Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

Dhanishta extends from 203° 20' to 306° 00' of the zodiac. It is half in
Capricorn and half in Aquarius, both ruled by Saturn. The asterism itself is
ruled by Mars. It is primarily influenced by Sattwa or harmony, but the
secondary and tertiary qualities relate to Tamas, inertia. The asterism is
presided over by the eight Vasus, the personifications of the cosmic energy.
The symbol assigned to Dhanishta is a drum called mridanga. Its primary
motivational impulse is Dharma.
The word Dhanishta a bamboo-cane flute as well as a drum. Both these
musical instruments are hollow inside. They resound and reverberate the
tune played by the musician. Depending upon the touch on the drum or the
blowing of the flute music comes forth. The instruments are merely links
between the music and the musician. Similarly, under Dhanishta, the basic
impulse is to purge the soul from whatever it considers its own so that the
Divine plan for it can be unfolded smoothly. The individual must come to
function like a reed through which the Divine music is played
uninterruptedly and without distortion.
Lord Shiva's miniature drum, shaped like a time-jar, represents the bipolarity
of personality. On both sides of it the hollowness is covered by stretched
leather, and tiny knots tied to two threads attached at the center strike the
stretched leather alternately and rhythmically. The drum of Shiva represents
the spiritual view of man, as does Krishna's flute. When Krishna plays the
flute, his devotees, the Gopis are attracted to the tune and renounce all selfconsciousness.
The representation of Dhanishta by these instruments shows
that it prepares the soul for its ultimate unity with the cosmic plan. Such
changes can be astrologically deciphered by examining the relationships
between the various sheaths of the human personality and the planets
vibrating them. The individual passes through tremendous strain in order to
be lifted from mundane existence to spiritual reality.
Between Shravana and Dhanishta, which are complementary in many
respects, the soul first comprehends and then reverberates the Divine Music.
In order to intelligently cooperate with Nature, it is necessary to completely
eschew self-consciousness and even so-called prudential considerations.
That is what the Gopis attracted to Krishna's flute had to achieve before the
consummation of Divine Love. It requires complete renunciation of personal
and social considerations. The soul has to become hollow like a reed or flute
before it merges in the Supreme and the spark becomes one with the Flame.
Having listened to the message of the Universal Spirit under the influence of
Dhanishta and giving up the personal point of view, the individual begins
radiating the Divine message and power. With the emptying of selfish,
personal, and Tamasic Impulses, the hollowness of the individual is filled