NADIR

The nadir is the point in the heavens directly opposite the zenith, which means
that it
is the point in the heavens on the other side of Earth directly underneath one�s
feet. It
should be carefully distinguished from the imum coeli, which is the point directly
opposite the midheaven.
THE NAKSHATRAS:
THE LUNAR MANSIONS OF VEDIC ASTROLOGY
As in tropical astrology, learning the basics of planets, houses, signs, and
aspects is the
foundation of learning natal chart analysis. But, to appreciate the depth and
uniqueness
of Vedic astrology, one must also encounter and explore the nakshatras. Nakshatra
literally means �that which does not decay.� The nakshatras reflect the primordial
level of the zodiacal belt, which lies beneath the 12 basic signs. The concept of
the
lunar mansions extends across many cultures as a natural result of observing the
lunation
cyle. The Arab, Tibetan, and Chinese cultures also utilized lunar mansion systems
in their astrology. The nakshatras can be thought of as the 27 �Moon signs� of
the Hindu zodiac. In comparison to the signs or rasis as they are called in India,
the
nakshatras reveal a deeper, more profound effect of the constellations. While the
rasis
reflect a �mass� or �heap� of the 12 signs, the nakshatras further divide the
constellations
into 27 segments of equal length. Each nakshatra is 13�20� in length. Multiplying
this length by 27 equals the entire zodiacal belt of 360�.
Each nakshatra has a rich mythology and powerful deities that reside within it.
It is important to remember that the basis of astrology is mythology. By exploring
the
myths, symbols, and archetypes of the nakshatras, the constellations are brought
to
life. One of the best books on this subject is Myths and Symbols of Vedic
Astrology by
THE ASTROLOGY BOOK [479]
N
XXX
Bepin Behari. As Behari points out, �The Atharva and Yajur Vedas give complete
lists
of them (nakshatras) and associate them with the oldest Vedic gods.� By
befriending
the particular god or goddess of a given nakshatra, archetypal healing becomes
possible.
As the great Swiss psychiatrist C. G. Jung once stated, it is important to �feed
the
gods and goddesses.�
The nakshatras represent the fields of activity or environment in which the
creative powers of the planets can reveal their multifaceted nature. They are
called
lunar mansions because the Moon �resides in� each of them for approximately one
day. Each lunar mansion of 13�20� length is further subdivided into four quarters
of
3�20� called padas. An ancient Vedic myth describes how the Moon god, Soma, was
given 27 wives by the lord of creation, Prajapati. Each wife represented one of
the
lunar mansions which Soma, the Moon god, inhabited during his lunation cycle
through the constellations. An ancient Celtic King also had a tower constructed
with
27 windows to view the monthly sojourn of the Moon.
Each nakshatra has a particular power or shakti. According to Vedic scholar
David Frawley, the shakti is �the power of the devatas or deities ruling the lunar
mansions.�
Every nakshatra is associated not only with particular deities, but also with a
specific planet that rules that asterism. It may fall completely within a
particular sign
or overlap between two signs. Thus, it is also influenced by the sign or rasi
within
which it resides and its ruling planet.
Each nakshatra is male or female, as well as sattwa, rajas or tamas in nature.
These are the three basic gunas in which life reflects, according to the Vedas.
Sattwa
has a quality of spirituality, harmony, balance and purity. Rajas, which is
dominant in
human experience, is high-energy activity and somewhat �Type A� behavior. Finally,
tamas has the basic quality of dullness, inertia, sloth, and darkness. According
to
Behari, the nakshatras are divided into three groups of nine, called pariyay,
meaning
�cycle.� The first nine nakshatras are rajasic in nature, the second nine are
tamasic, and
the final nine are described as sattwic. A specific animal species, sex, caste,
temperament
and primary motivation such as dharma (life purpose), artha (wealth), kama
(fulfillment
of desire), and moksha (enlightenment) is reflected through each nakshatra.
Personality characteristics reflecting strengths and weaknesses are also
correlated
with the basic nature of each lunar mansion. In chapter 16 of his classic text
Brihat
Jataka, Vara�hamihira describes the human characteristics of the nakshatras. The
chapter focuses primarily on the positions of the natal Moon in the respective
lunar
mansions. The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology also provides a
good
introduction and overview of the personality characteristics of the 27 lunar
mansions.
It focuses on the meaning of the Moon, Sun, and the Ascendant�s natal placement in
each of the nakshatras.
In addition, the nakshatras are of primary importance in muhurtha or electional
astrology. This involves the selection of a particular lunar mansion for the Moon
pertaining to the optimal timing to undertake any new venture, i.e., starting a
new
business, building a new home, or choosing an auspicious wedding date. Finally, a
specific
archetypal symbol is depicted for each asterism. Because Vedic astrology is a
sidereal
system, it is based on direct observation of the planets in the constellations.
Thus,
The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology
[480] THE ASTROLOGY BOOK
when observing the Moon at night near the fixed stars of Al Sharatain and
Mesarthim, one knows it resides in the first lunar mansion of Ashwini (0� to
13�20� of
Aries). In this respect the Vedic or sidereal viewpoint is more in line with an
astronomer�s picture of the cosmos than the season-based tropical zodiac many
people
use in the West.
Aspects made from other planets can greatly influence the quality of a planet
in a particular nakshatra. The strength of the ruling planet of a nakshatra will
also
provide furthur insights into the nature of the planet residing there. (It is
important to
subtract approximately 23� from tropical chart planets and ascendant if a Vedic
chart
has not yet been calculated.)
Choosing an Auspicious Lunar Nakshatra
The Moon transits through a specific nakshatra each day (for approximately
25 hours). When the Moon passes through the different 27 lunar mansions, specific
activities can bear more productive fruit. The Moon is considered more benefic
when
it is waxing or moving toward a full moon. The following is a listing of the
nakshatras
in regard to their qualities and the daily life events that are harmonious under
their
influence.
The Laghu or Kshipra (light and swift) nakshatras are Ashwini, Pushya, Hasta,
and Abhijit. They are especially good constellations for the Moon to reside in
when
starting a journey (travel), sports activities, and doing healing work or
administering
medicines. These lunar mansions are also good for opening a business, sales, trade
and
obtaining or repaying a loan or debt.
The Mridu (soft, mild, or tender) nakshatras are Mrigrashira, Chitra, Anuradha,
and Revati. These lunar mansions are excellent for learning music, dance, and
drama and performing auspicious ceremonies like marriage. They are also good for
buying and wearing new clothes. Lovemaking and romance flow under these stellar
influences. These are excellent constellations for making new friends and
enjoyment
of pleasures that are healing and revitalizing.
The Sthira (fixed or permanent) nakshatras are Rohini, Uttara Phalguni,
Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada. These constellations are good for building
homes and laying the foundations of communities. The emphasis here is toward
permanence,
stability, and structure. They are also favorable for ploughing the land,
planting trees, and purchasing agricultural property.
The Chara (moveable or ephemeral) nakshatras are Purnarvasu, Swati, Shravana,
Dhanishtha, and Shatabhisha. These constellations are good for buying automobiles
and other vehicles, for going on a procession, and landscaping (gardening).
Change of residence or career, travel, and other major life changes can more
easily
occur under their influence and support.
The Tikshna (sharp or dreadful) nakshatras are Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and
Mula. These lunar mansions are auspicious for creating separation from friends or
filing
for a divorce. Powerful, bold, and brash activities can occur under their
influence.
THE ASTROLOGY BOOK [481]
The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology
They are effective for invoking spirits and other incantations. These
constellations
can be related to black magic, casting spells, exorcism, punishment, and even
murder.
The Krura or Ugra (fierce or severe) nakshatras are Bharani, Magha, Purva
Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, and Purva Bhadrapada. They are associated with the
assertive and aggressive acts of a spiritual warrior. These constellations can
also be
related to evil deeds such at setting fires, poisoning, destruction, and other
deceitful
acts. Imprisonment and other forms of confinement can be experienced here.
The Misra (mixed) nakshatras are Krittika and Vishakha. They are generally
good for mundane daily activities. Krittika can be good for fire ceremonies due to
its
deity, Agni.
The following are auspicious lunar nakshatras for specific activities or events:
Buying a Home: Mrigrashira, Punarvasu, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni,
Vishakha, Mula, and Revati.
Marriage: Rohini, Mrigrashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha,
Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati (the first three padas).
Installing a Deity or Building a Temple: Rohini, Mrigrashira, Punarvasu, Pushya,
Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swati, Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada.
Laying the Foundation of a Home: Rohini, Mrigrashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta,
Chitra, Jyeshta, Uttara Ashadha, and Shravana.
Learning Astrology or Astronomy: Ashwini, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati,
Mula, and Revati.
Learning Music or Dance: Rohini, Pushya, Purva Phalguni, Hasta, Anuradha,
Jyeshta, Uttara Ashadha, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Uttara Bhadrapada,
and Revati.
Planting and Sowing: Ashwini, Rohini, Pushya, Magha, Uttara Phalguni,
Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Anuradha, Mula, Uttara Ashadha, and Revati.
Medical Treatment: Ashwini, Rohini, Mrigrashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta,
Chitra, Swati, Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishtha,
Shatabhisha, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati.
Surgical Treatment: Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshta, Mula (Tuesdays and Saturdays).
Mars should be strong and the 8th House unoccupied. Waxing moon, but
not a full moon.
Studying Medicine: Dhanishtha and Shatabhisha.
Studying the Vedas or the Shastras: Pushya, Swati and Shravana.
Travel or Beginning a Journey: Ashwini, Mrigrashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta,
Anuradha, Mula, Shravana, Dhanishta, and Revati (Tuesday or Mars day
should be avoided if possible).
Making a Will: Pushya.
In his book Muhurtha (Electional Astrology), B. V. Raman writes that �the
constellation
of Pushyami or Pushya (the 8th nakshatra) is the most favorable of all the
nakshatras. It is said to neutralize almost all doshas or flaws arising out of a
number of
adverse combinations. Pushya has the power to overcome negative forces and assert
its
benefic nature. Despite all its positive influence, Pushya is still considered
inauspicious
The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology
[482] THE ASTROLOGY BOOK
for a marriage ceremony.� Raman concludes that Pushya is �a constellation par
excellence
that can be universally employed for all purposes, excepting of course marriage.�
�Dennis M. Harness, Ph.D.
Sources:
Behari, Bepin. Myths and Symbols of Vedic Astrology. Salt Lake City: Passage
Press, 1992.
Harness, Dennis. The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology. Twin
Lakes, WI: Lotus
Press, 1999.
Raman, B. V. Muhurtha (Electional Astrology). New Delhi: UBS Publishers, 2001.
Sastri, P. S. Acharya Varahamihiras Brihat Jataka. New Delhi: Ranjan Publications,
1995.