Chitra is one of the few asterisms which are represented by a single star. Its star is commonly known as Spica {Alpha-Virginis), which lies in the lower back part of the constellation Virgo. It can be said to be placed around the region where the 'hips of the maiden' formed by the shape of the constellation Virgo would lie. It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky with a visual magnitude of 1.06 and can be spotted even in the polluted skies over big metropolitan cities. Ancient vedic seers saw this star as the residence of Vishwakarma (or Tvashtar), the divine architect.
Chitra conveys a wide variety of meanings in English ranging from «Glittering», «Brilliant», «Bright», «Art», «Artful», «Beautiful», «Many Coloured», «Variegated», «Illusory», «Visually Exciting» or «Magic». In a way this nakshatra conveys more of its inherent qualities through its name than any other asterism.
In keeping with its name, its main symbol is a 'big, bright, shining jewel'. Gemstones, as we know, are formed under conditions of intense heat and pressure acting over rocks and minerals for millions of years. On a material plane, the universe has to come a long way from the initial big bang to the stage where gems are produced on planets such as ours. A gem can thus be seen to be the apex of the universe's striving for beauty and perfection of form.
We have already seen that Hasta, the previous nakshatra, is related to artisans and those involved in light crafts like handicrafts. In Chitra, however, crafts are taken to another level and perfection of form is achieved. Chitra is therefore associated with the final appearance and form of everything in nature. Its ruling deity as we shall leam, was even responsible for giving our Sun its final present day form (refer to image). It is up to Chitra to finally oversee how a thing should look, whether it be a galaxy or a small leaf.
Its alternative symbol is a 'pearl'. Pearls, as we know, are formed in an oyster's moments of irritation, in much the same way art comes out of the artist's moments of irritation and depression. Chitra is thus related to the mysterious essence behind creativity, using its clear understanding of the laws of the universe. It has the ability to fashion new, wonderful and delightful things out of seemingly nothing at all. In its higher aspect, Chitra allows one to see beyond the illusion of form, thus giving access to the pearl of true knowledge.
Tvastar, the celestial architect, is the main ruling deity of this asterism. He is usually referred to by the name Vishwakarma (creation worker) in most of the Vedic texts. He is said to be an adept in Maya, the illusory force which keeps alive the drama of life. Vishwakarma uses his knowledge of Maya to create, mutate and fashion new forms out of the pre-existing ones, an act which seems like magic to others. His workings are often done in secret and a shroud of mystery surrounds his character and persona. To understand his mysterious aspect better, we have to take our present day example; «most of the human population on our planet are completely unaware of how normal soil containing silicon is fashioned into a computer, a device which has the ability to do all these magiclike functions».
In the same way, most of the gods and other celestial beings do not have a clue as to how Vishwakarma creates magnificent structures using the most basic elements. Even on our planet we can see that the most important thing defining a civilization is its architecture. There's none better than Vishwakarma in material architecture and consequently none surpasses Chitra as far as arts, crafts, design, architecture, beauty and proportion are concerned. Chitra is the grand illusion maker creating delightful things, forms and objects, which make us want to live.
Vishwakarma, even though he is friendly to the gods, has no particular allegiance to anyone. He creates all /okas (planes of existence) for all races (human, godly, demonic, serpent etc. ). It is Vishwakarma who fashions thunderbolts for Indra, the king of the heavenly hosts, but his twin brother Trishiras (three-headed) is a demon and an enemy of Indra. This duality finds expression through Chitra, a nakshatra which is very ambiguous and thus hard to classify in any fixed category of good, evil, crooked or saintly.
Like Vishwakarma, Chitra creates without a care for the far reaching implications of what it is creating. It was the palace, which Vishwakarma built for the Pandavas (refer to Vedic legend The Mahabharata»), which in a way led to the final great war, commonly known as Mahabharata. Even in the present day and age, all kinds of new weapons of war are fashioned everyday by scientists, technicians and engineers. They however can't be held responsible for the way these weapons are used by politicians and the ruling elite.
The essence of Chitra can be summarized in the phrase «create, create and create». Chitra is a dynamic, energetic nakshatra which has very little ability to sit still. It likes to involve itself in one creative activity or another. When this creativity is in harmony with universal functionings all goes well for Chitra natives. However when this is not the case, Chitra natives can become unbalanced, selfish, indulgent creatures.
Chitra natives are obssessed with appearance, complexity, structure and form. Therefore this nakshatra has to do with maya, illusion and glamour. Chitra approaches things from an architectural, aesthetic point of view. There are different levels of maya. it can operate on the superficial external levels like a desire to project outer beauty, and in one's need to create harmony and balance in ■ relationships with others. On both mundane or spiritual levels the point here is that Chitra natives can leam to play with universal energies and utilise its complex layers of perception and projection. It is due to this aspect that natives influenced by this nakshatra never reveal themselves In social situations. They are always projecting a front of some kind. Usually this is a dignified front with a hidden quality.
The Virgo part of Chitra has more core understanding of maya than the Libra part. The Libra part relates more to the form element, while the Virgo part is more concerned with the intricate detailed working of things. The Libra part of Chitra is more relationship oriented. Chitra loves admiration and is motivated by that in whatever it does, especially in the Libra part of this nakshatra. Chitra always has an element of doubt and uncertainty attached to it due to the Sun's weakness in the sign of Libra. Therefore its qualities and its needs to focus on structure and appreciation of form are motivated by this inherent doubt and uncertainty.
Chitra's love for understanding how things work and how all the parts fit together, generally place natives under its influence in scientific, technological and artistic fields. Japanese as a race are governed by this nakshatra, which can easily be seen in their technological obssession and their attention to detail. Chitra loves to create «magic». The Virgo part of Chitra will create the technological gadget and the Libra part will give it an outer form or garment to provide the aesthetic appeal. On a higher plane it is the Virgo part of Chitra which is more sincere in trying to understand the inner workings of the universe, whereas the Libra part can tend to keep one trapped in the maya aspect rather than going beyond it.
Natives with Chitra rising or having prominent Chitra influences usually have well-proportioned hairless bodies (if they have hair they are constantly pruning it), bright lusturous eyes, thin eyebrows and alluring mannerisms. They always have a glint in their eyes. They are bom with a natural ability to dazzle. Chitra natives have a very strong ability to attract the opposite sex. They are usually passionate but also have the ability to fake passions when the situation demands it. They hold themselves with a certain degree of dignity which covers up their weaknesses. Chitra natives always make a special effort to come across as completely together type of individuals. Since all of them are not all together especially in the present Age of Kali, most of this effort is pretension.
Chitra can cause one a lot of frustration and angst whether it is functioning from a higher or lower level. Just like the oyster experiences irritation to produce a pearl, there is a certain amount of pain involved in stripping away the layers of illusion and going beyond maya. Again this pain only operates on the egoic plane, which itself is an expression of maya.
Chitra is considered to be an Active nakshatra. This does not come as a surprise, as Chitra's main motto is to simply «create, create and create». It is hyperactive and indefatigable. It constantly moves from one creative project to the next. In its positive aspect, this quality makes it hardworking and efficient, but in a negative aspect, it makes it obsessive and blind to the true meaning and function of life.
It belongs to the Farmer caste. Even Vishwakarma, the divine architect, is in a way nothing but a «producer», in keeping with the wishes of the gods, or whosoever he is working for at any given point in time. The ancient seers obviously regarded creating and producing things, especially on a material plane, as a working class activity. In modern times, sculptures and architects are elevated to lofty positions in society, but in essence, they still remain puppets in the hands of the ruling elite who finance them.
It is a Female naksfatra. Through this classification the ancient seers are hinting at Chitra's strong connection with maya, the feminine attribute of nature, which sustains the play of life. It can be seen that Chitra natives possess predominantly feminine graces.
Forehead and Neck are the body parts related to this nakshatra.
It is a primarily «Pitta» (fiery) nakshatra. This is clear from its relationship with Mars, a primarily pitta planet. Chitra is a hot nakshatra and relatesjp all heat and energy producing processes in the body.
It is related primarily to the range or arc that goes from south east, to south, to west.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Leo Navamsa ruled by Sun. On a lower level, the emphasis here is on personal glamour, while on a higher level this pada strives for self perfection through self abnegation. This pada has a very strong ability to keep secrets, just like the sphinx (an ancient monument which is a combination of the signs Leo and Virgo) hides deep esoteric knowledge until humanity is ready for them. Planets here function in a very hidden non-apparent way. Sun, Mars, Mercury and Rahu are especially strong here.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Virgo Navamsa ruled by Mercury. The emphasis here is on order, arrangement, maternity and duality. This is a very disciplined pada which likes to conclude whatever it begins. Saturn, Mercury and Rahu are strong here, although Saturn may make one excessively puritanical if working through its lower aspect.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Libra Navamsa ruled by Venus. On the material plane, the main focus of this pada is on relationships, self-absorption and equilibrium. This is a very self-centric and at the same time social pada, which likes to rise in life through manipulating its social circle. On a higher level it likes to promote love and harmony, especially in relationships. Planets here like to flaunt and dazzle. Mercury, Venus and Saturn are especially strong in this pada.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Scorpio Navamsa ruled by Mars. This pada relates to the magical and mysterious side of Chitra. More passion and secrecy is in display than what is usually associated with the sign Libra. Despite its non-acquisitive nature, planets here usually bring smooth sailing in regards to material affairs. Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu give strong results here.
All types of Craftsmen and Artisans; Sculptors; Architects; Designers; Fashion Designers; Models; Fashion Industry; Cosmetic Industry; Plastic surgeons; Surgeons in General; Photographers; Graphic Artists; Composers; Orators, Comperes and Broadcasters; All professions requiring special abilities and versality; Business Experts; Interior Designers; Jewellery makers; Vaastu/Fengshui Experts; All professions involving invention and production of all kinds of machinery; Builders of all kinds; Landscapers; Painters; Screenplay writers; Novelists; Production and Set designers; Art Directors; Those associated with Theatre or Theatre groups; Stage Managers; Performers of all kinds; Jazz Musicians; Musicians with an original and out of ordinary approach; Herbologists; Advertising Industry.
Capital Cities; Places of Architectural Importance like «Taj Mahal», «Eiffel Tower», «Empire State Building» etc.; Stages, Performance Halls and Theatres; Places frequented by artisans, merchants, consumers and women; Markets; Trade shows; Wardrobes, Closets; All places connected to the above professions.
It is supposed to be a Tamasic nakshatra. All illusions and delusions are classified under the Tamas aspect of nature. Thus the master of illusion itself would have to be seen in a tamasic light. From the perspective of the universal mind, creating just for the sake of creating does not reflect a very enlightened state of mind.
It belongs to the Fire element. This is directly derivable from its strong association with Mars. It is after all fire which creates a shining jewel out of plain rocks. The fire element directly relates to the creative principle in nature.
It is considered a rakshasaor demonic nakshatra. In alt the puranic mythologies, the demons are seen as superior to gods and humans when it comes to manipulation of maya, creating illusions or fashioning structures and weapons. The ancient seers are highlighting the indulgent aspect of Chitra through this classification.
It is a Level nakshatra. This relates to the balancing aspect of this asterism. Any perfection of beauty or form requires a sense of harmony, balance and proportion. Chitra is an absolute master in creating beauty through balance and harmony.
It is a Soft, Mild and Tender nakshatra. This comes as a surprise considering its martial element. In Chitra, the martian energy is used for constructive purposes rather than confrontation and destruction. We can see that half of Chitra lies in Libra, a mild, diplomatic sign. Its other half lies in Virgo, another non-violent sign.
It relates to the middle 9 days of the lunar month of Chaitra, which usually falls in April.
Chitra is also related to the Dvitiya (2nd tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Health and body improvement measures; Buying new clothes and wearing them; Fixing up the home; Home designing; Any activity related to Arts and Crafts, Creative Activity in General; Any type of mechanical activities; Good for giving performances; Putting on gemstones and jewellery for the first time; Decorative Activities; Good for spiritual practices like visualizations; All issues relating to the opposite sex; Good for collecting herbs and preparing medicines; Good for all activities requiring charisma, elegance and personal charm.
Unfavourable for direct confrontation; Marriage; Unfavourable for activities which require getting to the root of things; Bad for investigative activities as illusions are strong.
Mars is the main planetary ruler of this nakshatra. Mars is the energy required to fashion things the way we want them to. It would suffice to say that Mars is the powerhouse which runs Chitra's factory. The martian energy doesn't express itself in its natural confrontational way through Chitra as it is sublimated by Venus, the secondary ruler of this asterism. Venus is often regarded as the souler opposite of Mars. This view is only partially correct as Mars and Venus are complimentary to each other more than anything else, Together they are responsible for the reproductive process in nature. This gives us a due as to where Chitra's creativity originates from. Venus refines the raw martian impulses. Chitra can thus be seen as the refinement-meter of the soul. Mare-VemjsjBgether promote sexuality, making Chitra one of trie most sexually alluring and active amongst nakshatras.
Mercury comes into play in the first half of Chitra which falls in Virgo, The Mercury-Mars combo besides promoting technical skills, promotes skills relating to speech and words. Mercury uses Mars energy to go into the exacting details of nature's functionings. There is a Rahu element to this part of the zodiac which makes it more complicated than it looks on the surface. It is obvious that nature's secrets cannot be unravelled without Rahu's help. Mercury and Rahu always form a team when it comes to understanding maya (the universal play).
Mars/Venus, Mars/Mercury, Mars/Mercury/Venus and Mars/Mercury/Rahu conjunctions carry an energy similar to that of Chitra. Mars, Mercury, Saturn and Rahu are especially strong in the Virgo part of Chitra while Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Rahu are strong in the Libra section of Chitra.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Pe» as in Page.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Po» as in Police.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ra» as in Rama.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Re» as in Ray.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Chitra corresponds to «Та» and 'Than consequently its mantras are 'Om Tarn» and «Om Tham».
Its sexual animal is a Tiger. This points towards an aggressive and dominant attitude in sexual activities. Chitra however has a secrecy element attached to its sexual expression. It puts up a highly sexed or totally non-sexual image with equal ease, when the truth is always somewhere in between.
Chitra is the architect of the Universe and thus relates closely to Brahma, the creator among the,holy trinity. In fact Vishwakarma, the ruling deity of Chitra, is one of Brahma's direct mind-born sons. Chitra conceals within itself the laws and arrangement of the Universe on all planes of existence.
The fact that it connects the signs Virgo and Libra reveals that Chitra is the bridge between compassion and harmony. Even though compassion is one of the divine virtues, it is often forgotten that only a proper use of compassion brings about balance, understanding and harmony.
The number 14, which is the number of Chitra in the sequence of Nakshatras, has similar connotations in occult numerology. It is related to the «Temperance» card in Tarot imagery. The symbolism there depicts a winged angel mixing two heavenly fluids with one foot in water and one on dry land. Chitra has been assigned this delicate and precarious job of balancing seemingly opposing factions within the pool of universal constituents.
In the universal scheme of things, Chitra relates to «punya chayani shako» — the power to accumulate merit. Its symbolism has truth below and law above. Chitra gains honour and merit through its hard work done in consonance with universal laws.
This nakshatra is related to the Sage Kratu, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «the inspirer». It is appropriate that a creative and inspiring sage should preside over the most creative among the asterisms.