Anuradha consists of three stars in a row, which were seen by the ancients as forming a shape similar to a staff. These three stars are known in modem astronomy as Beta-Scorpionis (Acrab), Delta-Scorpionis (Isidis) and Pi-Scorpionis. All of these stars lie in the beginning of the zodiacal constellation of Scorpio. Beta-scorpionis is the brightest among these stars with a visual magnitude of 2.62. All of these stars can be easily spotted in the dark night sky from the countryside, if one locates the bright star Antares in the constellation of Scorpio, close to the white stretch of the milkyway. These three stars lie directly above this bright star in a staff like formation (very close to a straight line).
«Anuradha» translates simply into «Another Radha» or «After Radha». Its alternative meaning is «Subsequent Success». This name, as we can see, has its root in the fact that it follows the asterism Radha (Vishakha). Even though it is not apparent straightaway, the often ignored fact is that these two asterisms (Vishakha and Anuradha) form a pair in the same way as Purvaphalguni and Uttaraphalguni.
A 'staff', the main symbol of this asterism, is directly derived from the shape ancient Vedic seers ascribed to its constituent stars. The staff has always been seen as a symbol of power and protection. In the puranic lore most of the exalted sages carry a staff. It is in fact the only weapon that they carry, but it is usually more than enough as it carnes within itself all thepower of their penance.
The readers can refer to the puranic story of Vishwamitra challenging Sage Vashsshta, where all of Vishwamitra's weapons including the Brahmastra (similar to a nuclear missile) were useless against Vashishta's staff. These sages never used a staff for offensive purposes. It is only used for self-defence. It typifies wisdom and learning and thus can only act in congruence with the Universal mind. This nakshatra relates to learning and the retention oneaming. It also relates to one's relationship with the Universal force. The stronger the contact, the more powerful the effect of this nakshatra becomes.
A 'lotus' is another symbol ascribed by scholars and sages to this nakshatra. Since ancient times, the qualities of purity, auspiciousness, knowledge and enlightenment have been associated with the lotus. In fact SaraswaU, the goddess of learning and Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity, are often depicted as sitting atop a lotus.
A lotus has the ability to grow in muddy waters. This represents the ability of this nakshatra to keep itself pure and sattwic in any surroundings. It also signifies the attainment of knowledge through the muddy puddles of mentajjntellectual and emotional confusion.
A 'triumphant gateway adorned with leaves' is another alternative symbol of this nakshatra. The readers will remember that the preceding asterism, Vishakha, also has this as its main symbol, As we mentioned earlier, Vishakha is a sort of a ally or co-worker of Anuradha. Just like Vishakha, Anuraatiaajso represents victory.
It is also a goal centred nakshatra in much the same way as Its ally, but its goals are usually more in tune with universal plan. It also likes to attain its goals through group work rather than going it ajone. This is probably the reason why Anuradha attains its goals more smoothly and effortlessly, in comparison to Vishakha. Vishakha is often reluctant to take help or cooperate with allies. In my experience, I have seen that Vishakha, more often than not, needs allies to attain its goals. In most cases this ally is Anuradha.
Mitra, one of the twelve Adityas (solar deities) rules Anuradha. The name 'Mitra' translates into 'friend'. Thus it comes as no surprise that he is the solar deity related to friendships, good faith and cordiality. His qualites infuse this nakshatra with lightheadedness, warmth, leadership, friendliness, helpfulness and a generally optimistic view of life. Mitra's concern for friendship can be seen from the fact that he is never invoked alone. He is always invoked along with either Varvna (the ruling deity of Shatabishak) or Aryaman (the ruling deity of Uttaraphalguni). One can easily deduce from the above that Anuradha is most friendly with these two nakshatras.
If it weren't for Mitra, the world would be a much more dangerous place to live in. All the natural qualities usually associated with the sign Aquarius correlate to Mitra as well as Anuradha. It is interesting to note that Anuradha lies in the 10№ house for those born with Aquarius rising. Under the guidance of Mitra, sometimes even enemies can work together in order to achieve a goal.
Since Anuradha is so concerned with learning and accumulation of knowledge, Saraswati, the goddess of learning, can be said to be strongly connected to this nakshatra. This is the only way one can explain the musical prowess of this nakshaftai As we have seen earlier, Saraswati always sits on a lotus (a symbol of Anuradha) with a Vina (stringed instrument).
The keyword for Anuradha is 'exploration'. This exploration, however, is not a lonesone ordeal, but a joyous, communal combination of people and energies. Anuradha brings to life the hidden secrets of nature's functionings through establishing a bridge between naturally discordant energies.
Anuradha fosters communication between all the extremes — the young and the old; the mature and immature; the more evolved and the less evolved; the different races, castes etc. Anuradha can thus be seen as a universal solvent. Most of Anuradha's tendencies put it outside the orthodox, social gambit. This is the reason why it falls in the heart of Scorpio, a sign which questions and grows out of the social sensibilities represented by the sign Libra. In a way, Anuradha is the nakshatra of the revolutionaries, who rebel against outdated ways of thinking and being. In the present times, Anuradha is one of the nakshatras which jas the ability to see through thereality behind aM the fake media propaganda on social, economic and political levels.
The fact that Anuradha is open to all doesn't mean that it doesn't discriminate. Evolved Anuradha natives are in fact quite discriminative and cautious as to who they let into their inner circle. In the present day and age, where every nakshatra's energy has been utilized for negative ends, Anuradha falls prey to excessive openness and frivolous friendships.
The logic oriented approach of this nakshatra accounts for the fact that many Anuradha natives are attractedjp. material crig>ncesjike mathematics and physics. The ability of Anuradha to combine logic, intuition and freedom of thought produces deep thinkers in every field. Numbers are something which takes Anuradha's fancy like no other thing. A lot of Anuradha natives have a strong interest ejOiej4n_occult or mundane numerology or statistics Anuradha always tries to broaden its horizons in relation to its area of interest. The more evolved the soul, the more all encompassing the vision.
Natives with strong influence of Anuradha on their ascendant are born with stout hairy bodies. They have prominent chest and thighs and have a tendency to develop a belly with age. Their face conveys a sense of friendliness and well-being. A slight hint of secrecy emanates from the eyes and the overall demeanour in general. Their social behaviour fluctuates between passivity and exuberance. Combining friendliness with aloofness is their special gift.
Anuradha natives are usually seen making special effort to put people at ease and love to act as a bridge between people, groups and organizations. They are very interested in anything to do with theoccult and hidden issues in general. They are extremely sensitive on an emotional plane even though they like to put up a tough impenetrable exterior.
It is their ability to keep up solid exteriors which makes them good organizers. Anuradha natives are often seen to be jhe founders and leaders of organizations. They have original minds which are melting pots of myriad pieces of knowledge, understanding and experience.
Most Anuradha natives channel their emotional energy in the form of devotion to some higher deity, universal energy or cause. Anuradha natives are at their most1yersati|e__when they have to combine their talents with others. Despite their need for constant interaction, most Anuradha natives have to spend a lot of г.нгю alone at one time of their lives or the other.
Curiosity makes them travel a lot, especially to foreign lands. They have quite an easy time relating to and adjusting to foreign environments in comparision to other nakshatras. In fact, living in foreign lands is usually very satisfying and fruitful for them.
In the universal scheme of things, Anuradha relates to «radhana shakti» — the power of worship. Its symbolism has ascension above and descension below. This symbolism stresses upon Anuradha's ability to explore and understand both the lower and higher /okas through its devotion to universal energies.
Anuradha is considered to be a Passive nakshatra. By itself, Anuradha is a highly passive energy, just like a seesaw in its stationary balanced position. It usually requires an external agency in the form of co-workers/friends to put it into action. Its passive quality often results from Saturn overpowering Mars, while its activity results from the martian and saturnine energies being in equal balance.
It belongs to the Shudra caste. This classification obviously relates to the fact that Saturn, the Shudra planet, is the planetary ruler of Anuradha. Anuradha is a service orientated nakshatra. Even a leader is nothing but servant to those he leads.
It is a Male nakshatra. This classification relates to its male presiding deity and its association with the male planet Mars. Anuradha represents the masculine force, which tries to open up and look through the wheel of nature.
Breasts, Stomach, Bowels and the Womb are the body parts related to this nakshatra.
It is a primarily «Pitta» (fiery) nakshatra. Anuradha relates to all the electrical and astral fires within our body. The astral fires are carried by the three channels Ida, Pingala and Sushumna.
It is related primarily to north, south and west.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Leo Navamsa ruled by Sun. The emphasis here is on understanding one's inner self and applying that understanding in the outer world through career etc. The tendency towards excessive pride or militancy has to be curbed here if one wants positive expression of the intense energy available here. Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Ketu are especially strong in this pada.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Virgo Navamsa ruled by Mercury. This pada is all about continous learning, discipline, discrimination, groupwork and organization. This pada delves into the mysteries of the Universe and in doing so takes the mystery out of them. Numbers, calculation and classification are its domain. Being a Pushkara navamsha pada it promises fulfillment of objectives. Mercury and Rahu are especially strong here.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Libra Navamsa ruled by Venus. The concerns here can range from arts, music, bohemia to occult. There is always a certain degree of self-undoing and wastefulness associatd with this pada. Planets here give a highly sociable nature. Venus and Saturn suit this pada's energies more than the other planets.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Scorpio Navamsa ruled by Mars. There is abundant energy available here to pursue all kinds of esoteric and exoteric goals. Only struggle here lies in channeling the energy constructively in tune with Universal functionings. Planets here function from a plane of excessive passion and emotion. They can give the ability to achieve much if the rest of the nativity supports it. Sun, Jupiter, and Ketu are better suited to handling the energy of this pada.
Hypnotists and Psychic Mediums; Occultists; Institution and Organization Heads; Astrologers; Spies; All occupations involving Night Duty; Photographers; Cinema related professions in general; Musicians; Artists; Managers; Industrialists; Promoters; Counselors; Psychologists; Scientists; Numerologists; Statisticians; Mathematicians; Explorers; Miners; Factory Workers; Diplomats; All professions connected with dealing with Foreign Countries, Travel and Foreigners; All professions requiring group activity.
Forests; Mountains; Caves and Caverns; Lakes; Isolated Landscapes; Old Ruins, Castles etc; Stadiums; Metropolis; Technological and Industrial areas; Study and. Research Places; Temples and. other places used for the Practice and Study of Religion and Occult/Spiritual Topics; Places of Occult Significance; Organization Headquarters; All places connected with the above mentioned professions.
It is supposed to be a Tamasic (inert) nakshatra. This classification comes about due to its relationship with Mars and Saturn, two inherently tamasic planets. It is Anuradha's job to create evolution through the balancing of two opposing tamasic tendencies. Evolution on all planes takes place by taking the middle path. Even though Anuradha is a tamasic nakshatra, it has the power to bring about spiritual flowering through inner gentleness and balancing of opposites.
It belongs to the Fire element. Its relationship with the fiery planet Mars is responsible for this classification. Anuradha's fire is more like fire over water, unlike the explosive petrol fire of Aries. Its fieriness is responsible for its warmth, friendship and associations.
It is considered a Deva or aodlv nakshatra. This classification is clear from its soft, mild and tender mode of functioning. Anuradha is the nakshatra which strives to create harmony and understanding at all levels of existence. Besides making humans work with each other, it has the capacity to make the gods, demons, humans, serpents and sages all work together for a common cause.
It is a Level nakshatra in keeping with its balanced nature. Since the main task of Anuradha is to balance out the energies of two contrary planets Mars and Saturn, it has to work in a level way.
It is a Mridu or soft, tender and mild nakshatra. The best way to understand this classification is to think about Anuradha's symbol, a lotus. A lotus is a soft and tender flower with a mild scent. This just goes to show that Anuradha's approach to uncovering the wheel of nature isn't that of a forceful warrior, but that of a gentle lover.
It relates to the second half of the lunar month of Vaishakha. This month usually corresponds to middle or late May in the solar calendar.
Anuradha is also related to the Dvadashi (12th tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Group related activities; Research and Study in the sciences or occult subjects; Meditation; Exploring nature; Favourable for managerial activities requiring on the spot decision making; Good for travel; Immigration and dealing with all foreign affairs; Healing; Spending b'me with friends; Finances and Accounting; Quiet reflection; Secretive Activities.
Marriage; Not good for activities requiring direct confrontation; Not good for inaugurations or beginnings; Unfavourable for routine, mundane activities.
Mars, Pluto, Saturn and Ketu are the planets connected to this nakshatra. Saturn is the main planetary oiler here and its strong influence is evident in the discipline inherent in Anuradha. Saturn makes Anuradha serious about life in general. It makes Anuradha natives go beyond superficial layers of regular social interactions and search for the answers to the mysteries of life. It gives them an ability to understand and then transcend the limitations of the material realm. A well-defined sense of purpose for one's existence is sought here through the influence of the two main karmic planets — Saturn and Ketu.
Ketu is responsible for this nakshatras foray into occult and the unseen hidden realms of existence. Mars provides the initiative, impulse and energy necessary for any exploration. Pluto expands the conscious and sub-conscious boundaries allowing Anuradha to tap into collective rather than personal concerns.
Mars-Saturn conjunctions or mutual aspects, especially when they are placed in Saturnine signs or nakshatras, carry an energy similar to that of Anuradha. Satum-Ptuto, Ketu-Pluto, Satum-Mars-Pluto conjunctions also partly carry energies similar to that of Anuradha.
All planets have an ability to function in a beneficial way in this Nakshatra. Like always, their level of beneficiality depends upon the overall tone of the nativity and the evolutionary status of the native.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Na» as in Nassau.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ni» as in Nilofer.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Nu» as in Nutan.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ne» as in Neha.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Anuradha corresponds to 'Tarn», «Tham» and «Dam» consequently its mantras are «Om Tarn», «Om Tham» and «Om Dam».
Its sexual animal is a Deer. Deer qualities like shyness, gentleness, delicacy and fickleness are expressed in the sexual behaviour of those under the influence of this nakshatra. Anuradha is most compatible with the other deer nakshatra Jyeshta.
Anuradha, being the seventeenth nakshatra, relates to the number 47'. This number is usually seen as a bringer of celestial waters down to the earth plane. It allows for a safe refuge from the vicissitudes of life. It must be mentioned here that Anuradha is the nakshatra presiding over the science of Numerology. The Universe, in a way, is a game of numbers and Numerology forms the backbone of all esoteric sciences like Astrology, Anuradha is a decoder of the secret funcrjonings of the universe.
The real function of Anuradha, however, relates to the movement of kundalini(serpent energy) through the chakras (seven sacral centres). The awakening of the kundalini from its dormant state in the Muladhara Chakra happens under the energies of Ashlesha. After Ashlesha, Anuradha is the first nakshatra where a full scale exploration of all the chakras takes place. This exploration usually bears a lot of fruits within the same lifetime — one's old karmas get nullified and one gets access to universal functionings. The bodily nerves become capable of carrying direct, astral, causal impressions. In other words, one becomes friends with the universe.
Out of this friendship comes harmony and balance in one's thoughts and actions. If the full potential of Anuradha is utilized, there is no karma being birthed through actions and only a seeking for knowledge and enlightenment remains.
The story of how Anuradha becomes friends with the universe starts with its pair nakshatra Radha (Vishakha). Once one has utilized Vishakha's one pointed approach to dedicate oneself to one of the governing energies of the universe, it is but natural that a very friendly and intimate rapport will be established by the time Anuradha comes along.
More is expected out of Anuradha than just personal enlightenment. Anuradha is supposed to share its experiences and accumulated knowledge with its fellow beings (souls). This spreading of knowledge is meant to be in a coded form, so that it only reaches those who are ripe enough to receive it. The story of Sage vishwamitra (the name translates into «friend of the whole world»), who went on to become a Brahmarishi (the highest post in the hierarchy of the sages) from an ordinary king, encompasses the various aspects of Anuradha's functionings from a universal standpoint.
This nakshatra is related to the Sage Angiras, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «the fiery one». The association of Anuradha with this particular rishi is not very apparent except for the fact that Anuradha falls in the sign Scorpio ruled by the fiery planets Mars, Ketu and Pluto.