Shatabhisha, the apex of Rahu's functioning, is represented in the celestial firmament by a faint group of stars in the heart of the constellation of Aquarius. The ancients designated a hundred among these faint group of stars as belonging to this asterism. The brightest among this group with a visual magnitude of only 3.85, is a star known in modern astronomy as Gamma-Aquarii (Sadachbia). Despite its faintness, the general location of this asterism can be gauged by its neighbouring bright star, Alpha-Aquarii (Sadaimelik). Sadachbia lies slightly above on the left hand side of this bright star.
«Shatabhisha» (also spelt as «Shatabhishak») translates simply into — «the hundred physicians», «the hundred medicines», or «possessing a hundred healers». Though this bizarre name conveys a part of this asterism's functioning, it doesn't completely convey its vast connotations. Its alternative name is «Shatataraka» which translates into «possessing a hundred stars». This is in obvious reference to the fact that the vedic seers saw this asterism as a collection of a hundred stars, with each one of the stars representing one physician/medicine.
Its main symbol is an 'empty circle'. This circle can be seen either as a round magical charm or as a representation of the infinite void of creation. A circle can represent many things — the circle of life; the circle of the zodiac; the circle of creation, maintenance and dissolution.
The importance of the circle can be seen from the following words spoken by Black Elk, an Oglala Sioux Uo\y man — «You have noticed that everything an Indian (native American indian) does is in a circle, and that is because the power of the world always works in circles, and everything tries to be round ... the sky is round, and I've heard that earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power whorls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours ... even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.»
Besides these universal ideas, the circle also suggests an idea of containment or circulation. There is an idea of protection and hiding related to this asterism. The circle can act as a boundary and protect one from the dangers outside its circumference. A circle can conceal and hide things just like an opaque jar hides the liquid inside. This nakshatra is thus related with secrets and the ability to conceal secrets.
A circle also carries the idea of identity through segregation. A shoreline separates the ocean from land and thus allows for its identity. This asterism thus relates to all enclosed water bodies like lakes and oceans. It however does not represent rivers, as rivers are not enclosed on all sides. In the same way the idea of containment can be seen in our own beings, as the physical body houses and offers protection to the soul or astral body.
This asterism has a lot to do with the idea of protection, which can operate on many levels of existence. The part in the Vedic epic, the Ramayana, where Lakshmana drew a line around the hut for Sita'sszfety and asked Sita not to cross it, is a wonderful example of the magical containment and protection connotation of this asterism.
Even though this nakshatra is related to a hundred physicians through its name, its main deity is Varuna, the lord of the oceans. In essence, Varuna can be seen as the representative deity of the water element in nature. This fact automatically relates this nakshatra with all kinds of liquids in the physical as well as astral realm. Varuna can be equated with the planet Neptune, as it is seen in modern astrology. Varuna like Neptune is the lord of the cosmic and terrestrial waters.
In this nakshatra's image, Varuna can be seen holding a pot. This pot contains Soma — the preferred drink of the gods. This drink is the heavenly ambrosia, which suggests the idea of rejuvenation and intoxication. We can easily see that the liquids we consume in our day to day life produce the same two effects. In the other hand Varuna is seen holding some medicinal herbs. This is where the hundred physicians come into the picture. This asterism has a lot to do with healing on all levels of existence, whereas the herbs only signify healing on a physical level.
The idea of magical cures through divine waters is common to all cultures. Our everyday glass of water is a vital rejuvenator in the sense that it keeps us alive. «Blue are the life giving waters taken for granted, they quietly understand ...» as Jimi Hendrix, a contemporary musical genius put it. Oceans have always been seen in the Vedic texts as a repositor of herbs which can cure every possible disease. Some of these herbs came out during the churning of the ocean undertaken by the gods and demons collectively. Even Amrita, the elixir of eternal life, came out of the ocean during this churning.
On the highest level, this asterism falls under the jurisdiction of Shiva, the lord of the ascetics. Shiva, as we know, presides over the sign Aquarius, and since this asterism falls in the heart of the sign Aquarius, it automatically talis under Shiva's domain. Consequently it carries within itself Shiva's mystical, contemplative, ascetic and dissoiuting nature.
Secrecy is the one quality which immediately separates Shatabishak from other nakshatras, even though a lot of other nakshatras like Anuradha, Jyestha and Purvashadha can be secretive. Shatabhishak, however, is in a league of its own when it comes to hiding thoughts, motives, self or anything else. In fact, Shatabishak derives almost all of its power from what is hidden. Whether it be the herbs in the ocean or secret formulaes of nature's functionings, Shatzbishak always tries to gain access to whatever is hidden and in doing so attains its power. Shatabhishak is not always very ready to share the hidden secrets it has discovered and tries to hide them just like the ocean covers up many a treasure.
As we shall discover, Shatabhishak is one of the main nakshatras presiding over media in all its forms, especially electronic media. In today's world, media as we know, functions on the twin principles of secrecy and deception. The people «running the show» obviously know about the truth regarding the actual seat of power, whilst all that the masses get is a smokescreen. Shatabishak is the ultimate con artist.
Shatabishak's essential nature is to view everything with suspicion. Natives under the influence of its energy usually take their time to get accustomed to new things, thoughts, places and people. Their suspicious nature often makes them be on guard, thus making them capable of shielding themselves from harm. Once again, the circle symbolism comes into play. Shatabishak natives usually draw a hard to penetrate boundary around themselves which makes it difficult for others to approach them. The reclusive aspect of Shatabishak arises directly from its inclination to create these walls and boundaries.
Natives are generally solitary, eccentric, reclusive, and introverted. The plus side to this aspect is that its reclusivity gives it the capacity to be alone. Being alone gives rise to contemplation, which in turn produces wisdom and enlightenment. In negative cases, this seclusion can only translate into pessimism and self pity. Shatabishak is as keen on unravelling secrets as it is on keeping secrets. This is why most Shatabishak natives enjoy activities like solving puzzles or those which involve the pursuit of something hidden.
Shatabishak loves to get to the truth of anything in much the same way as Mula loves to get to the root of everything. Even though Shatabishak natives are usually quiet and undemonstrative, (which one should expect them to be since they are supposed to be the masters of secrecy); they often blurt out harsh truths at me most inopportune moments. This is in fact one of the major problems Shatabishak natives face in climbing the ladder of success, especially material success. Refinement and sensitivity is not their forte.
It is noticed that most natives under the strong influence of Shatabishak lack proper grooming and education in their formative years. They often have to make their own rules for dealing with today's rough world, which adds to their innate roughness. They have extremely cold, calculating heads and there is a marked tendency to completely suppress the emotional nature.
Shatabishak in a way represents the culmination of the air element. It is thus the master of the mental, analytical and logical. In its higher mode, Shatabishak can be all pervasive, just like the air. This ability to relate to everyone without preconceptions, judgements and prejudice is what makes a philosopher out of Shatabishak. Their philosophy is usually heavy on intellectualism, but the evolved souls understand that emotional and mental bodies need to be integrated In order for any true understanding to occur.
Those with Shatabishak rising have their own particular brand of magnetism, even though they lack conventional charm and beauty. They are often unkempt in relation to their appearance and clothing. Their countenance is usually calm, quiet, shy and reserved but they however have a tendency to explode every now and then. Absentmindedness is one of their marked features. They usually convey a sense of aloofness even if they are genuinely attentive from the inside. Their negative traits include laziness, addictions, perversions and vulnerability to all types of mental/emotional/ psychological disorders. Their positive qualities include enterprise, moderation, discrimination, philosophical attitude, truth seeking and unbounded vision.
On a material plane, Shatabhisha has a tendency to make a «zero» out of the things it affects in a nativity. For example if someone has their second lord placed in Shatabhisha they might experience a pauper state or a complete loss of family at some stage of their lives.
In the universal scheme of things, Shatabhisha relates to «bheshaja shako» — the power of healing. Its symbolism has pervasiveness above and support below. This obviously relates to the three worlds — heaven, earth and the nether world. This symbolism shows that Shatabhisha is even more pervasive than Purvashada, a power which it uses to heal the three worlds. The healing process here is different from Ashvini, in the sense that it happens through genuine repentence, and sustained effort is required over comparatively longer periods of time. The all-pervasive power that media has in today's world is basically Shatabhisha's power and since this power is in the wrong hands, it is not being used to heal or teach but to fool, chain, dumb down and devolute.
This is an Active nakshatra. Its active disposition springs directly from its moveable nature. Aquarius as we know is an electric sign. This nakshatra embodies electricity in all its different forms. In the present day and age where most of the communication is electronic, this asterism assumes tremendous importance. This nakshatra is active and fast in much the same way as the fast moving world of electricity.
It belongs to the Butcher class and is thus involved in all butcher like or harsh activities, ranging from advanced medical treatment of complicated diseases to just plain killing and hunting. The natives highly influenced by this nakshatra can also be butcher like in their own self mortification or have some twisted tendencies in regards to people and things. Since this nakshatra is not cruel or fierce it is comparatively benevolent despite belonging to the butcher class.
It is a Neutral or Eunuch nakshatra, which means that it has a balance of masculine and feminine attributes. Of course one would expect zero or nothingness to be genderless. Since it is a neutral nakshatra it doesn't promote childbirth if it is connected with the 5№ house or Jupiter in a nativity. This neutral quality also makes it very dextrous in regards to its dealings with people, which is ideal for media related activities.
The body part it relates to the most is the Jaw, which emphasizes its relation to the acts of eating, drinking and speaking. It is also related to the Right Thigh.
It belongs to the Vata (airy) humor. This classification is clear from Shatabisha's strong association with primarily vata planets Saturn and Rahu.
Its direction is from southwest to southeast.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Sagittarius Navamsa and is ruled by Jupiter. This relates to the happy go lucky, optimistic and philanthropic side of this nakshatra. This pada has a tendency to get carried away and so it is important for those under the influence of this pada to choose the right thing to get carried away with. They are the kind who will go about fanatically espousing their cause or belief.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Capricorn Navamsa ruled by Saturn. This conveys the more practical and organizational aspect of this asterism. This is the pada which relates to all material activities under the domain of Shatabhisha. One has to watch out for excessive ambition in relation to the planets posited in this pada.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Aquarius Navamsa ruled by Saturn. This pada relates to the visionary, futuristic and philosophical side of this nakshatra.
In its negative aspect ft can be too eccentric and rebellious. Planets placed in this pada often do well on the material plane as this is a vargottama position.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Pisces Navamsa ruled by Jupiter. This pada relates to the expansive, hallucinatory and illusory side of this nakshatra. When favourable it can give great powers of healing and compassion. When afflicted it can make one too ambiguous. Planets placed in this pada can often make the native lose themselves in one form of intoxication or other. It is however good for activities relying on imagination like film-making etc.
Electricians and all those who work with electricity; Technology Experts; Radar and X-ray Experts; Chemotherapists; Astronauts; Astronomers and Astrologers; Space Research; Pilots; Radio Operators; Martial Arts Instructors and Martial Artists; Aeronautical, Rocket or Space Engineers; Aeronautical Industry; Those who work in the Film and Television Industry; Movie Stars; Trend Setters; Photographers; Science Fiction Writers and Enthusiasts; Nuclear Physicists and Physicists in general; Those working in the Drug and Pharmaceutical Industry; Physicians and Surgeons; Herbologists; Professions connected with the Production and Distribution of Alcohol; Drug Dealers, Pushers; Waste Disposal and Recycling Industry; Pimps and Prostitutes; Those who work in the Production of Plastics; Petroleum and associated Industries; Bikers and Motor Sports; Automobile Industry; Sea Faring Professions; Detectives, Puzzle Experts; Explorers, Hunters and Inventors; Yoga and Meditation gurus; Zen Experts.
High-tech Studios and Environments; Off Shore Drilling Stations; Space Stations; Airports; Observatories and Planetariums; Physics and Chemistry Labs; Bars and Nightclubs especially Techno Clubs; Factories; Hospitals; Nuclear Waste Dumps and Waste Dumps in general; Recycling Stations; Herbal Centers; Water Treatment Plants and Reservoirs; Oceans; Sea-Side; Temples, Meditation, Yoga and Zen Centres; Outer Space; Film and Television Studios; Processing Labs; Hunting Grounds; All places connected to the above-mentioned professions.
Its basic essence is Tamas, which relates to inertia on all levels of existence. The quality of inertia in this nakshatra relates to its capacity for meditation and zen practices. It also relates to its introverted and reclusive nature and on the negative side, a tendency towards intoxication with drugs, alcohol, sex etc.
Its element is Ether. Ether is the element in nature which can mingle with every other element. This associates this nakshatra with broad vision and wide open space. It relates to its meditative capacity and the ability to attune oneself to the omnipresent emptiness.
It is a Rakshasa (demonic) nakshatra. This means that this nakshatra primarily seeks independence and can be eccentric or overtly negative in its outlook. It should not however be seen as an overtly evil asterism since it is mild by nature. Its demonic side is usually used for breaking through attachments and conventions.
It is an Upward nakshatra. This means that it is an expansive nakshatra and most of its activities happen above the ground. Since this asterism rules all telecommunications in general, one can see how this fits in. One just has to look at the professions connected with this asterism to understand its upward and expansive outlook.
It can be seen as the co-ruler of the month Shravan, which is generally said to be ruled by Shravana. One can expect the energies of this asterism to be stronger during the last 9 days of the lunar month of Shravan, a period which corresponds to the month of August in the solar calender.
Shatabhisha is also related to the Chaturdashi (14th tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Good for signing business deals and contracts, land and housing deals; Education or learning activities; Travel (especially over water); Bike riding; Acquiring new vehicles; Recreational ventures; Meditation and yoga; Sexual activity; Studying astronomy and astrology; Medicine, therapies, rejuvenation and life enhancing activities; Media events; Technological activities; Visiting the sea-side.
Not good for beginnings in general; Marriage; Childbirth; Fertility treatments; Law suits, arguments; Negative or wrathful action; Not beneficial for too much socializing unless it is work related; Not good for financial matters; Not good for buying new clothes or jewellery; Not good for domestic activities.
Shatabhisha is ruled by the planets — Saturn, Rahu and Uranus. Rahu is the main ruler of this asterism. Shatabhisha is the pinnacle of Rahu's energy.
In its highest aspect this nakshatra relays the most knowledgeable and philosophical side of Rahu. Rahu, being a child of тауа, carries within itself the complete knowledge of nature's hidden and complex functionings. The humanitarian, all inclusive, philosophical disposition of this asterism, when it is functioning through its higher aspect, is very in tune with Rahu's disposition in its higher aspect. Rahu is that force that attempts to break down all boundaries of race, age, status, nationality and religion to usher in a feeling of oneness of humanity, which in a sense embodies the spirit of Aquarius. Functioning through its lower aspect, it relays the aspect of Rahu, which is responsible for consumption and manufacturing of all types of alchohol, intoxicants and drugs. All the significations of Rahu dealing with poisonous chemicals and substances also fall under the domain of this asterism. Mow planets posited in Shatabisha will function in a nativity depends on Rahu's functionings and intentions.
Saturn is associated with this nakshatra being the ruler of Aquarius. Saturn, as we know, is a planet associated with coldnesss, slowness, practicality, organization, melancholy, stillness, discipline, introversion, perseverance and detachment All these qualities find expression through this nakshatra. However the emphasis here is on stillness, introversion, contemplation, seclusion and philanthropy instead of the Capricom-Satum traits like materiality and organizational capacity.
Uranus is the co-ruler of Aquarius and is a planet which relates to sudden events, eccentricity, electricity, science and high technology. Shatabhisha, as we have seen, rules most of the electronic media in today's world. Since most of the electronic media is dependant upon advancements in technology, the relationship between Uranus and Shatabhisha is immediately clear.
It is interesting to note that Vedic Astrologers have chosen the name Varuna for Uranus. Varuna as we have seen earlier is the ruling deity of this nakshatra. Another interesting aspect to this correlation is that the name «Uranus» is derived from the Greek root «Ouaronus». Just like Varuna, Ouaronus was the God of the seas and oceans. Linguistically, it is pretty evident that the Sanskrit term 'Varuna' metamorphosized into Ouaronus during the transference of Vedic knowledge through ages and civilizations.
Rahu-Saturn, Rahu-Uranus and Satum-Uranus conjunctions in a chart convey similar energies to Shatabisha
Mercury, Venus and Rahu do best in thlslialahatra. SatmraTsodoes well here but it can make one too melancholic.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Go» as in Godwin.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Sa» as in Sally.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Si» as in Simon.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Su» as in Sun.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Shatabhishak corresponds to «Lam» and consequently its mantra is «Om Lam».
Its sexual animal is a Mare. This makes it most compatible with Aswini, whose sexual animal is represented by a horse. Aswini and Shatabhisha share a deep relationship on many levels. For example, they are the two nakshatras which deal with healing and rejuvenation. It is the view of the ancient seers that diseases which begin in Shatabhisha can only be cured in Aswini.
The etheric aspect of this asterism relates to the subtle electric forces of the etheric or heavenly realm. It is a deeply mystical asterism which can open one's conciousness to the highest realms. Its empty circle symbolism highlights the truth that all creation arises from nothingness and dissolves into nothingness.
The present day phenomenon of «crop circles», is, in the author's view, directly connected with this nakshatra. These crop circles remain a big mystery to all those who don't want to accept any reality other than material. 90% of them are formed in the wheat fields of a small agricultural area in England, known as the Wiltshire Plains. The interesting thing is that many ancient sites like Stonehenge and Silbury Hill lie within this small area.
Many of these crop circles are complicated geometrical patterns based on universal mathematical principles like the golden ratio 1.618, aka. the 'golden mean'. Some of them are very similar to the ancient mandalas and the Detailed sacred chakras which lie within our astral bodies. They are called crop circles just because of the extensive use of circle in their complicated patterns. The important thing about them is that they are all made with unerring finesse and not a single wheat plant is damaged or out of place in the finished patterns.
The crop circles, some of them spreading over 300 ft, are formed within seconds and only one has ever been filmed forming. Many people who think they are hoaxes have failed to make even a simple accurate circle in the fields in one whole night. The film clearly showed four roundish white lights (earth spirits) making a circle within 2-3 seconds. The film's validity is confirmed by the fact that the newly formed crop circle was open for public viewing on the same day.
Shatabhisha, as we know, likes to baffle through mysteries and puzzles, and in that way leads people into discovering the real truths of the universe. Despite all the hopelessness in our times, there seems to be hope for the future, considering that the other side is still communicating with us even if in a secretive playful way. The messages of these crop circles are very clear to those who have real knowledge and the moment a certain number of people reach mat understanding, we would all be Irving in a different world.
This nakshatra is related to the Sage Atri, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «one who devours», which is in keeping with the essential demoniacal nature of this nakshatra. Shatabisha has a dissoluting nature and is very much in keeping with the job assigned to this particular sage.