Tag: nakshatras (Page 6 of 14)

• Span: 06°40′ Aquarius to 20°00′ Aquarius
• Deity: Varuna
• Dasha Lord: Rahu
• Symbol: Noose or Circle
• Animal (Yoni): Horse (female)
• Shakti or power: bheshaja shakti = power to heal

The name Shatabishak refers to a hundred doctors, an alternative name is Shatataraka, which refers to a hundred stars. This is derived from the nature of the constellation, consisting of hundreds of faint stars. This nakshatra is related to matters of healing, as well as a quest for purification.

Going more into the name, Shata refers to a hundred or any large number, it’s somewhat akin to saying “a bazillion” in English. The sufix Taraka refers to stars, an obvious allusion to the astronomical nature of this nakshatra. The sufix Bishak refers to doctors or physicians, and here is where things get interesting.

In ancient times, a doctor wasn’t just someone who had high test scores (maybe even cheating) and got into med school. A doctor was someone with knowledge of remedies, all kinds of remedies. Not just herbs, ointments or medicines. But also spells, incantations, talismans, and others. Ancient doctors were shamans or warlocks, rather than just the physicians we know today. They were meant to cure people on all levels, not just physically.

The shakti of this nakshatra similarly shows this, as bheshaja refers to curing or healing. But it can also refer to a spell, showing the idea of magical healing or the usage of alternative methods.

The animal of this nakshatra is a female horse, the male horse is represented by Ashwini nakshatra. Both stars deal with doctors and healing, the difference lies in the level of it. Ashwini deals with quick solutions and speed, dealing mostly with the healing of common and easier problems. Shatabishak deals with harder problems, long standing issues and hard to cure diseases. The idea of a 100 doctors stems from needing all the help you can get to cure something.

The deity behind this nakshatra is Varuna, god of the skies, oceans and water. In earlier texts, he was usually referred to as Mitra-Varuna. Mitra is the deity behind another nakshatra, Anuradha, he is the god of friendship. Together, they were seen as upholders of truth, justice and order in society.

Later texts show the distinction between both of these deities, as well as their changed role. Varuna became the lord of water and water bodies. Water is a symbol of purity, many religions around the world use holy waters to purify, or cleanse, on a spiritual level.

Varuna is said to conceal the Sun, ruling the night. While Mitra uncovers the Sun during dawn, ruling the day. This shows the idea of secrecy, as well as points about isolation.

Varuna is usually depicted riding Makara, a crocodile-like creature, while holding a pitcher and a noose/lasso. Crocodiles are creatures that live between water and earth, showing the idea of living between worlds, between spiritual and earthly. The pitcher, a common symbol with the sign of Aquarius, depicts carrying of water for a purpose. Maybe as a remedy. It shows that actions here need a purpose, rather than being careless.

The main symbol though is the noose/lasso, or Pasha, as known in Hindu tradition. The circle symbol, associated with this nakshatra too, refers mostly to the noose. A noose is used to bind, restrict or kill someone. In Hindu mythology, it is usually related to deities that perform some kind of removal.

Yama, the deity behind Bharani nakshatra, is the god of death and justice. He uses the noose to remove souls at the time of death, it also refers to binding the karmas of a native. Ganesha carries a noose, he is the remover of obstacles, the noose here deals with tying up loose ends and eliminating obstacles. With Varuna it refers to justice, going back to his ancient meaning of upholding order and truth in society.

As usual, much of themes of this nakshatra can be derived from the ruling deity. Varuna was an ever-powerful deity, one of the main gods, in ancient texts. But in modern times his importance has been somewhat reduced. This shows containment, or isolation. The same can be seen through the circle or noose symbolism.

These natives tend towards being limited or restricted in life. Usually, this means that the native will only have one focus in life, without much variety in their pursuits. It can also mean restrictions or blockages that are hard to surpass, again, alluding to the 100 doctors. Similarly, at times, this nakshatra can indicate chronic diseases or allergies.

The behavior of natives with this star prominent tends to be cold, calculating and distant. They tend to stay in their corner, away from the crowd. Even close to the crowd, they always seem distant. Suspicious or fearful trends are possible here, as well as reclusive or eccentric nature. The crazy professor archetype is strong here.

A big theme in this star is segregation, being separate or isolated in some manner, not necessarily physical. It can be physical seclusion, a need for distance from others. But it can also deal with the native keeping secrets, having knowledge that others don’t understand or overall being kept separate or at a distance from the rest.

This nakshatra also relates a lot to technology, inventions and futuristic matters. As I’ve said in the beginning, ancient doctors were also warlocks/shamans, meaning they were able to manipulate forces that others can’t see or fathom. Modern technology, in many ways, is modern magic. AI Art, pressing a button and getting an instant drawing. Communicating with people from all parts of the world. All things that seemed inconceivable, yet are here.

“If I had asked my customers what they wanted they would have said a faster horse.”

Henry Ford

The quote above from Ford shows this important point about technology, the difference between the visionaries creating things and the average consumer. Governments around the world spent decades debating digital television, and the ideal system to transmit television in the future. Here we are, at the future, and nobody watches TV. People just stream whatever they want online. Faster horses, made by the government, couldn’t compete with the cars made by visionaries.

This futuristic vision is very present in this nakshatra, as they tend to see beyond this world, and have an easy time imagining new solutions. As well as dealing with machines and the tools needed to build them.

Similarly, there is potential for dealing with occultism, although a hard not always must be said here. This nakshatra relates to limits, being in a closed circle, so the native might not decide to venture out of it. Great occultists rise out of here, but also great skeptics.

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As usual, let’s delve into the negative. Remember what I said about a crazy professor? Well, crazy professors, they are crazy!

Extremes of seclusion, to the point of aggressiveness towards others, can happen with this nakshatra. The natives can be aloof, cold and careless about other’s emotions.

The natives might lack proper grooming, or care for things of this world. Meaning that their appearance or hygiene could be lacking. Similarly, they might not be the best at dealing with household chores, cooking, cleaning, routines, etc.

Something I’ve noticed, which acts kinda like magic, is that no matter how tidy or groomed a Shatabishak native is. He will always look scruffy or messy. The reverse is true of the opposite nakshatra, Purva Phalguni, in Leo. No matter how untidy those natives are, they will still appear tidy and well-kept. The magic of opposites.

A main issue for Shatabishak is, interestingly enough, shared with Purva Phalguni, laziness. Shatabishak might be lazy, or unwilling to act, during life. They usually need something, or someone, to give them a push towards action. A strong lack of movement or progress in life can happen here, if the native doesn’t find something that stimulates him to act.

Similarly, problems of indecision or conflict can stifle their actions, and they can get stuck on analysis paralysis.

Another negative deals with health problems. The prominence of this star will usually indicate some kind of disease, allergy or other health troubles.

As a daily star:

This is a restrictive day, going along with the symbolism of the noose and other points here. For good, this restriction can mean that we feel more focused and concentrated. This is a good moment to work on a project, concentrate on something you have to study, or dedicate yourself towards a pursuit.

It is not the best day for socializing, as restriction and isolation are indicated. Communication here tends to be, and has to be, to the point. Things here are discussed on the subject and on point, a need to know basis. Jokes told here might not be understood, as people will treat the message seriously, giving you answers as if you had a real problem needing a solution rather than just joking. This is a moment where people go “how can you joke about [subject]?” with all seriousness in the universe.

→ Favorable activities with Shatabishak: Good for education, studies, research and individual activities. Water activities, like swimming or riding a boat. Travel. Meditation, yoga, astrology and occult sciences. Anything dealing with technology and electronics. Medicine, rejuvenation, healing and treatment of disease.

→ Unfavorable activities with Shatabishak: unfavorable for socialization, arguments or discussions. Negative or destructive, as well as dishonest matters. Not good for beginnings. Not good for domestic activities, routines or taking care of the house. Not a good day for marriage.

This is one of the best days for dealing with technology, I usually tend to pick this date if I have to purchase a new device or computer. There are other days, but this is one of the best ones.

On a predictive manner, planets in Shatabishak have the lasso energy binding them towards something, meaning that extreme focus can be achieved. A 5th lord here could show excellence, or great knowledge/skill, in some area. Great repetition can arise with a planet here, as the native will be constantly bound towards a same pursuit, place or cause. For instance, it could show always going back (not voluntarily at times) to the same type of job or relationship.

Examples:

• Gianni Versace (Shatabishak Moon at 19° Aquarius): Italian fashion designer
  • Great focus: He became involved with dress-making from an early age, learning on his mother’s atelier. He tried studying architecture, but ended up going back to fashion.
  • Outsider: He became famous and noted for his unusual designs. Filled with colors, excess and a lack of the “good taste” that predominated fashion at the time. It is an example of innovation and defiance, seen by the distant and aloof energy of this star.
• Antony Armstrong-Jones (Shatabishak Ascendant at 9° Aquarius): British photographer who married Princess Margaret and became a royal.
  • Great focus: most of his life was dedicated to photography. He went to university to study architecture, but failed upon dedicating most of his time to photography rather than his studies. Post marriage he was expected to forego his career, dedicating himself to palace life. But with photography being his great focus, he rebelled against that and chose his art over his marriage and the royal lifestyle.
  • Outsider: Him and his wife were both rebels and risk-takers, and they had a scandalous and turbulent marriage. Not only was he a commoner, but he was also rumored to have had many affairs with both women and men. The marriage was fraught with extra-marital affairs, on both sides, and scandal, eventually leading towards divorce.

See more Nakshatra posts here

• Span: 03°20′ Scorpio to 16°40′ Scorpio
• Deity: Mitra, the god of friendship
• Dasha Lord: Saturn
• Symbol: Lotus or a Cane
• Animal (Yoni): Deer (female)
• Shakti or power: radhana shakti = “power of accomplishment through devotion”

Anuradha nakshatra deals mostly with the idea of devotion, dedication towards something. Many associate this star with Radha, the consort of Krishna, who accompanied him on many incarnations. She is the goddess of love, tenderness, compassion, and devotion. In mythology, she is shown as an example of devotion and love without boundaries.

The Sanskrit name itself can have a few different translations. The prefix anu can mean “moving towards” or “in relation to”, while radha can mean “devotion”. So a translation can be “seeking devotion” or “related to devotion”.

Other meanings of radha are “lightning” and things like accomplishment, achievement and success. So another meaning could be “moving towards success”, as well as “moving towards enlightenment” as lightning could be related to Kundalini or a higher energy. A final meaning, more unusual and less spiritual, that I would give it is “related to power”, as thunder/lightning can allude to extreme power.

Sanskrit terms are never simple to translate, as Sanskrit is a language where words purposely mean multiple things, so that in a few words you can transmit multiple meanings. All the meanings above are valid, and represent some expressions of this nakshatra.

One of the main symbols of this star is the Lotus. This is a beautiful flower, that usually grows in mud, literally rising from the dirt or ugliness. The Lotus can also adapt to extremes of weather, such as snow or scorching heat, as long as the roots remain in water.

The Lotus symbolism here shows adaptability, where beauty and radiance are maintained even in environments not conductive towards that. It also shows the idea of an arduous process, as someone rising from the ashes or the shadows.

The secondary symbolism of a cane alludes to wisdom. As sages are usually depicted holding canes. A cane or a staff is usually a symbol of power, status, accomplishment of some sort. In a way, it can be an analogy to kundalini, as this power is depicted as a snake and a cane has the same shape as a snake.

The deity Mitra has an interesting backstory. In earlier mythology, he was indistinguishable from Varuna (deity for Shatabishak nakshatra), they were usually referred to as a singular entity Mitra-Varuna. They were depicted as youthful royal figures, maintainers of order and truth in the world.

Later on, their distinctions came. Varuna was said to be the lord of oceans, the patron saint of physicians, and punisher of sinners. Mitra was said to be the god of friendship, sustainer of mankind and keeper of oaths. Varuna was said to cover the Sun, ruling the night. Mitra was said to uncover the Sun at dawn, ruling the day.

The idea of covering and uncovering, obviously, refers to secrecy. Mitra deals with uncovering and discovering, while Varuna deals with protecting and concealing.

This nakshatra, in my view, is yet one more case in astrology where people see pretty words and get carried away. The word in question is devotion, seen through the association with the goddess Radha.

Devotion can mean a beautiful spiritual relationship, yes. It can also mean radicals and terrorists. Devotion is the quality of uttermost belief and dedication to something. You can be devoted to your spouse, to your children, to your mother, to god. But you can also be devoted to radical causes, crazy ideas, violence, and all kinds of things.

Whenever I study anything in astrology, my goal is always to find the impulse behind whatever it is. The impulse is the basic, essential quality, behind a planet/sign/house/nakshatra that can be interpreted anywhere. Regardless of the context, regardless of which kind of person is being discussed.

An example of that is Gemini, I remember studying western astrology and the texts frantically telling me that Gemini “is always sociable, never an introvert” and yet I’ve met more than a few introvert Geminis. They were never the life of the party, but upon talking to them, they were the Geminiest of Geminis of the whole world. What gives?

Simple, the basic impulse of Gemini is seeking information and variety, trying to find something new, going after multiple things and ideas. One avenue, or expression of that, is being a chatterbox and talking your mouth out. But around the mid 90s, something called the internet popped up. And you can learn stuff there, discover a variety of things, and satisfy this Gemini yearning without being “always sociable” as some texts say. Before the internet, there were these things called libraries, some still exist today. A lot of Geminis were and are bookworms, trolling libraries for tons of information, no talking needed.

Similarly, the basic impulse of Anuradha is devotion, dedication, and the energy of lightning towards something.

That can mean spiritual pursuits, and truly great potential exists in this nakshatra for this, but it can also mean dedication in other places. For one thing, it can relate to groupies. Crazy fans that follow around bands, musicians or sports teams anywhere as if it was their job. It can also show obsessions to people, not always reciprocated, such as stalking or unrequited love.

I mention this because time and time again I’ve seen people discussing Anuradha and saying things like “I can’t believe that such a benevolent star sits in Scorpio”, as if being a Scorpio (necessarily) meant being a psycho serial killer, and as if being an Anuradha always meant being a Holy Mother who nurtures orphans and rescues diseased animals. Different kinds of people exist, in both cases.

A secondary impulse of Anuradha is that of friendship, these natives will usually value and cherish their friends dearly. Being dedicated to them through everything. Rarely will Anuradha break off friendships. Similarly, the natives have a strong trend towards wanting to keep people at ease.

Putting two and two together, the conciliating qualities of Mitra with the power of the Lotus to rise through the mud, Anuradha usually has the skill not only to rise in life. But also to create common ground and make opponents work together towards a common cause. Working in group and finding a group are usually important things in the life of Anuradha.

Anuradha usually has a good affinity with numbers, which can manifest with skills in things like accounting, finance or management. But it can also deal with numerology and occultism.

Anuradha tends to indicate deep devotion or focus onto something. A 5th lord here can show someone with great artistic talent, as they will be very dedicated towards their art. Anuradha can indicate proficiency, achieved through deep focus/devotion, regarding the matters it touches in a chart.

As usual, let’s delve into the negative. The negatives of Anuradha all relate to the excess, or the wrong application of all the qualities above. I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden.

On friendliness, Anuradha can conquer the world, for good and bad. Meaning that they can use their friendliness to manipulate people. Many times, to their own detriment, might I add.

An essential quality of Scorpio is, at times, being your own worse enemy. Just remember the tale of the scorpion and the frog, the scorpion drowned and died. Similarly, Scorpio many times creates his own needless issues in life. With Anuradha, this comes from being friendly and manipulative with a smile.

If everyone gets along, there is no problem. Right? If people are being friendly, there is no problem. Right? If people are at ease, I’m in control. Right? Maybe, mostly no. But let’s agree to disagree 😀.

Agreement and common ground are needed, so that we don’t all just kill each other all the time. But disagreement is simply a fact of life, and necessary at times. Anuradha doesn’t understand that, they want to force agreement any which way.

These natives will insist on a specific way of doing things. They will talk it out, be smooth, nice. But they will insist on their specific way. They will force people to agree, on the ground of keeping peace and good relations. But, as with anything coerced, sincerity and longevity are not guaranteed.

People will agree at face, all while resenting the native or even not following the agreement at all. Eventually, the effects of said resentment or disconnection will catch up, and Anuradha gets shocked with a sudden disappointment. I say sudden on a very loose note, because it is not sudden at all. Any agreement made on shoddy bases will collapse, like a poorly made bridge, it is no surprise.

Anuradha natives tend to confuse friendliness with truthfulness. So seeing common ground all around can easily fool them.

Similarly, agreements have to be made with willing and cooperating parties. A certain degree of equality is needed. Mitra deals mostly with holy agreements, sacred oaths, that we humans make with gods. On a spiritual level, that deals with beautiful devotion. On a day to day level, that deals with Anuradha natives seeing themselves as gods, or above others. So agreements have no equality.

They are the godly energy, the right person standing above, while others are merely humans. So they smile, and they charm, but they don’t give an inch. Agreements are never a true cooperation, but monologues of the native.

The agreement is made, much like a patched up bridge, and broken to the surprise of Anuradha. Great disappointments arise out of this, and the native can feel his ego broken by these experiences. Parents, friends, siblings, children, family, coworkers can all figure on this.

Devotion can similarly become a negative. Devotion is a pretty word, a synonym for it is an ugly word called obsession, a milder synonym is infatuation. Yet they all tend to mean about the same: intensity, love, passion and dedication towards something. With something being a key thing to understand.

Anuradha can make for very devout and intelligent natives. Or it can make for zealots, radicals and those that can’t live without pushing their beliefs onto others at all times. The deep and powerful intensity of passion that Anuradha brings can make for the most annoying of people.

Every conversation, every subject, becomes about their pet causes or beliefs. If they are into politics, it doesn’t matter that you were discussing “Phillips head screwdrivers”, they will bring politics into it. If they are deep into religion, they will manage to talk about the spirituality of the Torx screw. The subjects don’t matter, all that matters is pushing their beliefs. They have a deep passion, so everyone must know about it and, most importantly, everyone must share their passion and agree with them.

They are prone to emotional speech, alienating rants and overall excessive speech about their passions/devotions. Whichever they are. They will always be passionate and devoted by whichever belief or cause they pick-up.

A final defect is the combination of both things, friendliness and devotion, or devotion to friends. Anuradha can have really bad friends, that they keep around, no matter what. This can mean negative people, stupid people, complicated or shady characters, etc. Learning to let go and adjusting their friendships, from time to time, can be an important lesson.

As a daily star:

Anuradha day is usually a great time to socialize. The natives are not that fond of confrontation, preferring friendliness and agreement, even if somewhat false. Similarly, the day is not conductive towards major disagreements or quarrels. So it is a good day for a party or a good time, as people are not prone to fighting here.

The thunder energy means a great time to focus on something, maybe studying a subject, maybe writing a report, etc. There is a strong energy for concentrated effort here. The idea of lightning can also mean unusual things, so it is a good time to explore. Discover new ideas, new places, new people. Mingle, get to know new things, etc.

→ Favorable activities with Anuradha: dealing with groups, being around people and overall being sociable. Great for traveling, specially to foreign lands. Dealing with finances, accounting, numbers, organization and bureaucracy. Dealing with anything unusual or out of the blue, remember, the thunder energy. Concentrating on something, focusing.

→ Unfavorable activities with Anuradha: unfavorable for new beginnings. Not good for domestic and routine activities, such as chores. Not good for confrontation, as the impulse is that of friendship and conciliation.

On a predictive manner, as hinted above, Anuradha grants devotion or great skill in something — achieved through devotion/dedication. When related to the 5th house, this can make for a great artist, as they will be deeply passionate about their creations. In the 7th house, the person could be very devoted to their partners, sometimes to the point of obsession. In the 8th, it could show someone who has a knack for finance and business. In the 10th, someone who sacrifices a lot for their work or public life.

Examples:

• Warren Buffett (Anuradha Moon at 12° Scorpio): American investor and business mogul.
  • Numbers: A given in a financial field, also great administrative talent, managing one of the largest funds in the world.
  • Devotion/Dedication: He takes his job very seriously, having dedicated most of his life to it, and keeping his schedule in check even in complicated moments of his life, such as a battle with cancer.
• Bruce Lee (Anuradha Ascendant at 13° Scorpio + Sun at 12°): Chinese-American actor, specialized in martial arts
  • Thunder energy: He was known for his physical strength and high energy.
  • Devotion/Dedication: He was extremely dedicated, to the point of obsession, to his craft. He mastered all forms of martial arts, and he would rehearse action scenes until they were more than perfect. He would work beyond exhaustion, which eventually led to health issues.
• Artists like Pablo Picasso, Emmylou Harris and Tina Turner all have planets in the 5th house here.

See more Nakshatra posts here