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The Shaktis of the Nakshatras
by David Frawley
Each
Nakshatra has its particular power or Shakti. These are also the powers of the
Devatas or the deities ruling the Nakshatras.
Each
of these Shaktis has its effect above and its effect below, and the final result
of these three factors. The imagery is of common factors of plants, healing,
worship, marriage and death.
This
is a teaching that derives from an ancient Vedic text called Taittiriya Brahmana
I.5.1 and from the commentary of Bhattabhaskara Mishra.
The
first paragraph relates to the textual reference. The second paragraph consists
of my own comments based upon it.
1-Ashwini
Ashwini
is governed by the Ashwins, the twin horsemen. It has the power to quickly reach
things (shidhra vyapani Shakti). Its basis above is the creatures to be healed.
Its basis below is the healing therapies. From these three the entire world
becomes free of disease.
¨
Ashwini
Nakshatra brings about quick aid and energization. The healing power of Ashwini
is evident from these comments, particularly their ability to bring about fast,
radical or miraculous cures as well as rejuvenation.
¨
The
Ashwins are forces of Prana or the life force, which is quick in its action to
stimulate, help, and initiate a new level of activity.
¨
2-Bharani
Yama,
the God of Death, rules Bharani. It has the power to take things away (apabharani
Shakti). Its basis above is the removal of life from the body. Its basis below
is the carrying of the soul to the realm of the ancestors. By the combination of
these three factors creatures move on to the next world.
¨
Bharani
Nakshatra takes away that which has reached its term of life to a new condition.
It shows the movement of the soul away from the body. Yama guides the soul to
the astral plane, where it can experience the result of its karma from the
present life and prepare for the life to come. Yama is a figure of discipline
and sacrifice.
3-Krittika
Agni,
the God of Fire, rules Krittika. It has the power to burn (dahana Shakti). Its
basis above is heat and below is light. The result of these three is burning or
purification.
¨
Krittika
Nakshatra burns up negativity, purifies what is mixed, and cooks or prepares
that which is not yet ripe. Agni is mainly the God of the sacred fire, so
purification is perhaps the dominant action, not destruction, though
purification does involve the destruction of impurity. Agni is also the fire
that cooks our food and so there is a nourishing side to its effects as well.
This fire has a childlike nature.
¨
4-Rohini Prajapati,
the Creator, rules Rohini. Its power is growth (rohana Shakti). Its basis above
is the plants and below is the waters. The result of these three is creation.
¨
Rohini
Nakshatra allows for growth and creation on all levels, bestowing great
fertility. However it also evokes some degree of jealousy because others may
resent that a person gains such abundance.
¨
More
over it can increase desire. But these are only side effects to its great
prosperity. Prajapati is the creator who can bestow everything so we should be
careful what we want.
¨
5-Mrigashirsha
Mrigashirsha
is ruled by Soma, the God of the Moon or the immortal nectar. Its power is
giving fulfillment (prinana Shakti). Its basis above is extension. Its basis
below weaving (producing clothing). These three together make the world
enjoyable.
¨
Mrigashirsha
Nakshatra fills or covers with joy. It is like a beautiful cloth to make our
life more attractive. Soma is a great enjoyment that is won, conquered, bought
or stolen, so its procurement does not always come easily. However what does not
require effort to gain is not always enjoyed either.
6-Ardra
Rudra,
the fierce form of Lord Shiva who represents thunder, rules Ardra. Its power is
effort (yatna shake), particularly for making gains in life. Its basis above is
hunting or searching. Its basis below is reaching the goal. These three bring
about achievement.
¨
Ardra
Nakshatra arouses us to greater effort in life. This struggle can bring great
rewards but not without persistence and a degree of luck. Rudra is the hunter
and the wielder of the bow. The idea here also suggests placing of the arrow and
hitting the target. For this one must have a good aim, as well as strength to
shoot. Rudra is also the lord of wild animals.
7-Punarvasu
Aditi,
the Great Mother Goddess, rules Punarvasu. Its power is the ability to gain
wealth or substance (vasutva prapana Shakti). Its basis above is the wind or
air. Its basis below is wetness or rain. These three bring about the
revitalization of the plants.
¨
Punarvasu
Nakshatra brings about the return of energy and vitality, like the return of the
monsoon rains after the dry season. It causes our creative growths and
inspirations to be renewed. Aditi is the Earth Goddess who grants all abundance
and gives birth to all the Gods.
8-Pushya
Brihaspati,
the God of Divine wisdom, rules Pushya. Its power is the ability to create
spiritual energy (brahmavarchasa Shakti). Its basis above is sacrificial
worship. Its basis below is the worshipper. These three result in the creation
of spiritual energy.
¨
Pushya
Nakshatra increases our good karma and good efforts. The value of this Nakshatra
for religious and spiritual practices is emphasized. Brihaspati is the lord of
speech, particularly prayer, and of all forms of worship, including meditation,
so these indications are all in harmony with his functions.
¨
9-Aslesha
The
serpent God rules Aslesha. It has the power to inflict with poison (visasleshana
Shakti). Its basis above is the approach of the serpent. Its basis below is
trembling and agitation. These three together bring about destruction of the
victim.
¨ Aslesha
Nakshatra paralyzes the enemy. This can be helpful if we have enemies but it can
serve to give a person an inimical temperament as well. It all depends upon how
the energy of this Nakshatra is used. Serpents also give wisdom, but a practical
wisdom through which one can overcome enemies and obstacles.
10-Magha
Magha
Nakshatra causes a change of state or condition, a kind of death. Usually it
shows that we are coming to the end of a cycle. Its condition is prior to that
of Bharani, which indicates the movement of the soul away from the body. Of
course there are higher meanings of this Nakshatra relative to Ancestors
including ancestral pride and power.
11-Purva
Phalguni
Aryaman,
the God of contracts and unions, rules Purva Phalguni in the Vedic order. It
gives the power of procreation (prajanana Shakti). Its basis above is the wife
or female partner. Its basis below is the male or masculine partner. These three
together bring about the creation of the fetus.
¨
Purva
Phalguni brings about union and procreation on all levels. Yet this follows some
official agreement or marriage and is part of the creation of a new family or
social order. Aryaman governs such productive alliances and also arranges the
marriage festival.
12-Uttara
Phalguni
Bhaga,
the God of happiness, rules Uttara Phalguni in the Vedic order. Its power the
giving of accumulation or prosperity (chayani Shakti) through marriage or union.
Its basis above is the wealth gained from ones own family. Its basis below is
the wealth gained from ones partner and her family. These three together bring
about the accumulation of wealth.
¨
Uttara
Phalguni brings the prosperity that results through union. It indicates both the
needs for union and for organizing the resources gained through it. Bhaga is
also a God of wealth who brings about the right apportionment of resources.
While the previous Nakshatra shows marriage this shows the setting up of the
household for the newly married couple.
13-Hasta
Savitar,
the creative form of the Sun God, rules Hasta. Its power is the ability to gain
what we are seeking and place it in our own hands (hasta sthapaniya agama
Shakti). Its basis above is the seeking of gain. Its basis below is the process
of gaining. These three together place what one wish to gain in ones own hand.
¨
Hasta
gives the ability to achieve our goals in a complete and immediate manner. Such
goals are usually creative in nature. Savitar is the creative will that builds
up the universe with all of its beauty. His productions are most wonderful.
14-Chitra
Twashtar,
the cosmic craftsman, rules Chitra. Its power is ability to accumulate merit in
life (punya cayani Shakti). Its basis above is the law. Its basis below is the
truth. Through these three the worker is able to gain honor in his work.
¨ Chitra
allows us to gain the fruit of our good karma that comes through righteousness.
It has a highly spiritual energy and effect. Twashtar creates enduring forms,
like a blacksmith, and also produces variety and abundance.
15-Swati
Vayu,
the God of the Wind, rules Swati. It gives the power to scatter like the wind
(pradhvamsa Shakti). Its basis above is moving in various directions. Its basis
below is change of form. The result of these three is transformation.
¨ Swati
Nakshatra causes things to move and scatter. This can be destructive unless we
learn how to use it to remove negativity. All these indications are basically
those of the Wind, which has both healing and destructive powers.
16-Vishakha
Indra
and Agni, who represent the powers of heat and lightning in the Atmosphere, rule
Vishakha. It gives the power to achieve many and various fruits in life (vyapana
Shakti). Its basis above is plowing or cultivation. Its basis below is the
harvest. These three gives us the fruit of the harvest.
¨ Vishakha
provides the effort to achieve our goals abundantly through time, like a farmer
plowing his field. It does not give immediate results but perhaps greater
long-term gains. Indra and Agni here are agriculture Gods showing the ripening
effect of heat, rain and seasonal changes
17-Anuradha
Mitra,
the Divine Friend, rules Anuradha. It gives the power of worship (radhana
Shakti). Its basis above is ascension. Its basis below is dissension. From these
three honor and abundance is gained.
¨ Anuradha
Nakshatra gives balance in relationship, both honoring others and seeking
ourselves to be honorable, through which we acquire fame and recognition. Mitra
indicates compassion, devotion and right relationship.
18-Jyeshta
Indra,
the ruler of the Gods, rules Jyeshta. It has the power to rise or conquer, and
gain courage in battle (arohana Shakti). Its basis above is attack and its basis
below is defense. The result of these three is that one becomes a hero.
¨ Jyeshta
allows us to reach the summit of our personal powers but it requires great
courage and effort. It shows karmic battles that require our complete
energization in order to overcome. Indra is the king of the Gods who must
eventually alone and single-handed defeat the dragon, the most fearful of
serpents. Though his position looks hopeless, he wins by courage and cunning,
not by strength of arms.
19-Mula
Nirriti,
the Goddess of destruction, rules Mula. It has the power to ruin or destroy. Its
basis above is breaking things apart (barhana Shakti). Its basis below is
crushing things. Through these three one gains the power to destroy destruction.
¨
In
bringing afflictions Mula Nakshatra allows us to destroy their root, as long as
they don't overcome us. It shows the necessary destruction to proceed a new
creation. Nirriti is Alakshmi or the denial of Lakshmi (abundance and
prosperity). She is Kali or the negative effect of time that we must protect
ourselves from or use to our advantage.
20-Purvashadha
The
Waters (Apas) rule Purvashadha. Its power is that of invigoration (varchograhana
Shakti). Its basis above is strength. Its basis below is connection. Through
these three one gains luster.
¨ Purvashadha
brings about purification and regeneration, like the energy gained through
taking a bath in water. It provides us additional energy for our efforts. These
effects flow from the Waters, which in this instance are heavenly in nature and
can provide inner purification.
21-Uttarashadha
The
Universal Gods (Vishwe Deva) rule Uttarashadha. Its power is grant an
unchangeable victory (apradhrisya Shakti). Its basis above is the strength to
win. Its basis below is the goal that one can win. From these three one becomes
the unchallenged winner.
¨ Uttarashadha
brings us to the summit of our power, support and recognition, not so much
through our personal efforts (which is more the case in Jyeshta) but with the
appropriate alliances and support of all the Gods. Our victory depends upon a
righteous cause that is beneficial to all, which we are helping in. Here we
fight more as the leader of an army.
22-Shravana
Vishnu,
the pervador, rules Shravana. Its power is that of connection (samhanana
Shakti). Its basis above is seeking. Their bases below are the paths. The result
of these three is the connection of all things together.
¨ Shravana
enables us to link people together by connecting them to their appropriate paths
in life. This requires receptivity and listening, and results in understanding
and aspiration. Vishnu with his three strides links together the three worlds of
Earth, Atmosphere and Heaven, connecting all creatures with the Gods.
23-Dhanishta
Dhanishta
is ruled by the Vasus, the Gods of abundance. Its power is to give abundance and
fame (khyapayitri Shakti). Its basis above is birth. Its basis below is
prosperity. These three give the power to bring people together.
¨ Dhanishta
allows us to bring the resources of people together. In this way it builds upon
the connections of Shravana and makes them more practicals. The Vasus are the
deities of the Earth that give abundance on the earthly plane. They are
manifestations of Agni or the sacred fire and show the gifts that it can
dispense.
24-Shatabhishak
Varuna,
the God of the cosmic waters, rules Shatabhishak. It has the power of healing
(bheshaja Shakti). Its basis above is extension or pervasion over all. Its basis
below is the support of all. These three make the world free of calamity.
¨ Shatabhishak
counters difficult karmas through Divine grace and repentance. These include not
only diseases but also difficulties of all kind, including sin. While Ashwini
gives more immediate cures, Shatabhishak brings about a healing crisis leading
to revitalization. Varuna is a God of sin, debts, injury and disease, which
cannot only bring these calamities upon us but can remove them from us, if we
propitiate him sincerely
25-Purva
Bhadra
Aja
Ekapad, the one-footed serpent, rules Purva Bhadra. It gives the fire to raise a
spiritual person up in life (yajamana udyamana Shakti). What is good for all
people is its basis above. What is good for the Gods is its basis below. These
three cause the entire world to be supported.
¨ Purva
Bhadra grants a universal view through internal purification. This raises up our
spiritual aspiration in life and takes us out of the domain of selfish behavior.
Aja Ekapad is the cosmic or celestial form of Agni or the sacred fire. It raises
up our spiritual aspiration in life.
¨ 26-Uttara
Bhadra
Ahir
Budhnya, the serpent of the depths of the Atmosphere, rules Uttara Bhadra. Its
power is the bringing of the rain (varshodyamana Shakti). Its basis above is the
raining clouds. Its basis below growing of the plants. From these three factors
the three worlds gain their stability.
¨ Uttara
Bhadra grants growth and prosperity in a broad way, benefiting the entire world.
This makes it very auspicious. Ahir Budhnya is the benefic serpent who brings
the rain, connecting us with the creative powers at the foundations of the
world.
27-Revati
Pushan,
the nourishing form of the Sun God, governs Revati. It has the power of
nourishment symbolized by milk (kshiradyapani Shakti). Its basis above is the
cows. Their bases below are the calves. These three bring about the nourishment
of the entire world.
¨ Revati
creates abundance through providing proper nourishment. It helps all people in
their efforts. Pushan is the lord of cattle and the lord of the paths. He leads,
protects and gathers the herd in their movement, particularly to new pastures.
In this way he also protects the soul in its journey to the next world.
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