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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mystery; astronomical, physiological and psychical at once. It shows the<br />
Moon functioning at different levels <strong>of</strong> human existence simultaneously. It is<br />
reflected in stories concerning the Moon's origin.<br />
One legend makes Soma or the Moon the son <strong>of</strong> the Vedic sage Atri and his<br />
wife Anusuya. Atri is one <strong>of</strong> the seven Vedic seers on whom rests the<br />
balance <strong>of</strong> the universe, and Anusuya is the epitome <strong>of</strong> chastity and purity.<br />
Another legend makes the Moon a child <strong>of</strong> Dharma or righteousness. A third<br />
makes the Moon's father to be Prabhakar, which means the Sun, Fire, Ocean<br />
and Lord Shiva. From the Moon was born Budha, Pururavas, Ayus, Nahusha<br />
and the Kurus, the last who fought in the great battle <strong>of</strong> the Mahabharata<br />
which represents the complete destruction to the world. <strong>The</strong> Moon is the<br />
progenitor <strong>of</strong> the Lunar dynasty <strong>of</strong> kings, as the Sun is that <strong>of</strong> the solar<br />
dynasty. <strong>The</strong> difference between the two dynasties consists in the solar kings<br />
being righteous, wise, courageous, invincible and strictly adhering to their<br />
promises, while the lunar kings arc courageous and learned but susceptible<br />
to worldly vices and suffer<br />
from internal conflicts.<br />
<strong>The</strong> allegory <strong>of</strong> the churning <strong>of</strong> the ocean describes the battle between the<br />
gods and the demons. This yields several powerful important things<br />
including poison, Lakshmi or the goddess <strong>of</strong> fortune, the immortalizing<br />
nectar, and the Moon. As there was no place suitable for the Moon, it was<br />
placed by Lord Shiva on his forehead. Hence, the Moon is known as Shiva-<br />
Shekhar, meaning the crest <strong>of</strong> Shiva. From the Moon thus placed pours the<br />
celestial nectar which nourishes the universe and a few drops <strong>of</strong> which can<br />
give immortality.<br />
<strong>The</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> the lunar influence is revealed by the names assigned to the<br />
Moon. Soma, nectar; Aushadpati, lord <strong>of</strong> herbs; Kumud-pati, lord <strong>of</strong> the<br />
lotus; Nakshatranath, husband <strong>of</strong> the asterisms; and Shwetajaji, drawn by<br />
white horses, are important names <strong>of</strong> the planet. Soma is a name given to the<br />
Vedic deity worshipped for "strengthening our life and conquering what<br />
opposes us." <strong>The</strong> Rig Veda regards him as the inspirer <strong>of</strong> all auspicious<br />
activities and the bestower <strong>of</strong> all desirable qualities, the progenitor <strong>of</strong> life on<br />
earth and the source <strong>of</strong> all wisdom. Because <strong>of</strong> the special power enjoyed by<br />
the Moon over the subtle forces <strong>of</strong> nature and his special status among the<br />
spiritual hierarchy, the Sama Veda lauds Soma as the great, wise hierophant<br />
who sustains the gods and gives birth to the different sense organs and<br />
powers <strong>of</strong> perception. He bestows on Indra, who represents the center <strong>of</strong><br />
manifestation or the Universal Self, purity, strength and intellect. He gives<br />
light to the Sun who unfolds all siddhis or supernatural powers. <strong>The</strong> Moon is<br />
the deified soma-juice because it contains the celestial nectar that is the