Home
20° 00’ Mithuna - 3° 20’ Karkataka In the Sky
Punarvasu, root of jupiterian energy, consists of two bright stars in constellation of Mithuna, known in modern astronomy as Castor (Alpha Geminorium) & Pollux (Beta Geminorium). With visual magnitudes of 1.58 and 1.22 respectively, Castor & Pollux are easily visible in night sky. They can be located at top left hand corner above Orion, within constellation of Mithuna. In most ancient cultures, these stars were seen as twins (brothers or lovers). Ancient Vedic Seers however saw this asterism as a ”quiver of arrows”.
Name
Punarvasu translates into ”good again”, ”wealthy again” or ”visible infinity”. ”Vasus” are demigods carrying all desirable qualities like goodness, strength, prosperity etc. (refer to deity section of Dhanistha, 23rd asterism). Fact that term ”Punarvasu” literally translates into ”becoming Vasu again”, reveals its first two meanings. We also get an impression of some positive transformation from darkness into light. This duality and interplay between opposites is essence of Punarvasu. Its ”visible infinity” meaning is more profound and relates to its ruling deity.
Symbol
Most accepted symbol of Punarvasu is a ”quiver full of arrows”. Sometimes one single arrow is taken as its symbol, but in both cases arrow symbolism dominates discussion of this Nakshatra.
An arrow has been traditionally associated with every aspect of human nature and functioning - arrow of desire, arrow of ambition, ”Eros’s” arrow, and not to forget arrow of time. In all these cases, arrow is always associated with some sort of movement, striving or objective. Arrows in Punarvasu’s quiver are not normal arrows. They are supposed to be like Divine ”Astras” (weapons), used in ancient times, which magically return after fulfilling their function or mission. This conveys idea of renewal, regeneration and endless beginnings.
Punarvasu’s quiver basically represents energy and resources at one’s command. It is up to us to choose purpose and timing of their use. Punarvasu thus has a distinction of returning safely from any mission it undertakes. This mission may be as simple as going to neighborhood shop, or as arduous as climbing Mt. Everest. Mission can take place on any plane - mental, physical, emotional, astral or causal. It is Punarvasu’s function to ensure safe return to starting point. No wonder that Punarvasu became synonymous with ”safety” in eyes of wise men. Its alternative symbol, ”a house”, once again reiterates idea of safety.
One can also easily infer from above that Punarvasu has a lot to do with any kind of motion, movement and searching. All qualities normally associated with Dhanur, which also has an arrow as its symbol, can be applied to Punarvasu as well. Fact that journey always ends where one started, leads us to idea of a circle. Time and reality are cyclical and not linear, as most in modern world believe it to be. Modern Darwinian theory of evolution suggests that human race is in a state of unhindered evolution by process of natural selection. This implies that we, as a race, are becoming more intelligent than our ancestors, with each passing generation. Theory further suggests that we are in a state of perpetual progress, through linear time, which only moves forward. This is in opposition to view held by all ancient civilizations, who knew that time is cyclical, and that nature renews itself through perpetual repetition. This repetition has a helical (as is case with DNA strands which make up genetic code), rather than a purely circular nature, but for symbolic purposes, circle has always been used as imagery which conveys this eternal reality. Shatabhisha (24th Nakshatra) and Punarvasu are two main Nakshatras which reveal and deal with this aspect of universal functioning.
Deity
Aditi, mother of 12 ”Adityas” (solar deities), is main ruling deity of Punarvasu. Aditi translates into ”unbounded””. She is often seen as goddess of abundance. She is a sky goddess, who is said to be mother of all godly beings in Universe. In a way, she relates to all space. Manifest Universe, as we know, is basically a function of space and time. Space, like time, has an infinite quality to it and for all purposes can be taken as unbounded. ”Visible infinity” translation of Punarvasu starts to make some sense when seen in above light.
Reality, however, is that both space and time are finite quantities bounded by circular aspect of nature, discussed earlier. Aditi, or space, is ”sine qua non” (a prerequisite) for any motion or movement. If there is no space, there is no motion. In fact, there can be no concept of existence either. Space has always been receptive, feminine principle as opposed to time, which is seen in a more masculine light. Going by this line of thinking, Aditi should be mother of all that exists, if it were not for her sister ”Diti”. Diti, bounded space, is mother of all ungodly or demonic beings in Universe.
Diti, like night, can be seen as dark space, which harbors dark, mysterious and evil side of nature. Aditi relates to space, which like day, is full of light, and is thus harbinger of benevolent side of nature. Aditi’s rulership of Punarvasu imparts it with a maternal, caring, sensitive, reasonable and accommodating approach. Just like space which accommodates all, Punarvasu is very accommodating of people, situations, circumstances and energies.
Nature & Functioning
In universal scheme of things, Punarvasu relates to ”Vastuva Prapana Shakti” - power to gain or retrieve objects or objectives. Its main theme is triumphant return and renewal. Arrow which hits its target in Ardra, now returns back. Its symbolism has wind, which carries clouds above and rain, which revitalizes plants below. Just like rain, Punarvasu brings renewal. Another way of seeing this is that wind carries clouds to where they need to be, after rain is over.
Essence of Punarvasu’s nature and functioning lies in two words, ”nurturing” and ”harmony”. Since it represents first light after storm, Punarvasu represents harmonious conditions in nature. Nature seems to be at its happiest in period after a storm, when chirping of birds and fresh smell from rejuvenated earth creates a buzz in air. Consequently, Punarvasu represents favorable conditions for life to thrive on all levels. Inherent calm of this Nakshatra makes natives strongly under its influence contented people, who get satisfied easily. They believe in living a simple, spiritual life and strive hard to get rid of any negative energies, feelings or thoughts, which may obstruct their evolutionary process.
Punarvasu is a Nakshatra where interplay of mental with emotional is at its most fascinating, as both have same amount of strength. In previous Nakshatra Ardra, mental is much stronger, while emotional part is in process of developing. Quality which arises out of this fine balance of mental and emotional is ”reasonability”. Punarvasu represents stage in life when a child outgrows its tempestuous and naughtiness and settles into a mindset which is more aware of needs of others. This usually takes place between age of 9 and 14. Children at this age have unique ability to live in moment and are friendly and good-natured at same time. This ability is retained by those under strong influence of this Nakshatra throughout their lives. 9 to 14 is right age to get a child interested in spiritual writings and philosophies, as they are more likely to take them seriously. Punarvasu is related to all kinds of spiritual practices, meant to foster self-understanding and enlightenment. Interplay of mental and emotional gives rise to a very active, profound and inspired imagination. Punarvasu natives thus excel in arts like poetry and writing.
Those with Punarvasu rising on Lagna are usually of short to middle stature, have a serene countenance and benevolent expression. One can refer to many images of Rama, incarnation of Vishnu, to understand appearance of this Nakshatra (especially part which lies in Karkataka). Words ”quiet, patient, devout, temperance, contrary views, amiability, adaptability, self-understanding and nobility” sum up Punarvasu natives essential nature and functioning. It must be mentioned that Punarvasu’s generosity is conditional and works on principle of ”give and take”. This part of their nature actually accounts for their safety in today’s tumultuous times.
Punarvasu natives usually lack strong mental capacity of Ardra and have a much simpler approach to life. They lack foresight, a negative quality which gets them into complications, but they are always lucky to get out of them unscathed. In fact, ”safety” is one of keywords of this Nakshatra. One can easily rule out any serious misfortune in relation to significations Punarvasu influences in a nativity. For example, having Lagna Lord placed in Punarvasu would rule out any serious disease, accidents, bodily malfunctions and so forth. On a whole, Punarvasu natives usually lead comfortable lives filled with intermittent periods of adventure and upheaval.
Punarvasu natives are usually very attached to their homes, but at same time are ever ready to travel, if required. In some negative cases, Punarvasu natives may shun travel completely. Such natives usually end up confused and disillusioned, as they have avoided following their natural life path. Punarvasu natives always need to guard against a tendency to stagnate. Their inward orientation usually gives them a lack of drive and focus required to attain their goals. Many such Punarvasu natives can be heard saying statements like ”What’s use?”, ”Why bother?” etc. In other words, they tend to philosophize their inactivity. In its higher aspect, Punarvasu gives a capacity to achieve its goal, no matter how difficult or challenging it is. Just like an arrow fired by a good bowman, evolved Punarvasu types never miss their mark.
One strange quality of Punarvasu is that everything happens in two goes, for natives under its strong influence. They almost always tend to fail or not get far in their first attempt at any pursuit, but funny part is that they almost always succeed if they try a second time. This relates to opposing natures of two stars, Castor and Pollux, which make up constellation of Punarvasu.
These stars are regarded as twin brothers, one of whom (Castor) is naughty and cruel, and other (Pollux) is generous and wise. Punarvasu natives tend to encounter first one in their first try, and latter one in their second try.
It is Castor, which creates all types of losses for Punarvasu natives, while Pollux brings back all that is lost. Thus Punarvasu, in keeping with its name translation ”good again”, relates to all kinds of repetition and recycling. In its negative aspect, Punarvasu natives find it hard to discard anything just because they think that it might serve some purpose in some future time. More evolved souls, however, know when to let go of things which have outlived their usefulness.
Common English words like ”punctual”, ”punitive”, ”pun”, ”puny”, seem to have their root in word ”Punarvasu”. We can easily see that their meanings relate to Punarvasu’s functioning at some level or other.
Mode of Functioning
Punarvasu is considered to be a passive Nakshatra. Space by itself is a very passive entity. Unless stirred by some external agency, Punarvasu’s philosophy is very much to ”just be”. It requires courage to stick to one’s life path and finish off task assigned to one. Punarvasu has been blessed with a moveable quality for that very purpose. However, in its negative aspect, it can fail to commence journey of fulfilling one’s life purpose through procrastination, excessive idealism or pure laziness. Arrow usually has no problem travelling after it has been shot from an outstretched bow, but sometimes archer may lack strength or resolution to even string his bow. This is what happened to Aduna (character from Vedic epic ”Mahabharata”) at very beginning of epic world war known as Mahabharata. He refused to string his bow because of his idealistic compassion towards his kith and kin.
Caste
It belongs to Vaishya (merchant) caste. This classification obviously comes about because of its close association with mercantile Graha, Budh. All of Punarvasu’s generosity and kindness lies within framework of reasonability. Punarvasu works on principle of reciprocation. In today’s world, one has to be reasonable with one’s generosity, as people are bound to take undue advantage of you. It is probably this adherence to a reciprocal trader’s mentality, which accounts for fact that Punarvasu natives rarely get their hands burnt. Punarvasu is supposed to be safest among Nakshatras.
Gender
It is a male Nakshatra. This classification must relate to its strong connection with male Graha Guru. Punarvasu has a feminine overseer in Aditi, but its impulses and functioning are masculine, as illustrated in Nakshatra’s image of boy shooting arrow.
Body Parts & Humor
Fingers and nose are body parts related to this Nakshatra. Contemporary guitar player Jimi Hendrix, who has his Lagna Lord Guru placed in Punarvasu, sings in one of his songs ”Feeling, sweet feeling, drops from my fingers, my fingers...”.
It is a primarily ”Vata” (airy) Nakshatra. This definitely relates to its association with Vata Graha Budh.
Punarvasu represents space and Vata is humor which gets closest to space or nothingness.
Direction
It is related primarily to arc made by West, North and North-East.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Mithuna) falls in Mesha Navamsa and is ruled by Mangal. This Pada relates to moveable, adventurous and pioneering side of Punarvasu. Focus here is on friendships, goals and group work.
Second Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Mithuna) falls in Vrisabha Navamsa ruled by Sukr. This Pada relates to materialistic, earthy and fixed aspect of Punarvasu. It is connected with hotels, restaurants, tourism, import and export industry.
Third Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Mithuna) falls in Mithuna Navamsa ruled by Budh. Focus here is on mental activities, imagination and science. Since this is a Vargottama Pada, Grahas placed here give strong results, especially in mental / intellectual realm.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Karkataka) falls in Karkataka Navamsa ruled by Chandr. This Pada is considered to be one of strongest and most beneficent parts of whole zodiac. Grahas placed here are both Vargottama and Pushkara Navamsa. This is a maternal, nurturing and expansive Pada, which brings out mothering quality of Punarvasu to fullest. Guru finds its maximum exaltation here.
Professions
Trades & sales people of all types; artisans; fairytale writers; writers dealing with astrology & other esoteric subjects; visionaries; all professions involving travel & tourism; recycling experts; hotel & restaurant industry; transport industry; house construction companies; architects; all science related professions; civil engineers; teachers in schools, colleges & universities; psychologists; philosophers; priests, monks & gurus; preachers involved with self-enhancement techniques; importers & exporters; historians; antique dealers; farmers; cattle & sheep farmers; all professions requiring an innovative approach; communications jobs; radio & telephone industry; courier companies; postal service; newspaper industry; mail order & home delivery businesses; landlords; keepers of temples, churches and other religious buildings; home maintenance services; archery & target shooting; all sports involving use of hands; patriots; aviators; astronauts & all space / satellite professions.
Places
Areas near ponds, lakes & rivers; farmlands; pilgrimage spots; villages & small towns; post offices; transportation places like bus & train stations, airports; space stations; renovated buildings; public parks; homes; home land; hostels; hotels, bed & breakfast places, inns, motels etc.; restaurants; temples & treasuries; markets; rehabilitation centres; missions; educational institutions; public & political assembly places; roads; science museums; antique shops; community halls.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Satvic Nakshatra. Reason behind this classification can be easily assessed from Punarvasu’s association with Guru, a primarily Satvic Graha. Qualities which make it godly are qualities which make it Satvic as well. However, its most Satvic quality is that it never deliberately means harm to anyone.
It belongs to water element. Its association with watery Graha Guru accounts for its watery quality. Punarvasu is a Nakshatra akin to nourishing, nurturing and other such qualities associated with water element.
Gana
It is considered a Deva (godly) Nakshatra. It is clear from its nature and functioning that it is a very benign, generous, kindly and compassionate Nakshatra. All these qualities are seen as being godly by ancient Vedic texts. First ray of sunlight after a storm must obviously relate to divinity aspect of nature and creation.
Orientation & Disposition
It is a level Nakshatra. Level Nakshatras are neither too expansive nor too contracting. In other words, they have a sense of balance and reasonability. It is clear from Punarvasu’s nature and functioning that it is a very balanced and reasonable Nakshatra, and thus fits this classification perfectly. Another way to see this is that archer needs to keep a level posture and level state of mind in order to hit its target.
It is a ”Chara” (moveable) Nakshatra. As we have discussed in its Nature & functioning, Punarvasu is related with all types of movement, especially kind which ends where it begins. It is first among moveable Nakshatras, even though Mrigashira can be said to be moveable in some respects.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to first half of lunar month of Pausha, which usually falls in solar month of December, i.e. late December.
Punarvasu is also related to Ashtami (8th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Travelling & exploring; making pilgrimages; taking medicines & all healing activities; good for ”starting over again” in projects, relationships etc.; all agricultural & gardening activities; all activities requiring imagination & innovation; buying cars & homes; starting work on a building; starting educational activities; auspicious for marriage; good for dealing with children; philanthropic activities like donations, teaching etc.; good for spiritual activities like fasting, installing altars, meditation & self-reflection; a time for enjoying life’s simple pleasures; very good for worship of Divine mother goddess.
Inauspicious Activities
Unfavorable for borrowing or lending money; legal activities or other activities requiring pushiness or conflict.
Lords
Guru is main planetary Lord of this Nakshatra. In fact, jupiterian energy is heralded by this Nakshatra. It is first Nakshatra where a sense of ethics is developed and focus shifts from self to communal well-being. jupiterian energy manifests itself through a sense of accommodation, a quality which makes this most reasonable amongst Nakshatras. As mentioned earlier, Punarvasu represents stage in life when a child outgrows its tempestuous and naughtiness and settles into a mindset which is more aware of needs of others.
Since this Nakshatra falls in Rasis of Budh and Chandr, both these Grahas are also associated with this Nakshatra. Budh relates to communicating and moveable aspect of this Nakshatra, while Chandr relates to its nurturing, mothering quality and its connection with universal mother principle.
Conjunctions like Guru / Chandr, Guru / Budh and Guru / Chandr / Budh, carry an energy similar to that of Punarvasu.
All Grahas do well in this Nakshatra, especially if Guru is well placed in horoscope.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Mithuna) corresponds to ”Kay” as in Katie.
Second Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Mithuna) corresponds to ”Ko” as in Kodak.
Third Pada of this asterism (26° 40 - 30° 00’ Mithuna) corresponds to ”Ha” as in Hart.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Mithuna) corresponds to ”Hee” as in Hinano.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Punarvasu corresponds to ”Om” and ”Aum”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om” and ”Aum”. It is interesting to note that beginning sound of Universe, which is most respected by all Vedic texts, is root sound of this Nakshatra. This once again reiterates its strong relation with beginning of material manifestation.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a cat. Cats are independent creatures and this attitude permeates sexual nature of Punarvasu. Punarvasu can be aggressive sexually, but not to extent of Ashlesha (other cat Nakshatra), which is asterism it is most compatible with.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras, please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
Being 7th Nakshatra, Punarvasu relates to balancing aspect of nature. Space is empty cloth on which patterns of Universe are embroidered. Punarvasu allows for manifestation by providing a medium. Those familiar with chemistry will realize that medium is always a balancing element in any reaction. At another level, Punarvasu gives souls a chance to redeem themselves from whatever negative actions they might have done in past. It is most efficient Karma recycler amongst Nakshatras. Due to its relationship with Aditi, mother of gods, Punarvasu is a very nurturing Nakshatra, which always gives a second chance. It harmonizes opposing tendencies inherent in universal scheme.
Twins, Castor and Pollux, represent two extreme sides of human nature, and Punarvasu establishes a happy medium. It can be said that Vishnu Tatva begins in Punarvasu. This is first Nakshatra where a sense of harmony and equilibrium is established between existing elemental forces, on all planes of existence. None of Nakshatras prior to Punarvasu engage in above mentioned task. Rama, 8th incarnation of Vishnu, was born with Punarvasu rising and his whole life was nothing but an effort to create an equilibrium on planet earth in his day and age.
Two sons of Rama, ”Luv” and ”Kush”, are archetypal twin brothers, who have been used to symbolize twin stars Castor and Pollux through different names in various cultures. Their reign on earth, after they took over from their father, is regarded as one of most peaceful times in tumultuous history of Prithvi (Mother).
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”. Punarvasu, because of its association with Guru, has a preachy and inspiring quality about it. Punarvasu inspires by setting an example through its inner gentleness.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of any goddess figurine like Durga, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Aditi etc.
Repetition of root Mantras of this Nakshatra - ”Om” or ”Aum” 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 green, yellow and white. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Punarvasu, to undertake all important actions.
Example
Rama, incarnation of Vishnu in ”Silver age”, and widely celebrated and hailed in Vedic thought as perfect man, was born with Punarvasu rising. His life, which is documented in legendary epic ”Ramayana”, sheds light on nature and functionings of Punarvasu. He always got everything right only in two goes (he lost his kingdom and wife and regained them), as suggested by expression ”good again”.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, Chandr’s placement in Punarvasu makes one ”easily contented, self-controlled, slow-witted, fortunate and of good character”. Our example Rama has his Chandr placed in Punarvasu as well and all of above mentioned attributes fit him perfectly.
