Anuradha is the seventeenth nakshatra of the zodiac which extends from 213°20’ to 226°40’ of the zodiac in the sign of Scorpio ruled by Mars. It consists of three stars in the body of Scorpio. In the same constellation another star Alpha Centauri also lies that is the closet star of our solar system. The lord of the asterism is Saturn whereas the lord of sign is Mars. Both the planets belong to opposite poles and when they come together then the churning of an individual is bound to happen. The same phenomenon can be seen when we notice the attributes of the asterism. It is tamas, inertia, negativity at basic and tertiary level, however it is sattva at the secondary level. In other words, sattva, truth and harmony attribute is hemmed between tamas. The symbol of Anuradha is Lotus and presiding deity of nakshatra is Mitra, the deity of friendliness and cooperation.
NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE
Great mystery is attached with the symbol of Anuradha which is Lotus. The Sanskrit meaning of Lotus is Padma. The seed of lotus is sowed in the mud therefore its initial growth takes place in the mud only which indicates the individual’s total involvement with materialism. The manifestation of the seed of lotus happens at various levels. It takes root in the mud which represents total ignorance. Its stems grow in water and water represents the emotional side of a person. It gets attracted by the sun rays and starts blossoming on the surface of the water. This also represents the growth pattern of a soul. The other meaning of Padma refers to sexual intercourse. Another meaning of Padma is Laxmi, the consort of Vishnu, who follows Lord Krishna in the form of Radha. According to mythological story the macro cosmic lotus rises from the navel of Vishnu and on which Brahma, the creator of cosmos was seated. Lotus also refers to the entire process of the creation.
Another meaning of Anuradha asterism is the ‘Smaller Radha’ or one who follows Radha. Radha is the beloved of Lord Krishna who was deeply attached to him. The story of Radha is also very significant. She was the consort of Lord Krishna but due to her circumstances she longed more that she lived with Krishna. Although both were not leaving an opportunity to be together when they get chance but the constant struggle was there. It looks as soul is longing to meet the divine but circumstances are creating the problem to do so. The same pattern can be seen from the opposite lordship of nakshatra, Saturn and sign lord, Mars. The deity of nakshatra is Mitra who is eternally friendly and cooperative towards man. According to Rig Veda, there are two powerful deities, one is Varun, light of the night. Mitra is light of the day which begins with the dawn. The Atharva Veda says whatever light was concealed by the Varun in the night, Mitra brings it back with the dawn. The night represents the ignorance of the soul due to influence of Maya and with the dawn divinity takes over.
NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY
Your Strengths: The Anuradha – Saturn – Mars combination creates paradoxical situation. As Mars and Saturn are inimical to each other, one is considered fiery and the other is cold by nature. Therefore, inherent conflicts remain mostly at the psychological level where a person has to understand the dark and bright side of his being and make timely adjustments. Ego, ignorance, jealousy and attachment start losing connectedness with the inner self once you learn to synchronize both the natures. Once this phenomenon occurs, the person becomes open and has empathy and compassion for one and all. No doubt, the initial struggle remains there, but once flowers begin to blossom, fragrance and beauty can engulf the entire world.
You have a great ability to create and maintain good relationships without losing your focus. Once you understand your latent power, you can do wonders with this unused energy. You have the ability to overcome the difficulties which come your way. Many times, it seems, especially to your close ones, that you have given up and lost the battle. But you are one of those who can lose at the initial level to achieve final victory. You help people without them coming to know that you are helping because you believe that dignity and honour should be maintained.
Your Drawbacks: There are certain issues which need to be addressed in earnest otherwise they can cause your downfall. Sometimes, rigidity in thoughts and vehement jealousy can create a lot of problems for you. You are low on tolerance and anger takes a centre stage. Selfish motives can bring you a bad name.