Career

Managers, critics, generals, university jobs, generals and people in authority, surgeons, lawyers, judges, swordsmen, fencers, blacksmiths, glassmakers, jewelers, people making swords and sharp instruments; military professions, police, fire fighters, people working in orphanages and foster care homes, creative arts involving the use of fire, all kinds of rehabilitation including addicts of smoking, drug, alcohol, obesity; professions for self-improvement and assertiveness; spiritual teachers promoting purification methods or worship including the Fire and ; professional archers or dart players; fire sacrifices and fire dancers; barbers; tailors; hairdressers; work with needles like vaccinators and embroiderers; miners; gold diggers; cooks; people making clay products for creating ceramic objects and building houses; furnace makers; those making cooking utensils; trade tools; all professions including the use of sharp objects and fire.

Gana: Krittika is a rakshasa/demonic nakshatra that is cold blooded and merciless, as well as unforgiving

Favorable Activities

Fire worship/purification, leaders, executives, cooking, embroidery, sewing, shaving, cutting, honesty, frankness, drumming, and debates, extracurricular activities

Unfavorable Activities

Social interactions, diplomacy, relaxation, rest, activities involving water

Remedies

The natives of Krittika should indulge in the worship of Kartikeya, the and must chant the Gayatri mantra. They must also be respectful towards the 7 wives of the Pleiades. The root mantra “Om Im” and “Om Oo” should be chanted 108 times during the lunar transition of this nakshatra to alleviate afflictions. Wearing bright colors is also recommended. All important actions should correspond to the lunar course of this constellation for best results.

Miscellaneous

In the words of Varahamihira, the lunar influence gives Krittika pleasant appearance, fondness for others’ spouses, appetite and fame.

Padas or Quarters

The first quarter or pada of this asterism falls in the Sagittarius Navamsa which is ruled by . The pada is extremely altruistic, generous and moralistic. Their daredevil aspect makes them associated with military pursuits. This is why it is called the explorer. Planets convey a lot of strength, stamina and willpower, with planets , , and being especially prominent.

The second pada falls in the Capricorn Navamsa which is governed by . The pada has a keen sense of ethics, although it has a more material rather than spiritual vision. Its spirituality is also expressed through matter. The scope lies in arranging matter for creating a motherly and caring environment. Krittika experiences its maternal elements here at its heights. Natives influenced by this pada provide sustenance when it is most necessary. The is exalted at its heights in this stage. and are exalted as well. However, the placement of here depends more on receiving nourishment than providing it.

The third pada falls in the Aquarius Navamsa which is ruled by . It is humanitarian and altruistic combining futuristic visions and the primitive knowledge of the principles. The stress is on the significations of the 10th house such as the collective duty of the individual. The quarter promotes all kinds of learning and is hence known as the university sign of the zodiac. As no planets are debilitated in Aquarius, they function efficiently in their particular domains.

The fourth pada rests on the Pisces Navamsa which is governed by . The specialty of this pada is that it can determine its sensibility on the material plane. It leads to group work of all kinds in a benevolent and joyous manner. Hence, planets are more creative in group situations. Being a Pushkara Navamsa pada, all planets can provide good results here. , and can make the maximum use of the energies of this pada, although does not find prominence.

Krittika – The Razor

Krittika (26.40 Aries-10.00 Taurus) is the root source of solar energy, represented by a group of 7 stars, the Pleiades. This constellation was seen by Vedic astrologers to represent a necklace and hence its galactic importance was significant. Ruled by the god of fire, Agni, Krittika is the storehouse of the passive agent that nurtures power.

Krittika denotes the ‘Cutters’, which has more to do with femininity than male power. Just like a cutting instrument, Krittika symbolizes construction as well as destruction of mental and emotional impulses.

Behavioral Characteristics

Krittika is said to be the Sanskrit root for the word ‘critical’. Hence, the basic nature and function of this constellation can be easily surmised. The critical and fault finding aspect of Krittika can be accounted for as this nakshatra aims to penetrate the underlying cause of all kinds of imperfections between appearance and reality. Krittika cannot withstand imperfections which impedes achievement.

If your planet is on Krittika, you have a fiery energetic aspect that is also straightforward. Your penetrating and blunt manners are intimidating, although this is not the case every time. Krittika natives are socially graceful as well. Their extreme temper, although short-lived, is demonstrated only when roused.

The rage of Krittika is that of the , rather than that of , which is enduring and vengeful. The King/ does not need to have sustaining anger, while the Soldiers/ need it to sustain them for fighting battles.

The feminine, caring and nurturing facet of Krittika is often concealed beneath their stern exteriors. Despite the destructive element, we require fire for warmth and cooking, which is essential for life. This prospect makes Krittika sustain the social sphere. They channel their warmth, determination and independence to support others. Krittika can even eliminate others by their sharp tongue unintended.

In its cosmic configuration, Krittika relates to ‘dahana shakti’ which refers to its power to sever ties with the corporal. The heat and light symbolism relates this nakshatra to all functions related to fire like cooking, purification, molding and melting. The creative urge of Krittika also relates to that of the , which unfolds the presence of the sun. It acts when it has a direction in mind and hence those with a prominent Krittika in their charts have a sudden way of demonstrating their energy.

The nakshatra is spiritually aware which makes it undergo extreme purification. Krittika is determined to chart its way towards developing its innate nature and hence it will not hesitate it eliminating any impediment along the way. There are sudden ups and downs as well.

Favorable: Famous within their group;respectable leader; attractive appearance;dignified; self-motivated; ambitious; confident; courageous;unshakable determination; goal oriented; materialistic; ability to acquire possessions; great pride in what they do; honors commitment; straight forward; peaceful nature; bright; strong appetite.

Unfavorable: Unstable mind; changeable; vacillating; stubborn; dissatisfied; impatient; responds too strongly to challenges; sets goals or expectations too high; overextends their health with constant activity; nervous; excitable; aggressive; passive-aggressive; difficulties with food and eating; gluttonous; motivated by desire; child-like nature.

Professions: Positions of authority or management, generals, critics, teachers, university occupations, lawyers, judges, technical professions, any field related to sharp objects such as knives or swords, fencing, archer, blacksmith, jeweler, surgeon, professions involving explosives or fire, fire fighter, police, military, miners, cooks, rehabilitation specialist, motivational trainer, ceramics, spiritual teacher, hair stylist, tailor, work in orphanages.

Famous Krittikas: Bill Clinton, Ronald Regan, Mick Jagger, Gregory Peck, Bob Dylan, Frida Kahlo

Favorable Activities: Starting new projects, activities requiring courage, initiative or honesty, military tactics, sudden changes, breaking old habits, activities requiring fire or heat, beginning education, debating, cooking, sewing, and favorable for many activities.

Unfavorable Activities: Diplomacy, social activities, relaxation, or activities involving water.

Sacred Energy Vortex: Kanjhanaaharam Sri GhatraSundareswarar

The temple which is most significant for Krittika star is located in the village of Kanjhanaaharam, near Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, India. This shrine is the most auspicious temple for those born under Krittika and they should visit this shrine to make offerings to Lord Shiva.

At this sacred vortex, Lord Shiva appears in the form of Sri Kathra Sundareswarar. The word Kathra translates as "to endure with eminent capability." Lord Shiva was in a state of stillness while performing Kathra Jyoti Yoga. Goddess Parvati offered a golden tender coconut while performing penance which allowed Shiva to attain deep serenity. It was in this deep state of Kathra Jyoti Yoga that Shiva emerged as Sri Kathra Jyoti Peruman and Goddess Parvati arose from the gold tender coconut as Sri Tungabala Sthanambighai. Karthika Sundareswarar has the ability to produce six brilliant lights known as Karthigam light, through which Lord Muruga originated.

The Goddess, Sri Tungabla Sthanambighai, is personified at this sacred temple with the Keera Sathra parrot on her left should. This parrot chants the Vedas and the gives darshan known as Vedmirtha Keeran. It is auspicious for girls of a mature age to receive this darshan before entering marriage. In addition, water from the sacred river Tungabhatra should be used to perform an abhishekam for the Goddess. Those who visit this temple and make offerings can release the negative effects of evil eyes cast upon them as well as appease challenging eighth house planetary transits.

Those born under Krittika star should offer ghee lamps in earthen pots and silk clothes to the poor people at the temple. As the star Krittika gained its brightness at this shrine, offering prayers on the Krittika star day brings prosperity.

Krittika natives, your incense is made with the herb Fig as prescribed by the Vedas.

Burning one of these pillars is like performing a mini fire ritual for that particular star formation. For your specific Birthstar, you will be able to connect inwardly to your planet of energetic origin and gain support with the positive aspects that are you.

Burning the other Nakshatra pillars on that specific Nakshatra day will tune you in with the favorable activities with that star’s energy for the day. It is recommended to at least burn your own personal Nakshatra pillar daily to stay connected to your essence. It is advantageous to burn the days Nakshatra pillar as well.