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13° 20’ Dhanur - 26° 40’ Dhanur In the Sky
Purvashadha, pinnacle of venusian energy, is represented in celestial firmament by three bright stars, known in modern astronomy as Epsilon Sagittarii (Kaus Australis), Delta Sagittarii (Kaus Media) & Epsilon Sagittarii (Kaus Borealis). All of these stars lie in a line (with a slight deviation) in middle portion of constellation Dhanur. These stars can be spotted easily, as they are located close to Milky Way as it stretches like a white celestial river across night sky. Kaus Australis, having a visual magnitude of 1.81, is brightest among these stars. Ancient Vedic Seers saw these stars as forming shape of a handheld fan.
Name
”Purvashadha” translates ”former unconquered”. concentrates on basic invincibility. Into ”former invincible one” or Its name, like its successor, attribute of this asterism.
Alternative name for Purvashadha is ”Aparajita”, which translates into ”undefeated”. We can see that this name goes along same lines as more commonly used name.
Symbol
In congruence with shape formed by its stars, a ”handheld fan” is most famous symbol of this asterism. A fan can have 4 uses:
1. As a decorative item popular in Japanese / Oriental cultures.
2. To cool oneself down in hot conditions.
3. To fan up a fire.
4. As a mask to hide oneself.
Its first use relates to showy, glitzy and glamorous venusian aspect of this Nakshatra. In ancient Orient, type of fan one carried was directly related to social status. This conveys superiority aspect of this Nakshatra. It finds itself superior in comparison to all Nakshatras before it, especially earlier venusian ones. Superiority of perfection achieved in venusian realm will, however, depend on soul level of native in question.
Second use corresponds to this Nakshatra’s ability to get through hard times. Fanning is essentially an act of aggression against heat. Thus this Nakshatra is often associated with all kinds of aggressive activities. It is patient in adversity and aggressive whenever opportunity arises.
Third use corresponds to this Nakshatra’s ability to keep a thing going. In its negative aspect, this may manifest as exaggeration or over expansion. In its positive aspect, it is an inspiring energy which knows how to keep fire burning. As a result, it is a very expressive and expansive Nakshatra.
Fourth use relates to this Nakshatra’s ability to conceal facts, information, feelings, personality etc. It is in a way a shy and sensitive Nakshatra, which likes to conceal its enthusiasm and bubbliness from outside world as much as possible. Only after some initial reluctance and when it begins to gain confidence does it show its true colors.
A ”winnowing basket used for ridding grain of husks”, is an alternative symbol, which more or less conveys above mentioned meanings for a winnowing fan. This symbol brings out aspect of this Nakshatra related to uncovering hidden talents. This Nakshatra is capable of shedding outer, unnecessary obstacles in order to bring out useful part inside. This may relate to people, places or things.
Deity
An obscure goddess by name of ”Apah” is ruling deity of this Nakshatra. ”Apah” translates into ”water”. Very little is known about this goddess, as surviving Vedic texts don’t mention her name much. However, her obscurity makes sense, when seen in light of fact that this Nakshatra has a mysterious, hiding, secretive and shy quality about it.
Apah can be equated with ocean goddesses of other cultures like Aphrodites, Astartes etc. It is interesting to note ”Aph” similarity in names ”Apah” & ”Aphrodites”. They seem to share same roots as name of original celestial ocean ”Apas”. Even Purvashadha’s alternative name ”Aparajita” seems to have been derived from same root. ”Apa” is still name for water in many languages around world and many of ancients saw water as invincible element.
”Apah” and ”Aphrodites” are both venusian goddess figurines and can be seen as female counterparts of male ocean deity ”Varuna”. Both of them can be seen as part reflections of Lakshmi, universal goddess of prosperity. Lakshmi is spouse of Vishnu, overseer of celestial waters which sustain our Universe. Image of Vishnu and Lakshmi sitting on a snake bed on top of ocean of celestial waters is an image which is directly related to this Nakshatra.
”Churning of Ocean legend” (refer to author’s previous work ”The Rahu - Ketu Experience”, Sagar Publications, India, ”The Key Of Life”, Lotus Press, USA) in which various treasures came out, signify productive potential of Apah as a goddess. Her negative side is reflected by deadly poison that came out as a result of churning. Apah relates to churning which goes on inside each one of us and good and bad things which come out as a result.
Her flamboyant, enticing, invincible approach is reflected in nature and functionings of Purvashadha. Like all primordial forces, Apah, though benevolent, is often cruel and harsh in her ways, which again can be seen to hold true for those having a prominent Purvashadha personality. Her grand, all-inclusive, all-embracing vision is where Sukr derives its higher qualities like real love and compassion from. Purvashadha is pinnacle of venusian energy and thus real aim of this Nakshatra is to get to an all-encompassing level of awareness, at least from a venusian point of view.
Apah is closely connected to mythical sea creature, now commonly known as mermaid. Qualities usually associated with mermaids like vain, alluring, sensitive, beautiful, mysterious, enticing, musical, freedom loving and adventurous, can be applied to this Nakshatra as well. It is interesting to note that Jimi Hendrix (a musician with Purvashadha rising on his Lagna), wrote a song dedicated to mermaids titled ”1983, A Merman I should turn to be”. He also wrote lines like ”Blue are life-giving waters taken for granted, they quietly understand. ”
A Welsh folktale illustrates same concern and reverence this Nakshatra has for water. In that folk tale, ”a mermaid who had spent three days with mortals on dry land, upon returning to her kith and kin, was asked what she had seen amongst those on land. She replied, ”Nothing much, except that they are so ignorant as to throw away very water they boil their eggs in. ”
Nature & Functioning
One characteristic which sets Purvashadha apart from all other Nakshatras is its intense conviction that ”it can’t lose”. Purvashadha feels that it has ability to come out on top in wherever it directs its energies. As we have seen, there is a strong notion of invincibility attached with this Nakshatra. This notion can, however, be misplaced at times like famous character of Don Quixote.
Most of qualities readily associated with Rasi Dhanur - leaps of faith, ambitiousness, adventurous spirit, wild exuberance, philosophical zeal, wanderlust - usually stem from nature and functionings of this Nakshatra. It is one of most optimistic Nakshatras, but its optimism does not have tinge of impatience. It is always ready to bide its time until wind blows in its favor.
It is completely undaunted by setbacks and doesn’t ponder on failure. At times this is a negative quality, in sense that it hardly ever learns from its mistakes.
Many a times one finds that natives under strong influence of Purvashadha have unrealistic hopes, ambitions and goals, unless there are other balancing factors in horoscope. For example, Adolf Hider, who has Chandr placed in Purvashadha, started a war with unrealistic aims way beyond power of his army and resources. Purvashadha has a straight forward driving ”just do it” type of energy, which doesn’t always take everything into account, especially feelings and concerns of those around them. This makes this Nakshatra an insensitive one and even cruel in some situations. This is why this Nakshatra is associated with declarations of war and other such actions which bring about destruction followed by sorrow and regret.
It has a cautious side to it in that it is slow to jump into new things and experiences, but once things are set in motion, it is type which almost always ends up going overboard. At their best, Purvashadha natives are an inspiration to those around them. In their presence one begins to realize that Universe is not such a bad place after all. Purvashadha natives usually have a fresh and unique approach to things, which has power to instill life into hearts and minds of those who are not as blessed. Jyestha is unhappy because it does not know root of things. Mula makes one find root and centre, but it is only Purvashadha which holds key to joy and happiness, after centre has been found.
Purvashadha is Nakshatra which can be most associated with joy of living. This doesn’t mean that Purvashadha natives cling onto life like Ashlesha natives. It is just that they like to live each moment to its complete fullness without a care for past or future. They have a nonchalant attitude towards misery and thus are never phased by adverse circumstances. Obviously much depends on overall tone of chart as well, but basic energy of Purvashadha is to shrug off adverse circumstances just like a fan shrugs off misery caused by heat. As we can see, Purvashadha has a strong desire to live a good life and so natives under its influence are always trying to improve their circumstances. It is usually seen that Purvashadha natives have little formal education and often have to rise from depravity or generally unpleasant circumstances in order to enjoy their ”good life”. Improvement of circumstances is main concern for them.
They are kinds who like to be exuberant once they have achieved their goals. At times this may seem like a show-off to other people, but in most cases, Purvashadha natives are only acting out their inner nature. They are born natural show-offs. Much depends on refinement of Guru and Sukr in chart, in terms of how their exuberance expresses itself.
In general, Purvashadha has a pleasant, artistic way of looking at things. They carry a certain proud and serious expression on their faces, but are ever ready to break into a smile or laughter. Their demeanor can change from jovial to serious in twinkling of an eye. You can’t always tell their inner thoughts from their outer expressions. They can be honest at times, but they always like to keep a part of themselves secret, just as ocean gods and goddesses like to have a mysterious touch about them. They have a flamboyant way about themselves, which reflects through their dressing, communication and their work. One marked characteristic of Purvashadha is that they usually don’t fare well at formal education and are often seen dropping out of schools and universities.
In universal scheme of things, Purvashadha relates to ”Varchograhan Shakti” - power to bring about invigoration. Its symbolism has strength above and connection below. This imagery emphasizes rejuvenation potential of waters of life, which Purvashadha stands for. Just as bathing process causes a renewal in our daily lives, waters of cosmic consciousness bathe us internally, so that most of our soul level hurts and confusions are washed away.
Mode of Functioning
Purvashadha is considered to be a balanced Nakshatra. It is very unlikely for a Purvashadha native to overextend themselves, even in their Rajasic pursuits. Guru and Sukr, as Grahas, are not known to have an extreme attitude regarding activity in same way that Surya or Mangal does.
Caste
It belongs to Brahmin caste. This is one of most evident classifications as Purvashadha is only related to two Brahmin Grahas, Sukr and Guru. Purvashadha has a tendency to go for most cushy positions or modes of existence available at any given time. In today’s times, Purvashadha would rather take up brahminical profession of being a rock star today! Purvashadha likes to maintain its position at top of society and have a luxurious existence with minimum of effort.
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. This obviously relates to its ruling deity, Apah, being feminine, and fact that Sukr is seen as a predominantly feminine Graha.
Body Parts & Humor
Thighs and back (from neck to waist) are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Pitta” (fiery) Nakshatra. This classification relates to Purvashadha’s location within predominantly Pitta Rasi of Dhanur. We have already talked about fiery aspect of this asterism.
Direction
It is related primarily to directional arc ranging from North-East to South-East, via East.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (13° 20’ - 16° 40’ Dhanur) falls in Simha Navamsa and is ruled by Surya. This Pada relates to proud and confident side of Purvashadha. Spiritual urge is strong here and is accompanied by a strong sense of ethics. Grahas placed here like to bring limelight in issues related to them.
Second Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Dhanur) falls in Kanya Navamsa ruled by Budh. This Pada relates to intellectual, alchemical aspect of this Nakshatra. A lot of hard work is required here, but there is also promise of great spiritual or material accomplishment. Barring Sukr, Grahas placed here aid one’s career in one way or other.
Third Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Dhanur) falls in Tula Navamsa ruled by Sukr. This Pada relates to easy going, luxury loving venusian side of this Nakshatra. Emphasis here is on reaping fruits rather than working hard. This is a Pushkara Navamsa Pada and barring Surya, Grahas posited here give good material results and promote all types of partnerships and group related activities.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Dhanur) falls in Vrischika Navamsa ruled by Mangal. This Pada relates to haughty, secretive, hidden and mysterious aspect of this Nakshatra. Herein lie two extremes, great occult wisdom or material perversity. Grahas posited here are good for occult attainments and foreign affairs.
Professions
Hypnotists & psychic mediums; sailors; navy personnel; marine life experts; shipping industry; fishing professions; professional hosts & hostesses; entertainment industry; rock stars; professional motivators and inspirers; teachers & preachers of motivational philosophies; managers of all types; poets, writers, artists, painters; all industries processing raw materials, especially liquids; refineries; war strategists & weapons experts; costume designers; fashion experts; hair dressers; para jumpers; hot air balloonists; flying profession, especially in regards to civilian transport; beauticians; herbalists; those working in amusement parks; all professions associated with water and liquids in all its forms.
Places
Oceans; lakes; aquarium parks; swimming pools; docks, ports; shipping yards; temples; boats; high class estates; airports; luxury islands & hotels; beauty salons; amusement parks; art galleries; music concert halls; places where pompous functions & high society gatherings are held.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Rajasic Nakshatra. This fits well, seeing its planetary Lord Sukr, is a primarily Rajasic Graha. Purvashadha is a worldly energy in sense that it can satisfy one’s desires on a material plane through relentless activity. It is a sucker for good things in life.
It belongs to air element. We have to go back to fan imagery to understand this classification. In at least two of its functions, fan requires involvement of air. Whether it is fanning fire or alleviating oneself from heat, air element comes into play. After all, it is air which keeps fire burning, and Purvashadha is a Nakshatra which is most adept at keeping fire burning.
Gana
It is considered a Manusha (human) Nakshatra. Just like human race, Purvashadha is a mixed up Nakshatra, displaying an extreme spectrum of good and bad qualities. Its human quality makes it very interested in terrestrial affairs. It is no wonder then that 70 % of our planet is made up of oceans and 70 % of our bodies are made up of water.
Orientation & Disposition
It is a downward looking Nakshatra. Just like Mula, Purvashadha relates to all things which are hidden from view. When we look at our bodies, we can’t really see water in them, even though they are 70 % water. Purvashadha’s ruling deity Apah is supposed to reside under surface of ocean. It is Purvashadha’s tendency to hide, which makes it a downward or under-surface Nakshatra. One has to dive down to pick up pearls of Purvashadha.
It is an Ugra (fierce and severe) Nakshatra. As we have already seen, Purvashadha is associated with all types of aggressions, like declarations of war. It is Purvashadha’s naiveté of acting without a care for consequences or repercussions, which makes it a dangerous Nakshatra. It is quite a volatile Nakshatra, which is very hard to control once it has caught fire. It presses on with its severe actions, even after it has realized futility of them.
Lunar month & Tithi
It relates to first half of lunar month of Ashadha. This month usually corresponds to late June in solar calendar.
Purvashadha is also related to Trayodashi (13th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Facing issues which require courage; taking a strong stance; confronting enemies and opposition along with reconciliations and forgiveness; settling debts; going to war; inspiring and inciting others into action; renewal and revitalizing one’s energies, goals and actions on mental, spiritual, emotional or physical planes; adventures including exploration into nature and sporting activities; creative pioneering; travelling over water, visiting water places and activities connected to water; sailing and other water sports; confidence boosting strategies; worshipping female goddess energies; showing off; acts of bravery; good for equine activities; artistic performances; decorating oneself or one’s surroundings to spice it up; visiting ancient sites; spiritual & occult initiations / attainments; favorable for agricultural activities; good for marriage and invigorating sexual activity; all activities connected to its professions.
Inauspicious Activities
Unfavorable for activities requiring tact and diplomacy; not a time for calm reflection; not good for endings, unless ending promises a brighter future or higher step up ladder; not especially good for land journeys.
Lords
Sukr is main planetary Lord of Purvashadha . Sukr reaches its highest individual energy as a Graha in this Nakshatra (its peak expression however comes through Revati, where it reaches maximum exaltation).
Purvashadha is power and purity of childlike mind, which is represented by Guru, in form of faith and wonder. It is child which stands before Universe. It is power of renewed life that never grows old. That is why Budh, eternal youth, is intimately associated on esoteric plane with this Nakshatra. Wherever there is Sukr to bring back life from dead, there is Budh behind it. Combination of Budh, Sukr and Guru is alchemist’s secret. Alchemy first takes place in this Nakshatra before reaching its completion in Revati (27th Nakshatra). Purvashadha is initiate of occult mystery schools, Guru in this case being student of Sukr and Budh. Everyone has to be blessed by Sukr and Purvashadha to enter this school. Therefore Budh has to function well with Sukr in a horoscope for any type of real occult attainments.
In general astrological terms, Guru - Sukr, Budh - Sukr, Guru – Budh - Sukr conjunctions carry an energy similar to that of Purvashadha. Budh - Sukr & Guru - Sukr exchange also carry Purvashadha energy.
Besides Sani, all Grahas usually do well in Purvashadha. Unless afflicted, even Sani would do well in its 2nd or 3rd Pada.
Vowel and Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (13° 20’ - 16° 40’ Dhanur) corresponds to ”Bu” as in Bootis.
Second Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Dhanur) corresponds to ”Dah” as in Dahl.
Third Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Dhanur) corresponds to ”Bha” as in Bhatt.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Dhanur) corresponds to ”Dha” as in Dharma.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Purvashadha corresponds to ”Ba”, consequently its Mantra is ”Om Bam”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a monkey. This makes it very playful in regards to sexual activities. It is most compatible with Shravana, other monkey Nakshatra.
For marital & sexual compatibility with other Nakshatras, please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
All of matter written below came to my wife Vela, in a dream. A goddess (which we can presume to be Apah or Lakshmi), revealed esoteric secret behind this Nakshatra.
”Life giving waters” of Purvashadha is ”elixir” of life, key to immortality, sought after in alchemical mystery schools. In this Nakshatra, initiate of ancient mystery schools becomes bride of heaven. Being highest expression of venusian energy, it is ultimate union with what is above. When one hears shadowy echoes of ancients through walls of their ancient temples, one is listening to voices of immortality, inherent in Purvashadha, that which lives on after death. When someone listens to feedback of Jimi Hendrix guitar (who has Purvashadha rising on his Lagna), one is again listening to immortality aspect of this Nakshatra.
This is 20th Nakshatra. 2 represents Sukr and harmonizing of two elements or two Rasis. 0 is number of completion and infinity. Purvashadha is thus infinity aspect of venusian energy. Purvashadha is harmonizing of Budh - Sukr and Vrisabha - Mithuna, two Rasis which form gateway to constellation of Orion. 2 relates to second Rasi of zodiac, Vrisabha, and 3 represents Mithuna, third Rasi of zodiac. This is why those who are born on 23rd day of month, carry some of this Purvashadha energy. Mrigashira, constellation which lies across Vrisabha - Mithuna axis, also carries some of Purvashadha’s energy. 2 is feminine goddess energy, represented by Chandr. She is ”Isis” mystery, High Priestess in Tarot deck, revealer of secrets and possessor of those secrets unrevealed. These secrets belong to high initiates of ancient mystery schools. This is why Budh’s role with Purvashadha is hidden from view. This hidden role is seen by fact Mithuna is placed opposite Rasi of Dhanur in natural zodiac.
17th card of Tarot deck, known as ”Star”, relates most closely to Purvashadha’s energies. Female figure in card expresses eternal youth and beauty and she pours waters of life from heaven onto earth. Motto of this card, ”waters of life freely”, speaks for itself in regards to its relation with Purvashadha.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Pulahu, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”connector of space”. Purvashadha’s relationship with connectivity can be gleaned from adhesive and connective role water plays in our bodies. Purvashadha relates to same connecting force which holds space together in much same way as it holds water droplets together in form of an ocean.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is to worship goddess Lakshmi, and other venusian deities, like Lalita and Tripurasundari.
Repetition of root Mantra of this Nakshatra - ”Om Bam” 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 ornate and decorative garments and jewelry, in variegated pastel colors. Mixtures of white, light pink and light blue are ideal. All psychedelic colors go well with energy of Purvashadha. One should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Purvashadha, to undertake all important actions.
Example
Legendary French heroine of 15th century, Joan of Arc, has her Lagna Lord Budh placed in Purvashadha, and her Atmakaraka Chandr placed in Budh’s Rasi Kanya. Chandr carries childlike qualities of this Nakshatra, making her Virgin Savior child. Lord of Purvashadha, Sukr, 12th Lord, is placed in her 8th Bhava, ensuring her name lives on after death.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, Chandr in Purvashadha ”makes one have a loving and proud spouse, while native is of a proud disposition and steady in friendships”.
