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.

Quarters or Padas

Leo Navamsa (3.20-6.40 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by the Sun. It is characterized by affinity to the limelight, achievement, wealth, ancestral pride, positivism

Virgo Navamsa (6.40-10.00 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by Mercury. It is characterized by perseverance, benefits of all planets except Venus

Libra Navamsa (3.20-6.40 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by Venus. It is characterized by comfort, sociability, conformity, superficiality

Scorpio Navamsa (3.20-6.40 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by Mars. It is characterized by celestial awareness, dependence, and victimization

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

Measures for Remedy

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.