SHATABHISHA NAKSHATRA & ITS CHARACTERISTICS

SHATABHISHA - CHARACTERISTICS

•     Its alternate name is Shatataraka which means hundred stars.

•     Apex of Rahu’s functioning.

•     A group of stars in the heart of the constellation of Aquarius.

•     It denotes hundred physicians or hundred medicines or hundred healers.

•     Its main symbol is empty circle. A circle may represent many things such as circle of life, circle of zodiac, circle of creation, maintenance & dissolution.

•     A circle can act as a boundary and protect one from the dangers outside its circumference.

•     A circle can conceal and hide things just like an opaque jar hides the liquid inside.

•     Thus, this nakshatra is related with secrets and the ability to conceal secrets.

•     A circle also carries the idea of identity through segregation. Thus, this asterism relates to all enclosed water bodies like lakes & oceans. But it does not represent rivers as they are not enclosed on all sides.

•     This has got analogy with our physical body housing and offering protection to our soul or astral body.

•      This asterism has a lot to do with the idea of protection which can operate on many levels of existence.

•      Lakshman Rekha is a wonderful example of magical containment and protection connotation of this asterism.

•      Its main deity is Varun, lord of oceans and representative deity of the water element in nature.

•      The above fact automatically relates this nakshatra with all kinds of liquids in physical as well as astral realm.

•      In this nakshatra’s image, Varun is seen holding a pot which contains Soma – the preferred drink of Gods. This heavenly drink, may be medicinal in nature, suggests the idea of rejuvenation and intoxication.

•     Thus, this asterism has a lot to do with healing on levels of existence.

•     On the highest level this asterism falls under the jurisdiction of Shiva, the lord of ascetics.

•     Shiva presides over the sign Aquarius and since this asterism falls in the heart of the sign Aquarius, it automatically falls under Shiva’s domain.

•     Consequently, it carries within itself Shiva’s mystical, contemplative, ascetic and dissoluting nature.

•     Secrecy is the one quality which immediately separates Shatabhishak from other nakshatras even though a few other nakshatras like Anuradha, Jyeshtha & Purvashadha can be secretive.

•     Shatabhisha is in a league of its own when it comes to hiding thoughts, motives, self or anything else.

•     In fact, this asterism derives almost all of its power from what is hidden.

•     Shatabhishak always tries to gain access to whatever is hidden and in doing so attains its power.

•     Shatabhishak is not always ready to share the hidden secrets it has discovered and tries to hide them just like the ocean covers up many a treasure.

•     This is one of the main nakshatras presiding over media in all its forms, especially electronic media.

•      In today’s world, media is said to function on the twin principles of secrecy & deception.

•      The people running the show are said to know the truth whilst all that the masses get is a smokescreen.

•      Thus, Shatabhishak is said to be the ultimate con artist.

•      Shatabhishak’s essential nature is to view everything with suspicion.

•      Natives under the influence of its energy usually take their own time to get accustomed to new things, thoughts, places & people. Their suspicious nature makes them to be on guard, thus making them capable of shielding themselves from harm. Thus, once again, the circle symbolism comes into play. Its reclusive aspect arises from its inclination to draw a boundary around itself which makes it difficult for others to approach them.

•     Shatabhisha natives are generally solitary, eccentric, reclusive and introverted.

•     Its reclusivity gives rise to contemplation which in turn produces wisdom and enlightenment.

•     In negative cases, this seclusion can only translate into pessimism and self-pity.

•     Shatabhishak is as keen on unravelling secrets as it is on keeping secrets.

•     That is why most Shatabhishak natives enjoy activities like solving puzzles or those which involve the pursuit of something hidden.

•     Shatabhishak loves to get to the truth of anything just like Mula loves to get to the root of everything.

•     Shatabhishak natives are usually quiet and undemonstrative, they often blurt out harsh truths at the most inopportune moments.

•     This is in fact one of the major problems Shatabhishak natives face in climbing the ladder of success, especially material success. Refinement & sensitivity is not their forte.

•     Most of the Shatabhishak natives lack proper grooming and education in their formative years.

•     They often have to make their own rules for dealing with today’s rough world which adds to their innate roughness.

•     Shatabhishak represents culmination of air element. It is thus the master of the mental, analytical and logical faculties.

•     In its higher mode, it can be all pervasive, just like the air. This ability to relate to everyone without preconceptions, judgements and prejudice is what makes a philosopher out of Shatabhishak.

•     Their philosophy is usually heavy on intellectualism but the evolved souls understand that emotional and mental bodies need to be integrated in order for any true understanding to occur.

•     Shatabhishaks have their own particular brand of magnetism though they lack conventional charm and beauty.

•     They are often unkempt in their appearance and clothing.

•     Their countenance is usually calm, quiet, shy and reserved but they have a tendency to explode every now and then.

•     Absentmindedness is one of their marked features. They usually convey a sense of aloofness even if they are genuinely attentive from inside.

•     Their negative traits include laziness, addictions, perversions and vulnerability to all types of mental/emotional and psychological disorders.

•      Their positive qualities include enterprise, moderation, discrimination, philosophical attitude, truth seeking and unbounded vision.

•      On a material plane, Shatabhisha has a tendency to make a “zero” out of the things it affects in a nativity.

•      In the universal scheme of things, Shatabhisha relates to “Bheshaj Shakti” – the power of healing.

•      Its symbolism has pervasiveness above and support below. This obviously relates to the three worlds – heaven, earth and nether world. This symbolism shows that Shatabhisha is even more pervasive than Purvashadha, a power which it uses to heal the three worlds.

•     The healing process here is different from Ashwini, in the sense that it happens through genuine repentance and sustained effort is required over comparatively longer periods of time.

•     The all-pervasive power that media has in today’s world basically Shatabhisha power and since this power is in wrong hands, it is not being used to heal or teach but to fool and dumb down.

•     This is an active nakshatra. Its active disposition springs directly from its moveable nature.

•     This nakshatra embodies electricity in all its different forms because it falls in the heart of the constellation of Aquarius which is an electric sign.

•     In the present day and world where most of the communication is electronic, this asterism assumes tremendous importance.

•     It belongs to the butcher class and is thus involved in all butcher like or harsh activities ranging from advanced medical treatment of complicated diseases to just plain killing and hunting.

•     Since this nakshatra is not cruel and fierce, it is comparatively benevolent despite belonging to the butcher class.

•     It is a neutral or eunuch nakshatra which means that it has a balance of masculine and feminine attributes.

•     This neutral quality makes it very dexterous in regard to its dealings with people, which is ideal for media related activities.

•      The body part it relates to the most is the jaw which emphasizes its relation to the acts of eating, drinking and speaking. It is also related to the right thigh.

•      It belongs to the Vata (airy) humor. This classification is clear from Shatabhisha’s strong association with primarily Vata planets – Saturn and Rahu.

•      Its direction is from south-west to south-east.

•      First Pada or quarter of Shatabhisha is 6°40’ to 10°00’ Aquarius which falls in Sagittarius Navamsa and is ruled by Jupiter. This relates to the happy, go lucky, optimistic and philanthropic side of this nakshatra. This Pada has a tendency to get carried away and so, it is important for the native of this Pada to choose the right thing to get carried away with.

•      Second Pada or quarter of Shatabhisha is 10°00’ to 13°20’ Aquarius which falls in Capricorn Navamsa and is ruled by Saturn. This relates to more practical and organizational aspect of this asterism. This is the pada which relates to all material activities under the domain of Shatabhisha.

•      Third Pada or quarter of Shatabhisha is 13°20’ to 16°40’ Aquarius which falls in Aquarius Navamsa and is ruled by Saturn. This relates to the visionary, futuristic and philosophical aspect of this asterism. In its negative aspect, it can be too eccentric and rebellious. The planets placed in this asterism often do well on the material plane as this is the vargottam position.

•      Fourth Pada or quarter of Shatabhisha is 16°40’ to 20°00’ Aquarius which falls in Pisces Navamsa and is ruled by Jupiter. This relates to the expansive, hallucinatory and illusory side of this asterism. When favorable, it can give great powers of healing and compassion. When afflicted, it can make one too ambiguous. Planets placed in this pada can make the natives lose themselves in one or other form of the intoxication.

•     PROFESSIONS – Astronomers & Astrologers; Aeronautical works; Electrical woks; Space research; Herbologists; Explorers, Hunters & Inventors; Pilots; Radio Operators; Film & Television Industry related works; Movie Stars; Physicians & Surgeons; Detectives; Puzzle Experts; Technology Experts; Chemotherapists; Trend Setters; Nuclear Physicists; Alcohol related professions; Drug Dealers; Translators; Yoga & Meditation; Pimps & Prostitutes; Automobile Industry; Plastics & Petroleum; Sea faring professions and Martial Art Instructors etc.

•     GUNA (Essence) – Its basic essence is Tamas, which relates to inertia on all levels of existence. Positive aspect: It leads to meditation and introverted & reclusive nature. Negative aspect: It leads to intoxication, drugs, alcohol, sex etc.

•     TATTWA (Element) – Its element is Ether. Ether can mingle with every other element. This associates the nakshatra with broad vision and wide open space. It relates to its meditative capacity and the ability to attune oneself to the omnipresent emptiness.

•     GANA – It is a Rakshasa (demonic) nakshatra. It means that this nakshatra primarily seeks independence and can be eccentric or overtly negative in its outlook. However, it should not be seen as an overtly evil asterism as it is mild by nature. Its demonic side is usually used for breaking through attachments & conventions.

•     ORIENTATION – It is an upward nakshatra. This means that it is an expansive nakshatra and most of its activities happen above the ground.

•     LUNAR MONTH – It is co-ruler of Shravan month, which is said to be ruled by Shraavana nakshatra. Its energy becomes stronger during the last 9 days of this month which corresponds to the month of August in the solar calendar.

•     LUNAR DAY – Shatabhisha is related to Chaturdashi (14^th Tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon’s monthly cycle.

•     AUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES – It is good for – Signing business deals & contracts, land & housing deals; Education & learning activities; Travel (especially over water); Bike riding; Acquiring new vehicle; Recreational ventures; Meditation & yoga; Sexual activity; Studying astronomy & astrology; Medicine, therapies, rejuvenation & life enhancing activities; Media events; Technological activities;Visiting the sea-side.

•     INAUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES: It is not good for – Beginnings in general; Marriage;

Childbirth; Fertility treatments; Law suits, arguments; Negative or wrathful action; Financial matters; Buying new clothes or jewelry; Domestic activities.

•     Planetary Ruler: Shatabhisha is ruled by the planets – Saturn, Rahu & Uranus. Rahu is the main ruler of this asterism. Shatabhisha is the pinnacle of Rahu’s energy.

•     SIGNIFICATIONS OF SHATABHISHA: 1). In its highest aspect this nakshatra relays the most knowledgeable and philosophical side of Rahu. 2). Rahu, being a child of MAYA, carries within itself the complete knowledge of the nature’s hidden & complex functioning. 3). The humanitarian, all inclusive & philosophical disposition of this asterism, when it is functioning through its higher aspect, is very much in tune with Rahu’s disposition in its higher aspect. 4). Rahu is that force which attempts to break down all boundaries of race, age, status, nationality & religion to usher in a feeling of oneness of humanity, which in a sense embodies the spirit of Aquarius. 5). Functioning through its lower aspect, it relays the aspect of Rahu, which is responsible for consumption and manufacturing of all types of alcohol, intoxicants & drugs.6).All the significations of Rahu dealing with poisonous chemicals & substances also fall under the domain of this asterism. 7). Saturn is associated with this nakshatra being the ruler of Aquarius. 8). Saturn is a planet associated with coldness, slowness, practicality, organization, melancholy, stillness, discipline, introversion, perseverance & detachment. 9). All these traits of Saturn find expression through this nakshatra. However, the emphasis here is on stillness, introversion, contemplation, seclusion & philanthropy instead of the Capricorn-Saturn traits like materiality and organizational capacity. 10). Uranus is the co-ruler of Aquarius and is a planet which relates to sudden events, eccentricity, electricity, science and high technology. 11). Shatabhisha rules most of the electronic media in today’s world. 12). Since most of the electronic media is dependent on advancements in technology, the relationship between Uranus & Shatabhisha is immediately clear. 13). Rahu-Saturn, Rahu-Uranus and Saturn-Uranus conjunctions in a chart convey similar energies to Shatabhisha. 14). Mercury, Venus & Rahu do best in this nakshatra. Saturn also does well here but it can make one too melancholic.