THE NAKSHATRAS OF THE MOON

Judith Dillon

Long before writing, stories were passed from mouth to mouth during the quiet hours of the night. The work of the sun done, the dark has time to listen to feats of gods and demons. Illustrated by the stars and planets, their stories evolve as the sky revolves through the calendar year. Heroes and brave women also pace out their deeds among the stars and festivals remembering them find their order in the calendar year. This is an exploration of Hindu festivals as they follow the moon and sun along the year.

THE NAKSHATRAS OF THE MOON Judith Dillon TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. MOON CYCLES & LUNI-SOLAR CALENDARS III. MONTHS AND THEIR NAKSHATRAS IV. THE 27 HOMES (NAKSHATRAS) OF THE MOON 1. ASHVINI - El Sheratan & Mesarthim of the Ram (00.00 to 13.20 Aries) 2. BHARANI - The Bearing Star (13.20-26.40 Aries) 3. KRITTIKA -The Cutters (26.40 Aries-10.00 Taurus) 4. ROHINI - The Red One, Brahmi, or Star of Ascent (10.00 – 23.20 Taurus) 5. MRIGASHIRA (AGRAHAYANI) – Head of Deer (23.20 Taurus – 6.40 Gemini) 6. ARDRA - The Moist or Green One (6.40 – 20.00 Gemini) 7. PUNARVASU – Renewal (20.00 Gemini – 3.20 Cancer) 8. PUSHYA - To Nourish; or TISHYA - The Celestial Archer (3.20'-16.40 Cancer) 9. ASHLESHA -The Clinging Star/The Embracer (16.40 to 30.00 Cancer) 10. MAGHA The Great One, The Bountiful – (00.00 Leo to 13.20 Leo) 11. PURVA PHALGUNI (Pubbha) - First Reddish One (13.20 to 26.40 Leo) 12. UTTARA PHALGUNI - 2nd Reddish One (26.40 Leo - 10.00 Virgo) 13.HASTA - The Hand (10.00 Virgo - 23.20 Virgo) 14. CHITRA- The Shining Jewel, The Pearl (23.20 Virgo – 6.40 Libra) 15. SWATI - From Su-Ati ‘Very Good' (6.40 – 20.00 Libra) 16. VISHAKHA -Fork Shaped or RADHA Gift (20.00 Libra - 3.20 Scorpio) 17. ANURADHA - Following Radha #16 (3.20 - 16.40 Scorpio) 18. JYESHTHA - Elder Sister (16.40 - 30.00 Scorpio) 19. MULA- The Root, roots tied together (0.00 - 13.20 Sagittarius) 20. PURVA ASHADHA - First Invincible One (13.20 - 26.40 Sagittarius) 21. UTTARA ASHADHA - Later Victory (27.40 Sagittarius - 10.00 Capricorn) 21.5 ABHIJIT - Victorious (28th Nakshatra) - (06° 40' to 10° 53' 40 Capricorn) 22. SHRAVANA - To Hear, Star of Learning (10.00 - 23.20 Capricorn) 23. DHANISTHA -Richest One (23.20 Capricorn - 6.40 Aquarius) 24. SHATABHISHA - One Hundred Healers (6.40-20.00 Aquarius) 25. PURVA BHADRAPADA - Early Happy Feet (20.00 Aquarius – 3.20 Pisces) 26. UTTARA BHADRAPADA -'Back Feet of Funeral Bed' (Pisces 3.20 - 16.40) 27. REVATI - Transcendent, Wealthy (16.40 - 30.00 Pisces) The Remaining that returns us to Ashvini. V. BIBLIOGRAPHY 2 INTRODUCTION Long before writing, stories were passed from mouth to mouth during the quiet hours of the night. The work of the sun done, the dark has time to listen to feats of gods and demons. Illustrated by stars and planets, their stories evolve as the sky revolves through the calendar year. Heroes and brave women also pace out their deeds among the stars, and festivals remembering them follow the order of the calendar year. This is an exploration of the festivals of India as they follow the moon and sun along the stars of the year. There is real time and there is myth time. In myth time, rainbows kiss the morning clouds and gods ride the sun and moon. In myth time, a lusty moon once went looking for a new lover. India's wandering moon, also known as Chandra or Soma, rises newborn each month. As he matures, he grows stronger but alas, gods and demons feeding upon his nectar slowly exhaust him. A crescent cup holding Soma's glowing light is consumed until he disappears. As the darkened moon emerges from his shadowy existence the sun nourishes him, his cup filling with light once again. Working on numerous levels, "all of which are tied together rather strangely, Soma is both plant and the intoxicating drink brewed from that plant. As the blood of animals and the sap of plants, Soma courses through all living things. He is Inspiration to those who seek it, and so is the god of poets. He is also the god of the moon [...]. The ancient Hindus did not differentiate between these divergent aspects; all were the god, Soma."1 The beautiful moon never wanted for lovers, but his affairs once caused a war among the stars. Arrogant in his beauty, he kidnaped Tara, star born wife of Brihaspati (Jupiter). After he refused to return her, the gods made war to compel Soma to release Tara. Pregnant with Soma's child, their baby was named Budha (Mercury). Some stories give the moon's romance and child to 1 pantheon.org/articles/s/soma.html (Encyclopedia Mythica) 3 Rohini, favorite wife of the moon. Others say it was the rosy dawn or morning star he romanced before being cursed to fade away. Here is the moon with his lover and child. Mercury, Venus, and Moon2 Among the creative Daksha-Prajapati's 60 daughters, 27 married the Moon. Each wife was given her own home among the stars. Needing to keep his wives happy, India's moon spends time with each as he makes his monthly circuit around the sky. Stopping in each mansion (Nakshatra) for a day, he pleasures each wife in turn before visiting the next. Alas for family harmony, an exalting moon preferred sweet-faced rosy Rohini above her sisters. Rohini’s father Mrigashira also lusted after his rosy-red daughter. The jealous father cursed the amorous moon, causing him to fade away. Chandra/Soma begged his brother-in-law Shiva, married to Sati, youngest of Daksha's daughters, to remove the curse. Unable to totally reverse the 2 Parnal Observatory, ESO/Y. Beletsky - http://www.eso.org/public/images/potw1025a/ 4 withering, Shiva promised although he would lose one shade a day for fifteen, he would then brighten the next fifteen days. The moon invoked Lord Shiva at Somnath, where it is said Soma himself built the first temple. Somnath "has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a triveni sangam the joining of three rivers — Kapila, Hiran and the mythical Sarasvati." Bathing in the Sarasvati, the moon god regained his luster.3 In addition to her lost path on earth, Sarasvati flows as the River of Stars in the night sky. Constantly writhing and changing her course in the sky, none-theless she is forever joined to the stars near Orion (#5 Mrigashira) and 180 degrees away near the source, the Navel of our Galaxy (#19 Mula). The drying of the Sarasvati, home-river of the early Vedas, recalls another story about a stolen bride. Bhadra, the beautiful daughter of the moon, married Utathya son of Angiras, one of the seven sages circling the Pole Star. His brother is Brahaspati (Jupiter). Like Jupiter's Tara, Bhadra was carried off. Her kidnapper, the god of the waters Varuna, refused to release her from his oceans. The furious husband drank up all the seas. When Varuna still refused, Utathya then drank the lake of Varuna and swept away the ocean. Finally, he cursed to let Saraswati disappear into the desert. After the land dried and withered, Varuna relented and returned Bhadra to Utathya who then released the world from the drought. This cycle of 27 Nakshatras, each 13 degrees 20’ of the moon's monthly circle around the sky, began when the stars of Aries, horse-twins of the Ashvini, rose on the Equinoxes. The first home, determined by the location of the Equinoxes, retreats westwards about every 1000 years. Mandating adjustments to India's star calendar, the current cycle began during the Indian Classical 3 Thapar, Romala, Somanatha, 2005, archive.org. 18, 23-4. The river disappeared into the sands after her course shifted and no longer flows through India and Pakistan. 5 Age.4 According to the astronomy text, Surya Siddhanta c. 5th Century CE. mentions the appearance of the division of the ecliptic into 27 segments 13 degrees 20’. In the West, Aries still marks the New Year. For about 2000 years before the Common Era, their stars rose on the Vernal Equinox sun (March 21). Western astrology then froze their zodiac stars. 4000 years later, Aries still rules March in the West. Vedic astrology (sidereal astrology) continues to follow the stars as they change their seasons. Once rising with the March sun, Aries now rises April/May. The Precession of the Equinox, a slow backwards slide of ecliptic stars toward the west, is responsible. Now Pisces rather than Aries physically rises on the Vernal Equinox. The 12 Zodiac stars following the sun's path (Ecliptic) regress one degree every 72 years. This backwards drift causes each sign (30 degrees) to change location every 2200 years. Around 4000 BCE, the Bull of Taurus rose in March. By 2000 BCE, the warrior Aries began replacing him. Finally, we entered the Age of Pisces, which now 2000 years into the present era, is nearing the unsettled Age of Aquarius. India's calendar is divided by 27 groups of stars rather than by 12 zodiac signs. Thus, the change of stars associated with the seasons are apparent after only 1000 years and are reflected in stories from the ancient Vedas. The entire cycle lasts about 25,920 years, a number associated with Revati, last of the moon's wives, before another long cycle begins. 4 David Frawley, Gods, Sages & Kings, Motilal Banarsidas (1991), 2003, 150. 6 II. MOON CYCLES & LUNI-SOLAR CALENDARS5 The stars illustrate India’s stories and festivals as they move through the seasons. Hindu calendars have numerous variations, so this is only a very simplified overview. Not every festival is celebrated in every area. Before the great sagas of India were written down, stars illustrating oral traditions timed the festivals of the year. They include the Mahabharat concerning the war between feuding clans of the Kurus and Pandavas, and the Ramayana, the adventures of Rama and his earth born wife Sita. The new moon, first seen in the west at sunset, quickly follows the sun below the horizon. At first quarter, a half-lit moon is high in the sky at sunset, setting about six hours later. His nectar fully replenished, at sunset the full moon opposite the sun rises in the east.6 Taking 27.3 days (Sidereal month) to return to his first star home, the Synodic month (new moon to new moon) is 29.5 days. Waxing and then waning as he travels through his homes, the new moon must travel further before reappearing in the evening. That is, after travelling 360 degrees it takes the new moon two more days to reappear in his new home (27+2=29). Losing 11 days a year, to arrive at his starting Nakshatra he must travel 30 more days than the lunar year of 354 days. It takes another 19 years before the unadjusted sun and moon (and Mercury) realign with their original stars.7 One adjustment keeping the seasons in order is to add an extra month every three years. Nakshatra stars are chosen as opposing pairs around the lunar circle of the sky, the stars turning around the centering North. "Stars, whenever visible, are always seen to rise in the same 5 https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-names-of-months-as-per-the-Hindu-calendar 6 stardate.org/nightsky/moon 7 see, Harry Sivertsen, Ancient Indian Calendars, 3: Academia.edu e.g., if the new moon is in Ardra, 30 days later he appears in Pushya, 2 homes beyond. 7 place on the horizon throughout the year, stars that lie far from the celestial pole go through a period in which they are not seen in the night sky. After this period of invisibility, their first appearance is at dawn, rising just before the sun."8 “In autumn, the dipper appears to be sitting flat. In spring, the dipper is upside-down, spilling its contents. In summer, it sits upright on its bowl. In winter, it sits up on its handle.”9 Bound by ropes of wind to the celestial pole, circling stars mark out the hours of each night and the seasons of the year (see Swati #15). They also measure out 12 luni-solar months each containing about 3 Nakshatras. The first stars visible near the new moon at sunset name the Nakshatra. The full moon, 180 degrees and 15 days later, determines and names the twelve luni-solar months of the Vedic calendar. The full moon lies directly opposite the stars of the morning sky marking out the months of the Western calendar. Thus, unlike the Western calendar which concerns only the morning stars, the Vedic tradition is aware of stars opposing the sun as we move through both the months and the years. Clouds or the light of day often obscure the morning stars, so the full moon is a more accurate determination of these stars. The full moon is directly 180 degrees away from both the sun and the new moon. That is, when the Ashwini stars (Aries) first appear in the east with the sun of spring, the full moon joins Chitra (Spica) in Libra. Libra lies directly opposite Aries in the Zodiac. Thus, Aries heralds the Vernal Chaitra month of March/April. Conversely, autumn's full moon in Aries (Ashvini) signals the Ashvin month of the autumn sun in Libra (Chitra). 8 Fabio Silva, academia.edu/16769826/_Once_Upon_a_Time 9 http://blog.simulationcurriculum.com/articles/2015/5/13/finding-your-way-around-the-sky 8 While the Nakshatras are a lunar cycle, calendars also reflect the travels of the sun faithfully measuring out the seasons of each year. Unless occasionally adjusted to match the solar calendar, lunar calendars endlessly circle the seasons for 19 years before rejoining the sun in the original season. Measuring the four corners of the year, the sun migrates each year between two poles: the northern Tropic of Cancer reached on the Summer Solstice; and the southernmost point of the Tropic of Capricorn on the Winter Solstice. Tropic of Cancer a few miles from Rann of Kutch, Gujarat10 The great Saraswati flowing from the east, changing her banks several times before disappearing (c. 1800 BCE), once emptied into the delta at Kuch11 India’s luni-solar month is determined by the full moon entering the 12 zodiac signs (Northern calendars), or by the new moon (Southern calendars) entering the sign. Rising 15 days earlier, this causes a variation in the celebration of festivals. The Full moon directly opposite the sun, the Vedic calendar is opposite the Western Tropical calendar based on the morning sun. Stars in Cancer and Capricorn marked the Solstices when Aries and Libra once announced the Equinoxes (c. 2000 BCE). When the sun travelling the Ecliptic crosses the Celestial Equator, day and night are equal (Equinoxes). At the Equator the Equinox sun, on its Zenith (high noon) casts no shadows. In Vedic astrology gods and sages live in the north while the Yamas (demons and the dead) inhabit the southlands of winter. After winter's Solstice, after his southernmost journey, the sun 10 Tropic_of_Cancer Photo Superfast1111, CC. 11 Frawley, Gods, Sages & Kings (2003), 73. 9 moves north along the horizon toward summer. When he crosses the midway of the Spring Equinox, the path of his sinuous journey now lies north of the Equator. Every 19 years, sun moon and Mercury rejoin at these nodes among the original stars of the seasons (235 lunar months made up almost exactly 19 solar years). 10 III. MONTHS AND THEIR NAKSHATRAS Each Luni-solar month contains about three lunar homes, the Nakshatras. Each is ruled by a planetary Lord. While the western Zodiac simply follows the sun's path through the morning stars, the Vedic calendar is constantly aware of the oppositions of the sun and moon in determining the months. SPRING MONTHS OF NORTH INDIA (April/May) - SPRING EQUINOX A. CHAITRA MONTH (March 21-April 20) began when morning sun entered Aries opposite the Full Moon in Chitra (Libra). Due to the Precession, the Hindu month of Chaitra now begins when the sun is in Pisces, but Zero degrees Aries is still in Pisces (See #27 Revati, Eta Piscium): Identified as the First Point of Aries, the sun crossing this star begins a new solar year.12. 1. ASHVINI - The Horse Twins (00.00 to 13.20 Aries) KETU (south lunar node): rules 7 years: Ketu also rules Ashvini, Magha, and Mula STAR - El Sheratan & Mesarthim in Aries DEITY - Ashvini (Horse) Twins 2. BHARANI -The Bearing Star or Yoni (13.20-26.40 Aries) SHUKRA (Venus) for 20 years: Shukra also rules Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha STAR - 3 faint stars in womb shape DEITY - Yama, ruler of the dead B. VAISAKHA MONTH (April 21 - May 21) begins when the morning sun enters Taurus opposite the full moon in Vishaka (Scorpio), 3. KRITTIKA (The Cutters) -(26.40 Aries-10.00 Taurus) 12 www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Revati+(nakshatra) 11 SURYA (Sun) rules six years: Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha STAR - Includes Pleiades & Demon Star Algol DEITY - Agni (Fire) 4. ROHINI - The Red One, Brahmi, or Star of Ascent (10.00 – 23.20 Taurus) CHANDRA (Moon) rules ten years: Rohini, Hasta, and Shravana STAR - Red eye of Taurus DEITY - Brahma or Prajapati SUMMER MONTHS – SUMMER SOLSTICE C. JYAISTHA MONTH (May 22 - June 21) Morning sun enters Gemini opposite the full moon in Jyeshtha (Scorpio/Sagittarius) 5. MRIGASHIRA (AGRAHAYANI) - (23.20 Taurus-6.40 Gemini) MANGALA (Mars) rules 7 years: Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta STAR - Orion (Prajapati) & Sirius (Rudra/Shiva) DEITY - Chandra/Soma (challenged Prajapti for Rohini) 6. ARDRA - The Moist or Green One -(6.40 – 20.00 Gemini) RAINS BEGIN RAHU (north lunar node) rules 18 years: Ardra, Swati, Shatabhishak STAR - Betalgeuse as Rudra on R. shoulder of Orion DEITY - Rudra/Shiva MONSOON MONTHS (June until Fall) D. ASADHA MONTH (June 22 - July 22) begins when the morning sun enters Cancer opposite the full moon in Ashada (Capricorn). 7. PUNARVASU - Star of Renewal or Two Chariots (20.00 Gemini – 3.20 Cancer) GURU (Jupiter) rules 16 years: Punarvasu, Vishaka, Purva Bhadrapada STAR - Castor & Pollux associated with Agni (Fire) & Mother Aditi DEITY - Aditi, mother of all 12 8. PUSHYA or TISHYA -To Nourish (3.00 -16.40 Cancer) SHANI (Saturn) rules 19 years: Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada STAR - three faint stars in Cancer said to be cow's udder. DEITY - Jupiter (born under these stars) 9. ASHLESHA - The Clinging Star/The Embracer (16.40 - 30.00 Cancer) BUDHI (Mercury) rules 17 years: Ashlesha, Jyestha (Elder Sister), & Revati (End of an Era of Time) These three represent endings of various cycles. STAR - Naga/Hydra On the serpent's tail is Covus, the crow and raven. DEITY - Serpents (Nagas) E. SHRAVANA MONTH (July 23 -AUGUST 22) begins when the sun enters Leo opposite the full moon in Shravana (Aquarius). 10. MAGHA The Great One, The Bountiful - (00.00 Leo - 13.20 Leo) The Universe was born under the stars of Magh. KETU (South Lunar Node) STAR- Regulus (Little King) in Leo DEITY - The ancestors who dwell among these stars until reincarnate. 11. PURVA PHALGUNI - Front Feet of Marriage Bed (13.20 - 26.40 Leo) SHUKRA (Venus) STAR - Zosma ('girdle') (δ Leonis on lion's back) Shiva started his marriage procession after being awoken by Passion. His marriage follows in Uttara Phalgun #12. DEITY - Bhaga, god of wealth and marriage AUTUMN MONTHS (August/October) - FALL EQUINOX F. BHADRA MONTH (August 23 - September 22) begins with the morning sun in Virgo opposite the full moon in Bhadrapada (Pisces) 13 12. UTTARA PHALGUNI - Back Feet of Marriage Bed (26.40 Leo - 10.00 Virgo) SURYA (Sun) is the Lord of the second Phalgun STAR - Denebola ('tail of the lion') in Leo DEITY - Aryman, presides over marriages, family & children 13. HASTA - The Hand (10.00 Virgo - 23.20 Virgo) CHANDRA (the Moon) STAR - 5 stars to represent hand. Algorab (δ Corvi) is on R. wing of the Crow/Corvax. The Crow (or Raven) lies just south of constellation Virgo and sits on his enemy Hydra, the Water Snake (Ashlesha #9) DEITY - Savriti (Sun at junction of dawn). LATE AUTUMN MONTHS (October/December) G. ASVINI MONTH (September 23 - October 22) begins when the morning sun enters Libra opposite the full moon in Asvini (Aries). 14. CHITRA - The Shining Jewel, The Pearl - (23.20 Virgo – 6.40 Libra) MANGALA (Mars) STAR - Chitra is bright Spica held by Virgo DEITY - Tvastar or Vishvakarma, Craftsmen gods 15. SWATI (From Su-Ati 'Very Good') -(6.40 – 20.00 Libra) RAHU enemy of the sun is Lord, the sun being debilitated in Libra. STAR- Arcturus, the Guardian of the Bear, or the Keeper of the North DEITY - Vayu the wind whose ropes of wind turn the stars H. KARTIKA MONTH (October 23 -November 21) begins when the morning sun enters Scorpio opposite the full moon in Krittika (Pleiades near Taurus). The sun currently transits the precessed Scorpio approximately November 16 to December 15 (sidereal zodiac); 2000 BCE, mid-October to mid-November; c. 4000 BCE, mid-September to mid-October (Autumn Equinox). (Taurus; helical rising is opposite Scorpio) 14 16. VISHAKHA - Fork Shaped or RADHA (Gift) - (20.00 Libra - 3.20 Scorpio) Scorpius corresponds to the Nakshatras late Vishakha, Anuradha, & Jyestha. It is a compliment to Anuradha, the birth star of Surya BRIHASPATI (Jupiter) STAR – 4 Stars branching toward Scorpio Star of Purpose DEITY- Indra, Agni (Fire) 17. ANURADHA - Following Radha (3.20 - 16.40 Scorpio) SHANI (Saturn) STAR - 3 stars in Scorpio DEITY - Mitra ('friend', also 'binding oath' one of 12 names of the sun) He is also known as Mitra/Varuna. Mitra became associated with the light of dawn and the morning sun while Varuna becomes associated with evening, and ultimately the night. Anuradha is the birth star of Surya, the sun. 18. JYESHTHA - Elder Sister (16.40 - 30.00 Scorpio) BUDH (Mercury) STAR - Antares which some texts call Rohini, others, Jyestha DEITY - Indra, early storm god I. AGRAHAYANA MONTH (November 22 - December 21) begins when the morning sun enters Sagittarius opposite the full moon in Mrgashira (Agrahayana/Orion near Gemini). Dec. 21 is the last night of Sagittarius before the sun enters Capricorn (The Turning is now celebrated in January when the Precessed sun now enters Capricorn) 19. MULA - The Root (0.00 - 13.20 Sagittarius) The moon is debilitated in Mula. KETU (S. Lunar Node) STAR - Black hole in center of Galaxy, Galactic womb near Sagittarius A 15 DEITY - Nirriti (Calamity), also known as Alakshmi, fierce form of Kali. god of dissolution. A guardian of the directions, she rules the south of winter. 20. PURVA ASHADHA- Early Victory or Invincible One (13.20 - 26.40 Sagittarius) SHUKRA (Venus) STAR - Kaus Borealis & Kaus Australis of archer's bow. The stars dip into the river of the Milky Way and overlook the Lagoon Nebula. DEITY - Apah or Water as God, also Varuna (god of the ocean) WINTER MONTHS - WINTER SOLSTICE J. PAUSA MONTH (December 22 - January 20) begins when the morning sun enters Capricorn opposite the full moon in Pushya (Cancer). Last day of Sagittarius is the festival of the Makara, the turning of the Sun in Capricorn. On the WINTER SOLSTICE, the Sun turns from South and heads North along the horizon. The opposite month of Ashada announces the SUMMER SOLSTICE when the sun again turns, this time dying south. Due to the Precession, the Makara is now celebrated in January 21. UTTARA ASHADHA - Later Victory (27.40 Sagittarius - 10.00 Capricorn) SURYA (Sun) STAR - Vega & lower part of Lyre VEGA is sometimes depicted as a bird, along with the Eagle/Altair) A River of Stars separates Vega and Altair. DEITY - Vishvadevas (Sons of Dharma - laws of time & karma). 21.5 ABHIJIT - Victorious (28th nakshatra, not in use) Unlike the 27 wives of the moon, Abhijit is considered male. He is placed between the 21st and the 22nd wives. STAR - Vega (06° 40' to 10° 53' 40 in sidereal Capricorn, Capricorn i.e. from the last quarter of Uttara Ashadha to first part of Shravana ) 16 DEITY - Brahma - He manifests as the glowing star Vega. This is the only male among the moon's wives. 22. SHRAVANA - To Hear Star of Learning (10.00 - 23.20 Capricorn) CHANDRA (Moon) STAR - Three in the head of the Eagle (Altair): Altair with its two flanking stars, Beta and Gamma (Tarazed and Alshain), are the celestial footprints of Vishnu who spanned the Universe in 3 steps DEITY - Vishnu, Preserver of the Universe, resides among these stars. K. MAGHA MONTH (January 21-February) begins when the morning sun enters Aquarius opposite the full moon in Magha (Leo). 23. DHANISTHA -The Richest One (23.20 Capricorn - 6.40 Aquarius) MANGALA (Mars) STAR - small group in head of Dolphin (Sadalsuud - Luck of Lucks) & Beta Aquarii, Star on Left Shoulder of Water-pourer (Aquarius) pouring water into mouth of Southern Fish. Associated with rising of sun when India's winter has passed, period of gentle rain DEITY - 8 Vasus (means 'light' benefic'): Earth Gods giving wealth. 24. SHATABHISHA - 100 Healers (6.40-20.00 Aquarius) RAHU (North Lunar Node) STAR - (Formulhaut 'Mouth of the Southern Fish (alpha piscis) One of 4 Royal Stars guarding the cross of the ancient skies: Aldelbaran - vernal equinox (Watcher of the East), Regulus, summer solstice (North), Antares, Autumnal equinox (West), Formulhaut, Winter solstice (Watcher of the South) DEITY - Varuna, guardian of Natural Law, water and the Celestial Ocean. He rides Capricorn's Makara (sea dragon). 25. PURVA BHADRAPADA - Front Legs of Deathbed or Former Happy Feet (20'00 Aquarius- 3'20 Pisces) It includes the Square as a gambling board. 17 Great Square of Pegasus was a resting place for the moon on his journey through the sky. GURU (Jupiter) STAR - STAR - 2 main stars in Square of Pegasus (Markab/alpha Pegasi) Pegasus may derive from a weather god of thunder & lightning. DEITY - Ajaikapada (One footed goat, form of Rudra/Shiva) SPRING MONTHS (which will return to the Chaitra month) L. PHALGUNA MONTH (February-March 20) 26. UTTARA BHADRAPADA -Latter Happy Feet' (3.20 - 16.40 Pisces) SHANI (Saturn) STAR - Warrior Star of Algenib on tip of wing of Pegasus (gamma pegasi, The Flank) & alpha Persei (Mirfak /elbow) DEITY - Ahir Budhnya the Dragon of the Deep 27. REVATI -CAUSE TO THRIVE, WEALTHY (16.40 - 30.00 Pisces) BUDH (Mercury) STAR - η Piscium (Eta Piscium) is the brightest star of Pisces. DEITY - Pushan the Nourisher offers guidance on one’s path and brings prosperity with him. His Symbol is a drum for keeping time. Pisces is the final and last zodiac sign. As Revati, it is the last Mansion the moon visits each month on his cycle around the sky. 4000 years ago, the sun rose in Pisces mid-February to mid-March when each new cycle began at the Spring Equinox. It now passes the sign mid-March to mid-April. 18 IV. THE 27 HOMES OF THE MOON, THE NAKSHATRAS ASHVINI - El Sheratan & Mesarthim of the Ram (00"00 to 13"20 Aries) Hamal ('Head of the Ram) once marked the Vernal Equinox, followed by the Twins of Sheratan & Mesarthim in Aries 300 years later.13 Lord - KETU (south lunar node): rules 7 years: Rules Ashvini, also Magha and Mula. Planets cited at the beginning of each Nakshatra, the 'Lords' of the Mansion, determine astrological cycles of the person born under the Nakshatra. Each Lord ruling a given period; the total covers the 120 years allotted a human life. STAR - The Ashvini Twins, also known as the Star of Transport, lies directly opposite Chitra/Libra. The Sun is exalted (his most powerful position) at 10 degrees Aries. During the Vernal Equinox c. 2000 BCE, the dawn sun rose in Aries. Six months later, the Horse Twins rose along with the evening's Full Moon of Autumn. This continual theme of opposites must be considered as we explore each luni-solar month of the Hindu year. 13 http://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/hamal-ancient-equinox-star 19 The moon, sun, and planetary deities travel through or reside in these homes. Although there are other orders of the Moon's Mansions, I am using the Classical cycle beginning with Ashvini as best reflecting stories written when the horses of Aries ruled the Equinoxes. As the Moon's first home, the Star of Transport once marked the intersection between summer and winter. This is the fall of the Year when Day loses his battle with the Dark. Dying toward the south, each day now grows shorter. Ketu the descending node, the moon’s south node as lord of the first home, is the tail of a sinuous dragon. The Dragon was cut in half to prevent him from drinking Soma's nectar churned at Creation. As we pass this node on the Fall Equinox, we cross the Celestial Equator to begin the sun’s descent south. The luni-solar month of Asvin begins September 23. The dawning sun rises in Chitra (Libra) and at sunset, the full moon opposite the sun lies among the Asvini (Aries). Shining in the constellation of Aries, the Horse Twins are the first bright evening stars after the sun's exit from Virgo into Libra. Due to the implacable Precession, Ashvini began replacing the stars of Pleiades (Krittika #3) c. 2000 BCE.14 Note: The 27 Nakshatras circle continuously through the months. The entrance of the full moon into each zodiac sign determines the luni-solar month. Stars rising with the Spring (and Fall) Equinox sun begin calendar cycles that have been periodically readjusted over the millennia mandated by the Precession of these stars. Some traditions begin the Wheel of Time in spring; others transport us into the New Year of fall.15 When the morning sun enters Libra, 15 days later the full moon opposite the sun rises with the Twins marking the Ashvin month of fall. The Western Zodiac, 180 degrees and six months opposite the spring stars, marks fall by Libra's morning stars rather than by the full moon in Aries. On the 14 Frawley, Gods, Sages, states Krittika were still the first home 1760 BCE, 158. 15 Ancient Israel celebrated the New Year of Spring; The Kingdom of Judah celebrated the New Year (Rosh HaShanah) in fall. Judah surviving after the fall of Israel, her calendar tradition continued. 20 Autumn Equinox, day and night once balanced on Libra's scales before sliding into the dark of winter. In astrology, the dying sun is weak, is debilitated in Libra. The sun having passed Ketu's descending node now travels south toward the dark of the Winter Solstice (Tropic of Capricorn). Ashvini's Divine Twins, sometimes represented as humans with the heads of horses, were ‘Born of a Female Horse’. Their mother is Saranyu (Sanjna), first wife of the sun Surya. Saranyu, a dark goddess of the Clouds was the daughter of Tvashta (discussed below, Chitra #14). Tvashta, the celestial architect of the universe, his home is in Libra directly opposite his grandsons. Before her marriage, the Cloud Goddess meditated for many years before joining the fierce sun. The sun's powers are strongest (exaltation) in 10 degrees Aries. Still unable to bear his intense heat, Saranyu left her shadow (Chaya) behind and fled her marriage. The unwitting sun had children with Chaya. Among these children is Shani, the dark planet Saturn. In Western astronomy the Shadow names one of the moons circling the be-ringed Saturn.16 Two other children are Tapti, personification of river Tapti, and a son Savarni Manu. This Manu will be the next and eighth Manu (progenitor of mankind) after the ending of the current cycle. The goddess of the Tapti was ancestress of the Kuru ((c. 1200 – c. 850 BCE), the first Vedic state. Daughter of the sun, her son was king Kuru. The Kuru kingdom provided the legends growing into the Mahabharata epic. The Kurushetra was established on the banks of the Sarasvati and here the battle of the Mahabharata was fought.17 When he realized the deception, the Sun went searching for his true wife. Saranyu having taken the form of a mare, he joined her as a stallion to produce the Ashwini. Among their attributes, 16 In this tradition, she is named Skade/Shadow, dark goddess of the Norse. 17 Āryabhaṭīya (5th century CE), uses astronomical calculations to determine the date of the Battle of Kurukshetra as 18 February 3102 BCE. This date became traditional and is still widely cited in Hindu literature. 21 the horse twins are divine physicians, adept in healing, medicine, counseling, and all other allied disciplines.18 They created the herbal Chyawanprash to rejuvenate an aging sage in exchange for a taste of Soma, the elixir of life. According to the hymn (RV. 10.85) the Twins also symbolize sunrise and sunset. First appearing at sunset in the spring and rising with the full moon in the fall of the year, they travel by a golden car. They are both the first light before the sun appears, and the red glow after he sets. Ashwini Kumaras19 IMPORTANT FESTIVALS IN ASVINI -September 23 - October 22 Fall, after the summer rains end, was the season for waging war. In ancient China, the Emperor's proper actions insured the turning of the seasons. In the ninth month: "The son of Heaven...teaches how to use the five weapons of war and the rules for management of horses." This being the season to travel toward the Underworld, the emperor also "eats hemp seeds."20 18 In Western mythology, the centaur (horse man) is also a healer. 19 Ashwini_Kumaras-jpg Carly bertn, CC 20 James Legge, trans, (Yueh Ling), Li Chi, NY University, 1967, 292-294 Horses, like Trojan horses, were important in early wars. Mars sometimes wears a horse head. 22 In India, kings turned loose a white horse in September-October, following it until it brought them to another king’s territory.21 The king could expand his realm by conquering anywhere the horse might wander. After a year, if no army had defeated the king's warriors, the horse was brought home and sacrificed. In Vedic India of the Kurus, spring in the full moon of Vishakha (#16, 20°00′ Libra-to 3°20′ Scorpio) was the season to sacrifice the white horse (Ashvamedha) in a great fire ceremony.22 Lying by the stallion, the queen accompanied by 3 lesser wives, was then (symbolically) impregnated.23 Note: the actual timing of the Sacrifice is somewhat obscure and may reflect calendar changes. The ceremony took a year to perform. If the sacrifice was held in spring, it may, like the Durga Puja, have been later moved to fall. Romans, another Indo-European people, sacrificed their October Horses in the fall. NAVRATRI - Among the stories and deities celebrated during the passage of the sun and moon through the sky is that of the archer Rama and his wife Sita (The Ramayana). He is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The new moon after the Equinox of fall announces the martial festival of the Navratri. Held the first nine days of the bright (waxing) fortnight of the Ashvini month of September/October, it celebrates Durga, Mother of the Vedas in her nine different forms. Lord Rama invoked Durga before going to war with the demon king. Durga Puja follows on the 10th day. 21 22 Great Britain Imperial Records, Feasts of the Hindus, 1914, 20-26. https://books.google.com/books?id=AV0AAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA326&lpg=PA326&dq=visakha+and+ashv amedha&source 23 Roberto Calasso, Ka (1998), Vintage, 1999 23 Ram had won Sita in an archery contest. His giant bow of stone still lies in the jungles of Nepal north of Sita's home in Janakpur.24 Ravana kidnapped Sita ('furrow'), the 'earthborn' wife of Ram and hidden her in his labyrinth. After her kidnapping, in the ninth month after the Winter Solstice, Ram woke the sleeping Durga-Kali seeking her help. Durga was originally worshipped in spring. Because of her aid to Ram, her festival celebrated as a novena was moved to fall. She is worshipped in the form of a bundle of nine healing twigs.25 VJIJAYA DASHAMI (Victory on the 10th), also known as the Dasara or Durga Puja, is celebrated after the nine days of Navarati. These celebrations include processions to a river or ocean front that carry clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, after which the images are immersed into the water for dissolution. Elsewhere, on Dasara, effigies of the defeated Ravana are burnt. Twenty days after the Dasara, the triumphant Festival of Lights is celebrated. The festival also includes honoring the Shami or Banni mara tree (Prosopis cineraria). Historically among the warrior Rajputs, the high priest and king performed the worship and then liberated a jay, the sacred bird of Lord Rama. In the Mahabharata, Rama’s family the Pandavas were exiled by Rama’s stepmother. They spent their thirteenth year of exile in disguise in the kingdom of Virata. Before going to Virata, they hung their celestial weapons in this tree for safe keeping for a year. When they returned after a year, they found their weapons safe in the branches. Before taking the weapons, they worshipped the tree and thanked it for keeping their weapons safe.26 On the 10th day, the Dasara, horses are worshipped with fragrant Champa flowers (Michelia champaka). The Horse twins' attributes including healing, Champa trees "possess highly medicinal 24 The role of the pricks of March fertilizing earth's moist furrows is widespread. 25 Great Britain Imperial Records, Feasts & Holidays of the Hindus, 1914, 20-26. 26 Babu N.M. Ganesh (2 May 2017). "Tree that hid Pandavas' weapons when they were in exile". The New Indian Express 24 properties. Leaf extract and seeds extracts have fungicidal and antibacterial properties respectively. [...] detoxifies poison, worm infestation, increase digestive power, diuretic, and cures fever. Flowers [cure] skin disease such as leprosy and ulcers."27 Each Nakshatra is not only associated with the Wheeling stars of Time, each is also represented by 27 trees. In fall the sun, unlike Rama, is losing his battle for the light of day and dying south. The tree representing this Nakshatra of demons, wars and death is the highly poisonous Strychnine Plant.28 27 http://drvidyahattangadi.com/the-champa-flower/#.WIoQFbYrJ-U 28 giftingtrees.blogspot.com/2012/03/nakshatra-is-forever.html 25 2. BHARANI (The Bearing Star) -13.20-26.40 Aries Lord -SHUKRA (Venus) rules 20 years: Bharani, also Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha STAR - Three representing a Yoni (woman's vagina), also Almach in Andromeda DEITY - Yama, ruler of the Underworld, another of Shadow’s (Chaya) children The summer rains now end, and cold weather begins. India's Monsoon or rainy season lasts from late June to September. For those not heading off for war, it is time to plant the seeds of a new generation.The second Mansion, denoted by a triad of faint stars, is known as both the Star of Restraint and the ‘Bearing Star'. Bharani, ruled by Venus, represents the female sexual organ (Yoni), the doorway to another world. As a Yoni (Vagina), Bharani takes the seed of the dead into her womb until they can sprout again. In India, after the summer rains end, it is time to plant. The dark moon of this month travels the Underworld. As new moon, he will be reborn into the light of the third day. As the Lord of this home Venus is one with the knowledge that raises the dead back to life. Shukra29 The tree for this Nakshatra is the Amla, the Myrobalan held by the Medicine Buddha, the Phyllanthus emblica. Created from drops of Soma spilled during the Churning of the Milk Ocean, 29 Shukra from the 1842 book The Complete Hindoo Pantheon by E. A. Rodrigues, Public Domain. 26 Lord Vishnu is said to live in this tree. Offering its medicinal qualities in every part of the plant, it composes part of the Chyawanprash medicine the Asvini created to renew an aged sage. Among the stars of autumn, the sun continues to descend toward winter's death. Yama, ruler of the dead, has his home in the stars of Bharani. Yama and his twin Yamuna are among the children of the Cloud Goddess Chaya and the sun (see Ashwini). In this part of sky are “the waters that carry things away" - Apa-bharani. Souls transit here when they die, guided by Yama to Otherworld. As Star of Restraint, Yama is associated with Saturn whose attributes include leaden restriction. Bharani includes the star Almach in left foot of Andromeda. 30 Almach thought to be one of the most beautiful objects in the heavens is a golden-yellow star next to an indigo-blue star. Yama, an avatar of Saturn, wears golden clothes. His vehicle (or the form he can assume) is a blue bull. Yama's helpers include Time (Kala) as well as Anger and Disease. Helping the dead enter the Otherworld, Yama's priest is Agni, Fire himself (R.V. 10.14). Yama-Saturn was once king of a Golden Age. As Yama, he welcomed the dead into his Palace, a golden pleasure dome. The world becoming darker with age, he now rules a realm composed of 13 hells. He is debilitated, weakened in this home of Aries. Still, as judge of the Underworld, he directs the dead to the correct hell, to one of seven heavens, or even return them to earth. 30 Roberto Mura, Creative Commons 27 Yama associated with Saturn, followed by his two dogs, was the first man to die. Giant Orion, also followed by his dogs, is another form of Saturn. "Saturnus has been another title [for Orion]."31 A River of Stars flows past his feet on the way toward the womb of the Galaxy (Galactic Center). Yama’s wife/sister/twin is Yami, the River Yamuna who preceded him into the Underworld. SOME FESTIVALS UNDER THE MOON OF BHARANI KUMBHA MELA -The Yamuna physically flows down from the Himal to join the Ganges at Allahabad as a Triveni Sangam. The third river is the (invisible) Saraswati. A Kumbha Mela is held here every 12 years, the year determined by the cycles of Jupiter, sun, and moon. When Soma was churned from the Milk Ocean, four drops fell from the cup (Kumbha) into 4 rivers. Every 12 years one of the rivers turns into nectar and bathing in the waters frees one from death's torments. At Allahabad the Mela occurs when Jupiter is in Aries (Bharani), the sun and moon in Capricorn. At the Winter Solstice, formerly in Capricorn ruled by Saturn, the sun reverses from the southern standstill of winter's death; Reborn he heads north toward summer.32 Daksha's youngest daughter, Sati, married Shiva against his wishes. He then insulted Shiva by not inviting him to a great fire ceremony, the Ashvamedha, Sati placed herself in the fire, becoming the first to commit Sati. An aspect of dark Kali, she is the blue flame emerging from the first Fire Ceremony. In his grief, Shiva danced his dance of death and destruction, invoking Bhadrakali, the most fierce aspect of the goddess. He then carried Sati's body until Vishnu, to stop the grieving, cut her into 52 pieces with his Wheel of Time (Sundarshana Chakra). The sites these 31 Allen, Star Names (1899), 1963, 308. 32 http://www.kumbhamela.net/ 28 pieces fell became the Shakti Peethas, pilgrimage sites for her worship. Her Yoni (Bharani) landed in Asaam (see Ardra #6, the 'moist one'). 29 3. KRITTIKA (The Cutters) - 26.40 Aries-10.00 Taurus Lord - SURYA (Sun) rules six years: Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha STAR - Includes the Pleiades and the Demon Star Algol DEITY - Agni, fire (represented by Algol) "On the 1st of Ayaru the Pleiades become visible." (MUL.APIN ii 38) By Babylonian times, the moon nearing the Pleiades in the solar month of April/May (Ayaru) portended eclipses. "Ishtar plots the eclipse of the moon (Sîn), at that time, the Seven of them were evil gods who were whirling about in the base of heaven, they kept circling furiously in front of the crescent moon."33 Lunar eclipses only occur during the full moon, solar eclipses during the new moon which is visible on the third day of the lunar cycle. The moon can also occult the Pleiades during a comparatively brief period. Pleiades "can be occulted only when the ascending node of the Moon's orbit is in the Pisces-to-Sagittarius part of the ecliptic."34 This situation repeats every 6798 days, the time required for the ascending node to complete one complete circuit of the ecliptic (6798 /365.25= 18.6 years (max declination of moon period). 18.6 is also the number of years for a lunar or solar eclipse to occur in the same area of the sky. The moon’s strongest exaltation is 3 degrees Taurus. The first two days of the lunar month belong to the dark moon. Two days (and two Nakshatras later) the moon enters Krittika. Only now has the moon separated enough from the sun to be visible in the west. The Moon being born among the stars of the Pleiades, after the third day, the first baby crescent appears just after sunset along with the Pleiades. 33 Evil Spirits, quoted L.Verderame, Pleiades in Ancient Mesopotamia, 4, Academai.edu 34 http://www.space.com/1830-moon-hide-beautiful-star-cluster.html 30 Pleiades35 FESTIVALS IN THE MONTH Of KARTIKA (October 23-November 21) DIWALI -The Pleiades once marked the Equinoxes before being replaced by the Ashvini. The Seven Sisters having shifted backwards in the sky now appear in the west after sunset as the Scorpion rises in the east. This is the season of Kartika (October 23). The dark of the new moon rising among the Pleiades signals Diwali when lights of fire are sent sailing down the river. After fourteen years of exile, after defeating the demon and rescuing Sita, Rama (seventh avatar of Vishnu) and Sita return home greeted by firelights. The various days of the festival include lighting lamps, drawing designs (rangoli), festival for Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and luxury, and finally the Govardhan puja. GOVARDHAN PUJA is celebrated on the day after Divali. The Monsoon rains end this time of year. Krishna defeated the stormy Indra's rain and floods by holding a hill over the villagers in Vridivan, near Krishna's birthplace in Uttar Pradesh. Vrindavan is the tulsi, holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). The two main plants are green-leaved Shri Lakshmi and purple-leaved Krishna tulasi (See Marriage of Lakshmi and Krishna as Tulasi below). 35 Pleiades NASA/ESA/AURA/Caltect, Public Domain 31 Krishna holding Govardhan hill36 When the gods churned the Milk Ocean, Dhanvantari, god of Ayurveda medicine, appeared out of the waters with the elixir Amrit for the gods. The divine healer, shed happy tears, and when the first drop fell into the Amrit, it formed the tulasi (Holy Basil). His birthday is celebrated two days before Diwali. CHHATH - is an ancient festival celebrated during Kartika six days after Diwali to honor Sita and Ram. After Sita-Ram returned to her father's home of Janakpur (now in Nepal), they worshipped both the setting sun and his wife, the rosy dawn. A fast period, sages were said to take nourishment directly from the sun. Besides the Sun, another fiery god is associated with the Krittikas. Six stars among the Pleiades (Krittika) were foster mothers to another warrior. Kartikeya ('One Who Cuts') is a warrior son of Shiva. Nursing from each of his six mothers, he grew six heads. Reputed to have no interest in women: "This is almost singular, as all other Hindu gods are associated with one or more women, be they goddesses or otherwise."37 Karttikeya is thus known as Kumar, a 'bachelor'. 36 Smithsonian Institute, Attribute Mola Ram, Public Domain 37 Sumanta Sanyal, Encyclopedia Mythica 32 Some texts give him Devasena ('army of the gods') as wife. Demanding a fierce warrior as her husband. Agni was chosen to help father Karttikeya. He caught the burning seed ejaculated by Shiva in a moment of passion. Agni carried the fiery seed to water where the glowing child was found and nursed by six Pleiades. The parents of Agni as “two kindling fire sticks, whose loving action creates him. Just born, he is poetically presented as a tender baby, who needs loving attention lest he vanishes. With care, he sparks and smokes, then flames and grows stronger than his parents, finally so strong that he devours what created him."38 The wood of the fire sticks chosen to kindle to flame comes from the Pipal, the constantly flickering Ficus religiosa. Agni, Fire himself, is the high priest aiding Yama transport the dead to the Otherworld. His star is the head of the demon star Algol in the constellation Perseus near the Pleiades. Every 68.75 hours its light dims rather suddenly for several hours before returning just as quickly to its former brightness. Algol is called the Winking Demon Star because of this light variation. Best seen (like the Pleiades) in the evening sky from autumn to spring, Algol is visible in the northeast sky in autumn, high overhead in winter, and swings to the northwest sky by spring. Modern-day astronomy discovered Algol 'the 'Head of the Ghoul' is an eclipsing binary star.39 Two stars revolve around each other. When the dimmer of the two stars swings in front of the brighter star, Algol dims. Svaha, yet another daughter of Daksha, fell in love with Agni, but the Fire ignored her. Presiding over sacrifices for the Seven Sages (stars of the Big Dipper), Agni had become enamored with their beautiful wives. When the unhappy Agni, ignored by the wives, withdrew to the forests, 38 39 Stephanie W. Jamison; Joel P. Brereton (2014). The Rigveda. Oxford University Press, 41–42. http://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/algol-the-demon-star 33 Svaha followed him, tempting him in the disguise of six wives of the Sages.40 Eventually becoming Agni's wife, whenever Agni appears at a sacrifice his devoted wife is also present and, svāhā is chanted. She and Agni are present at each Hindu marriage. MARRIAGE FESTIVALS AND THE PLEIADES Although Agni's six-headed son is celibate, marriage and marital happiness arrive with the stars of this season. At Kartika's bright moon (October/November) the golden goddess Lakshmi, manifesting as a Tulsi plant, is married to the darkly beautiful Krishna. This day marks the end of the four-month period considered inauspicious for weddings. The annual marriage season now begins as sun enters Scorpio by day, opposite the Pleiades rising at sunset. Only six Pleiades are visible to the naked eye. One of the seven sisters left to join her husband among the stars of Ursa Major. Arundhatī is the wife of Vashistha ('Most excellant'), a star in Ursa Major. She was the only wife Svaha could not imitate. She manifests both as the morning star and as Alcor, a double star with Mizar (the sage Vashistha). Mizar is the second star from the end of the Big Dipper's handle; Alcor his companion. Arundhati has the same status as the seven seers and is also worshipped. Mizar and Alcor41 40 Ions, Veronica, Indian Mythology,Paul Hamlyn, 1967, 18 34 As a faithful married couple, they symbolize marriage. Even Agni was not able to separate them, nor could Svaha take this form to seduce Agni. In some communities, priests conducting a wedding point out the constellation as a symbol. "When [the bride] has seen the Pole star, the star Arundhati and the seven sages, let her break her silence and say, 'may my husband live and may I secure offspring'."42 The Tree chosen for the Nakshatra of the Pleiades Cluster is the Cluster Fig (Ficus racemosa). Fitting as a symbol of the sharp cutting Krittikas and burning Agni, the fruit is home to swarming, stinging wasps. 41 ESO Online Digitized Sky Survey 42 Classical Hinduism, Mariasusai Dhavamony, 182 Goggle books. 35 4. ROHINI - The Red One, Brahmi, or Star of Ascent 10"00 - 23"20 Taurus Lord - CHANDRA (Moon) rules ten years: Rohini, Hasta, and Shravana The moon's strongest placement (exaltation) is in Taurus. STAR - Aldebaran, the red eye of Bull represents Rohini43 DEITY - Brahma or Prajapati Brahmi (c. 300 BCE), the early script’s symbol for syllable 'Ma'. A similar cow-head writes numeral four in the Devanagari script derived from Brahmi. Brahmi, feminine form of Brahma, is also known as the goddess Saraswati. Her puja celebrates children learning the alphabet. Rohini is the favorite wife of Moon; he is exalted in her home. Representing the creative energies of the universe, this home is a fertile nakshatra. Her father Prajapati, the creator god, also resides here. Daksha-Prajapati wed 27 of his 60 daughters to the moon. Infatuated by the beauty of fragrant Rohini, Chandra spent most time with her, ignoring the other daughters. The infuriated Prajapati also lusting after his daughter cursed the moon to wither away. But on this, the fourth day of the lunar month, the growing moon continues to wax with exaltation among her stars. 43 Photo CC, Til Credner, author. 36 In some stories the rosy dawn as Rohini rather than Tara mothered an enlightened Budha (Mercury). Mercury's symbol, like his mother, is a bovine ☿. And like his mother, Budha is associated with numeral four, naming the fourth day of each week (Budhvar, Mercredi). The association of numerical myths to personages is not by chance. As Hermes/Mercury, his planetary cycle of 88 days around the sky quarters the earth every 22 days (88/4=22), and four passages occur each lunar cycle (4x88=352). Further, his synodic cycle of 119 days (sunrise to sunrise) rejoins the sun every seven years: 365.25 x7=2556.75. Divided by 119=21.58. As tricky god of numbers and letters, he controls all circles: 22/7= π (pi). Like Brahmi, Mercury (Budh) is associated with the invention of the written script. While there are multitudes of buddhas, the historical Buddha took seven steps after born on a full moon in May (luni-solar month of Jyaistha, home of the full moon when the morning star rises in Rohini). The Buddha's mother was a great magic: Maha Maya. Opposite Rohini Jyestha is the "Eldest Sister'. Rohini may have led the Nakshatras in an earlier calendar, rising on the Vernal Equinox (c. 3054 BCE. Replaced by the Pleiades c. 2240 BCE, and finally by the Ashvini heading the Moon's homes since medieval times.44 Mercury, the psychopomp in some traditions, stands at the Gateways endings and beginnings. He lords over of three Nakshatras of endings: Ashlesha (Intersection between Moon/Cancer & Sun/Leo), Jyestha (Elder Sister) & Revati (End of an Era of Time). Rohini's star Aldebaran is also known as the Star of Ascent. When the sun travelling toward summer passes the Equinox, his path is now above the Celestial Equator. On the horizon, he moves visibly north of the Equinox midpoint. Lovely Rohini is a partial incarnation of Surabhi, mother of all cows. Surabhi meaning fragrant, charming, pleasing, as well as cow and earth, can specifically 44 Frawley, Gods, Sages, and Kings, 178ff. 37 refer to the divine cow as the mother goddess Kamadhenu. She is also known as Sabala ("the spotted one") and Kapila ("the red one") and is incarnated as the consort of Vasudeva. India's ancient gods shift names and reappear as reincarnations or even partial reincarnations of earlier deities. Vasudeva is a partial reincarnation of Kasyapa, (one of the seven sages circling the North Star. Associated with this motherly Nakshatra, he wrote a classic of Ayurvedic pediatrics, gynecology, and obstetrics. Daksha, along with the 28 wives of the moon, had yet another thirteen daughters married to Kasyapa, Kashmir in the Himalayas being named after him. The Mahabharata of the Kurus describes Surabhi arising from the churning of the cosmic ocean when gods and demons sought to acquire Soma, the elixir of life. As such, she is regarded as the offspring of both beings. Emerging out of the Milk Ocean she was given to the seven sages of the Dipper stars, her cows providing the milk, and clarified butter necessary for ritual fire-sacrifices. Rohini's husband Vasudeva had another wife, Devaki. After the wedding of Devaki and Vasudeva, a divine voice predicted the death of Devaki's evil brother Kansa at the hand of "the eighth son of Devaki". Kansa then resolved to kill all their children. He imprisoned the couple and killed her first six children. Slow moving Saturn, brother (or avatar) of Yama, ruler of death, enters Rohini every 30 years. "This is one of the most dreaded transits of the kings and their kingdoms. The scriptures say "Kings will die and kingdoms will fall when Shani (Saturn) enters Rohini"45 When Devaki found herself pregnant for a seventh time, the unborn child was transferred to the womb of Rohini and born as Balarama. Rohini is the birth Nakshatra of Krishna, eighth child of Devaki. Secretly moved to Gokula immediately after birth. Rohini moved there to watch over her beloved stepson. Gokul, childhood home of Krishna, was on the banks of the Yamuna River. In time, Krishna indeed killed 45 http://saieditor.com/fourth/? 604 38 his evil uncle and released his parents. Balarama eventually married Revati (last Nakshatra) after her waiting eons for his birth. 39 5. MRIGASHIRA (AGRAHAYANI) - (23"20 Taurus - 6"40 Gemini) "Agrahāyaṇa is the month of Ayana or Equinox (agra=first + ayana = travel of the sun, equinox). The aligning of this name with the Mrigashira Nakshatra (lambda orionis) gives rise to speculation that this name was given when the sun was near Orion at the time of vernal equinox, around 7000 years ago."46 This is even earlier than the calendar beginning with Rohini. Around 10,000 BCE, the Nakshatra owned by the Creator god announced the Winter Solstice among the stars of a lost Golden Age. The Sun now begins to turn toward summer’s rebirth. Lord - MANGALA (Mars) rules 7 years: Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta STAR - Orion's head representing the ancient Creator god Prajapati. As Mrigashira, they are the Head (shira) of a Deer/Antelope (marga), a form Prajapati assumed. 47 Mrigashira, the stars in the head of Orion DEITY - Soma the Moon, deity of this Nakshatra, challenged Mrigashira-Daksha (Orion) for Rohini. Lusting after Rohini, most beautiful of his daughters, Orion pursued her in the form of a swift 46 https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/agrahayana 47 Photo, Ted Credner, own work, Allthesky.com, CC 40 antelope. To save her from incest, Shiva-Rudra as the star Sirius shot him with an arrow. Crashing to earth, the unity of the Universe Prajapati once upheld was destroyed. Long ago Giant Orion, the River of Stars running past his feet toward the Galactic Center, touched earth on the Solstices and later the Equinoxes. Knocked from his position ruling the crossroads of time, he no longer connected the corners of Earth and Sky. His Road of Stars removed from the year's four corners, the Giant no longer descended to mingle with men. Milky way touching earth48 As the first to perform the great fire sacrifice (Ashvamedha), the sacrifice itself "figures as a double of Prajapati. Actually Prajapati/yajna symbolizes the (old world) which Rudra brings to an end. Thus, he already has the role of Hindu Shiva as the destroyer of the world."49 The stars forming a diagonal below the Orion’s Belt is his Sword with all its overtly phallic associations. The patch of light is the Orion Nebula visible to the naked eye on clear nights. Stories about Orion often include his wound to his thigh (Prajapati) or penis (Egypt's Osiris as Orion). The cloud of swirling stars in the sword of Orion may once have had a visible explosion of a supernova. However, the potent sword still actively produces new stars. Rudra is same as Agni, and Uma is same as Svaha. Shiva's consort golden Uma, emerging from the ashes of Sati, is reborn under these stars. That is, in the constant recreation and recycling of 48 Photo, Black Rock Desert Nevada Steve Jurvetson author CC 49 www.academia.edu/25272146/Parpola_Asko_2016._Rudra327. 41 gods and their stories, Svaha, wife of Agni present at every fire sacrifice, is also Uma and equally Shiva's Sati reborn after immolating herself in the fires of Prajapati's first sacrifice. The arrow of Sirius is Mrgavyadha the 'deer hunter' avatar of Rudra/Shiva. Among the Norse who also performed horse sacrifices, Sirius was known as Lokabrenna (Loki's torch). When Rudra shot down Prajapati, the toppling of this giant destroyed the Universe. The actions of Loki, trickster god of the Norse, caused Ragnarok the destruction of the northern world, which toppled the World Tree. Like glowing Rudra's association with fire (Agni), Loki is literally a Wildfire parented by dry leaves (Laufey) and hard striking lightning (Farbauti). Note: the sacrifice of the Ashvamedha includes three fireplaces, recalling the three stars of Orion's belt. Among the Mayans of Mesoamerica, the end of the previous world occurred when the three hearthstones of Orion changed their position. The hearth being the center of both the world and home, three stones are still arranged in a triangle to support their cooking pots. Rudra appears as the ruddy color red. In Astrology, Sirius also has attributes of the red planet Mars, Lord of this Nakshatra. When Mars ♂, another archer dealing out war and death, conjuncts Sirius, these attributes are intensified. "On the Ascendant and with Mars combined, Sirius can be quite dangerous."50 In addition to deadly Sirius, directly across the sky lie the stings and arrows of Scorpio and Sagittarius also pointing their killing arrows toward Orion. Orion, also known as Osiris and Saturn, once ruled a Golden Age before being overthrown. The Galactic Age of 2012, rather than marking the end of another world, realigned the Womb of the sky (Scorpio/Sagittarius, the root stars of Mula #19) on the Winter Solstice with the Milky Way 50 http://astrologyking.com/fixed-star-sirius/ 42 joining and opposing Orion/Gemini. We are now returning toward the stars of the lost Golden Age (c. 10,000 BCE), the total cycle of the Precession taking c. 25,000 years. Orion rising just before dawn in late July, Sirius follows a couple of weeks later. After setting in the west, 70 days later Orion is reborn into the night sky where he is visible most of the winter. Although Orion, located near Leo and Gemini, is south of the Ecliptic, he is still affected by the Precession and thousands of years from now will wander the summer rather than winter skies Sirius, on the other hand, while inscribing its own stately circle about the Galaxy, has been only minimally affected by the Precession. During thousands of years in ancient Egypt she appeared in mid-July to announce the Nile Floods. Even today, another 2000 years passing, she rises early August.51 As a ruler of time, Sirius has a 365.25-day year, far more accurate than our current solar calendar.52 This steady calendar star is a fitting symbol to represent Shiva/Rudra as Mahakala. Wearing the seasons as his garments, he is Great Time himself. FESTIVALS IN MRIGASHIRA (also AGRAHAYANA November 22-December) The first month of the winter season begins with the sun's entrance into Scorpio. It occurs on either the new moon or the full moon around the same time of year. The luni-solar month now falling in November/December is determined by the full moon in the stars of Orion while the sun lies opposite in Scorpio. BHAIRAVA ASTAMI - The darkest day of winter falling at the end of this month, dark Shiva appeared in his fierce avatar as Kalabhairava during the darkening half of this month (Krishna Paksha). 51 skyandtelescope.com/observing/a-real-scorcher-sirius-at-heliacal-rising/ 52 Christine Irigaray, academia.edu/33491549/The_Great_Clock_-3-_The_Sirian_Year 43 The Kuru, descended from the river Tapti born from the union of the Sun and his Shadow Wife, were described above. The Tapti was ancestress of the Kuru) the first Vedic state (c. 1200 – c. 850 BCE). Their stories appear in the legends growing into the Mahabharata epic. The clan fought with the Pandvas whose warrior inspired the Bhagavagita. Pandavas, relatives of the Kuru clan, included the brother Nakula, son of the Aswini Twins. Out on raiding trips after the barley harvest, they returned home before the next rainy season to plough. War expeditions began the season of Margashira when roads dry after the Monsoon rains. VIVAH PANCHAMI - (one of the dates given for Sita and Rama's marriage) is a festival celebrating the wedding of Rama and Sita, the great warrior of the Ramayana epic. It is observed on the fifth day of the waxing phase of moon. Illustration of Hindu epic Ramayana depicting Ashwamedha by Sahib Din (1652)53 Kausalya, Lord Rama's mother. is depicted slaying the horse (left) and lying beside it (right). Kuru kings continued to perform the great Horse Sacrifices to enlarge their kingdoms. The bloody archer Rudra the son of three mothers, who occupies the following Nakshatra, may have been born from the three great queens who accompanied the chief queen when she was impregnated by the white stallion.54 53 Painting, 1712, by Author Man77, Public Domain. 54 www.academia.edu/25272146/Parpola_Asko_2016._Rudra, 323 44 6. ARDRA - The Moist or Green One - (6"40 - 20"00 Gemini) Lord - RAHU (north lunar node) rules 18 years: Ardra, Swati, Shatabhishak STAR - Betalgeuse in Orion DEITY - Rudra, destructive form of Shiva Betalgeuse 55 Orion with Betelgeuse on right shoulder 56 In addition to fiery Sirius, Rudra manifests as Ardra the fierce red star of Betelgeuse on Orion's right shoulder. Rising with the sun of early summer (and at sunset in fall), Betelgeuse also represents the red planet Mars. Like Rudra, Mars arrives with storms, wars, and violence. "Rudra primarily symbolizes the fire in its fierce, destructive aspect. This red element was an integral part of military raids."57 Betelgeuse, a variable red star near end of life, may collapse in a few thousand years. Periods of sudden brightness reflect periods of Rudra's rages. Lord Shiva a later form of Rudra opened His eyes after a long meditation and overcome, he shed a tear. This single tear from Shiva's eye grew into the rudraksha tree. Rudraksha (Sanskrit: rudra and akşa "tear drop"), or "eye of Rudra", is the name both for the berry of the tree, and a name for a string of prayer beads made from those seeds. Strung together as a mala, traditionally the number of beads used should be 108 plus one. The extra bead is the "meru", bindu or "guru bead". If 55 ESO/P. Kervella - http://www.eso.org/public/images/eso0927b/CC 56 Photo, Rogelio Bernal Andreo - CC 57 www.academia.edu/25272146/Parpola_Asko_2016._Rudra, 326. 45 the mālā lacks a bindu, the energy is said to become cyclical and wearers who are sensitive may become dizzy. Meru, also known as Sumeru, is the mountain used to churn the Milky Ocean. After the churning, sun, moon, and planets began to circle around this northern mountain. Reading stories by the lights of the sky, the churning rope of the Milky Way passes between Orion/Gemini's stars and the Root of the Galaxy among the fierce stars of Scorpio. Here each new world will be reborn from this womb. Rahu, Lord of this Nakshatra, is the Naga (Vasuki), the serpent who acted as the turning rope churning the Milky Ocean. To accomplish this deed, the demons and gods held each end of the rope: the demons the head, the tail by the gods. Although the gods attempted to keep all the churned Soma essence, one dragon managed to drink a few drops before his head (Rahu) was severed from his tail (Ketu). The elixir making him immortal, the naga Rahu-Ketu took his place among the planets. The sun and moon had warned the gods of his action, resulting in the enmity of the Dragon who periodically eclipses their lights when they stray near his path. Along with Soma, such treasures as a great white horse, an elephant that ultimately bequeaths his head to Ganesh, and the Mother of Cows emerge. But there also appeared a dark spreading poison. Among the gods, only Shiva was strong enough to absorb it, leaving him forever with a blue neck. Shiva honored Vasuki by wearing him as a necklace after Vasuki helped consume the poison. 46 Note: Shiva/Rudra as unchanging Sirius (#5) is Great Time (Mahakala) himself. Here he sits on the black and white tiger skin of time (Orion also representing a tiger). The beating drum by his left knee sounds out the rhythm of his cosmic dance. Around his neck is the poison filtering Vishuddhi, the serpent in the three coils representing past, present, and future. FESTIVALS IN ARDRA (lie in the Paus month of December, full moon in Sagittarius or when the morning sun rises in the stars of Gemini during the monsoon month of June/July). Rahu is the ascending node along the serpentine, sinuous path the moon travels each month. Yearly, the sun travelling the ecliptic also crosses the node on the Spring Equinox as he heads north toward the Summer Solstice. As a reflection of the solar year, the sun is now moving toward the honeymoon month of June. Sun and full moon always opposite each other, moist Ardra appears after a December sunset. Rising with the sun, she appears in June to announce the rainy Monsoons. The rains now stir Earth to begin her menstrual period (Ambobachi). When Sati, Shiva's beloved was cut into 52 (or 51) pieces after her death at the first Ashvedmedha, the parts (Shaki Pithas) fell in pilgrimage sites throughout India. 47 Shiva carrying dead Sati, c. 1800, India58 The Kamarupa ("form of desire"), the yoni ("vulva," "womb," or "source") is said to have fallen to earth in [Asaam] and a temple was constructed on this spot. At the Kamakhya temple, the Ambobachi Mela is held each Monsoon season in mid-June. She is worshipped in the form of a yoni-like stone instead over which a natural spring flows. A piece of the red cloth covers the stone yoni during the days of menstruation. The temple to the goddess Kamakya is one of the oldest of the Shaki Pithas. 58 Public Domain, Los Angeles County Museum of Art 48 7. PUNARVASU – Renewal (20.00 Gemini – 3.20 Cancer) Puna+Vasu - Star of Renewal or Yamakau, Two Chariots, Restorers of Goods Lord - GURU (Jupiter) rules 16 years: Punarvasu, Vishaka, Purva Bhadrapada Jupiter, exalted in Cancer, is born under the stars of this moon. STAR - Castor & Pollux Lord Rama was born under these stars when the sun was in spring. DEITY - Aditi Mother of gods At first quarter, the growing Moon sails the zenith at sunset before setting about six hours later. We are now travelling through both the lunar month and through the festivals of the solar year. After the rains began in moist Ardra, (#6) Earth renews herself. Aditi the mother of everything rules Punarvasu as the eternal Mother. Punarvasu signifying rejuvenation is a combination of two words Puna and Vasu. Puna means again and vasu means auspiciousness and enlightenment. Each time Rudra/Shiva dances his dance of Destruction, another Creation follows. Both Aditi, mother of the eight Vasus, and Jupiter (Brahaspati), most peaceful and beneficial of the planet-gods, are found in this Mansion. The Vasus as eight factors of creation are Agni (fiery element), Apas (watery element), Dhruba (polestar), Soma (nectar of rejuvenation), Dharma (the laws governing creation), Anila (air), Patyusha (dawn), and Prabhasa (day/ brilliance/ radiance). Among the vasus, the primordial elements fire and water aided by the wind ignite the process of creation. While the fire as Agni has Indo-European ancestry, he has absorbed attributes and myths likely to have Indian origin connected with local plants and animals. The kindling stick for Agni's 49 sacred fire is taken from the Pipal-fig (Ficus religiosa). Agni, the “embryo of forest-trees,” is invoked to quicken the womb.59 The moist womb of renewal delivers her new green world. The Pipal with its flame-shaped leaves is also known as the Bodhi tree under which Buddha became enlightened. Not all Ficus religiosa can be called a Bodhi Tree. The true tree must be able to trace its parent back to the first Bodhi Tree under which Gautama gained enlightenment. The historical Buddha's birth is said to have taken place at dawn during the full moon under the stars of following Pushya (#8) during the Vaisakha month (April/May. The leaves of this tree move continuously even when the air around is still, and no perceptible wind is blowing. While the phenomenon can be explained by the long leaf stalk and the broad leaf structure, the movement of the leaves is also explained by the "devas" or "gods" reside on these leaves and make it move continuously. 60 Purnavasu is the season the stormy rains of the Monsoon continue to pour from the eyes of raging Rudra. Among the Greeks, the star eyes of Castor and Pollux (Punavasu's stars) are associated with the fire appearing during thunderstorms. St. Elmo’s fire can appear to sailors as a ball of light during thunderstorms. This fire is a bright blue or violet glow, appearing in some circumstances from tall sharply pointed structures. The fire can also appear on leaves and grass, and even at the tips 59 Frawley, Gods, Sages, 54 60 Photoof Bo tree, Eric Guinther, GNU 50 of cattle horns. The Milky River sailing between Gemini and Sagittarius has been sailed by many (mythical) sailors including the Gemini who sailed the stars with the ancient Greek Argonauts.61 "On a voyage, stars alight on the yards and other parts of the ship. If there are two of them, they denote safety and portend a successful voyage. For this reason, they are called Castor and Pollux and people pray to them as gods for aid at sea." (Pliny, Natural History, first century AD) 61 Sagittarius once ruled late November and early December skies. The River of Stars intersecting the zodiac near here, western saints of early winter include sailors as well as eyeglass wearing visionaries and tax collectors. In addition to three apples, St. Nick's emblem is an anchor. He protects sailors, as do St. Jude, St Elmo, and bespectacled St Matthew. Another sailor saint is Andrew (November 30. Elmo is celebrated in June ruled by Gemini (Purnavasu). 51 8. PUSHYA - To Nourish; or TISHYA - The Celestial Archer (3.20'-16.40 Cancer) Pushya means something that can nourish, the symbol being a milk-giving cow udder. Following the rejuvenation of Punarvasu, Pushya nourishes the new creation. Lord - SHANI (Saturn) rules 19 years: Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada DEITY - Ruler of the previous Nakshatra, Jupiter now appears as the deity of Pushya. Traditionally, 27 trees represent each of 27 stars. The Bodhi Tree (Pipal) is said to represent Pusha in Cancer. Jupiter being the king of the gods, the Pipal is the 'king of the trees'.62 Brihaspati (Jupiter), in his strongest exaltation at 5 degrees Cancer (Pushya), was born under these stars.63 But Chandra the moon entering his own Home in Cancer had the power to bring Jupiter to grief. "Brihaspati preceptor of the gods had a very beautiful wife named Tara. One day when she was out walking, she came by Chandra's house."64 Jupiter may be exalted here, but the Moon is lord of the House of Cancer. After meeting Tara, he stole her from Jupiter and fathered Budha (Mercury). It is inauspicious celebrate marriage under these stars. Sita and Ram married under these stars, and like Jupiter's wife Tara, she too was kidnapped. (See Ashwini, #1)65 Additionally, the black Kali Yuga began under the stars of Tishya (Pushya). Capricorn's morning stars (ruled by Saturn, Lord of this Mansion) rise opposite Pushya's full moon in Cancer. This begins Pausa, month of the Winter Solstice, December 22nd, the darkest night of the darkest month of the year. 66 62 63 64 65 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_religiosa Frawley, Gods, Sages, 168 http://www.vedicastroyoga.com/learn/nakshatras-lunar-constellations/8-pushya/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pushya other dates are also given, including Uttra phalguni and Mrgashira. Their marriage festival is celebrated in December (Mrgashira). 66 The Precession affecting the stars, the sun's entrance into Capricorn is now mid-January. 52 FESTIVALS IN PAUSA MONTH (December 22- January 21) The previous month of Purnavsu lies under the late fall stars of Sagittarius (opposite the full moon in Gemini). The rainy season lasting from June into late fall will soon end. Earth will soon sprout green again. 1. LOHRI -The fire festival of Lohri, on the last day of Sagittarius before the sun moves into Capricorn, celebrates the harvest of winter crops. Lohri is the night before the Makar Sankranti, the sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn). This marks winter's end in India and the start of longer days. The light of the sun being reborn, the festival is dedicated to Agni. People build huge bonfires in the harvested fields and in front of their homes in the evening. People go around the bonfire and throw such food as puffed rice and popcorn. They ask Fire God Agni to banish poverty and usher in prosperity. Fitting with the river running between Gemini and Sagittarius, Makara is the vehicle of the river goddess Ganga. This River Horse acts as the waterspouts pouring the rain from springs and temple roofs. When Ganga fell to earth, she landed first on Shiva's head to avoid destroying earth with her strength. There she still nestles along with the moon in his hair. Ganga and Makara (19th C.)67 67 wiki/Makara_(Hindu_mythology) #/media/File:Ganga_Kalighat_1875.jpg 53 2. MAKARA SANKRANTI - The festival is now observed mid-January, the sun's transit into the precessed Makara (Capricorn). The actual solstice and earlier date of the festival was midDecember, but due to the Precession Capricorn now rises with the sun in January. At the Winter Solstice, the sun reverses his passage through the sky and begins his northern (Uttara) journey toward summer. . Every twelve years (the years Jupiter takes to cycle the sky), Hindus observe the Makar Sankranti with one of the world's largest mass pilgrimages. An estimated 40 to 100 million people attend the event. They say a prayer to the sun and bathe at the confluence of the River Ganga and River Yamuna at the Kumbh Mela, For the Hindu calendar, the Makara Sankranti marks the beginning of a new year, as the sun passes into the zodiacal territory of Capricorn. The solar year of 360 circle of days is divided into 12 lunar months of 27 days.68 The resulting discrepancy was resolved by the intercalation of a leap month every 60 months.69 3. PONGAL ('to boil') is one of the most popular harvest festivals of southern India. Pongal occurs in the middle of January every year and marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan (sun's journey northwards). Lasting for four days, it begins with a bonfire into which worn items are cast. Celebrations include drawing designs in front of homes, swinging & the cooking of Pongal, a dish of sweetened rice boiled with lentils. Cows sent to earth to help farmers are stung with bells and decorated. 68 (According to the early Vedic text Taittirīya Saṃhitā 4.4.10.1–3) or 28 (according to the Atharvaveda, the fourth of the Vedas, 19.7.1.) 69 https://www.timecenter.com/articles/brief-history-of-the-hindu-calendar-by-timecenter/ 54 4. SHAKAMBARI JAYANTI- celebrates an incarnation of Durga who once appeared as Shakambari, Goddess of Vegetables, fruits, and green leaves ('she who bears vegetables') to end a famine. When clarified butter is offered to the Fire, the blessings are absorbed by the Sun and transformed into rains. The ceremonies disappeared during a lawless period and no rain. The Great Goddess appeared and began to shed waters from Her eyes. For nine nights continuously, heavy rains poured down from Her eyes. Her tears continued for nine nights, the days of her festival. Then transforming her appearance into a wonderful form, her eight hands held foods like grains, cereals, vegetables, greens, fruits, meat, and other herbs. This form of the Goddess is known as Shakambhari.70 5. PAUSH PURNIMA - The full moon in Paush (January) begins a one-month long austerity during the Magh month following. (Magh #10) Each morning of this winter holiday, worshippers bathe in the Ganga or Yamuna and charity is given to the needy. The following Nakshatra is considered extremely inauspicious. 70 wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakambhari 55 9. ASHLESHA The Clinging Star/The Embracer - (16.40 to 30.00 Cancer) Lord - BUDHI (Mercury) rules 17 years: Ashlesha, Jyestha (Elder Sister), & Revati (End of an Era of Time) These three Nakshatras represent endings of various cycles. The active warrior planet Mars is debilitated among these stars at the end of Cancer. STAR - Naga/Hydra Perched on the serpent's tail is Covus, the crow and raven feeding on corpses. Hydra’s head is located just south of the constellation Cancer, includes the Ring of stars at her head and claw (Acubens) of Cancer. DEITY - Nagas (serpents) Hydra with ring of stars as head71 Both great and small serpents, Nagas, are the deities of this Nakshatra. Although this Moon Home is considered inauspicious, serpents once protected and sheltered both Vishnu floating in his ocean and Lord Buddha from a rainstorm while he was meditating. 71 Public domaine, Til Credner, own work CC 56 72 Now immortal, Rahu was once an earth serpent. Vishnu cut him in half for trying to steal Soma created by the churning of the Milk Ocean. Because he had managed to drink a few drops, he is immortal and takes his place among the planetary powers. The sun and moon alerting Vishnu to the theft earned his eternal enmity. Each month and year the moon and sun travel past the severed pieces of his sinuous enemy. North node is the head of Rahu; the south node his tail (Ketu). Each passage makes possible an eclipse. Rahu, also called Svarbhaanu (Splendor of Radiance), lies in wait along the path of the ecliptic. The Dragon's Head, the ascending node, is the intersection between the ecliptic (path followed by the sun, moon, and planets) and the plane of Earth's equator. Each Spring Equinox, the Sun crosses over from the Southlands of the dead (Yamas) heading North toward the high point of summer. In the fall, the sun crosses the descending node (Ketu) on his way toward the Tropic of Capricorn and winter's dark. 72 CC by Tim Evanson from Cleveland Museum of Art 57 Sine wave crossing equatorial line at Equinoxes. The serpent Hydra straddled the celestial equator in antiquity.73 The moons sinuous path moves through the seasons of the year. Eclipses can occur only when the sun and (full or new moon) cross the nodes at the same time. The Saros Cycle (18 years, 11 days, 8 hours) can predict these events. One saros period after an eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and Moon return to approximately the same relative geometry, a near straight line, and a nearly identical eclipse. Rahu is a serpent with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. His consort is Karali. Two of the "ever-flickering tongues of the black-pathed Agni were called Kali, the black, and Karali, the terrific, and these became names of Durga, the wife of Shiva, who was developed out of Agni."74 Rahu is friendly with Venus (Shukra), joining her once a year. Their meeting can increase desire. After the great Churning, the demons stole the Soma and refused to share the elixir. Vishnu then took his only female form as the enchanting Mohini. Seducing the demons into giving her the cup of Soma, she bestowed it to the gods. Svarbhanu disguising himself, managed to drink a few drops before the sun and moon spotted the deception. Vishnu then took his spinning Wheel of Time, the lethal Sudarshana Chakra, and cut the serpent in two. 73 wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvus_(constellation) 74 from Google Books: George Wm Cox, Mythology of the Aryan Nations, 421 58 Sudarshana Chakra c. 180 BCE75 Among the stories of the serpentine Svarbhānu, he once ushered Kalanemi through the galaxy. Like Svarbhanu, dismembered into Rahu (head) and Ketu (tail), the demon Kalanemi was also cut into pieces by Vishnu. The name, literally 'kala' ("time"), and 'nemi' ("the felly of a wheel or a portion), represents the segment of Time’s wheel denoting "the afternoon leading to sunset. 'Kala' also means "black" and is perceived to be Kalanemi who represents the period of darkness that "increases as day moves toward night and [the] Yuga moves towards the Kali yuga."76 Appearing in the Vedic stories, Kalanemi reincarnated as Krishna's evil uncle Kamsa who would kill Krishna's first six brothers before being killed by Krishna. His demon father helped kidnap Sita, the earthborn wife of Rama, stealing her away to a labyrinth in the fall. Felly: rim of the Wheel. Vishnu's Chakra is another Wheel of Time. The tree for Ashlesha is the Beauty Leaf tree, Alexandrian Laurel (Calophylum Inophyllum). Fitting with this unlucky Nakshatra, both the fruit and sap are poisonous but oil from round ball of fruit treats skin diseases. The stars named Cancer recall the sores and cancres that appear when Cancer rises with the summer sun. "Tamanu (Beauty Leaf) oil possesses a unique capacity to 75 wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna_Vasudeva CC Classical Numismatic Group;Coin ID 57554 Krishna is another avatar of Vishnu 76 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalanemi (Hari-vamsa, ?1st Century CE) 59 promote the growth of healthy skin." As a folk medicine, it heals cuts scrapes, burns, insect bites, anal fissures, diabetic sores, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, eczema, among other uses.77 The end of Ashlesha being the end of Cancer's stars, Lunar and Solar zodiacs now conjunct. Cancer's stars belong to the Moon; the sun owns the following zodiac sign Leo. Whenever the sun and moon meet along the serpent's nodes, an eclipse is possible. An eclipse at the sun's prime on the Summer Solstice, when the midsummer sun rose in Cancer (late Purynavasu, Pushya, and Ashlesha), was especially feared. Even after the sun emerges from the shadow, he weakens and begins his fall south toward winter. As a luni-solar month, Ashlesha appears in December's Paush, the location of the sun on the darkest night of the year (Winter Solstice). 77 medicinehunter.com/tamanu 60 10. MAGHA The Great One, The Bountiful - 00.00 Leo to 13.20 Leo Magha from Maghaban, the cause of light and brightness Lord - KETU (South Lunar Node) During Ketu periods, material goods fall away; a time for spiritual purifications preceding the coming pleasures and excesses of Venus (#11). Rahu was a Naga of the 9th Nakshatra. Here the serpent's head (Rahu) and tail (Ketu) join the Moon (Cancer) and Sun (Leo) to keep the Circle of Time rolling. Like the monthly moon, each year the darkened sun of winter begins to brighten once more.78 DEITY-Pitris (The Fathers) - These are family ancestors acting as guardian angels. They represent the ancestors, the father, and the paternal lineage. STAR- Regulus (Little King) in Leo (α Leo) Heart of the Lion Our ancestors dwell among Leo's stars until they reincarnate to rejoin the family Magha, the Little Sun King, is ‘benevolent’, ‘bountiful’, or ‘magnificent’. Its symbol is a Throne, the throne of Leo indicating royalty, power, status, and prestige. Some families daily worship the sun during the month of Magh. Lion throne with birth goddess, Catyl Huyuk, c. 6000 BCE79 The Fathers waiting to incarnate must first enter the womb of the Queen. The Universe was born under the stars of Magh, the lion which rose on the Spring Equinox c. 10,000-8,000 BCE 78 Makar Sankranti (now January 13) celebrates the sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn) preceding the stars of Aquarius directly opposite the full moon of Leo (Magh) 79 Ankara_Muzeum_B19-36.jpg CC. Photo Roweromaniak 61 Leo was one of the earliest recognized constellations, with archaeological evidence that the Mesopotamians had a similar constellation as early as 4000 BCE. The Persians called Leo Ser or Shir; the Turks, Artan; the Syrians, Aryo; the Jews, Arye; the Indians, Simha, all meaning "lion"80 As luni-solar month, Magh begins with the sun's entry into Aquarius directly opposite the full moon in Leo. Magh may begin on either a new moon or the full moon around this time of year. FESTIVALS IN MAGH MONTH (January 21-February 19) 1. PAUSH PURNIMA (full moon in Paush) began a one-month austerity period. In the North Indian lunar calendar, the month of Magh starts the day following full moon in Paush. The purification rituals of this month prepare for the coming holidays of spring. 2. VASANT PANCHAMI - In north India, spring begins. Fields bloom bright with yellow mustard flowers of spring (Vasant). The Vasant Panchami, also referred to as Sarawati puja, Shree Panchami, or the Festival of Kites celebrates spring and initiates preparations for the Holi Festival held 40 days later. 3. SARASWATI PUJA - The moon of Magh rises among the stars of the literary Lion. In Europe great lions still guard the entrances of important buildings and libraries. The sun opposite the full moon lies among the brilliant stars of Aquarius. This is the month of the festival for studious Saraswati, goddess of learning, art, and music. It is usually celebrated on the 5th day of this month 80 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_(constellation) 62 (the Panchami). On this day, the Vasant Panchami celebrated as her birthday, schools seek the blessing of Goddess of learning. Leo’s stars, Leo being 5th House of the Zodiac 4. MARRIAGE OF Shiva-Parvati on the 6th day of bright fortnight of this month. Like Valentine Day when birds and lovers choose their mates, February's Vasant Panchami is associated with the pursuit knowledge as well as with romance (to know in the biblical sense). After the death of his Sati, Shiva withdrew from life. Leaving on the dark night of the Shiva Maharati (celebrated the13th night of the month of Phalguna (#11), he no longer danced his dance of renewal. Demons abounded and the world was in danger of ending for all time. Worried, gods begged Brahma to intervene. The result was the creation most beautiful being in the world, Kama god of love and desire. Sometimes he is a son of Yama, golden God residing where new souls are both carried away and reenter the world of Time (Bharani, #2, the 'Bearing Star''). Other stories make him the wish born son of Brahma. He comes springing green with a bow made of honey-sweet sugar cane strung with bees to shoot his flower tipped arrows. Near the meditating Shiva waited the hopeful daughter of the Mountain. Although Parvati was his beloved Sati reborn, deep in his withdrawal Shiva was oblivious. Kama approached, bringing spring (Vasant) with him. The dying forest became scented with flowers and full of bird song. Drawing his bow, he pierced Shiva. Awakened, opened his third eye. First focusing on Kama, he incinerated him with his fiery gaze. Then noticing Parvati, he finally recognized his love. He relented but Kama, no longer having a body, now arrives unseen to shoot his love arrows. 63 Tree for Magh is the Banyan Tree (Ficus Benghalensis). The extensive hanging roots shelters both travelling merchants (banyans), and meditating gods.81 Shiva is often depicted meditating by the Banyan. 4. RATHA SAPTAMI - Paush began with the celebration Makara (Capricorn) Sankranti when the sun began his journey north after his stay among the stars of the Winter Solstice. Capricorn originally falling in December now rises in January. On the 7th night (Saptami) of this Magh month, the Sun celebrates his birthday. In brightening February, the Sun began to enlighten the world. The season is changing from winter into spring, which intensifies with the coming Moon of Chaitra (March 21). The Sun has turned his Chariot (Ratha). Having left the southland of the dead, he now visibly travels north toward the high point of summer (Tropic of Cancer, Summer Solstice). 3. BHISHMA MAGHA SHUKLA ASHTAMI is the death anniversary of Bhishma. The brother of the archer Rama was allowed to choose the date of his death. He chose the auspicious time when the sun moves north after the Winter Solstice, breathing his last breath the fourth day after the Ratha Saptahmi. 81 Image by Brandon Green, https://unsplash.com/photos/GEyXGTY2e9w Free use 64 4. MAGH MELA, celebrated in most of North India, is held every year where the Ganga, Yamuna and (invisible) Saraswati rivers meet near Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh). Both Rama and Krishna once ruled this land. This is a smaller version of the Kumbha Mela held every 12 years. The month-long austerity of Magh began when the sun passed into Capricorn in January. Note: the next Nakshatra, number eleven, begins the pleasures of spring. By tradition, the period of mourning death and losses ends on the eleventh day. 65 11. PURVA PHALGUNI (Pubbha) First Reddish One -13.20 to 26.40 Leo I describe both the Phalguns together as they both celebrate Sacred Marriages held during the Phalgun month of the Spring Equinox. Lord - SHUKRA (Venus) STAR - Zosma ('girdle') (δ Leonis on lion's back) Leo 82 DEITY -Bhaga, God of marital bliss/marriage bed and prosperity, the stars represent the Front 2 Feet of the Marriage Bed. Shiva started his marriage procession after being awoken by Passion/Kama (#10). His marriage occurs the following Nakshastra, (Uttara Phalgun #12) 12. UTTARA PHALGUNI (UTHIRAM) 2nd Reddish One, 26.40 Leo - 10.00 Virgo (Aquarius/Pisces rises with the sun opposite these evening stars) Lord – Sun STAR - Denebola ('tail of the lion') in Leo DEITY: Aryman ("close friend", "play-fellow" or "companion") is an early Vedic deity. Third son of Aditi, mother of the Adityas, he is the mid-morning sun disk. 82 Torsten Bronger, GNU free. 66 Aryaman is a protector of mares; the Milky Way (aryamṇáḥ pánthāḥ) being his path through the sky. In German mythology, Irmin is a god of war and storms, the Milky Way being 'Irmin's Way'. Often identified with Norse Odin, Irmin (Hermann) is related to the Vedic god Aryaman. Like Rudra/Shiva's linga, a pillar of stone (Irminsul) represented Hermann. Charlemagne destroyed Germany's Irminsul in 772 CE and then seized control of the pole stars. Once known as Irmin's Wagons, they were renamed Charley's Wains. FESTIVALS IN PHALGUNA (February 20-March 20) This month includes both Phalguns. The stars of Leo appear most of the month before transiting into the moon of Chaitra, the intersection between the two months being the Vernal Equinox (March 21). 1. MAHA SHIVA RATI PHALGUN, the Great Night of Shiva is celebrated. Shivaratri festivals occur every 13/14th during the dark of the month (starting with the full moon), but the Great Night, held just before spring, occurs the last night of Magh (South Indian calendar) and in Phalgun (North Indian calendar).83 The Shivratri arrives on the ‘amavas’ - the no moon night, the dark night before a new moon appears. This night recalls the black Kali Yuga, last of four great cycles of Time, the Dark Age before the world returns to enlightenment. The Kali Yuga is said to have begun at midnight on 18 February, 3102 BCE.84 when blue skinned Krishna (8th avatar of Vishnu) left earth and will end when his last and final avatar of returns. 83 South India calendars begin with the new moon, North, with the Full. 84 Burgess, Rev. Ebenezer (1935) [1860]. Translation of the Surya-Siddhanta, A Text-Book of Hindu Astronomy; University of Calcutta. pp. 7–9 67 Lord Shiva appeared just before the Kali Yuga to help rid the world of evil and ignorance. In Phalguna he first manifested himself as a great pillar of light. After appearing, he danced his first dance of creation and destruction. 85 2. PHULERA DOOJ (New Moon Day), falling between Vasant Panchami and Holi, people prepare to celebrate Holi with flowers and bright colors. 3. HOLI is celebrated the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of Phalguna usually falling in the late February or March. There are a couple stories explaining the powdered dyes thrown during the festival. As a baby, dark Krishna developed his blue skin because the demon Putana tried to poison him with her breast milk. Instead, sucking her dry, the baby killed the demon. When grown, dark blue Krishna despaired whether the beautiful fair-skinned Radha (lightening) would avoid him 85 Nishant Vyas, Free use 68 because of his dark color. His mother suggested he approach Radha and color her face. Radha and Krishna then became a couple and ever since, the play with colors has been part of Holi86 Holi is named for Holika, evil sister of the demon Hiranyakashipu. Neither god, human, nor animal could defeat the demon; he was shaking the abode of the gods. Vishnu incarnated as a lionman (Narashimha). Being neither human nor animal, he was able to destroy the demon at twilight. The demon's sister Hoika also dies under the Lion stars of Leo. Holika also had a protective boon: a cloak that protected her from burning. She was tricked into sitting in Agni's flames while holding her blameless nephew. The boon only protected her while she sat alone so she was incinerated while the nephew emerged unharmed. On the eve of Holi near sunset, bonfires are lit, and people dance around Holika's fire. Good has again destroyed evil. Kama awakenied Shiva to notice his past and future wife Parvati/Uma, waiting patiently for his notice. There was yet another demon threatening the stability of the world. Tarakasura had gained the protection that only a son of Shiva could kill him. Deep in meditation, Shiva was celibate. The worried gods sent spring bestowing Kama to awaken him. Awakened in passion, he ejaculated a burning seed caught by Agni who placed it in a lake. The resulting child became fierce Kartikaya whom the Pleiades found and nursed (Kartika, #3). In time, this son of Shiva and Agni killed the demon. 86 Holi Image CC Lisa Davis 69 MARRIAGE FESTIVALS IN PHALGUN Several Sacred Marriages occur this month near the Vernal Equinox. Bhaga, generous deity of Purva Phalgun (Front Feet of the Marriage Bed) is invoked for favors and marriage contracts. Connected to wealth and luck, he presides over love, relationship, affection, and sexual passion. Bhaga (gifting) has the function of distributing riches or spoils among. The name of the city Baghdad (God-given) derives from his name. Aryaman, the deity of Uttara Phalgun (Back Feet of the Marriage Bed), presides over marriage, family, and children as chief of the ancestors. Hindu marriage oaths are administered with an invocation to Aryaman being the witness to the event. Valmiki who lived thousands of years ago according to Hindu tradition, Kalidasa who lived before first century BCE, and Kamban who lived in 12th century CE -- all mention the star Uttar Phalguni as the most auspicious day for the wedding.87 “Let the four princesses give their hands to four valiant princes on the same day, O Great Ascetic. O Brahmin, the wise declare the nuptials should take place on the last day under the Phalguni star when Bhaga is in the ascendant”—Bala Kanda, Chapter 72 (Vamiki Ramayana)88 Shiva and Parvati/Uma married on the night of Maha Shivarati, their wedding celebrated in temples during the month of Phalgun. According to some traditions Sita/ Ram, and Kartikeya and his wife also married this month. Rama who broke Shiva's bow courting his wife married on the same 87 http://swamiindology.blogspot.com/2015/04/why-did-rama-marry-sita-on-pha 88 tamilandvedas.com/tag/sita-kalyan/ 70 day as Shiva.89 However other traditions celebrate Rama and Sita's marriage in Mrigashira (November/December). During that month, the flight of another arrow changed history (Mrigashira #5) “During the Muhurtha [a period of time of 48 minutes] sacred to the sun, and when the moon was in conjunction with UTTARA PHALGUNI, such of her kinswomen as had their husbands and male children living, put decorations on her [Uma’s] body” – Kalidasa in Kumarasambhava, Chapter 7, Sloka 6 89 Another tradition states: Ram-Janki’ marriage falls on the fifth day of the bright half of Mrigashira month occurring every year around November-December. The broken stone bow lies in the jungle near Sita's home in Janakpur (now in Nepal). 71 13.HASTA - The Hand 10.00 Virgo - 23.20 Virgo After the pleasures of the preceding marriage bed Venus now rests, being debilitated (weak) in Virgo Lord - CHANDRA (The Moon) STAR - 5 stars to represent hand. Algorab (δ Corvi) is on R. wing of the Crow/Corvax. The Crow (or Raven) lies just south of constellation Virgo and sits on his enemy Hydra, the Water Snake (Ashlesha #9). 90 DEITY - Savriti As a form of the Sun at the junction prior to dawn, he symbolizes awakening. Following this moon are the stars of the Spring Equinox month when the Wheel of Time commences. The tree of this Nakshatra is the sweet Jasmine associated with love and romance of this spring season. (Jasminum Grandiflora) The following Nakshatra (Chaitra #14) welcomes the sun's arrival into the Vernal Equinox. "The god who adorns vedas is also worshipped as time. He is said to have made the whole universe as his chariot and rides on the wheel of the year with the seven types of vedic metres as horses.91 The seven horses can also represent seven colors and seven planets, or seven notes. 90 From Urania’s Mirror, 1825 Public Domain 91 bhakti-psalm.blogspot.com/2014_03_28_archive.html 72 92 Suyra - the sun. When considered distinct from the Sun proper, he is conceived of as the divine influence or vivifying power of the Sun. The Sun before sunrise is called Savitr. After sunrise until sunset the sun is called Sūrya. 92 https://www.krishna-images.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bhagwan-Surya-Dev-Images-HD- Quality.jpg Free Use 73 14. CHITRA- The Shining Jewel, The Pearl -(23' 20" Virgo to 6'40" Libra) At full moon (13-16th days after the new moon), the moon is behind earth in space and opposite the sun. As the sun sets among the early stars of spring the moon, fully illuminated by sunlight, rises in the east among the stars of Libra. Lord - MANGALA (Mars) STAR - Chitra is Spica, the bright star of wheat held by Virgo and one of the most auspicious stars in the sky. Chitra denotes success, riches, and a love of sciences and arts. To find Spica among the night stars: "Follow the arc (of Big Dipper) to Arcturus and speed on to Spica." Bright Arcturus appears in Swati's Mansion (#15) Spica93 Spica – α Virginis (Alpha Virginis) The sun passes the nodes, the intersection of the ecliptic and the Celestial Equator, on the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. Day and night once balanced here on Libra's scales. The Spring Equinox sun, once in Aries, rose directly opposite the full moon of Spica in AD 285. Due to the Precession, the Equinoxes are now receding toward Pisces and Virgo. DEITY - Tvastar or Vishvakarma Tvashtar the celestial architect created the Universe by blowing the creatures into existence and fanning them with his wings. His breath animated their souls. Master of illusion and magic he possesses regenerative power. Echoing an earlier feminine or transsexual form, he is known as the 93 Photo, Albert Manzanrares, Creative Commons 74 Garbha-pati, the Lord of the Womb. The term "Tvaṣṭṛ is mentioned in the Mitanni treaty, which establishes him as a proto-Indo-Iranian divinity."94 Vedic stories twine and intertwine: Tvashtar himself emerged from the navel of Vishvakarma (all-accomplishing, maker of all), the alternate deity for this Nakshatra. Vishvakarma's daughter Sanjana married the Sun. Due to the Sun's blazing light and heat, she could not go near her spouse (see #1 Ashvini). After complaining to her father, Vishvakarma dimmed the light so his daughter could hug the Sun. The leftover Sun "dust" was collected and made into three divine objects. Sometimes Tvashter is cited as Sanjana's father, the two gods being closely linked. Among the Craftsman's creations is the Sudarshana Chakra used to split the serpentine lunar nodes of Rahu and Ketu at the great Churning. Another is the thunderbolt, the diamond Vajra given Indra to bring rain. Created from the bones of a pious sage, it destroyed the Dragon of drought (Vritra) who was drying the rivers to dust. The final battle lasted 360 days. Indra rides a great white elephant, Airavata who sprays water into the clouds to produce the rain. One of eight cosmic elephants, each guards a compass point. Note: In many traditions, the eight compass points determined by the sun's path of 360 degrees around the year (two Solstices, two Equinoxes, and their midpoints) and time the seasonal festivals. FESTIVALS IN CHAITRA (March 22 / 21-APRIL 21) We now arrive at the Spring Equinox. On this day, and only on each Equinox, the sun rises due east as he travels the Serpent's Path. The Moon is near Chitra on the full moon day of this month. We began our stories among the stars of Ashvini during the Fall Equinox. In lunar calendars, Chaitra appears with the full moon in March/April as the 94 Mittani (c. 1500-1300 BCE) kingdom in Anatolia Although their origins are not known, many deities and names of aristocracy were Indo-Aryan (including Mitra, Indra, Varuna, Nasatya, the Ashwini) 75 first month of the year. The nodes are a dangerous time for the sun and moon. The sun passes them twice a year on the spring and fall Equinox, while the moon passes monthly. Demons lurk here to swallow their lights, causing eclipses. 1. FIRST OF CHAITRA celebrated as New Year's Day is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Chaitrai Vishu and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Ugadi New Year begins a new Samvat, the Samvatsara being a 60-year cycle linked to position of Jupiter and the sun. Homes are decorated and designs are drawn by homes. 2. HOLI, the spring festival of color, begins the eve of Chaitra on the last day of the Phalgun month. Exactly 6 days after Holi the festival of Chaiti Chhath is observed. Also celebrated in the fall in the month of Kartika, it is dedicated to the returning sun and the dawn of day. 3. BASODA PUJA, usually celebrated 8 days after Holi, is dedicated to Sheetala (one who cools), the goddess of smallpox. An aspect of the goddess Durga, she carries in her four hands held a short broom, winnowing fan, jar of cooling water, and a drinking cup. With her power, she cures fevers and diseases. As a spring goddess, she is also identified with the healing Vasant (Spring). Kalighat painting of Sheetala95 95 Public Domain, 19th century painting 76 4. RAMA NAVAMI - Rama's birthday is celebrated on the ninth day of the bright half of this month, approximately in April. When the month begins on the full moon, the first 15 days are the darkening (Krishna) half of the month. The moon then growing into the bright half of its cycle, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Rama on this day. The reign of King Rama (Ramraja) was a period of peace and prosperity. Rama, the descendent of the sun (Raghu vamsa), appeared at mid-day when the sun was high in the sky. The chariot that is part of the celebration has now crossed toward the northern path of the yearly journey. 5. HANUMAN JAYANTI is the birthday of Rama's loyal monkey general. Born at sunrise during the full moon of the Chaitra month, the monkey warrior appeared on Tuesday (Mangalvar) during the Chitra Nakshatra. Mangalvar is the day of the warrior Mars (Mangal), Lord of this Nakshatra. Hanuman helped Rama destroy the powerful ten-headed demon Ravana who kidnapped Sita. He is also the son of 'Pawan', the God of Winds. His mother Anjani was cursed to be a monkey until she had a son by Shiva. Vishnu, incarnated as Rama, now took the shape of enchanting Mohini, his only female incarnation. The mere glimpse of her caused Shiva to eject his seed (Shiva Purana). Pursuing her, his semen fell on the ground becoming lingas, and ores of gold and silver. Agni caught the burning seed and poured it into Anjani, generating the monkey, Hanuman. Another story has the Wind God carrying Shiva’s seed to Anjani (see #15 Swati).96 6. The BHARANI FESTIVAL is held in Kerala when the spring sun appears in Chaitra, the moon in Bharani. Dedicated to Bhadrakali, fierce form of the Great Kali/Durga, she took this form to destroy a great demon plaguing ancient India. There are several traditions regarding her appearance. Once a 96 wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohini 77 great battle was fought between Durga and Raktabija (seeds of blood). Each drop of the demon's blood became a new demon. Kali-Durga then appeared as an even more fierce Bhadrakali and licked up each red drop, destroying the demon. 78 15. SWATI (From Su-Ati ‘Very Good') - 6'40" to 20'00 Libra Lord - RAHU (north node of moon) The sun is debilitated in Libra, Rahu ravenous enemy of the sun and moon being Lord of this Nakshatra. Mid-Libra, when the sun traveling toward summer crossed the north node, he faced the possibility of being swallowed by Rahu (Eclipses can only occur when sun or moon cross the nodes). STAR- the star in the left knee of Bootes is named Arcturus: Guardian of the Bear As Watcher and Keeper of the North, Bootes guards the stars circling the North Pole. Great Bear being one of its names, Arcturus herds the stars of Ursa Major around the pole. His oxen are tied to the polar axis and their movement keeps the skies spinning in their seasons. Arcturus97 DEITY - Vayu, the god as wind. His consorts are Swasti (Luck) and Bharati (another name for the goddess Saraswati). India’s wind god Vayu composes the Ropes of Wind tethering the turning pole stars to their fixed post. They faithfully point out the hours of the night and the seasons of the year. Also known as Vāta, Pavana ("the Purifier"), and sometimes Prāṇa ("the breath"), Pavana played a role in Anjana’s begetting Hanuman, so the monkey is also called Pavanaputra "son (putra) of Pavana" and Vāyuputra. (See #14, Chitra). Being Breath, Vayu is one of the strongest of the gods. 97 http://mast.stsci.edu/portal/Mashup/Clients/Mast/Portal.html?searchQuery=Arcturus Public Domain In Mesopotamia, Arcturus was associated with Enlil, another god of Wind and Storm. 79 Once the gods controlling the body held a contest to determine who is the greatest. When a deity of vision left a man's body, that man would live, though blind. Each deity all took a turn leaving the body, but the man continued to live though successively impaired in various ways. But finally, when Vayu started to leave the body, all the other gods were pulled off their posts by force. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, c. 700 BCE ) That is, the guardian of the spinning Pole keeps both time and life continuing their place in the cycle. 98 “A homonym of vata 'north' is vatam, 'banyan fig', the mighty tree with rope-like air-roots from which it has got its name (cf. vatam 'rope'). This homonymy explains two conceptions of Puranic cosmology, the banyan as the tree of the northern direction and the idea that stars and planets are tied to the pole star with invisible 'ropes of wind.'”99 Painting of Vayu. 98 Banyan Tree Near the Law College in FC Compus - panoramio.jpg Photo Deepak Patil CC 99 .academia.edu/5564641/Parpola_Asko_2013._Beginnings_of_Indian astronomy 22 80 He is depicted crowned and four-armed and riding on his antelope vahana. He is accompanied by two attendants - with a club (front) and a parasol held high above him (behind)." 100 Located near the pole stars, Arcturus is the guardian of the bear and was thought to keep the pole stars spinning. The tree chosen for Swati Nakshatra is the Terminalia Arjuna, The Arjuna tree. Threadspinning silkworms feed on its leaves. Named after the hero Arjuna ('Bright') who was born under the star Uttara Phalguni. Arjuna was the greatest warrior of the Pandava clan. This greatest of archers was instrumental in defeating the clan of the Kurus during the Mahabharat War. 100 Public domain, British Museum 81 16. VISHAKHA (Fork Shaped) or RADHA (Gift) - (20.00 Libra - 3.20 Scorpio) It is a compliment to Anuradha (#17), the birth star of Surya the sun. Lord - GURU (Jupiter) Saturn is exalted at 20° Libra; the Moon is debilitated at 3° Scorpio. STAR - 4 stars on scales of Libra (including Zuben el Genubi Alpha Leo) - Southern claw in Libra, once part of Scorpio) also southern pan of Libra DEITY- Satragni – also called Indragni (Agni and Indra in one form) Like the reflective moon and sun defining the seasons, they are another twinned pair. FESTIVALS IN THE VAISAKHA MONTH (April 12-May 22) On the full-moon day this month, the moon is near the star Alpha libra. The Sun once transited this area on the Fall Equinox (September 21). Due to the Precession, the morning sun now transits the constellation of Libra from approximately October 16 to November 17 rather than in September. The luni-solar month marked by stars near the full moon rising in the night sky arrives as May days lengthen toward the longest day on the summer Solstice. 1. VAISAKHA PURNIMA is the birthday of Gautama Buddha. The birthday is observed on the full moon of May. His enlightenment and death also occurred on this day. 82 2. PARASHURAMA JAYANTI, - birthday of the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He incarnated as Parashurama to exterminate kings neglecting duties and oppressing subjects. Unlike other avatars, this one still exists of earth. He will be guru of Kalki, his 10th and final Avatar. Parashurama came to the betrothal of Sita and Rama (7th avatar). 3. AKSHAYA TRITIYA (Never diminishing) - Vishnu, preserver of creation, and his golden wife Lakshmi are worshipped. On the third day of bright half of this month, the golden Satya Yuga ended, and the Treta Yuga began, followed by the Dvapara Yuga. The Kali Yuga, most dismal of the four ages and our own, arrived when Vishnu in the avatar of Krishna left earth at the end of the Kurushetra War (Mahabharata). 4. GANGA JAYANTI, The River Ganga was born on the seventh day of the month. She first descended onto head of Lord Shiva to avoid destroying the earth. Eventually she was released in seven streams from his hair to save Bhagiratha's ancestors. This great king was responsible for bringing the Ganga down from the heavens. His ancestors could only be saved if the Ganga descended. On way to his kingdom, the waters destroyed the ashram of Jahhnu, Angered the sage drank up all her water. After many prayers by the gods, Jahnu released her so she could continue her journey. Her head stream is now called Bhagirathi. After finally being released, the river descended in Jyeshtha (May/June) to purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors. 83 5. SITA NAVAMI (Janaki Navami). - Birthday of Sita. Born on the ninth day of this month on Tuesday under the Pushya Nakshastra, her birthday falls one month after Rama's birthday. King Janaka of Janakpur (now in Nepal) was plowing his field he found the baby in a gold casket. In her honor, plowed land is called Sita (furrow). Rama won her hand in an archery contest. His giant stone bow lies broken in the Jungles of Nepal. 6. NARASIMHA JAYANTI - The 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared in a Lion form to kill demon Hiranyakashipu ('clothed in gold'- hiranya). Celebrated in the bright half of month under Swati Nakshatra on Saturday. The demon's sister is Holika whose destruction is celebrated with joy and bonfires at Holi. 84 17. ANURADHA - Following Radha #16 Nakshatra (3.20 - 16.40 Scorpio) Lord - SHANI (Saturn) STARS - β, δ and π Scorpionis The sun currently transits Scorpio from approximately November 16 to December 15 (sidereal zodiac); 2000 BCE, mid-October to mid-November; c. 4000 BCE, mid-September to midOctober (Autumn Equinox). (Taurus; helical rising is opposite Scorpio). As a luni-solar month we are still in Vaisakha (May/June). DEITY - Mitra ('friend', also 'binding oath' 'tra/causes to happen'). One of 12 names of the sun, he is also known as Mitra/Varuna. Anuradha is the birthplace of Surya; one the sun names. Mitra, another form of the Sun, is connected to Lord Varuna. Mitra became increasingly associated with the light of dawn and the morning sun while Varuna became associated with the evening, and ultimately the night. Varuna is lord of the cosmic rhythms of the sun and other celestial spheres, while Mitra brings forth the light at dawn covered each night by Varuna. Agni's fire is kindled before dawn to produce Mitra, and when kindled is Mitra. In the Atharvaveda, Mitra arrives with the sunrise contrasting with Varuna's association with evening. Varuna ('he who covers'), Lord of rain and oceans in this aspect, is guardian of the western horizon. Mitrolsavam in December is a Hindu festival worshipping the Sun whose orderly traversal of the sky is ensured by Mitra-Varuna, guardians of cosmic order. 85 18. JYESHTHA - Elder Sister (16.40 - 30.00 Scorpio - Scorpius corresponds to these Nakshatras: 3 degrees of Vishakha, Anuradha, & Jyestha). Lord - BUDH (Mercury) STAR - Opposite red Aldebaran (Rohini) in Taurus is the red star Antares, the heart of Scorpio. The Taittrilya texts call her Rohini, and others Jyeshta. Antares101 In ancient Egypt, Antares represented the scorpion goddess Serket as well as the goddess Isis. Isis and Serket, like black Kali of India associated with this area of the sky, are mother goddesses. After the destruction of Time, her black womb gives birth to a new world. The Black Hole, the Navel of our Galaxy (Mula) spawning out stars, is located between the end of Scorpio (Jyeshtha #18) and the beginning of Sagittarius (#19).102 Milky Way with Galactic Center between her legs103 101 ESO/K. Ohnaka - http://www.eso.org/public/images/eso1726a/ CC 102 It may be co-incidental but 18 is the end of a moon cycle (Saros cycle) and 19 the end of a sun cycle through the sky (Metonic cycle). 103 Photo, Man Vyl, Creative Commons 86 Ur, c. 2400 BCE -Scorpion opening her womb104 The recognition of the Galactic Womb being in Scorpio is very old. Note the nine legs on this goddess. I believe this reflected Scorpio's movement into the ninth month after the Winter Solstice due to the Precession. The sun currently enters Scorpio about the middle of November (eleventh month after the Solstice). All animals have an even number of legs; scorpions have eight. The red star Jyestha may once have represented the mouth of a heavenly crocodile; "mukha ‘mouth’ also denotes ‘beginning’ and is used of the first asterism. The heavenly crocodile eats the baby sun, newly born at the vernal equinox."105 The full moon in Jyestha rising opposite the morning sun in Taurus (Rohini) occurred about 4000-2000 BCE. Jyestha, oldest wife of the moon, lost favor to her beautiful sister Rohini. Like the festival of the dead associated with Scorpio's Halloween, Jyestha "the eldest" became the goddess of inauspicious things and misfortune. She is regarded as the elder sister and antithesis of Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune and beauty. Identified with Alakshmi, goddess of misfortune, she carries a broom and has a crow attending her. Sometimes carrying a rake, a few people escape her sweeping destruction. Alakshmi being born out of the poison emerging with the churning of the stars in the Milk Ocean; beautiful Lakshmi appeared when the healing elixir of Soma emerged. 104 105 Buffy Johnson, Lady of the Beasts, Harper, 1988, 333. Asko Parpola, , Indian calendars 110 Journal of the American Oriental Society 134.1 (2014) 87 DEITY - Indra is the deity of this Nakshatra. Ruling thunder, lightning, rains, and rivers, Indra killed the ('enveloper') Vrtra Dragon drying rivers and stopping the falling rain. The combat beginning soon after Indra's birth, he first drank Soma before defeating Vitra with a great thunderbolt. The craftsman god Tvashta fashioned the thunderbolt and Vishnu made space for the battle by taking the three great strides between the worlds (see Shravana #22).106 Drought defeated, India's Monsoons begin late May and early June. FESTIVALS IN JYESHTHA MONTH - May 22 - June 22 MAHESH NAVAMI (9th day) of the bright half of Jyeshtha month celebrates Mahadev (Shiva) and Parvati. The Maheshwari believe their community was formed when Shiva first appeared before them on this day 2. VAT PURNIMA (full moon) in (Jyeshtha) The Vat Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in June. Savitri, legendary wife of Satyavan under a curse of death, argued with Death (Yama), He first refused to release her husband. After he was tricked into promising her children, she regained her husband and begin their family. Death defeated, Earth herself now sprouts her green children. Vat is Sanskrit for 'tree'. Women praying for their men tie threads around a banyan (Vat) tree.107 'Vat' also being the word for 'north', newly-weds are directed to gaze at the faithful North Stars (see #10 Magh & #15 Swati). Threads of wind from the celestial Banyan Tree keep the stars spinning in their seasons around the fixed North. 106 wikipedia.org/wiki/Vritra 107 wikipedia.org/wiki/Banyan 88 3. SHANI JAYANTI, - Coinciding with the Vat Purnima in some calendars, it celebrates the birth of Shani (Saturn) son of the sun. His mother was the shadow wife left behind when the first wife fled the sun's heat (#1 Asvini). Shani/Saturn is often identified with Yama, Lord of death. While Earth is now greening, after passing the midpoint of summer, the sun begins slowing dying south toward the Winter Lands of the Yamas. 4. JAGANNATH: SNANA YATRA is also celebrated on the full moon in the month of Jyeshtha. It is the ceremonial bath of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhradra in preparation for their great Wagon ceremony following 18 days later in the month of Ashada. 108 These very ancient deities, roughly carved from logs of wood, are brought out from the Jagannath Temple in Puri and taken in procession to the Snana Bedi ('bathing altar'). A Sudarshana Chakra carved with 108 points is also bathed. After being bathed with 108 pitchers of water, they are dressed and decorated. “…it can be seen that the 13.333 degrees of each naksatra or 13 degrees 20 minutes, can be further divided into four to accommodate that division of a naksatra known as a pada. Hence each pada is valued at 3 108 https://www.pexels.com/photo/iskcon-dhaka-swamibag-temple-jagannath-baloram-subhadra-maharani- 12428567/ Free to use 89 degrees 20 minutes. The notable thing here however is that 27 naksatras x 4 [for the padas in each naksatra] gives a total of 108. This value can be seen to have close affinities to the naksatras.” 109 5. NARADA JAYANTI - The birth of Narada Muni is celebrated the dark half of this month. Like Mercury, lord of this Nakshatra, he is a divine messenger carrying information between all the worlds including Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. Narayana, an avatar of Vishnu is worshipped as the embodiment of truth. It was Narada who helped Parvati finally marry Shiva. 6. GANGA DUSSEHRA PUJA – This occurs during dark half of the month, the "descent of the Ganga" (Ganga Jayanti) when the river Goddess was reborn. She had been held captive by the sage Jahnu Rishi after her descending waters destroyed his home (see #16 Vishakha). Her waters, now released, flow unfettered to the sea. Like Yama and his sister Yamuna, she carries the dead placed in her river toward the South Lands. 109 Harry Sivertsen https://www.academia.edu/39571519/Ancient_Indian_Calendars_2019ed 90 19. MULA- The Root, roots tied together (0.00 - 13.20 Sagittarius) Lord - KETU (South Lunar Node) STAR - Near the stinging tail of Scorpion near Ophiuchus is Lesath (Upsilon Scorpii = 'bite of poisonous animal' or? foggy patch) The Galactic Womb, the root origin of our Universe, is located here between Scorpio and Sagittarius. Stories of Scorpio and Sagittarius often intertwine as they were once, along with Libra, joined into a larger constellation. Black hole in center of the Galaxy by Sagittarius110 Babylonians identified Sagittarius as Nergal, a centaur-like creature firing an arrow from a bow He is generally depicted with wings and a scorpion's stinger rising above his horsetail. God of death, like deadly Scorpio, he heralds plagues and pestilence. Like India's Yama, he rules the Underworld with his dark wife. Nergal may represent the noontime sun and the summer solstice that brings destruction: high summer being the dead season in Mesopotamia. In India, the Summer Solstice arrives at the end of the preceding Jyeshtha month. 110 CC Milky Way Night Sky Black Rock Desert Nevada. Steve Jurvetson - Flickr 91 Pabilsag, the Sumerian name for Sagittarius, is composed of two elements – Pabil, meaning 'elder paternal kinsman' and Sag, meaning 'chief, head'. The name may thus be translated as the 'Forefather' or 'Chief Ancestor'. The Chief Ancestors emerged out of the stars of our galaxy from the Galactic Center. DEITY - Nirriti (Calamity) is also known as Alakshmi, the fierce form of Kali (Kaali) goddess of dissolution. At the end of Time, the Black Goddess takes the seed of her spouse Shiva (Mahakala, 'Great Time)' into her womb until Time returns. "If there is a seed, then there will be a tree. If there is a tree, there also is a seed."111 Kali with crows dancing on Shiva's body (c. 1880, Kolkata)112 Nirriti commonly takes the form of the goddess Kali. In some stories Alakshmi, goddess of misfortune, is the older sister of beautiful Lakshmi. In another tale, she is the second wife of Kali, the male demon (Kali, not Kaali the goddess). She is the guardian of the South, land of the dead. The demon Kali became jealous at the Princess Damayanti's marriage to the hunter Nala. Kali spoke to his companion Dvapara, asking her to influence the dice he was using. Dvapara is the personification of Dvapara Yuga, the last eon before the black Kali Yuga which began with the Kurushetra War. (Mahabharata) 111 writespirit.net/spirituality/the-cosmic-gods/the-relationship-between-mother-kali-and-lord-shiva 112 http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O128623/kali-dancing-on-shiva-painting-unknown/ 92 Possessing Nala after defeating him in the loaded dice game, the demon was eventually exorcized and imprisoned in a Bibhitaki tree. The nuts of the tree are rounded with five flatter sides and were used as dice in the Mahabharata. Note: Among the definitions of Kali is: "The game of dice personified."113 As a 'throw of a dice' Kali (the goddess) is sometimes illustrated riding a horse, the dice attached to her saddle. 64 fairies (dakinis) attend her. "The number 64 is always related in some way or another to play and fate."114 TERMINALIA BELLIRICA, the Bibhiaki tree In traditional medicine, the fruit of the Bibhitaki is used in the popular Indian herbal medicine Triphala. Triphala (three fruits), i.e., emblic, beleric and chebulic myrobalans, employed in a great number of diseases Remembering the demon imprisoned in the Bebhitki, the kernels are narcotic and mind altering. "This Vibhitaka (fearless) is avoided by the Hindus of Northern India, who will not sit in its shade, as it is supposed to be inhabited by demons."115 Note: Nakshatras ruled by Ketu, the tail of the Dragon, all represent endings: Ashvini (#1) when the Durga Puja is celebrated by a mass slaughter of bulls. The sun passing the Autumn Equinox loses his battle with Winter; Magh (#10) where our ancestors dwell until they reincarnate to rejoin the family; and Mula (#19) the Navel of the Universe ruled by the goddesses of Destruction. Nakshatras ruled by the Mother Goddess Venus follow each ending. 113 Benfey, Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1866), Asian Educational Services, 1991, 168, 114 Anne Marie Schimmel, Mystery of Numbers, Oxford, 1993, 259. 115 Pharmacographia Indica. History of the Principal Drugs of Vegetable Origin, Met with in British India, by William Dymock, 1890. 5 &6. 93 20. PURVA ASHADHA - First Invincible One (13.20 - 26.40 Sagittarius) Lord - SHUKRA (Venus) DEITY - Apah (Water as goddess) and Varuna. As Water, the Lady rules the Moon. Apas is equally Soma, the nourishing nectar of the Moon. Varuna, guardian of the West, rules the heavenly ocean into which India’s setting Sun descends. After summer's high point in June, we head south into the dark half of the year. Waves breaking in the stellar Lagoon, NASA photo116 STAR- Kaus Borealis (λ Sagittarii & Kaus Australis ε Sagittarii of archer's bow. The Invincible Star (Kaus = 'bow') marks the handle of the Teapot asterism pointing to a great interstellar cloud: the Lagoon Nebula, an area of fierce star formation. Currently, the stars just above the lagoon mark the Winter Solstice, the southern-most point of the sun's path through the year. 117 The Invincible Purva Ashada contains stars representing the bow with which Sagittarius aims his arrow into the Galactic Center. FESTIVALS IN THE ASHADA MONTH - June 22 -July 22 The month begins with sun entering Gemini opposite the full moon in Sagittarius. This day marks the first peak of the lunar cycle after the peak of the solar cycle (Summer Solstice). Passing the Summer Solstice, we begin our Falling toward the dark of the year. In India, Monsoon rains bring their floods. 116 Image credit: NASA, ESA, Photo release 117 http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/sow/kausbor.html 94 KOKILA (Cuckoo) VRAT - The cuckoo is a Rain Bird, a Storm Bird. Arriving in India the month preceding the Monsoon, its calls announce the coming rains.118 The cuckoo's festival is dedicated to the Goddess Sati and her Shiva. After Sati immolated herself in the first Great Fire Festival, grief-stricken Shiva cursed her to be a cuckoo (Kokila) for a thousand years. She stayed in the Nandan forest as a bird. (The Nandan is still an important bird sanctuary). Later, reborn as Parvati, she fasted the entire month of invincible Ashadha to regain Lord Shiva as her husband. Women perform this fast both to gain husbands and to keep them in health and fortune. GURU PURNIMA is dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers; the festival being celebrated during the full moon of Ashada. On this day Gautama Buddha gave the first sermon at Sarnath. It is also the birthday of Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata. Some say Ganesh inscribed it, using his broken tusk to write down the story. the elephant tusk belonging to Ganesha, 'Remover of Obstacles' is symbol for this Nakshatra. Under these stars one can never accept defeat. Ganesh and broken tusk119 In Ashada, Shiva become the first teacher (guru). 15,000 years ago, a yogi appeared in the upper Himalayas. People gathered to view him. Unmoving other than occasional tears of ecstasy 118 http://naturalistfoundation.org/the-pied-cuckoo/ 119 https://www.krishna-images.com/ganesh-ji-ka-photo/ FREE USE 95 rolling down his face, people began to drift away. Seven stayed. When Shiva opened his eyes, they pleaded for teachings. Finally, he gave them a simple teaching and closed his eyes again. Days became weeks; weeks, months; months became years, as Shiva continued to meditate. After 84 years on the summer solstice when the sun begins his voyage toward the south (Dakshinayana), the yogi looked at them again.120 On the very next full moon day (Ashada month), he began to teach the seven. Shiva, the Adi yogi (first yogi) thus became the Adi Guru (teacher). His seven disciples became the Seven Sages (Saptarishis) now circling the Pole Star. JAGANNATH - at the Jagannatha temple in Puri After the deity’s ritual bath 18 days earlier (see Jyeshtha #18), the Jagannath festival begins. Jagannath, an avatar of Vishnu, is a part of a very old triad along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The siblings along with a red-painted Sudarshan Chakra, made of Neem wood, are re-painted every year before the Ratha Yatra. They are replaced with new carvings every 12 years when Asadha occurs twice in the same year of the Hindu calendar. Jagannath (Lord of the Universe)121 The festival includes an annual visit by great car (the Juggernaut) to the Gundicha Mata temple built in his honor. On the 4th day, Jagannath-Vishnu's wife Lakshmi visits the temple 120 121 Although not part of the ancient Zodiac planets, Uranus takes 84 years to circle earth. Krupasindhu Muduli - Own work, CC 96 searching for husband.122 On 8th day, the Return (Bahuda Yatra) is observed. The deities visit the Mausi Maa (the maternal aunt's) temple of the Goddess Ardhashini on their way home. When the city of Puri was about to flood from the rains falling this month, Ardhashini drank the rising waters to save the city. CHATURMAS - Four holy months begin now. After returning home, Jagannath as Vishnu sleeps his sleep on the back of Shesha, a serpent floating on the Cosmic Ocean for 4 months. These four months begin the dark half of the year as the Sun heads toward winter. Monsoon rains flood the land beginning this month (late June and July). He awakes in October at rain's end. Vishnu sleeping on the back of Shesha 123 "Shesha" in Sanskrit texts, especially those relating to mathematical calculation, implies the "remainder" — that which remains when all else ceases to exist. At the end of each age, each kalpa, when the world is destroyed, he remains to support the new earth. Also known as Vasuki, King of all Serpents, planets of the universe reside among his hoods. 122 His name does not appear in the traditional ten avatars of Vishnu though in certain Odia literature, Jagannath has been treated as the Ninth avatar. 123 M. V. Dhurandhar -Public Domain, 97 21. UTTARA ASHADHA - Later Victory (27.40 Sagittarius - 10.00 Capricorn) Lord - SURYA (Sun) STAR - VEGA (in the Lyre) The Universal Star Vega (Also known as The Falling Eagle or Vulture) was once regarded as a swooping vulture or eagle rather than a lyre. Vega is one of the three great bird-stars that form the Summer Triangle: Vega as a Falling Vulture (or Eagle), Deneb as a Swan, and Altair an Eagle. Sirius124 Gobekli Tepe (c. 11,000 BCE)125 Carving of a Vulture possibly carrying the sun (the vulture Vega was Pole Star at that time). As Sirius rises in the eastern dawn, Vega sets in the west. Vega was the northern pole star c. 12,000 BCE and will be so again around 13,727 CE. The celestial pole had drifted away from Cygnus (location of Deneb) into the neighboring constellation of Lyra. Vega then acted as Pole Star through until around c. 11,000 BC. DEITY - Vishvadevas - the universal gods, the “all-gods”, essentially the Universal Principles or Laws of Nature, personified. The male Nakshatra Abhijit is included among the stars of the Northern Victory as Uttara Ashada. Victorious Vega represents Abhijit. 124 Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona, public domain 125 Photo, CC Sue Fleckney 98 21.5 ABHIJIT - Victorious (28th Nakshatra) - (06° 40' to 10° 53' 40 Capricorn) Among the 27 wives of the moon, the male Abhijit is placed between the 21st and the 22nd wives. He stands outside the 27 Homes belonging to the moon-wives. STAR - The glowing Vega, Pole Star through eons of time before his rule passed with the Precession, represents Abhijit. Vega, brightest star in the northern constellation of Lyra. resides at 06° 40' to 10° 53' 40 in sidereal Capricorn: i.e., from the last quarter of Uttara Ashadha to first part of Shravana belonging to Vishnu who once preserved the Universe. Druva, another name for the unmoving Pole Star was a wise king on earth. After ruling for 36000 years his devotion to Narayan, Lord Vishnu, moved him into the Heavens where he now rules surrounded by the Seven Sages circling his throne. Although not having a Nakshatra of his own, Abhijit Nakshatra represents an auspicious time in the Hindu calendar. Serving as an intercalary asterism most of the time, it is not mentioned as frequently as other asterisms in mythology. Lord Krishna was born under this Nakshatra, Krishna being another avatar of Vishnu. Krishna said that "He was Shiva among Rudras; He was Arjuna among Pandava and Abhijit among Nakshatras." (Bhagavad Gita) Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharat, mentions in the chapter “Contesting against Abhijit (Vega), the constellation Krittika (Pleiades) went to "Vana" the summer solstice to heat the summer. Then the star Abhijit slipped down in the sky."126 P V. Vartak suggests in his book, [Seminar on the Mahabharata) the "slipping of Abhijit" and ascension of Krittika (Pleiades) might refer to the gradual drop of Vega" as a pole star after 12,000 BC. 126 Vana Parva, Chap. 230, Verses 8–11 99 DEITY - Brahma, the ruling deity is a god of creation. Abhijit has a creative influence that can bring auspiciousness for both social and universal good. In predictive astrology, those born when moon was in Abhijit nakshatra will be highly learned and famous. They are respected by the society and live like Kings. 100 22. SHRAVANA - To Hear, Star of Learning (10.00 - 23.20 Capricorn) Lord - CHANDRA (Moon) STAR - 3 stars in the head of the Flying Eagle (Aquila) Altair with its two flanking stars, Beta and Gamma (Tarazed and Alshain), are sometimes thought to be the celestial footprints of Lord Vishnu. He spanned the three worlds in three steps. Vishnu rides the great Eagle Garuda. Altair, The Eagle Star127 DEITY - Vishnu, preserver of Universe. Lord Vishnu resides in the "Makara Rashi" (the "Shravana Nakshatra"), which coincides with the Capricorn constellation. Once the morning stars of the Winter Solstice, Capricorn’s Makara now rises with the sun in January (see Pausa #20. Purva Ashadha), Marking the luni-solar month, he appears by the full moon in late summer. Vishnu floats in the Cosmic Waters of Hindu Creation. Ancient Sumerians, sharing myths with ancient India,128 associated these stars with the god Ea. Also called Enki or Oannnes, he 127 Altair, photo: NASA 128 Indo-Iranian Mitanni of Mesopotamia (1500-1300 BCE) had Indian names and gods. 101 brought culture and science from the sea to mankind. Ea appears both as a goatfish (zodiac image of Capricorn), and in human form with water gushing from his shoulders or vase (zodiac image of Aquarius).129 Enki/Ea pouring out water: Note Eagle or Raven, In some flood stories, it is a raven rather than a dove who announced the end of the deluge.130 In China, Altair is a herdsman separated from Vega, the weaver girl by the dark rift in the Milky Way (Vega in Lyra - the Falling Vulture or Eagle). They can only meet once a year in late August when a River of Birds forms a bridge they may cross. Deneb pointing down the rift marks the location of the magpie bridge across the Milky Way. The two lovers represented by Altair and Vega—the other two vertices of the Summer Triangle—now can be reunited on one special night of the year in late summer Overhead at summer midnight, the Triangle, composed of Altair (Aquila, lower point), Vega (Lyra, upper right) and Deneb (the swan of Cygnus, upper left) is bright. Deneb, also known as the Northern Cross, marks out the seasons. Northern summer nights, the Northern Cross shines in the east at nightfall, sweeps high overhead after midnight, and swings to the west by daybreak. By 129 http://www.mazzaroth.com/InsertTwo/CapricornusStarChart.htm#Denderah 130 Detail of Adda seal, British Museum, Public Domain 102 autumn, the Northern Cross is still out from nightfall till midnight, appearing high overhead at evening and setting in the northwest after midnight. When winter comes, the Northern Cross stands upright over the northwest horizon.131 FESTIVALS IN THE SHRAVANA MONTH - July 23-August 23 They begin when the sun rises in Cancer, the full moon in Capricorn. Waters of the Monsoons continue to fall. Shravana (as are other Monsoon months) is dedicated to the lovers Shiva and mountain born Parvati; Mondays for Shiva; Tuesdays for Parvati The solar year is divided into Uttarâyana (the north turning) and Dakshinâyana (south turning) phases. From Capricorn to Cancer, it is called Uttarâyana and from Cancer to Capricorn it is called Dakshinâyana. The sun now enters Cancer on July 20 each year. When the Turnings were named, Cancer rose the morning of the Summer Solstice (June 21). This is the furthest north the sun wheel rolls along the horizon. After a three day 'standstill' (solstice) he visibly turns and begins moving back toward the south. HARIYALI (GREEN) TEEJ is celebrated by women honoring Parvati during the monsoon months. Three (Tej) festivals celebrating rain, clouds and birds are performed during the rains of July, August, and September. Shravana begins late July and ends in the third week of August. Also known as Āvani it is the fifth month of the solar year and ends with the Sun's entry into Leo (Bhadra month. Both Vishnu and Oannes warned men about the coming Floods. 131 http://earthsky.org/favorite-star-patterns/the-northern-cross-backbone-of-the-milky-way#backbone 103 NARALI ('COCONUT) POORNIMA In the coastal regions of Maharashtra, a coconut is offered to the sea for calming it down after the monsoon season. Fishermen start fishing in the sea after this ceremony. END OF THE KOKILA FAST begun the previous month Sati was worshiped in form of the storm bird Cuckoo, a form she took for 1000 years before rejoining Shiva. Her fast to reunite with Shiva now ends. RAKSHA BANDHAN The festival of brothers and sisters is celebrated on the Full Moon of this month. During a battle between gods and demons, the demons (Rakshas) conquered Indra and all three lands. Indra then asked Brihaspati (Guru/Jupiter) for help. He suggested a mantra and a Raksha puja. After, Indra's wife tied the Raksha band on his right hand, the demons were defeated. Sisters now tie sacred threads on brothers for their wellbeing. On this day Yama, the god of Death, also blessed his sister, promising sisters tying Takhi on the full moon of Shravana would have his blessings. NAG PANCHAMI is celebrated in many parts of India on the fifth day of the waning half (some places on the waxing) of Shravana. Snakes are worshiped and prayers offered for the health of their brothers and family. Women offer milk at the snake holes. Serpent deities made of silver, stone or wood or the painting of snakes on the wall are given a bath with milk. Remembering this is still the rainy season, India's snakes like Chinese dragons are associated with water, emerging from their holes when the floods drive them forth. 104 Tying together story and practice, Shiva was travelling and found himself in a forest of Lotuses. In that forest he was overtaken by a sudden lust and his semen found their way onto the ground. It entered a Serpent Queen and she fell pregnant with a child. The Queen was the mother of the Serpent King Vasuki. When a child was born, Vasuki adopted her as his own sister. Named Manasha, the snake goddess came to share dominion over the snake races with her brother. (Padma Purana) KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI, marking the birth of Krishna, eighth avatar of Vishnu, falls on the 8th day after the full moon of this month. 105 23. DHANISTHA (SHRAVISTHA)- Richest One (23.20 Capricorn - 6.40 Aquarius) Lord - Mangala (Mars STAR - In the head of Dolphin (Sadalsuud - 'Luck of Lucks') is Beta Aquarii, the brightest star. It signals a period of gentle rain. DEITY - 8 Vasus (meaning 'light' 'benefic') are Earth Gods giving wealth. Star on Left Shoulder of Water-pourer (Aquarius) pouring water into mouth (Fomalhaut) of the Southern Fish132 When the sun enters Leo opposite Aquarius, summer's month of Bhadra begins (August 23 September 22). The morning sun in Virgo preceding Leo is opposite the full moon in Bhadrapada (Pisces). 132 From The Mercator Globes at Harvard Map Collection (1551 CE), Public domain 106 24. SHATABHISHA -One Hundred Healers (6.40-20.00 Aquarius) Lord - RAHU (North Lunar Node) SYMBOL: An empty circle symbolizes this Nakshatra STAR - Formulhaut 'the Mouth of the Southern Fish (alpha piscis) Fomalhaut with debris ring133 Because it’s the only bright star in its region of sky, Fomalhaut is sometimes called the Loneliest Star. The Mouth belongs to a large group of faint stars poured out by the Water Bearer to heal earth. As Morning Star, it once marked the Winter Solstice c. 2500 BCE, the location where the sun crossed the meridian on the first day of winter. One of 4 Royal Stars measuring out the seasons, they are: Aldelbaran (Taurus) The Watcher of the East - Vernal Equinox; Regulus (Leo), Watcher of the North - Summer Solstice; Antares (Scorpio) Watcher of the West, - Autumn Equinox; and Formulhaut, Watcher of the South - Winter Solstice. The Royal Stars once located the sun along the horizon at the corners of the year. DEITY - Varuna, the guardian of Natural Law rules Shatabhisha. God of water and the Celestial Ocean, Capricorn's Makara is his mount. Varuna was eventually replaced by Indra and later faded with the ascendancy of Shiva and Vishnu. His consort is Varuni. She came out of the ocean, during the churning of amrita (the healing Soma used by the 100 Healers of this Nakshatra). She represents the purifying nectar of immortality. 133 Photo, European Southern Observatory, common domain, 107 Varuna on Capricorn's Makara134 The Makara Sankranti of winter is the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar rather than the lunar calendar. In this month, we now enter late summer. TREE - Anthocephalus cadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba,) Kadamba Tree According to tradition, 27 trees represent 27 Nakshatras, one for each star. The Kadamba tree represents the 100 healers of Shatabhisha in Aquarius. It is believed that God lives inside a kadamba tree, and that Goddess Durga likes to live in the forest of kadamba trees. An extract of the root bark of the tree is used as an antidote against snakebite. It has anti-fungal, antithelminthic, antifilarial and antimalarial activities, and is also used for diabetes, cancers, and mood swings135 Like Fomalhaut, the blossom of the Kadamba is circular.136 In addition to its medical qualities, Kadamba flowers are an important raw material in the production of ‘attar’. Associated with Krishna, it is also known as "Parvati's tree". Radha and Krishna conducted their love play under the sweet-scented shade of the tree. The Goddess Radha 134 Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Rajastan c. 1675-1799 CE, Public Domain 135 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557232/ 136 Neolamarckia_Cadamba_Flower.jpg, CC Syed Tauseef Akber 108 was born in this Bhadra month. Her lover Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark half of the month. In another story, Krishna once stole the garments of milk maidens (gopis) while they were bathing in a pond near Vrindavan.137 Varuna, deity of this Nakshatra, had forbidden nude bathing in rivers, ponds, and other public places but gopis often ignored his wishes. One day Krishna took away their garments and spread them on the branches of nearby kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba). Climbing the tree, he hid behind a branch. After the gopis had bathed, they looked for their garments. When they looked up, they saw Krishna hiding there; their garments scattered over the branches of the tree. Krishna insisted that they come out naked to receive their garments. This episode is portrayed in song, story, painting, and artifacts, in the backdrop of the kadamba. KARAM-KADAMBA is a popular harvest festival, celebrated on the eleventh lunar day of Bhadra. A twig of the tree is brought and worshipped in the courtyard of the house. Later in the day, young ears of grain are distributed among friends and relatives. For further festivals in the month of Bhadra (began when the moon in the Leo sun of August/September entered the stars of Aquarius) see following Nakshatra. 137 Krishna spent his childhood here in Bihar, North India. 109 25. PURVA BHADRAPADA- Early Happy Feet (20.00 Aquarius – 3.20 Pisces) Lord - GURU (Jupiter) STAR - 2 main stars in the shoulder of Greek horse Pegasus (Alpha & Beta Pegasi) The couple of stars of Purva Bhadrapada make an almost perpendicular straight line to the belt of ellipsis at the intersection of Aquarius and Pisces. The Great Square of Pegasus containing the 25th and 26th lunar mansions, represents a bedstead that was a resting place for the Moon DEITY - Akaijapada (the one footed goat or fire dragon) are forms of Rudra, the Roarer. Rudra is also known as the Archer and associated with the arrow star of Sirius (see #5. Mrigashira). He knocked the World God off his perch at the corners of Time. Pegasus, who carries the thunderbolts to Greece’s Zeus, may once have represented an older weather god of thunder & lightning like Rudra. Rudra of the roaring storm is usually portrayed as a fierce, destructive deity. Shiva and Rudra according to Hindu mythology are essentially one and the same, Rudra being an older darker manifestation. FESTIVALS IN BHADRA MONTH - mid-August/mid-September Bhadra begins with the sun's entrance into Leo (opposite the moon in Aquarius). 2000 BCE, Leo's sun rose in August. The monsoon Floods continuing while Aquarius pours his waters over the earth will soon end. 110 Aquarius is identified as GU.LA "The Great One" in the Babylonian star catalogues and represents the god Ea (Enki). Rising with the morning sun, it once marked the winter solstice in the Early Bronze Age. Ea ruled the southernmost quarter of the Sun's path, the "Way of Ea", corresponding to the period of 45 days on either side of winter solstice. Egypt also associated Aquarius with the annual Nile Flood, the banks flooding when Aquarius' overflowing jar filled the river late July/August/ HARTILIKA TEEJ Teej means 'three (celebrated 3rd day). The previous month of Shravan (July/August) holds the Green Teej welcoming the healing rains. Hartalika is a combination of "harit" and "aalika" which means "abduction" and "female friend" respectively. Hartalika Teej is one of three monsoon celebrations practiced primarily by girls and women. The festivals of Teej are dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Shiva. "Hartalika Teej is seen as a major festival and is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the North Indian Lunar month of Bhadrapud." The Goddess Parvati (incarnated as Shaliputri)138 was the daughter of the mountain Himalaya who had promised her hand in marriage to Vishnu. Upon hearing this, Parvati told her friend who took Parvati to the thick forest so her father could not marry her against her wishes. On the third day of the bright half of Bhadra, Parvati made a Shiva lingam out of the sand of the Ganga and prayed. Lord Shiva was so impressed that he gave his word to marry her. Eventually, Parvati was united with Lord Shiva and married with her father's blessing. Since then, the day is 138 Shaliputri, like Parvati, means 'daughter of the mountain'. 111 referred to as haritalika teej as Goddess Parvati's female (aalika) friend had to abduct (harit) her to achieve her goal of marrying Lord Shiva. Wedding of Shiva and Parvati139 SHUKRA GANESH JAYANTI - The birthday of Ganesh begins a ten-day festival starting on the fourth day of the bright half of the Bhadra month. Clay idols of the Elephant god are made. At the end of the ten days, they are carried to water and allowed to dissolve back into earth. Parvati created her son Ganesha from clay. Not recognizing his son, Shiva beheaded him but then replaced Ganesha's original head with that of an elephant. Ganesha is also known as “Vighna Vinasaka”, which means, one who destroys and remove obstacles. Also known as Ekadanta (one tusked), there are multiple stories relating the loss of his tusk. In one version, he broke his tusk to use as a pen while transcribing the epic of the Mahabharatha. In another version, he used his tusk as a weapon to slay a mouse demon. The greedy elephant was observed dropping his candy and the moon, unable to stop, laughed. "Angry Ganesha pulled his tusk and threw it at the moon, breaking him into many pieces. Chandra Deva was shocked, but Ganesha was not yet done. “You will always be dark!” Finally with the 139 Carved ivory with traces of tamarind juice. Southern Indian (Madurai)1766, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Photo by Art-traveller, CC 112 intervention of Lord Shiva, Ganesha agreed to modify the curse and so came the fifteen days of growing moon and the fifteen days of the waning moon.140 KRISHNA JANMASTAMI - Sri Krishna was born at midnight of this day, the 8th day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapad. PITRU PAKSHA - The dark fortnight of Bhadrapada is reserved for the veneration of the dead. This period is known as Pitru Paksha. (See #10 Magh/Leo) The sun is travelling through Leo, opposite Bhadra's moon in Aquarius. Souls of the ancestors wait among the stars of Leo until they are reborn on earth. Purva Bhadrapada is sometimes translated as the 'front feet of a funeral bed'. The Chinese saw the Water Jar (Aquarius) as a tomb. RAHU, demon head of the serpent swallowing the sun and moonlight, is born on the Chaturdasi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (Dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada. A reason for the timing of ritual events, on the 15th day of the waning half of the month, the moon disappears until three days later a new moon returns, signaling the Bright fortnight. 140 http://hindumythologyforgennext.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-stories-of-single-tusked-ganesha_31.html 113 26. UTTARA BHADRAPADA -'Back Feet of the Funeral Bed' (Pisces 3.20 - 16.40) Lord - SHANI - (Saturn) STAR - The Warrior Star Algenib on tip of wing of Pegasus (gamma pegasi, The Flank) & alpha Persei (Mirfak /elbow). This area of the Square of Pegasus represents either the back legs of a funeral bed or a snake in the water. SYMBOL: Back legs of a funeral cot. Saturn, Lord of this Nakshatra is sometimes identified with Yama welcoming the dead to the Underworld. DEITY- Ahirbudhyana. Ahirbudhyana is the Dragon of the Deep representing the serpent of the world’s underbelly. A Warrior Constellation, it grants prosperity to the cosmos. This Naga is connected to the deep nether regions and to Ketu (south lunar node) as well as unseen, hidden territory. The environment of higher fortune “uttara-bhadra” is in the lower recesses of Earth. Ahira-Budhnaya is the one who is aware (budha) of the treasures stored in the inner recesses below the surface of Earth. Often depicted as a serpent steadily defending a hoard of precious treasure at the bottom of the ocean, Ahira (diamond) is a collector and preserver of treasuries.141 TREE: Azadirachta indica (Neem) is a very bitter medicinal fruit. Neem leaves are dried in India and placed in cupboards and containers of rice to prevent insects. Neem leaves are dried and burnt in the tropical regions to keep away mosquitoes. Fitting with this Nakshatra ruled by serpents: "If a patient presumed to be bitten by snake is given a few leaves of neem to chew and he does not find them bitter, consider that the venom has gone into his 141 http://www.barbarapijan.com/bpa/Nakshatra_radical/26uttarabhadra.htm 114 body. [Give him] neem leaf water or any other antidote. He [is considered cured only when the neem leaves taste] bitter again."142 142 remedyguru.com/content.php/1926-Neem-Therapy-Neem-in-Snake-Bite-Treatment 115 27. REVATI - Transcendent, Wealthy (16.40 - 30.00 Pisces) In plain translation, Revathi refers to one who is wealthy, and this is conveyed by the essence of this asterism at multiple levels. Alternatively, Revathi can be translated into ‘the ability to transcend’.143 Lord - BUDH (Mercury) STAR - Kullat Nunu – η Piscium (Eta Piscium) Eta Piscium is the brightest star in the constellation. The star has an unofficial proper name, Kullat Nunu. Nunu is the Babylonian word for “fish,” and “kullat” refers either to a bucket or the cord used to tie the fish together. Identified as the First Point of Aries, when the Sun crosses this star a new solar year begins.144 Pisces is final and last zodiac sign. It is also the final Mansion the moon visits each month on his cycle around the sky. 4000 years ago, the sun rose in Pisces mid-February to mid-March, announcing the end of the year before the New Year of the Vernal Equinox. Precessed, it now rises mid-March to mid-April. DEITY - Pushan offers guidance and protection on one’s path, bringing nourishment and prosperity with him. Like Mercury (Budh), lord of this nakshatra, he is a psychopomp conducting souls between the worlds. This last and final nakshatra concludes the journey from this world into the next circle of Time. Pushan’s symbol is a drum for keeping time. 143 india-astrologer.com/vedic_astrology/nakshatra/revathi.html 144 www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Revati+(nakshatra) 116 Revati became wife of Balarama, elder brother of Krishna. In an earlier form she wanted to marry the most powerful god. After ruling out the Wind, Mountain, and Earth, Earth said Shesha, the serpent who carries the earth and the worlds on his hoods, is most powerful. Balarama would eventually manifest as Shesha. Revati would marry Balarama but waited long years as he would not be born until 27 yugas (eons) later. "Revati as 27th Nakshatra ‘returns’ to a place after 27 units of time, 27 Mahayugas or Chaturyugas, demonstrating early knowledge of the precession of equinoxes."145 Her future spouse, "Shesha", in Sanskrit texts relating to mathematical calculation, implies the "remainder" — that which remains when all else ceases to exist. In Sanskrit it also means 6 as the sheshanaga has multiple heads to supports the unstable earth on his hoods. TREE - Mahua longifolia (Indian Butter Tree/Madhuka). As a zodiac sign, Pisces is associated with alcohol and drunkenness. Fitting as a symbol for this Nakshatra, the seed oil of the Butter Tree, good for the skin, also makes an alcoholic drink. “Kali who is seated on a red lotus in full bloom, her beautiful face radiant, watching Mahākāla, who, drunk with the delicious wine of the Madhuka flower, is dancing before her.”146 As always, the end is embedded in the beginning. We now circle back once more to the stars of the Ashvini who once stood at the entrance of the year on the Equinoxes. 145 http://ancientindians.wordpress.com/indiancalendars/manvantaras-revati-and-yugas/ 146 Avalon, Arthur, trans., Mahanirvana Tantra by Tilopa (988- 1069 CE). 117 BIBLIOGRAPHy Avalon, Arthur, trans., Mahanirvana Tantra by Tilopa (988- 1069 CE …The Serpent Power, Dover, 1974 Roberto Calasso, Ka (1998), Vintage, 1999 George Wm Cox, Mythology of the Aryan Nations, Google Books David Frawley, Ayurvedic Astrology, Lotus Press, 2005 …Gods, Sages & Kings, Motilal Banarsidas (1991), 2003 …Astrology of the Seers, Motilal Banarsidas, 1990 Great Britain Imperial Records, Feasts & Holidays of the Hindus, 1914 Victoria Ions, Indian Mythology, Paul Hamlin, 1967. James Legge, trans, (Yueh Ling), Li Chi, NY University, 1967 P.V.R Narasimha Rao, Vedic Astrology, Sagar Publications, (2001) 2004. Harry Sivertsen, Ancient Indian Calendars, 3: Academia.edu Fabio Silva, academia.edu/16769826/_Once_Upon_a_Time

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