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20° 00’ Tula – 3° 20’ Vrischika In the Sky
”Vishakha” consists of four stars, which form left half of hanging scale shape, formed by constellation Tula. These stars are known in modern astronomy as Alpha Librae, Beta Librae, Gamma Librae & Iota Librae. Despite fact that all of these stars are part of constellation of Tula, a part of this asterism lies in zodiacal Rasi of Vrischika. Among these, Alpha Librae (”Zuben el Genubi” or North scale) and Beta Librae (”Zuben el Hakhrabi” or South scale) are brightest, with visual magnitudes of 2.75 and 2.61 respectively. Easiest way to spot these stars is to locate them below bright star Spica. Ancient Vedic Seers saw these stars as forming shape of a forked branch, and associated them with abode of gods under rulership of Indra.
Name
”Vishakha”, like other Sanskrit terms, evokes a wide variety of English meanings - ”forked”, ”two-branched”, ”poison vessel”. Its alternative name is ”Radha”, which translates into ”delightful”. Radha, as a name, has gained popularity by virtue of being name of Krishna’s beloved consort.
Symbol
Its main symbol is a ”decorated arch” or ”gateway”. In depictions this gateway is usually decorated with leaves (refer to image). Such gateways are still a norm in marriage ceremonies in India. Consequently, one can infer that Vishakha has a lot to do with marriage. Most of Vishakha lies in Rasi governing marriage, Tula. In ancient times this gateway was symbolic of triumph. It symbolized ending or attainment of a goal and beginning of a new one. It was a reminder of fact that challenges don’t end once you pass through gateway, after achieving your goal.
Challenges begin when one enters gateway, just like marriage ceremony is precursor of challenges to come in married life. Gateway also suggests that Vishakha always has its eyes fixed upon final attainment of a goal. This goal can range from triumphing over one’s external enemies to triumphing over one’s inner demons. In present day and age, where negative qualities of every Nakshatra predominate, Vishakha usually functions as an obsessive, goal-oriented Nakshatra, with complete disregard for nature of means employed to achieve desired end.
Despite its association with celebrations, Vishakha cannot be seen as a pleasant Nakshatra. When striving towards a goal becomes only objective in life, one is likely to have little peace of mind and will definitely miss true essence of life. In words of contemporary songwriter John Lennon, ”Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans.”
Deity
Vishakha, true to its forked quality, has two main ruling deities: Indra and Agni (fire god).
In Puranic literature, Indra, chief among demi-gods, is often portrayed as a very goal-oriented, fixated and offensive character, who would go to any lengths to achieve his desired ends. Funny thing is that many times his desired ends are completely ungodly and he is getting into all sorts of troubles as a result. This is a primary theme of Vishakha - pursuing unwholesome goals in questionable ways and creating bad Karma as a result. Indra is also seen as a character who drowns himself in women, wine and other such pleasures. This indulgent side of Indra also finds expression through Vishakha.
Deceptiveness is also associated with Indra, in sense that he doesn’t shy away from putting his own near and dear ones in danger, in order to get what he wants. He is also often seen to act in a cowardly fashion at first sign of real danger. It is helpful to remember that ”Indra” is just a post which is occupied by different souls in different times in different Universes. Vishakha people are always in search of a post which gives them dominion and pleasure, and Indra is just a soul who makes it.
Agni, fire god, basically represents energy in one of its many forms. It is because of Agni that Vishakha has capacity to exert herculean efforts in order to attain its goal. Just like fire, when harnessed properly, can be used in a variety of constructive ways, Vishakha’s strong energy can manifest as courage, determination and capacity for hard work, directed towards wholesome pursuits. Fire in its negative aspect can run amok and burn indiscriminately. In same way Vishakha can cause harm to others around it, before finally getting consumed itself. Terms like ”burning grief”, ”burning desire” and ”burning passion” are all tailor-made Vishakha expressions.
Agni and Indra rule over heat and rain, making Vishakha an agricultural Nakshatra. It utilizes forces of nature to produce crops and then goes on to derive intoxicants like wine and alcohol from these crops.
Nature & Functioning
Nature of this Nakshatra can be summed in one word - ”fixation”. Even though its single-mindedness in pursuing its goals is unmatched, its Achilles heel lies in ”what goal it chooses to pursue”. In present day and age, when likelihood of forming unwholesome goals is intensively heightened, presence of this Nakshatra in a nativity becomes a cause for concern. Vishakha natives easily fall prey to excesses in regards to sex and alcohol. They are ones who have an overwhelming need to flock to local bar.
There is a certain jubilation aspect to Vishakha natives, which shows itself in love of pomp and ceremony. Very often those among Vishakhas who choose path of senses, end up becoming mad party types. Following Swati, Nakshatra where actual achievement takes place, Vishakha represents exuberant victorious state after achievement. It is common knowledge that a sense of emptiness follows any accomplishment. This sense of emptiness is a continuous feature throughout lives of Vishakha natives. Fire is never satisfied, no matter how much or how long it consumes. They are always concerned about what they don’t have, rather than making use of what they have. ”Grass looks greener on other side” mentality breeds a cogmire of unwholesome emotions. This emptiness and frustration drives some of more evolved Vishakha natives away from blind worldliness in search of higher knowledge and truths.
Vishakha natives have a distinct fierce appearance, with prominent slants and angles on face, even in case of fairer sex. They usually have sharp eyes and features. Their external behavior ranges from extremely courteous and jovial to completely nasty and obnoxious. Vishakha natives are very concerned about putting up fronts to gain their ends. This makes them hide their innate negative feelings towards others in their dealings with them. Most Vishakha natives easily fall prey to envy, jealousy, viciousness and ”can’t help”, feeling useless in comparison to those around them. All these factors make Vishakha natives hard to get along with making them bereft of any real friends. These negative feelings arise from same empty place which was mentioned above. Real problem lies in fact that these natives become obsessive about these negative feelings and thoughts and can’t let go of them. This is where fire inside them starts burning their own selves, instead of being put to any constructive use. Vishakha natives are pretty much defined by their obsessions, which can range from petty and soul-destroying to soul-nurturing and evolutionary.
Good thing about these natives is that once their mind is made up, they are devoted to their cause and will go to any lengths to fulfill their objective. However, it is noticed that life continuously presents them with two different paths, and they have to make a conscious choice to stay on right one. Vishakha natives take life as a challenge of sorts. They usually make simple things complex and easy things difficult. The way they go about achieving their objectives does not follow line of least resistance. They encounter lots of obstacles, which they are able to surmount by their one-pointedness, but process is not free from moans and complaints. Final paradox of this Nakshatra lies at point where, after achieving what they set out to achieve, they are not sure if that’s what they wanted to achieve.
Mode of Functioning
Vishakha is considered to be an active Nakshatra. Pursuit of any goal requires constant activity. Vishakha is one of most active Nakshatras, because of its obsessive approach to things. After attaining its desired goal, it sets itself another goal and so on and so on… its activity is ceaseless. This is probably reason why a lot of Vishakha types cannot give a reason for some of bad things they have done. It is as if some external force grips them and makes them act thoughtlessly without reflection. They are possessed individuals.
Caste
It belongs to Mleccha (outcaste) caste. It is clear from this classification that ancient Seers saw Vishakha as a natural trouble maker, who could not function within society. It related either to bandits, revolutionaries or hermits retiring to forest, in order to perform Tapas to obtain their wishes. None of these characters fit into ideal society as envisioned by Manu (grand overseer and law giver).
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. This classification seems to have its roots in its alternative name ”Radha”. Radha is childhood consort of Krishna, who spent rest of her life pining for him. Vishakha carries within itself primarily feminine attribute of ”longing”, ”separation” and ”catharsis”. It is longing for unattainable, which characterizes a Vishakha mindset. Its other qualities like possessiveness, jealousy and vindictiveness, are also regarded as familiarly feminine qualities in Vedic texts.
Body Parts & Humor
Arms and breasts are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Kapha” (watery) Nakshatra. This classification is borne out of fact that Vishakha lies in two Kapha Rasis, Tula and Vrischika. Vishakha, as we discussed earlier, is very good at hiding its fiery quality under a calm exterior. It is Kapha element which allows Vishakha to put up a diplomatic front even when a fiery storm is brewing inside.
Direction
It is related primarily to West & North.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Tula) falls in Mesha Navamsa and is ruled by Mangal. This Pada is all about energy, impulse, one pointedness and social ambitions. Focus here is on relationships, but passion and instinct are likely to dominate, instead of commitment and depth. A well placed Mangal or Sukr are most suitable Grahas for this Pada.
Second Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Tula) falls in Vrisabha Navamsa ruled by Sukr. Endurance and durability are hallmarks of this Pada. Grahas here tend to give success in venusian pursuits. Material ambitions are strong here, and since this is Pushkara Navamsa Pada, they are fulfilled to degree allowed by chart as a whole.
Third Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Tula) falls in Mithuna Navamsa ruled by Budh. Vishakha’s onepointedness channels itself through thoughts, communication, philosophical and religious attitudes. There’s a definite conflict between two opposing forces here - one force demands native to be lighthearted, open-minded and jovial, while other promotes selfishness, deception and anxiety. Only well placed Budh and Sani can be counted on for giving good results in this Pada.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Vrischika) falls in Karkataka Navamsa ruled by Chandr. This is most one-pointed of all Vishakha’s Padas. Turmoil here takes place on emotional plane, making this a highly volatile, transformative and dangerous part of zodiac. In its lowest aspect, it is highly vindictive and revengeful, and embodies most of despicable human qualities. In its higher aspect, it can give penetrating insight, strong will power, executive ability and conviction, necessary to root out dark forces. Only a well placed Guru can give wisdom to navigate through stormy waters of this Pada.
Professions
Bartenders; alcohol & liquor industry; manual laborers; fashion models & actresses; all professions involving use of speech, like TV & radio broadcasters; politicians; marching bands; sports persons, especially sports requiring herculean efforts; cults & other types of ideological fanatics; religious fundamentalists; professional agitators; soldiers; dancers; critics; criminals & mafia; custom & immigration officials; policing jobs; guards; prostitution & militant revolutionaries.
Vishakha natives can be found in all types of professions, but usually have a tendency to switch professions throughout their lives.
Places
Rocky rough terrains; mountains; big cities like New York; breweries; bars; liquor shops; brothels; theatres; military bases; ceremonial halls & grounds; interrogation rooms; warring grounds; danger areas, either in city or designated by military; all places connected with above professions.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Satvic Nakshatra. This relates to Vishakha’s intense capacity for hard work and penance. Vishakha is ready to sacrifice a lot for attainment of its goals, a quality which is seen as Satvic from universal point of view. Vishakha’s Satvic quality is more liable to come out when Grahas like Surya, Chandr and Guru occupy this Nakshatra.
It belongs to fire element. Due to its close association with Agni (deity presiding over element fire), fire becomes primary element of Vishakha.
Gana
It is considered a Rakshasa (demonic) Nakshatra. Keeping in mind its basic nature and traits, it is not very hard to understand this classification. A complete disregard for others is considered a demonic quality, and Vishakha is one of Nakshatras which displays it to hilt. It is because of its selfish approach that it is classified as demonic, even though both of its ruling deities are demigods.
Orientation & Disposition
It is a downward looking Nakshatra. Since downward Nakshatras imply containment and contraction, it is Vishakha’s duty to contain its multifarious desires. Like all Nakshatras tenanting Rasis Simha, Kanya and Tula, it is a very worldly Nakshatra, and thus has a lot of ambition in relation to its role in world. Since it is a downward Nakshatra, it goes about attaining these goals in a secretive and underhanded manner, and most of its real intent and activities are concealed from others.
It is a mixed (sharp and soft) Nakshatra . This classification once again emphasizes duality inherent in Vishakha, as exemplified by meanings of its name. Its soft disposition relates to its pleasure seeking side, while its sharpness relates to its fixidity of purpose. Softer side is often what stops Vishakha types from turning into complete psychopaths and at times it just acts as a disguise, which lets them get away with their darker activities.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to first half of lunar month of Vaishakha, which usually falls in early May.
Vishakha is also related to Shashti & Saptami (6th & 7th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
Aggressive or warlike activities; any activity requiring executive ability; getting things done which require an argumentative approach; harsh activities in general; any activity requiring strong mental focus; working toward one’s goals; all types of ceremonies, functions and parties; awards or decoration ceremonies; dressing up, ornamentation, decorating oneself; romance & sexual activity; performing penance; making resolutions.
Inauspicious Activities
Not good for travel; marriage; initiations of any kind; activities requiring diplomacy or tact.
Lords
Sukr, Mangal, Ketu and Guru (and Pluto) are three planetary influences connected to Vishakha. Guru is main Lord of this asterism, while Sukr, Mangal and Ketu (and Pluto) rule respective Rasis that Vishakha occupies.
Guru connects to this asterism through Indra, whose preceptor is Brihaspati. Guru supports most of Indra’s objectives and ambitions, even unwholesome ones, through this Nakshatra. Its natural benevolence, grace and good fortune can be used for pompous extravagance under influence of this Nakshatra.
Sukr, Guru’s counterpart and adversary, is connected with first three Padas of Vishakha. It is natural antagonism between energies of these two Grahas, which makes Vishakha a turbulent Nakshatra. A lot of Indra’s venusian excesses, as enumerated in numerous Puranic legends, are not sanctioned by Guru, and it goes without saying that Indra lands into some sort of trouble each time.
In fourth Pada, Mangal co-rules along with Guru and thus energy is more sorted out but has a militaristic tone to it. Ketu (and Pluto) influence in Vrischika part of Vishakha lends a great deal of impulsiveness, explosive drama and self-destructiveness. Only when channeled into more occult areas can this energy act as a vehicle for transformation.
Sukr / Guru, Sukr / Mangal, Sukr / Mangal / Ketu, Guru / Mangal and Guru / Mangal / Ketu / Sukr conjunctions carry an energy similar to that of Vishakha. In author’s experience, only Guru functions well in this Nakshatra, in present day and age.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Tula) corresponds to ”Ti” as in Teehan.
Second Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Tula) corresponds to ”Tu” as in Tuesday.
Third Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Tula) corresponds to ”Te” as in Taylor.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (00° 00’ - 3° 20’ Vrischika) corresponds to ”To” as in Tommy.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Vishakha corresponds to ”Dha” and ”Na”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om Dham” and ”Om Nam”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a tiger. This points towards an aggressive and dominant attitude in sexual activities. It is mostly compatible with Chitra, other tiger Nakshatra.
For marital & sexual compatibility with other Nakshatras, please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
Now globally famous Radha - Krishna love legend exemplifies Vishakha’s inner core. This is reason why Vishakha has ”Radha” as one of its names. Radha was already married to someone when she fell in love with Krishna and romanced him in his childhood years. But since Krishna was Vishnu’s incarnation, this was no ordinary love. It epitomized a desire on Radha’s part to merge with Universal energies, not as an inferior but as a lover. Vishakha’s longing for perfection and enlightenment is always expressed in terms of love and relationships, which more often than not break societal conventions and moralistic taboos. Vishakha does not distinguish between fun, frolic and pain of such relationships and ”Tapasya”, intense spiritual practice leading to knowledge and enlightenment. Above all else, its ultimate goal is experiencing Divine in and through relationship with Divine itself.
Being 16th Nakshatra in Nakshatra sequence, it relates to number 16, a number which is seen as number of tragedy, upheaval, ruin and turmoil. Destruction and ruin here is only of that which stands against universal will. Nevertheless, it becomes evident that Vishakha’s path is not all romance and roses. This is clear from fact that Radha spent a major part of her life pining for Krishna, after he left for taking care of purpose behind his incarnation. This intense longing and pain of separation is Vishakha’s Tapasya, and if it can keep fire of love burning - regardless of outer circumstances, it achieves immortality, like Radha did.
In universal scheme of things, Vishakha relates to ”Vyapana Shakti” - power to make manifest and achieve various things. Its symbolism has harvest below and cultivation above. This makes it a fruitful Nakshatra on material plane, even though as we have just realized, its true spiritual path lies elsewhere. Material results here usually come with persistent and patient effort, just like finest wine takes a long time to be ready for consumption, after grains have been put through brewing process.
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Vashishta, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”possessor of wealth”. We can imagine that Vishakha must relate to Sage’s capacity for penance. As Varahamihira says, ”those with Chandr in Vishakha are skilled at making money”.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of eight Vasus. Alternatively, one can worship half Vishnu, half Shiva form, commonly known as ”Hari Hara”. Practice of Raja Yoga, which involves raising of Kundalini through seven sacred centres, is one of best ways to utilize this Nakshatra’s potential.
Repetition of root Mantra of this Nakshatra, ”Om Yam” 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 colors like red, blue and gold. They should use its directions, lunar month and days when Chandr transits Vishakha, to undertake all important actions.
Example
Hermann Goering, Hitler’s right-hand man, has his Chandr in Vishakha. Nothing much needs to be said about a man who was one of main forces behind fanatical Nazi movement. His life brings out obsessive maniacal streak of Vishakha.
Nicole Kidman, Hollywood actress, is a typical example of a Vishakha Lagna type. Her obsessive and secretive personality shows through in her films and interviews. Vishakha is one of Nakshatras, which is sort of a prerequisite for being part of community now known as Hollywood.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, those with Chandr in Vishakha are ”jealous, greedy, clever with words, skilled at earning money, quarrelsome and incite quarrels among others”.
