Uttarabhadrapada, the apex of Saturnine energy, is represented in the celestial firmament by two bright stars, one of which lies in the constellation of Pegasus, while the other is seen as being part of the constellation Andromeda. The ancient vedic seers saw these stars as being representative of the back legs of a funeral cot (or sleeping bed). Also the ancients saw these two stars forming a rectangular bed (which is now known as the «Square of Pegasus»), along with the two stars of Purvabhadrapada.
These two stars, which lie in Pegasus and Andromeda respectively, are known in modern astronomy as Gamma-Pegasi (Algenib) and Alpha-Andromedae (Alpheratz). They can be seen lying directly above the constellation of Pisces. Gamma-Pegasi has a visual magnitude of 2.84, and lies closer to the zodiacal ecliptic. Alpha-Andromedae is the brighter of the two with a visual magnitude of 2.06 and lies farther away from the zodiacal ecliptic. Both of them can be easily located in the night sky through spotting Andromeda, one of the brightest constellations in the night sky.
«Uttarabhadrapada» translates into — «the latter (one who possesses) lucky feet». Its alternative name is «Uttaraproshthapada», which translates into «the latter (one who posseses) the feet of a stool». These names and meanings are a direct result of this asterism forming a pair with the previous asterism Purvabhadrapada and don't convey much regarding the nature or functioning of this asterism.
Its main symbol is the 'back part of a funeral cot'. A funeral cot denotes our exit from the world, and the sign Pisces, or the 12ffi house in the chart, signifies this exit. Since this asterism forms the heart of the sign of Pisces, it is appropriate that it is ascribed the back legs of the funeral cot, while its counterpart, Purvabhadrapada,is ascribed the front legs. In a way it represents our initial state after death, while Purvabhadrapada can be seen as relating to the actual process of dying. The back part of a normal sleeping bed can also be seen as the symbol of this asterism. Since the 12th house relates to sleep, which can be seen as a temporary form of death, a sleeping bed would also relate to this asterism. Uttarabhadrapada signifies the deep sleep state, in which the dream activity is at the minimum, and we go to the depths of our unconscious. It can however be also representative of all dreams and dreamlike states.
In our view, its alternative symbol is a serpent with two and a half coils (see the image), symbolizing the kundalini, the primeval life force lying at the base of the spine in humans. This asterism symbolizes enlightenment through the awakening of all the seven vital centres through the movement of the kundalini. This process of kundalini awakening is actually started in Anuradha, which can be seen as an associate asterism, in the sense that Saturn rules both of these asterisms. As we discussed in the section dealing with Anuradha, Anuradha is the initiator of this process, while Uttarabhadrapada is the culmination point of this process.
Its deity is known by the name Ahir Bhudhanya and in keeping with the basic energy of this asterism, is a figure shrouded in mystery. His peculiar name roughly translates into «Serpent of the Depths» or «Serpent that lies beneath the surface of the earth». Most of the Vedic texts don't say much about him, except the mention of him being a serpent god dwelling in the primeval depths. Even the west has its own share of imagined or otherwise mysterious underwater serpent creatures like Scotland's Lochness Monster. Vedic mythology, however, is replete with stories of serpent beings which reside at the bottom of bodies of water like lakes, rivers and oceans. These beings also reside in ail the nether worlds. Ahir Bhudhanya can be seen as a collective composite of all these serpent beings.
There is an obvious connection of the serpent forces, revered by all ancient cultures, with this asterism. Ahir Bhudhanya was seen as the deity responsible for maintaining the fertility of the earth. The symbolism of a serpent lying at the core of the earth, who maintains earth's structure and fertility, can be found in all ancient cultures. In the west, Pluto, the planet seen as the lord of the underworld, was given a similar portfolio.
Ahir Bhudhanya is a more wise and compassionate deity in comparison with Aja-Ekapada{please refer to the section on Purvabhadrapada). Its essential nature is akin to the western Neptunian god-figure, which is not very interested in revealing itself. Like Neptune, it presides over the celestial ocean. Even Vishnu, the preserver among the Trinity, has a similar symbolism as can be seen from his lying on a serpent bed on top of the celestial ocean image.
Finally Shiva, the destroyer among the cosmic Trinity, can be seen as the main presiding deity of this asterism, even though its symbolism relates to Vishnu. This asterism has a dissolution aspect to it in the guises of death, transformation and enlightenment through destruction of forms — Shiva's domain. Shiva also carries a serpent around his neck!
The first thing which must be said here, is that it is very hard to pin down the exact nature of this nakshatra. It can function in a variety of ways and fashion itself according to its needs and surroundings. Since wisdom is the key word for this nakshatra, the native strongly under its influence acts according to the needs of the moment rather than from any instinctual archetype.
The real motives of this nakshatra are always very hard to know. Natives under its strong influence are as elusive as the serpent of the deep sea. Just like the ocean carries a whole different variety of plants and creatures, this nakshatra has room for many different qualities, natures and expressions.
Despite its apparent flexibility, it is quite a fixed nakshatra, which is usually very determined to achieve its set goals. Flexibility here is just a means to an end. This is the wise old man amongst the nakshatras. It never acts hastily. In fact many a times it can postpone actions too long for its own good. In a lot of cases it can just be plain lazy, in both physical and mental matters.
Alot can be understood about this nakshatra by understanding the nature and role of the old wise chief archetype of indigenous native tribes. Its wisdom has been gained from experience. It is calcularjve when it comes to achieving its ends. These natives always try to keep the big picture in mind while making plans, decisions and the like. Uttarabhadrapada likes to do everything in a controlled fashion with care and restraint. Its intentions are usually benevolent. Its ambitions are not self serving and it is full of qualities like empathy, understanding and sympathy.
Uttarabhadrapada natives usually make very good counsellors. Water as we know has the ability to extinguish any fire. In the same way the cooling waters of this nakshatra can ease and cool out all fiery emotions like anger, revenge, jealousy etc. Even in all the native tribes of the past, everyone used to turn to the elder or wise man of the tribe to find solace and direction in their troubled times. The level of compassion this nakshatra can show will obviously depend upon the evolutionary status of the soul in question.
The calculative aspect of this nakshatra connects it to all the sciences concerned with understanding the funct'onings of the universal mind, like Astrology, Numerology, Yoga, Meditation, Divination etc.
Natives with Uttarabhadrapada rising on the Ascendant usually have a serene and calm countenance. They try their best to remain happy even in difficult, disturbing and unfavourable circumstances. Uttarabhadrapada has a tendency to give one a large body with broad shoulders. This can be gauged from the fact that oceans are quite expansive. Such natives are usually short in height, with a tendency towards weight gain, especially with age. Uttarabhadrapada usually produces shy, reluctant and passive personalities. Such natives are usually in no hurry, a tendency which in its lowest aspect can make them lazy and prone to inaction in times where action is indispensable.
Much depends on the placement of Saturn in ascertaining how this nakshatra will function in a particular nativity. The serpent of the depths is quite an immobile and inert creature, and it requires some external agency or force to arouse it. This is why the presence of fiery optimistic planets like Mars, Sun and Jupiter in this nakshatra help it overcome its latent inertia. In fact, the placement of any planet in this nakshatra makes it dynamic.
Uttarabhadrapada can initiate destructive or seemingly evil actions, but unlike its predecessor, Purvabhadrapada, it usually does so for some wholesome reason. Uttarabhadrapada, even when causing destruction, puts less emphasis on cruelty and depravity as compared to its predecessor. Uttarabhadrapada's anger is more sublimated and thus its actions are not mindless.
Reasonability is another key to this nakshatra. It likes to come out with the best possible solutions, which are fair to all parties. The interesting thing to note about this nakshatra is that it usually has an eye for the needs of others, but almost always ends up benefitting from others. Natives born under its strong influence usually benefit from gifts, donations and inheritance etc. One interesting thing to note about this nakshatra is that it is usually fortunate with making and handling money.
This nakshatra relates to the \fena Prasthd, the third stage of life according to the ancient Vedic texts, in which the native is supposed to cut off their worldly chords and retire to the forest in order to seek enlightenment. It has secretive, reclusive tendencies, which may sometimes make the native under the strong influence of this nakshatra prematurely retire from their worldly duties. No matter what the evolutionary status an Uttarabhadrapada native has, there is always some seeking towards some higher awareness.
In the universal scheme of things, Uttarabhadrapada relates to «varshodyamana shakti» — the power to bring about rain. Its symbolism has raining clouds above, and growing plants below. This imagery obviously has more to it than just being a common fertility reference. The rain here connects with the soothing universal vibrations which can flow through our astral and causal bodies if we open ourselves to them. This spiritual rain comes about from the celestial ocean of consciousness when the hot Sun (representing our Atmari) touches upon it. The reader can refer to the image of Uttarabhadrapada to understand the whole process better.
It is supposed to be a Balanced nakshatra. We have already seen that this nakshatra takes its time before acting. When well disposed, it can give one the wisdom to put things in their proper perspective. When afflicted, it can make one too conservative and too afraid to confront reality or face transformation.
This nakshatra belongs to the Kshatriya or warrior caste, It is strange that a prudent nakshatra like this should be assigned this caste. This comes about because of its association with the energies of Pluto and Shiva. Uttarabhadrapada is always a warrior, but not in any aggressive, cruel sense like its predecessor Purvabhadrapada. It works in the typical Kshatriya fashion of setting goals and attaining them.
It is a male nakshatra. The rulership of Jupiter gives this nakshatra its male quality. Also its presiding deities are both male.
It mainly relates to the Sides of the Body, including the Sides of the Legs, the Shins and the Soles of the Feet.
It is a primarily «Pitta» (fiery) nakshatra. This association comes from its symbol of a funeral cot. As we discussed earlier, it is related to the earth's core, which as we know is the hottest part of our planet.
It covers the range from west to north.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Leo Navamsa and is ruled by Sun. It represents the active, illuminating, proud and achievement oriented side of this nakshatra. Just like the rising or setting sun on the oceanic horizon (refer to the image), the function of this pada is to spread around the light of its experience.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Virgo Navamsa ruled by Mercury. This relates to the analytical, calculative and planning side of this nakshatra. It tends to find wisdom in small things, and planets here are more likely to stay in the background then reveal themselves.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Libra Navamsa ruled by Venus. This relates to the passive, balance seeking and equilibrium-orionted side of this nakshatra. Planets placed here seek wisdom through balance and objectivity. Thev «night however become too passive and may lack the energy to let their findings be known.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Scorpio Navamsa ruled by Mars. This relates to the occult, mysterious and hidden aspect of this nakshatra. This pada can go to extreme depths of confusion or depths of wisdom. Whichever way it operates, it always has the ability to aggressively externalise its energy. Everything is intense here and things are usually likely to get to fever pitch in relation to whatever area this pada is influencing (planet or house).
Yoga and Meditation Experts; Counsellors and Therapists of all types; Shamen; Healers; Practitioners of Tantra and other Occult Sciences; Divinators; Renunciates; Monks, Hermits; Those working in Charity Organizations; Researchers; Philosophers; Poets, Writers, Musicians and Artists; Those working in professions requiring extraordinary abilities, whether it be patience, insight, erudition or awareness; Professions involving little movement like Shop Clerks, Night Watchmen, Doormen; Historians; Librarians; Those who are unemployed and relying on inheritance, legacies or charity.
Libraries, Temples and Museums; Occult Book Stores; Ancient ruins; Historical Places; Cremation Grounds; Holy Sites and Pilgrimage Places; Caves; Mountainous Caverns; Meditation Centres; All places suitable for meditation and quiet activities; Charity Organization Compounds; Forests, High Mountain Ranges and other uninhabited solitary places; Bottoms of Lakes, Deep Seas and Oceans; Social Welfare Centres; Centres for Psychic and Spiritual Research.
It is supposed to be a Tamasic nakshatra. Its basic inert quality and the fact that it deals with dissolution on all levels of existence, made the ancient Vedic seers ascribe this guna to it. We have seen earlier that Shiva, the overlord of Tamo Guna, is the main presiding deity of this nakshatra.
The Ether element predominates for Uttarabhadrapada, as is the case with the last group of nakshatras starting from Dhanishta. Its relation to Ether is clear from its wisdom and ail encompassingness.
It is a Manusha (human) nakshatra. This goes to show that Uttarabhadrapada has a strong involvement in human affairs, even though it relates to other finer realms of existence. It is one of the nakshatras which form a bridge between the astral, causal and physical realms, bringing in higher, universal truths into the material human frame of existence.
It is an Upward Looking nakshatra. This mainly relates to the expansive nature of this asterism. Activities begun under the influence of this nakshatra are more likely to grow and expand with time.
It is a Fixed nakshatra in keeping with the nature of its ruling deity Ahir Bhudanya. As mentioned earlier, he is a very fixed sort of character, who literally and figuratively budges only when absolutely necessary.
It can be seen as the ruler of the middle 9 days of the month known as Bhadrapada. This usually falls in the solar calendar month of September.
Uttarabhadrapada is also related to Navami (9th tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Quiet peaceful activities; Research, Meditation, Psychic Development and Astral Exploration; Good for making promises, pledges and commitments including Marriage; Beginning construction activities — homes, offices etc; Financial dealings; Beginning activities requiring support from others; Artistic ventures; Treatment of diseases; Sexual activity; Entering a new home; Naming children, organizations etc.; Planting and gardening.
Unfavourable for travelling; Litigation; Dealing with enemies; Activities which require quick, swift action in general; Speculation and gambling; Bad for lending money; Too much physical movement or exertion.
The planets associated with this nakshatra are Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune and Ketu. Saturn is the main ruler of this asterism. In fact this nakshatra represents the culmination of Saturnine energy. This is the place where Saturnine lessons learnt under the signs Capricorn and Aquarius, are synthesized and transformed into true wisdom and enlightenment. Saturn's role here is not that of a hard task master, but that of a wise, old teacher who teaches through patience, perseverance and example. The most refined aspects of Saturn's functionings are expressed through this nakshatra. At times this nakshatra can give abundant material prosperity, as one reaps the fruits of hard work done in previous lives. In more evolved souls however, this prosperity is bestowed as a result of functioning in tune with the universal will. This is the nakshatra where Saturn becomes Shiva and can no more be seen as an outcaste, slow, troublesome, painful deity of sorrow.
Jupiter lends an expansive quality to this nakshatra. Uttarabhadrapada does not believe in boundaries, and carries within itself all higher Jupiterian virtues like compassion, caring, sensitivity and acceptance of the divine will. This nakshatra has a lot to do with the final balancing of the energies of Jupiter and Saturn, the two planets regarded by some astrologers as being the most important.
Neptune as we know is directly related to the celestial ocean, which houses the manifest universe. Uttarabhadrapada as we have seen earlier, is directly related to this ocean through its presiding deity Ahir bhudanya. Uttarabhadrapada is one of the few nakshatras which sets the stage for the drama of life. In a way it can be seen as a director of the movie called life. This is the reason why natives under the strong influence of this nakshatra often take up filmmaking in today's media heavy society.
Ketu relates to the spiritual/detachment/enlightenment aspect of this asterism. On closer inspection, one finds that Ketu has a strong connection to the way this nakshatra goes about achieving its spiritual goals. Uttarabhadrapada relates to Raja Yoga, which involves harnessing of the kundalini shakti and opening of the seven sacral centres. Ketu is the planet which relates directly to kundalini shakti, and the seventh and final centre known as Sahastrara.
Active dynamic planets like Sun, Mars and Rahu do best in Uttarabhadrapada. Saturn also does well here if it is aspected by active planets like Mars and Jupiter. Jupiter, Mercury and Venus can also do well in this nakshatra when associated with active planets.
Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and conjunctions of Ketu and Neptune with Jupiter and Saturn carry an energy similar to this nakshatra. Saturn-Ketu conjunction however would relate more to Purvabhadrapada.
The first pada relates to «Du» as in the name «Durga».
The second pada relates to «Tha» as in the name Thatcher».
The third pada relates to «Jha» as in the name «Jhanci».
The fourth pada relates to «Na» as in the name «Natasha».
In the Sanskrit alphabet Uttarabhadrapada corresponds to the letters «Sha», «Sa» and «Ha», and consequently its mantras are «Om Sham», «Om Sam» and «Om Ham».
Its sexual animal is a Cow, which indicates a docile and passive sexual nature. It is not a very sexually active nakshatra. It however can be quite interested in sex from a tantra point of view.
As a meeting point of the energies of Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva, the destroyer; this nakshatra carries a very special influence. It relates to the harmonizing aspect of the universal mind, which often times uses destruction as a means of preservation. Even Krishna, Vishnu's incarnation, used destruction (Shiva's means) to set things right.
This nakshatra relates to the sahastrara or crown centre, the topmost amongst the seven chakras. It is the final destination of the kundalini, the serpent force residing at the base of the spine. Thus the whole symbolism of this nakshatra relates to the journey of the kundalini from the base of the spine (which can be equated with the bottom of the sea), to the crown chakra (which can be equated with the surface of the celestial ocean).
The left (Ida), right (Pingla) and middle (Sushumna) channels converge and become one at the third eye centre. These three channels can be equated with the trinity of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu respectively. Thus this nakshatra has a special affinity with the third eye chakra (Agneya). It is at the third eye centre where perfect equilibrium is established between nature's three gunas. This allows one to directly comprehend the functionings of the universal mind. This is the nakshatra where wisdom is gained, and as a result all the mental, intellectual and emotional thirsts are quenched. After the third eye chakra, there is only one channel, the centre one, leading up to the crown chakra, which means that this nakshatra readies an individual for supreme enlightenment, putting them on a singular path.
The 'serpent of the depths' is often equated with 'a stream in the Milky Way'. This, besides suggesting a path which leads us through the darkness of space, hints at the fact that the serpent imagery is present on all levels of existence — it is the kundalini within our bodies, the stream in the Milky Way within our galaxy, and Ahir Budhanya in the celestial ocean.
Uttarabhadrapada is the unfathomable darkness of space in which the material universe dwells. It is the nothingness from which everything is born. It is where the answer to the most basic questions eventually enocuntered by all thinkers, scientists, spiritualists and philosophers alike i.e. «how did creation come out of nothingness and what existed when nothing existed», lies.
This nakshatra is related to the Sage Pulahu, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «the connector of space». This makes sense when we recall that Uttarabhadrapada presides over all the dark space which harbours creation.