Punarvasu, the root of Jupiterian energy, consists of the two bright stars in the constellation of Gemini, known in modern astronomy as Castor (Alpha-Geminorium) and Pollux (Beta-Geminorium). With visual magnitudes of 1.58 and 1.22 respectively, Castor and Pollux are easily visible in the night sky. They can be located at the top left hand corner above Orion within the constellation of Gemini. In most ancient cultures these stars were seen as twins (brothers or lovers). The ancient vedic seers however saw this asterism as a «quiver of arrows».
Punarvasu translates into «Good Again», «Wealthy Again» or the «Visible Infinity». The Vasusare demigods carrying all the desirable qualities like goodness, strength, prosperity etc. (refer to the Deity section of Dhanistha, the 23rd asterism). The fact that the term «Punarvasu» literally translates into «Becoming Vasu Again», reveals its first two meanings. We also get an impression of some positive transformation from darkness into light. This duality and interplay between the opposites is the essence of Punarvasu. Its «visible infinity» meaning is more profound and relates to its ruling deity.
The most accepted symbol of Punarvasu is a 'quiver full of arrows'. Sometimes one single arrow is taken as its symbol, but in both cases the arrow symbolism dominates the discussion of this nakshatra.
An arrow has been traditionally associated with every aspect of human nature and functioning — arrow of desire, arrow of ambition, £ras'arrow and not to forget the arrow of time. In all these cases the arrow is always associated with some sort of movement, striving or objective. The arrows in the Punarvasu quiver are not normal arrows. They are supposed to be like the divine astras (weapons), used in ancient times, which magically return after fulfilling their function or mission. This conveys the idea of renewal, regeneration and endless beginnings.
Punarvasu's quiver basically represents energy and resources at one's command. It is up to us to choose the purpose and timing of their use. Punarvasu thus has a distinction of returning safely from any mission it undertakes. This mission may be as simple as going to the neighbourhood shop or as arduous as climbing Mt Everest. The mission can take place on any plane — mental, physical, emotional, astral or causal. It is Punarvasu's function to ensure safe return to the starting point. No wonder that Punarvasu became synonymous with 'safety' in the eyes of the wise men. Its alternative symbok «a house», once again reiterates the idea of safety.
One can also easily infer from the above that Punarvasu has a lot to do with any kind of motion, movement and searching. All the qualities normally associated with the sign Sagittarius, which also has an arrow as its symbol, can be applied to Punarvasu as well. The fact that the journey always ends where one started leads us to the idea of a circle. Time and reality are cyclical and not linear, as most in the modern world believe it to be. The modern Darwinian theory of evolution suggests that the human race is in a state of unhindered evolution by the process of natural selection. This implies that we, as a race, are becoming more intelligent than our ancestors with each passing generation. The theory further suggests that we are in a state of perpetual progress, through linear time, which only moves forward. This is in opposition to the view held by all ancient civilisations, who knew that time is cyclical, and that nature renews itself through perpetual repetition. This repetition has a helical (as is the case with DNA strands which make up the genetic code), rather than a purely circular nature, but for symbolic purposes the circle has always been used as the imagery which conveys this eternal reality. Shatabhisha (24th nakshatra) and Punarvasu are the two main nakshatras which reveal and deal with this aspect of the universal functioning.
Aditi, the mother of the 12 Adityas (solar deities), is the main ruling deity of Punarvasu. Aditi translates into «unbounded». She is often seen as the goddess of abundance. She is a sky goddess who is said to be the mother of all the godly beings in the universe. In a way she relates to all space. The manifest universe, as we know, is basically a function of space and time. Space like time has an infinite quality to it and for all purposes can be taken as unbounded. The «visible infinity» translation of Punarvasu starts to make some sense when seen in the above light.
The reality however is that both space and time are finite quantities bounded by the circular aspect of nature discussed earlier. Aditi or space is the sinequanon for any motion or movement. If there is no space there is no motion. In fact there can be no concept of existence either. Space has always been the receptive, feminine principle as opposed to time, which is seen in a more masculine light. Going by this line of thinking, Aditi should be the mother of all that exists, if it were not for her sister Diti. Diti, the bounded space, is the mother of all ungodly or demonic beings in the universe.
Diti, like the night, can be seen as dark space, which harbours the dark, mysterious and evil side of nature. Aditi relates to the space, which like the day, is full of light, and is thus the harbinger of the benevolent side of nature. Aditi's rulership of Punarvasu imparts it with a maternal, caring, sensitive, reasonable and accommodating approach. Just like the space which accommodates all, Punarvasu is very accommodating of people, situations, circumstances and energies.
In the universal scheme of things, Punarvasu relates to «vastuva prapana shakti» — the power to gain or retrieve objects or objectives. Its main theme is triumphant return and renewal. The arrow which hits its target in Ardra now returns back. Its symbolism has wind, which carries the clouds above and rain, which revitalizes the plants below. Just like the rain, Punarvasu brings renewal. Another way of seeing this is that the wind carries the clouds to where they need to be after the rain is over.
The essence of Punarvasu's nature and functioning lies in two words, «Nurturing» and «Harmony». Since it represents the first light after the storm, Punarvasu represents harmonious conditions in nature. Nature seems to be at its happiest in the period after a storm, when the chirping of birds and the fresh smell from the rejuvenated earth creates a buzz in the air. Consequently, Punarvasu represents favourable conditions for life to thrive on all levels. The inherent calm of this nakshatra makes natives strongly under its influence, contented people, who get satisfied easily. They believe in living a simple, spiritual life and strive hard to get rid of any negative energies, feelings or thoughts, which may obstruct their evolutionary process.
Punarvasu is a nakshatra where the interplay of the mental with the emotional is at its most fascinating, as both have the same amount of strength. In the previous nakshatra, Ardra, the mental is much stronger, while the emotional part is in the process of developing. The quality which arises out of this fine balance of mental and emotional is «reasonability». Punarvasu represents the stage in life when a child outgrows its tempestuous and naughtiness and settles into a mindset which is more aware of the needs of others. This usually takes place between the ages of l9' and 44'. Children at this age have the unique ability to live in the moment and are friendly and good natured at the same time. This ability is retained by those under strong influence of this nakshatra throughout their lives. '9' to '14' are the right age to get a child interested in spiritual writings and philosophies, as they are more likely to take them seriously. Punarvasu is related to all kinds of spiritual practices meant to foster self understanding and enlightenment. The interplay of mental and emotional gives rise to a very active, profound and inspired imagination. Punarvasu natives thjs excel in arts like poetry and writing.
Those with Punarvasu rising on the Ascendant are usually of short to middle stature, have a serene countenance and benevolent expression. One can refer to the many images of Rama, incarnation of Vishnu, to understand the appearance of this nakshatra (especially the part which lies in Cancer). The words — quiet, patient, devout, temperance, contrary views, amiability, adaptability, self-understanding and nobility sum up Punarvasu natives essential nature and functioning. It must be mentioned that Punarvasu's generosity is conditional and works on the principle of «give and take». This part of their nature actually accounts for their safety in today's tumultuous times.
Punarvasu natives usually lack the strong mental capacity of Ardra and have a much simpler approach to life. They lack foresight, a negative quality which gets them into complications, but they are always lucky to get out of them unscathed. In fact 'safety' is one of the keywords of this nakshatra. One can easily rule out any serious misfortune in relation to the significations Punarvasu influences in a nativity. For example, having Ascendant lord placed in Punarvasu would rule out any serious disease, accidents, bodily malfunctions and so forth. On a whole, Punarvasu natives usually lead comfortable lives filled with intermittent periods of adventure and upheaval.
Punarvasu natives are usually very attached to their homes, but at the same time are ever ready to travel if required. In some negative cases, Punarvasu natives may shun travel completely. Such natives usually end up confused and disillusioned as they have avoided following their natural life path. Punarvasu natives always need to guard against a tendency to stagnate. Their inward orientation usually gives them a lack of drive and focus required to attain their goals. Many such Punarvasu natives can be heard saying statements like, «What's the use?», «Why bother?» etc. In other words, they tend to philosophize their inactivity. In its higher aspect, Punarvasu gives a capacity to achieve its goal no matter how difficult or challenging it is. Just like an arrow fired by a good bowman, the evolved Punarvasu types never miss their mark.
One strange quality of Punarvasu is that everything happens in two goes for the natives under its strong influence. They almost always tend to fail or not get far in their first attempt at any pursuit, but the funny part is that they almost always succeed if they try a second time. This relates to the opposing natures of the two stars, Castor and Pollux, which make up the constellation of Punarvasu.
These stars are regarded as twin brothers, one of whom (Castor) is naughty and cruel, and the other (Pollux) is generous and wise. Punarvasu natives tend bo encounter the first one in their first try, and the latter one in their second try.
It is Castor, which creates all types of losses for Punarvasu natives, while Pollux brings back all that is lost. Thus Punarvasu, in keeping with its name translation «Good Again», relates to all kinds of repetition and recycling. In its negative aspect, Punarvasu natives find it hard to discard anything just because they think that it might serve some purpose in some future time. The more evolved souls however, know when to let go of things which have outlived their usefulness.
Common English words like «punctual», «punitive», «pun», «puny» seem to have their root in the word «Punarvasu». We can easily see that their meanings relate to Punarvasu's functioning at some level or the other.
Punarvasu is considered to be a Passive nakshatra. Space by itself is a very passive entity. Unless stirred by some external agency, Punarvasu's philosophy is very much to «just be». It requires courage to stick to one's life path and finish off the task assigned to one. Punarvasu has been blessed with a moveable quality for that very purpose. However in its negative aspect, it can fail to commence the journey of fulfilling one's life purpose through procrastination, excessive idealism or pure laziness. The arrow usually has no problem travelling after it has been shot from an outstretched bow, but sometimes the archer may lack the strength or resolution to even string his bow. This is what happened to Arjuna (character from the Vedic epic «The Mahabharata») at the very beginning of the epic world war known as Mahabharata. He refused to string his bow because of his idealistic compassion towards his kith and kin.
It belongs to the Vaishya or Merchant caste. This classification obviously comes about because of its close association with the mercantile planet, Mercury. All of Punarvasu's generosity and kindness lie within the framework of reasonability. Punarvasu works on the principle of reciprocation. In today's world one has to be reasonable with one's generosity as people are bound to take undue advantage of you. It is probably this adherence to a reciprocal trader's mentality, which accounts for the fact that Punarvasu natives rarely get their hands burnt. Punarvasu is supposed to be the safest among nakshatras.
It is a Male nakshatra. This classification must relate to its strong connection with the male planet Jupiter. Punarvasu has a feminine overseer in Aditi, but its impulses and functioning are masculine as illustrated in the nakshatra's image of the boy shooting the arrow.
Fingers and Nose are the body parts related to this nakshatra. The contemporary guitar player Jimi Hendrix, who has his Ascendant lord Jupiter placed in Punarvasu, sings in one of his songs — «Feeling, sweet feeling, drops from my fingers, my fingers...»
It is a primarily «Vata» (airy) nakshatra. This definitely relates to its association with the Vata planet Mercury. Punarvasu represents space and Vata is the humor which gets closest to space or nothingness.
It is related primarily to the arc made by west, north and north east.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Aries Navamsa and is ruled by Mars. This pada relates to the moveable, adventurous and pioneering side of Punarvasu. Focus here is on friendships, goals and group work.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Taurus Navamsa ruled by Venus. This pada relates to the materialistic, earthy and fixed aspect of Punarvasu. It is connected with hotels, restaurants, tourism, import and export industry.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Gemini Navamsa ruled by Mercury. The focus here is on mental activities, imagination and science. Since this is a Vargottama pada, planets placed here give strong results, especially in the mental/intellectual realm.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Cancer Navamsa ruled by Moon. This pada is considered to be one of the strongest and most beneficent parts of the whole zodiac. Planets placed here are Vargottama and Pushkara Navamsa both. This is a maternal, nurturing and expansive pada, which brings out the mothering quality of Punarvasu to the fullest, Jupiter finds its maximum exaltation here.
Trades and Sales people of all types; Artisans; Fairy Tale Writers; Writers dealing with Astrology and other Esoteric Subjects; Visionaries; All professions involving Travel and Tourism; Recycling Experts; Hotel and Restaurant Industry; Transport Industry; House Construction Companies; Architects; All Science related professions; Civil Engineers; Teachers in Schools, Colleges and Universities; Psychologists; Philosophers; Priests, Monks and Gurus; Preachers involved with self-enhancement techniques; Importers and Exporters; Historians; Antique Dealers; Farmers; Cattle and Sheep Farmers; All professions requiring an innovative approach; Communications Jobs; Radio and Telephone Industry; Courier Companies; Postal Service; Newspaper Industry; Mail Order and Home Delivery Businesses; Landlords; Keepers of Temples, Churches and other Religious Buildings; Home Maintenance Services; Archery and Target Shooting; Alt sports involving use of hands; Patriots; Aviators; Astronauts and All Space/ Satellite Professions.
Areas near Ponds, Lakes and Rivers; Farmlands; Pilgrimage Spots; Villages and Small Towns; Post Offices; Transportation Places like Bus Stations and Train Stations, Airports; Space Stations; Renovated Buildings; Public Parks; Homes; Home Land; Hostels; Hotels, Bed and Breakfast Places, Inns, Motels etc. ; Restaurants; Temples and Treasuries; Markets; Rehabilitation Centres; Missions; Educational Institutions; Public and Political Assembly Places; Roads; Science Museums; Antique Shops; Community Halls.
It is supposed to be a Sattwic nakshatra. The reason behind this classification can be easily assessed from Punarvasu's association with Jupiter, a primarily sattwic planet. The qualities which make it godly, are the qualities which make it sattwic as well. However its most sattwic quality is that it never deliberately means harm to anyone.
It belongs to the Water element. Its association with the watery planet Jupiter, accounts for its watery quality. Punarvasu is a nakshatra akin to nourishing, nurturing and other such qualities associated with the water element.
It is considered a Deva or godly nakshatra. It is clear from its nature and functioning that it is a very benign, generous, kindly and compassionate nakshatra. All these qualities are seen as being godly by ancient Vedic texts. The first ray of sunlight after a storm must obviously relate to the divinity aspect of nature and creation.
It is a Level nakshatra. The level nakshatras are neither too expansive nor too contracting. In other words, they have a sense of balance and reasonability. It is clear from Punarvasu's nature and functioning that it is a very balanced and reasonable nakshatra and thus fits this classification perfectly. Another way to see this, is that the archer needs to keep a level posture and level state of mind in order to hit its target.
It is а сТи/эог moveable nakshatra. As we have discussed in its Nature and Functioning, Punarvasu is related with all types of movement, especially the kind which ends where it begins. It is the first among the moveable nakshatras, even though Mrigashira can be said to be moveable in some respects.
It relates to the first half of the lunar month of Pausha, which usually falls in the solar month of December, i.e. late December.
Punarvasu is also related to the Ashtami (8th tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Travelling and Exploring; Making Pilgrimages; Taking Medicines and all Healing Activities; Good for «Starting Over Again» in Projects, Relationships etc.; All Agricultural and Gardening Activities; All activities requiring Imagination and Innovation; Buying Cars and Homes; Starting work on a building; Starting Educational Activities; Auspicious for Marriage; Good for dealing with Children; Philanthropic Activities like Donations, Teaching etc; Good for Spiritual Activities like Fasting, Installing Altars, Meditation and Self Reflection; A time for enjoying life's simple pleasures; Very good for worship of the divine Mother Goddess.
Unfavourable for Borrowing or Lending Money; Legal Activities or other activities requiring pushiness or conflict.
Jupiter is the main planetary ruler of this nakshatra. In fact, Jupiterian energy is heralded by this nakshatra. It is the first nakshatra where a sense of ethics is developed and the focus shifts from the self to communal well-bein^. Jupiterian energy manifests itself through a sense of accommodation, a quality which makes this the most reasonable amongst the nakshatras. As mentioned earlier, Punarvasu represents the stage in life when a child outgrows its tempestuous and naughtiness and settles into a mindset which is more aware of the needs of others.
Since this nakshatra falls in the signs of Mercury and Moon, both these planets are also associated with this nakshatra. Mercury relates to the communicating and moveable aspect of this nakshatra, while Moon relates to its nurturing, mothering quality and its connection with the universal mother principle.
Conjunctions like Jupiter/Moon, Jupiter/Mercury and Jupiter/Moon/Mercury carry an energy similar to that of Punarvasu.
All planets do well in this nakshatra, especially if Jupiter is well placed in the horoscope.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Kay» as in Katie.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ко» as in Kodak.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ha» as in Hart.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Нее» as in Hinano.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Punarvasu corresponds to «Om» and «Aum», consequently its mantras are «Om» and «Aum». It is interesting to note that the beginning sound of the universe, which is most respected by all Vedic texts, is the root sound of this nakshatra. This once again reiterates its strong relation with the beginning of material manifestation.
Its sexual animal is a Cat. Cats are independent creatures and this attitude permeates the sexual nature of Punarvasu. Punarvasu can be aggressive sexually, but not to the extent of Ashlesha (the other cat nakshatra), which is the asterism it is most compatible with.
Being the 7th nakshatra, Punarvasu relates to the balancing aspect of nature. Space is the empty cloth on which the patterns of the universe are embroidered. Punarvasu allows for manifestation by providing a medium. Those familiar with chemistry will realize that the medium is always a balancing element in any reaction. At another level Punarvasu gives souls a chance to redeem themselves from whatever negative actions they might have done in the past. It is the most efficient karma recycler amongst the nakshatras. Due to its relationship with Aditi, mother of the gods, Punarvasu is a very nurturing nakshatra, which always gives a second chance. It harmonizes the opposing tendencies inherent in the universal scheme.
The twins Castor and Pollux represent two extreme sides of human nature and Punarvasu establishes a happy medium. It can be said that Vishnu Tattwa begins in Punarvasu. This is the first nakshatra where a sense of harmony and equilibrium is established between the existing elemental forces on all planes of existence. None of the nakshatras prior to Punarvasu engage in the above mentioned task. Rama, the 8th incarnation of Vishnu, was born with Punarvasu rising and his whole life was nothing but an effort to create an equilibrium on planet Earth in his day and age.
The two sons of Rama, Luvand Kush are the archetypal twin brothers who have been used to symbolize the twin stars Castor and Pollux through different names in various cultures. Their reign on Earth, after they took over from their father, is regarded as one of the most peaceful times in the tumultuous history of Prithvi (Mother).
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», Punarvasu, because of its association with Jupiter, has a preachy and inspiring quality about it. Punarvasu inspires by setting an example through its inner gentleness.