CHITRA

Chitra extends from 173° 20' to 186° 40' (23° 20' Virgo to 6° 40' Libra). Since half of the asterism lies within Virgo and half within Libra, it comes under the influence of both Mercury and Venus. The asterism itself is governed by Mars. The four quarters of it are influenced by the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars. Thus we find that Mars, Mercury and Venus, which are concerned with the bridge that links physical existence with the spiritual level, play an important part in Chitra's meaning. In fact, Chitra represents a great surge toward building and reaching into new levels of achievement. For this reason, one finds wonder-workers, leaders, highly erudite persons, and extremely honest philanthropists born under this star. The ownership of the is assigned to Tvashtar, the celestial architect, and it is symbolized by a pearl.

The pearl is a precious gem extracted from a stinking oyster. The celestial architect is concerned with chipping off unwanted attachments. The process is painful, but it has to become in order perfection and achieve one's pristine purity. The hidden perfection can only be externalized with great insight and a tremendous courage to fight and bear severe ordeals. Mars, which owns the asterism, does not accept defeat. Any confrontation provides it with added incentive to fight and attain its goal. When the soul reaches the stage of Chitra, it has already crystallized the goal of its mission, which requires achievement at every cost. The attempt made at this level is primarily on intellectual and inspirational planes. That is why one finds the asterism extending from Virgo, owned by Mercury, to Libra, owned by Venus. Venusian inspiration lightens the burden of the struggling ego. The first two quarters of the asterism, governed by Sun and Mercury, fall in Vireo which is owned by Mercury and represents the struggle taking place on the intellectual plane. The confusion at this stage may arise due to lack of clarity and confidence with regard to one's ideals. But the last two quarters of the asterism fall within Libra, the sign owned by Venus. Under this impulse. the realm of social relationship becomes important.

Chitra's field of operation is basically the world of matter as is signified by tamas operating at all three levels of impact. The primary motivation for it comes from kama, the passionate nature. It is space, the stage on which the celestial drama is played, which becomes the chief attraction for this asterism. Those who are fired by aspiration toward a spiritual goal and have experienced the delights of spiritual endeavor will involve themselves in building a new society, but those who are still attracted to materiality may very well live the life of a pig in the mud. Those who are not able to imbibe the full power of this asterism may become smug, self-contented, and conceited. They may turn out to be good-for-nothing, self-indulgent individuals.