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3° 20’ Karkataka – 16° 40’ Karkataka In the Sky
In the grand scheme of nakshatras in Vedic astrology, Pushya comprises three stars in the constellation of Karkataka, known in modern astronomy as Theta Cancri, Gamma Cancri & Eta Cancri. Despite their dim luminance, with the brightest among them having a visual magnitude of 4.57, they form a critical part of the nakshatra chart, offering insights into the cosmic influence over terrestrial affairs. They house a globular star cluster known as M 44, indicating that ancient Vedic Seers had profound knowledge about our neighboring stars, emphasizing the importance of understanding how to find one's nakshatra for personal guidance.
Name
Pushya Nakshatra: The Nourisher
Within the celestial map of Vedic astrology, Pushya Nakshatra emerges as a beacon of benevolence. As one of the 27 nakshatras, or lunar mansions, Pushya is anchored from 3° 20’ to 16° 40’ in the zodiac sign of Cancer, embodying the essence of care and auspiciousness. This segment, significant for those born under this nakshatra, highlights its role in guiding the life paths of individuals according to their date of birth and moon sign.
The name Pushya translates into "nourisher", "nurturer" or "yielding". This name embodies the essence of the nakshatra, signifying its role in Vedic astrology as a source of strength and support. Pushya’s ancient name is "Tishya", meaning "auspicious". These names, drawn from the essence of benevolence, highlight Pushya's position among the nakshatras in Vedic astrology as a beacon of positive cosmic energy
Pushya’s ancient name is ”Tishya”, which translates into ”auspicious”. ”Sidhya”, meaning ”prosperous”, is another name associated with this Nakshatra. We can see that all these names are drawn from a common essence of benevolence.
Symbol
Pushya’s main symbol is "milk yielding udder of a cow", seen by ancient Seers as representing a cow’s udder. This symbolism, integrated within the broader nakshatra chart, reflects the nakshatra's ability to nourish, nurture, care, and give freely across all planes of existence, underscoring the interconnectedness of cosmic forces and earthly life as depicted in nakshatras in Vedic astrology.
Cows, as we know, provide their milk to others, besides their own calf, unselfishly. Cows are also a universal symbol of motherhood and were highly revered, especially in ancient Vedic society. In India it is still considered holiest amongst all animals. All notions of fertility and productivity that are related to earth on a material plane, fall under domain of this Nakshatra. In many ancient legends, earth is often equated with a cow.
Cows are intimately connected with Vrisabha. This Nakshatra is intimately connected with Vrisabha and its qualities, even though it does not fall in that Rasi. As we shall find later, Chandr in Vrisabha placement in a chart, carries an energy similar to energies of this Nakshatra.
Practice of agriculture, root of all civilization, can be equated with domestication and milking of cows. From a universal perspective, it represents power of feminine goddess energy to provide for whatever is required. Milk which comes from cow’s udder, represents all kinds of varied things, like life force, vitality and creativity. One can only give if one can produce and this Nakshatra relates to all kinds of productive forces, operating within our Universe.
Its alternative symbol is a ”wheel”. ”Wheel” is an ancient symbol signifying movement in all its aspects, especially movement of time. It can be seen as a motif for progress, achieved in course of time. Idea of progress or development always involves passage of time. This Nakshatra is very aware of proper utilization of time principle to achieve its productive, creative and nurturing objectives. From modern day point of view, we can see that use of automobiles have made people’s lives much simpler than they used to be. This is just one of numerous gifts from this liberal Nakshatra.
Wheel is also an archetypal symbol for civilization, which once again emphasizes prosperous, courteous and refined nature of this Nakshatra. There’s no place for brutality, savagery, vulgarity or animalistic behavior in this Nakshatra. Another obscure symbol of this Nakshatra is a ”circle”. This generally reflects circular essence of this asterism. This Nakshatra is related to curves of all types. Breasts, Chandr, earth and a cow’s udder are all circular and rounded. Natives with Pushya prominent in their charts usually show an obsessive streak for round things.
Some scholars ascribe a ”flower” to be one of Pushya’s symbols. As we have already seen, flowering is one of translations of Pushya. Pushya represents a flowering process of any type. For example, human beings are supposed to flower at age of 16. Term ”sweet sixteen” is usually used to describe this happy, cheerful, carefree period, where body, mind and emotions have matured or blossomed enough to make us step out of childhood. It is interesting to note that 16th year is regarded as maturation age of Guru, Graha most closely associated with this Nakshatra.
Pushya's symbol, the udder of a cow, directly links to its innate nature of providing nourishment and support. This symbolism is especially auspicious for family life, suggesting that natives born under this nakshatra often enjoy harmony and prosperity at home. Each nakshatra is further divided into quarters, or padas, which add another layer of astrological insight into the individual's life, including the ideal time of your birth for certain endeavors.
Deity
Brihaspati, guru, priest and chief advisor of gods, is presiding deity of this Nakshatra. Since he is same as Graha Guru, as understood in astrology, all attributes and significations associated with Guru apply to him as well. It is not very hard to correlate Guru’s basic nature with kind and caring disposition of this Nakshatra. All of Guru’s benevolence such as generosity, compassion, joyfulness and optimism are manifested through this Nakshatra. It is interesting to note that Guru relays all of its good qualities much more through this Nakshatra in comparison to Nakshatras it is planetary Lord of. This is very similar to case of Chandr, reflecting most of its qualities through Mrigasira instead of Nakshatras it actually rules.
This point reveals fact that ruling deity is always more important than planetary Lord when it comes to understanding crux of any Nakshatra.
In the realm of Vedic astrology, the influence of the ruling planet and ruling deity of each nakshatra is profound. For Pushya, Saturn, the ruling planet, imparts discipline and perseverance, while Brihaspati, the ruling deity, bestows wisdom and expansiveness. This combination places Pushya natives in a unique position to harness both spiritual and material growth, a trait deeply explored through a nakshatra calculator based on one’s date of birth.
Nature & Functioning
Pushya is that place on our journey, where we can rest safely and peacefully without anything to fear. It is most nourishing of all Nakshatras and brings us back to that state in our infancy, where we are safely nestled in our mother’s arms. That is why natives strongly ruled by Pushya are very maternal, kind, helpful, generous, protective and nourishing. They often end up in comfortable positions in life. Pushya relates to breasts and this conjures up expression ”milk of human kindness”. Kindness is what this Nakshatra is all about. Pushya is a blissful and soothing Nakshatra and natives they produce are much sought after by others for their friendship and aid. Being ruled by Sani, Pushya natives are very reliable, dependable stalwarts, who one can always turn to in times of need.
Pushya is simply most loved and benign of all Nakshatras. Like its neighbor Purnavasu, it loves life and expresses much contentment and sense of wellbeing, but it has advantage of being able to manifest this fullness and expansiveness on material plane, therefore giving rise to great material comfort and prosperity. This is due to concrete nature of its Lord Sani.
Pushya, in its positive aspect, is extremely nourishing and its energies, wherever they are directed, produce great expansion and growth. This is true for any area of life, whether it be in emotional realm, in one’s creativity, spiritual development or on material plane. As this Nakshatra completely resides in Karkataka, a sense of family, home and community are strong in Pushya natives.
On a less evolved level, these natives will be very generous and protective of kith and kin and ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in their immediate community, but may fail to see bigger picture. On a higher level, evolved souls under its influence will embrace whole world as their family, nourishing earth with their chosen talents and ceaseless gifts of caring. Pushya qualities of love, emotional wholeness, calmness, soothing, generosity and richness manifest through such souls with ease.
Negative side of this Nakshatra makes one so comfortable in their own world that they can become rigid, narrow-minded and orthodox in their attitudes towards anything or anyone outside of it, particularly in matters of religion, culture or other social conventions. Pushya has very few negative qualities attached to it, except danger of it becoming overtly prejudiced, protective or bigoted. Suspicion and caution arises towards anything that does not fit its highly structured views or opinions.
Pushya expresses all ”square-like” aspects of its Lord Sani and number 4 (relating to 4th Rasi Karkataka). Therefore it always tries to take a balanced and even approach to things. It has a sense of realism and sanity to it and will always react reasonably to most situations and problems, which is why it is most helpful among Nakshatras. Helpfulness is its primary concern.
Natives here are highly productive and work patiently towards their goals. There is a sense of containment and safety inherent in this Nakshatra, similar to safety and containment inherent in Nakshatra Shatabhishak.
Only difference is that Pushya’s containment, shelter and safety arises from a very trusting situation, and Shatabhishak’s arises out of a need for secrecy, and many a times, from a certain mistrust.
This number 4 influence is seen in Pushya’s respect for its roots, foundations and traditions. It has more to do with respecting conservative outer traditions of culture and religion than inner esoteric aspects of spirituality, which is more associated with latter Nakshatras. Guru is exalted in Pushya, giving these natives a strong sense of ethics. They like to do right thing and abide by accepted standards and laws. They are shining examples of hospitality, decency, courtesy, etiquette, and are not likely to behave in any vulgar or extreme manner. However, in its negative aspect, Pushya can make one lethargic, needy, dependent and prone to addictions due to a lack of willpower. If afflicted, Pushya natives tend to get victimized easily.
When this Nakshatra influences appearance of a native, it gives fleshy features, prominent chest / breasts, round faces and luminous lustre. Natives under its influence put on fat easily and are prone to bronchial disorders. They have a liking for good food, comfort and social enjoyment. They also like to surround themselves with material luxuries of all kinds. They are gentle, patient, docile creatures who are very attached to their family, especially mother or mother figures.
In universal scheme of things, Pushya relates to ”Brahmavarchasa Shakti” - power to harness creative powers of Brahma (universal creator). Its symbolism has sacrificial offerings above and worshipper below. This re-emphasizes priestly aspect of Pushya, where one does outer rituals like Homa and Yagya to get favor of celestial entities and Divine powers in general.
Mode of Functioning
In keeping with its basic nature and disposition, ancient Vedic Seers saw this as a passive asterism. If we just picture behavior of a cow in our mind, we will come to understand passive aspect of Pushya. Even though it is productive, it does not display restlessness other light Nakshatras like Ashvini and Hasta have. Pushya has a much more stable energy and tends to function without fuss. However, when occupied by afflicted Grahas, it can promote laziness, listlessness and paralyzing idealism.
As part of the celestial journey through the 27 nakshatras, Pushya stands out for its capacity to foster growth and provide protection. This lunar mansion's impact is deeply felt in the janma nakshatra or birth star, of an individual, shaping their innate dispositions and life experiences. The detailed exploration of Pushya in astrology reveals its profound influence on the moon sign, further guiding people born under this nakshatra towards fulfilling their potential.
Understanding one's janma nakshatra is pivotal in Vedic astrology, offering a roadmap for navigating life's challenges and opportunities. For those seeking to find their birth star, a nakshatra calculator provides invaluable insights, correlating the time of your birth with the cosmic energies at play. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions, aligning their actions with the auspicious timings and zodiac signs best suited for their endeavors.
Caste
It belongs to Kshatriya (warrior) caste. It is perplexing why this seemingly brahminical (priestly) Nakshatra should be classified in this category by ancient Seers. It is probably because of Pushya’s intense involvement in politics and rulership, which is responsible for this classification. Politics and rulership is Dharma of Kshatriya caste. Even Brihaspati, ruling deity of Pushya, is supposed to have mastery over politics more than any other subject.
Gender
It is a male Nakshatra. This is easily derivable from fact that Brihaspati, a male deity, has primary rulership of this Nakshatra. Pushya, however, has a sensitive feminine side to it, as exemplified by its strong relationship with cows. Cows are gentle, yielding and productive creatures. In countries like India, cows are treated with utmost reverence.
Body Parts & Humor
Body parts it relates to most are mouth and face. Pushya is supposed to be intimately connected with facial expressions. Any affliction to Pushya therefore can limit our facial expressiveness or project wrong image.
One may infer that because Kshatriya class is predominantly effected by ”Pitta” (fiery) humor, ancient Seers ascribed Pitta humor to Pushya. They might, however, have had more direct cognition of Pushya’s relationship with digestive fires in body and fiery Pranic airs.
Direction
It is related to directional arc that ranges from West to North.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Karkataka) falls in Simha Navamsa ruled by Surya. First Pada concerns itself with achievement, limelight, wealth and pride in one’s family or ancestry. Luminaries especially give strong positive results in this Pada. They make native a father or mother figure or native receives help from such figures.
Second Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Karkataka) falls in Kanya Navamsa ruled by Budh. Hardworking, service aspect of Pushya finds expression here. Since this is a Pushkara Navamsa Pada, all Grahas barring Sukr, give good results here, at least on material plane. This Pada can be called ”cook of zodiac”.
Third Pada of this asterism (10° 00’ - 13° 20’ Karkataka) falls in Tula Navamsa ruled by Sukr. Focus here is on home, comforts, luxury and sociability. Superficiality and conformity is downside of this Pada. Chandr, Budh, Sukr and Sani do well here.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (13° 20’ - 16° 40’ Karkataka) falls in Vrischika Navamsa ruled by Mangal. This Pada relates to esoteric side of Pushya, which seeks connections with celestial beings in other world. It is Pada of Mantras and rituals. In its negative aspect, most of Pushya’s negative traits, like dependence, victimization and bigotry, find expression through this Pada. Only unafflicted Guru and Sukr do well in this Pada.
Professions
All those connected with dairy industry; food and drink merchants of all types; politicians, rulers & aristocrats; caterers and hoteliers; all those in restaurant business; clergy, nuns, priests, gurus, spiritual teachers; psychologists, counselors and psychotherapists; managers; those associated with charitable organizations; professional hosts & hostesses; river and lake related professions; teachers and education experts; child care professionals; mothers; all care professions; artisans; those involved in all kinds of business and creative activities requiring finesse; real estate agents; farmers & gardeners; those making a living out of orthodoxy, traditionalism and religious bigotry.
Places
Rivers, docks, wells, reservoirs, fountains, pools, canals; boats and house boats; public places; nests; homes; breweries; women’s house quarters, hostels and residences in general; aquariums; temples & churches; hotels & restaurants; foster homes; childcare centres; maternity hospitals; schools; dairy factories & dairy farms; laundromats; manors & public government buildings like parliament etc.; charity organizations; all places connected to above professions.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Tamasic Nakshatra. One can only say that ancient Seers were trying to highlight inertia aspect of Pushya through this classification. It may relate to involvement of Sani with this Nakshatra. Pushya, just like demigods Indra and his entourage, has an often overlooked indulgent, deceptive, cowardly, over idealistic, procrastinating and hyper aggressive side to it. A lot depends on basic nature of Graha occupying Pushya.
For example, if Sani (a natural malefic), having rulership of 6th Bhava in a chart (a malefic Bhava), is placed in Pushya, then Pushya’s Tamasic side will be in display. However, if Chandr (a natural benefic), having rulership of good Bhava, is placed in Pushya, benevolent, compassionate and nurturing side of Pushya will be expressed.
It belongs to water element. Fact that Chandr and Guru are primarily water Grahas makes Pushya a primarily watery Nakshatra. Even Brihaspati, its ruling deity, is often portrayed as a fat-bellied watery type.
Gana
It is considered a Divine Nakshatra. It is appropriate that a Nakshatra, which is said to harbor all benevolent qualities, should be seen as a representation of divinity.
Orientation & Disposition
It is an upward looking Nakshatra in keeping with its natural expansive nature. This is a Nakshatra signifying increase and expansion. Grahas placed in Pushya usually signify increase and expansion relating to areas in chart governed by that Graha. It is said that any activity started when Chandr is transiting this Nakshatra will never fail.
It is light and swift Nakshatra. Just like Aswini, Pushya is related to quick thinking and is supposed to be good for all activities requiring quickness of mind and body. This is probably one of reasons why Pushya is regarded as one of best Nakshatras for all kinds of trade and business.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to second half of lunar month of Pausha, which usually falls in January.
Pushya is also related to Dashami (10th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Best Nakshatra for starting anything; parties, celebrations, artistic & creative activities, especially music and dancing; travelling; dealing with enemies (enemies are at their weakest in Pushya and cannot cause much harm); seeking legal aid; financial planning & transactions; cooking & food preparation; gardening; adoption & purchasing pets; all activities related to children; all healing, soothing and nourishing activities in general; religious or spiritual endeavors like initiations; spending time with one’s mother; good for worshipping mother goddess energies; laying foundation stones and starting construction; seeking help in general.
Inauspicious Activities
Marriage is just about only activity which is not seen favorable under this Nakshatra; generally unfavorable for harsh, cruel and negative activities.
Lords
Planetary influences affecting this Nakshatra are Chandr and Sani. Sani is its main planetary Lord. This comes more of a surprise in comparison to planetary rulers of other Nakshatras. Association of Sani with Pushya reveals hidden side of Sani’s functioning - its ability for grounded nurturing and painstaking care. Sani nurtures through conservation, perseverance and limitations.
Chandr represents emotions and Sani represents stability and so keyword here is ”emotional stability”.
Chandr is mind and Sani represents matter, which makes Pushya asterism which connects mind with matter.
This is reason why it can give easy material expansion on dictates of mind.
It is important to consider Guru, ruling deity of Pushya, in equation here, because by itself combining of energies of Chandr and Sani is likely to give melancholy and depression more than anything else. It is Guru’s energies which make Pushya a very well balanced Nakshatra. In its negative aspect, however, same jupiterian energy manifests as dogmatism, shallowness and bigotry. On a higher level, Chandr / Sani / Guru influence together allow one to shape an idyllic world.
Sani is a mass planner and so is Chandr, a fact which makes Pushya most mass-orientated of Nakshatras. On a positive level, both Chandr and Sani promote mindset and values which help foster an idealized civilized society. Chandr and Sani, in their negative aspect, make masses tow line, even in times when ruling forces are dark and corrupt. Those with strong Chandr - Sani in their charts become mass leaders in today’s times.
Chandr / Sani / Guru conjunction in a horoscope carry energies similar to Pushya. A well placed Chandr, Guru, Surya, Sukr and Sani give excellent results when placed in Pushya. Budh, Mangal and nodes do not give good results in this Nakshatra.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”Hoo” as in Hootchie.
Second Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”He” as in Helen.
Third Pada of this asterism (10° 00’ - 13° 20’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”Ho” as in Hogan.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (13° 20’ - 16° 40’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”Dah” as in Darwin.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Pushya corresponds to ”Ka” and consequently its Mantra is ”Om Kam”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a goat. Despite fact that its sexual animal is not seen as an emblem of sexuality, Pushya is supposed to be adept at all kinds of sensual and sexual activities. Its sexuality is more playful as opposed to intense.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras, please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
Brihaspati, priest of gods, is Lord of Mantras and all types of initiations, like Yagyas etc. He relates to waters of inner life which nourish soul. Pushya’s spirituality relates to a high level of emotional maturity. Its emotional strength finds outward manifestation through powerful speech. Words generated from this Nakshatra carry a certain spiritual energy, which tend to affect others on a deep level.
An ancient Vedic legend related to ”Kamadhenu” (a wish fulfilling cow), reveals alot about Pushya on all levels of its functioning:
”A Sage named Vashishta had a cow named Kamadhenu. A king along with his hundred brothers was hunting in forest, when he came close to Vashishta’s hermitage and happened to see this wonderful cow, which could produce anything you wished for. He immediately wanted to have cow to himself, so he ordered his soldiers to get it for him. Soldiers couldn’t even budge cow and came back empty handed. King then decided to go with his whole army and all of his brothers to get cow. Kamadhenu, in meantime, had returned to her master, Vashishta, and had told him about king’s intentions. Seeing approaching army coming, Vashishta ordered her to produce a whole army. Kamadhenu’s army defeated king’s army in a very short spate of time and Vashishta personally killed king’s hundred brothers through power of his staff.
King was spared his life and he left place bitter and revengeful. He was advised that only way he can get stronger than Vashishta was through penance. He performed his penance and when he felt he had procured enough Divine Astras (celestial weapons) and Yogic power, he went back to challenge Vashishta.
In battle that ensued, all his weapons were effortlessly consumed by Vashishta’s staff and he had to return disappointed and bereft of power. He vowed to himself that he would keep on doing his penance until he became equal to or better than Vashishta. In course of his long arduous penance, he went through many adventures and most importantly, a change of heart, which earnt him name ”Vishwamitra” or ”friend of world”. By time he had reached same brahminical stature as Vashishta, he had already forgotten about his revenge and it was Vashishta himself, who conferred on him title of Brahmarishi, (a Sage fit for Brahmaloka, abode of creator Brahma).”
This story reveals fascinating dynamics between Brahman (priestly) and Kshatriya (warrior class). Pushya, as we have seen, is a priestly Nakshatra, which belongs to Kshatriya class and is thus an ideal playing field for this dynamic. Kshatriyas are supposed to be subservient to Brahman class, despite their martial prowess. Because of power which true Sages and priests have, as a result of keeping in tune with universal will, Pushya’s strength, confidence and power arise from its willingness to function as per dictates of universal mind. No amount of penance, hard work or suffering can make one rise above smooth effortless power which arises out of submission to universal plan.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Marichi, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”light”, which is in keeping with light and swift aspect of this Nakshatra and relates to finesse part of this particular Sage.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is to pay reverence to cows, priests, Gurus or Brahmins. One can also worship a benign Mother goddess.
Repetition of root Mantra of this Nakshatra - ”Om Kam” 108 times when Chandr transits this Nakshatra and in lunar month of Pausha, 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 colors like white, yellow, orange and golden shades. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Pushya, to undertake all important actions.
Example
Jimi Hendrix, a contemporary musician who relayed messages through his music, was born with his Chandr in Pushya. He was able to channel spiritual and nourishing impulses of this Nakshatra through his music, especially in songs like ”May this be love”. Understanding his music is one of best ways to understand higher energies of this Nakshatra. His ability to nourish and inspire ears, hearts and minds of his audience, was made possible through his overwhelmingly fluid creative talents. He had a very high regard for power of ”sound” and often commented on ”air / noise pollution” problem in world. He was constantly trying to help purify vibrations of planet by manifesting sounds that would convey all Pushya qualities of love, emotional wholeness, calmness, soothingness, generosity and richness.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, those with Chandr in Pushya are ”lucky, learned, wealthy, ethical and of a peaceful nature.” This description applies perfectly to our example.
