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Nakshatra Characteristics 23° 20’ Vrisabha - 6° 40’ Mithuna In the Sky
Mrigashira Nakshatra, initiator of martian energy, is represented in the celestial firmament by a bright star and three not-so-bright stars in the constellation of Orion. These stars are known in modern astronomy as Pi2 Orionis, Pi3 Orionis, Pi4 Orionis & Gamma Orionis (Bellatrix). Bellatrix is the brightest star among them, with a visual magnitude of 1.66. It is easy to locate, as Orion is one of the most prominent and easily noticeable constellations in the night sky. Bellatrix is the bright star at the top right-hand corner of Orion, while three faint stars can be seen aligned in a bowlike formation, a little away on the right-hand side of Bellatrix. Ancient Vedic Seers however saw these stars to be forming a deer’s head, and we would soon know why.
Name
”Mrigashira” translates into ”deer’s head”. One can immediately see the correlation between the shape formed by its stars and its name. The legend behind this name is dealt with later in the esoteric section. One can also make an obvious inference that this asterism’s nature and quality should be akin to that of a deer. Its other names – ”Saumya” meaning ”benevolent” or relating to ”Soma” (Divine nectar), ”Arghayani” meaning ”start of year”, ”Chandra” meaning Chandr, and ”Udupa”, which also is another name for Chandr; each reveal a part of Mrigashira’s functioning, as we shall discover in the course of our exploration.
Symbol
Its main symbol is a deer. Some scholars choose to have a deer’s head as its symbol, as is literally apparent from its name. Association with a deer makes this Nakshatra possess all deer-like qualities, such as timidity, lightness, fragility, fickleness, wandering etc. Deer is seen as a primarily lunar animal. In all ancient Vedic texts, deers are associated with gentle aspects of nature and often play major roles in romantic lores. Deers are portrayed as elusive, magical, Divine, and enchanting creatures.
In the Vedic epic of ”Ramayana”, it was a magical deer (actually a demon posing as a deer) that caught Sita’s attention; and her craving to possess it resulted in the disruption of her and Rama’s marital felicity. This is the reason why Mrigashira is associated with problems in married life through illusion, undue suspicion, or plain misunderstanding. Readers can refer to Ramayana for the complete story. There are other legends associated with the deer aspect of this Nakshatra. We will cover the most important among them in the esoteric section.
Deers have a constant searching and seeking quality about them, which forms the essence of this Nakshatra. As most hunters know, deers often roam around predictable trails. Thus this Nakshatra is related to all types of defined travel by road, air, etc. Deers more often than not like to be in scenic habitats. Similarly, this Nakshatra feels comfortable only in scenic surroundings.
Its alternative symbol is a ”pot full of Soma”. Soma is the preferred drink of the gods. It is a kind of celestial nectar, associated with Chandr. In fact, Soma is one of the Sanskrit names of Chandr. As we shall discover later, Chandr has a strong connection with this Nakshatra.
Deity
The main deity of this Nakshatra is Chandr. All primary qualities of Chandr - inconstancy, fickleness, changeability, tenderness, persuasiveness, gentleness, sensuality, perceptivity - apply to this Nakshatra.
This Nakshatra relates most to the ”Soma” aspect of Chandr. Chandr is known by many names, each reflecting a different aspect of its functioning. As we discussed earlier, Soma represents the nectar aspect of Chandr. Chandr is lord of all kinds of fluids on material as well as astral planes. Fluids in turn are the essence of life, which we can observe through the functioning of our own bodies. As we know, our physical bodies are comprised of more than 60% water and are biologically alive only because of the circulation of vital juices. The physical counterpart of the mind, the brain, is also dependent upon the transmission and interaction of fluids for its functioning. Chandr, in its Soma aspect, is related to this essential life force on physical, mental, etheric, and astral planes. This Nakshatra thus relates to our life force and vitality, through the presence and circulation of these vital fluids.
Chandr relates to the feminine aspect of nature, a fact which connects this Nakshatra directly to feminine goddess energy. Ancient Vedic Seers saw this Nakshatra as a seat of Shakti (primordial goddess energy). In fact, Parvati, wife of Shiva and one of three main representatives of universal goddess energy, is the main presiding deity of this Nakshatra. It is her own personal Nakshatra, as can be gauged from the fact that ancient texts say that her Chandr is in Mrigashira. All her qualities, like benevolence, charm, changeability, compassion, playfulness, and joyousness, are relayed through this Nakshatra. Her timidity and gentleness are not to be confused with cowardice, as she can be very strong, unyielding, and wrathful if necessary. Her fierce forms, like ”Durga” and ”Kali”, illustrate this fact. Most scholars usually neglect the fixed, strong-willed, and wrathful aspect of this Nakshatra. The name ”Parvati” translates into ”she who has many parts”. This translation exemplifies the multifarious, multifaceted persona of Mrigashira.
Chandr, in its Soma aspect, is an indulgent character with hundreds of romantic liaisons. He is often seen getting into trouble due to his affairs with other’s wives. According to one very famous legend, Budh was produced out of the union of Chandr with Guru’s wife, Tara. In a way, this story can be seen as the birth of intellect (Budh), as a result of the union of mind and wisdom. Intellect is a more conscious force, which governs over the largely unconscious mind. In the universal scheme of things, the mind couldn’t have just been by itself without a governing faculty for long.
Nature & Functioning
The essence of the nature and functioning of Mrigashira can be summed up by one word – ”searching”. This searching can have any level or aspect to it - it can relate to Mrigashira’s ruling deity Parvati, searching for her perfect spouse; a spiritual aspirant searching for true knowledge; or a soul searching for new mental, emotional, or physical experiences.
Mrigashira is the most curious amongst all Nakshatras, and thus makes one seek new areas of experience. This aspect of Mrigashira is very similar to that of Rahu (please refer to the author’s previous work ”The Rahu - Ketu Experience”, Sagar Publication, New Delhi; ”The Key Of Life”, Lotus Press, USA for a comprehensive understanding of the nature and functioning of Rahu). This seeking brings contentment, fulfillment, and enlightenment only when it is in keeping with one’s life purpose. In other cases, it only brings about temporary satisfaction, which usually gives way to sorrow and disillusionment.
This seeking quality, however, makes Mrigashira natives good at artistic pursuits of all types. On a higher level, Mrigashira may allow one to find one’s life path or destiny, and on a lower level, it can just make one prance about like a deer from one transitory experience to the next. This is akin to a person in a desert, chasing one mirage after another. This negative quality gives rise to many other negative traits, like fickleness, inconsistency, and superficiality. Mrigashira natives often have to learn to stick at a thing until some sort of completion is achieved.
The whole emphasis of Mrigashira is on mental rather than physical. Mrigashira natives usually have great dexterity of mind, which gives them the ability to grasp various subjects with effortless ease. They have a great capacity for all types of mental work, but they often stretch themselves, and as a result, suffer from mental and nervous exhaustion. They usually need a lot of clean air and physical exercise like walking, to balance their mental energy. A lot of Mrigashira types are prone to physical lethargy, which besides making them functionally useless, makes them susceptible to physical ailments.
Mrigashira natives are usually thinly built with youthful delicate features; a smiley, jovial and lighthearted disposition and warm, gentle manners. They are the restless type and may appear as flaky or fidgety to others. They usually convey a sense of fragility through their appearance and mannerisms. Their mind is always roaming about, which in many cases takes the form of day-dreaming. They are charming, spontaneous, and enthusiastic types who enjoy meeting and relating with people. They are good conversationalists, and advisors and enjoy all vocal activities like talking and singing. They have a poetic soul and enjoy beauty in both spoken and written forms of communication. They are natural satirists and have a strong sense of humor which comes about due to their varied experiences. Despite their conversational skill and sociability, they are naturally shy. Their shyness has to do with their inherent timidity. They don’t like confrontations and therefore are very cautious regarding whom they mingle with.
They love life and know how to suck delight out of it, just like gods take delight out of drinking Soma (celestial nectar). A honeybee buzzing about sucking juice from different flowers, sums up Mrigashira’s functioning in this regard. Mrigashira natives are often quite whimsical in their approach, just like a honeybee would choose not to suck juice from a particular flower for no apparent rhyme or reason. Mrigashira craves excitement in all its mild and benevolent forms and is not prone to go to self-destructive extremes like cruel Nakshatras.
Mrigashira natives often display a highly suspicious nature. This comes about due to their high alertness levels and their ability to sense danger, just like deer or stags do in their forest environment. This suspicious nature is especially troublesome in regard to married life. Like all Nakshatras ruled by planet Mars, Mrigashira promotes domestic bickering due to suspicion and the inability to be attentive to their partner’s needs. Their partners usually get more attached to them than they do. Mrigashira is a part bohemian Nakshatra and doesn’t like restricting its affections to one person. Those having a strong influence of this Nakshatra in their charts, usually experience marital disharmony in one form or another. However, if both partners give each other enough space, Mrigashira through its lovingness and delightfulness, promotes profound marital stability like that of Parvati and Shiva.
Since Mrigashira signals the arrival of mercurial energy through the beginning of Mithuna, it is the place where discrimination is born. It is also the first Nakshatra where conclusions are drawn and fixed opinions are formed as a result of experiences. Mrigashira, despite its lightness, is a very fixed Nakshatra when it comes to attitudes and opinions. It will never back down in any civilized argument.
In its highest functioning, Mrigashira Nakshatra makes one very conscious of their life path and purpose. The whole point of this Nakshatra is to make one go through a variety of experiences, for finding one’s true path in life. For example, if one was born to be a singer, one may dabble around with a lot of other things like painting, writing, or just plain ”9 to 5” jobs, before their true niche is discovered. In the case of highly evolved souls, varied experiences generated through the energy of this Nakshatra, all fit a definite and singular purpose, while in the case of younger less evolved souls, these experiences are an endless maze without a final destination. People born under this Nakshatra often find clarity and direction in their mid-30s, around the age of 32 or the ages of 33.
In the universal scheme of things, Mrigashira birth star relates to ”Prinana Shakti” or power to give fulfillment. Its symbolism has extension above and weaving below. This is obviously a representation of fabric undergoing the weaving process. If we take this fabric to be the fabric of life, then Mrigashira is the structure and principles which create beauty in the chaotic process which is life.
Mode of Functioning
It is a passive Nakshatra. Its passivity relates to a strong awareness of others. Mrigashira usually doesn’t have the spotlight on itself, and has its attention concentrated on the outside. In a way, it is a passive Nakshatra in relation to the dynamics of self.
Caste
It belongs to the farmer caste. In ancient times, Mrigashira was often related to artisans, agricultural workers, and the community in general.
Gender
It is a neutral Nakshatra. Mrigashira is basically a hermaphrodite energy and has the ability to function both as a male or female. This dual functioning is clear from its ruling deities, Chandr and Parvati. Chandr is seen as a male deity by Vedic Seers, while Parvati is the female companion of Shiva.
Body Parts & Humor
Eyes and eyebrows are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Pitta” (fiery) Nakshatra. This stems from the fact that it is the birthplace of martian energy. Mangal, as we know, is a primarily Pitta Graha. One must however keep in mind that Mrigashira’s fiery quality is not fierce or hurtful. It can be related to the fire which cooks our food, or digestive fire which digests food in our stomach, but not the cremation pyre fire which burns our bodies.
Direction
Its range is the arc between South-West and North-West.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Vrisabha) falls in Simha Navamsa and is ruled by Surya. This Pada relates to the fixed and unyielding side of Mrigashira, which however has the ability to express its experiences through creative and artistic activities.
Second Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Vrisabha) falls in Kanya Navamsa ruled by Budh. This Pada represents the discriminatory, calculative, satirical, and humorous side of Mrigashira. Conversational acumen and strong mental ability of Mrigashira are more evident here. Fusing of planetary energies of Budh and Sukr takes place here in such a way that the more grounded practical side of Mrigashira is expressed.
Third Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Mithuna) falls in Tula Navamsa ruled by Sukr. This is the first Pada of Mrigashira which falls in Mithuna. Emphasis here is on sociability and a penchant for exploring the mental side of all types of relationships. Just like the previous Pada, a fusing of mercurial and venusian energies takes place here, but on a whole, this Pada is more airy in comparison to the previous Pada, and thus cannot give strong material results.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Mithuna) falls in Vrischika Navamsa ruled by Mangal. This Pada relates to the intellectual, argumentative, suspicious, flaky, and whimsical part of this Nakshatra. This Pada is not as superficial as the previous Tula Pada, but tends to over-intellectualize matters, rather than getting to the root of anything. Most of the negative qualities of Mrigashira find expression through this Pada. It can function wisely only in evolved souls and thereto through proper guidance.
Professions
Artists of all types; singers & musicians; painters; poets; linguists; romantic novelists; writers; thinkers and seekers; gemstone dealers; dealers in earth-related products; those involved in the textile & garment industry; fashion designers & trendsetters; veterinarians; all professions dealing with animals as pets; salespersons of all kinds; advertising agencies; administrators; landscapers; farmers & gardeners; forestry workers; real estate developers; map makers & navigators; travelers & explorers; psychics and astrologers; teachers, especially those dealing with beginners; artisans & clerks; commentators.
Places
Forests, fields & meadows; deer parks; villages and small towns; bedrooms; playgrounds; nurseries; nursery schools; recreation rooms; entertainment places of all kinds; streets, footpaths & roads; lawns & gardens; forest trails; art & music studios; small shops; markets and other sales places; astrological & psychic institutions; all places connected with above professions.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Tamasic (inert) Nakshatra. This however shouldn’t be taken in any negative sense, as it is basically a Divine Nakshatra (see Gana). It is associated with Tamas because of its association with Tamasic Graha Mangal. Basic significations of Mangal were seen as Tamasic by ancient Vedic Seers. ”I can’t get no satisfaction” aspect of Mrigashira is what makes it Tamasic. However, this Nakshatra will behave in a predominantly Tamasic way only if predominantly Tamasic Grahas like Rahu, Mangal, and Sani inhabit it.
It is the last among Nakshatras whose dominant element is earth. This basically relates to this Nakshatra’s capacity for producing quick results on the material plane.
Gana
It is seen by ancient Seers as a ”Divine” (Deva) Nakshatra. It relates more to beings on the astral plane than us humans. This classification reflects upon the refinement-oriented focus of Mrigashira.
Orientation & Disposition
It is a level Nakshatra. This reiterates the fact that Mrigashira is not an extreme energy and stays within limits. It is always trying to achieve a balance between expansion and contraction.
It is a ”Mridu” (soft, mild, and tender) Nakshatra. This is pretty evident from the fact that Mrigashira is most suitable for seeking and enjoying pleasure on all planes of existence. Its pursuit of knowledge also takes place in an easygoing, enjoyable fashion.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to the first half of the lunar month of Margashirsha. This month usually corresponds to December in the solar calendar. This month is also known as ”Arghayana”, because of Mrigashira’s alternative name Arghayani. It refers to an era when this month denoted the start of the year. In the present age, the lunar month of Chaitra represents the start of the year.
Mrigashira is also related to Panchami (5th Tithi) of the waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Generally favorable for all lighthearted activities; especially good for travel, exploring nature, sightseeing; sexual activity; all types of artistic work; healing and rejuvenation practices; commencing educational ventures; excellent for socializing; changing residence; good for all activities requiring communication; good for setting up altars, religious items, and performing spiritual initiations; good for advertising and sales activity; taking a new name.
Inauspicious Activities
Unfavorable for marriage ceremonies (Vedic texts reveal that Shiva married Parvati when Chandr was transiting through this Nakshatra, and consequently their marriage went through many upheavals); bad for hard and harsh actions of any kind; not favorable for confrontations or making long-term important decisions of a serious nature.
Lords
The main planetary influences affecting this Nakshatra are Mangal, Sukr, and Budh. Planet Mars is the main ruling planet of Mrigashira. In fact, as we mentioned earlier, martian energy comes into being through Mrigashira. Mangal is the source, which provides energy for Mrigashira’s ”search”. Mangal here acts as an impulse Graha, which encapsulates all meanings associated with the word ”desire”.
We have already seen in discussions on previous Nakshatras, how original creative fires (represented by Mesha) solidify into the earth element (represented by Vrisabha). In Mrigashira, these creative fires, which are now encased in an earthy, material sheath, try and mobilize matter. One way to understand this is to take a look at how modern-day automobiles function. The average car is a heavy, metallic object, which is incapable of moving on its own, and its movement is only possible due to fire/spark-based internal combustion engines. In the same way, martian energy here becomes the force that drives matter, thus instilling a sort of life into it.
Mrigashira forms a bridge between Vrisabha and Mithuna, and consequently relates to the fusing of mercurial and venusian energies. It is interesting to note that besides Chitra (14th Nakshatra) and Dhanishtha (23rd Nakshatra), Mrigashira is the only Nakshatra which lies equally divided among two signs. Mrigashira has thus a strong sense of duality about it, as it tries to resolve the conflict between earth and air, two naturally incompatible elements. Sukr relates to the more earthy, Vrisabha part of this Nakshatra, while Budh relates to the airy, Mithuna part of this Nakshatra. All desirable qualities of Mrigashira, like its artistic abilities and zest for life, ability to find true life path or purpose, all come about only when the energies of Budh and Sukr are properly merged.
Planetary conjunctions like Mangal/Budh, Budh/Sukr, Mangal/Sukr, and Mangal/Budh/Sukr carry energies similar to Mrigashira. The presence of Mangal or Sani in this Nakshatra is usually not auspicious for marital felicity. Both of them however can give good material results in the Vrisabha part of Mrigashira. In fact, barring Guru, all other Grahas can usually give good material results in the Vrisabha part.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Vrisabha) corresponds to ”Ve” as in Vela.
Second Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Vrisabha) corresponds to ”Vo” as in Vocal.
Third Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Mithuna) corresponds to ”Ka” as in Katherine.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Mithuna) corresponds to ”Kee” as in Keanu.
In the Sanskrit alphabet, Mrigashira corresponds to ”Em” and consequently its Mantra is ”Om Em”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a serpent. Mrigashira is one of the experts in lovemaking. In all ancient cultures, snakes or snakelike beings have been regarded as symbols of sexual potency and are seen as adepts at the art of sexual union. It is most compatible with other serpent Nakshatra, Rohini.
For sexual & marriage compatibility with other Nakshatras, Mrigashira Nakshatra individuals are often seen as highly compatible with other serpent Nakshatras such as Rohini, due to their shared sensuality and adeptness in the art of lovemaking. The compatibility tables provide detailed insights into how Mrigashira Nakshatra aligns with other Nakshatras in terms of emotional connection, physical intimacy, and overall marital harmony. Comprehensive astrological analysis is required to get a view of how Mrigashira Nakshatra natives can find the most fulfilling and balanced relationships, ensuring a harmonious family life and minimizing potential health issues related to stress and marital discord.
Esoteric
The most ancient tale, relating to the formation of this Nakshatra, goes thus:
”Brahma, creator among Trinity, became obsessed with his own daughter Rohini (Brahma as we know is in a very funny position as every woman is his daughter). He was chasing Rohini in the form of a deer. Shiva, destroyer among Trinity, cut the deer’s head off with an arrow and thus the deer head’s stars of Mrigashira came into being.”
If one looks at the relative placements of Rohini, Mrigashira, and Ardra (Nakshatra which is supposed to be the residence of Shiva), the story immediately makes sense. The deer head of Mrigashira faces Rohini in the night sky. The constellation of Orion as a whole has always been regarded as an Archer. There are hundreds of tales of Parvati watching on as Shiva used his archery skills to kill demons or demonic cities, or the head of Brahma as we saw in the above-mentioned story.
The fact that Mrigashira is supposed to be Parvati’s abode, makes sense as it gives Parvati the right vantage point to observe Shiva’s adventures in his Rudra form. Also, the fact that Mrigashira can be seen either as a deer’s head or an arched bow reveals the dual functioning of this Nakshatra, as both hunter and hunted.
In all ancient cultures, Orion was supposed to be the abode of ”Prajipati”. Prajipatis are progenitors of all kinds of species inhabiting the Universe. In this sense, Brahma is the original Prajipati. This fact in the above-mentioned story establishes a strong connection between Brahma and that portion of the celestial sky. Brahma however seems to have shifted his abode to neighboring Rohini. Please refer to the ruling deity section of Rohini.
Mrigashira relates to the point where curiosity is born in the process of creation. From a material point of view, we can see that all motion in the physical Universe, even on an atomic level, is dependent upon a physical quantity known as heat. Since Mrigashira is the initiator of martian energy, it relates to the point in time where the temperature of the Universe reaches an appropriate value for life to flourish. Heat and motion are primary aspects of Mangal and they have their roots in this Nakshatra.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Pulasthya, one of seven celestial Sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this Sage translates into ”having smooth hair”. One can immediately see that Pulasthya has a strong connection with the soft, refined aspect of Mrigashira.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects, resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, the best remedial measure is the worship of Parvati. Worship of Chandr is also favorable in increasing the favorable effects of this Nakshatra.
Repetition of the root Mantra of this Nakshatra - ”Om Em” 108 times when Chandr transits this Nakshatra and in the lunar month of Margashirsha, 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 the above-mentioned ways. It is helpful for them to wear colors like red and white, green and light bright sparkly shades. They should use its directions, lunar month, and days when Chandr transits Mrigashira, to undertake all important actions.
Celebrity Example
Famous classical composer George Frederick Handel has his Chandr in Mrigashira. He was in fact the only composer of his time who fashioned his work specifically around singers. His music has a Mrigashira quality about it. The author of this book has his Atmakaraka Budh placed in the second Pada of Mrigashira!
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, Chandr in Mrigashira is ”fickle, clever, timid, shrewd, energetic, wealthy and delighting in enjoyment.” Most of these qualities seem to fit the illustrator of this work, who has her Atmakaraka Chandr placed in the first Pada of this Nakshatra!
Parvati, the presiding deity of this Nakshatra and consort of Shiva, is supposed to have her Chandr placed in the Vrisabha part of this Nakshatra. A lot of her qualities, as revealed by various Puranic stories involving her, fit Varahamihira’s description. Since she is an archetypal goddess, she can assume new forms like Durga and Kali, which embody completely different characteristics.
In its highest functioning, Mrigashira Nakshatra makes one very conscious of their life path and purpose. People born under this Nakshatra often find clarity and direction in their mid-30s, around the age of 32 or the ages of 33.
