Pushya – The Flower

Pushya (3.20 Cancer-16.40 Cancer) is a constellation of 3 stars that are not very bright. Pushya is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘pushti’ or nourishment. The nakshatra is ruled by Jupiter, the God of Divine Wisdom. The stars of the Pushya nakshatra were said to resemble a cow’s udder.

The name Pushya also signifies yielding or nurturing. According to one school of thought, Pushya also denotes the gentleness of a flower or prosperity and auspiciousness.

Behavioral Characteristics

The primary quality of Pushya is that it represents a phase in our life when we rest in peace in the absence of fear. Nourishment takes the native back to the infant stage where it rests in the mother’s arms and hence it is attributed with qualities of helpfulness, generousness and protection. The nakshatra relates to breasts and in a larger context to the “milk of human kindness”. As the most loved of all the nakshatras, Pushya is contented on the material plane, unlike its predecessor Purnavasu, due to the saturnine influence.

Wherever its energies are directed, Pushya is featured with expansion, whether the field is material, or spiritual or creative. The natives also display an affinity for home, family and community. Lesser evolved Pushya nakshatras may not see the benevolence of the larger vista of the family, whereas higher Pushyas concentrate on nourishment and care towards the earth. A negative aspect of this nakshatra is that it may become too closeted in their worldly needs, which makes them narrow minded. This may lead to suspicion, prejudice, protectiveness and orthodox.

Correspondence to the number of Saturn – 4 – makes Pushya a balanced nakshatra helping it to react sanely to situations and assist others. These productive natives work patiently towards their goals, which are marked by containment and safety. The 4^th influence makes Pushya respect its roots and have a conservative approach. Their strong sense of ethics makes them decent, hospitable and courteous. They are never vulgar. Their features are fleshy, but Pushya natives are prone to bronchial disorders and prefer good food and sociability.

Generally, as shining examples as mother figures, Pushya identifies with ‘brahmavarchasa shakti’ or priestly qualities that enable celestial blessings.

Padas or Quarters

 The first pada falls on the Leo Navamsa which is ruled by the Sun. It represents achievement, wealth, family and ancestral pride; luminaries provide strong and positive results making the native a mother or father figure, or if not, receive from such figures.

 The second pada falls on the Virgo Navamsa which is ruled by Mercury. The service oriented and hardworking aspect of Pushya is expressed here. A Pushkara Navamsa pada, all the planets except Venus provide good results at least materially. This pada is known as the Cook of the Zodiac.

The third pada falls on the Libra Navamsa which is ruled by Venus. This is where focus lies on the home, luxury, sociability and comforts. However, the natives should beware of conformity and superficiality. Mercury, Saturn, Venus and Moon are favorable here.

The fourth pada falls on the Scorpio Navamsa which is ruled by Mars. It stands for esoteric aspect which seeks to connect with the celestial or higher beings. The pada is concerned with rituals and mantras. Negative traits include intolerance, dependence, and victimization. Venus and Jupiter that are not afflicted can do well here.

Career 

Dairy; food and drink merchants; rulers; aristocrats; politicians; hoteliers; caterers; restaurant business; nuns, priests, gurus, clergy; counselors; psychotherapists; spiritual teachers; psychologists, managers; charities; professional hosts and hostesses; education experts; teachers; professions related to lakes and rivers; child care professionals; mothers; artisans; creative activities; business; real estate agents; gardeners & farmers; creative and business experts; those working with traditionalism; religious bigotry and orthodoxy

Gana: Pushya is a ‘deva’/godly nakshatra, comprising the benevolent aspects of the presiding deities.

Favorable Activities

Party, celebration, creativity, travel, tackling enemies, legal aid, fiscal processes, cooking, gardening, religion, pets, kids, spending time with their mothers, laying foundations, construction

Unfavorable Activities

Marriage, activities involving cruelty and harshness

Remedies

Pushya natives should worship the Mother Goddess and chant the root mantra “Om Kam” 108 times during the lunar transition of this nakshatra during the month of Pausha to alleviate afflictions. Wearing golden, yellow, white and orange 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 Pushya a peaceful, esoteric and favorable nature. Jimmy Hendrix is a typical Pushya native.