DHANISHTA

Dhanishta is a mystical nakshatra under which many adepts and seers are born, while for ordinary men of the world it brings untold miseries and deprivations. The primeval energy emanating from this asterism is the tremendous life-force which, when properly absorbed, leads to spiritual attainments. Those who are yet unprepared for its impact may actually be "burned up." They are deprived of their material conveniences and suffer from great penury.

Dhanishta extends from 293° 20' to 306° 40' (23° 20' Capricorn to 6° 40′ Aquarius). Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, which restricts the growth and expansion of material riches. The asterism itself is assigned to Mars, which externalizes that which lies concealed within. Such conflict is similar to that of Shravana, though under

Shravana the turmoil rises at the mental level and guides the ego in earthly confrontation. Dhanishta's primeval motivational urge, dharma or righteousness, goads the individual to proceed undaunted in spite of the unfriendly external situation. That is why this asterism is generally considered inauspicious.

The symbol assigned to the nakshatra is the mridangam, a drum-like musical instrument. The very word dhanishta means a drum, as well as bamboo-cane. Both of these musical instruments are hollow on the inside, but they resound and reverberate the tune played by the musician. Depending upon the skill of the musician, the nature and contribution of the instrument may be assessed. The force of Dhanishta may be similarly reflected on the plane to which it is directed. The flute attracts devotees to dance to the tune of Lord Krishna; Shiva sounds his small damaru (a drum-like musical instrument) under the spell of which the entire universe dances. Under Dhanishta, the basic impulse is to purge the soul of all that it considers its own so that God's plan for it can be unfolded smoothly; this is the stage when the individual may function like a reed the which Divine music is played uninterruptedly and without any distortion.

An important point to remember is that the first half of the asterism lies in Capricorn and the latter half in Aquarius. The influence of Capricorn stands for trial. The person under this influence has to purify and universalize himself. Under Aquarius he becomes a martyr in the name of God, working for Nature and the universal spirit. He investigates and reveals the unifying principles in life, attuning his own existence so as to flow like a river, energizing the sattwic harmony in all life.