Krittika, the seed of solar energy, is represented in the celestial firmament by a well known group of seven bright stars huddled together in the star cluster of Pleiades. The ancient Vedic seers saw these seven stars as forming a necklace and attached immense importance to their role in galactic affairs. These stars are known in modern astronomy as 27-Tauri (Atlas), Eta-Tauri (Alcyone), 23-Tauri (Merope), 17-Tauri (Electra), 28-Tauri (Pleione), 19-Tauri (Taygeta) and 20- Tauri (Mala). Alcyone is the brightest among this group, with a visual magnitude of 2.88. These stars are very easily visible in the night sky because of their close proximity to each other. In fact they stand out in the night sky more than any other object because of this uniqueness. In order to locate these stars in the night sky, one has to focus in the region to the right of the the bright star Alpha-Tauri (Aidebaran, belonging to the next asterism, Rohini).
«Krittika» translates simply into «The One Who Cuts» or in a plural sense «The Cutters». This simple, direct and straight forward name is very much in keeping with the essential quality of this asterism. «The Cutters» here relates to a feminine aspect rather than a male aspect and as we shall discover later, this asterism is related to the «seven Krittikas» (or the seven wives) of the seven main sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy.
Its main symbol is an axe, razor or any sharp edged instrument like a blade or knife. This symbolism obviously relates to its name, which implies cutting and penetration. All sharp instruments can be used for both constructive or destructive purposes. A knife, for example, can be used for cutting vegetables or hurting someone. In the same way, Krittika's penetration can be used for cutting through superficial layers of mental and emotional functionings. On the other hand, it can be used for causing harm out of anger or enmity. In some cases, its destructive aspect is constructive from a universal point of view, especially when those at the end of the blade are crooked or evil.
A flame of any type is another widely used symbol for Krittika. This as we shall see in the next section, relates to its association with Agni, the lord of the fire element.
Peacock is another alternative symbol of this nakshatra. The elaborately ornate feathers of the male peacock relate to the exuberant martial nature of the masculine part of this nakshatra. A peacock is the chosen vehicle of the male ruling deity of this nakshatra (please refer to the image). Krishna always wore a peacock feather on top of his head and his early life, under the care of his foster parents, reveals the essence of this nakshatra (refer to the Deity Section).
Karttikeya, the commander of the celestial godly forces, is the primary ruling deity of this asterism. He is one of the most prominent among Shiva'ssons and was raised by the aforementioned Krittikas (the seven wives of the seven celestial sages). As we can see the name «Krittika» and «Karttikeya» have common roots, and it is automatically implied that Krittikas are the foster mothers of a boy called Karttikeya. Thus this nakshatra is related to foster care and nurturing of all types.
The circumstances preceding Karttikeya's birth, as mentioned in Puranic texts, are as follows: «At one point in time, the gods had lost all of their territory to the demons, and in their desperation asked Lord Shiva to help them. Shiva expressed his disability to intervene directly, but promised that he would produce a son who would deal with their problems. There are many different versions on how Karttikeya was actually born (please refer to the Esoteric section for a common version). However all texts agree with the fact that he was sent away to the Krittikas (Pleiades star cluster) in order to hide him from the demons. The demons had come to know that this child was bom for destroying them and were searching all over to find him, so that they could destroy him first, while he was still a baby. Hidden from everyone's eyes, the seven wives of the seven rishis took care of Karttikeya, and as soon as he reached boyhood, he fulfilled his purpose by destroying the demonic forces and restoring the heavens to the gods.»
If properly understood, all of Krittika's nature and functioning can be understood from the above legend. Krittika relates to a sense of imminent danger, which leads to secrecy, seclusion and hiding as a result. It relates to the care and nurturing of anything in its young, delicate state and this is the reason why Moon reaches its maximum exaltation in the second pada of this nakshatra. Karttikeya's heroic valorous deeds are mirrored in its functioning as well.
Agni, the god presiding over the «fire» element in nature, is the secondary ruler of Krittika. Fieriness is definitely required for the combative and militaristic nature of this nakshatra, as suggested by the war general post of Karttikeya. The fire symbolism here can be interpreted at a variety of levels. On a physical level it represents the digestive fire, which converts the food we eat into usable energy. This makes Krittika an energetic and physically active asterism. On a mental plane, fire relates to the ability of the mind to assimilate new knowledge. The mental fire constantly seeks knowledge and experience in order to keep itself burning. This nakshatra therefore relates to curiosity and an inclination to venture out into unknown areas.
On the astral and more subtle planes, fire relates to the purifying principle in nature. It burns away the karma from previous lives, so that a sense of unity with the original creative source may be achieved.
Krittika, on an esoteric level, serves the function of purifying the soul through the fires of knowledge and experience.
We must not forget the seven wives of the seven sages, as they represent the actual stars of this constellation. Krittika is a semi-maternal nakshatra and all its maternal qualities come from these seven women. These seven women can in a way be seen as the five senses, the mind and the consciousness. Their child Kartikeya, then represents the limitless perceptivity of the innocent mind.
There are many legends associated with the reasons behind the separation of these wives from their husbands (the seven celestial sages). We will touch upon one of these legends in the Esoteric Section. In the meantime, we just need to acknowledge the fact that these seven wives trained and educated baby Karttikeya in the various systems of knowledge. This fact reveals the «educational» and «institutional» aspect of Krittika. Krittika is a sort of celestial training ground or university, where one receives training necessary to pursue one's life purpose.
It is clear that the English word 'critical', has its roots in the Sanskrit word 'Krittika' and this one word sets the tone for Krittika's basic nature and functioning. Krittika's piercing quality lends itself to the criticizing and fault finding part of human nature. Krittika aims to get to the root of any action or situation and consequently it comes across all the imperfections, which often lie between the apparent and the real. Krittika doesn't tolerate imperfections because it sees them as obstacles in achieving its decidedly fixed goals.
Planets placed in Krittika give one pointed action and fiery bursts of energy. They act in a sudden and explosive manner Krittika natives have a direct and straightforward approach and don't tike to beat about the bush. They usually have cutting and blunt manners which often offends or intimidates those around them. One must however remember that Krittika natives are good at putting up social graces and do not act in a cutting or sharp manner all the time. They do so only when roused. They have an extreme temper, but it does not last for more than a few seconds.
Krittika exemplifies Sun's anger rather than Mar's anger. Sun's anger doesn't last for very long, while Mar's anger lingers on with an avenging attitude. The King (Sun), does not need to stay angry for long to declare war, while the Soldiers (Mars), who actually fight the battle, need sustained anger to keep them interested in battles.
Krittika natives usually hide their caring, nurturing and maternal side beneath hard, stern exteriors. Fire, despite its dangerous and destructive potential, cooks our food, warms us up on a cold day and helps make most of the things we require for a comfortable living. In other words fire is what makes civilization possible. Going one step further, we find that Sun's fire makes life possible on earth. This is the reason why Krittika natives are usually the life-sustaining element within their social sphere. They like to support others around them through their warmth, independence and will-power. In some cases this may be excessive and the result is similar to overcooked food. Krittika natives can alienate those around them by their sharp tongue and nature even though they don't have any real malefic intent.
In the universal scheme of things, Krittika relates to «daharta shakti» — the power of the astral body to cut its ties with the physical body. Its symbolism has heat above and light below. This relates Krittika to all the functions of fire — purification, cooking, melting, moulding etc. Fire also suggests the creative potency of the nakshatra and it is said to have a strong association with the Moon. In this way the Moon represents a receptive field or channel through which the creative potential of the Sun can unfold. Krittika only acts when it has some kind of direction to go in and so individuals with the nakshatra prominent in their charts, have a peculiarly startling and sudden way of erupting when their Krittika energy is activated.
On a spiritual level this nakshatra can provide intense awareness and allows one the ability to undergo extreme forms of purification. On a spiritual level Krittika is forever devoted to cutting its way along a clear path towards the development of one's true inner nature and therefore will slay any obstruction, inner or outer which blocks its path. When it is strong in a nativity it indicates sudden transformations/ups and downs in life.
Krittika is considered to be an Active nakshatra. It is sacrosanct ttiat the commander of the celestial armies be anything but active. No matter which way one looks at Krittika, all one finds is restless activity, whether it be in the field of leadership, nurturing, education or battle.
It belongs to the priestly or brahminicalcaste. One may have expected Krittika to be classified as a kshatriya, considering Karttjkeya's heroic, warrior-like nature. The reason why the seers saw this nakshatra as brahminical, is because of its intense involvement with learning, knowledge and education. It is naturally philosophical, altruistic and concerned with purity.
It is a Female nakshatra. This classification obviously relates to the maternal nature of this nakshatra, as exemplified by the seven wives of the seven sages.
Hips, Loins and the Crown of the Head are the body parts related to this nakshatra. It is a primarily «Kapha» (watery) nakshatra. Its kapha quality must arise from its relationship with Venus, a primarily kapha planet. The fact that Moon, another kapha planet, finds maximum exaltation in this nakshatra, re-emphasizes this. Its ruling deity, Karttikeya, is supposed to have a lustrous body, which is normally associated with the kapha humor.
It is related primarily to the arc covering the directions from east, south-east to south.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Sagittarius Navamsa ruled by Jupiter. This is a highly moralistic, generous and altruistic pada. There's a daredevil element to this pada, which connects it to one type of military pursuit or the other. It is the explorer of the zodiac. Planets here give a lot of will power, strength and stamina. Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Ketu are especially strong here.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Capricorn Navamsa ruled by Saturn. This pada also has a strong sense of ethics but its vision is more material rather than mental or spiritual. Even its spirituality is expressed through matter. The emphasis here is on arranging matter to create a nurturing and motherly environment. The maternal aspect of Krittika's functioning is at its peak here. Natives under a strong influence of this pada get and provide sustenance when it matters the most. Moon reaches its maximum exaltation in this pada. Mars and Saturn also function strongly here. However Mar's placement here has more to do with receiving nourishment rather than providing it.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Aquarius Navamsa ruled by Saturn. This is also a humanitarian and altruistic pada. It combines futuristic visions and ancient knowledge on a weave of fixed principles. The emphasis here is on 10th house significations like one's collective duty. This pada promotes all types of learning and can thus be called the university of the zodiac. Since no planet gets debilitated in Aquarius, all planets can function well here relating to their own specific domains.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Pisces Navamsa ruled by Jupiter. This pada has the ability to manifest its deep sensitivity on a material plane. It promotes groupwork of all types in a joyful, benevolent way. Planets here are more creative under group situations. This is a Pushkara navamsa pada and so all planets are capable of conferring good results here. Jupiter, Venus and Ketu can make the fullest use of the energies of this pada, while Mercury is a little out of sorts here.
Critics; Managers; Generals and People in authority positions; Technical professions in general; Teachers; Educators; University related professions; Lawyers; Judges; Surgeons; Swordsmen; Fencers; People who make swords, knives and other sharp instruments; Blacksmiths; Creative Arts involving ttie use of fire based processes; Jewellers and Glassmakers; All Military Professions; Police; Fire Fighters; Explosive Experts; Those who work in Foster Homes and Orphanages; Professions connected to Rehabilitation of Addicts of all kinds whether it be related to drug addiction, smoking, alcoholism, weight problems; Professions involved in promoting methods and techniques for Self-Improvement or Self Asserbveness; Spiritual Teachers who promote strong purificatory measures or worship involving the Sun or Fire; Professions involving fire like Fire dancers or Fire Sacrifices; Professional Dart players or Archers; Barbers and Hairdressers; Tailors; Work involving use of needles like Embroiderers or Vaccinators; Gold diggers and Miners; Cooks of all varieties; Those who make clay objects like bricks for building houses or ceramic objects; Furnace makers; Those who make Cooking Utensils or Trade tools; All professions involving use of fire and sharp objects.
Places with hot climates; Deserts and Arid lands; Agricultural lands; Cattle ranches; Meadows; Tropical forests; Volcanic areas; Military Bases and testing grounds; Government Buildings; Universities; Rehabilitation Centres; Orphanages; Mines in general; Factories and Industrial areas using fire in one form or the other; Fireplace, Furnaces, Heating devices within homes; all places connected with the above mentioned professions.
Krittika is a Rajasic nakshatra due to its association with dynamic qualities like individuality, projection, motivation, leadership and initiative.
It belongs to the Earth element. This doesn't come as a surprise because three fourths of this nakshatra lie in the earth sign, Taurus. The fieriness of this nakshatra manifests itself through the earth element. One way to understand this is to see Krittika as «cooked food». Krittika represents all matter which is made useful in some way by the action of the fire element, just as food is made palatable by the process of heating.
It is considered a rakshasa or demonic nakshatra. Its demonic quality relates to its cold-blooded, merciless approach to acts of violence like killing etc. It works by the «tit for tat» dictum and is usually unforgiving.
It is a Downward nakshatra. In keeping with its penetrative nature, Krittika is always more interested in what is below the surface. For example, in relation to our planet, Krittika would relate to the fiery core, which keeps the surface in place. On a more personal level, one will find that the latent fieriness of a Krittika native remains hidden, unless provoked by some external agency.
It is a Mixed nakshatra i.e. it alternates between sharp and soft. Its sharper side is exemplified by Karttikeya, who as the general of the celestial armies, indulges in sharp actions like attacks, wars and battles. Krittika usually uses its sharper side for commanding purposes. Its softer side relates to the nurturing and maternal qualities of the seven wives. (Please refer to the Deity section).
It relates to the first half of the lunar month of Karttika, which usually falls in late October, early November.
Krittika is also related to the Shashti (6th tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Fire worship; Purification rites; Giving up old habits; Making swift changes and sudden endings; Acts requiring initiative, courage, leadership and executive ability; Making important decisions; Military Activities and Interests; Debating; Standing up for oneself; Cooking; Sewing and Embroidery; Cuffing; Shaving; All activities involving the use of fire or heat; All mothering and nurturing activities; Good for starting educational ventures; Good for commencing new ventures in general; Good for activities requiring a sense of discrimination, honesty and frankness; Drumming and Percussion; Most activities are favourable in this nakshatra.
Socializing; Diplomatic activities; Rest or relaxation; Water based.
The Sun is the main ruler of this nakshatra, giving it a lot of energy, independence and power. Sun's rulership indicates the penetrating insight, pride, ambition and self motivation which characterise Krittika. Just like the Sun, Krittika goes on about its objectives in a straight and relentless fashion. The first pada is co-ruled by Mars. The combined energies of the two military planets make it harsh in its approach and functioning. It can ruthlessly conquer any obstacles or enemies that come in its path.
The rest of the padas are co-ruled by Venus. Sun and Venus are natural enemies and thus the Taurus part of Krittika has more to do with harmonizing the Apollonian and Dionysian extremes rather than having a cutting no nonsense militant approach. It helps to understand that in Krittika
the solar energy is stronger in comparision to venusian energy and this is the reason why Moon (Sun's Queen in the planetary hierarchy) gets exalted here. The dynamics between Sun and Venus are not easy to understand. Venus is usually described as the hidden minister or the Queen's (Moon's) minister in the planetary hierarchy and thus the King's (Sun's) relationship with it is obscure. Venus however brings in love, caring and harmony into Krittika's hot, strict domain making it a more balanced nakshatra. Sun and Venus are both creative planets which strive for knowledge and forms the core of Krittika's functioning.
Sun/Venus, Sun/Mars conjunction or exchange in a horoscope carries energies similar to Krittika. Sun, Mars and Venus usually give strong results here but as always alot depends on the pada they occupy.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «A» as in Arden.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ее» as in Eagle.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Oo» as in Uzbekistan.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ay» as in Elliott.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Krittika corresponds to «I», «Oo» and «U» consequently its mantras are «Om Im», «Om Oo» and «Om U».
Its sexual animal is a Sheep or Goat, an animal which is seen as a rather passive creature, however the Ram, the animal symbol of the sign Aries, is capable of much aggression and fighting qualities when roused.
There are many stories relating to the birth of Karttikeya. One of them says that Karttikeya was born as a result of Shiva's sperm falling on earth. Shiva here can be equated with Sun and the original masculine principle in the form of the sign Aries, while the earth is represented by the sign Taurus. This tale therefore suggests a mingling of these energies,'and Krittika, as we know, is the nakshatra which bridges the signs Aries and Taurus, and is the initiator of solar energy. Krittika is the point in creation where the Fire element converts itself into the Earth element.
The star cluster Pleiades, which as we know represents Krittika in the skies, has been an object of veneration since ancient times. It is the place where the seven wives (represented by the seven brightest stars among the seventeen stars that are part of the Pleiades star cluster) of the seven sages (represented by the seven stars of the constellation Great Bear) are supposed to reside. These wives are supposed to be nannies to Shiva's younger son Karttikeya. Karttikeya, as we know, is the deity presiding over the planet Mars. This symbolism makes Krittika a harbinger and nourisher of the Martian energy. In fact it can be seen as a cosmic university of sorts where the souls with predominantly Martian qualities are trained. This association with Martian energy is reinforced by the fact that Krittika begins in Aries, a sign ruled by Mars. The fact that the remainder of this asterism lies in the sign Taurus, representing earth itself, connects this asterism strongly with earthly activities.
Alot of ancient texts point towards a direct connection between Pleiades and evolution of life on earth. This relates to the benefic part of this asterism as the nourisher and well wisher of life on earth. This is why Moon is exalted in the first three degrees of Taurus, which are governed by this asterism. We can see the last three quarters of this asterism as carrying the feminine principle illustrated by the symbolism of the seven wives. Krittika is more or less the representation of the feminine matrix of life. The first quarter of this asterism relates more to its martian aspect, as illustrated by its symbolism of Karttikeya.
This nakshatra is related to the SegeAngiras, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «the fiery one». The relationship between Krittika and this sage is immediately clear from trie name of trie sage.
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this nakshatra, the best remedial measure is worship of Karttikeya. Worship of Sun along with the recitation of Gayatri mantra is also helpful in bringing the best out of this nakshatra. Having a reverential attitude towards the seven wives everytime one gets to see the constellation of Pleiades also helps.
Repetition of the root mantras of this nakshatra — «Om Im», «Om Oo» and «Om U» 108 times when Moon transits this nakshatra and in its corresponding lunar month is sure to reduce suffering and bring enlightenment into a person's life.
Persons who are benefiting from the positive energy of this nakshatra can also increase the good effects through trie above mentioned ways. It is helpful for them to wear all bright fiery colours like gold, orange, red, yellow and variegated colours like those seen on peacock feathers. They should use its directions, lunar month and the days when Moon transits Krittika to undertake all important actions.
Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi
Source: «The Book of Nakshatras» by Prash Trivedi