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The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Nakshatras – The Journey of Soul Part-1’.
Poorvaphalguni Nakshatra
Poorvaphalguni nakshatra is eleventh among 27 nakshatras. All four quarters of this nakshatra fall in Leo.
The literal meaning of the word Poorvaphalguni according to Vedic astrology is ‘the former reddish one’ or ‘the former one with reddish or red colour’. Red colour is associated with desires of many kinds and Indian astrology considers red as an auspicious colour. This is why the bride should wear red dress during the marriage ceremony according to Vedic beliefs. Hence the name of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra suggests its association with characteristics associated with red colour.
The main symbol of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra is taken as the front two legs of a Divan which is a bed or Couch used for seating in a relaxed position. Divans are used to rest and relax, generally during daytime and they are sometimes also used for sleeping purpose during night. Hence the symbol of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra indicates that this nakshatra is associated with relaxation.
It should be noted that according to the prevalent beliefs of Vedic astrology, only the front legs of the couch are taken as the symbol of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. It implies that Poorvaphalguni nakshatra indicates the first stage of relaxation which is generally a deeper stage of relaxation compared to the second stage which is a lighter form of relaxation. The second stage is achieved when one has gone through the first stage of relaxation.
For example, the short sleep taken during daytime generally known as siesta may be considered as the first stage of relaxation. The period during which a person just lies on the couch after waking may be considered as the second stage of relaxation. It can be observed that the first stage of relaxation is much deeper than the second one, as the person is sleeping and completely relaxing during this stage. On the other hand, the second stage of relaxation is lighter one where the person is awake and he is just lying on the couch for some extended relaxation.
Poorvaphalguni nakshatra indicates the first stage of relaxation according to the prevalent beliefs of Vedic astrology. The second stage or the later stage of relaxation is indicated by the next nakshatra Uttaraphalguni. Hence, characteristic of relaxation is exhibited by Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. Accordingly, natives under strong influence of this nakshatra are generally found looking for relaxation in one way or another.
Vedic astrology assigns Bhaga as the ruling deity of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. Bhaga is one of the twelve Adityas (Solar deities) and the meaning of the word Bhaga is taken as Delight according to Vedic astrology. Since the word delight in itself tells much about Bhaga, the characteristics of Bhaga like promotion of enjoyment, relaxation, physical pleasures and marital happiness are relayed through Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. Accordingly, natives under strong influence of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra may be seen blessed with one or more of the above mentioned characteristics of this nakshatra, depending on their overall horoscopes.
Venus is assigned as the planetary ruler of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra according to Vedic astrology. Sun influences this nakshatra through its sign Leo which carries all four quarters of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. Venus adds characteristics like creativity, social skills and luxuries to Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. The influence of Sun through Leo adds characteristics like creativity, relaxation and pleasures to Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. Sun represents kings; and kings are known for engaging in extended activities of relaxation and pleasures, as and when they get such chances.
Sun and Venus are considered to exhibit a number of characteristics which are opposite in nature. Hence Poorvaphalguni is considered as a zone where the energies of two opposite type of planets are fused. As a result, Poorvaphalguni nakshatra exhibits a mixture of characteristics of Sun and Venus. As Sun and Venus are considered to be enemies according to some beliefs of Vedic astrology, the mixing of the energies of these two planets can make Poorvaphalguni a dramatic and volatile nakshatra at times. Since creativity, luxuries and relaxation are common characteristics of Sun and Venus, Poorvaphalguni nakshatra exhibits these characteristics to significant extents.
Looking into some details, Sun is considered as the planet that represents the self or soul of a person, according to Vedic astrology. Hence strong influence of Sun in a horoscope can make the native indulge in search for his own self instead of socializing with the others and pleasing them. On the other hand, Venus is considered as a social and sharing type of planet. Hence strong influence of Venus in a horoscope can make the native indulge in materialistic acts like socializing with other people and trying to make them happy; instead of engaging in the search for the self.
Therefore, the fusion of these two opposite energies can make Poorvaphalguni a volatile and to some extent, unstable and unpredictable nakshatra at times. Accordingly, Poorvaphalguni natives may at times exhibit behaviors which may be quite contrary to their general nature. It should be noted that the influence of Venus on Poorvaphalguni nakshatra is stronger than the influence of Sun. This is due to the fact that Venus is the direct planetary ruler of this nakshatra. Apart from that, a number of characteristics exhibited by Bhaga, the ruling deity of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra are in coherence with characteristics exhibited by Venus; though some characteristics resemble those of Sun also.
As a result, Venusian energy combined with that of Bhaga is stronger than solar energy in Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. Therefore, Poorvaphalguni natives are likely to be inclined towards the aspects of life like relaxation, enjoyment, indulgence in physical pleasures, getting married and enjoying marital life, comforts, luxuries, and other likewise aspects. It means only those characteristics of Sun are exhibited through Poorvaphalguni nakshatra, which are in accordance with those of Bhaga and Venus.
Poorvaphalguni natives are generally relaxed and casual in their approach towards life and they are not in hurry to do things. Many Poorvaphalguni natives may wake up late in the morning and they may start doing their daily activities at relaxed pace. They may be in no hurry to do anything and they may just want to do everything at their own paces.
Poorvaphalguni natives are generally good at social skills. Hence they may do well when it comes to socialize with people and practice social norms. Such natives may not be the ones who challenge the prevalent codes and conducts of a society or organization. On the contrary, they may be willing to fit into such codes and conducts. As a result, a native under strong influence of Poorvaphalguni may become a part of the crowd with ease. Poorvaphalguni natives are generally not the trend setters but trend followers.
Such natives may exhibit these characteristics due to influence of Venus over Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. Venus is a social planet and it is known to follow social norms and trends; rather than setting them. Sun on the other hand is more about individualism and it believes in setting trends, rather than following them. The dominant side of Sun is exhibited through Magha whereas a relatively subdued side of Sun is relayed through Poorvaphalguni nakshatra.
Poorvaphalguni natives are generally well behaved but they may exhibit volatile behavior at times. Natives under strong influence of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra may exhibit such anomalous behavior especially when someone tries to interfere with their states of relaxation or rest. Poorvaphalguni natives may not like people who they see as threats to their relaxation, rest and enjoyment. Hence they may react harshly or sometimes even violently, to prevent such people from disturbing their states of relaxation.
Poorvaphalguni natives may be good at all types of creative arts. They may also perform well in spheres where speed is not the primary requirement as they like to work at relaxed paces. Strong influence of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra can make the natives less disciplined in many senses and they may especially do poorly when it comes to time. Poorvaphalguni natives have marked tendency to appear late at appointments, parties, meetings and all other such venues.
Looking at professions, natives under strong influence of Poorvaphalguni nakshatra may achieve success as actors, singers, musicians, writers, dancers, painters, poets, fashion models, photographers, beauticians, professionals dealing in spa, massage and other such practices used for relaxation; wedding planners, match makers, politicians, government officers, IT professionals, software developers, engineers, architects, interior designers, professionals dealing in relaxation industry, tour and travel industry, hotel industry, airline industry, fashion industry, liquor industry, casinos, movie industry, television industry, radio industry, media industry, matrimonial services, dating services, event management industry and many other types of professionals.
Let’s look at some other facts associated with this nakshatra. Poorvaphalguni is considered as a balanced and fierce nakshatra. It is considered as a female nakshatra. Vedic astrology assigns Brahman Varna and water element to Poorvaphalguni nakshatra. The Gana assigned to Poorvaphalguni is Manava and the Guna assigned to it is Rajasic. It is an upward nakshatra and its Yoni or animal symbol is Rat.
Himanshu Shangari