There’s been a general state of uncertainty, indecision, and wavering on both an individual level as well as a global level. People haven’t been able to choose sides and felt unable to move forward. Things are about to change. Exalted Saturn has left Svati nakshatra in Libra in Vedic astrology, or Jyotish. Now we have natural malefic Saturn in Vishakha nakshatra in Libra.
Saturn entered the fixed star of Vishakha on November 4, 2013. Unlike Svati, which was characterized by a young plant trying to self-individuate and swaying back and forth in the wind, Saturn in Vishakha nakshatra brings more decisive power. The symbol of Vishakha nakshatra is a triumphal archway, often what heroes returning from battle marched through. There is the connotation of success, and at any cost. Determination and focus are key terms associated with Vishakha. There is a relentless drive to achieve one’s goals, by whatever means necessary.
The deities associated with Vishakha are Indra and Agni. Indra is the chief of the gods in Vedic cosmology. He pushes his agenda onto the other deities and is known for having a very healthy ego. Indra is the root for the Sanskrit word “indriyas”, or senses. With Indra as a presiding deity of Vishakha, there is the ability to master control over one’s senses. Controlling one’s senses is essential to achieve higher states of spiritual evolution. Indra achieved his power through self-sacrifice and deep meditation. Agni is the God of the fire, and connotes both the digestive fire (in Ayurveda) as well as the theme of transformation. Agni is said to have six tongues and yet is never satiated.
Another name for Vishakha is Radha. (Thus the next nakshatra is Anuradha – the “one who follows Radha”). Radha translates as “the delightful” or “success”. In Hindu mythology, Radha had made Krishna the center of her world, but they were not able to formally marry. Krishna had a myriad of other duties which occupied his attention. People with strong natal placements in Vishakha (Moon, ascendant, dasha lord, or Venus) are often devotees of Krishna.
With Vishakha there is often a single-minded focus on a goal, project or ambition, so much that it is to the detriment of personal relationships and social interactions. They can often say, “I have to get this done. Then I can do something else. Leave me alone.” With loner Saturn in Vishakha, this tendency can come forward strongly.
For example, those with Aries rising in Vedic astrology have Saturn in Vishakha in their 7th house of relationships. They should be mindful not to ignore their romantic relationships (7th house Libra) for their career (10th house Capricorn –ruled by Saturn) or professional organizations (11th house Aquarius – also ruled by Saturn).
Libra ascendants should think of what process of self-improvement they are obsessing about and what’s not being given equal time.
Scorpio ascendants in Vedic astrology may be so busy self-isolating and dealing with debt and loss that they are unable to see the complete picture. They want to do it their way and do it in their own perfectionist manner that they end up hurting both themselves and their loved ones.
Vishakha nakshatra spans from 20 degrees Libra in the sidereal zodiac to 3 degrees and 20 minutes of Scorpio. Astronomically, the dominating claw in Scorpio can be depicted as reaching into Libra. Thus, Vishakha possesses the ability to intensely grab a hold of things.
Saturn exits its exaltation sign of Libra on November 2, 2014 and enters Scorpio. Yet, we will still have Saturn in Vishakha nakshatra until November 30, 2014.
People in a Saturn dasha or bhukti will most be impacted by Saturn in Vishakha. Yet, since Saturn is the slowest moving of the planets, everyone will feel the intense presence of Vishakha. An individual Vedic astrology reading can gain a deeper perspective on what lies ahead and how to best utilize the upcoming year.