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26° 40’ Simha - 10° 00’ Kanya In the Sky
Uttaraphalguni is 12th asterism and consists of two very contrasting stars, known in modern astronomy as Beta Leonis and 93 Leonis. These two stars lie at tail end of constellation of Simha. Denebola (Beta Leonis) is among brightest stars in night sky, with a visual magnitude of 2.13. 93 Leonis, on other hand, is a relatively faint star with a visual magnitude of 4.53.
Name
Uttaraphalguni translates into ”latter reddish one or ”latter fig tree”. Month of Phalguna relates to spring season. We can thus immediately associate Uttaraphalguni with all feelings evoked by spring season. Obviously Uttaraphalguni will relate more to latter half of spring, instead of beginning, which would relate more to previous Nakshatra.
Symbol
Main symbol of this Nakshatra is two back legs of a bed. Like Purvaphalguni, bed referred to here is not bed we use for sleeping on during night time, but a divan or bed / couch used for a daytime siesta or lounging around. This Nakshatra is similar to Purvaphalguni in many ways, just as symbolism suggests. In fact, Purvaphalguni and Uttaraphalguni form a pair, first in sequence of Nakshatras. They share similar names, symbolism, nature and quality, although there are slight differences.
As we discussed in previous Nakshatra, bed or hammock represents a place for rest, comfort and relaxation. Fact that Uttaraphalguni is related to back legs and not front legs of a bed, relates it to second half of a siesta or lounging around. Usually this second half is much more active as one is mentally getting off relaxation mode and preparing for work.
Uttaraphalguni is thus less comfort-oriented in comparison to its counterpart Purvaphalguni. It relates to someone lying on a couch, talking, thinking, or contemplating, or involved in some kind of activity like writing, reading, sexual etc.
Fully grown fig tree (refer to image), represents notion that Uttaraphalguni has capacity to actually provide fruit, while Purvaphalguni, which is related to a growing fig tree, has potential for bearing fruit, but is not actually ripe enough to do so. Uttaraphalguni can thus be seen as a productive rather than a purely recreational, enjoyment orientated and indulgent energy.
Deity
Aryaman, one of 12 Adityas (solar deities), is main ruling deity of Uttaraphalguni. Aryaman is seen as a deity presiding over patronage, favors and kindness. Therefore key motivation of this Nakshatra is towards helping or receiving help from others. Aryaman is seen as epitome of hospitality and congeniality, qualities which make Uttaraphalguni a very cultured, social and civilized Nakshatra. Uttaraphalguni, like its presiding deity, is very concerned about etiquettes and social graces.
Aryaman is also seen as a deity who places strong emphasis on friendship. In Vedic rituals, he is almost always invoked in a pair, either with Bhaga (ruling deity of Purvaphalguni), or Mitra (presiding deity of Anuradha). It is no wonder then that Uttaraphalguni, along with Anuradha, is known for its ability to promote and maintain friendships. Uttaraphalguni, however, relates more to a personal one-to-one bosom friendship, while Anuradha relates more to friendliness within a group.
Aryaman, being a solar deity, carries alot of natural significations attached to Surya as an astrological entity.
He acts like a patron, but is bound to lose his temper and act harshly when firmly contradicted.
Nature & Functioning
Most of nature and functionings of Purvaphalguni apply to Uttaraphalguni as well. Other than that, best way to understand Uttaraphalguni’s nature and functioning is to understand qualities normally associated with king among Grahas, Surya.
Names assigned to Surya in Vedic texts – ”illuminator”, ”chief among Grahas”, ”ever radiant”, ”shining one”, ”soul’s significator”, ”cruel and sharp one”, ”intense one”, ”bestower of prosperity, wealth and ultimate knowledge” - give a clue to its basic energy and attributes. All these hold true for Uttaraphalguni as well.
Surya, as we know, is light. It is a Satvic Graha. Satva, as we know, is a quality of nature whose main objective is to further us along evolutionary path, through balancing other two qualities, Rajas and Tama. It is mode of goodness which has basic tendency to be helpful to everyone. Surya shines in same way on pauper or king and is never shy of giving. In same light, Uttaraphalguni has a tendency to be free with its sharing, charity, benevolence and philanthropy.
Surya is only Graha which generates its own light. This makes it most independent among Grahas, all of whom reflect light generated by Surya. This independence forms a part of its nature and can be witnessed in Uttaraphalguni. This independence relates to establishing one’s own individuality, rather than being part of flock. Alot of us tend to imitate others instead of developing our own creativity, thoughts and opinions. Word ”self-reliant”, which in today’s world is only taken in its material aspect, actually refers to reliance on one’s own soul for gaining knowledge and awareness. Uttaraphalguni natives are always seen trying to rise above sea of mass consciousness. They are not types to change their individuality just to stay in sync with whatever is happening.
Surya, as is common knowledge, is father figure. This is clear from fact that all life on earth is dependent upon Surya. Like a typical father figure, Uttaraphalguni has a cruel and harsh side along with its benevolent life giving side. Uttaraphalguni is also a teacher and preacher at heart, in much same way as Surya, and like Surya, can be pompous and despotic in its negative functioning.
Most of warlike qualities, such as anger, valor, aggression, fearlessness, urge to conquer and competitive spirit, are commonly shared by Surya and Uttaraphalguni. However, Uttaraphalguni, unlike Surya’s other Nakshatra Krittika, has a more forgiving attitude and is always more interested in upholding harmony and honor, rather than final victory. Protective and nourishing aspect of Surya manifests through Uttaraphalguni. It is gentle but firm.
Uttaraphalguni, having its main portion in Rasi Kanya, is meeting point of energies of Surya and Budh, and thus allows for expression of their blending. Budh, Divine messenger, is closest Graha to Surya. Prince (Budh) is always closest and dearest to king (Surya). In fact, Budh is only Graha which is not afflicted by Surya’s tremendous intensity, just like prince is never awed by presence of king. Together they share attributes of discrimination, intelligence, general awareness and judgmental faculty. In a way, both of them are intellectual Grahas, but Budh carries a much more humorous and lighter energy, as compared to Surya. Intellect (Budh) has job of controlling mind (Chandr), but it takes its cue from soul (Surya). Budh can become a frivolous energy unless it establishes proper relations with Surya. This situation is similar to a messenger without any message or source of news. Surya is source from which Budh has to derive its inspiration. Surya, however, lacks communication ability of Budh and cannot express itself properly without its help. This is reason why ancient Seers extolled Surya - Budh combination. This blending of Surya - Budh energies is very present in those natives born under Uttaraphalguni.
Uttaraphalguni, like Surya, is straightforward and unhesitating in its dealings. Like Surya, Uttaraphalguni is ready to serve, but only from a position of superiority. There is a certain degree of ascetism inherent in Uttaraphalguni’s nature. It is hard for many of us to imagine how a king can be an ascetic. An ancient Vedic story about a king called ”Janaka”, in which he proved to a venerable Sage that it is perfectly possible, is a case in point!
”He asked Sage to carry a burning lamp all around his palace in such a way that fire is not extinguished. When Sage came back from his round, king asked him about sights he had seen around his grand palace. Sage couldn’t respond, as all his concentration had been focused on lamp. Janaka then told him that this is way he rules his kingdom.”
Krishna put forward same doctrine of action without attachment in his discourse to Arjuna in legendary Vedic epic ”Mahabharata”. Both Krishna and Arjuna were kings in their own right and didn’t exactly fit role of an ascetic.
Uttaraphalguni, like Surya, assists in easy expression of soul personality. This expression manifests in outer world as self-confidence, self-assurance and creativity. In a negative sense, it can manifest as selfishness, pride, self-aggrandizement or megalomania.
Nobility and dignity are also primarily solar traits which other Grahas cannot really imitate. There’s no equal to Surya, as far as sticking to one’s word or pledge is concerned. Just like it rarely swerves from its celestial path, it always holds onto its word or promise. There are numerous stories of Surya personalities which illustrate this aspect of Surya’s nature, which is also expressed through Uttaraphalguni. Another quality which sets it apart from others is its confidence and self-assuredness.
Surya also has a devious side to it, which most astrologers ignore. It is a master at fraud and lying. Uttaraphalguni has a lot to do with this part of Surya’s nature because of its strong connection with trickster Budh. In olden days, kings were supposed to master 64 arts, and lying, gambling and fraud were among these 64 arts. However, it must be noted that Uttaraphalguni tries to use such tactics for a noble cause. Being natural significator of 9th and 10th Bhava, Surya is intimately connected with one’s Dharma. Uttaraphalguni is very concerned about fulfilling its duty and assigned goal. It is always very conscious of establishing its path and following it till end.
In a nativity, Uttaraphalguni rising makes one generous and kind and a good friend towards others. It gives one a noble reputation and makes one skillful at their work. Popularity is due to native’s reliable and helpful nature. Their physical characteristics mirror that of Surya, especially when birth is in Simha part of Uttaraphalguni. Surya can be described as having honey-colored eyes. It has a square body, sturdy bones and sparse curly hair. It has a majestic appearance and is not very tall. It has a courageous and steady look, its complexion is coppery-reddish or golden. It has a proud demeanor.
Kanya part of Uttaraphalguni adds mercurial traits like flexibility, humor, slenderness, agility and amiability to Surya-like appearance of native. Native appears more princely as opposed to kingly.
In universal scheme of things, Uttaraphalguni relates to ”Chayani Shakti” - power of accumulation & prosperity. Its symbolism has wealth from one’s own family below and wealth from one’s spouse’s family above. This relates Uttaraphalguni to all types of gains made through family, partnerships and unions. It is Uttaraphalguni’s duty to utilize these resources properly, and be generous and fair in their distribution.
Mode of Functioning
Uttaraphalguni is considered to be a balanced Nakshatra. Its balancing quality is pretty evident from nature of its ruling deity Aryaman. One needs to have a balanced personality to have social graces, kindness, compassion and friendliness towards other living creatures. In a way, Uttaraphalguni mirrors Rasi Tula when it comes to all that is encompassed by term ”balance”. Only difference is that Uttaraphalguni is more likely to hold onto its pivot or fixed centre, while Rasi Tula is known to drown its essential nature in order to achieve balance and harmony.
Caste
This Nakshatra falls in Kshatriya (ruling / warrior) class of Nakshatras and makes one concerned about society and how to direct one’s energy towards noble causes. It also suggests concern for some kind of accomplishment on material plane, so one can occupy a position of power or strength. Once again, its Kshatriya qualities are derived from its association with Kshatriya Graha Surya.
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. This is a perplexing classification, considering that both its ruling Graha and ruling deity are male. When one considers that bulk of this Nakshatra falls in feminine Rasi of Kanya, one can make some sense of line of thinking behind this classification. Uttaraphalguni, as we have discussed earlier, is connected to predominantly feminine archetypes like grace, kindness, benevolence, consideration and receptivity.
Body Parts & Humor
Lips, sex organs and left hand are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Vata” (airy) Nakshatra. Only reason, which seems to be behind this classification, is that major part of this Nakshatra lies in predominantly Vata Rasi of Kanya. Budh, Lord of Kanya, is also seen as a predominantly Vata Graha. We can, however, assume that part of Uttaraphalguni lying within Simha, would show Pitta rather than Vata characteristics.
Direction
Two directions it relates to most strongly are East and South.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Simha) falls in Dhanur Navamsa ruled by Guru. This Pada relates to jupiterian side of solar nature. It is like a Surya / Guru conjunction and gives a strongly ethical nature along with an advisory capacity. Grahas placed here give fortunate, expansive results, as long as they are in good Shashtiamsha.
Second Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Kanya) falls in Makara Navamsa ruled by Sani. This Pada is akin to a Surya / Budh / Sani conjunction and gives a tremendous organizational ability. Grahas placed here usually give very good material results and a practical, hardworking nature.
Third Pada of this asterism (3° 20’- 6° 40’ Kanya) falls in Kumbha Navamsa ruled by Sani. This Pada relates to philanthropic side of Uttaraphalguni. Keyword here is service. Intellectual abilities are sharp here and are usually used for social good. Grahas placed in this Pada tend to work in a Robin Hood fashion.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Kanya) falls in Meena Navamsa ruled by Guru. This Pada is akin to a Surya / Budh / Guru conjunction. Out here intellectual abilities are always utilized for seeing bigger picture and relating to others. A balance between small and big, matter and spirit, Kanya and Meena is sought here. Since this is a Pushkara Navamsa Pada, Grahas placed here give strong, favorable results on a material, as well as spiritual plane.
Professions
Creative artists, musicians, entertainers; superstars & male sex symbols; managers; leaders of all types & public figures, like sport superstars; those in high positions and held in esteem by others; media & entertainment industry; priests; heads of organizations; mafia dons; teachers & preachers; philanthropists; astrologers; marriage counselors; sex therapists; professions connected to United Nations; international diplomats; founding fathers and other patriotic figures; bankers & creditors; social workers; professional advisors in all fields.
Uttaraphalguni is highly flexible in regards to professions and can be seen in a variety of professions, as long as it is in a commanding position.
Places
Forests; gardens; estates; public buildings; Government buildings; stadiums; entertainment halls; residences of rich & famous people; palaces, towers, large halls; playgrounds; cathedrals & other magnificent buildings; public assemblies; United Nation’s buildings; libraries.
Guna & Tatva
This Nakshatra belongs to Rajasic group of Nakshatras. Not much needs to be said here, as Uttaraphalguni in its descriptions naturally comes out as an active, energetic Nakshatra.
It belongs to fire element. This, as we can see, has a lot to do with its planetary Lord Surya and its solar deity Aryaman.
Gana
It is considered a Manusha (human) Nakshatra. Uttaraphalguni, as we have discussed earlier, is very involved in worldly affairs on terrestrial plane. All human values like family, society, friendship etc., find expression through this Nakshatra. Uttaraphalguni in a way is a harbinger of culture and civilization.
Orientation & Disposition
It is a downward Nakshatra. Uttaraphalguni, because of its natural fixed character, is best for laying foundations. Its involvement with foundations and support of all types makes it a downward Nakshatra. In a building, Uttaraphalguni will always relate more to foundation stone or foundation itself.
As mentioned previously, it is a Dhruva (fixed or permanent) Nakshatra. Despite its receptivity, amicability and friendliness, Uttaraphalguni is quite fixed in its thinking, opinions and functionings. This is probably reason why it can always be relied upon. It tends not to sway away from vows and pleasures, especially those relating to friendship. This fixed quality obviously stems from its solar aspect.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to second half of lunar month of Phalguna, which usually corresponds to March in solar calendar.
Uttaraphalguni is also related to Dvadashi (12th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Favorable for sexual activity and marriage; generally auspicious for beginning all things of a lasting nature, like organizations, societies etc.; good for marriage and sexual activity; good for dealing with higher authorities; good for administrative actions of all types; buying property or entering a new home for first time; openings / inauguration ceremonies & swearing-ins; making promises; performing sacred ceremonies & rituals; wearing new clothes and jewelry; acts of charity; career related activities; paternal activities; good for activities requiring tact and diplomacy.
Inauspicious Activities
Unfavorable for endings of all types; not good for harsh activities like confrontation, retaliation or engaging with enemies; not good for lending money, if you are expecting it back.
Lords
Surya is planetary Lord of this Nakshatra. Solar aspect of nature comes into manifestation in earlier Nakshatra, Krittika. Uttaraphalguni relates to process where solar principle affects and organizes material world, just like Surya’s rays can cook food in a solar cooker. Primordial solar principle manifests as willpower in Krittika, but it takes form of intelligence in Uttaraphalguni, with aid of Budh.
Budh is associated with Uttaraphalguni, due to fact that a major part of Uttaraphalguni lies in Kanya, a Rasi ruled by Budh. Uttaraphalguni is all about linking between soul and intellect. Under this Nakshatra’s influence, solar energy is directed towards actual practical work, in order to achieve certain goals, which soul has set for itself, and also help out others along way as well. Just as all living life on our planet is dependent upon Surya’s rays, all society and civilization is dependent upon guidance of this Nakshatra.
Surya / Budh conjunction in a horoscope carries energies similar to Uttaraphalguni. Friends of Surya, like Chandr, Budh, Mangal & Guru, do well here, while Sukr, Sani, Rahu and Ketu feel obstructed here, especially Sukr, due to its debilitation in Kanya part of this Nakshatra.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Simha) corresponds to ”Tay” as in Taylor.
Second Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Kanya) corresponds to ”To” as in Tohnamah.
Third Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Kanya) corresponds to ”Pa” as in Pascal.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Kanya) corresponds to ”Pee” as in Peter.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Uttaraphalguni corresponds to ”Chha” and ”Ja”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om Chham” and ”Om Jam (Jahm)”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Sexual animal associated with this Nakshatra is a cow, which suggests its nurturing and passive qualities. Although this Nakshatra has noble qualities attached to it, it is said to give reputation or scandal through sexual adventures. This Nakshatra has an adventurous element, which seems to express itself mostly in sexual realm.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras, please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
Interesting thing about Uttaraphalguni is that it relates most closely to visible physical sun of our solar system, which we see rising every morning. Physical body of our sun may have started forming around 5 billion years ago, but actual causal solar entity we know as ”Vivasvan”, might not have entered until a later time, just like astral body only enters physical body after embryo has been developed up to a certain stage. This will also explain fact that not every star in sky has a solar system which breeds life! Only those stars which have an astral / causal entity housing them, have potential to breed life.
Names of Surya’s eleven brothers, who are all born out of union of Sage ”Kashyapa” and his wife ”Aditi” (translates into ”infinite space” and governs Nakshatra Punarvasu), are - Aryaman, Dhatra, Tvastar, Pushan, Savitar, Mitra, Varuna, Amasa, Bhasa, Vishnu & Shakra. We can see that almost all of these solar deities are related with Nakshatras - Aryaman with Uttara Phalguni, Mitra with Anuradha (17th asterism), Pushan with Revati (27th asterism), Savitar with Hasta (13th asterism), Tvastar with Chitra (14th asterism) and Varuna with Shatabhisha (24th asterism).
Fact that this Nakshatra has its first quarter in Rasi Simha relates to regal authoritarian side of this asterism. It is a doubling of solar energy. Since its last three quarters lie in Rasi under Budh, an intellectual bent is observed in workings of this asterism. On a spiritual level, main aim of this Nakshatra is harmonization of intellect (Budh) and soul (Surya), which aids evolutionary growth, along with bringing benefits on material plane. This asterism relates to culmination of individualization process, as it covers final degrees of Rasi Simha. After individualization process is over, individual is expected to be of service to a greater whole. Service aspect of this asterism comes out through Rasi normally associated with service, Kanya.
Characteristics usually associated with number 12 in numerology are mostly borne out of nature and functionings of this Nakshatra. Uttaraphalguni forms bridge between numbers 5 & 6 and also between numbers 11 & 12.
This asterism can be seen as Egyptian Sphinx, which in a sense symbolizes harmonization of energies of Rasis Simha and Kanya. It relates to a period of time in history (around 10,500 B.C.), where spring equinox was passing from Rasi Kanya to Rasi Simha. Many believe it to be a time of great upheaval and re-alignment, as last great flood was supposed to have taken place around that time. This illustrates importance of this Nakshatra for human life on earth.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage ”Pulasthya”, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”having smooth hair”. Term ”smooth hair” may relate to hair of sophisticated, savvy nature of Sage in question, which will then vibe well with essential qualities of this Nakshatra.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of Surya. Recitation of Gayatri Mantra is very helpful for natives under strong Uttaraphalguni influence. People can refer to author’s previous work, ”Surya - The Cosmic Power House” (Sagar Publications, India) for remedial measures associated with Surya. Worship of Durga and other warrior-like feminine deities also suit this Nakshatra.
Repetition of root Mantras of this Nakshatra - ”Om Chham” and ”Om Jam” 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 red, white, green and golden shades. Shade should be neither too bright nor too dull, but fall somewhere in between. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Uttaraphalguni, to undertake all important actions.
Example
George Washington, one of founding fathers of America, was born with Uttaraphalguni rising on his Lagna. It is interesting to note that he fashioned capital city of Washington (bearing his name) on Rasi Kanya. We can assume that its foundation stone must have been laid with Uttaraphalguni rising, for it to become center of world power and have permanence it has had.
Warren Beatty, famous Hollywood star, has Uttaraphalguni rising on his Lagna. In keeping with Uttaraphalguni’s natural tendencies, Warren Beatty ended up having a Casanova image and was seen as biggest sex symbol of his time.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, those with Chandr in Uttaraphalguni ”earn through their knowledge, are well liked and popular and live a life of comfort and luxury”. Author of this book has his Chandr placed in fourth Pada of Uttaraphalguni.
