Ardra – The Head

Ardra (6.40-20.00 Gemini) is the seed of the Rahu’s energy and contains a single bright star in the Orion constellation. It has a visual magnitude of 0.57 and appears as a red giant, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. In modern astronomy, Orion is known as Betelguese which exerts a strong influence on planets.

Ardra is ruled by Rudra, the fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva, who emblematizes thunder. This nakshatra is translated as ‘green’, ‘moist’ or ‘fresh’. Moisture is the aspect that endows the earth with life.

Behavioral Characteristics

Ardra is said to stand for the behavior of a child, and hence the Ardra natives experience extremes of happiness and sorrow, or the in between stage in a matter of minutes. This nakshatra makes the natives undergo transformation, producing knowledge or confusion in its wake. They try to relate to ‘maya’ on an intellectual level. It is characterized by the birth of the intellect which harmonizes the wanderings of the previous nakshatra, Mrigashira. Ardra rather likes to analyze the cause behind the function.

Ardra natives have a probing aspect to their personality which is voiced quite prominently even in kids. In the cosmic nature of things, Ardra represents ‘yatna shakti’, the power to make efforts by seeking for the desired goal. This energy is often answered with accomplishment. In fact, Ardra is the root word for ‘ardent’ and ‘arduous’. It is the nakshatra where impressions and sensitivity find place to make the mind active as well as reactive. It is also something that makes these natives helpful and empathetic.

This nakshatra struggles to balance the mental with the emotional. Ardra natives have a large face, curly hair and sullen expression. Their instant memory allows them to respond easily to facts and figures. Their lives are characterized by changes and U-turns. Unrelenting observation makes Ardra natives impolite and critical, which can make them sarcastic as well. Generally, softer people are easily scared.

The elusive facets of Rahu make Ardra a confusing nakshatra which whiles away in fruitless pursuits. However, these don’t evolve their spirituality, which is required for them. Ardra natives have a chance to better their lives, although this is not easy to achieve in today’s world.

Quarters or Padas

Sagittarius Navamsa (6.40–10.00 Gemini): This quarter is ruled by Jupiter. It is characterized by exploration, materialism, pleasantness

Capricorn Navamsa (10.00-13.20 Gemini): This quarter is ruled by Saturn. It is characterized by materialism, frustration, trouble

Aquarius Navamsa (13.20-16.40 Gemini): This quarter is ruled by Saturn. It is characterized by science, research, inspiration, mental activity

Pisces Navamsa (16.40-20.00 Gemini): This quarter is ruled by Jupiter. It is characterized by sensitivity, compassion, peacefulness

Gana: Ardra is a ‘manushya’/human nakshatra whose relation with mercury connects the higher and lower worlds, relating to struggle and illusion.

Favorable Activities

Demolition, destruction, discarding objects and habits, confrontations, research, creativity, propitiating fierce deities

Unfavorable Activities

Beginnings, travel, marriage, giving/receiving honors, religion

Measures for Remedy

Ardra natives should worship Lord Shiva in his fierce form of Rudra and chant the root mantra “Om Aeem” 108 times during the lunar transition of this nakshatra to alleviate afflictions. Wearing red, metallic, green, silver, black and dark grey colors is also recommended. All important actions should correspond to the course of this constellation for best results.

Miscellaneous

In the words of Varahamihira, the lunar influence gives Ardra wickedness, ingratitude, and vanity. Janis Joplin, the musician, represents the forces of Ardra in its creative and higher mental plane.