols that represent this asterism are:

  1. The front part of a funeral cot
  2. A man with 2 faces
  3. A sword
  4. A single ray of the Sun

The ruling deity is called Aja-ekapada, which means either "the one-footed goat" or "Divine lightning". One thing is for sure: this star is, by far, the most intense of all 27 nakshatras. Rudra (the very fierce form of Shiva) is also the ruler of Poorvabhadra as most of it falls in Aquarius, whose ruler is Shiva. 

The huge energy of Poorvabhadra is mostly for purification. It is interesting to note that often, in natural medicine, purification processes are distinctly not fun. Many harsh attributes may be associated with this nakshatra. But, on the positive side, the energy of this star gives the high-minded native the ability and the desire to engage in extreme mortification for the purpose of attaining Self-Realization or very high states of consciousness. 

The 2 faced aspect of Poorvabhadra gives the native the ability to fit in with societal norms - dressing and acting (on the surface) like everyone else, and working a normal job. However, what they do in private might shock most people. These natives are often extremely highly-strung and nervous. But they have a serious appearance. These people tend to go to extremes. Some are fundamentalists; some follow the Left Hand path; some are fetishists; and some just get off on very loud Heavy Metal music. 

They often tend to be somewhat stingy with money. But, from the Cosmic view, Poorvabhadra may act as a bridge between the material and spiritual planes. Poorvabhadra energies are not for wimps!

Professions associated with this asterism are: anything having to do with death; doctors (who administer drugs - which are usually poisons; radicals of all varieties; all professions involved with fire; anyone dealing with poisons or toxic chemicals. 

Uttarabhadra goes from 3 degrees 20 minutes of Pisces to 16 degrees 40 minutes of Pisces. It is seen to be the ultimate culmination of Saturn's energy. Its translation is "the latter one who has lucky feet." 

The symbols related to Uttarabhadra are:

  1. The back part of a funeral cot (signifying the first experiences after death).
  2. A bed used for sleeping (sleep may be considered to be "a little death"). This star rules the deep sleep state and also, according to some, the dreaming state [including daydreams].
  3. A serpent with two and a half coils. This stands for the Kundalini energy. Kundalini starts to move in Anuradha and finds its goal in Uttarabhadra.

The deity associated with this star is Ahir Bhudhanya, which means "Serpent of the depths". Also Shiva and Vishnu relate to Uttarbhadra. Shiva has a serpent around his neck and Vishnu is lying on a serpent bed. 

This nakshatra is very chameleon-like and flexible. Natives of this star adapt themselves quite nicely to whatever circumstances or company they find themselves in. They are usually benevolent, generous and unselfish. They are good counselors, as water has the ability to put out any fire. Also they are compassionate and empathetic. Because of the depths of their minds and hearts (represented by the Deep Snake), they make great astrologers or experts in any occult science. Also they excel at meditation and Yoga. They are, usually, serene and calm. Furthermore, they are reasonable in their dealings with others. They can initiate destructive actions, but only when the final outcome is good for every one. 

They have the power to bring rain, both on the material plane and on the astral and causal planes. Water can sooth almost anything. 

Associated professions include: mediation teachers; counselors of all types; spiritual healers; those who work for charities; researchers; and artists of every kind - writers, musicians, painters and sculptors. 

Also unemployed people (including those living off of inheritances) are ruled by Uttarabhadra.

Revati goes from 16 degrees 40 minutes of Pisces to 30 degrees of Pisces (the end of the Zodiac.) The word Revati means "wealthy." Another meaning, perhaps more obvious because of its placement in Pisces is "to transcend." The 2 symbols relating to Revati are "a fish swimming in the sea" and "a drum". 

The fish is obvious as Pisces represents the ocean on earth, and the endless Ocean of Consciousness in the higher realms. The swimming fish also suggests a path, and Revati rules all paths, but especially is associated with the ideal Dharmic path that each human soul will follow, eventually, for maximum evolution and fulfillment. 

Being the last of all the nakshatras, Revati indicates Enlightenment. 

The drum is used in some ancient cultures as a means of communication. Therefore, communication is one of the things that Revati represents. 

Pushan, a solar deity (although not as bright and fierce as the Sun himself), is the presiding deity of this asterism. Pushan lights all paths - both inner and outer. So, Revati is affiliated with all kinds of travel - physical, emotional and astral or causal. 

Pushan is nourishing and gives wealth and completion. Revati tends to do the same for us.
Lord Vishnu is the big deity associated with Revati. Being the husband of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and ruling Revati, we can see that Revati is a rich nakshatra. As a matter of fact, Revati rules all good things, and, being the final nakshatra, he understands the qualities and needs of all the other nakshatras. 

Here are some of the qualities associated with Revati: benevolence; positivity; wealth; optimism; faith; generosity. Also, this star rules dreams and dreamers. Revati natives who are not sufficiently grounded may spend their whole lives in a dream world of their own making.
Revati is perhaps the most civilized of all the nakshatras. Many are born rich. They tend to have good childhoods and they are well liked by almost everyone. They are very social and they show a sincere interest in other people's problems. They have beautiful bodies and personalities. This is the star that has the most fun in life. 

However, they have no sense of limitations and this may get them in trouble sometimes. They are excellent at creating illusions. They are good talkers and are the most charming of all the nakshatras. Also, Revati is the trickiest and cleverest of all the nakshatras. 

Revati natives can see the 'big picture' perhaps better than the natives of any other nakshatra. It could be said that this is the only "complete" nakshatra. 

Professions associated with Revati are: psychics; all types of creative artists; astrologers; workers in the field of transportation; people who deal with religious institutions; workers in orphanages.

(c) copyright 2017 Michael Laughrin.


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