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16° 40’ Meena - 30° 00’ Meena In the Sky
Revati, culmination of mercurial energy, in fact all zodiacal energies, is represented in celestial firmament by a group of very faint stars in constellation of Meena. Exact number of these stars is not specified in ancient texts, although 27 seems like an automatic choice! Ancient Vedic Seers saw that these stars made a shape similar to a ”Dhola” (drum strung across neck with a strap and played with both hands, used for carrying in processions).
Brightest among these faint stars is known in modem astronomy as Zeta Piscium, which has a visual magnitude of only 5.20. It is located close to a comparatively brighter star, Mu Piscium, around fag end of tail of fish, formed by constellation Meena. This asterism is not easy to locate in night sky, but one can always utilize fact that Zeta Piscium lies almost exactly on planetary ecliptic (path of planets around zodiac), in order to locate it in a very clear New Chandr night sky.
Name
”Revati” has a simple translation - ”wealthy”. As we shall discover later, this name conveys alot about this asterism on all levels, even though it is not apparent straightaway why final asterism representing complete dissolution be related to something as transitory as wealth. Its alternative translation is ”to transcend”, which is more in keeping with this being final Revati Nakshatra .
Symbol
Since this asterism has a lot to do with duality, it has two and not one main symbol - a ”fish swimming in sea” and a ”drum”.
A fish swimming in water is an obvious choice as a symbol for this Nakshatra, as it falls completely in Rasi of Meena, which, as we know, is represented by two fishes swimming in opposite directions. Symbolism of a fish swimming in sea has been used from time immemorial to show soul’s journey in waters of Universe. Vishnu, preserver among Trinity, is often shown sitting atop sea of consciousness.
Fish swimming in sea also suggests a path. This Nakshatra has a lot to do with paths of all kinds, whether it is just a path to one’s house or whole life-path itself. As declared by all wise men and incarnations, knowing and following one’s path in life is biggest penance of all. In a way it is one and only path to liberation.
This Nakshatra, as we know, is last among Nakshatras and thus has a lot to do with Moksha and final enlightenment. It should be noted here that Moksha doesn’t actually mean liberation from cycles of births and deaths, as is enunciated by many schools of thought. Even after final enlightenment, one might have to take birth in some cycle of some Universe. To find one’s true path in life, one has to learn to see bigger picture. This happens through connecting oneself with universal mind, which in turn is tuned to collective consciousness. This Nakshatra represents collective consciousness. This, however, is a little different from mass consciousness represented by Rasi Karkataka.
A drum, as we recall, is symbol for Dhanishta as well. There’s a lot of similarity between Revati and Dhanishta. One similarity which stands out immediately is that they are both regarded as wealthy. Please refer to symbol section in Dhanishta for understanding signification of a drum as a symbol. Revati’s drum is similar to a Naggada (a type of Indian drum played with two sticks), and other types of modem drums used by marching bands (refer to image).
It can be seen that Revati’s drums are always played by sticks of some kind instead of by hand. They also have a connotation of bringing news, which Dhanishta drum doesn’t have. In all ancient cultures, any news of importance to community was always announced accompanied by sound of drums. In some cultures, drum beats were even used as a way of sending signals in much same way as Morse code. We can thus infer that ”communication” is one of key aspects of this Nakshatra.
Deity
Pushan, a solar deity, similar to Surya god, is considered main presiding deity of this asterism. He is supposed to light up all paths. This gives him rulership over as diverse a thing as streetlights, which light up road, a lighthouse, which keeps ship from getting lost, to rulership of inner light of soul, which lights up one’s life-path. He is always portrayed as standing at beginning of all paths and beginnings (refer to image). This is reason why he became popular as deity connected with safe travel. Consequently this Nakshatra relates to all kinds of travelling - physical, mental, emotional, astral or causal.
Pushan is supposed to be a more nourishing, softer deity than our Surya god and is said to give wealth, prosperity and completion. It is not hard to see see how fruitful journeys or fruitful life-paths will bring these to us automatically.
Finally Vishnu, preserver among Trinity, is overseer of this Nakshatra. At time of final dissolution, it is Vishnu’s job to gather together all of universal life force and consciousness. It is gathering quality of this Nakshatra which makes it wealthy, whether it be in terms of material wealth, knowledge or experience. Vishnu, as we know, is husband of Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, which again brings this Nakshatra in touch with principle of abundance. Budh, planetary Lord of this Nakshatra is supposed to be directly connected with Vishnu. Communication is a forte of Budh and Vishnu and, as we have seen earlier, of this Nakshatra as well. Image of Vishnu and Lakshmi sitting on a snake bed on top of ocean of celestial waters is an image which can very much sum up this Nakshatra.
Nature & Functioning
Common English words like ”reverie”, ”reverent”, ”revolving”, ”reverend”, ”revelry”, ”represent”, ”resolution” - seem to have same root as word ”Revati”. We can easily see that their meanings relate to Revati’s functioning at some level or other.
Revati is one of most pleasing and benevolent of Nakshatras. It is an extremely fortunate Nakshatra and this helps it see life in a positive light. It is eternal optimist and remains completely unflustered even in face of big setbacks. It has an innate trust in Divine providence. It knows how to keep faith, but in some cases it has a tendency to not do anything else except having faith. In such cases this usually positive quality turns out to its detriment.
Alot of natives born under this Nakshatra tend to rely too much on belief and their beliefs are not always real. It is seen that some Sani influence is required to give a realistic groundedness to this Nakshatra. Let us take two cases. In one nativity, Guru is placed in this Nakshatra aspected by Sani and in other, Guru is placed in this Nakshatra without having an aspect of Sani. The former is more likely to reap all expansive benefits of this Nakshatra, while latter will be more prone to idle fantasies.
This is Nakshatra of dreamer. It can create whole worlds around itself. This is because of its strong association with Maya, illusory quality related with Vishnu, which sustains drama of life. Alot of natives with prominent Revati tend to live in universes of their own creation. It is a case of Maya within Maya, which is not very conducive for enlightenment. Best thing Revati natives can do is to see things as they are.
Revati people are always supportive of others and since one reaps what one sows, they often get supported as well. Peculiar thing about Revati natives is that they always get support when they need it most.
Revati can be seen as apex of civilization. Its natives place special emphasis on refinement, sophistication, grooming and civilized behavior. They like all things which constitute civilization, and abhor primitive behavior. A lot of Revati natives are born into rich, aristocratic or refined families. Unless there are other conflicting factors in chart, Revati promotes good childhood, upbringing, early education and physical felicity.
Revati natives seem to have pleasing social personalities and are usually well-liked within their social sphere. This is to be expected from someone who has had a good upbringing. No other Nakshatra comes close to Revati as far as being a socialite is concerned. They are very good hosts and their friendships last long because of their responsible nature. They are very understanding of other’s problems and like to be as helpful to as many people as they can. However, sometimes they take too many people’s problems on their shoulders, and can exhaust themselves mentally, emotionally or physically as a result.
They are always soft and polite in conversation and only spiteful if hurt or jealous. Revati is one of most tender Nakshatras and so has a tendency to get hurt very easily. Despite this they are often good counselors and have a knack for solving people’s problems or showing them their right path.
Revati natives usually have a lustrous and luscious body and a smiley, lighthearted demeanor. One can refer to picture of Pushan in Nakshatra image, or look up an image of Vishnu, for getting a general idea of appearance of Revati natives. Revati is a soft, but indulgent asterism. It is Nakshatra which derives most fun and joy out of drama of life. It must be said that while more evolved souls learn to keep themselves on an observer status, younger, less evolved souls tend to immerse themselves completely in Maya of life.
This Nakshatra doesn’t actually have a sense of limits and so it is very easy for it to do too much of anything. This Nakshatra likes to exude power through its speech and other forms of communication. It is most charming and enchanting amongst all Nakshatras and its charm lies in completely engaging another person’s attention. This engagement can at times be so extreme that other person may feel that nothing but two of them exists. It is also a master at appearing intensely engaged in things, even though its attention might be scattered in a million directions. Among Nakshatras, Revati has strongest ability to cast illusions, while at same time in its lower aspect it can just as easily get caught up in illusions itself.
Revati is most tricky and clever amongst Nakshatras. It is a chameleon which can put on any act at any given point in time. More evolved souls use this ability for serving universal causes, while less evolved souls end up using it for selfish motives.
Revati natives are proverbial ”Richy Rich” characters. People often take them to be very financially well off even when they are penniless.
To sum it up, Revati can be seen as height of civilization with all its upsides and downsides.
If there is one asterism which can see bigger picture, then this is it. Since it is last Nakshatra, it has ability to understand and even mimic energies of every other Nakshatra. Revati is a complete display of all possibilities of existence. It is only complete Nakshatra in sense that it contains all wisdom and knowledge there is. There’s nothing which is beyond scope of Revati’s domain and thus it is very difficult to label it, stereotype it, or put its nature and activities in a box. It always surprises others by turning into something completely different just as it is being put into a category.
It is a Nakshatra dealing with infinity of time, space and everything else. This is reason why it is hard to pin this Nakshatra down, as some new light is always shining on horizon.
Most significant thing about Revati is that it has ability to see and understand every other Nakshatra. Its most important keyword is ”summation”. It is sigma and omega. Other Nakshatras can only fathom where they are at, but Revati can fathom where everyone is at. Obviously this all seeing capacity is restricted by evolutionary state of soul in question. The more evolved soul, more all-encompassing vision.
In universal scheme of things, Revati relates to ”Kshiradyapani Shakti” - power to nourish through milk. Its symbolism has cows above, and calves below. This imagery emphasizes nourishing and sustaining aspect of Revati. However, if one pays attention to fact that Vishnu, sustainer amongst Holy Trinity, sits atop celestial ocean known as Kshirasagar, a whole new interpretation opens up. Revati then relates to Shakti which sustains celestial ocean in which all fourteen Lokas play game of life.
Mode of Functioning
Revati is considered to be a balanced Nakshatra. This relates to its love of society and its conservative and balanced approach to fostering civilization. It also relates to its wisdom aspect, which after seeing all sides of a situation, takes middle path. Finally all philosophical and religious schools of thought consider middle way to be best way. It is this Nakshatra’s task to accommodate and resolve duality inherent in existence.
Caste
It belongs to Shudra caste. This is case because ancient Seers saw it as a service orientated Nakshatra. As mentioned earlier, Revati natives are always willing to give assistance to others. In fact, this is one of few Nakshatras which doesn’t mind helping out even their enemy. In a way, Vishnu is also doing service to Universe by maintaining harmony and keeping game of life alive.
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. It represents sum total of all feminine force which sustains Universe.
Body Parts & Humor
Feet, ankles, abdomen and groin are body parts related to this Nakshatra. Its association with feet and ankles is clear from its relationship with Meena. In our view, it must relate to abdomen because of positioning of Manipura (navel) Chakra. Vishnu is presiding deity of this Chakra. We are not very clear about reason why some scholars associate groins with this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Kappa” (watery) Nakshatra. This is clear from fact that it falls completely in a water Rasi and is associated with watery Grahas like Guru (and Neptune).
Direction
It is related primarily to North and North-East.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Meena) falls in Dhanur Navamsa and is ruled by Guru. This relates to happy-go-lucky, optimistic and philanthropic side of this Nakshatra. This Pada has a tendency to get carried away and so it is important for these natives to choose right thing to get carried away with. They are kind who will go about fanatically espousing their cause or belief.
Second Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Meena) falls in Makara Navamsa ruled by Sani. This conveys more practical and organizational aspect of Revati. This is Pada which relates to all time-related sciences like astrology etc. Natural benefics maintain a sense of balance here, while natural malefics can give too much ambition. This is most realistic Pada within this Nakshatra and has a tendency to not be swayed by blind belief.
Third Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Meena) falls in Kumbha Navamsa ruled by Sani. This relates to bohemian and humanitarian aspect of Revati. This Pada finds it difficult to express its workings on a material plane.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Meena) falls in Meena Navamsa ruled by Guru. This is eternal dreamer. It can only give good material results if natural malefics like Mangal and Sani occupy it. Like first Pada, this Pada has a tendency to get swayed easily.
Professions
Hypnotists & psychic mediums; creative artists of all kinds, including painters, musicians etc.; actors, entertainers & comedians; linguists; conjurors, illusionists, magicians; watchmakers; road planners and those working in rail & road construction business; time keepers; calendar / ephemeris makers; astrologers; divinators; managers; professional hosts & hostesses (especially air hostesses, ship stewards etc.); gemstone dealers; those involved in pearl industry; all kinds of shipping and marine industry; those involved with foster homes & orphanages; driving or transport professions; those involved with religious institutions; air traffic controllers, traffic cops; lighthouse workers; those involved with road safety; driving instructors.
Places
Roads, railroad tracks, airports; oceans, seas, beaches; shipping yards; stage; cinema; orphanages; monasteries; ships, airplanes, trains, cars etc.; bus stations, transport industry; public auditoriums; clock towers / watch towers; lighthouses; driving instruction schools; all places connected with above mentioned professions.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Satvic Nakshatra. This comes as no surprise, as this Nakshatra has primarily Satvic ruling deities and is associated with benefit Satvic Grahas like Guru, Budh (and Neptune).
It belongs to ether element. This again comes as no surprise, as ether element has an all-encompassing quality, and can mingle and cooperate with all other elements, which is what essence of Revati’s functioning is.
Gana
It is considered a Deva (godly) Nakshatra. This fact is quite apparent from its general benefic nature and benefic quality of its ruling Grahas and deities.
Orientation & Disposition
It is a level Nakshatra. This relates to balanced nature of this asterism. We have already discussed how it is a soft Nakshatra, which automatically means that it doesn’t go to extremes. The level aspect also relates to its innate capacity to maintain a regular equilibrilized flow of life force on all planes of existence.
As mentioned previously, it is a soft Nakshatra. This basically relates to its mild, tender, easy going and pleasure loving nature.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to last 9 days of lunar month of Bhadra Pada, which usually falls in September.
Revati is also related to Purnima (15th Tithi) of waxing phase of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Initiating all activities of a positive nature; business activities and financial dealings; anything involving exchange of goods; good for marriage & sexual activity; religious rituals; all kinds of travelling; good for dealing with gemstones (putting them on for first time etc.); buying cars, homes and other valuable goods; creative activities like music, drama etc.; good for kind, charitable and soft activities; learning, especially spiritual or occult; healing and treatment of diseases; rest and relaxation; good for leisure activities like gardening; good for completion of all types (putting final touches on things).
Inauspicious Activities
* Last two quarters of this Nakshatra should be avoided for beginnings of all kinds.
All activities requiring harshness and boldness should be avoided. Not good for overcoming difficulties, obstructions, enmity or calamities; not good for negative, sharp actions, like surgery; not good for strenuous activities of any kind, like mountain climbing.
Lords
Budh is primary Lord of this Nakshatra along with its Rasi rulers Guru, Ketu (and Neptune). As mentioned earlier, Revati represents culmination point of mercurial energy. Since it is last amongst Nakshatras, it can be seen as culmination point of all zodiacal energies. Budh’s function here is not so much analytical as it is discriminatory. Budh’s function here is to categorize, classify and give everything its own unique place in scheme of creation. Budh doesn’t lose its sense of humor here, despite fact that its task here is enormous. Budh has to evolve and become a Buddha (enlightened one) here. It is interesting to note that Buddha is Sanskrit name originally assigned to Budh by ancient Vedic Seers. They had set and encoded its goal in its name itself! Budh has to become Vishnu, maintainer of universal affairs, who, while being in game, is still out of game.
Budh, however, cannot achieve this feat without help of Guru, harbinger of wisdom and compassion. It is Guru which gives an understanding of basic laws of nature, as Budh gives no cognizance to rules - universal or otherwise. Blending together energies of Guru and Budh creates neptunian field. One ancient school of astrological thought says that three our Grahas act as secondary suns and in turn control two of inner Grahas. According to this school of thought, Neptune presides over functioning of Guru and Budh. One can easily see that this line of thought is validated through Vedic mythology and astrology. Vishnu is in essence a Neptunian deity and most of schools of Jyotish relate Grahas Guru and Budh with Vishnu.
Together Neptune, Guru and Budh rule over intellectual realm and share responsibility of connecting our individual consciousness with collective universal consciousness.
Ketu is Graha of beginning and end. Since Revati represents end, Ketu’s relationship with this Nakshatra is not very hard to establish. Ketu is Graha most intimately connected with dissolution of our past Karmas and it achieves that using energy of Revati.
Guru, Budh, Sukr and Chandr usually do well in Revati. Ketu’s placement here is good for spiritual pursuits.
Conjunctions like Guru – Budh, Guru - Budh – Ketu, Guru – Neptune, Guru – Ketu, Budh – Ketu, Budh –
Neptune, Ketu – Neptune, mirror this asterism’s energy.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Meena) corresponds to ”The” as in The.
Second Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Meena) corresponds to ”Tho” as in Though.
Third Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Meena) corresponds to ”Cha” as in Charlie.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Meena) corresponds to ”Chi” as in Chile.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Revati corresponds to ”La”, ”Ksha”, ”A[m]” and ”Pa”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om Lam”, ”Om Ksham”, ”Om Am” and ”Om Aam”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is an elephant. In fact, many of these Nakshatras’ qualities can be gauged from essential nature and behavior of elephants. Fact that elephants prefer level grounds rather than uneven terrain, once again reiterates level aspect of this Nakshatra. Elephants are largest among all land animals. In oceans their counterparts, blue whales, will also fall under auspices of Revati. One can do a study of sexual nature of these creatures to understand sexual nature of this Nakshatra.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras, please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
Revati corresponds to universal point in time where material as well as astral are drawn into causal realm and after process is completed, causal is drawn into supreme eternal void. On a more personal level, Revati relates to assimilation of life experiences from many previous lives, so that a synthesis can take place and a state of completeness achieved.
Revati can thus be associated with seventh sacral centre known as Sahastrara. A state of complete awareness is achieved after Kundalini opens every petal of this thousand pedaled lotus centre. After achieving this, Kundalini breaks through top part of head known as Brahma Randha. At this point will of soul achieves complete harmony with universal will, and personal consciousness is submerged into collective universal consciousness. In other words, drop joins with ocean and can no longer be traced as an individual drop. In its highest aspect, Revati relates to this state and process.
In a relatively lower aspect, Revati relates to ”ocean of illusion” associated with third sacral centre often known as Manipura Chakra (or navel centre). This is place where Chi (life force) is supposed to reside as per Zen principles. This centre is representative of all activities on a worldly / material plane. Only after mastery of this oceanic field does a soul gain true knowledge about higher planes of existence. Once again image of Vishnu sitting atop ocean of illusion best characterizes this aspect of Revati.
Revati represents celestial ocean in which creative force rests, after Mahapralaya (universal dissolution). On a smaller scale, cycles of destruction and dissolution take place on our planet as well. In each such Pralaya, where oceans are engulfing all land, Vishnu is supposed to incarnate as a fish and save seven Sages and all plants and animals required for recontinuation of life. This can be said to be a very Revati operation. In fact, process of earthly death also requires Revati’s services, as all actions of this life and all vital Pranas (life forces) are accumulated within astral / causal center before chord between material body and astral body is cut.
Finally, Revati conceals answer to ultimate question - ”Why all of this creation, for what purpose, and for whom ?”
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”, which is in harmony with fact that Revati is one of most optimistic and inspirational Nakshatras.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of Vishnu.
Repetition of root Mantras of this Nakshatra - ”Om Lam”, ”Om Ksham”, ”Om Am” and ”Om Ram” 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 all oceanic, light, variegated colors and pastel shades. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Revati, to undertake all important actions.
Example
Dolly Parton, well-known singer / entertainer, has Revati rising on her Lagna. Her expansive body and appearance combined with soft, friendly features characterize benevolent and expansive nature of this Nakshatra. Her life is a good example of Revati’s capacity to give easy money, comforts, luxury, fame, and an upbringing in benevolent surroundings.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, Chandr in Revati ”gives one perfect body and physical felicity. Native is supposed to be blessed with purity, luck, wealth and a heroic disposition.” One will generally find that those having Chandr or Lagna in Revati are usually gentle, kind and pious, unless there are other overwhelming factors to contrary in chart.
Rabindranath Tagore, famous Indian writer, musician and thinker was born with his Chandr placed in Revati and all of Varahamihira’s precepts apply to his life and personality.
