Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

protection by higher forces. But the chariot symbol adds something more
than the umbrella. It gives Rahu an active role, moving in a special direction
to carry out a pre-dctermined mission. From this we see that the influence of
Rahu, whatever it may be, is always purposive. Even when it causes some
apparent sorrow, it is intended to develop and externalize some hidden
potential of the individual or to rectify karmic faults from past lives.
The significance of Rahu's eight horses is found in Hindu mythology where
similar allusions are made in regard to cosmogenesis. Shiva is the Supreme
Creator from whom all other creative powers arise. There are eight
incarnations of Shiva to enable the cosmic manifestation to proceed on the
right course. They represent the eight aspects of creative energy. They are:
Sharva, meaning to go or to kill; Bhava, meaning birth or acquisition; Rudra,
which implies dreadful; Ugra, the fierce or violent; Bhima, the formidable;
Pashupati, the herdsman or the owner of cattle; Ishana, the ruler or master;
and Mahadeva which is the Supreme Shiva
himself.
These aspects of the Supreme Lord form earth, water, fire, air, ether, the
indwelling soul and the Sun and the Moon, which are also eight in number
and constitute the manifest existence. Shiva in his cosmic creative role is
assisted by eight Bhairavas or terrible ones who are said to be frightful,
horrible and formidable, who are his different limbs. They are: Shiva, Bhaya
(fear), Bhayanaka Rasa (the fearful dramatic mood), a specific river, a
special musical composition, a special rhythm in music, a jackal, and a
specific mountain. All these Bhairavas represent the eight horses of black
color that draw the chariot of Rahu.
Rahu and Shiva arc thus alike in several ways. Shiva is engaged in the
regeneration and remanifestation of the universe, and Rahu functions under
his direction in a similar mission. In this task of cosmogenesis Rahu
begets thirty-two sons. These are the twenty-seven Nakshatras or asterisms
and the five planets. The asterisms are important cosmic powers assisting the
formation of the universe. They are associated in their workings with the
five planets, excluding the two luminaries. The reference to their comet-like
form alludes to the stage of their early formation when they were in the
process of concrctization. Through Rahu, the embodiment of eternal law, the
asterisms and the planets (excepting the Sun and Moon) produce their results
in consonance with the law of evolution and the law of karma. The nature of
these agents of astrological results can be better understood in the light of
what Blavatsky states about them (SD Vol. I, p. 141). She mentions that
before our globe became egg-shaped, a long trail of cosmic dust, or firemist,
moved and writhed like a serpent in space. These trails of cosmic dust