Ardra : [6°40’ – 20°0’ Gemini]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Ardra is the sixth nakshatra of the zodiac and it consists of a star, the bright star Betelgeuse, in the constellation Orion. Ardra extends from 66°40’ to 80°0’ of the zodiac. The entire asterism is within the sign of Gemini ruled by Mercury. The symbol of asterism is human head where mind presides and all thinking takes place. This symbol also looks like a precious gem. Its deity is Rudra, the lord of destruction and its planetary ruler is Rahu, also known as North Node of the Moon. Kama or desire is the primary motivation of the asterism. Its basic attribute is rajas, action, tamas at the secondary and sattva at the tertiary level. The Sanskrit meaning of Ardra is wet, soft, fresh, green, moist, shining like a gem.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

Ardra represents the human head, which is endowed with the capability to think Primarily mind operates on duality. On one level it is very obedient, systematic, organized and used his intelligence very discreetly to make it extremely powerful or potent. When the mind is on its righteous side then all kinds of construction and creativity take place. However, when it becomes self-righteous and governed by the ego and acts on impulse then it brings down its own destruction. Ardra also stands for freshness, newness and believes in direct perception of reality.

Ardra also derives its huge strength from its presiding deity god Rudra. Rudras are hugely powerful and are the energy centre of Lord Shiva. Human head is related to Ardra and has many more hidden meanings in it. It is also believed that the brain is formed according to the past karmas of the man and whatever he does in this birth his future is decided accordingly. That is why the possibility of man doing good or bad is unlimited. When he is on the constructive path then he can build empires and liberate himself forever and if he follows destructive ways then he is capable of destroying everything including himself. Hence meditation or yogic way of life is important to understand this jewel – mind.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: Ardra – Rahu – Mercury’s basic inspiration is of kama: intense passion or desire. Ardra also stands for freshness and delicacy, and it provides a gem like shine to the entire personality. Ardra also represents the huge reserves of the mind which are capable of converting clear plans into action. There is a tremendous enthusiasm, action-orientation and inherent urge for expansion. However, there is a danger of crossing the line and missing your power.

For you, self-identification is very important. Though, in the beginning, your energy is totally focused to give meaning to yourself, you also understand the mysteries of this world to a great extent. Your intuitive wisdom works towards demystifying the whole process. Intelligence is used to understand the mechanism of materialism and decode it. You do not seek help from outside, but are willing to extend a helping hand to those with whom you feel connected. Although you are very kind, a snobbish attitude remains a part of your persona in some form or the other.

Your Drawbacks: There are chances of your getting intoxicated with power and facing constant ups and downs in life. Abuse of power and too much attachment to materialism can cause a lot of problems. Sometimes your actions can cause a lot of pain to others. You can be quite volatile and egoistic which can complicate things in your life.

Mrigashira : [23°20’ Taurus – 6°40’ Gemini]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Mrigashira is the fifth nakshatra of the zodiac which can be found within the constellation of Taurus and Gemini which extends from 53°20’ to 66°40 of the zodiac. The nakshatra consists of three stars of the head of Orion. The asterism stands for searching star and establishing new relationships. The first half of nakshatra is ruled by Venus and the second half of nakshatra is governed by Mercury. The mansion itself is ruled by dynamic planet Mars. Its basic attribute is rajas, action and secondary and tertiary level it is tamas. The deity of Mrigashira is Som (Moon god) who imparts divinity and enlightenment with the help of mystic nectar. The primary motivation of Mrigashira is moksha, i.e., liberation.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

The literal meaning of Mrigashira is Antelope’s head. Mriga means the Antelope and Shira stands for head. The other meaning of Mrigashira is to strive, seek and search which could be aimed materialistically or spiritually. Mrigashira also means starting of a new journey or manifestation. Lord Krishna is also associated with this nakshatra when he said in Bhagavad Gita that among the months I am the Margashirsha. The present Dark Age or Kaliyug began with the vernal equinox in Mrigashira. It is also mentioned in many occult sciences that shift of earth from North Pole to South Pole or vice versa brings radical zoological changes and new evolutionary impulses take place. It is also believed that the last global phenomenon which is connected with present age or yug happens in Mrigashira. Lord Krishna also says in the Bhagavad Gita that the beginning and end of this universe happens due to my presence but I remain the non-involved one. Perhaps he was referring to this phenomenon.

Many auspicious stories are associated with this asterism. It has been mentioned in Shiva Purana that Uma, consort of Shiva was born in this nakshatra and later on Shiva and Uma got married in this nakshatra. The lord of Mrigashira nakshatra is the Moon god, Som who represents nectar that was distributed among the people who performed puja, prayer, yagya and meditation.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Mrigashira – Mars – Venus combination provides an environment from where growth can take place both inwardly and outwardly. There is a great urge to penetrate the realm of materialism and evaluate its pros and cons according to ones own understanding. It is very important to understand as well as investigate that worldly impact of possessions on the life of an individual. For the people born under this nakshatra, there is a tendency towards possessiveness. However, you feel a deeper urge to get out of this worldliness and understand the total phenomenon as a mirage; you soon get dissatisfied and look for inner consolation. Illusions and confusions clear with passage of time.

Mrigashira – Mars – Mercury prompts an individual to discriminate his thought process and come out with a clear cut picture of his future plans. The person is overcharged with futuristic thoughts and puts in all his energy without weighing the real worth of his thoughts. Mars – Mercury combination helps him to overcome his flaws. Mrigashira blesses him with positive energy so that the mission is accomplished.

You are blessed with tremendous energy and it takes you a while to channelize this reservoir. You are absolutely focused and work towards creativity. You understand that your perceptions have the potential to create a new world on their own. Once your thought process is clear to you then you put in all your efforts to achieve your goals. Primarily, you believe in yourself which is why you concentrate on your priorities and you hesitate to take support from others because deep down you know that you have the ability and potential to achieve your targets. The moment you conquer the heights, you are willing to provide total support to anyone else who wishes to do so.

There is a tremendous urge in you to always experience something new in life. There is an inherent dissatisfaction with your existence and disorientation is created by devastating events. Therefore, your entire energy works for corrective measures vis-à-vis different situations or events. You understand intuitively that a meaningful life can only be achieved by going through the process of duality. Once you find a path for yourself, you want to help those who matter to you.

Your Drawbacks: on the negative side of your personality is overindulgence in pleasures. If you are on this path, then your craving and need for seeking more comforts and pleasure could lead you towards a chaotic life. Sensory attachments become so deep that they also create a big problem for you.

You are over-sensitive and touchy about small issues and make a mountain out of a molehill. Sometimes, your fickle nature can also create serious problems. Seeking pleasure is like a mirage for you; you are not satisfied with what you get and it remains a chaser. Craving for materialism can have a negative impact.

Rohini : [10°0’ – 23°20’ Taurus]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Rohini is the fourth constellation of the zodiac which extends 40°0’ to 53°20’ of the zodiac. The entire asterism resides on Taurus, the Bull. Five stars of the constellation make Rohini most beautiful in the sky, including the bright red giant Aldebaran Alpha Taurus. Rohini is ruled by Moon whereas the sign Taurus is governed by Venus which represents the creativity of the entire cosmos. The symbol of this nakshatra is a chariot that transports royalty from one destination to another. The primary motivation of Rohini is moksha i.e., liberation. Its basic attribute is rajas, tamas at secondary and rajas at the tertiary level. The presiding deity of the constellation is Brahma or Prajapati, the creator of the universe who works on a cosmic design given to him by superior gods.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

We may find many reference points of Rohini in various ancient literatures. According to Atharva Ved, Rohini was the consort of Rohit, the reddish Sun. it has been mentioned in ancient literature that out of the relationship between Rohini and Rohit, the heaven and earth were produced. Rohit was a powerful deity who also made the earth and heaven strong. It is also believed that he established light in the heaven. He had the ability to measure the space and atmosphere and through his grace gods attained immorality. His colour is bright red and deeply connected with the Sun. he is responsible for the very life force which gives shape to the entire manifestation. This shows that Rohini has huge creative energy which is totally dedicated to total creativity. Rohini is a centre of feminine energy which attracts male energy towards her for the purpose of procreation. It is also believed that through this constellation the fruit of ones actions are also realized.

There is another puranic story connected with Rohini and Moon. Out of 10 Prajapatis Daksha was the one. The king Daksha fathered 60 daughters out of which 27 were wedded to the Moon. Rohini was the most beautiful and sensuous among all her sisters. The Moon was hugely attracted towards her and started living with her only and ignored his all other wives. The other sisters of Rohini did not like the hostile attitude of the Moon and became very jealous and angry. They all approached Prajapati who in turn cursed the Moon and he started becoming ill (black). After seeing the precarious condition of the Moon all the sisters felt very bad and approached the father once again to pardon Moon. Once the curse was cast it could not be taken back therefore some amendments were made and from that day onwards Moon started waxing and waning in the sky.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: Rohini – Moon – Venus all three are associated with huge reserves of creative power. The Moon – Venus combination is one of the best poetic combinations from where the poetry of life starts taking new shape. This is a unique configuration which creates most suitable conditions from where the fruit of ones efforts starts ripening. It does not take very long for people belonging to this combination to connect with the world. Rohini functions at a universal conscious level which is beyond all rationality and reasoning. The transcendental consciousness also starts flowing through Rohini for world manifestation. It is noted that Lord Krishna was born when the Moon and its ascendant were in Rohini.

You have tremendous confidence in your potential. You work religiously to create an environment from where you can gain strength. There is a strong belief deep inside you that your efforts will bear fruit. This belief helps you set very high standards and prove your worth. An element of divinity is rooted in your psyche which helps you to achieve a higher awareness of your being; this inspires you to help humanity at large.

Your Drawbacks: You need not get too indulgent with your possessions as well as pleasures. A deeper involvement in sexual relationships can lead you to cross all social limits. Getting intoxicated with your success and the use of chemical substances can lead to your downfall.

Leo – Transformed Fire

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. It is a fixed sign and the element is fire. The lord of this sign is the Sun. This fire is a transformed fire; it had got no resemblance to the fire of Aries, which is primitive and directionless. The fire that ignites the Leo sign is a distinguished fire, full of direction, self- charged energy.

The sign Leo represented by the lion presents a picture where ego, pride, honour and assertiveness have gone so deep into the system that superiority has started emanating from the human personality. The determined fire in Leo indicates that ideas, ideals and morals are so deep-rooted that they make a person assertive, confident, risky and to an extent, a daredevil. Leos are also prone to dramatic representations, because within themselves, they have the need to attract others towards themselves. On the more subtle side, Leos also understand that this world is a stage and everybody has to play his role; so they play theirs to the hilt!

Many times Leos get so involved in playing their roles that they start losing their objectivity. Nevertheless, Leos are made of a never-say-die spirit and their leadership abilities soon have a positive influence on others. Perhaps, this is the one of the reasons that the lion is the king of the jungle and every other being of the animal kingdom revolves around him. Just as in astrology, all the planets revolve around the Sun.

By the virtue of its position, the Sun being the focal point and the element being fire, Leos are enabled to muster all their energy to the fore, especially when they are decisive about something. The Leo sign coupled with the fire element provides a weapon by using which, it can spread its influence to a huge extent. Suddenly one starts feeling special and dominating attitude becomes a strong undercurrent. A feeling of ‘I’ or ego needs a statement which is only possible once the authority is established and people around him start giving due support. If others start surrendering, Leos feel great and do whatever is possible for their followers. On the plane of ego Leos do go through upheavals and dilemmas; to keep pace with the ‘I, me, myself’ attitude which can become quite perturbing at times. However, on the whole, a feeling of superiority remains intact in them and they are quite happy about it. The redeeming aspect of this sign is that the fire of Leos is self- controlled and the source of their fire is the soul. Anything which comes from the soul is eternal and unchangeable; nothing can disturb it as it is so self-organized.

Leo being the fifth sign of the zodiac is also connected with the womb, with creativity. So here the fire creates energy; a self-directed energy, which cannot be distorted by external elements.

VIRGO

The glyph of Virgo is rather complex. There are thee vertical lines which are joined at the top with each other and there is one more line which resembles a serpent whose tail forms a cross with the last vertical line.

This geometrical symbol resembles the small ‘m’ of the English alphabet. But, it has been coiled by an additional, which is tucked into the tail of the last vertical line. The symbol of this sign represents energy, which is flowing in certain directions, but it is the tucked-in tail which creates confusion. There seems to be a desire to perceive the world differently. A youthful innocence is quite apparent, but the additional coiled line makes Virgo the virgin quite skeptical. This phenomenon is so deeply rooted in Virgo that it does not allow him to open up. They always have a wait-and-watch attitude. Looking more closely at the symbol, a pattern of continuity is present since all the vertical lines are interconnected with each other. This indicates that constant efforts are put in with total awareness, without getting perturbed by failures or criticisms. The inner desire to experience something new is so intense that it does not end without tasting the ultimate, the consequences notwithstanding.

The Virgo is depicted as a virgin, who is in a state of readiness to give away her virginity so that she can experience womanhood. Once virginity is lost, there is the possibility of motherhood. Virgo is the only human sign of the zodiac. It represents female energy in totality. It is fully ripe and ready to yield fruit. But it takes very long for her to find her destination, because she has to address her reasoning before she accepts new challenges. Her curiosity has to be totally satisfied. Nothing seems to be easy for her as she will not compromise until a perfect balance is achieved. Once her confidence is restored, questioning ceases and Virgo flows on.

In this glyph of Virgo, we notice that the coil ends, forming a small cross at its tail. This is an indication that Virgos do not take very long to start losing interest in worldly pleasures. They start taking a deep interest in spiritual pursuits. This also suggests that nothing seems to be easy for them and a constant conflict is inherent. If a person belonging to the sign of Virgo gets entangled with any logical fallacy or some sort of pseudo intellectualism, he or she starts losing his or her inborn creativity. On the spiritual plane also, the Virgo tends to be extremely precise and loves to go into minute details, exploring all the hidden facts and is keen to share his or wisdom. Virgos should beware of over-indulgence as it can do more damage than any significant gain.