REVATI

Revati extends from 346° 40' to 360° 00' (16° 40' to 30° 00' Pisces), in a sign which is ruled by Jupiter and symbolized by a pair of fish. The asterism itself is governed by Mercury, the son of Jupiter, and is also symbolized by a fish. It is presided over by Pushan, a deity with the primary function of nourishing the universe-hence he is known as "the nourisher." The name of the deity also means "the measure of the sky." All three levels of this nakshatra's operation are pervaded by sattwa, suggesting complete integration between its basic urges and outward expression.

Revati stands for the great womb in which the Sun lies dormant until the next Manvantaric impulse begins again and a fresh cycle of manifestation sweeps through infinity. It links the end with the beginning. The symbol of the fish is auspicious because it aids procreation and rapid growth. It helps one to become many, easily and rapidly. While doing so, it also makes an individual outward-turned and considerate of the feelings and comforts of others. Under Revati, creativity produces extroverted tendencies. A new life begins for individuals under its influence.

Arising from the desire for spiritual unity caused by Jupiter and the penance and suffering caused by Saturn, under which material craving is completely annihilated, the individual is reborn in wisdom — again signified by Jupiter, ruler of the last quarter of this asterism as well as planetary lord of Pisces.

Under the impact of Mercury, the planetary lord of the asterism as a whole, the individual attains pure awareness born out of intense spiritual dissatisfaction with external forms of religion. The exaltation of Venus in the last quarter of Revati, the quarter owned by Jupiter, produces an overpowering sense of quietude, especially if it reposes there with the Moon, lord of Rohini, representing the foster mother of Krishna's brother and protector Balarama. Venus, being related to sex, encourages procreative activities which enhances the impact of Revati.

Whether we consider the impact of Revati on the individual or in relation to the cosmos, it leads to an infinite expansion of awareness to boundless duration, the dwelling of the seed of future growth in the infinite sea of quietude. Revati refers to the involvement of the soul in self-preserving activities which extend from eternity to eternity.

The basic impulse of Revati is that of dissolution, in which there is a desire to merge with the infinite, with death, the Great Deep. In everyday life, it expresses itself in quietude and equanimity, but nothing in it can be expected to be maintained in its concrete form. In Revati, there is always a turn toward the core, toward the center of everything. Everyday experiences are turned into spiritual attitudes.