Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
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pain and anguish. Under Anuradha the deep psychological urge to unite with<br />
the original source is aroused, and the individual is made to feel as a<br />
fragmented unit <strong>of</strong> divinity.<br />
<strong>The</strong> astrological symbol for Anuradha is a lotus flower, whose Sanskrit name<br />
is Padma. It also refers to sexual intercourse and can refer to the evacuation<br />
<strong>of</strong> excrement. <strong>The</strong> lotus stands for Lakshmi, the consort <strong>of</strong> Vishnu, who<br />
appears in the form <strong>of</strong> Radha for Lord Krishna. From the naval <strong>of</strong> Vishnu<br />
arises the macrocosmic lotus on which is seated Brahma, the creator <strong>of</strong> the<br />
universe. <strong>The</strong> lotus flower contains within itself the entire creative process.<br />
It mystically reflects the various stages <strong>of</strong> cosmic evolution.<br />
Padma stands for manifestation occurring from the ever-concealed seed. <strong>The</strong><br />
lotus grows from the mud, symbol <strong>of</strong> the deepest level <strong>of</strong> materiality<br />
equivalent to the unpleasant smelling oyster (see Chitra) from which the<br />
pure pearl is taken out. <strong>The</strong>re is, however, a significant difference. <strong>The</strong> pearl<br />
can be taken out <strong>of</strong> the oyster by suddenly breaking it, while in the case <strong>of</strong><br />
the lotus, the development occurs gradually, step by step, mirroring the<br />
stages <strong>of</strong> manifestation. In the case <strong>of</strong> the lotus, the seed takes root in the<br />
mud, which represents the original ignorance or primeval matter. It pushes<br />
itself up in water which stands for the emotional life <strong>of</strong> the person. From it,<br />
attracted by the Sun's rays, sprouts the stalk. It comes to the surface,<br />
representing the soul's growth through various lives, which by the<br />
experience <strong>of</strong> divine attraction struggles to emerge from the lower earthly<br />
realm. Having emerged from the realm <strong>of</strong> emotion, the soul opens in mental<br />
activities, symbolized by air, but the long journey <strong>of</strong> the lotus does not stop<br />
at this stage. Its aspiration for the Sun continues, and it finally flowers to<br />
greet the Sun. It then withers away, but its seed falls back into the mud to<br />
repeat the process again. <strong>The</strong> lotus symbol in this way emphasizes the soul's<br />
thirst for union with the source. Though it may fall again under the sway <strong>of</strong><br />
the cycle <strong>of</strong> birth and death, a radical psychological change has occurred.<br />
Under Anuradha, the latent powers in man begin to manifest. <strong>The</strong> ignorance<br />
gained during the period <strong>of</strong> night, resulting in attachment to worldly<br />
existence, must be purged. <strong>The</strong> dirt <strong>of</strong> the mud <strong>of</strong> materiality has to be<br />
cleansed in water. Emotional purity must be attained prior to regaining one's<br />
original nature. At this stage <strong>of</strong> emotional purification, the aspirant must<br />
seek union with the Master. <strong>The</strong> individual must strive to unify himself with<br />
the Ultimate. This is not easy and there are many pitfalls and hardships to be<br />
endured. All these stages are represented by the lotus, either in its physical<br />
form or as implied in its Sanskrit name. <strong>The</strong> lotus <strong>of</strong> the soul has to pass<br />
through various stages <strong>of</strong> unfoldment, for each phase <strong>of</strong> which are required<br />
corresponding efforts <strong>of</strong> the aspirant.