Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

interrelationship of all things in creation. On a superficial level, inertia
prevails, but under appropriate conditions, the elephant can be aroused to
courageous deeds. The tusk is more valuable than any other part of the
elephant's body. It is a sort of externalization of the inner possibilities of the
animal. When the tusk is severed it has the power to grow back again. Under
Purvashadha many unknown and unsuspected possibilities of the person
come to light. Under its impulse, the individual may receive flashes of
intuition and valuable insight into the working of Divine Law. One gets
much wisdom under it.
The quality of wisdom that grows under the influence of Purvashadha is of
great practical importance. Like water, it sustains life as well as cleanse its
impurities. The Vedic sages worshipped the water goddess as one who
destroys all poisons, wards off jealousy and disease, and bestows eternal
creative energy. These are the vitalizing impulses flowing through this
asterism. The Sun and Moon provide the polarized energy impulses, which
in turn protect water to support and nourish every kind of manifestation.
What Purvashadha produces for an individual goes a long way in sustaining,
nourishing and making him creative. Much sensitivity is developed at this
stage.
Great significance is attached to water and water deities in every religion.
The great Vedantic philosopher Shankara equates water with Sattwa itself,
the spiritual quality in life. He mentions Sattwa as water, which in
conjunction with Rajas (activity) and Tamas (inertia) creates the conditions
responsible for the rebirth of the soul. According to him, the reality of the
Self (Atman) is reflected in Sattwa, like the Sun in water. Purvashadha, by
cleansing the impurities of ignorance collected during previous incarnations,
opens out the soul to the universalization of consciousness and thereby to
universal sympathy. This energy of water or Sattwa is a reflection of Divine
Unity, its activation brings forth the inmost and Divine quality latent in man,
symbolized by the elephant's tusk.
When the individual becomes aware of his inherent qualities, the uniqueness
with which he is born, there is often a sense of pride. Such a psychological
weakness arises if the unity between the individual and the Universal Lifeforce
is overlooked. This situation may arise due to the influence of Venus,
the lord of the asterism. With the change in the basic nature of man, he
becomes more spiritual and much power begins to pour through him. His
creativity is augmented to a great extent. Venus gives sensitivity and an
inclination towards personal pleasures. This influence accentuates the ego of
the individual. He begins to think that the creativity resulting from the
Divine energy is his, and does not come from another source. This ignorance