Importance of fixed stars in astrology

By S N Rao

Thousands of years ago astrologers placed great stock by the constellations and certain stars within them, so-called "fixed" stars. Very few scientific study has been conducted on these fixed stars which helps us to point and investigate the exact nature and effect of fixed stars in terms of astrology.

A fixed star by itself is not a primary indicator of events / conditions. The entire chart must lean in a certain direction for the fixed star to exert any influence. For example, when a natal Saturn has three or four malefic aspects to it as well as a conjunction with a fixed star then the astrologer has reason to suspect that the star may influence a situation at some point in the person's life. In addition a fixed star must be conjunct a planet to influence the individual. It should ideally be exactly conjunct the position (an orb of 1 deg max) to cause the star to influence the individual. The distance of the fixed stars are so great from us, hence the nature of influence that it exerts on us is lifelong. Also the fixed star should be in exact orb to activate potential events / situation the tighter the orb, the more influence it will have. Since an exact conjunction or opposition is usually necessary to activate a star's influence, a fixed star sitting in an empty house without a conjunction can be ignored as it may be only triggered by transits or progressions. Eclipses may also affect a fixed star's power in a chart. And fixed stars on the 10th cusp or Ascendant should be carefully noted, since they seem to exert a fairly consistent influence. Finally, a fixed star conjunct any "malefic" planets, such as natal Mars, Saturn, should be especially noted.

It seems that fixed stars have characteristics of certain planets, and these stars tend to be the most dangerous in terms of bodily impairment. For instance, a star that has the traits of Venus might influence blood disorders in general including blood poisoning. A star with the qualities of Mars might bring on hasty or impulsive actions, accidents, injuries that may or may not involve operations and animal bites. A star that is like Saturn might induce chronic, long termed illnesses or weakening or wasting away kinds of disease. A malefic kind or star might help bring about accidents caused by haste, operations and mental problems. It might also influence the bites of insects that cause severe allergic reactions, drug habits or inclination for the overuse of drugs and poisons in the body.

In Vedic astrology the importance of fixed stars are already into existence since time immemorial and are associated with the nakshatras (constellation of fixed stars which are clubbed together). The characteristics of these Nakshatras are visible in the lives of people. The general traits mentioned below which are mentioned by the ancient sages are for people having their birth moon according to the Nakshatras:

Ashwini - (Aries 0°00' to 13°20')

This represents a person with a happy, carefree disposition, very intelligent, infact rather an above-average person in this respect. Thinker, scholar, teacher, modest, suffers from boils. He will be quite successful and his financial status will be such that he will seldom have to worry about money matters. Inspite of his ability to achieve success, he will be modest concerning himself and his achievements. He will sometimes engage in domestic quarrels.

Bharani - (Aries 13°20' to 26°40')

A very vital character, a quality which quite often leads this individual in to all sorts of trouble because other people are apt to be jealous, resentful and antagonistic towards him. He is powerful, attacks enemies suddenly, takes interest in religious affairs and is a good photographer. The morals of this man are not above approach. He will be distinguished, in many cases, by some slight physical defect on the lower part of the body, i.e.; below the waist. He performs low actions and is very cunning.

Krittika (Aries 26°40' to Taurus 10°00')

Desirous of knowledge, lover of animals, unhealthy, given to enjoyment, a proud, dignified and honorable person - an executive. He is very ambitious and eager for power and has the ability to achieve his desires. He has an innate sense of the importance of his destiny. He expects everything to come to him as his due and usually gets what he sets out to obtain. He is a spiritual sadhak having faith in Saints and Sadhus. Interested in picking up quarrels, is a lawyer and is conservative in religion.

Rohini (Taurus 10°00' to Taurus 23°20')

This describes a thin person, decidedly under weight, who has a critical and analytical bent of mind. His critical attitude towards everything and everybody develops, unless checked, into a disposition to find fault continually. Loves purity, liar, interested in music, social worker, happy, believes in spirits, desirous of name and honour, enhances the interest of honest and truthful people. He is inordinately fond of the opposite sex, but although he may, at first, be blind to the faults of the object of his devotion, a time will come eventually when his fault finding propensities will exert themselves even in this direction.

Mrigasira (Taurus 23°20' to Gemini 6°40')

Unless other testimonies in the chart predominate to modify the effect of Mrigasira rising, these people may be very unpleasant characters. They are inclined to be misanthropic in their attitude towards life and people. Wealthy, earns be illegitimate means, has little trust, progressive, interested in speculation and gambling, trader, executive, efficient thinker, influential, occasionally exhibits false pomp and show at festivals. He seems always to see the worst side of people and conditions. He can be quite dangerous to people whom he dislikes. Possibly, this attitude is caused and aggravated by some permanent organic disability, which is usually the lot of those who are born with Mrigasira rising.

Aridra (Gemini 6°40' to Gemini 20°00')

Corresponds into a healthy, robust body and nature. The attitude and outlook of this individual is entirely physical. Mental effort is foreign to him. Sweet tongued, pure hearted, regretful, badly sick, weak hearted, of ordinary financial status, does dishonorable deeds, clashes with relatives, leads a vile and aggressive life. Depends entirely on his muscles and his body to meet the demands of existence. Such being the case, labourers, professional athletes and other persons, whose occupations are wholly physical may be found to have Aridra rising. In fact poverty is predominant among them.

Punarvasu (Gemini 20°00' to Cancer 3°20')

A change of 13°20' in the rising point from Aridra to Punarvasu brings with it a mental development. In Punarvasu, the native is possessed of profound intelligence, capable of developing into and understanding all manner of philosophical and metaphysical postulates. Has a lively and profound imagination, suffers from dental troubles, gets money from in-laws, happy in old age, loves white dress, angry, proud, ambitious, attains high and important office, immoral, indolent, suffers from pain in hands and feet, may be a poet of high attainment expressing a fire and vitality in his verse, which is the result of an unusual temperament, He will, however, be only moderately successful by world standards during his lifetime. He will not experience poverty unlike Aridra native.

Pushyami (Cancer 3°20' to Cancer 16°40')

An earnest, thoughtful character, intelligent and quite religious in his outlook. Quite often a regular attendant at Church/religious services and a supporter of religious activities. He possesses such qualities which make him succeed in the material world and has the ability to rise in position and to command the respect of his associates. He will fill a position of executive requirements and will be admired and respected by his immediate family. He also possesses the following traits: Unhealthy, efficient, devoted to Shiva, profits by machinery, quarrels unnecessarily with friends, business minded, loves relatives, mentally worried, has ordinary financial status and is blunt.

Ashlesha (Cancer 16°40' to Leo 0°00')

The outstanding characteristic of these people is their rather unpleasant and unsociable disposition. They are awkward and gauche in their manners and are not quick to profit by their mistakes because of their inability to adapt themselves to their surroundings and their apparent reluctance to be gracious or kind to others. This attitude militates against success in life and is a barrier to progress. These people should live less introspectively and learn to appreciate the good in other people. They should cultivate the habit of doing things for others. These people also possess the following qualities: Wealthy, love their spouses, sexually weak, selfish, love food, get hurt suddenly, steal occasionally, lazy, friend of low people, suffer from trouble to spouse, truthful and always smiling.

Makha (Leo 0°00' to Leo 13°20')

A proud but not an arrogant nature, poised, self contained and dignified. This man will command respect because of his quiet dignity of manner and bearing. His position in his community will be secure and his financial standing sound. His weakness, however, is his susceptibility to the blandishments of the opposite sex and he must avoid entanglements which might lead to a loss of dignity, since to this man, such a loss would be a tragedy. The important characteristics of such a man are - interested in secret acts, angry, suffers sudden losses, has trouble in ears, has free voice, highly sexual, grabs other's wealth, faces obstacles constantly for progress, unhappy, suffers from skin disease, worried, low salaried.

Purva Phalguni (Leo 13°20' to Leo 26°40')

A physical rather than a mental type. A healthy constitution not given to worry or anxiety regarding the problems of living. He must guard against impulsiveness since he is apt to act without sufficient thought and as a result he makes many mistakes which are difficult to rectify and which may be disastrous. He is very active physically and will be proficient at various sports, raveling in the joy of mere action, even purposeless action. These people seem never to rest and are constantly in motion. As soon as they have finished one thing they start on another frequently doing several things at a time. This native is also characterized by the following traits: expert at weapons, lover of animals, business minded, works in religious institutions, suffers losses in sale and purchase, unsuccessful in efforts towards rise, loves name and honour, suffers venerably, has no faith in his own religion, has scar on head, worried and courageous.

Uttara Phalguni (Leo 26°40' to Virgo 10°00')

A proud and arrogant disposition, with a tendency to ride rough shod over other people's opinions. Uttara natives are extremely intelligent but because of their inordinate pride they accept favours ungraciously even when in need and are ungrateful to those from whom they receive these favours.

Hasta (Virgo 10°00' to Virgo 23°20')

These people are clever, witty and entertaining. They like social contacts and are particularly fond of the company of the opposite sex. When in trouble, go to Hasta people but do not try to pull the wool over their eyes as they are extremely clever and will see through any deceit. They are very likeable and are good company, but never very attractive physically.

Chitra (Virgo 23°20' to Libra 6°40')

Chitra natives are quiet, thoughtful and profound, very slow in movement and of great dignity in bearing and manner. They like to read books on serious and philosophical subjects and make good students in their youth. They are also extremely clever with their hands, which are strong, supple and dexterous. The like to do things or fashion things with their hands and could be sculptors or artists or even surgeons.

Swati (Libra 6°40' to Libra 20°00')

Indicative of a slow and deliberative character, almost ponderous in thought and action yet intelligent and logical. While they may be slower at arriving at conclusions than most people, on final analysis their reasoning is sound and their conclusions more accurate than others who may be more intelligent. They are very religious, somewhat orthodox and their environment permitting, will attend regular religious services. Many priests or ministers of church are found to have Swati on the Rising Point.

Vishakha (Libra 20°00' to Scorpio 3°20')

The keynote of this asterism is aggressiveness and impatience. These people are overbearing in their desire to get things done. They are very active but not popular, since their manner causes people to actively dislike them and to resent their extreme aggressiveness. They are very proud and because of this, they take offence easily at some fancied slight and their anger makes enemies of people who might co-operate with them if treated differently. They will overcome their enemies through sheer force of character but such people will still remain enemies. Tact and kindness are qualities, which they should try to develop.

Anuradha (Scorpio 3°20' to Scorpio 16°40')

Usually robust and healthy, yet the native of Anuradha gets very little enjoyment out of life. Probably because he consciously strives after happiness but with continual discontent and bitterness in his heart. He has a deep secretive nature and because of his attitude and outlook on life he is somewhat unscrupulous. "A sweet tongue but poison in the heart," aptly characterizes him.

Jyeshta (Scorpio 16°40' to Sagittarius 0°00')

A dark and secretive nature is bequeathed to those who have the asterism Jyeshta rising at birth. Such people are superficially religious but are hypocrites at heart. On the surface they are respectable, law-abiding citizens, ostensible churchgoers but secretly their morals are loose and their tempers are passionate. Smooth, oily and suave to all appearances, they carry in their hearts schemes and thoughts, which might not stand the light of day.

Moola (Sagittarius 0°00' to Sagittarius 13°20')

Corresponds with a shrewd and capable character - an organizer, who is able to handle people and make them serve his needs through tact and diplomacy. A politician. An orator who is capable of swaying his audiences yet who is not sincere but may even be unfaithful to his constituents and ungrateful and unappreciative of favours received if the occasion arises. The type of person who, while one is still in his presence holds one spellbound but who when he leaves, also leaves a lurking distrust behind him. Extremely clever and capable.

Purvashada (Sagittarius 13°20' to Sagittarius 26°40')

This asterism rising corresponds to rather a low type of character. One who does not wish for and does not get the gracious things out of life. Stupid, yet ostentatious and vulgar, with very few educational advantages. Quarrelsome and loud in appearance and manner. While he must, because of educational handicaps, go through life as a servant or at best as underling, he vainly considers himself above his station in life and will be harsh and dominating but ineffectual if put in authority.

Uttarashadha (Sagittarius 26°40' to Capricorn 10°00')

A very good, honest and sincere character corresponds with this asterism on the Rising Point at birth. A peace-loving disposition, very intelligent and wise. Respected and liked by everyone who he comes in contact. Eager to live and let live. Tolerant to others, giving help where help is required. A good counselor in times of need or trouble. Such a person makes a good steady friend, whose friendship is to be valued because it will stand the tests of time and adversity.

Sravanam (Capricorn 10°00' to Capricorn 23°20')

An excellent character, the key note to which is kind heartedness and generosity, particularly to those less fortunate than himself. This man will always be able to accumulate the good things of life without injuring anyone else to do so. He will be disposed to share his belongings with the poor and needy. The extent of his activities in this direction will, of course, depend on his station in life. Many social workers and philanthropists have this asterism rising. He is also very religious and will participate in church activities if his environment permits.

Dhanistha (Capricorn 23°20' to Aquarius 6°40')

Two entirely different types are born with Dhanistha rising. It depends on the part of this asterism, which lies, on the rising point as to which type predominates. The key notes of both are optimism and ambition. They both have thick necks and heavy thighs but, there the similarity stops.

Sathabhisham (Aquarius 6°40' to Aquarius 20°00')

A quiet unassuming person, thoughtful and meditative yet given to sudden outbursts of temper. Lives in the mental world rather than the physical. Prefers solitude to the company of others. Does not care for small talk and finds social contacts rather tiresome. A light eater and moderate in most things. Many astrologers and philosophers are found with Sathabhisham on the rising point.

Purva Bhadra (Aquarius 20°00' to Pisces 3°20')

These people are high strung and nervous in temperament. They are not very strong constitutionally. They are rather grave and serious in demeanor and are more interested in the discussion of serious topics than in trivial matters. They belong to the Mental Group and are by no means orthodox, preferring to arrive at their beliefs through a process of logical reasoning.

Uttara Bhadra (Pisces 3°20' to Pisces 16°40')

This asterism is a most fortunate one to have on the rising point of a birth chart. It usually indicates a man of means, well to do if not wealthy. A man who owns property and has the ability to earn money and also to spend it wisely and constructively. Being a passive type, his well being may be inherited or bequeathed to him but if he achieves his own success, he will do so without the corollary of someone else's misfortune. He is very intelligent and charitable and generous to those less fortunate than him.

Revathi (Pisces 16°40' to Aries 0°00')

These people are often distinguished by a birthmark on the thigh. They usually have well-formed and beautiful physiques although not necessarily not large or robust. They are fond of their family and friends and are very sociable and hospitable. They may not be born to wealth but they have the ability to accumulate the good things of life through their own efforts and usually will do so. They will know how to enjoy wisely and well the fruits of their endeavors. These people are wise and intelligent and make excellent counselors to those who are in trouble or are in a dilemma over some problem in life.

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