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20° 00’ Kumbha - 3° 20’ Meena In the Sky
Purvabhadrapada, culmination of jupiterian energy, is represented in celestial firmament by two bright stars in constellation of Pegasus, which ancient Vedic Seers saw as being representative of front legs of a funeral cot (or sleeping bed). Pegasus itself was seen as a full funeral cot (or sleeping bed). These two stars are known in modem astronomy as Alpha Pegasi (Markab) and Beta Pegasi (Scheat). Bright constellation of Pegasus lies directly on top of astronomical constellations of Kumbha and Meena.
Two stars of this asterism make a straight line (almost perpendicular to ecliptic belt) at juncture of constellations Kumbha and Meena. This is in harmony with fact that this asterism connects Rasis Kumbha and Meena. Alpha Pegasi, which can be said to represent part in Kumbha, lies closer to zodiacal ecliptic and has a visual magnitude of 2.49, while Beta Pegasi, which can be said to represent part in Meena, lies further away and is slightly brighter with a visual magnitude of 2.47. Both of them can be easily located in night sky.
Name
”Purvabhadrapada” translates into ”former (one who possesses) lucky feet”. Its alternative name is ”Purvaproshthapada”, which translates into ”former (one who possesses) feet of a stool”.
These translations clearly highlight problems one encounters when translating Sanskrit terms into English. Above translations seem odd and confusing and don’t seem to convey much regarding nature or functioning of this asterism. As we shall find out later, they just relate to its ruling deity.
Symbol
Its main symbol is ”front part of a funeral cot”. A funeral cot denotes our exit from world. In astrology, Rasi Meena, or 12th Bhava in chart signifies this exit. Since this asterism begins Rasi of Meena, it is appropriate that it is ascribed front legs of funeral cot. Front part of a normal sleeping bed can also be seen as symbol of this asterism. Since 12th Bhava relates to sleep, which can be seen as a temporary form of death, a sleeping bed would also relate to this asterism. It signifies moment in time when, after doing our worldly duties and mingling with friends (Kumbha or 11th Bhava activities), we prepare for retiring to bed in night.
Its alternative symbol is ”a man with two faces”. As you can see in image for this Nakshatra, one face wears a benign look while other one appears mad, violent and destructive. This relates to Jekyll and Hyde character of this asterism. It can always put up a normal, socially acceptable and cheerful front on outside while holding its darker side inside at all times.
A ”sword” is also used as its symbol by many scholars. Sword obviously relates to process of ”cutting off”. Cutting-off process relates to destructive, dissoluting side of nature and associates this Nakshatra with all kinds of pains, injuries, accidents, deaths and endings.
Another alternative symbol for this asterism is ”a single ray of Surya”. This relates to gloomy, desolate aspect of this Nakshatra, where all hope is at minimum and light at end of tunnel is very faint. Those readers who are conversant with novel ”Count of Monte Christo” by Alexander Dumas, can easily see how this applies to experience of lead character Edmund Dantes, while he was imprisoned on remote island of Elba.
Deity
It has an obscure ruling deity with name of ”Aja Ekapada”, which translates into ”one-footed goat”. Its alternative meaning, which carries a cosmic pun, is ”one-footed unborn one”. This mysterious creature is a goat-headed monster with one leg, who forms part of entourage of Rudra (fierce form of Shiva).
Surprisingly, Aja Ekapada, a Vedic character, can be easily found on card no. 15 in western Tarot pack. This card is called ”Devil” and is supposed to signify evil and dark side of life in general. This goat-headed creature carries much of same meanings from Vedic point of view, except fact that destruction and ruin it brings is supposed to be divinely ordained. We can see that name of this asterism also relates directly to this one-footed deity.
Rasi Meena is seen to symbolize feet and since this asterism has only one part in Meena, it can be said to have only one foot. It is interesting to note that this one footed dark deity has gained enormous prominence in present world age of Kali Yuga. It can be seen in all major important centres of western civilization. All secret societies and brotherhoods, like Freemasons, Club of Rome and Illuminati, consider this goat-god as their main deity. In these circles he is known as Baphomet.
Since our present day world is run by a secret elite group, which has strong connections with above mentioned secret societies, it is not hard to understand why there is so much unnecessary violence and bloodshed being perpetuated on our planet. Aja Ekapada can be seen as ruling deity of all types of black magic and that is why individuals deeply influenced by this asterism are attracted to or practice black magic.
In image representing this Nakshatra, reader can see skulls and bones lying all around, which form a secondary symbol for this asterism. One can see that skull and bones symbol has always been associated with danger, as it is displayed in dangerous places like high voltage areas etc. In this light, it is interesting to note that there’s a secret order in United States known as ”Skulls & Bones Society”, of which prominent American presidents have been members!
Finally, supreme ruling deity of this asterism is Rudra, fierce form of Shiva. This asterism carries destructive aspect of Shiva in much same way as Ardra. Difference is that here Rudra represents final dissolution on all planes, while in Ardra chaotic destructive energy only operates on mental, emotional planes. As a result, this asterism can be much more cruel and merciless in comparison to Ardra. This can be said to be place where Universe loses its mind!
This is basically a purificatory energy. When old has fallen into decay, it has to be destroyed for new to take birth. Destructive fires of Rudra aim to achieve exactly that. On a more personal level, souls pay for their past life bad Karmas through penance and retribution under burning fires of this Nakshatra.
Nature & Functioning
If there is one word which could sum up this Nakshatra it would be ”diabolical”. A lot of so called negative human traits like paranoia, pessimism, debauchery, violence, hedonism, thirst for macabre, lying, deceit, cruelty and morbidity, can be ascribed to this Nakshatra. This Nakshatra is mainly concerned with transformation. Those under strong influence of this asterism have huge task of witnessing and understanding lower dark side of life without getting their hands dirty.
Although most scholars don’t recognize this fact, this is most intense amongst all Nakshatras. Since all its negative aspects can only in essence be manifested through ego, humility becomes most important thing for Purvabhadrapada natives. One of few good qualities of this Nakshatra is that it is devoted to those it respects. This again, however, is a double edged sword, since many a times its object of veneration is not very wholesome.
Ramakrishna Paramahansa (famous 19th century saint), who has his Chandr in Purvabhadrapada, was devoted to Kali, fierce goddess. Dark deity Kali, despite being fierce, is ultimately benevolent. This devotion helped him rise above all negative Purvabhadrapada characteristics, but many under this Nakshatra’s influence take to worshipping demonic and devilish deities and spoil their Karma for many lives. Thus we can see that it is very important for natives under this Nakshatra to find right thing to get devoted to from very beginning.
Another good quality of this Nakshatra is that it is very sincere and hardworking, even if its goals are not so wholesome. It has tremendous perseverance and will go to any lengths to achieve its objective. In fact, a lot of Purva Bhadrapada natives end up engaging in bad Karma because they are ready to do ”just about anything” to obtain their objectives.
If a case study of mass murderers, homicides and genocides was carried out, it would be found that most of people involved would have some strong connection with Purvabhadrapada. This Nakshatra relates both to persecuted and persecutor.
More evolved souls usually use this Nakshatra’s energy to mortify themselves instead of others. All Sages, like Vishwamitra, who underwent extreme penance, are basically utilizing this Nakshatra’s energy. Even today in India, one can see a lot of Sadhus involved in intense practices involving self-torture and self-mortification. A Purvabhadrapada native is ready to stand on one foot for ten years or even more, if they are convinced that it is going to bring them their desired result.
After reading above description, reader may be surprised to know that alot of times Purvabhadrapada natives cannot be distinguished from rest, just because they have a very strong capacity to fit in with contemporary societal structure. They are normal people with nine-to-five office jobs, who speak, eat and dress like everyone else, and no one can suspect kind of things they are up to in their private lives. They usually keep their idiosyncrasies and nefarious activities secret.
Only way of spotting a Purvabhadrapada person is their highly strung, nervous demeanor along with an overtly serious look. They are ones who are likely to snap first in any confrontational situation. They, however, try to carry a happy look and act amicably in social gatherings.
They are basically two-faced people, kind who work on normal day jobs, and in nights they can be found in fetish dubs, banging heads at hard core heavy metal concerts, entertaining macabre fantasies, practicing dark tantric rituals or plotting and carrying out violent or criminal activities... Purvabhadrapada natives are very susceptible to extreme views and often end up being part of extreme fundamentalist groups.
Not every Purvabhadrapada person gives physical expression to their negative energies. More evolved souls learn to fight battle between light and dark within their own minds and hearts. Alot of common everyday Purvabhadrapada people, instead of being perpetrators, end up being victims. Creative artists, who have this Nakshatra strongly placed in their charts, can often be seen channeling its energy, by implementing all dark side of life in their art, whether it be writing, music or drama.
Purvabhadrapada natives, like everything else, tend to oscillate between extremes in sexual sphere. All kinds of sexual perversions and phobias are seen to originate in this Nakshatra.
Regretfulness is another of prominent qualities of this Nakshatra. Being contemplative at some inner level, its natives are often seen brooding over past, tormenting themselves for all wrongs they have done.
On a material plane, such natives are stingy in regards to money. However, their one peculiarity is that they are always ready to place all of their wealth at disposal of their spouse, partner, teacher or cause. Their capacity for revenge holds no equal among Nakshatras. Once again Alexander Dumas’s novel, ”Count of Monte Christo”, reveals how this emotion can be taken to extreme.
In universal scheme of things, Purvabhadrapada relates to ”Yajamana Udyamana Shakti” - power to raise evolutionary level. Its symbolism has humanity above, and astral regions below. This imagery suggests that Purvabhadrapada acts as a bridge between consciousness on material and non-material planes. It is this bridge which is blocked in majority of humanity in present times. Purvabhadrapada has power to raise one’s evolutionary level through internal purification brought about by raging celestial fires of penance.
Mode of Functioning
It is supposed to be a passive Nakshatra, but this does not mean that it does not or cannot act when required. Its passivity relates to fact that it takes its time in forming and visualizing its goals and does not act in haste. It is usually in no hurry to achieve its ends.
Caste
Surprisingly, this asterism is given Brahmin caste by ancient Vedic Seers. It is, however, easy to understand the why of it with a closer look. It is ruled by Guru, most brahmanical among Grahas. It is related to universal law, that power and knowledge can be achieved through penance, and this asterism is very capable of achieving both. What it finally does with that power and knowledge is another matter.
Gender
It is a male Nakshatra in keeping with its male deities. Even Guru, one of its planetary rulers, is a male Graha.
Body Parts & Humor
It mainly relates to sides of body. This includes ribs, abdomen and sides of legs. It is also an indicator of left thigh and soles of feet. It is interesting to note that patting left thigh was considered an invitation for war or an aggressive act meant to cajole or humiliate others. In Vedic epic Mahabharata, Duryodhana did a similar gesture when he asked Draupadi to come and sit on his thigh, and Bhima took a vow to break off his thigh in battle and drink blood from it (a very Purvabhadrapada act!).
It is a predominantly Vata (air) Nakshatra in keeping with its expansive nature.
Direction
Its directions are West and South-East, leaning a little closer towards East as compared to South.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Kumbha) falls in Mesha Navamsa and is ruled by Mangal. This Pada brings out most aggressive side of this Nakshatra. Energy here is more mental. Such natives will do well to control their temper, aggression and violence. It gives tremendous determination to achieve one’s objective.
Second Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Kumbha) falls in Vrisabha Navamsa ruled by Sukr. This Pada relates to more indulgent side of this Nakshatra. Energy here is more earthy and natives are likely to give some physical expression to aforementioned dark sides of this Nakshatra.
Third Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Kumbha) falls in Mithuna Navamsa ruled by Budh. This Pada expresses this Nakshatra’s energy through more communicative means and makes native curious. This is lightest Pada of this intense Nakshatra.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (0° 00’ - 3° 20’ Meena) fails in Karkataka Navamsa ruled by Chandr. This Pada has an extremely diabolical quality, in sense that it can be extremely benign or extremely dangerous. It relates both to persecuted and persecutor. Such natives can be found in all walks of life and are most socially adept in comparison with other three Padas.
Professions
Morticians and all professions relating to death or death process, like coffin makers, cemetery keepers etc.; surgeons and contemporary medical practitioners (basically those who administer poisons as remedies); fundamentalists, radicals, fanatics, terrorists etc.; horror, mystery and Sci-Fi writers; present day psychiatrists (who often end up making things worse); dark side of entertainment industry; dark side of ruling elite; pornographic industry; weapon makers and users; occultists dealing with dark side, black magicians; perpetuators of dark technologies; leather industry; extreme ascetics involved in self-mortification (like famous Aghoras); police departments, particularly homicide squads; soldiers; metal industry; all professions involving use of fire and high temperatures; those who deal with toxic substances and highly polluting waste products; enemies of environment like lumber jacks; environmental activists; pharmaceutical industry.
Places
Cemeteries, morgues, cremation grounds; factories; heavy industries of all types; land fills; dark alley ways; centres for occult studies and practices of a dark nature; operation theatres and terminal illness wards; asylums and penitentiaries; churches; top secret military research bases; atomic power plants; places where high technology equipment is kept; nightclubs and all other places associated with dark entertainment; places related to above mentioned professions in general.
Guna & Tatva
Ancient Vedic Seers saw it as a Satvik Nakshatra. Once again, this classification relates mainly to its capacity for penance, detachment and generosity. It must be kept in mind that its generosity only extends to those close to it by family or association.
It belongs to ether element. This has primarily to do with its planetary Lord Guru, who also has primarily etheric constitution. This element relates to dissoluting aspect of this asterism. In a way, even murdering a person is nothing but an act of separating their etheric, subtle body from their physical body.
Gana
It is a Manusha (human) Nakshatra. Going by its qualities, one would expect it to be a demonic Nakshatra, but it is important to remember an old dictum from Vedic wisdom here - ”Humans are capable of more demonic acts than demons and more godly acts than gods. ”
Orientation & Disposition
It is a downward Nakshatra. This means that it is concerned with what is below surface of things. It also suggests a person whose glance is downwards instead of upwards. It also relates to its capacity for deep research of all kinds. Natives predominantly influenced by Purvabhadrapada are very good at keeping secrets and can’t be taken on their face value.
Vedic Seers regarded it as an Ugra (cruel & fierce) Nakshatra. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, after understanding its essential nature.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It can be seen as ruler of waning part (first nine days) of month known as Bhadrapada. This period usually corresponds to month of September in solar calendar.
Purvabhadrapada is also related to Chaturdashi (14th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
All dangerous, uncertain and risky activities; all activities of a mechanical or technological nature; holding funeral services; putting an end to things; exploring death issues; agricultural activities; all activities connected with water, like sailing etc.
Inauspicious Activities
Generally unfavorable for most activities except those mentioned above; especially unfavorable for beginning new things or initiations of all kinds; not good for travelling, sex, marriage and dealing with government or higher authorities. Most of actions carried out under its influence often end up causing pain, anxiety, regret, sorrow or extreme difficulty.
Lords
Grahas associated with this Nakshatra are Sani, Guru and Ketu (and Uranus, Neptune). Guru is its main planetary Lord. Sani and Uranus are connected to this asterism because of their co-rulership of Kumbha, while Ketu (and Neptune) connect to portion of this asterism which falls in Meena.
It is important to note that even though Rahu is a co-ruler of Kumbha, Rahu does not relate to part of Kumbha where this asterism lies (20° to 30°). Rahu’s energy culminates in previous asterism Shatabishak (6° 42’ to 20° Kumbha).
Sani primarily relates to grief causing and disciplined aspect of this asterism. It also points to fact that this asterism always tends to physically carry out its dark functionings. Sani also provides detachment aspect, which can be best seen through self-tormenting ascetic standing on one foot (see Nakshatra’s image).
Uranus relates to futuristic and technological aspect of this asterism. Most famous among modem science fictions, ”Star Wars”, displays uranian aspect of this Nakshatra. It can be seen that this Nakshatra has a tendency to go overboard with technology, and in its hands technology always ends up being used for destructive purposes. This is asterism which furthers ”anti-nature” and dehumanizing technologies, like microchipping, androids and mindless genetic manipulation.
It is hard for some people to understand how a benefic Graha like Guru can rule such a malefic asterism. In order to explain this mystery, we would like to once again bring into picture two-faced nature of this asterism. This Nakshatra is very capable of putting up a jupiterian, socially acceptable, well mannered and conservative front. It is also skilled at earning money and Guru, as we know, is natural significator of wealth. However, its means of earning money are always questionable. It is an expansive asterism in keeping with Guru’s natural tendency. It, however, uses its expansiveness for furthering darker / destructive causes. Its jupiterian side also comes out when it is ready to place all of its belongings and resources at disposal of its partners or those whom it admires and respects.
Guru’s energy culminates in this Nakshatra. This means that at some stage, Purvabhadrapada goes beyond jupiterian values which uphold society. Once moralistic and preservative influence of Guru is finished, stage is set for destruction and dissolution. This process can be seen as Vishnu stopping his preservation activities, which sustain drama of life, so that Shiva’s destructive energies are let loose without restraint.
Neptune relates to fantasy aspect of this Nakshatra. All its uranian futuristic visions like ”Star Wars” have been made into hugely successful movies. Neptune, as we know, rules cinematic realm and this asterism has a strong hold over modern day showbiz capital, Hollywood. One can plainly see energy of this asterism being relayed through 90 % of movies being churned out by Hollywood, especially in last 20 years or so. Its fantasy aspect goes into other areas as well, which we have already mentioned in its nature and disposition.
Ketu comes in touch with this Nakshatra through ”little foot” it has in Rasi Meena. Ketu, as we know, is most destructive and detached among all Grahas, and this asterism requires that energy to be able to inflict torture upon itself or others. When it is working on an internal, benefic level, attachments are destroyed without any self-mortification. When it is working on an individualized but external, benefic level, this Nakshatra tries to control and sublimate inner desires through external means like tormenting body through extreme penance. When working in a malefic, externalized way, it reeks havoc on its surroundings, and this is where we get cold-blooded murderer, serial killer, war general or behind-scenes manipulator.
In general astrological terms, conjunctions of Mangal – Sani – Rahu – Ketu - Uranus or Neptune in cruel and harsh Nakshatras have an energy similar to Purvabhadrapada.
Not many Grahas fare well in Purvabhadrapada. Only a well aspected, well fortified Guru is good here. Sani can also give okay results in Purvabhadrapada, if Guru is well placed in chart. A well placed Ketu, especially in Meena part, can generate detachment in a positive way.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada (20° 00 ’ to 23° 20’ Kumbha) relates to ”Se” as in name ”Seth”.
Second Pada (23° 20’ to 26° 40’ Kumbha) relates to ”So” as in name ”Somalia”.
Third Pada (26° 40’ to 30° 00’ Kumbha) relates to ”The” as in ”Then”.
Fourth Pada (0° 00’ to 3° 20’ Meena) relates to ”Di” as in name ”Divali”.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Purvabhadrapada corresponds to letters ”Vam” and ”Sham” and consequently its Mantras are ”Om Vam” and ”Om Sham”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a lion, which points towards an aggressive sexual nature and attitude. It likes to be dominant partner in sexual union, and in many cases does not have a healthy respect for its partner. One can notice in image of this Nakshatra, lion is a roaring lion and not a tame, gentle one as is case with Dhanishtha.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
Its ruling deity, as we have seen earlier, is a mysterious figure and finds little mention in Vedic texts. Surprisingly, it is a much revered deity in present time and human sacrifices are carried out under its name by today’s ruling elite. This may come as a shock to many of readers, but as saying goes, ”Fact is always stranger than fiction!”
This asterism relates to all dark deities of all ancient cultures, who were supposed to require sacrifice of some live thing, in form of an animal or human being. Blood sacrifices of Mayan civilization are notoriously famous.
This Nakshatra is consummation point of Guru’s energy, which in effect means that Guru’s benefic nature cannot intervene in destructive acts of this asterism. Universal function of maintenance, so dear to Guru, holds little meaning for destructive, dissoluting energies of this Nakshatra. Since this Nakshatra relates to extremely destructive types among Shiva’s entourage, it deals specifically with unrestrained aspect of Shiva.
Imagery of ”two-faced man” (refer to image), on an esoteric level, refers to dying process. Each of us, when we die, get to face all our actions in earthly realm, and at same time we get to peer into astral plane, commonly referred to as ”world of dead. ”
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Vashishta, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”possessor of wealth”. This seems to be apt, considering fact that this Nakshatra seems to be good at acquiring wealth, especially in today’s world, as Purvabhadrapada seems to have taken complete control of all resources of our planet. On other hand, Vashishta is renowned for his extreme penances in keeping with Purvabhadrapada’s essential inclinations.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of Shiva. Practice of Karma Yoga, which involves carrying out one’s divinely ordained path in life, is best way to neutralize bad effects of this Nakshatra.
Repetition of root Mantra of this Nakshatra - ”Om Vam” and ”Om Sham” 108 times when Chandr transits this Nakshatra and in waning half of lunar month of Bhadrapada, 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 light colors like light blue. Leather apparels and black colors should be avoided as much as possible.
Example
Michael Jackson, famous entertainer, has his Chandr placed in this asterism. This Nakshatra’s energy can be found expressed in his later music, especially music videos like ”Thriller”. He definitely does not seem to have a normal sexual life and has been accused of child molestation. Self-mortification of this asterism is evident from his continuous surgery, which he is supposed to be undertaking to reach a state of physical perfection. He is also said to have suffered a lot of abuse in his early childhood, which can be seen from Chandr’s placement in this Nakshatra in his 4th Bhava, Bhava of childhood and upbringing.
Miscellaneous
Varahamihira states that ”those who have Chandr in Purvabhadrapada are good at earning money, are stingy and are liable to place their wealth at disposal of their partners. They speak distinctly, but tend to suffer from grief. ”All these characteristics seem to fit in with our example, and curiously enough, they would easily fit in with 90 % of present day ruling elite!
