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23° 20’ Kanya - 6° 40’ Tula In the Sky
Chitra is one of the few asterisms represented by a single star. Its star, commonly known as Spica (Alpha Virginis), lies in the lower back part of the constellation Kanya. It is located around the region where the "hips of the maiden," formed by the shape of the constellation Kanya, would lie. Spica is one of the brightest stars in the night sky, with a visual magnitude of 1.06, and can be spotted even in polluted skies over big metropolitan cities. Ancient India Vedic Seers saw this star as the residence of Vishwakarma (or Tvastar), the Divine architect.
Name
Chitra conveys a wide variety of meanings in English, ranging from ”glittering”, ”brilliant”, ”bright”, ”art”, ”artful”, ”beautiful”, ”many-colored”, ”variegated”, ”illusory”, ”visually exciting” or ”magic”. In a way this Nakshatra conveys more of its inherent qualities through its name than any other asterism.
Symbol
In keeping with its name, its main symbol is a ”big, bright, shining jewel”. Gemstones, as we know, are formed under conditions of intense heat and pressure, acting over rocks and minerals for millions of years. On a material plane, Universe has to come a long way from initial big bang to stage where gems are produced on planets such as ours. A gem can thus be seen to be apex of Universe’s striving for beauty and perfection of form.
We have already seen that Hasta, the previous Nakshatra, is related to artisans and those involved in light crafts, like handicrafts. In Chitra, however, crafts are taken to another level and perfection of form is achieved. Chitra is therefore associated with the final appearance and form of everything in nature. Its ruling deity, as we shall learn, was even responsible for giving our Surya its final present day form (refer to image). It is up to Chitra to finally oversee how a thing should look, whether it be a galaxy or a small leaf.
Its alternative symbol is a ”pearl”. Pearls, as we know, are formed in an oyster’s moments of irritation, in much same way art comes out of artist’s moments of irritation and depression. Chitra is thus related to mysterious essence behind creativity, using its clear understanding of laws of Universe. It has ability to fashion new, wonderful and delightful things out of seemingly nothing at all. In its higher aspect, Chitra allows one to see beyond illusion of form, thus giving access to pearl of true knowledge.
Deity
Tvastar, the celestial architect, is the main ruling planet deity of this asterism. He is usually referred to by the name Vishwakarma (creation worker) in most of Vedic texts. He is said to be an adept in Maya, the illusory force that keeps alive the drama of life. Vishwakarma uses his knowledge of Maya to create, mutate, and fashion new forms out of pre-existing ones, an act that seems like magic to others. His workings are often done in secret, and a shroud of mystery surrounds his character and persona. To understand his mysterious aspect better, we have to take our present day example: "most of the human population on our planet is completely unaware of how normal soil, containing silicon, is fashioned into a computer, a device which has the ability to do all these magic-like functions."
In the same way, most of the gods and other celestial beings do not have a clue as to how Vishwakarma creates magnificent structures using the most basic elements. Even on our planet, we can see that the most important thing defining a civilization is its architecture. There’s none better than Vishwakarma in material architecture and consequently none surpasses Chitra as far as arts, crafts, design, architecture, beauty, and proportion are concerned. Chitra is the grand illusion maker, creating delightful things, forms, and objects, which make us want to live.
Vishwakarma, even though he is friendly to gods, has no particular allegiance to anyone. He creates all Lokas (planes of existence) for all races (human, godly, demonic, serpent etc.). It is Vishwakarma who fashions thunderbolts for Indra, king of heavenly hosts, but his twin brother Trishiras (three-headed) is a demon and an enemy of Indra. This duality finds expression through Chitra, a Nakshatra which is very ambiguous and thus hard to classify in any fixed category of good, evil, crooked or saintly.
Like Vishwakarma, Chitra creates without a care for the far-reaching implications of what it is creating. It was the palace, which Vishwakarma built for the Pandavas (refer to Vedic legend "Mahabharata"), which in a way led to the final great war, commonly known as Mahabharata. Even in the present day all kinds of new weapons of war are fashioned every day by scientists, technicians, and engineers. They, however, can’t be held responsible for the way these weapons are used by politicians and the ruling elite.
Nature & Functioning
The essence of Chitra can be summarized in the phrase "create, create and create." Chitra is a dynamic, energetic Nakshatra that has very little ability to sit still. It likes to involve itself in one creative activity or another. When this creativity is in harmony with universal functioning, all goes well for Chitra natives. However, when this is not the case, Chitra nakshatra natives can become unbalanced, selfish, indulgent creatures.
Chitra nakshatra born individuals are obsessed with appearance, complexity, structure, and form. Therefore, this Nakshatra has to do with Maya, illusion, and glamour. Chitra approaches things from an architectural, aesthetic point of view. There are different levels of Maya. It can operate on superficial external levels, like a desire to project outer beauty, and in one’s need to create harmony and balance in relationships with others. On both mundane and spiritual levels, the point here is that Chitra natives can learn to play with universal energies and utilize its complex layers of perception and projection. It is due to this aspect that natives influenced by this Nakshatra never reveal themselves in social situations. They are always projecting a front of some kind. Usually, this is a dignified front with a hidden quality.
Kanya part of Chitra has more core understanding of Maya than Tula part. Tula part relates more to form element, while Kanya part is more concerned with intricate detailed working of things. Tula part of Chitra is more relationship oriented. Chitra loves admiration and is motivated by that in whatever it does, especially in Tula part of this Nakshatra. Chitra always has an element of doubt and uncertainty attached to it, due to Surya’s weakness in Rasi of Tula. Therefore its qualities and its needs to focus on structure and appreciation of form are motivated by this inherent doubt and uncertainty.
Chitra’s love for understanding how things work and how all parts fit together, generally place natives under its influence in scientific, technological and artistic fields. Japanese as a race are governed by this Nakshatra, which can easily be seen in their technological obsession and their attention to detail. Chitra loves to create ”magic”. Kanya part of Chitra will create technological gadget and Tula part will give it an outer form or garment to provide aesthetic appeal. On a higher plane, it is Kanya part of Chitra which is more sincere in trying to understand inner workings of Universe, whereas Tula part can tend to keep one trapped in Maya aspect rather than going beyond it.
Natives with Chitra rising or having prominent Chitra influences, usually have well-proportioned hairless bodies (if they have hair, they are constantly pruning it), bright lustrous eyes, thin eyebrows and alluring mannerisms. They always have a glint in their eyes. They are born with a natural ability to dazzle. Chitra natives have a very strong ability to attract opposite sex. They are usually passionate, but also have ability to fake passions when situation demands it. They hold themselves with a certain degree of dignity, which covers up their weaknesses. Chitra natives always make a special effort to come across as completely together type of individuals. Since all of them are not all together, especially in present age of Kali, most of this effort is pretension.
Chitra can cause one a lot of frustration and angst, whether it is functioning from a higher or lower level. Just like oyster experiences irritation to produce a pearl, there is a certain amount of pain involved in stripping away layers of illusion and going beyond Maya. Again, this pain only operates on egoic plane, which itself is an expression of Maya.
Mode of Functioning
Chitra is considered to be an active Nakshatra. This does not come as a surprise, as Chitra’s main motto is to simply ”create, create and create”. It is hyperactive and indefatigable. It constantly moves from one creative project to next. In its positive aspect, this quality makes it hardworking and efficient, but in a negative aspect, it makes it obsessive and blind to true meaning and function of life.
Caste
It belongs to farmer caste. Even Vishwakarma, Divine architect, is in a way nothing but a ”producer, in keeping with wishes of gods, or whosoever he is working for at any given point in time. Ancient Seers obviously regarded creating and producing things, especially on a material plane, as a working class activity. In modern times, sculptures and architects are elevated to lofty positions in society, but in essence, they still remain puppets in hands of ruling elite who finance them.
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. Through this classification ancient Seers are hinting at Chitra’s strong connection with Maya, feminine attribute of nature, which sustains play of life. It can be seen that Chitra natives possess predominantly feminine graces.
Body Parts & Humor
Forehead and neck are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Pitta” (fiery) Nakshatra. This is clear from its relationship with Mangal, a primarily Pitta Graha. Chitra is a hot Nakshatra and relates to all heat and energy producing processes in body.
Direction
It is related primarily to range or arc that goes from South-East, to South, to West.
Padas
Chitra nakshatra padas play a crucial role in defining the detailed characteristics and influences of this asterism.
First Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Kanya) falls in Simha Navamsa ruled by Surya. On a lower level, emphasis here is on personal glamour, while on a higher level this Pada strives for self-perfection through self-abnegation. This Pada has a very strong ability to keep secrets, just like sphinx (an ancient monument which is a combination of Rasis Simha and Kanya) hides deep esoteric knowledge, until humanity is ready for them. Grahas here function in a very hidden, non-apparent way. Surya, Mangal, Budh and Rahu are especially strong here.
Second Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Kanya) falls in Kanya Navamsa ruled by Budh. Emphasis here is on order, arrangement, maternity and duality. This is a very disciplined Pada, which likes to conclude whatever it begins. Sani, Budh and Rahu are strong here, although Sani may make one excessively puritanical if working through its lower aspect.
Third Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Tula) falls in Tula Navamsa ruled by Sukr. On material plane, main focus of this Pada is on relationships, self-absorption and equilibrium. This is a very self-centric and at same time social Pada, which likes to rise in life through manipulating its social circle. On a higher level, it likes to promote love and harmony, especially in relationships. Grahas here like to flaunt and dazzle. Budh, Sukr & Sani are especially strong in this Pada.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Tula) falls in Vrischika Navamsa ruled by Mangal. This Pada relates to magical and mysterious side of Chitra. More passion and secrecy is in display than what is usually associated with Tula. Despite its non-acquisitive nature, Grahas here usually bring smooth sailing in regards to material affairs. Sukr, Sani, Rahu & Ketu give strong results here.
Professions
All types of craftsmen and artisans; sculptors; architects; designers; fashion designers; models; fashion industry; cosmetic industry; plastic surgeons; surgeons in general; photographers; graphic artists; composers; orators, comperes and broadcasters; all professions requiring special abilities and versality; business experts; interior designers; jewelry makers; Vastu / Fengshui experts; all professions involving invention and production of all kinds of machinery; builders of all kinds; landscapers; painters; screenplay writers; novelists; production and set designers; art directors; those associated with theatre or theatre groups; stage managers; performers of all kinds; jazz musicians; musicians with an original and out of ordinary approach; herbologists; advertising industry.
Places
Capital cities; places of architectural importance like ”Taj Mahal”, ”Eiffel tower”, ”Empire State building” etc.; stages, performance halls and theatres; places frequented by artisans, merchants, consumers and women; markets; trade shows; wardrobes, closets; all places connected to above professions.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Tamasic Nakshatra. All illusions and delusions are classified under Tamas aspect of nature. Thus master of illusion itself would have to be seen in a Tamasic light. From perspective of universal mind, creating just for sake of creating does not reflect a very enlightened state of mind.
It belongs to fire element. This is directly derivable from its strong association with Mangal. It is, after all, fire which creates a shining jewel out of plain rocks. Fire element directly relates to creative principle in nature.
Gana
It is considered a Rakshasa (demonic) Nakshatra. In all Puranic mythologies, demons are seen as superior to gods and humans, when it comes to manipulation of Maya, creating illusions or fashioning structures and weapons. Ancient Seers are highlighting indulgent aspect of Chitra through this classification.
Orientation & Disposition
It is a level Nakshatra. This relates to balancing aspect of this asterism. Any perfection of beauty or form requires a sense of harmony, balance and proportion. Chitra is an absolute master in creating beauty through balance and harmony.
It is a soft, mild and tender Nakshatra. This comes as a surprise, considering its martial element. In Chitra, martian energy is used for constructive purposes, rather than confrontation and destruction. We can see that half of Chitra lies in Tula, a mild, diplomatic Rasi. Its other half lies in Kanya, another non-violent Rasi.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to middle 9 days of lunar month of Chaitra, which usually falls in April.
Chitra is also related to Dvitiya (2nd Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Health & body improvement measures; buying new clothes and wearing them; fixing up home; home designing; any activity related to arts & crafts, creative activity in general; any type of mechanical activities; good for giving performances; putting on gemstones and jewelry for first time; decorative activities; good for spiritual practices, like visualizations; all issues relating to opposite sex; good for collecting herbs and preparing medicines; good for all activities requiring charisma, elegance & personal charm.
Inauspicious Activities
Unfavorable for direct confrontation; marriage; unfavorable for activities which require getting to root of things; bad for investigative activities, as illusions are strong.
Lords
Mangal is main planetary Lord of this Nakshatra. Mangal is energy required to fashion things way we want them to. It would suffice to say that Mangal is powerhouse which runs Chitra’s factory. Martian energy doesn’t express itself in its natural confrontational way through Chitra, as it is sublimated by Sukr, secondary Lord of this asterism. Sukr is often regarded as souler opposite of Mangal. This view is only partially correct, as Mangal & Sukr are complementary to each other more than anything else. Together they are responsible for reproductive process in nature. This gives us a clue as to where Chitra’s creativity originates from. Sukr refines raw martian impulses. Chitra can thus be seen as refinement-meter of soul. Mangal - Sukr together promote sexuality, making Chitra one of most sexually alluring and active amongst Nakshatras.
Budh comes into play in first half of Chitra, which falls in Kanya. Budh - Mangal combo, besides promoting technical skills, promotes skills relating to speech and words. Budh uses Mangal’s energy to go into exacting details of nature’s functionings. There is a Rahu element to this part of zodiac, which makes it more complicated than it looks on surface. It is obvious that nature’s secrets cannot be unraveled without Rahu’s help. Budh and Rahu always form a team, when it comes to understanding Maya (universal play).
Mangal / Sukr, Mangal / Budh, Mangal / Budh / Sukr and Mangal / Budh / Rahu conjunctions carry an energy similar to that of Chitra. Mangal, Budh, Sani & Rahu are especially strong in Kanya part of Chitra, while Budh, Sukr, Sani & Rahu are strong in Tula section of Chitra.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Kanya) corresponds to ”Pe” as in Page.
Second Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Kanya) corresponds to ”Po” as in Police.
Third Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Tula) corresponds to ”Ra” as in Rama.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Tula) corresponds to ”Re” as in Ray.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Chitra corresponds to ”Ta” and ”Tha”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om Tam” and ”Om Tham”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a tiger. This points towards an aggressive and dominant attitude in sexual activities. Chitra, however, has a secrecy element attached to its sexual expression. It puts up a highly sexed or totally non-sexual image with equal ease, when truth is always somewhere in between.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
Chitra is architect of Universe and thus relates closely to Brahma, creator among Holy Trinity. In fact, Vishwakarma, ruling deity of Chitra, is one of Brahma’s direct mind-born sons. Chitra conceals within itself laws and arrangement of Universe on all planes of existence.
Fact that it connects Rasis Kanya and Tula, reveals that Chitra is bridge between compassion and harmony. Even though compassion is one of Divine virtues, it is often forgotten that only a proper use of compassion brings about balance, understanding and harmony.
Number 14, which is number of Chitra in sequence of Nakshatras, has similar connotations in occult numerology. It is related to ”Temperance” card in Tarot imagery. Symbolism there depicts a winged angel mixing two heavenly fluids, with one foot in water and one on dry land. Chitra has been assigned this delicate and precarious job of balancing seemingly opposing factions within pool of universal constituents.
In universal scheme of things, Chitra relates to ”Punya Chayani Shakti” - power to accumulate merit. Its symbolism has truth below and law above. Chitra gains honor and merit through its hard work, done in consonance with universal laws.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage ”Kratu”, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”inspirer”. It is appropriate that a creative and inspiring Sage should preside over most creative among asterisms.
Remedial
Worship of feminine deities who ride a tiger, like Durga, Bhavani, Jagdamba etc., is best way of getting best out of Chitra. On a higher level, worship of these deities helps us see through illusions of Maya, an important step on road to enlightenment.
Repetition of root Mantras of this Nakshatra - ”Om Tam” and ”Om Tham” 108 times when Chandr transits this Nakshatra and in corresponding lunar month of Chaitra, is sure to reduce suffering and bring enlightenment into a person’s life.
Persons who are benefiting from positive energy of this Nakshatra can also increase good effects through above mentioned ways. It is helpful for them to wear all sparkly, bright, variegated and glittering colors. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Chaitra, to undertake all important actions.
Example
Anna Nicole Smith, famous model who inherited a fortune from her 90 years old billionaire husband, has her Chandr placed in Chitra. Her huge body is very representative of Chitra’s love of large, well built and proportionate structures. Life of Anna Nicole Smith has been all about dazzling and casting illusions.
Mahatma Gandhi, famous Indian political crusader, was born with Chitra rising on his Lagna. His life and works reveal energetic, indefatigable aspect of Chitra. In keeping with Chitra’s natural tendency, he was a highly sexed person in private life, despite having an almost sexless saintly public persona.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, those with Chandr in Chitra are ”found wearing bright clothes and garlands, with beautiful eyes and bodies. These meanings more or less sum up our Chandr in Chitra example, Anna Nicole Smith.
