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60° 40’ Kumbha – 20° 00’ Kumbha In the Sky
Shatabhisha, apex of Rahu’s functioning, is represented in celestial firmament by a faint group of stars in heart of constellation of Kumbha. Ancients designated a hundred among these faint group of stars as belonging to this asterism. Brightest among this group, with a visual magnitude of only 3.85, is a star known in modern astronomy as Gamma Aquarii (Sadachbia). Despite its faintness, general location of this asterism can be gauged by its neighboring bright star, Alpha Aquarii (Sadalmelik). Sadachbia lies slightly above, on left hand side of this bright star.
Name
”Shatabhisha” (also spelt as ”Shatabhishak”) translates simply into ”hundred physicians”, ”hundred medicines”, or ”possessing a hundred healers”. Though this bizarre name conveys a part of this asterism’s functioning, it doesn’t completely convey its vast connotations. Its alternative name is ”Shatataraka”, which translates into ”possessing a hundred stars”. This is in obvious reference to fact that Vedic Seers saw this asterism as a collection of a hundred stars, with each one of stars representing one physician / medicine.
Symbol
Its main symbol is an ”empty circle”. This circle can be seen either as a round magical charm or as a representation of infinite void of creation. A circle can represent many things - circle of life, circle of zodiac, circle of creation, maintenance and dissolution.
Importance of circle can be seen from following words spoken by Black Elk, an Oglala Sioux holy man - ”You have noticed that everything an Indian (native American Indian) does is in a circle, and that is because power of world always works in circles, and everything tries to be round... sky is round, and I’ve heard that earth is round like a ball, and so are all stars. Wind, in its greatest power, whorls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is same religion as ours... even seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. Life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.”
Besides these universal ideas, circle also suggests an idea of containment or circulation. There is an idea of protection and hiding related to this asterism. Circle can act as a boundary and protect one from dangers outside its circumference. A circle can conceal and hide things, just like an opaque jar hides liquid inside. This Nakshatra is thus related with secrets and ability to conceal secrets.
A circle also carries idea of identity through segregation. A shoreline separates ocean from land and thus allows for its identity. This asterism thus relates to all enclosed water bodies, like lakes and oceans. It, however, does not represent rivers, as rivers are not enclosed on all sides. In same way, idea of containment can be seen in our own beings, as physical body houses and offers protection to soul or astral body.
This asterism has a lot to do with idea of protection, which can operate on many levels of existence. Part in Vedic epic, Ramayana, where Lakshmana drew a line around hut for Sita’s safety, and asked Sita not to cross it, is a wonderful example of magical containment and protection connotation of this asterism.
Deity
Even though this Nakshatra is related to a hundred physicians through its name, its main deity is Varuna, Lord of oceans. In essence, Varuna can be seen as representative deity of water element in nature. This fact automatically relates this Nakshatra with all kinds of liquids in physical as well as astral realm. Varuna can be equated with Neptune, as it is seen in modern astrology. Varuna, like Neptune, is Lord of cosmic and terrestrial waters.
In this Nakshatra’s image, Varuna can be seen holding a pot. This pot contains Soma - preferred drink of gods. This drink is heavenly ambrosia, which suggests idea of rejuvenation and intoxication. We can easily see that liquids we consume in our day to day life produce same two effects. In other hand, Varuna is seen holding some medicinal herbs. This is where hundred physicians come into picture. This asterism has a lot to do with healing on all levels of existence, whereas herbs only signify healing on a physical level.
Idea of magical cures through Divine waters is common to all cultures. Our everyday glass of water is a vital rejuvenator in sense that it keeps us alive. ”Blue are life giving waters taken for granted, they quietly understand...” as Jimi Hendrix, a contemporary musical genius put it. Oceans have always been seen in Vedic texts as a repositor of herbs which can cure every possible disease. Some of these herbs came out during churning of ocean, undertaken by gods and demons collectively (please refer to author’s previous work ”The Rahu - Ketu Experience”, Sagar Publications, India, ”The Key of Life”, Lotus Press, USA). Even Amrita, elixir of eternal life, came out of ocean during this churning.
On highest level, this asterism falls under jurisdiction of Shiva, Lord of ascetics. Shiva, as we know, presides over Rasi Kumbha, and since this asterism falls in heart of Kumbha, it automatically falls under Shiva’s domain. Consequently it carries within itself Shiva’s mystical, contemplative, ascetic and dissoluting nature.
Nature & Functioning
Secrecy is one quality which immediately separates Shatabishak from other Nakshatras, even though a lot of other Nakshatras, like Anuradha, Jyestha and Purvashadha, can be secretive. Shatabhishak, however, is in a league of its own when it comes to hiding thoughts, motives, self or anything else. In fact, Shatabishak derives almost all of its power from what is hidden. Whether it be herbs in ocean or secret formulas of nature’s functionings, Shatabishak always tries to gain access to whatever is hidden and in doing so attains its power. Shatabhishak is not always very ready to share hidden secrets it has discovered and tries to hide them just like ocean covers up many a treasure.
As we shall discover, Shatabhishak is one of main Nakshatras presiding over media in all its forms, especially electronic media. In today’s world, media as we know, functions on twin principles of secrecy and deception. People ”running the show” obviously know about truth regarding actual seat of power, whilst all that masses get is a smokescreen. Shatabishak is ultimate con artist.
Shatabishak’s essential nature is to view everything with suspicion. Natives under influence of its energy usually take their time to get accustomed to new things, thoughts, places and people. Their suspicious nature often makes them be on guard, thus making them capable of shielding themselves from harm. Once again, circle symbolism comes into play. Shatabishak natives usually draw a hard to penetrate boundary around themselves, which makes it difficult for others to approach them. Reclusive aspect of Shatabishak arises directly from its inclination to create these walls and boundaries.
Natives are generally solitary, eccentric, reclusive and introverted. Plus side to this aspect is that its reclusivity gives it capacity to be alone. Being alone gives rise to contemplation, which in turn produces wisdom and enlightenment. In negative cases, this seclusion can only translate into pessimism and self-pity. Shatabishak is as keen on unraveling secrets as it is on keeping secrets. This is why most Shatabishak natives enjoy activities like solving puzzles or those which involve pursuit of something hidden.
Shatabishak loves to get to truth of anything in much same way as Mula loves to get to root of everything. Even though Shatabishak natives are usually quiet and undemonstrative (which one should expect them to be since they are supposed to be masters of secrecy), they often blurt out harsh truths at most inopportune moments. This is in fact one of major problems Shatabishak natives face in climbing ladder of success, especially material success. Refinement and sensitivity is not their forte.
It is noticed that most natives under strong influence of Shatabishak lack proper grooming and education in their formative years. They often have to make their own rules for dealing with today’s rough world, which adds to their innate roughness. They have extremely cold, calculating heads and there is a marked tendency to completely suppress emotional nature.
Shatabishak in a way represents culmination of air element. It is thus master of mental, analytical and logical. In its higher mode, Shatabishak can be all pervasive, just like air. This ability to relate to everyone without preconceptions, judgments and prejudice, is what makes a philosopher out of Shatabishak. Their philosophy is usually heavy on intellectualism, but evolved souls understand that emotional and mental bodies need to be integrated in order for any true understanding to occur.
Those with Shatabishak rising have their own particular brand of magnetism, even though they lack conventional charm and beauty. They are often unkempt in relation to their appearance and clothing. Their countenance is usually calm, quiet, shy and reserved, but they, however, have a tendency to explode every now and then. Absent-mindedness is one of their marked features. They usually convey a sense of aloofness even if they are genuinely attentive from inside. Their negative traits include laziness, addictions, perversions and vulnerability to all types of mental / emotional / psychological disorders. Their positive qualities include enterprise, moderation, discrimination, philosophical attitude, truth-seeking and unbounded vision.
On a material plane, Shatabhisha has a tendency to make a ”zero” out of things it affects in a nativity. For example, if someone has their second Lord placed in Shatabhisha, they might experience a pauper state or a complete loss of family at some stage of their lives.
In universal scheme of things, Shatabhisha relates to ”Bheshaja Shakti”- power of healing. Its symbolism has pervasiveness above and support below. This obviously relates to three worlds - heaven, earth and netherworld. This symbolism shows that Shatabhisha is even more pervasive than Purvashadha, a power which it uses to heal three worlds. Healing process here is different from Ashvini, in sense that it happens through genuine repentance, and sustained effort is required over comparatively longer periods of time. All-pervasive power that media has in today’s world is basically Shatabhisha’s power and since this power is in wrong hands, it is not being used to heal or teach but to fool, chain, dumb down and devolute.
Mode of Functioning
This is an active Nakshatra. Its active disposition springs directly from its moveable nature. Kumbha, as we know, is an electric Rasi. This Nakshatra embodies electricity in all its different forms. In present day and age, where most of communication is electronic, this asterism assumes tremendous importance. This Nakshatra is active and fast in much same way as fast moving world of electricity.
Caste
It belongs to butcher class and is thus involved in all butcher-like or harsh activities, ranging from advanced medical treatment of complicated diseases to just plain killing and hunting. Natives highly influenced by this Nakshatra can also be butcher-like in their own self mortification or have some twisted tendencies in regards to people and things. Since this Nakshatra is not cruel or fierce, it is comparatively benevolent despite belonging to butcher class.
Gender
It is a neutral or eunuch Nakshatra, which means that it has a balance of masculine and feminine attributes. Of course, one would expect zero or nothingness to be genderless. Since it is a neutral Nakshatra, it doesn’t promote childbirth if it is connected with 5th Bhava or Guru in a nativity. This neutral quality also makes it very dexterous in regards to its dealings with people, which is ideal for media related activities.
Body Parts & Humor
The body part it relates to most is jaw, which emphasizes its relation to acts of eating, drinking and speaking.
It is also related to right thigh.
It belongs to Vata (airy) humor. This classification is clear from Shatabisha’s strong association with primarily Vata Grahas, Sani and Rahu.
Direction
Its direction is from South-West to South-East.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Kumbha) 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 those under influence of this Pada to choose right thing to get carried away with. They are the kind who will go about fanatically espousing their cause or belief.
Second Pada of this asterism (10° 00’ - 13° 20’ Kumbha) falls in Makara Navamsa ruled by Sani. This conveys more practical and organizational aspect of this asterism. This is Pada which relates to all material activities under domain of Shatabhisha. One has to watch out for excessive ambition in relation to Grahas posited in this Pada.
Third Pada of this asterism (13° 20’ - 16° 40’ Kumbha) falls in Kumbha Navamsa ruled by Sani. This Pada relates to visionary, futuristic and philosophical side of this Nakshatra. In its negative aspect it can be too eccentric and rebellious. Grahas placed in this Pada often do well on material plane, as this is a Vargottama position.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Kumbha) falls in Meena Navamsa ruled by Guru. This Pada relates to expansive, hallucinatory and illusory side of this Nakshatra. When favorable, it can give great powers of healing and compassion. When afflicted, it can make one too ambiguous. Grahas placed in this Pada can often make native lose themselves in one form of intoxication or other. It is, however, good for activities relying on imagination like film-making etc.
Professions
Electricians and all those who work with electricity; technology experts; radar & X-ray experts; chemotherapists; astronauts; astronomers & astrologers; space research; pilots; radio operators; martial arts instructors & martial artists; aeronautical, rocket or space engineers; aeronautical industry; those who work in film and TV industry; movie stars; trend setters; photographers; science fiction writers & enthusiasts; nuclear physicists and physicists in general; those working in drug & pharmaceutical industry; physicians & surgeons; herbologists; professions connected with production & distribution of alcohol; drug dealers, pushers; waste disposal & recycling industry; pimps & prostitutes; those who work in production of plastics; petroleum & associated industries; bikers & motor sports; automobile industry; sea faring professions; detectives, puzzle experts; explorers, hunters & inventors; Yoga & meditation gurus; Zen experts.
Places
High-tech studios & environments; offshore drilling stations; space stations; airports; observatories & planetariums; physics & chemistry labs; bars & nightclubs, especially techno clubs; factories; hospitals; nuclear waste dumps and waste dumps in general; recycling stations; herbal centers; water treatment plants & reservoirs; oceans; sea-side; temples, meditation, Yoga & Zen centres; outer space; film & TV studios; processing labs; hunting grounds; all places connected to abovementioned professions.
Guna & Tatva
Its basic essence is Tamas, which relates to inertia on all levels of existence. Quality of inertia in this Nakshatra relates to its capacity for meditation and Zen practices. It also relates to its introverted and reclusive nature and on negative side, a tendency towards intoxication with drugs, alcohol, sex etc.
Its element is ether. Ether is element in nature which can mingle with every other element. This associates this Nakshatra with broad vision and wide open space. It relates to its meditative capacity and ability to attune oneself to omnipresent emptiness.
Gana
It is a Rakshasa (demonic) Nakshatra. This means that this Nakshatra primarily seeks independence and can be eccentric or overtly negative in its outlook. It should not, however, be seen as an overtly evil asterism, since it is mild by nature. Its demonic side is usually used for breaking through attachments and conventions.
Orientation & Disposition
It is an upward Nakshatra. This means that it is an expansive Nakshatra and most of its activities happen above ground. Since this asterism rules all telecommunications in general, one can see how this fits in. One just has to look at professions connected with this asterism to understand its upward and expansive outlook.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It can be seen as co-Lord of month Shravan, which is generally said to be ruled by Shravana. One can expect energies of this asterism to be stronger during last 9 days of lunar month of Shravan, a period which corresponds to month of August in solar calendar.
Shatabhisha is also related to Chaturdashi (14th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Good for signing business deals & contracts, land & housing deals; education or learning activities; travel (especially over water); bike riding; acquiring new vehicles; recreational ventures; meditation & Yoga; sexual activity; studying astronomy & astrology; medicine, therapies, rejuvenation & life enhancing activities; media events; technological activities; visiting sea-side.
Inauspicious Activities
Not good for beginnings in general; marriage; childbirth; fertility treatments; law suits, arguments; negative or wrathful action; not beneficial for too much socializing, unless it is work related; not good for financial matters; not good for buying new clothes or jewelry; not good for domestic activities.
Lords
Shatabhisha is ruled by Sani, Rahu and Uranus. Rahu is main Lord of this asterism. Shatabhisha is pinnacle of Rahu’s energy.
In its highest aspect, this Nakshatra relays most knowledgeable and philosophical side of Rahu. Rahu, being a child of Maya, carries within itself complete knowledge of nature’s hidden and complex functionings. Humanitarian, all inclusive, philosophical disposition of this asterism, when it is functioning through its higher aspect, is very in tune with Rahu’s disposition in its higher aspect. Rahu is that force that attempts to break down all boundaries of race, age, status, nationality and religion, to usher in a feeling of oneness of humanity, which in a sense embodies spirit of Kumbha. Functioning through its lower aspect, it relays aspect of Rahu, which is responsible for consumption and manufacturing of all types of alcohol, intoxicants and drugs. All significations of Rahu dealing with poisonous chemicals and substances also fall under domain of this asterism. How Grahas posited in Shatabisha will function in a nativity depends, on Rahu’s functionings and intentions.
Sani is associated with this Nakshatra being Lord of Kumbha. Sani, as we know, is a Graha associated with coldness, slowness, practicality, organization, melancholy, stillness, discipline, introversion, perseverance and detachment. All these qualities find expression through this Nakshatra. However, emphasis here is on stillness, introversion, contemplation, seclusion and philanthropy, instead of Makara-Sani traits like materiality and organizational capacity.
Uranus is co-Lord of Kumbha and is a Graha which relates to sudden events, eccentricity, electricity, science and high technology. Shatabhisha, as we have seen, rules most of electronic media in today’s world. Since most of electronic media is dependent upon advancements in technology, relationship between Uranus and Shatabhisha is immediately clear.
It is interesting to note that Vedic astrologers have chosen name Varuna for Uranus. Varuna, as we have seen earlier, is ruling deity of this Nakshatra. Another interesting aspect to this correlation is that name ”Uranus” is derived from Greek root ”Ouaronus”. Just like Varuna, Ouaronus was God of seas and oceans. Linguistically, it is pretty evident that Sanskrit term ”Varuna” metamorphosed into Ouaronus during transference of Vedic knowledge through ages and civilizations.
Rahu - Sani, Rahu - Uranus and Sani - Uranus conjunctions in a chart convey similar energies to Shatabisha.
Budh, Sukr and Rahu do best in this Nakshatra. Sani also does well here but it can make one too melancholic.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Kumbha) corresponds to ”Go” as in Godwin.
Second Pada of this asterism (10° 00’ - 13° 20’ Kumbha) corresponds to ”Sa” as in Sally.
Third Pada of this asterism (13° 20’ - 16° 40’ Kumbha) corresponds to ”Si” as in Simon.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Kumbha) corresponds to ”Su” as in Surya.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Shatabhishak corresponds to ”Lam” and consequently its Mantra is ”Om Lam”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a mare. This makes it most compatible with Aswini, whose sexual animal is represented by a horse. Aswini and Shatabhisha share a deep relationship on many levels. For example, they are two Nakshatras which deal with healing and rejuvenation. It is view of ancient Seers that diseases which begin in Shatabhisha can only be cured in Aswini.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras please refer to tables at the end of this document.
Esoteric
Etheric aspect of this asterism relates to subtle electric forces of etheric or heavenly realm. It is a deeply mystical asterism which can open one’s consciousness to highest realms. Its empty circle symbolism highlights truth that all creation arises from nothingness and dissolves into nothingness.
Present day phenomenon of ”crop circles”, is, in author’s view, directly connected with this Nakshatra. These crop circles remain a big mystery to all those who don’t want to accept any reality other than material. 90 % of them are formed in wheat fields of a small agricultural area in England, known as Wiltshire Plains. Interesting thing is that many ancient sites, like Stonehenge and Silbury Hill lie within this small area.
Many of these crop circles are complicated geometrical patterns based on universal mathematical principles like golden ratio 1.618, aka. ”golden mean”. Some of them are very similar to ancient Mandalas and pedaled sacred Chakras which lie within our astral bodies. They are called crop circles just because of extensive use of circle in their complicated patterns. Important thing about them is that they are all made with unerring finesse and not a single wheat plant is damaged or out of place in finished patterns.
Crop circles, some of them spreading over 300 ft., are formed within seconds and only one has ever been filmed forming. Many people who think they are hoaxes have failed to make even a simple accurate circle in fields in one whole night. Film clearly showed four roundish white lights (earth spirits) making a circle within 2 - 3 seconds. Film’s validity is confirmed by fact that newly formed crop circle was open for public viewing on same day.
Shatabhisha, as we know, likes to baffle through mysteries and puzzles, and in that way leads people into discovering real truths of Universe. Despite all hopelessness in our times, there seems to be hope for future, considering that other side is still communicating with us, even if in a secretive playful way. Messages of these crop circles are very clear to those who have real knowledge and at moment a certain number of people reach that understanding, we would all be living in a different world.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Atri, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”one who devours”, which is in keeping with essential demoniacal nature of this Nakshatra. Shatabisha has a dissoluting nature and is very much in keeping with job assigned to this particular Sage.
Remedial
Healing measures can be used for those suffering from bad effects of this Nakshatra, which may manifest as health problems related to body parts it rules, or problems with drug and alcohol addiction etc. One can also strengthen this Nakshatra’s energy to increase one’s chances for fame in media or progress in meditation.
Best way is to recite its root Mantra ”Om Lam” 108 times on Saturday and during its lunar month. While doing this, one should sit facing South-West or South-East. Other more potent way is worship of Lord Shiva in any form one is attracted to.
One can wear all shades of blues and neon electric colors when undertaking activities related to this asterism.
Example
Ramakrishna Paramahansa, leading spiritual light in late 19th century, had his Lagna, Surya, as well as Budh placed in Shatabhisha making him a triple Shatabhisha. Through his life highest indications of Shatabhisha found expression.
Famous singer and entertainer, Elvis Presley, has his Chandr placed in Shatabhisa. His life is a demonstration of name and fame Shatabisha can bestow in today’s day and age. Shatabhisha surely made him media savvy, but later in his life, it also made him a victim of its negative, intoxicative, delusory and self-destructive tendencies.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, ”those with Chandr in Shatabisha are truthful but harsh and cruel in their speech. They are always eager to conquer their enemies and suffer much grief in isolation. They have independence of thought and action, but are often seen acting without thought.” Even a cursory look at our example Elvis Presley and his life, will testify that even in modern times Varahamihira’s meanings have some validity.
