Jyotish Maha Charts

Nakshatra Uttara Phalguni

Uttaraphalguni is the 12th asterism and consists of two very contrasting stars, known in modern astronomy as Beta-Leonis and 93-Leonis. These two stars lie at the tail end of the constellation of Leo. Denebola (Beta-Leonis) is among the brightest stars in the night sky with a visual magnitude of 2.13. 93-Leonis on the other hand is a relatively faint star with a visual magnitude of 4.53.

Uttaraphalguni translates into «the latter reddish one» or «the latter fig tree». The month of Phalguna relates to the spring season. We can thus immediately associate Uttaraphalguni with all the feelings evoked by the spring season. Obviously Uttaraphalguni wili relate more to the latter half of spring instead of the beginning, which would relate more to the previous nakshatra.

The main symbol of this nakshatra is the two back legs of a bed. Like Purvaphalguni, the bed referred to here is not the bed we use for sleeping on during the night time, but a divan or bed/couch used for a daytime siesta or lounging around. This nakshatra is similar to Purvaphalguni in many ways just as the symbolism suggests. In fact Purvaphalguni and Uttaraphalguni form a pair, the first in the sequence of nakshatras. They share similar names, symbolism, nature and quality although there a slight differences.

As we discussed in the previous nakshatra, the bed or hammock represents a place for rest, comfort and relaxation. The fact that Uttaraphalguni is related to the back legs and not the front legs of a bed, relates it to the second half of a siesta or lounging around. Usually this second half is much more active as one is mentally getting off the relaxation mode and preparing for work.

Uttaraphalguni is thus less comfort-oriented in comparison to its counterpart Purvaphalguni. It relates to someone lying on a couch talking, thinking, or contemplating or involved in some kind of activity like writing, reading, sexual etc.

The fully grown fig tree (refer to the image), represents the notion that Uttaraphalguni has the capacity to actually provide fruit, while Purvaphalguni, which is related to a growing fig tree, has the potential for bearing fruit, but is not actually ripe enough to do so. Uttaraphalguni can thus be seen as a productive rather than a purely recreational, enjoyment orientated and indulgent energy.

Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi

Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi