HASTA

Hasta which means the palm of a hand, is the thirteenth asterism, covering 160° 00' to 173° 20' (10° 00' to 6° 40' Virgo). The asterism lies completely within Virgo, the reservoir of Nature's finer forces. The basic features of this nakshatra are described by the various appellations for it: it is known, besides Hasta, as Bhanu, Aruna and Ark. Bhanu means the Sun as well as a ray of light; Ark likewise means a ray of light or the Sun, and also the essence of an herbal plant; Aruna refers to the color of the morning dawn, or the dawn personified as the charioteer of the Sun. These names point to great vitality, the advent of a new beginning, and the tremendous regenerating energy which sustains and nourishes others but is completely self-reliant. At first sight it appears that the asterism should more appropriately have been in the zone of Leo, ruled by the Sun. But when we understand Virgo as an embodiment of Nature's finer forces which need to be uncovered, developed and put to use furthering the mission of life by one's own efforts, the positioning of Hasta within Virgo seems apt. The primary radiation of the asterism provides a tremendous impulse towards self-reliance and control over that outgoing energy which is always ready to proceed further, The primeval impulse of Hasta is duration, wherein lies Time. This nakshatra provides the basic foundation which makes further expression of manifestation possible. It should not be thought that Hasta provides congenial conditions for the existence of the individual and his growth. One must struggle to express his inner vitality and potential for growth here.

Hasta is owned by the Moon. It is pervaded by tamas, inertia, at the primary and secondary levels, but rajas or activity operates at its tertiary level. Its motivational urge is moksha or liberation. The presiding deity of the asterism is the Sun in its regenerative aspect, Hasta has the quality of impelling the individual to change, to take new shapes and grow in a new direction. It provides immense opportunities for growth and expansion. This process of growth results from the inner urge to march ahead, while external conditions exert resistance. Thus conflict and different levels of crises result. Resistances manifest as impediments, difficulties and obstructions.

Souls who are guided on the path of renunciation, the nvritti marg, receive opportunities for public service and become leaders of a renaissance, while those on the materialistic side of growth find themselves in conditions of penury, somehow eking out subsistence for themselves. Having been assigned to the caste of Vaisyas whose primary function is to work for the sustenance of society and to engage in commerce and trade without the objective of personal (abnormal) profit, Hasta is concerned with making the individual a sustaining power in the community.