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The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Nakshatras – The Journey of Soul Part-1’.
Uttaraphalguni Nakshatra
Uttaraphalguni nakshatra is twelfth among 27 nakshatras. The first quarter of this nakshatra falls in Leo whereas the last three quarters fall in Virgo.
Uttaraphalguni forms a pair with its previous nakshatra Poorvaphalguni. Hence some characteristics of Uttaraphalguni may be similar to the characteristics exhibited by Poorvaphalguni, according to prevalent beliefs of Vedic astrology. The literal meaning of the word Uttaraphalguni according to Vedic astrology is ‘the latter reddish or red one’. As we have already discussed a similar meaning for Poorvaphalguni, it can be said that Uttaraphalguni also possesses some qualities which are similar to its previous nakshatra.
Vedic astrology considers the symbol of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra as two back legs of a Divan or a couch used for daytime relaxation. Accordingly, this nakshatra is also associated with relaxation like Poorvaphalguni. However, the stage of relaxation represented by Uttaraphalguni nakshatra is a later and lighter form of relaxation which is conveyed by using two back legs of a couch as its symbol.
It means the native who was sleeping in Poorvaphalguni has wakened from sleep and he is just lying on the couch for some extended relaxation, in Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. This extended relaxation is not a must needed relaxation like in case of Poorvaphalguni. This second stage of relaxation exhibited by Uttaraphalguni nakshatra represents will of the native for some extended relaxation, more than the actual need for rest and relaxation.
Hence Uttaraphalguni nakshatra may be related to the phase of relaxation when the native has renewed his energy and is much more active on mental level. Accordingly, he may be prepared to engage in some activities like thinking about something or making plans about some coming events, talking to someone or watching something like a movie. It means Uttaraphalguni nakshatra represents the ending phase of relaxation and the native is getting ready for some activity.
Vedic astrology assigns Aryaman who is one of the twelve Adityas (Solar Deities), as the ruling deity of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. Aryaman represents characteristics like kindness, helping others and getting benefitted from others by gaining their favours or help; hospitality, civilized nature and other likewise qualities. Most of these characteristics are relayed through Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. Aryaman is also known as a deity who is very keen on making friends and who assigns great value to his friends and friendships. This characteristic is also exhibited through Uttaraphalguni nakshatra.
Vedic astrology assigns Sun as the ruling planet of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. Hence a number of characteristics of Sun are also added to this nakshatra. The first quarter of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra falls in Leo ruled by Sun whereas the last three quarters of this nakshatra fall in Virgo ruled by Mercury. Therefore, influence of Mercury is also added to Uttaraphalguni nakshatra and many characteristics of Mercury find release through this nakshatra.
The combined influence of Sun and Mercury on Uttaraphalguni nakshatra makes it a special nakshatra. This is because Sun and Mercury are known to work very well in the company of each other. The combination of benefic Sun and Mercury in a horoscope forms an auspicious yoga called Budhaditya Yoga. This yoga may bless the native with characteristics like sharp intellect, intelligence, diplomacy and mathematical skills among other things. Budhaditya Yoga may also render the ability to strike balance between what the soul wants and practical reality.
All such characteristics represented by Budhaditya Yoga are added to Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. This is what makes it a special nakshatra. Uttaraphalguni is the only nakshatra which combines the energies of Sun and Mercury, in the last three quarters of this nakshatra, which fall in Virgo. The combined influence of Sun and Mercury blesses this nakshatra with some of the best characteristics exhibited by this nakshatra.
Since the ruling deity of Uttaraphalguni, Aryaman is also a solar deity; he also possesses many characteristics of Sun. Therefore, the influence of the ruling deity of Uttraphalguni also works in harmony with the influence of Sun and Mercury on this nakshatra. This makes Uttaraphalguni much more balanced in its approach than the previous nakshatra Poorvaphalguni which works under the influence of opposite types of energies which make Poorvaphalguni volatile and unstable at times.
The influence of Sun is very strong on the first quarter of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra, falling in Leo. This is because Sun rules Leo as well as Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. As for the last three quarters, the influence of Sun and Mercury is almost in balance, making it a good zone for a number of activities. Natives under strong influence of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra are generally intelligent, practical; good at socializing with people, making friends and valuing their friendships.
Such natives may be helpful to people around them and they may also gain favours from such people from time to time. Most Uttaraphalguni natives may be independent in nature and they may not like to blindly follow the trends set by others. On the other hand, they may be the ones who may believe in setting their own trends, primarily due to strong influence of Sun on this nakshatra.
Sun is considered as the king among nine planets. Sun is also considered as the most independent planet among navagraha. Since this nakshatra is under strong influence of Sun, it also exhibits this characteristic of independence. This characteristic is much stronger in Leo part of Uttaraphalguni compared to Virgo part of this nakshatra.
It is interesting to note that natives under strong influence of Poorvaphalguni may believe in following trends rather than setting trends, due to strong influence of Venus on Poorvaphalguni. However, natives under strong influence of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra may believe in setting trends rather than following the trends set by others, due to strong influence of Sun on this nakshatra. Hence there is a clear contrast between these two seemingly similar nakshatras when it comes to the expression of the self. This is because these two nakshatras work under the influences of two opposite types of energies.
Characteristics of Sun like aggression, anger, the urge to win and conquer; and other likewise characteristics are exhibited through Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. However, Uttaraphalguni gives softer expressions of solar energy compared to the expressions given by Krittika. This is because god Agni, the ruling deity of Krittika is a fierce deity. Aryaman, the ruling deity of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra is softer in comparison. As a result, Uttaraphalguni natives are likely to use aggression and anger only when it is needed and they are also likely to calm down easily compared to Krittika natives. This tendency may be higher in the Virgo part of this nakshatra, due to added influence of Mercury.
The influence of Mercury brings characteristics like good communication skills, humor, analytical and practical abilities, intellect and other such qualities to Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. Accordingly, natives under strong influence of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra may exhibit these qualities of Mercury and they may achieve success in the fields where these qualities are valued. Uttaraphalguni natives may be courageous like Sun and intellectual/skillful like Mercury. Accordingly they may succeed in many spheres of lives.
Looking at professions, natives under strong influence of Uttaraphalguni nakshatra may achieve success as politicians, diplomats, government officers, judges, teachers, engineers, software developers, doctors, lawyers, IT professionals, actors, singers, musicians, writers, dancers, designers, fashion models, sportsmen, financial experts, bankers, analysts, researchers, astrologers, consultants, teachers, coaches, psychiatrists, orators, professionals dealing in event management industry, matrimonial services, match making services, media industry, ecommerce industry, software industry, IT industry, architecture field, designing field, internet related services, hotel industry, movie industry, music industry, law firms, stock markets; and many other types of professionals, depending on their overall horoscopes.
Let’s look at some other facts associated with this nakshatra. Uttaraphalguni is considered as a balanced and fixed nakshatra. It is considered as a female nakshatra. Vedic astrology assigns Kshatriya Varna and fire element to Uttaraphalguni nakshatra. The Gana assigned to Uttaraphalguni is Manava and the Guna assigned to it is Rajasic. It is a downward nakshatra and its Yoni or animal symbol is Cow.
Himanshu Shangari