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26° 40’ Mesha - 10° 00’ Vrisabha In the Sky
Krittika, seed of solar energy, is represented in celestial firmament by a well known group of 7 bright stars huddled together in star cluster of Pleiades. Ancient Vedic Seers saw these 7 stars as forming a necklace and attached immense importance to their role in galactic affairs. These stars are known in modern astronomy as 27 Tauri (Atlas), Eta Tauri (Alcyone), 23 Tauri (Merope), 17 Tauri (Electra), 28 Tauri (Pleione), 19 Tauri (Taygeta) & 20 Tauri (Maia). Alcyone is brightest among this group, with a visual magnitude of 2.88. These stars are very easily visible in night sky because of their close proximity to each other. In fact they stand out in night sky more than any other object because of this uniqueness. In order to locate these stars in night sky, one has to focus in region to right of bright star Alpha Tauri (Aldebaran, belonging to next asterism, Rohini).
Name
”Krittika” translates simply into ”one who cuts” or in a plural sense, ”cutters”. This simple, direct and straightforward name is very much in keeping with essential quality of this asterism. ”Cutters” here relates to a feminine aspect rather than a male aspect and as we shall discover later, this asterism is related to ”seven Krittikas” (or seven wives) of seven main Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy.
Symbol
Its main symbol is an axe, razor or any sharp-edged instrument like a blade or knife. This symbolism obviously relates to its name, which implies cutting and penetration. All sharp instruments can be used for both constructive or destructive purposes. A knife, for example, can be used for cutting vegetables or hurting someone. In same way, Krittika’s penetration can be used for cutting through superficial layers of mental and emotional functioning. On other hand, it can be used for causing harm out of anger or enmity. In some cases, its destructive aspect is constructive from a universal point of view, especially when those at end of blade are crooked or evil.
A flame of any type is another widely used symbol for Krittika. This, as we shall see in next section, relates to its association with Agni, Lord of fire element.
Peacock is another alternative symbol of this Nakshatra. Elaborately ornate feathers of male peacock relate to exuberant martial nature of masculine part of this Nakshatra. A peacock is chosen vehicle of male ruling deity of this Nakshatra (please refer to image). Krishna always wore a peacock feather on top of his head and his early life, under care of his foster parents, reveals essence of this Nakshatra (refer to deity section).
Deity
Karttikeya, commander of celestial godly forces, is primary ruling deity of this asterism. He is one of most prominent among Shiva’s sons and was raised by aforementioned Krittikas (seven wives of seven celestial Sages). As we can see, name ”Krittika” and ”Karttikeya” have common roots, and it is automatically implied that Krittikas are foster mothers of a boy called Karttikeya. Thus this Nakshatra is related to foster care and nurturing of all types.
Circumstances preceding Karttikeya’s birth, as mentioned in Puranic texts, are as follows:
”At one point in time, gods had lost all of their territory to demons, and in their desperation asked Lord Shiva to help them. Shiva expressed his disability to intervene directly, but promised that he would produce a son who would deal with their problems. There are many different versions on how Karttikeya was actually born (please refer to esoteric section for a common version). However, all texts agree with fact that he was sent away to Krittikas (Pleiades star cluster) in order to hide him from demons. Demons had come to know that this child was born for destroying them and were searching all over to find him, so that they could destroy him first, while he was still a baby. Hidden from everyone’s eyes, seven wives of seven Rishis took care of Karttikeya, and as soon as he reached boyhood, he fulfilled his purpose by destroying demonic forces and restoring heavens to gods.”
If properly understood, all of Krittika’s nature and functioning can be understood from above legend. Krittika relates to a sense of imminent danger, which leads to secrecy, seclusion and hiding as a result. It relates to care and nurturing of anything in its young, delicate state and this is reason why Chandr reaches its maximum exaltation in second Pada of this Nakshatra. Karttikeya’s heroic valorous deeds are mirrored in its functioning as well.
Agni god, presiding over ”fire” element in nature, is secondary Lord of Krittika. Fieriness is definitely required for combative and militaristic nature of this Nakshatra, as suggested by war general post of Karttikeya. Fire symbolism here can be interpreted at a variety of levels. On a physical level it represents digestive fire, which converts food we eat into usable energy. This makes Krittika an energetic and physically active asterism. On a mental plane, fire relates to ability of mind to assimilate new knowledge. Mental fire constantly seeks knowledge and experience in order to keep itself burning. This Nakshatra therefore relates to curiosity and an inclination to venture out into unknown areas.
On astral and more subtle planes, fire relates to purifying principle in nature. It burns away Karma from previous lives, so that a sense of unity with original creative source may be achieved.
Krittika, on an esoteric level, serves function of purifying soul through fires of knowledge and experience.
We must not forget seven wives of seven Sages, as they represent actual stars of this constellation. Krittika is a semi-maternal Nakshatra and all its maternal qualities come from these seven women. These seven women can in a way be seen as five senses, mind and consciousness. Their child Karttikeya then represents limitless perceptivity of innocent mind.
There are many legends associated with reasons behind separation of these wives from their husbands (seven celestial Sages). We will touch upon one of these legends in esoteric section. In meantime, we just need to acknowledge fact that these seven wives trained and educated baby Karttikeya in various systems of knowledge. This fact reveals ”educational” and ”institutional” aspect of Krittika. Krittika is a sort of celestial training ground or University, where one receives training necessary to pursue one’s life purpose.
Nature & functioning
It is clear that English word ”critical” has its roots in Sanskrit word ”Krittika” and this one word sets tone for Krittika’s basic nature and functioning. Krittika’s piercing quality lends itself to criticizing and fault finding part of human nature. Krittika aims to get to root of any action or situation and consequently it comes across all imperfections, which often lie between apparent and real. Krittika doesn’t tolerate imperfections because it sees them as obstacles in achieving its decidedly fixed goals.
Grahas placed in Krittika give one pointed action and fiery bursts of energy. They act in a sudden and explosive manner. Krittika natives have a direct and straightforward approach and don’t like to beat about bush. They usually have cutting and blunt manners which often offends or intimidates those around them. One must however remember that Krittika natives are good at putting up social graces and do not act in a cutting or sharp manner all time. They do so only when roused. They have an extreme temper, but it does not last for more than a few seconds.
Krittika exemplifies Surya’s anger rather than Mangal’s anger. Surya’s anger doesn’t last for very long, while Mangal’s anger lingers on with an avenging attitude. King (Surya), does not need to stay angry for long to declare war, while soldiers (Mangal), who actually fight battle, need sustained anger to keep them interested in battles.
Krittika natives usually hide their caring, nurturing and maternal side beneath hard, stern exteriors. Fire, despite its dangerous and destructive potential, cooks our food, warms us up on a cold day and helps make most of things we require for a comfortable living. In other words, fire is what makes civilization possible. Going one step further, we find that Surya’s fire makes life possible on earth. This is reason why Krittika natives are usually life-sustaining element within their social sphere. They like to support others around them through their warmth, independence and will-power. In some cases this may be excessive and result is similar to overcooked food. Krittika natives can alienate those around them by their sharp tongue and nature even though they don’t have any real malefic intent.
In universal scheme of things, Krittika relates to ”Dahana Shakti” - power of astral body to cut its ties with physical body. Its symbolism has heat above and light below. This relates Krittika to all functions of fire - purification, cooking, melting, moulding etc. Fire also suggests creative potency of Nakshatra and it is said to have a strong association with Chandr. In this way Chandr represents a receptive field or channel, through which creative potential of Surya can unfold. Krittika only acts when it has some kind of direction to go in, and so individuals with this Nakshatra prominent in their charts, have a peculiarly startling and sudden way of erupting when their Krittika energy is activated.
On a spiritual level, this Nakshatra can provide intense awareness and allows one ability to undergo extreme forms of purification. On a spiritual level, Krittika is forever devoted to cutting its way along a clear path towards development of one’s true inner nature and therefore will slay any obstruction, inner or outer, which blocks its path. When it is strong in a nativity, it indicates sudden transformations / ups and downs in life.
Mode of functioning
Krittika is considered to be an active Nakshatra. It is sacrosanct that commander of celestial armies be anything but active. No matter which way one looks at Krittika, all one finds is restless activity, whether it be in field of leadership, nurturing, education or battle.
Caste
It belongs to Brahmin (priestly) caste. One may have expected Krittika to be classified as a Kshatriya, considering Karttikeya’s heroic, warrior-like nature. Reason why Seers saw this Nakshatra as brahminical, is because of its intense involvement with learning, knowledge and education. It is naturally philosophical, altruistic and concerned with purity.
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. This classification obviously relates to maternal nature of this Nakshatra, as exemplified by seven wives of seven Sages.
Body parts & humor
Hips, loins and crown of head are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Kapha” (watery) Nakshatra. Its Kapha quality must arise from its relationship with Sukr, a primarily Kapha Graha. Fact that Chandr, another Kapha Graha, finds maximum exaltation in this Nakshatra, re-emphasizes this. Its ruling deity, Karttikeya, is supposed to have a lustrous body, which is normally associated with Kapha humor.
Direction
It is related primarily to arc covering directions from East, South-East to South.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Mesha) falls in Dhanur Navamsa ruled by Guru. This is a highly moralistic, generous and altruistic Pada. There’s a daredevil element to this Pada, which connects it to one type of military pursuit or other. It is explorer of zodiac. Grahas here give a lot of will power, strength and stamina. Surya, Mangal, Guru and Ketu are especially strong here.
Second Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Vrisabha) falls in Makara Navamsa ruled by Sani. This Pada also has a strong sense of ethics, but its vision is more material rather than mental or spiritual. Even its spirituality is expressed through matter. Emphasis here is on arranging matter to create a nurturing and motherly environment. Maternal aspect of Krittika’s functioning is at its peak here. Natives under a strong influence of this Pada get and provide sustenance when it matters most. Chandr reaches its maximum exaltation in this Pada. Mangal and Sani also function strongly here. However, Mangal’s placement here has more to do with receiving nourishment rather than providing it.
Third Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Vrisabha) falls in Kumbha Navamsa ruled by Sani. This is also a humanitarian and altruistic Pada. It combines futuristic visions and ancient knowledge on a weave of fixed principles. Emphasis here is on 10th Bhava significations like one’s collective duty. This Pada promotes all types of learning and can thus be called ”University of zodiac”. Since no Graha gets debilitated in Kumbha, all Grahas can function well here, relating to their own specific domains.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Vrisabha) falls in Meena Navamsa ruled by Guru. This Pada has ability to manifest its deep sensitivity on a material plane. It promotes group work of all types in a joyful, benevolent way. Grahas here are more creative under group situations. This is a Pushkara Navamsa Pada and so all Grahas are capable of conferring good results here. Guru, Sukr and Ketu can make fullest use of energies of this Pada, while Budh is a little out of sorts here.
Professions
Critics; managers; generals & people in authority positions; technical professions in general; teachers; educators; University related professions; lawyers; judges; surgeons; swordsmen; fencers; people who make swords, knives and other sharp instruments; blacksmiths; creative arts involving use of fire-based processes; jewelers and glassmakers; all military professions; police; fire fighters; explosive experts; those who work in foster homes & orphanages; professions connected to rehabilitation of addicts of all kinds, whether it be related to drug addiction, smoking, alcoholism, weight problems; professions involved in promoting methods & techniques for self-improvement or self-assertiveness; spiritual teachers who promote strong purificatory measures or worship involving Surya or fire; professions involving fire, like fire dancers or fire sacrifices; professional dart players or archers; barbers & hairdressers; tailors; work involving use of needles, like embroiderers or vaccinators; gold diggers & miners; cooks of all varieties; those who make clay objects, like bricks for building houses or ceramic objects; furnace makers; those who make cooking utensils or trade tools; all professions involving use of fire and sharp objects.
Places
Places with hot climates; deserts & arid lands; agricultural lands; cattle ranches; meadows; tropical forests; volcanic areas; military bases & testing grounds; government buildings; universities; rehabilitation centres; orphanages; mines in general; factories & industrial areas using fire in one form or other; fireplace, furnaces, heating devices within homes; all places connected with above mentioned professions.
Guna & Tatva
Krittika is a Rajasic Nakshatra due to its association with dynamic qualities like individuality, projection, motivation, leadership and initiative.
It belongs to earth element. This doesn’t come as a surprise, because ¾ of this Nakshatra lie in earth Rasi, Vrisabha. Fieriness of this Nakshatra manifests itself through earth element. One way to understand this is to see Krittika as ”cooked food”. Krittika represents all matter which is made useful in some way by action of fire element, just as food is made palatable by process of heating.
Gana
It is considered a ”Rakshasa” (demonic) Nakshatra. Its demonic quality relates to its cold-blooded, merciless approach to acts of violence, like killing etc. It works by ”tit for tat” dictum and is usually unforgiving.
Orientation & disposition
It is a downward Nakshatra. In keeping with its penetrative nature, Krittika is always more interested in what is below surface. For example, in relation to our planet (earth), Krittika would relate to fiery core, which keeps surface in place. On a more personal level, one will find that latent fieriness of a Krittika native remains hidden, unless provoked by some external agency.
It is a mixed Nakshatra, i.e. it alternates between sharp and soft. Its sharper side is exemplified by Karttikeya, who, as a general of celestial armies, indulges in sharp actions like attacks, wars and battles. Krittika usually uses its sharper side for commanding purposes. Its softer side relates to nurturing and maternal qualities of seven wives (please refer to deity section).
Lunar month & Tithi
It relates to first half of lunar month of Karttika, which usually falls in late October, early November.
Krittika is also related to Shashti (6th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious activities
Fire worship; purification rites; giving up old habits; making swift changes and sudden endings; acts requiring initiative, courage, leadership and executive ability; making important decisions; military activities and interests; debating; standing up for oneself; cooking; sewing & embroidery; cutting; shaving; all activities involving use of fire or heat; all mothering & nurturing activities; good for starting educational ventures; good for commencing new ventures in general; good for activities requiring a sense of discrimination, honesty and frankness; drumming & percussion; most activities are favorable in this Nakshatra.
Inauspicious activities
Socializing; diplomatic activities; rest or relaxation; water based activities.
Lords
Surya is main Lord of this Nakshatra, giving it a lot of energy, independence and power. Surya’s rulership indicates penetrating insight, pride, ambition and self-motivation, which characterize Krittika. Just like Surya, Krittika goes on about its objectives in a straight and relentless fashion. First Pada is co-ruled by Mangal. Combined energies of two military Grahas make it harsh in its approach and functioning. It can ruthlessly conquer any obstacles or enemies that come in its path.
Rest of Padas are co-ruled by Sukr. Surya and Sukr are natural enemies and thus Vrisabha part of Krittika has more to do with harmonizing Apollonian and Dionysian extremes, rather than having a cutting no nonsense militant approach. It helps to understand that in Krittika, solar energy is stronger in comparison to venusian energy and this is reason why Chandr (Surya’s Queen in planetary hierarchy) gets exalted here. Dynamics between Surya and Sukr are not easy to understand. Sukr is usually described as hidden minister or Queen’s (Chandr’s) minister in planetary hierarchy and thus King’s (Surya’s) relationship with it is obscure. Sukr, however, brings in love, caring and harmony into Krittika’s hot, strict domain making it a more balanced Nakshatra. Surya and Sukr are both creative Grahas which strive for knowledge and form core of Krittika’s functioning.
Surya / Sukr, Surya / Mangal conjunction or exchange in a horoscope carries energies similar to Krittika.
Surya, Mangal and Sukr usually give strong results here, but as always, a lot depends on Pada they occupy.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Mesha) corresponds to ”A” as in Arden.
Second Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 03° 20’ Vrisabha) corresponds to ”Ee” as in Eagle.
Third Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Vrisabha) corresponds to ”Oo” as in Uzbekistan.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Vrisabha) corresponds to ”Ay” as in Elliott.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Krittika corresponds to ”I”, ”Oo” and ”U”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om Im”, ”Om Oo” and ”Om U”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a sheep or goat, an animal which is seen as a rather passive creature, however ram, animal symbol of Mesha, is capable of much aggression and fighting qualities when roused.
For sexual & marriage compatibility with other Nakshatras please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
There are many stories relating to birth of Karttikeya. One of them says that Karttikeya was born as a result of Shiva’s sperm falling on earth. Shiva here can be equated with Surya and original masculine principle in form of Mesha, while earth is represented by Vrisabha. This tale therefore suggests a mingling of these energies, and Krittika, as we know, is Nakshatra which bridges Mesha and Vrisabha, and is initiator of solar energy. Krittika is point in creation where fire element converts itself into earth element.
Star cluster Pleiades, which as we know represents Krittika in skies, has been an object of veneration since ancient times. It is place where seven wives (represented by seven brightest stars among seventeen stars that are part of Pleiades star cluster) of seven Sages (represented by seven stars of constellation ”Great bear”) are supposed to reside. These wives are supposed to be nannies to Shiva’s younger son Karttikeya. Karttikeya, as we know, is deity presiding over Mangal. This symbolism makes Krittika a harbinger and nourisher of martian energy. In fact it can be seen as a cosmic University of sorts, where souls with predominantly martian qualities are trained. This association with martian energy is reinforced by fact that Krittika begins in Mesha, a Rasi ruled by Mangal. Fact that remainder of this asterism lies in Vrisabha, representing earth itself, connects this asterism strongly with earthly activities.
A lot of ancient texts point towards a direct connection between Pleiades and evolution of life on earth. This relates to benefic part of this asterism, as nourisher and well-wisher of life on earth. This is why Chandr is exalted in first 3° of Vrisabha, which are governed by this asterism. We can see last ¾ of this asterism as carrying feminine principle illustrated by symbolism of seven wives. Krittika is more or less representation of feminine matrix of life. First quarter of this asterism relates more to its martian aspect, as illustrated by its symbolism of Karttikeya.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Angiras, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”fiery one”. Relationship between Krittika and this Sage is immediately clear from name of Sage.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects, resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of Karttikeya. Worship of Surya along with recitation of Gayatri Mantra is also helpful in bringing best out of this Nakshatra. Having a reverential attitude towards seven wives every time one gets to see constellation of Pleiades also helps.
Repetition of root Mantras of this Nakshatra - ”Om Im”, ”Om Oo” and ”Om U” 108 times when Chandr transits this Nakshatra and in its corresponding lunar month, 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 bright fiery colors like gold, orange, red, yellow and variegated colors, like those seen on peacock feathers. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Krittika to undertake all important actions.
Example
Eva Braun, girlfriend of Adolf Hitler, has her 7th Lord Mangal placed in Krittika, signifying her partner would be a general. King James II of England had his Chandr placed in Krittika in his 9th Bhava. It is this Chandr which protected him in 16 years of exile in a foreign land (9th Bhava signification). This exalted Chandr was also one of main factors which helped him regain his kingdom when his Chandr chart started working at age of 32.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, Chandr in Krittika gives one ”a bright appearance, fondness for other’s spouses, extreme appetite and widespread fame”. Varahamihira is right on target as far as our example is concerned.
