Besides their vital role in a natal chart, the lunar mansions also play a crucial part in revealing the specifi c qualities of each day.

The Nakshatras in Daily Astrology: Does Today’s Star Have Roots or Wings?

by Tamiko Fischer

hen Rosa Parks refused to give lunar nakshatra reveals the major plan- Wher seat on the bus to a white etary infl uences they experienced at male passenger in the early evening of birth. This gives a picture of their cur- December 1, 1955 in Montgomery, rent underlying astrological reality and Alabama, the Moon was in Ardra whether they’ve seen life through a lens Nakshatra, one of the most severe and strongly colored by jovial and expansive intense of nakshatras, or lunar man- Jupiter, structured and duty-bound Sat- sions. To those who are familiar with urn, youthful and enterprising Mercury, some of the symbolic and evocative detached and otherworldly Ketu (the qualities of the 27 (or 28) nakshatras Moon’s South Node), comfort-loving of Jyotish,1 the Moon’s sojourn in this and romantic Venus, or another planet’s particular “star” or sector of the zodiac nakshatra contains numerous layers of powerfully permeating dasha infl uence. is strikingly fi tting for an act of defi ance meaning and imagery. These “stars” are that was pivotal in challenging and top- more specifi cally 27 equal divisions of We Share the Same Sky: pling laws that legalized race segregation the zodiac, and each division contains Beyond the Natal Chart in the United States. Ardra (“The a principal star. Each nakshatra mea- Besides their vital role in a natal Moist”) Nakshatra is symbolized as sures 13°20' — a portion that roughly chart, the lunar mansions also play a a teardrop and has associations with corresponds to the daily movement crucial part in revealing the specifi c qual- Rudra, the fi erce and destructive form of the Moon. (See Table, page 70.) ities of each day. Electional astrology, of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. Under While every planet’s nakshatra place- or the practice of choosing astrologically this star, it is believed that tears are shed ment is signifi cant in a natal chart, it is auspicious timing for any endeavor, is (or upheavals occur) that lead to purifi - the Moon’s nakshatra that is of prime the branch of Vedic astrology known cation. Extending from 6°40' to 20° importance. In India, people readily as Muhurta. In classical Muhurta, an sidereal Gemini, Ardra Nakshatra has inquire about each other’s lunar Janma immense sea of factors add up to make sharp, ferocious, and bitter qualities that Nakshatra (“Birth-Star”), much in the a specifi c moment either naturally prom- naturally encourage severe and drastic same way that we in the West share the ising or obstructive. Since actions tend actions. Who knows how events might details of our tropical Sun signs. to give results according to the astrologi- have unfolded had the Moon been A great deal of Vedic astrology’s cal infl uences under which they are ini- passing through one of the more mild- predictive prowess comes via the Janma tiated, it is desirable to begin endeavors mannered or passive asterisms at the Nakshatra. How so? In Vimshottari — especially those of life-altering sig- decisive moment when Rosa Parks Dasha, the well-known and remarkable nifi cance — at a moment that gracefully was ordered to stand and give up 120-year loop of planetary timing cycles promotes the intention of the activity her seat? and sub-cycles that is a cornerstone and the well-being and discernment For newcomers to Vedic astrology, system for predicting events in the natal of the person performing the action. the nakshatras are probably best known birth chart, the fi rst major planetary Muhurta considerations range from for their highly revealing role in the natal cycle (mahadasha) a person sees at birth being fairly broad (such as whether the birth chart. Truly a crowning glory of is always that of their Janma Nakshatra’s Sun is on its generally more auspicious this system, the nakshatras are uniquely ruling planet, and the subsequent major northern path, for instance) to being Indian in origin and have been in con- cycles unfold in a set order. In other relatively fl eeting (such as whether the tinual use for thousands of years; each words, simply knowing a person’s specifi c hour of the day is governed by

April/May 2011 * The Mountain Astrologer 67 dations, doing long-term planning, or called ‘Daruna’ (Horrible) may also be Nakshatras making long-term investments. The performed in those called Ugra-Krur.” solid nature of these stars may slow One can assume that these curi- a naturally malefic planet like Saturn or down travel, the return of lent money, ously violent-sounding descriptions a gentler influence like Jupiter). and other activities where lightness and most likely served in planning military In Muhurta, the Moon’s nakshatra quickness are desirable. strategy. In the context of modern daily is a key consideration for understanding life, these stars favor actions that con- the day’s atmosphere. Symbolically, the Moveable tain an element of intentional violence nakshatras are regarded as the Moon’s The Moveable (Chara) nakshatras or that may require extra courage, such 27 wives, signifying his shakti, or cre- are five in number. They are Punar- as surgery, poisoning (which might play ative potential (yes, the Moon becomes vasu, Swati, Shravana, Dhanishtha, and out as doing needed pest control or a male planet in this context). Life on Shatabhishak. being involved in research on poison- Earth becomes permeated with a unique Activities favored: “… riding an ele- ous medicines), or using weapons and quality and mood as the Moon is em- phant, walking in a garden, and things other sharp instruments. These stars powered by the company of a different which are to be done in the Nakshatras can make for experiences where there is star each night of every 27.3-day-long called Laghu may be auspiciously done.” an element of strong desire or ruthless- sidereal lunar month. As a harem of per- Since astrology was employed in ness behind polite appearances, such petually rotating consorts, the nakshatras courts of royalty, and Jyotish texts were as in situations of slick salesmanship, are the most lyrical, colorful, and sym- often composed with imperial activities office politics, and other modern-day bolic element of classical Muhurta. in mind, descriptions in ancient astrolog- battlefields. ical texts often lean toward the genteel, The Seven Types of Nakshatra very grand, or heroic. In a modern con- Mixed and Ordinary (also called Each nakshatra has a variety of text, the days when the Moon is in these Soft and Hot/Sharp) attributes, but the following seven major energetic stars encourage actions that The Mixed (Mishra) stars are categories greatly determine the types require swiftness, such as travel, sports, two in number. They are Krittika and of activities suited to each star. The driving, and lively negotiations — but Vishakha. quoted descriptions of favorable activi- are not the best influence for ground- Activities favored: “… In these, ties come from Muhurta Chintamani,2 a ing actions, such as setting a foundation, Agnihotra (the burning of the sacred well-known ancient Muhurta text: planting a large tree, or being still. fire), deeds of adulteration (mixing), Vrashotsarga (giving of an ox for get- Fixed/Constant Aggressive/Cruel ting one’s desires fulfilled) may be aus- The Fixed (Sthira) nakshatras are The Aggressive/Cruel (Ugra-Krur) piciously done. And the things which four in number. They are Rohini, Uttara stars are five in number. They are Bha- are to be done in the Nakshatras called Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara rani, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ugra (Cruel) may also be effectively Bhadrapada. Ashadha, and Purva Bhadrapada. performed in them.” Activities favored: “… things of a Activities favored: “… ambush These stars are generally best for permanent nature, things concerning (killing someone), burning (of a house, sticking to familiar routines rather than one’s house, sowing of seeds, things etc.), deception (cheating someone), undertaking ventures of major long-term or rites done for getting peace, and the poisoning (giving poison to someone or importance. Are these stars favorable planting of a small garden can be auspi- to one’s own self), using weapons (using for agnihotra worship (the offering up of ciously done.” or making weapons) — these things various pure substances into a sacrificial These steady stars favor actions may be effectively done. And the things fire) because this is a “mixing” of orderly that create stability, such as laying foun- which are to be performed in those and refined human-created ritual with nature’s untamed and roaring fire ele-

68 www.mountainastrologer.com ment? Or maybe, since these stars are effect during some well-known envi- somewhat unfavorable, the atmosphere ronmental catastrophes and historical would readily benefit from this form of events, to see how the day’s nakshatra astrological remedy. The act of giving Since astrology was is deeply revealing. an ox in charity with the expectation of employed in courts of gaining something in return is a lively The Ferocity of Sharp and example of a “mixed” activity, owing to royalty, descriptions in Bitter Stars its mixed intention. ancient Jyotish texts often The Sharp/Bitter (Tikshna) or Hor- rible (Daruna) stars, Mula, Ardra, and Light/Short and Dynamic/Quick lean toward the genteel, Ashlesha, are three of the most severe The Light (Laghu) stars are four very grand, or heroic. and intense nakshatras. It is fitting to in number. They are Ashwini, Pushya, see these harsh stars playing a role dur- Hasta, and Abhijit (see Note 1). ing these recent devastating natural and Activities favored: “… In these the man-made disasters: business of selling, sexual intercourse, desired, such as when interrelating with The Haiti earthquake occurred on learning of the shastras, getting jew- children, receiving gentle healing work, January 12, 2010. On that day, the els made and wearing them, the 64 being part of joyful gatherings, or creat- Moon was in Mula Nakshatra. This is a kalas, shilpa, and those things which are ing delicate works of beauty. star with subterranean meanings and is advised to be performed in the Naksha- symbolized as a tied bunch of tree roots. tras called Chara may be auspiciously Sharp/Bitter and Horrible/Hard Mula’s associated deity is Nirritti, god- begun and performed.” The Sharp (Tikshna) stars are four dess of disaster, as well as the scarcity- To provide a little Vedic cultural in number. They are Ardra, Ashlesha, inducing Alakshmi (the antithesis of background information, the term shas- Jyeshtha, and Mula. Lakshmi, the goddess who grants pros- tra means sacred scriptural teachings. Activities favored: “… Abhichar perity). The creative energy, or shakti, of The 64 kalas refer to various traditional Karma (Marana or killing someone), Mula is “To Ruin or Destroy.”3 practical arts and crafts of India that Mohan or hypnotizing someone, Uch- Hurricane Katrina lasted from include diverse pastimes such as the chatan (distraction), Tantrika experi- August 23 until August 29, 2005. art of graceful conversation, singing, ments, deeds of ambush and of horror, Within this time frame, the Moon was acting, culinary arts, mixing drinks, car- causing difference among friends (that in Ardra Nakshatra on Sunday, August pentry, hair care, making perfumes or is, causing quarrel by backbiting), and 28, at 3:08 p.m. until Monday, August herbal formulas, adorning the body with training and tying of an animal, these 29, at 5:48 p.m. CDT. This window cosmetics, gambling, betting sports that things may be effectively and auspi- of time coincides with the hurricane’s involve animals (e.g., cockfighting), and ciously done.” peak intensity and devastation. On the testing the purity of precious metals and While some of these descriptions afternoon and evening of August 28, gems. Shilpa means technical work- sound like they are fit only for the thousands of people poured into the manship that includes sculpture and appointment book of an assassin or Louisiana Superdome in a mandatory architecture. an evil wizard, it may be good to keep evacuation under disturbingly night- In a modern context, these stars in mind here the intentional role of marish conditions. On the morning of favor actions characterized by lightness, hyperbole in these ancient astrological August 29, the levees of New Orleans creativity, dexterity, or enjoyment, such texts: to keep them vivid and thus mem- broke, which led to extensive flood- as travel, socializing, leisurely shopping; orable. In modern daily life, these stars ing, and the hurricane touched down lively, playful, or romantic meetings; naturally support activities characterized on land to destroy much of the cities of public speaking; and uplifting devotional by separation or harshness, which may Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi. practices and rituals. play out as ending a relationship, setting When the Asian tsunami occurred necessary boundaries, compassionate on December 26, 2004, the Moon was Gentle/Tender and Friendly acts of “tough love” that have a severe in Ardra Nakshatra for a portion of this The Tender (Mridu) nakshatras are appearance, demolishing a structure, day as well. The Moon was in Ardra four in number. They are Mrigashira, disciplining a house pet, casting off Nakshatra from 5:49 a.m. on December Chitra, Anuradha, and Revati. unneeded belongings, and other actions 26 until 8:43 a.m. UT on December 27. Activities favored: “… learning where sentimental attachment would be The Moon entered this star approxi- and singing of songs, getting clothes a basic hindrance. mately two hours after the tsunami prepared and wearing them, playing gained new momentum as waves games, the things relating to friends, The Testing Ground of refracted around a land mass, creating getting jewels and wearing them may Muhurta: Mundane Astrology a “wrap-around effect” that devastated be auspiciously done.” To get a practical sense of how Sri Lanka and parts of India and Mal- These stars support actions of a these stars shape a specific experience, dives, several hours before the wave gentle, nurturing, or friendly nature we can turn our attention to mundane eventually ended its journey off the where sensitivity, purity, or idealism are astrology and study the influences in coast of East Africa. Ardra (“The Moist”)

April/May 2011 * The Mountain Astrologer 69 Nakshatra Zodiacal Position (sidereal) Nature Nakshatras Quick-Light 1 Ashwini Aries 0°00' – 13°20' (Kshipra-Laghu) Aggressive-Cruel 2 Bharani Aries 13°20' – 26°40' (Ugra-Krur) Mixed-Ordinary 3 Krittika Aries 26°40' – Taurus 10°00' (Mishra-Sadharana) Fixed-Steady 4 Rohini Taurus 10°00' – 23°20' (Dhruva-Sthira) Tender-Friendly 5 Mrigashira Taurus 23°20' – Gemini 6°40' (Mridu-Maitra) Sharp-Horrible 6 Ardra Gemini 6°40' – 20°00' (Tikshna-Daruna) 7 Punarvasu Gemini 20°00' – Cancer 3°20' Moveable (Chara) Quick-Light 8 Pushya Cancer 3°20' – 16°40' (Kshipra-Laghu) Sharp-Horrible 9 Ashlesha Cancer 16°40' – 30°00' (Tikshna-Daruna) Aggressive-Cruel 10 Magha Leo 0°00' – 13°20' (Ugra-Krur) Aggressive-Cruel 11 Purva Phalguni Leo 13°20' – 26°40' (Ugra-Krur) Fixed-Steady 12 Uttara Phalguni Leo 26°40' – Virgo 10°00' (Dhruva-Sthira) Quick-Light 13 Hasta Virgo 10°00' – 23°20' (Kshipra-Laghu) Tender-Friendly 14 Chitra Virgo 23°20' – Libra 6°40' (Mridu-Maitra) 15 Swati Libra 6°40' – 20°00' Moveable (Chara) Mixed-Ordinary 16 Vishakha Libra 20°00' – Scorpio 3°20' (Mishra-Sadharana) Tender-Friendly 17 Anuradha Scorpio 3°20' – 16°40' (Mridu-Maitra) Sharp-Horrible 18 Jyeshtha Scorpio 16°40' – 30°00' (Tikshna-Daruna) Sharp-Horrible 19 Mula Sagittarius 0°00' – 13°20' (Tikshna-Daruna) Aggressive-Cruel 20 Purva Ashadha Sagittarius 13°20' – 26°40' (Ugra-Krur) The 27 Nakshatras and Their Major Qualities Fixed-Steady 21 Uttara Ashadha Sagittarius 26°40' – Capricorn 10°00' (Dhruva-Sthira) 22 Shravana Capricorn 10°00' – 23°20' Moveable (Chara) 23 Dhanishtha Capricorn 23°20' – Aquarius 6°40' Moveable (Chara) 24 Shatabhishak Aquarius 6°40' – 20°00' Moveable (Chara) Aggressive-Cruel 25 Purva Bhadrapada Aquarius 20°00' – Pisces 3°20' (Ugra-Krur) Fixed-Steady 26 Uttara Bhadrapada Pisces 3°20' – 16°40' (Dhruva-Sthira) Tender-Friendly 27 Revati Pisces 16°40' – 30°00' (Mridu-Maitra)

70 www.mountainastrologer.com Anuradha’s deity is Mitra, the divine The most severe of stars are capa- Nakshatras friend and lord of compassion. This star ble of bestowing desirable experiences has strong humanitarian as well as mul- — much in the same way a sharp knife Nakshatra is symbolized as a teardrop. It ticultural and foreign meanings. Obama is simply a pointed instrument that can is associated with Rudra, god of dissolu- is renowned for being a strikingly ami- either mutilate a person in an attack or tion and storm, whose name has mean- cable presidential personality who, in his save their life when placed in the hands ings of howling and crying. The shakti of early professional life, worked as a civil of a skilled surgeon. Likewise, when Ardra is that of “making effort.” rights lawyer and a community orga- coupled with powerful planetary afflic- On the day that the BP Deepwater nizer. He is truly a multicultural “out- tions (for instance, if the Moon itself is Horizon oil rig collapsed and sank into lier.” His race certainly makes him a eclipsed or closely conjunct or powerfully the Gulf of Mexico (April 22, 2010, 40 pioneer, but among U.S. presidents he aspected by malefic planets), nakshatras miles southeast of the Louisiana coast), is also an uncommon citizen-of-the- that have nurturing and gentle qualities the Moon was in Ashlesha Nakshatra. world from ethnically diverse Hawaii, certainly do have the potential to bring Ashlesha Nakshatra’s symbol is a coiling and he lived in Indonesia for several unwanted experiences — just as a bou- serpent, and its name translates as “The years while growing up. The shakti of quet of flowers can seem fragrant and Entwining.” Its deity is Sarpa, a serpent- Anuradha is “Worship and Devotion,” fresh but may ultimately be allergy- god, and its shakti is “to inflict with poi- and its symbol is identical to that of inducing, given the right set of circum- son.” This is a very primal, persuasive, Vishakha: a triumphal archway deco- stances. But when it comes to gaining and shrewd-natured star that has conno- rated with leaves. insight into whether one’s implement of tations of strong substances and noxious Let’s return to Rosa Parks and her choice is likely to be a sharp instrument chemicals — the winding serpent-like daring refusal to budge from her bus or a delicate flower on a given day, the trail of a massive oil spill (with secretive seat. Her arrest precipitated the momen- essential nature of the Moon’s placement circumstances surrounding the disaster) tous Montgomery Alabama Bus Boy- in a nakshatra is a deeply revealing and is all too heartbreakingly evocative an cott, an organized mass protest that vitally important consideration. image. coincided with her court trial on Decem- Knowing whether a star naturally ber 5, 1955. This act of civil disobedi- favors putting down roots, taking flight Other Milestones and ence lasted 381 days and resulted in on wings, or courageously reclaiming the Day’s Nakshatra legislation that overturned the man- one’s dignity on the bus is a key to cul- The first Earth Day on April 22, datory separate seating of blacks and tivating clear-sighted and graceful daily 1970 in the U.S. marked the begin- whites on public buses. The Moon was action. ning of the modern environmental in Magha Nakshatra on the day of the movement. On this day at sunrise, the trial. Magha Nakshatra’s deity is the References and Notes Moon was in Swati Nakshatra and later Pitris, or “Ancestral Fathers.” This regal 1. For most practical purposes, there are 27 entered Vishakha Nakshatra at 9:45 star that makes up the beginning of nakshatras; however, for Muhurta (electional) a.m. EST. For an event that has both sidereal Leo has strong associations with purposes, there is a very rarely used 28th star educational and activist intentions, royal magnificence, pride, and aware- known as Abhijit Nakshatra, with an irregu- lar size of 4°13'40''. It extends from 6°40' to the expressive star Swati Nakshatra is ness of one’s history and lineage — an 10°53'40'' in sidereal Capricorn, i.e., from the appropriate, because it has an associa- apt influence for an organized protest last quarter of Uttara Ashadha to the beginning tion with Saraswati, goddess of learning. intended to challenge legalized segrega- of Shravana Nakshatra. This star is governed by Vayu, the god tion and reclaim the human dignity of a 2. Daivagye Acharya Shriram, Muhurta Chinta- of wind, and it is symbolized as a frag- race. Magha means “reward or bounty,” mani, trans. Girish Chand Sharma, Sagar Pub- ile young tree or sprout quivering in the and it is symbolized as a royal throne lications, New Delhi, 1996, pp. 49–51. wind. Like Earth Day itself, Swati rep- room. Its shakti is that of “leaving the 3. The shakti of each nakshatra appears in resents new beginnings and a struggle body,” a fitting dynamic for casting off Ernst Wilhelm’s book, Classical Muhurta (Kala for survival and growth. Its shakti is “to Occult Publishers, 2003), p. 54. These descrip- laws based on a body’s skin color. tions originally come from an ancient Vedic text scatter like the wind.” This day’s other called Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.1. star, Vishakha Nakshatra, is associated Beyond Good and Evil Stars with Indragni, god of lightning and fire, Although some stars are certainly © 2011 Tamiko Fischer – all rights reserved and its shakti is to “achieve many and much more pleasant-sounding than various fruits.” Vishakha is symbolized others, it is most accurate to view each Tamiko Fischer is a professional Vedic astrol- as a triumphal gateway decorated with nakshatra as describing an underlying oger who began studying Jyotish in 1998. She leaves. A highly fitting influence for an dynamic, not as a simplistic agent of lived in India for many years, and her study of activist gathering, Vishakha has coura- astrology was born out of a love and reverence good or bad. For purposes of study, it is for the devotional, philosophical, and cultural geous, goal-oriented, and potentially necessary to understand an astrological traditions of India. To find out more, please visit confrontational qualities. influence in isolation, but astrology is a her Web site: www.tamikofischer.com; e-mail: When President Barack Obama discipline of recognizing the numerous [email protected] was inaugurated on January 20, 2009, converging collective and personal influ- the Moon was in Anuradha Nakshatra. ences that all shape an experience.

April/May 2011 * The Mountain Astrologer 71