Vishakha consists of four stars, which form the left half of the hanging scale shape formed by the constellation Libra. These stars are known in modern astronomy as Alpha-Librae, Beta-Librae, Gamma-Librae and Iota-Librae. Despite the fact that all of these stars are part of the constellation of Libra, a part of this asterism lies in the zodiacal sign of Scorpio. Among these, Alpha-Librae (Zuben el Genubi or the North Scale) and Beta-Librae (Zuben el Haknrabi or the South scale) are the brightest, with visual magnitudes of 2.75 and 2.61 respectively. The easiest way to spot these stars is to locate them below the bright star Spica. Ancient Vedic Seers saw these stars as forming the shape of a forked branch and associated them with the abode of the gods under the rulership of Indra.
«Vishakha», like other Sanskrit terms, evokes a wide variety of English meanings — «forked», «two-branched», «poison vessel». Its alternative name is «Radha», which translates into «the delightful». Radha, as a name, has gained popularity by virtue of being the name of Krishna's beloved consort.
Its main symbol is a 'decorated arch' or 'gateway'. In depictions this gateway is usually decorated with leaves (refer to image). Such gateways are still a norm in marriage ceremonies in India. Consequently, one can infer that Vishakha has a lot to do with marriage. Most of Vishakha lies in the sign governing marriage, Libra. In the ancient times this gateway was symbolic of triumph. It symbolised the ending or attainment of a goal and the beginning of a new one. It was a reminder of the fact that challenges don't end once you pass through the gateway, after achieving your goal.
The challenges begin when one enters the gateway, just like the marriage ceremony is the precursor of the challenges to come in married life. The gateway also suggests that Vishakha always has its eyes fixed upon the final attainment of a goal. This goal can range from triumphing over one's external enemies to triumphing over one's inner demons. In the present day and age, where negative qualities of every nakshatra predominate, Vishakha usually functions as an obssessive, goal-oriented nakshatra with complete disregard for the nature of the means employed to achieve the desired end.
Despite its association with celebrations, Vishakha cannot be seen as a pleasant nakshatra. When striving towards a goal becomes the only objective in life, one is likely to have little peace of mind and will definitely miss the true essence of life. In the words of the contemporary songwriter John Lennon, «Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans.»
Vishakha, true to its forked quality, has two main ruling deities: Indra and Agnize god.
In the puranic literature, Indra, the chief among the demi-gods, is often portrayed as a very goal oriented, fixated and offensive character, who would go to any lengths to achieve his desired ends, The funny thing is that many times his desired ends are completely ungodly and he is getting into all sorts of troubles as a result. This is a primary theme of Vishakha — pursuing unwholesome goals in questionable ways and creating bad karma as a result. Indra is also seen as a character who drowns himself in women, wine and other such pleasures. This indulgent side of Indra also finds expression through Vishakha.
Deceptiveness is also associated with Indra, in the sense that he doesn't shy away from putting his own near and dear ones in danger, in order to get what he wants. He is also often seen to act in a cowardly fashion at the first sign of real danger. It is helpful to remember that «Indra» is just a post which is occupied by different souls in different times in different universes. Vishakha people are always in search of a post which gives them dominion and pleasure and Indra is just a soul who makes it.
Agni, the fire god, basically represents energy in one of its many forms. It is because of Agni that Vishakha has the capacity to exert herculean efforts in order to attain its goal. Just like fire, when harnessed properly, can be used in a variety of constructive ways, Vishakha's strong energy can manifest as courage, determination and the capacity for hardwork directed towards wholesome pursuits. Fire in its negative aspect can run amok arid burn indiscriminately. In the same way Vishakha can cause harm to others around it before finally getting consumed itself. Terms like» burning grief», «burning desire» and «burning passion» are all tailor-made Vishakha expressions.
Agni and Indra rule over heat and rain, making Vishakha an agricultural nakshatra. It utilizes the forces of nature to produce crops and then goes on to derive intoxicants like wine and alcohol from these crops.
The nature of this Nakshatra can be summed in one word — «fixation». Even though its singlemindedness in pursuing Its goals is unmatched, its achilles heel lies in «what goal it chooses to pursue». In the present day and age, the likelihood of forming unwholesome goals is intensively heightened, the presence of this nakshatra in a nativity becomes a cause for concern. Vishakha natives easily fall prey to excesses in regards to sex and alcohol. They are the ones who have an overwhelming need to flock to the local bar.
There is a certain jubilation aspect to Vishakha natives which shows itself in love of pomp and ceremony. Very often those among Vishakhas who choose the path of the senses end up becoming mad party types. Following Swati, the nakshatra where actual achievement takes place, Vishakha represents the exuberant victorious state after the achievement. It is common knowledge that a sense of emptiness follows any accomplishment. This sense of emptiness is a continous feature throughout the lives of Vishakha natives. Fire is never satieted no matter how much or how long it consumes. They are always concerned about what they don't have, rather than making use of what they have. «The grass looks greener on the other side» mentality breeds a cogmire of unwholesome emotions. This emptiness and frustration drives some of the more evolved Vishakha natives away from blind worldiness in search of higher knowledge and truths.
Vishakha natives have a distinct fierce appearance with prominent slants and angles on the face even in case of the fairer sex. They usually have sharp eyes and features. Their external behaviour ranges from extremely courteous and jovial to completely nasty and obnoxious. Vishakha natives are very concerned about putting up fronts to gain their ends. This makes them hide their innate negative feelings towards others in their dealings with them. Most Vishakha natives easily fall prey to envy, jealousy, viciousness and can't help feeling useless in comparision to those around them. All these factors make Vishakha natives hard to get along with making them bereft of any real friends. These negative feelings arise from the same empty place which was mentioned above. The real problem lies in the fact that these natives become obsessive about these negative feelings and thoughts and can't let go of them. This is where the fire inside them starts burning their own selves instead of being put to any constructive use. Vishakha natives are pretty much defined by their obsessions, which can range from petty and soul-destroying to soul-nurturing and evolutionary.
The good thing about these natives is that once their mind is made up they are devoted to their cause and will go to any lengths to fulfill their objective. However it is noticed that life continuously presents them with two different paths, and they have to make a conscious choice to stay on the right one. Vishakha natives take life as a challenge of sorts. They usually make simple things complex and easy things difficult. The way they go about achieving their objectives does not follow the line of least resistance. They encounter lots of obstacles, which they are able to surmount by their one pointedness, but the process is not free from moans and complaints. The final paradox of this nakshatra lies at the point where after achieving what they set out to achieve, they are not sure if that's what they wanted to achieve.
Vishakha is considered to be an Active nakshatra. Pursuit of any goal requires constant activity. Vishakha is one of the most active nakshatras because of its obssessive approach to things. After attaining its desired goal, it sets itself another goal and so on and so on.... its activity is ceaseless. This is probably the reason why a lot of Vishakha types cannot give a reason for some of the bad things they have done. It is as if some external force grips them and makes them act thoughtlessly without reflection. They are possessed individuals.
It belongs to the Mleccha (outcaste) caste. It is clear from this classification that the ancient seers saw Vishakha as a natural trouble maker who could not function within society. It related either to bandits, revolutionaries or hermits retiring to the forest in order to perform tapas to obtain their wishes. None of these characters fit into the ideal society as envisioned by Manu (the grand overseer and law giver).
It is a Female nakshatra. This classification seems to have its roots in its alternative name «Radha». Radha is the childhood consort of Krishna who spent the rest of her life pining for him. Vishakha carries within itself the primarily feminine attribute of «longing», «separation» and «catharsis». It is the longing for the unattainable, which characterises a Vishakha mindset Its other qualities like possessiveness, jealousy and vindictiveness are also regarded as familiarly feminine qualities in Vedic texts.
The Arms and the Breasts are the body parts related bo this nakshatra.
It is a primarily «Kapha» (watery) nakshatra. This classification is borne out of the fact that Vishakha lies in two kapha signs, Libra and Scorpio. Vishakha, as we discussed earlier, is very good at hiding its fiery quality under a calm exterior. It is the kapha element which allows Vishakha to put up a diplomatic front even when a fiery storm is brewing inside.
It is related primarily to west and north.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Aries Navamsa and is ruled by Mars. This pada is all about energy, impulse, one pointedness and social ambitions. The focus here is on relationships, but passion and instinct are likely to dominate instead of commitment and depth. A well placed Mars or Venus are the most suitable planets for this pada.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Taurus Navamsa ruled by Venus. Endurance and durability are the hallmarks of this pada. Planets here tend to give success in Venusian pursuits. Material ambitions are strong here and since this is the Pushkara navamsa pada they are fulfilled to the degree allowed by the chart as a whole.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Gemini Navamsa ruled by Mercury. Vishakha's onepointedness channels itself through thoughts, communication, philosophical and religious attitudes. There's a definite conflict between two opposing forces here — one force demands the native to be lighthearted, openminded and jovial, while the other promotes selfishness, deception and anxiety. Only well placed Mercury and Saturn can be counted on for giving good results in this pada.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Cancer Navamsa ruled by Moon. This is the most one pointed of all Vishakha's padas. The turmoil here takes place on the emotional plane, making this a highly volatile, transformative and dangerous part of the zodiac In its lowest aspect, it is highly vindictive and revengeful and embodies most of the despicable human qualities. In its higher aspect, it can give penetrating insight, strong will power, executive ability and the conviction necessary to root out the dark forces. Only a well placed Jupiter can give the widom to navigate through the stormy waters of this pada.
Bartenders; Alcohol and Liquor Industry; Manual Labourers; Fashion Models and Actresses; All professions involving use of speech like TV and Radio Broadcasters; Politicians; Marching Bands; Sports Persons especially sports requiring Herculean efforts; Cults and other types of Idealogical Fanatics; Religious Fundamentalists; Professional Agitators; Soldiers; Dancers; Critics; Criminals and Mafia; Custom and Immigration Officials; Policing Jobs; Guards; Prostitution and Militant Revolutionaries.
Vishakha natives can be found in all types of professions but usually have a tendency to switch professions throughout their lives.
Rocky Rough Terrains; Mountains; Big Cities like New York; Breweries; Bars; Liquor Shops; Brothels; Theatres; Military Bases; Ceremonial Halls and Grounds; Interrogation Rooms; Warring Grounds; Danger Areas either in the City or designated by the Military; All places connected with the above professions.
It is supposed to be a Sattwic nakshatra. This relates to Vishakha's intense capacity for hardwork and penance. Vishakha is ready to sacrifice a lot for the attainment of its goals, a quality which is seen as sattwic from the universal point of view. Vishakha's sattwic quality is more liable to come out when planets like Sun, Moon and Jupiter occupy this nakshatra.
It belongs to the Fire element. Due to its close association with Agni (the deity presiding over the element fire), fire becomes the primary element of Vishakha.
It is considered a Rakshasa or demonic nakshatra. Keeping in mind its basic nature and traits, it is not very hard to understand this classification. A complete disregard for others is considered a demonic quality and Vishakha is one of the nakshatras which displays it to the hilt. It is because of its selfish approach that it is classified as demonic even though both of its ruling deities are demi-gods.
It is a Downward Looking nakshatra. Since downward nakshatras imply containment and contraction it is Vishakha's duty to contain its multifarious desires. Like all the nakshatras tenanting the signs Leo, Virgo and Libra, it is a very worldly nakshatra and thus has a lot of ambition in relation to its role in the world. Since it is a downward nakshatra, it goes about attaining these goals in a secretive and underhanded manner and most of its real intent and activities are concealed from others.
It is a Mixed (sharp and soft) nakshatra. This classification once again emphasizes the duality inherent in Vishakha as exemplified by meanings of its name. Its soft disposition relates to its pleasure seeking side while its sharpness relates to its fixidity of purpose. The softer side is often what stops Vishakha types from turning into complete psychopaths and at times it just acts as a disguise which lets them get away with their darker activities.
It relates to the first half of the lunar month of Vaishakha, which usually falls in early May.
Vishakha is also related to the Shashti and Saptami (6th and 7th tithis or days) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Aggressive or warlike activities; Any activity requiring executive ability; Getting things done which require an argumentative approach; Harsh activities in general; Any activity requiring strong mental focus; Working toward one's goals; All types of ceremonies, functions and parties; Awards or Decoration Ceremonies; Dressing up, Ornamentation, Decorating oneself; Romance and Sexual Activity; Performing penance; Making Resolutions.
Not good for Travel; Marriage; Initiations of any kind; Activities requiring diplomacy or tact.
Venus, Mars, Pluto, Ketu and Jupiter are the three planetary influences connected to Vishakha. Jupiter is the main ruler of this asterism, while Venus, Mars, Pluto and Ketu rule the respective signs that Vishakha occupies.
Jupiter connects to this asterism through Indra, whose preceptor is Brihaspati. Jupiter supports most of Indra's objectives and ambitions, even the unwholesome ones, through this nakshatra. Its natural benevolence, grace and good fortune can be used for pompous extravagance under the influence of this nakshatra.
Venus, Jupiter's counterpart and adversary, is connected with the first three padas of Vishakha. It is the natural antagonism between the energies of these two planets which makes Vishakha a turbulent nakshatra. A lot of Indra's Venusian excesses as enumerated in numerous puranic legends are not sanctioned by Jupiter; and it goes without saying that Indra lands into some sort of trouble each time.
In the fourth pada, Mars co-rules along with Jupiter and thus the energy is more sorted out but has a militaristic tone to it. The Pluto/Ketu influence in the Scorpio part of Vishakha lends a great deal of impulsiveness, explosive drama and self destructiveness. Only when channelled into more occult areas can this energy act as a vehicle for transformation.
Venus-Jupiter, Venus-Mars, Venus-Mars-Ketu, Jupiter-Mars and Jupiter-Mars-Ketu-Venus conjunctions carry an energy similar to that of Vishakha. In the author's experience only Jupiter functions well in this nakshatra in the present day and age.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ti» as in Teehan.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Tu» as in Tuesday.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Те» as in Taylor.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to 'To» as in Tommy.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Vishakha corresponds to «Dha» and «Na» consequently its mantras are «Om Dham» and «Om Nam».
Its sexual animal is a Tiger. This points towards an aggressive and dominant attitude in sexual activities. It is mostly compatible with Chitra, the other tiger nakshatra.
The now globally famous Radha-Krishna love legend exemplifies Vishakha's inner cone. This is the reason why Vishakha has «Radha» as one of its names. Radha was already married to someone when she fell in love with Krishna and romanced him in his childhood years. But since Krishna was Vishnu's incarnation this was no ordinary love. It epitomized a desire on Radha's part to merge with Universal energies, not as an inferior but as a lover. Vishakha's longing for perfection and enlightenment is always expressed in terms of love and relationships, which more often than not break societal conventions and moralistic taboos. Vishakha does not distinguish between fun, frolic and pain of such relationships and tapasya, the intense spiritual practice leading to knowledge and enlightenment. Above all else, its ultimate goal is experiencing the divine in and through relationship with the divine itself.
Being the 16th nakshatra in the nakshatra sequence, it relates to the number «16», a number which is seen as the number of tragedy, upheaval, ruin and turmoil. The destruction and ruin here is only of that which stands against the universal will. Nevertheless it becomes evident that Vishakha's path is not all romance and roses. This is clear from the fact that Radha spent a major part of her life pining for Krishna after he left for taking care of the purpose behind his incarnation. This intense longing and the pain of separation is Vishakha's tapasya and if it can keep the fire of love burning regardless of the outer circumstances, it achieves immortality like Radha did.
In the universal scheme of things, Vishakha relates to «vyapana shake» — the power to make manifest and achieve various things. Its symbolism has harvest below and cultivation above. This makes it a fruitful nakshatra on the material plane, even though as we have just realized, its true spiritual path lies elsewhere. The material results here usually come with persistent and patient effort, just like the finest wine takes a long time to be ready for consumption after the grains have been put through the brewing process.
This nakshatra is related to the Sage Vashishta, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «possessor of wealth». We can imagine that Vishakha must relate to the sage's capacity for penance. As Varahamihira says, «Those with Moon in Vishakha are skilled at making money».