Pushya comprises of three stars in the constellation of Cancer, known in modern astronomy as Theta-Cancri, Gamma-Cancri and Eta-Cancri. These are not very bright stars, as the brightest among them has a visual magnitude of 4.57. They, however, house the globuler star cluster known as M-44. It is very clear that the ancient Vedic seers were privy to some knowledge about our neighbouring stars which we don't ascribe the same importance to. These stars are hardly visible to the naked eye. The ancient seers saw these three stars as resembling an 'udder of a cow'. The interesting thing to note is that they didn't choose the relatively bright stars normally associated with the sign of Cancer.
Pushya translates into the «Nourisher», the «Nurturer» or the «Yielding». This simple name carries within itself the essence of this nakshatra. Some scholars are of the opinion that Pushya also translates into «a flower». The flower conveys the same sense of gentleness and nourishment as the other translations.
Pushya's ancient name is «Tishya», which translates into auspicious. «Sidhya» meaning 'prosperous' is another name associated with this nakshatra. We can see that all these names are drawn from a common essence of benevolence.
Pushya's main symbol is the 'milk yielding udder of a cow'. We have already seen that the ancient seers saw its three stars as representing a cow's udder. Once we combine this symbol with its name, all the indications of this nakshatra are immediately clear ie. its propensity and ability to nourish, nurture, care and give freely on all planes of existence.
Cows, as we know, provide their milk to others besides their own calf unselfishly. Cows are also a universal symbol of motherhood and were highly revered, especially in the ancient Vedic society. In India it is still considered the holiest amongst all animals. All the notions of fertility and productivity that are related to the earth on a material plane fall under the domain of this nakshatra. In many ancient legends, the earth is often equated with a cow.
Cows are intimately connected with the sign Taurus. This nakshatra is intimately connected with the sign Taurus and its qualities, even though it does not fall in that sign. As we shall find later, Moon in Taurus placement in a chart carries an energy similar to the energies of this nakshatra.
The practice of agriculture, the root of all civilization, can be equated with the domestication and milking of cows. From a universal perspective, it represents the power of the feminine goddess energy to provide for whatever is required. The milk which comes from the cow's udder represents all kinds of varied things like lifeforce, vitality and creativity. One can only give if one can produce and this nakshatra relates bo all kinds of productive forces operating within our universe.
Its alternative symbol is a 'wheel'. The 'wheel' is an ancient symbol signifying movement in all its aspects, especially the movement of time. It can be seen as a motif for progress achieved in the course of time. The idea of progress or development always involves the passage of time. This nakshatra is very aware of the proper utilization of the time principle to achieve its productive, creative and nurturing objectives. From the modern day point of view, we can see that the use of automobiles have made people's lives much simpler than they used to be. This is just one of the numerous gifts from this liberal nakshatra.
Wheel is also an archetypal symbol for civilization, which once again emphasizes the prosperous, courteous and refined nature of this nakshatra. There's no place for brutality, savagery, vulgarity or animalistic behaviour in this nakshatra. Another obscure symbol of this nakshatra is a 'circle'. This generally reflects the circular essence of this asterism. This nakshatra is related to curves of ail types. Breasts, the Moon, the Earth and a Cow's Udder are all circular and rounded. Natives with Pushya prominent in their charts usually show an obssessive streak for round things.
Some scholars ascribe a 'flower' to be one of Pushya's symbols. As we have already seen, flowering is one of the translations of Pushya. Pushya represents a flowering process of any type. For example, human beings are supposed to flower at the age of sixteen. The term «sweet sixteen» is usually used to describe this happy, cheerful, carefree period where the body, mind and emotions have matured or blossomed enough to make us step out of childhood. It is interesting to note that the sixteenth year is regarded as the maturation age of Jupiter, the planet most closely associated with this nakshatra.
Brihaspati, the guru, priest and chief advisor of the gods, is the presiding deity of this nakshatra. Since he is the same as the planet Jupiter as understood in astrology, all the attributes and significations associated with Jupiter apply to him as well. It is not very hard to correlate Jupiter's basic nature with the kind and caring disposition of this nakshatra. All of Jupiter's benevolence such as generosity, compassion, joyfulness and optimism are manifested through this nakshatra. It is interesting to note that Jupiter relays all of its good qualities much more through this nakshatra in comparison to the nakshatras it is the planetary ruler of. This is very similar to the case of Moon reflecting most of its qualities through Mrigasira instead of the nakshatras it actually rules.
This point reveals the fact that the ruling deity is always more important than the planetary ruler when it comes to understanding the crux of any nakshatra.
Pushya is that place on our journey where we can rest safely and peacefully without anything to fear. It is the most nourishing of all nakshatras and brings us back to that state in our infancy where we are safely nestled in our mother's arms. That is why natives strongly ruled by Pushya are very maternal, kind, helpful, generous, protective and nourishing. They often end up in comfortable positions in life. Pushya relates to breasts and this conjures up the expression «Milk of human kindness». Kindness is what this nakshatra is all about. Pushya is a blissful and soothing nakshatra and the natives they produce are much sought after by others for their friendship and aid. Being ruled by Saturn, Pushya natives are very reliable, dependable stalwarts, who one can always turn to in times of need.
Pushya is simply the most loved and benign of all nakshatras. Like its neighbour Purnavasu, it loves life and expresses much contentment and sense of wellbeing, but it has the advantage of being able to manifest this fullness and expansiveness on the material plane, therefore giving rise to great material comfort and prosperity. This is due to the concrete nature of its ruler Saturn.
Pushya in its positive aspect is extremely nourishing and its energies, wherever they are directed, produce great expansion and growth. This is true for any area of life whether it be in the emotional realm, in one's creativity, spiritual development or on the material plane. As this nakshatra completely resides in Cancer, a sense of family, home and community are strong in Pushya natives.
On a less evolved level, these natives will be very generous and protective of kith and kin and ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in their immediate community, but may fail to see the bigger picture. On a higher level, evolved souls under its influence, will embrace the whole world as their family, nourishing the earth with their chosen talents and ceaseless gifts of caring. Pushya qualities of love, emotional wholeness, calmness, soothing, generosity and richness manifest through such souls with ease.
The negative side of this nakshatra makes one so comfortable in their own world, that they can become rigid, narrowminded and orthodox in their attitudes towards anything or anyone outside of it, particularly in matters of religion, culture or other social conventions. Pushya has very few negative qualities attached to it, except the danger of it becoming overtly prejudiced, protective or bigoted. Suspicion and caution arises towards anything that does not fit its highly structured views or opinions.
Pushya expresses all the 'square-like' aspects of its ruler Satum and the number «4» (relating to the fourth sign Cancer). Therefore it always tries to take a balanced and even approach to things. It has a sense of realism and sanity to it and will always react reasonably to most situations and problems, which is why it is the most helpful among the nakshatras. Helpfulness is its primary concern.
Natives here are highly productive and work patiently towards their goals. There is a sense of containment and safety inherent in this nakshatra, similar to the safety and containment inherent in the nakshatra Shatabhishak. The only difference is that Pushya's containment, shelter and safety arises from a very trusting situation, and Shatabhishak's arises out of a need for secrecy, and many a times, from a certain mistrust.
This number «4» influence is seen in Pushya's respect for its roots, foundations and traditions. It has more to do with respecting the conservative outer traditions of culture and religion, than the inner esoteric aspects of spirituality, which is more associated with the latter nakshatras. Jupiter is exalted in Pushya giving these natives a strong sense of ethics. They like to do the right thing and abide by accepted standards and laws. They are shining examples of hospitality, decency, courtesy, etiquette and are not likely to behave in any vulgar or extreme manner. However, in its negative aspect, Pushya can make one lethargic, needy, dependent and prone to addictions due to a lack of will power. If afflicted, Pushya natives tend to get victimized easily.
When this nakshatra influences the appearance of a native, it gives fleshy features, prominent chest/breasts, round faces and luminous lustre. Natives under its influence put on fat easily and are prone to bronchial disorders. They have a liking for good food, comfort and social enjoyment. They also like to surround themselves with material luxuries of all kinds. They are gentle, patient, docile creatures who are very attached to their family, especially the mother or mother figures.
In the universal scheme of things, Pushya relates to «brahmavarchasa shakti» — the power to harness the creative powers of Brahma (the universal creator). Its symbolism has sacrificial offerings above and the worshipper below. This re-emphasizes the priestly aspect of Pushya, where one does outer rituals like Лота and yagyato get the favour of celestial entities and divine powers in general.
In keeping with its basic nature and disposition, ancient Vedic seers saw this as a Passive asterism. If we just picture the behaviour of a cow in our mind, we will come to understand the passive aspect of Pushya. Even though it is productive, it does not display the restlessness other light nakshatras like Ashvini and Hasta have. Pushya has a much more stable energy and tends to function without fuss. However, when occupied by afflicted planets, it can promote laziness, listfessness and paralyzing idealism.
It belongs to the Kshatriya or warrior caste. It is perplexing why this seemingly brahminical (priestly) nakshatra should be classified in this category by the ancient seers. It is probably because of Pushya's intense involvement in politics and rulership, which is responsible for this classification. Politics and rulership is the dharma of the Kshatriya caste. Even Brihaspati, the ruling deity of Pushya, is supposed to have mastery over politics more than any other subject.
It is a Male nakshatra. This is easily derivable from the fact that Brihaspati, a male deity, has the primary rulership of this nakshatra. Pushya, however, has a sensitive feminine side to it as exemplified by its strong relationship with cows. Cows are gentle, yielding and productive creatures. In countries like India, cows are treated with utmost reverance.
The bodyparts it relates to the most are the Mouth and Face. Pushya is supposed to be intimately connected with facial expressions. Any affliction to Pushya therefore can limit our facial expressiveness or project the wrong image.
One may infer that because the Kshatriya class is predominantly effected by the «Pitta» (fiery) humor, the ancient seers ascribed the pitta humor to Pushya. They might, however, have had more direct cognition of Pushya's relationship with the digestive fires in the body and the fiery pranic airs.
It is related to the directional arc that ranges from west to north.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Leo Navamsa ruled by Sun. The first pada concerns itself with achievement, limelight, wealth and pride in one's family or ancestry. The luminaries, especially, give strong positive results in this pada. They make the native a father or mother figure or the native receives help from such figures.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Virgo Navamsa ruled by Mercury. The hardworking, service aspect of Pushya finds expression here. Since this is a Pushkara Navamsa pada, all planets barring Venus, give good results here, at least on the material plane. This pada can be called the Cook of the Zodiac.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Libra Navamsa ruled by Venus. The focus here is on home, comforts, luxury and sociability. Superficiality and conformity is the downside of this pada. Moon, Mercury, Venus and Saturn do well here.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Scorpio Navamsa ruled by Mars. This pada relates to the esoteric side of Pushya, which seeks connections with the celestial beings in the other world. It is the pada of mantras and rituals. In its negative aspect, most of Pushya's negative traits like dependence, victimization and bigotry find expression through this pada. Only unafflicted Jupiter and Venus do well in this pada.
All those connected with the Dairy Industry; Food and Drink Merchants of all types; Politicians, Rulers and Aristocrats; Caterers and Hoteliers; All those in the Restaurant Business; Clergy, Nuns, Priests, Gurus, Spiritual Teachers; Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists; Managers; Those associated with Charitable Organizations; Professional Hosts and Hostesses; River and Lake related professions; Teachers and Education Experts; Child Care Professionals: Mothers; All Care Professions; Artisans; Those involved in all kinds of Business and Creative Activities requiring Finesse; Real Estate Agents; Farmers and Gardeners; Those making a living out of Orthodoxy, Traditionalism and Religious Bigotry.
Rivers, Docks, Wells, Reservoirs, Fountains, Pools, Canals; Boats and House Boats; Public Places; Nests; Homes; Breweries; Women's House Quarters, Hostels and Residences in general; Aquariums; Temples and Churches; Hotels and Restaurants; Foster Homes; Child Care Centres; Maternity Hospitals; Schools; Dairy Factories and Dairy Farms; Laundromats; Manors and Public, Government buildings like Parliament etc.; Charity Organizations; All places connected to the above professions.
It is supposed to be a Tamest nakshatra. One can only say that the ancient seers were trying to highlight the inertia aspect of Pushya through this classification. It may relate to the involvement of Saturn with this nakshatra. Pushya, just like the demi-gods Indra and his entourage, has an often overlooked indulgent, deceptive, cowardly, over idealistic, procrastinating and hyper aggressive side to it. A lot depends on the basic nature of the planet occupying Pushya.
For example, if Saturn (a natural malefic) having the rulership of the 6th house in a chart (a malefic house) is placed in Pushya, then Pushya's tamasic side will be in display. However if Moon (a natural benefic) having the rulership of good houses is placed in Pushya, the benevolent, compassionate and nurturing side of Pushya will be expressed.
It belongs to the Water element. The fact that Moon and Jupiter are primarily water planets makes Pushya a primarily watery nakshatra. Even Brihaspati, its ruling deity is often portrayed as a fat bellied watery type.
It is considered a Divine nakshatra. It is appropriate that a nakshatra which is said to harbour all benevolent qualities should be seen as a representation of divinity.
It is an Upward Looking nakshatra in keeping with its natural expansive nature. This is a nakshatra signifying increase and expansion. Planets placed in Pushya usually signify increase and expansion relating to the areas in the chart governed by that planet. It is said that any activity started when Moon is transitting this nakshatra will never fail.
It is a Light and Swift nakshatra. Just like Aswini, Pushya is related to quick thinking and is supposed to be good for all activities requiring quickness of mind and body. This is probably one of the reasons why Pushya is regarded as one of the best nakshatras for all kinds of trade and business.
It relates to the second half of the lunar month of Pausha which usually falls in January.
Pushya is also related to the Dashami (10th tithi or day) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.
The best nakshatra for starting anything; Parties, Celebrations, Artistic and Creative activities especially Music and Dancing; Travelling; Dealing with Enemies (enemies are at their weakest in Pushya and cannot cause much harm); Seeking Legal Aid; Financial Planning and Transactions; Cooking and Food preparation; Gardening; Adoption and Purchasing Pets; All activities related to Children; All Healing, Soothing and Nourishing activities in general; Religious or Spiritual Endeavours like Initiations; Spending time with one's Mother; Good for worshipping Mother Goddess energies; Laying Foundation Stones and Starting Construction; Seeking help in general.
Marriage is just about the only activity which is not seen favourable under this nakshatra; Generally unfavourable for harsh, cruel and negative activities.
The planetary influences affecting this nakshatra are Moon and Saturn. Saturn is its main planetary ruler. This comes more of a surprise in comparison to the planetary rulers of other nakshatras. The association of Saturn with Pushya reveals the hidden side of Saturn's functioning — its ability for grounded nurturing and painstaking care. Saturn nurtures through conservation, perseverance and limitations.
Moon represents emotions and Saturn represents stability and so the keyword here is «emotional stability». Moon is the mind and Saturn represents matter, which makes Pushya the asterism which connects mind with matter. This is the reason why it can give easy material expansion on the dictates of the mind.
It is important to consider Jupiter, the ruling deity of Pushya, in the equation here, because by itself the combining of energies of Moon and Saturn is likely to give melancholy and depression more than anything else. It is Jupiter's energies which make Pushya a very well balanced nakshatra. In its negative aspect however, the same Jupiterian energy manifests as dogmatism, shallowness and bigotry. On a higher level, Moon/Saturn/Jupiter influence together allow one to shape an idyllic world.
Saturn is a mass planner and so is Moon, a fact which makes Pushya the most mass-orientated of nakshatras. On a positive level, both Moon and Saturn promote the mindset and values which help foster an idealized civilized society. Moon and Saturn in their negative aspect make the masses tow the line, even in times when the ruling forces are dark and corrupt. Those with strong Moon-Saturn in their charts become mass leaders in today's times.
Moon/Saturn/Jupiter conjunction in a horoscope carry energies similar to Pushya. A well placed Moon, Jupiter, Sun, Venus and Saturn give excellent results when placed in Pushya. Mercury, Mars and the nodes do not give good results in this nakshatra.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Hoo» as in Hootch.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «He» as in Helen.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ho» as in Hogan.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Dah» as in Darwin.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Pushya corresponds to «Ka», and consequently its mantra is «Om Kam».
Its sexual animal is a Goat. Despite the fact that its sexual animal is not seen as an emblem of sexuality, Pushya is supposed to be adept at all kinds of sensual and sexual activities. Its sexuality is more playful as opposed to intense.
Brihasparj, the priest of the gods, is the lord of mantras and all types of initiations like yagyas etc. He relates to the waters of inner life which nourish the soul. Pushya's spirituality relates to a high level of emotional maturity. Its emotional strength finds outward manifestation through powerful speech. Words generated from this nakshatra carry a certain spiritual energy, which tend to affect others on a deep level.
An ancient Vedic legend related to Kamadnenu (a wish fulfilling cow), reveals alot about Pushya on all levels of its functioning:
«A sage named Vashishta had cow named Kamadhenu. A king along with his hundred brothers was hunting in the forest, when he came close to Vashishta's hermitage and happened to see this wonderful cow, which could produce anything you wished for. He immediately wanted to have the cow to himself, so he ordered his soldiers to get it for him.
The soldiers couldn't even budge the cow and came back empty handed. The king then decided to go with his whole army and all of his brothers to get the cow. Kamadhenu, in the meantime, had returned to her master, Vashishta, and had told him about the king's intentions. Seeing the approaching army coming, Vashishta ordered her to produce a whole army. Kamadhenu's army defeated the king's army in a very short spate of time and Vashishta personally killed the king's hundred brothers through the power of his staff.
The king was spared his life and he left the place bitter and revengeful. He was advised that the only way he can get stronger than Vashishta was through penance. He performed his penance and when he felt he had procured enough divine astras (celestial weapons) and yogic power, he went back to challenge Vashishta.
In the battle that ensued, all his weapons were effortlessly consumed by Vashishta's staff and he had to return disappointed and bereft of power. He vowed to himself that he would keep on doing his penance until he became equal to or better than Vashishta. In the course of his long arduous penance, he went through many adventures and most importantly, a change of heart, which earnt him the name Vishwamitraor «Friend of the World». By the time he had reached the same brahminical stature as Vashishta, he had already forgotten about his revenge and it was Vashishta himself, who conferred on him the title of Brahmarishi (a Sage fit for Brahmaloka, the abode of the creator Brahma).»
This story reveals the fascinating dynamics between the Brahman (priestly) and Kshatriya (warrior class). Pushya, as we have seen, is a priestly nakshatra, which belongs to the Kshatriya class and is thus an ideal playing field for this dynamic. Kshatriyas are supposed to be subservient to the Brahman class, despite their martial prowess. Because of the power which the true sages and priests have, as a result of keeping in tune with the universal will, Pushya's strength, confidence and power arise from its willingness to function as per the dictates of the universal mind. No amount of penance, hardwork or suffering can make one rise above the smooth effortless power which arises out of the submission to the universal plan.
This nakshatra is related to the Sage Marichi one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «the light», which is in keeping with the light and swift aspect of this nakshatra and relates to the finesse part of this particular sage.