MRIGASHIRA

The name Mrigashira means literally the head of a deer, but there are other synonyms for this nakshatra which more directly indicate its characteristics. These Soumya, which means auspicious, agreeable, and having the qualities of Soma; Chandra, relating to the Moon; Agrahayani, referring to the full-moon day of the month of Agrahayana; and Udupa, meaning the Moon. These names suggest that the asterism is intimately linked with the auspicious qualities of the Moon. In occult literature, the Moon is the guardian of the Earth as well reflection of the godhood in the psyche of the individual; thus this nakshatra symbolizes the reflection of the eternal in each individual mind.

Mrigashira extends from 53° 20' to 66° 40' (23° 20' Taurus to 6° 40' Gemini). It is symbolized by the deer's head and ruled by the Moon. But the tertiary quality of Mrigashira is tamas, while that of Rohini is rajas. These are small differences, but they have important repercussions regarding predictions. At this stage, the concretization of the abstract Divine Impulse takes place The creative impulse of nature begins to assume material form. This asterism is linked with the basic constituents of the universe which are called tanmatras. Its operation in the multiple realms of the abstract, spiritual, mental, perceptual and physical is suggested by the planetary lordship of its four quarters assigned to Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, while the Moon has overall control of the asterism. These planets impart energy, agility and inquisitive intellectual endeavor. One of the special characteristics of Mrigashira is the quality of tamas, leading to materialization, but there is an equally powerful urge towards moksha or liberation on the spiritual level, Mrigashira imparts intelligence while the materialistic side it expresses itself in pure egotism. There is an element of contradiction in the effect of this asterism.