MULA

Mula is the starting point for a radically different kind of influence. The sattwic attribute begins to dominate with this asterism. Mula extends from 240° 00' to 253° 20' (0° 00' to 13° 20' Sagittarius); the asterism and Sagittarius begin together. The zodiacal sign is governed by Jupiter, but the asterism is assigned to Ketu, the South Node of the Moon. Whenever a new guna begins at the primary level, the planet assigned to the asterism is Ketu because some abstraction has to be concretized and an idea is to be made manifest at the physical level. It implies a new opportunity but also onerous responsibilities, because much hardship must be borne in carrying out a new mission or disseminating any tradition-bound environment. Mula new ideas in a tradition-bound form represents this stage of manifestation and is one of the most misunderstood asterisms. It is considered inauspicious; its synonyms are Asura, meaning an evil spirit, and Akratubhul, which has a similar meaning. The presiding deity is named Nritta, who is also a demon. The asterism is symbolized by a lion's tail or an elephant's goad, both of which suggest dangerous possibilities if the asterism's influence is not properly absorbed. The ancient categorized Mula as belonging to "the butcher's caste." These indications emphasize the invincible quality of the asterism and the ruthlessness of its impact. The motivational Impulse coming from kama makes the asterism intense.

Mula means the root, the foundation or lowest part of anything, especially the trunk of a tree from which the branches and foliage grow. After Mula, the process manifestation is strengthened to branch out in various directions, to blossom and bear fruit. The trunk can be said to mark the end of one phase and the beginning of another. Mula marks the end of materialism and the beginning of the spiritual process. 

But the process is not very pleasant. In Mula, the past proclivities have to be completely annihilated. This requires the ruthless action of a demon-like god. The occult literature speaks of a stage when the feet of the disciple have to be washed in the blood of his heart, Such action takes place under this asterism. It eradicates past karma. It is only when life becomes pure and tamasic tendencies are transformed that inner purity and the enduring goals of life can blossom. The elephant's goad inflicts pain in order to direct the animal in the right direction. Mula directs individuals toward their destined goals.

Mula is motivated by kama, the passion for carnal indulgence. When this craving is resisted, an intense opposition from the passionate nature arises. Any impediment to one's carnal passion is violently resisted, and consequently the struggle ensues. Mula makes the individual violent and cruel in this sense. His mental balance is disturbed. Transformation takes place when the mental disturbance is controlled.

Mula is male by sex, a butcher by caste, a dog by species, a demon by temperament, and human as far as the animal type is concerned. Masculinity expresses the positive quality of nature; the soul wants to act, achieve, and attain a goal rather than be a passive recipient of the fruit. The cruelty of the butcher is typical of Mula: its action is decisive and will brook no obstruction. In perpetrating its effect, it will be ruthless. By showing Mula as human, its purpose in transforming human animality into spirituality is suggested. The transmutation of animality, materiality, and self-centeredness into sympathy, spirituality and altruism is the most important characteristic of Mula.

The primary impulse of Mula is to arouse mumukshutva, the urge for liberation. But in the process, the necessary transformation involves much discomfort, which makes the asterism troublesome. The unfortunate, demonic impulses are expressions of a karmic nemesis which the spiritual aspirant accepts joyfully. On the path of materialism Mula becomes cruel and possessive.