Revati, the culmination of Mercurial energy, in fact all zodiacal energies, is represented in the celestial firmament by a group of very faint stars in the constellation of Pisces. The exact number of these stars is not specified in the ancient texts, although 27 seems like an automatic choice! The ancient vedic seers saw that ttiese stars made a shape similar to a dhoia (drum strung across the neck with a strap and played with both hands, used for carrying in processions).
The brightest among these faint stars is known in modem astronomy as Zeta-Piscium, which has a visual magnitude of only 5.20. It is located close to a comparatively brighter star, Mu-Piscium, around the fag end of the tail of the fish formed by the constellation Pisces. This asterism is not easy to locate in the night sky, but one can always utilize the fact that Zeta-Piscium lies almost exactly on the planetary ecliptic (the path of the planets around the zodiac); in order to locate it in a very clear new moon night sky.
«Revati» has a simple translation — «wealthy». As we shall discover later, this name conveys alot about this asterism on all ievels, even though it is not apparent straightaway why the final asterism representing complete dissolution be related to something as transitory as wealth. Its alternative translation is «to transcend», which is more in keeping wrjji this being the final nakshatra.
Since this asterism has a lot to do with duality, it has two and not one main symbol — a «fish swimming in the sea» and a «drum».
A fish swimming in the water is an obvious choice as a symbol for this nakshatra, as it falls completely in the sign of Pisces, which as we know is represented by two fishes swimming in opposite directions. The symbolism of a fish swimming in the sea has been used from time immemorial to show the soul's journey in the waters of the universe. Vishnu, the preserver among the Trinity, is often shown sitting atop the sea of consciousness.
The fish swimming in the sea also suggests a path. This nakshatra has a lot to do with paths of all kinds, whether it is just a path to one's house or the whole life-path itself. As declared by all wise men and incarnations, knowing and following one's path in life is the biggest penance of all. In a way it is the one and only path to liberation.
This nakshatra, as we know, is the last among nakshatras and thus has a lot to do with moksha and final enlightenment. It should be noted here that moksha doesn't actually mean liberation from cycles of births and deaths, as is enunciated by many schools of thought. Even after final enlightenment, one might have to take birth in some cycle of some universe. To find one's true path in life, one has to learn to see the bigger picture. This happens through connecting oneself with the universal mind, which in turn is tuned to the collective consciousness. This nakshatra represents collective consciousness. This however is a little different from the mass consciousness represented by the sign Cancer.
A drum as we recall is the symbol for Dhanishta as well. There's a lot of similarity between RevarJ and Dhanishta. One similarity which stands out immediately is that they are both regarded as wealthy. Please refer to the symbol section in Dhanishta for understanding the signification of a drum as a symbol. Revati's drum is similar to a Naggada (a type of Indian drum played with two sticks), and other types of modem drums used by marching bands (refer to the image).
It can be seen that Revati's drums are always played by sticks of some kind instead of by hand. They also have a connotation of bringing news, which the Dhanishta drum doesn't have. In all the ancient cultures, any news of importance to the community was always announced accompanied by the sound of drums. In some cultures, drum beats were even used as a way of sending signals in much the same way as morse code. We can thus infer that 'communication' is one of the key aspects of this nakshatra.
Pushan, a solar deity, similar to the Sun god, is considered the main presiding deity of this asterism. He is supposed to light up all paths. This gives him rulership over as diverse a thing as streetlights, which light up the road; a lighthouse, which keeps the ship from getting lost; to the rulership of the inner light of the soul, which lights up one's life-path. He is always portrayed as standing at the beginning of all paths and beginnings (refer to the image). This is the reason why he became popular as the deity connected with safe travel. Consequently this nakshatra relates to all kinds of travelling — physical, mental, emotional, astral or causal.
Pushan is supposed to be a more nourishing, softer deity than our Sun god and is said to give wealth, prosperity and completion. It is not hard to see see how fruitful journeys or fruitful life-paths will bring these to us automatically.
Finally Vishnu, the preserver among the Trinity, is the overseer of this nakshatra. At the time of the final dissolution, it is Vishnu's job to gather together all of the universal life force and consciousness. It is the gathering quality of this nakshatra which makes it wealthy, whether it be in terms of material wealth, knowledge or experience. Vishnu as we know is the husband of Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, which again brings this nakshatra in touch with the principle of abundance. Mercury, the planetary ruler of this nakshatra is supposed to be directly connected with Vishnu. Communication is a forte of Mercury and Vishnu and as we have seen earlier, of this nakshatra as well. The image of Vishnu and Laxmi sitting on a snake bed on top of the ocean of celestial waters is an image which can very much sum up this nakshatra.
Common English words like «reverie», «reverent», «revolving», «reverend», «revelry», «represent», «resolution» — seem to have the same root as the word «Revati». We can easily see that their meanings relate to Revati's functioning at some level or other.
Revati is one of the most pleasing and benevolent of nakshatras. It is an extremely fortunate nakshatra and this helps it see life in a positive light. It is the eternal optimist and remains completely unflustered even in the face of big setbacks. It has an innate trust in divine providence. It knows how to keep the faith but in some cases it has a tendency to not do anything else except having faith. In such cases this usually positive quality turns out to its detriment.
Alot of the natives born under this nakshatra tend to rely too much on belief and their beliefs are not always real. It is seen that some Saturn influence is required to give a realistic groundedness to this nakshatra. Let us take two cases. In one nativity, Jupiter is placed in this nakshatra aspected by Saturn and in the other, Jupiter is placed in this nakshatra without having an aspect of Saturn. The former is more likely to reap all the expansive benefits of this nakshatra, while the latter will be more prone to idle fantasies.
This is the nakshatra of the dreamer. It can create whole worlds around itself. This is because of its strong association with Maya, the illusory quality related with Vishnu, which sustains the drama of life. Alot of natives with prominent Revati tend to live in universes of their own creation. It is a case of Maya within Maya, which is not very conducive for enlightenment. The best thing Revati natives can do is to see things as they are.
Revati people are always supportive of others and since one reaps what one sows they often get supported as well. The peculiar thing about Revati natives is that they always get support when they need it most.
Revati can be seen as the apex of civilization. Its natives place special emphasis on refinement, sophistocation, grooming and civilized behaviour. They like all the things which constitute civilization, and abhor primitive behaviour. A lot of Revati natives are born into rich, aristocratic or refined families. Unless there are other conflicting factors in the chart, Revati promotes good childhood, upbringing, early education and physical felicity.
Revati natives seem to have pleasing social personalities and are usually well liked within their social sphere. This is to be expected from someone who has had a good upbringing. No other nakshatra comes close to Revati as far as being a socialite is concerned. They are very good hosts and their friendships last long because of their responsible nature. They are very understanding of other's problems and like to be as helpful to as many people as they can. However, sometimes they take too many people's problems on their shoulders, and can exhaust themselves mentally, emotionally or physically as a result.
They are always soft and polite in conversation and only spiteful if hurt or jealous. Revati is one of the most tender nakshatras and so has a tendency to get hurt very easily. Despite this they are often good counsellors and have a knack for solving people's problems or showing them their right path.
Revati natives usually have a lustrous and luscious body and a smiley, lighthearted demeanour. One can refer to the picture of Pushan in the nakshatra image, or look up an image of Vishnu, for getting a general idea of the appearance of Revati natives. Revati is a soft but indulgent asterism. It is the nakshatra which derives the most fun and joy out of the drama of life. It must be said that while more evolved souls learn to keep themselves on an observer status, the younger, less evolved souls tend to immerse themselves completely in the maya of life.
This nakshatra doesn't actually have a sense of limits and so it is very easy for it to do too much of anything. This nakshatra likes to exude power through its speech and other forms of communication. It is the most charming and enchanting amongst all the nakshatras and its charm lies in completely engaging another person's attention. This engagement can at times be so extreme that the other person may feel that nothing but the two of them exists. It is also a master at appearing intensely engaged in things, even though its attention might be scattered in a million directions. Among the nakshatras, Revati has the strongest ability to cast illusions, while at the same time in its lower aspect it can just as easily get caught up in illusions itself.
Revati is the most tricky and clever amongst the nakshatras. It is a chameleon which can put on any act at any given point in time. The more evolved souls use this ability for serving universal causes, while the less evolved souls end up using it for selfish motives.
Revati natives are proverbial «Richy Rich» characters. People often take them to be very financially well off even when they are penniless.
To sum it up, Revati can be seen as the height of civilization with all its upsides and downsides.
If there is one asterism which can see the bigger picture, then this is it. Since it is the last nakshatra, it has the ability to understand and even mimic the energies of every other nakshatra. Revati is a complete display of all possibilities of existence. It is the only complete nakshatra in the sense that it contains all the wisdom and knowledge there is. There's nothing which is beyond the scope of Revati's domain and thus it is very difficult to label it, stereotype it, or put its nature and activities in a box. It always surprises others by turning into something completely different just as it is being put into a category.
It is a nakshatra dealing with infinity of time, space and everything else. This is the reason why it is hard to pin this nakshatra down, as some new light is always shining on the horizon.
The most significant thing about Revati is that it has the ability to see and understand every other nakshatra. Its most important keyword is «summation». It is the Sigma and the omega. Other nakshatras can only fathom where they are at, but Revati can fathom where everyone is at. Obviously this all seeing capacity is restricted by the evolutionary state of the soul in question. The more evolved the soul, the more all encompassing the vision.
In the universal scheme of things, Revati relates to «kshiradyapani shakti» — the power to nourish through milk. Its symbolism has cows above, and calves below. This imagery emphasises the nourishing and sustaining aspect of Revati. However, if one pays attention to the fact that Vishnu, the sustainer amongst the holy trinity, sits atop the celestial ocean known as kshirasagar, a whole new interpretation opens up. Revati then relates to the shakti which sustains the celestial ocean in which all the fourteen lokas play the game of life.
Revati is considered to be a Balanced nakshatra. This relates to its love of society and its conservative and balanced approach to fostering civilization. It also relates to its wisdom aspect, which after seeing all sides of a situation, takes the middle path. Finally all philosophical and religious schools of thought consider the middle way to be the best way. It is this nakshatra's task to accommodate and resolve the duality inherent in existence.
It belongs to the Shudra caste. This is the case because ancient seers saw it as a service orientated nakshatra. As mentioned earlier, Revati natives are always willing to give assistance to others. In fact this is one of the few nakshatras which doesn't mind helping out even their enemy. In a way, Vishnu is also doing service to the universe by maintaining harmony and keeping the game of life alive.
It is a Female nakshatra. It represents the sum total of all the feminine force which sustains the universe.
Feet, Ankles, Abdomen and Groin are the body parts related to this nakshatra. Its association with the feet and ankles is clear from its relationship with Pisces. In our view it must relate to the abdomen because of the positioning of the тап/рига (navel) chakra. Vishnu is the presiding deity of this chakra. We are not very clear about the reason why some scholars associate groins with this nakshatra.
It is a primarily «Kapha» (watery) nakshatra. This is clear from the fact that it falls completely, in a water sign and is associated with watery planets like Jupiter and Neptune.
It is related primarily to north and north-east.
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 these natives 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 Revati. This is the pada which relates to all time-related sciences like Astrology etc. Natural benefics maintain a sense of balance here, while natural malefics can give too much ambition. This is the most realistic pada within this nakshatra and has a tendency to not be swayed by blind belief.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Aquarius Navamsa ruled by Saturn. This relates to the bohemian and humanitarian aspect of Revati. This pada finds it difficult to express its workings on a material plane.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Pisces Navamsa ruled by Jupiter. This is the eternal dreamer. It can only give good material results if natural malefics like Mars and Saturn occupy it. Like the first pada, this pada has a tendency to get swayed easily.
Hypnotists and Psychic Mediums; Creative Artists of all kinds including Painters, Musicians etc. ; Actors, Entertainers and Comedians; Linguists; Conjurors, Illusionists, Magicians; Watchmakers; Road Planners and those working in Rail and Road Construction Business; Time Keepers; Calendar/Ephemeris Makers; Astrologers; Divinators; Managers; Professional Hosts and Hostesses (especially air hostesses, ship stewards etc. ); Gemstone Dealers; Those involved in the Pearl Industry; All kinds of Shipping and Marine Industry; Those involved with Foster Homes and Orphanages; Driving or Transport Professions; Those involved with Religious Institutions; Air Traffic Controllers, Traffic Cops; Light House Workers; Those involved with Road Safety; Driving Instructors.
Roads, Railroad Tracks, Airports; Oceans, Seas, Beaches; Shipping Yards; Stage; Cinema; Orphanages; Monasteries; Ships, Aeroplanes, Trains, Cars etc; Bus Stations, Transport Industry; Public Auditoriums; Clock Towers/Watch Towers; Light Houses; Driving Instruction Schools; All places connected with the above mentioned professions.
It is supposed to be a Sattwic nakshatra. This comes as no surprise as this nakshatra has primarily sattwic ruling deities and is associated with benefic sattwic planets like Jupiter, Mercury and Neptune.
It belongs to the Ether element. This again comes as no surprise as the Ether element has an all encompassing quality, and can mingle and cooperate with all the other elements, which is what the essence of Revati's functioning is.
It is considered a Deva or godly nakshatra. This fact is quite apparent from its general benefic nature and the benefic quality of its ruling planets and deities.
It is a Level nakshatra. This relates to the balanced nature of this asterism. We have already discussed how it is a soft nakshatra, which automatically means that it doesn't go to extremes. The Level aspect also relates to its innate capacity to maintain a regular equilibrilized flow of life force on ail planes of existence.
As mentioned previously it is a Soft nakshatra. This basically relates to its mild, tender, easy going and pleasure loving nature.
It relates to the last 9 days of the lunar month of Bhadra Pada, which usually falls in September.
Revati is also related to Purnima (15th tithi or day) of the waxing phase of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Initiating all activities of a positive nature; Business activities and financial dealings; Anything involving exchange of goods; Good for marriage and sexual activity; Religious rituals; All kinds of travelling; Good for dealing with gemstones (putting them on for the first tirne etc.); Buying cars, homes and other valuable goods; Creative activities like music, drama etc.; Good for kind, charitable and soft activities; Learning, especially spiritual or occult; Healing and treatment of diseases; Rest and relaxation; Good for leisure activities like gardening; Good for completion of all types (putting the final touches on things).
All activities requiring harshness and boldness should be avoided. Not good for overcoming difficulties, obstructions, enmity or calamities; Not good for negative, sharp actions like surgery; Not good for strenuous activities of any kind like mountain climbing.
The last two quarters of this nakshatra should be avoided for beginnings of all kinds.
Mercury is the primary ruler of this nakshatra along with its sign rulers Jupiter, Neptune and Ketu. As mentioned earlier, Revati represents the culmination point of Mercurial energy. Since it is the last amongst the nakshatras, it can be seen as the culmination point of all zodiacal energies. Mercury's function here is not so much analytical as it is discriminatory. Mercury's function here is to categorize, classify and give everything its own unique place in the scheme of creation. Mercury doesn't lose its sense of humour here despite the fact that its task here is enormous. Mercury has to evolve and become a Buddha (enlightened one) here. It is interesting to note that Buddha is the Sanskrit name originally assigned to Mercury by the ancient Vedic seers. They had set and encoded its goal in its name itself! Mercury has to become Vishnu, the maintainer of universal affairs, who, while being in the game is still out of the game.
Mercury however cannot achieve this feat without the help of Jupiter, the harbinger of wisdom and compassion. It is Jupiter which gives an understanding of the basic laws of nature, as Mercury gives no cognizance to rules — universal or otherwise. The blending together of the energies of Jupiter and Mercury creates the Neptunian field. One ancient school of astrological thought says that the three outer planets act as secondary Suns and in turn control two of the inner planets. According to this school of thought, Neptune presides over the functioning of Jupiter and Mercury. One can easily see that this line of thought is validated through Vedic Mythology and Astrology. Vishnu is in essence a Neptunian deity and most of the schools of Jyotish relate the planets Jupiter and Mercury with Vishnu.
Together Neptune, Jupiter and Mercury rule over the intellectual realm and share the responsibility of connecting our individual consciousness with the collective universal consciousness.
Ketu is the planet of the beginning and the end, Since Revati represents the end, Ketu's relationship with this nakshatra is not very hard to establish. Ketu is the planet most intimately connected with dissolution of our past karmasand it achieves that using the energy of Revati.
Jupiter, Mercury, Venus and Moon usually do well in Revati. Ketu's placement here is good for spiritual pursuits. Conjunctions like Jupiter/Mercury; Jupiter/Mercury/Ketu; Jupiter/Neptune; Jupiter/ Ketu; Mercury/Ketu; Mercury/Neptune; Ketu/Neptune; mirror this asterism's energy.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «The» as in The.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Tho» as in Though.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Cha» as in Charlie.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Chi» as in Chile.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Revati corresponds to «La», «Ksha», «A» and «Aa», consequently its mantras are «Om Lam», «Om Ksham», «Om Am» and «Om Aam».
Its sexual animal is an Elephant. In fact many of these nakshatras' qualities can be gauged from the essential nature and behaviour of elephants. The fact that elephants prefer level grounds rather than uneven terrain, once again reiterates the level aspect of this nakshatra. Elephants are the largest among all land animals. In the oceans their counterparts, the blue whales, will also fall under the auspices of Revati. One can do a study of the sexual nature of these creatures to understand the sexual nature of this nakshatra.
Revati corresponds to the universal point in time where the material as well as astral are drawn into the causal realm and after the process is completed, the causal is drawn into the supreme eternal void. On a more personal level, Revati relates to the assimilation of life experiences from many previous lives, so that a synthesis can take place and a state of completeness achieved.
Revati can thus be associated with the seventh sacral centre known as Sabastrara. A state of complete awareness is achieved after the kundalini opens every petal of this thousand petalled lotus centre. After achieving this, the kundalini breaks through the top part of the head known as Brahma Randha. At this point the will of the soul achieves complete harmony with the universal will, and the personal consciousness is submerged into the collective universal consciousness. In other words, the drop joins with the ocean and can no longer be traced as an individual drop. In its highest aspect, Revati relates to this state and process.
In a relatively lower aspect, Revati relates to the 'ocean of illusion' associated with the third sacral centre often known as Manipura Chakra (or the navel centre). This is the place where the chi (life force) is supposed to reside as per Zen principles. This centre is representative of all the activities on a worldly/material plane. Only after the mastery of this oceanic field does a soul gain true knowledge about the higher planes of existence. Once again the image of Vishnu sitting atop the ocean of illusion best characterizes this aspect of Revati.
Revati represents the celestial ocean in which the creative force rests, after Mahapralaya (universal dissolution). On a smaller scale, cycles of destruction and dissolution take place on our planet as well. In each such Pra/aya,where the oceans are engulfing all the land, Vishnu is supposed to incarnate as a fish and save seven sages and all the plants and animals required for the recontinuation of life. This can be said to be a very Revati operation. In fact the process of earthly death also requires Revati's services, as all the actions of this life and all the vital pranas (life forces) are accumulated within the astral/causal center before the chord between the material body and the astral body is cut.
Finally, Revati conceals the answer to the ultimate question — «Why all of this creation, for what purpose, and for whom?»
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», which is in harmony with the fact that Revati is one of the most optimistic and inspirational nakshatras.