UTTARASHADHA

Uttarashadha extends from 266° 40' to 280° 00' (26° 40' Sagittarius to 10° 00' Capricorn); its first quarter lies in Sagittarius and its latter three quarters in Capricorn. The asterism, which is itself assigned to the Sun, under the influence of both Jupiter and Saturn. It is also presided over by Vishwa Devata, meaning "the universe as God," which makes the asterism intensely concerned with humanity at large as well as being very powerful. Its primary attribute is sattwa, harmony, while at the secondary level rajas operates and at the tertiary level sattwa again prevails. Moksha is the primary motivational impulse radiating from this asterism. A small cot or the bed-rod is its symbol.

The rods of a bed or the bed itself as a symbol for the asterism denotes a place of rest or relaxation. The rods are important accessories which finally produce the bed. Even the bed is not "rest," though it provides the necessary conditions whereby one may enjoy rest and recuperation. By providing the necessary conditions for the externalization of universal principles in human individuals, the asterism produces the psychological orientation for discharging our ultimate responsibilities and karmic debts. At this level, the individual acquires the faculties symbolized by the bed or the bed rods which later enable him to attain his final rest, Nirvana liberation. This seems far-fetched, but in actual observation, one finds that Uttarashadha leads to a kind of universal or cosmic unity under which the individual loses his personal considerations and begins to think in terms of oneness. The asterism does not lead to rest in the physical sense; rather, it leads to activity and change. Uttarashadha enables the individual to be earthly in action, but the stimulus for each action comes from some kind of spiritual goal. Each earthly involvement will be explained in terms of the higher objectives in life.

The planetary relationships of this nakshatra indicate that it can lead the individual toward mantras, tantras and other rituals which propitiate the various celestial powers, Some individuals under the influence of this asterism may be found engaged in penance and austerities to obtain supernatural powers. This is because the personal defenses of the individual have broken down and his personality is shaken; his old values and supports are crumbling down. Sacrificing one's personal life on the cross of universal consciousness is always painful, and that process is intensified at this stage. The influence of Vishwa Devata can be felt through intellectual development and the urge towards socialization. The foundation of harmony is empathy, and the rod of the bed represents the essential human relationships which depend on empathy for their endurance. The entire life of the individual may seem barren and without any core. This experience flows directly from the universalization of individual consciousness. This subjective recognition makes the person humble, and sometimes introspective or self-centered.