PURVASHADHA

Purvashadha extends from 253° 20' to 266° 40' (13° 20' to 26° 40' Sagittarius). It is completely within Sagittarius which is ruled by Jupiter. The asterism itself is assigned to Venus. The Vedic deity presiding over the asterism is the water-god Apas. The primary sattwic impulse permeating the asterism is affected by rajas at the secondary level and tamas at the tertiary level. The symbol assigned to the asterism is the elephant's tusk. The motivational urge of the asterism is moksha or liberation.

These characteristics indicate that the asterism is a spiritual influence. Venus will sensitize the recipient to intuition and other higher forces of nature. This heightened sensitivity and greater alertness, though outwardly they may appear as listlessness, are the important qualifications for transformation and the dawn of spirituality. New experiences are gained in such a milieu. Possessing the pliability of water, the asterism functions as a life-sustaining influence.

One exceptional result of Purvashadha is the discovery of new possibilities, the externalization of latent faculties, and the uncovering of one's valuable qualities. These are all symbolized by the tusk of an elephant. The tusk is the most valuable part of an elephant's body, a sort of externalization of the inner possibilities of the animal. Under Purvashadha, many unknown and unexpected possibilities come to light. Divine wisdom may flash, hidden knowledge may be revealed, and intuitive faculties may be sharpened. The experience and illumination received under this asterism is intended to purify and spiritualize the life conditions.

Under the influence of this nakshatra, the mind is activated and the individual begins to reflect on Divine law. But this reflection is not a purely mental process; it is a perception of diverse natural forces operating at their innermost depth which illumines and transmutes his animal nature into divinity. This asterism may be regarded as God's grace which, to an unripe mind, produces pride and conceit.