Dhanishta Nakshatra
23. Dhanishta (23°20′ of Capricorn — 6°40′ of Aquarius)
Varahamihira: The Moon in Dhanishta signifies a person who is freedom-loving, rich, brave and fond of music.
General indications: The symbol of Dhanishta is a drum, and its deities are the eight Vedic gods known by the name of the Vasus.
Vasu may be translated both as «good, excellent, beneficent» and as «well-off, possessing property». All these qualities are inherent in Dhanishta, which reigns over valuable things, including ornaments and precious metals. The other meanings are mercy and charity, and also an innate ability to supervise and command others. The lagna or the Moon here often indicates an optimistic and ambitious personality. The drum implies sound, especially musical and rhythmic sound.
One peculiarity constantly attributed to Dhanishta is discord between spouses and/or sexual problems. This tendency is strengthened if Saturn is located in this nakshatra, especially if it rules the 7th house of the horoscope. Sometimes the wedding is merely postponed, and sometimes it falls through entirely. Men who are under the strong influence of Dhanishta often become misogynists. Confirmation of such tendencies must, as always, be sought in the rest of the horoscope.
Physiology and diseases: The back; the anus.
Professions, people and places of habitation: Medicine and surgery. Almshouses. Real estate. Music, especially percussion in orchestras and ensembles. Drummers. Armed bands, well-organised groups of people. Reciters of rhythmic incantations, petitioners, those who pray. Poetry.
Dhanishta (Sanskrit: धनिष्ठा) is represented by a group of four stars in the constellation Delphinus.
Zodiac: 23°20′ of Capricorn — 6°40′ of Aquarius
Ruling planet: Mars
Symbol: a drum, a flute
Deity: the Vasus (eight gods from Indra’s retinue, symbolising aspects of nature)
Varna/caste: farmers
Goal: dharma
Origin: demonic
Temperament: temporary, movable (chara)
Guna: tamas
Gender: female
Quality: mobility
Ayurvedic constitution: Pitta
Element: ether
Direction: east, south-east, south, west, south-west
Body parts: the back, the anus
Animal: a lion
Sounds: ga, gi, gu, ge
Enemy: Mrigashira
«Dhanishta is the colour of molten gold. She has large full breasts, her hair is long and adorned with flowers, her lips are bright red like the fruits of the bimba, and she has large attracting eyes. She is dressed in shining red clothing. In one hand she holds a vessel, and with the other she makes a gesture of blessing. She sits on a lotus, around which lie gems.
«Chaturvarga-chintamani» by Hemadri»
Contents
1 The key concept
2 Men
3 Women
4 The padas (quarters)
5 The ruling planet
6 Professions
7 Places
8 Favourable activity during this nakshatra
9 Unfavourable activity during this nakshatra
10 Diseases
11 See also
12 Literature
The key concept
Influence and wealth arising as a result of helping others to develop their achievements and to exploit resources.
Dhanishta bestows striking traits: audacity, decisiveness, adventurousness, and at the same time reliability, steadfastness and good organisational abilities. If the Moon is located in Dhanishta, a person gives gifts easily, but greed is present in his character. He is courageous and reckless in his actions, and it is difficult to convince him of anything. Connected with this star are a love of music and singing and a talent for chanting mantras and various melodies. Dhanishta can give a person an enormous depth of understanding of the spiritual and penetration into the secret areas of occult knowledge. These people are quite liberal in their thinking; they can promote the uniting of people in the name of a common goal.
Dhanishta personalities possess a gift for listening, insight and the perception of truth, but may be unjust, rash and arrogant if the rising sign is weakened by any unfavourable planets. Mars is exalted in Dhanishta and gives the native the qualities of a pioneer, a spiritual warrior. People born under the patronage of this nakshatra attain fame and recognition. They are able to unite resources and all the talents and gifts possessed by themselves or by others in order to direct them towards a single goal. Dhanishta is the nakshatra of cooperation. Most often the luck that Dhanishta bestows is connected with distant countries.
The shadow side of Dhanishta is strong materialistic inclinations — an irrepressible passion for acquisitions of every kind may manifest: from material wealth to power and fame for the sake of satisfying one’s pride, which leads to greed and causticity. A tendency towards self-admiration is likewise not the best side of this nakshatra. If Mars in the chart is unfavourable, Dhanishta personalities may be heartless and vindictive and not too scrupulous in the means of attaining their goal.
Since Saturn rules both signs in which Dhanishta is placed (Capricorn and Aquarius), people who are under the influence of this nakshatra must cultivate patience and persistence, otherwise it will be difficult for them to pass through the trials that fall to their lot in the first part of life. A Dhanishta child will have to begin his life in the period of Mars, and how favourably this planet is placed largely determines what obstacles he will have to overcome in childhood and youth. And after Mars the period of Rahu will begin, which is rarely favourable for anyone at all, and especially for a child or a youth, because Rahu represents a passion for sensual pleasures. If a person does not have the strength to cope with his desires, which very rarely happens at a young age and in youth, Rahu may make his life full of adventures, and not in the positive sense of the word.
Leadership, the organisation of people, practicality — these are the characteristics inherent in Dhanishta types.
The Moon in Dhanishta gives talents in music and singing, but problems in marriage are possible.
Birth in Dhanishta usually gives wealth, since this is an earthly nakshatra responsible for material things.
With bad aspects greed, attachment to the material, narcissism, envy, stinginess, over-ambitiousness and heartlessness may manifest.
«The Moon in Dhanishta makes a person a miser, but generous as regards gifts, rich, courageous and fond of music.
Varahamihira»
Men
Men with Dhanishta rising are usually tall and slender.
They radiate confidence and nobility, have an attractive smile and know how to keep secrets. They do not like to cause trouble to those around them. They prefer to determine the rules of their life themselves. They are patient with regard to another’s point of view. But if their cup of patience overflows, they may express disagreement very harshly without regard for ranks and positions. They may be talented in sport, especially in athletics, ball games and gymnastics.
These people are usually specialists in their field; they have broad knowledge, a strong intellect and a wide outlook. They may be experts in many lines of activity. Dhanishta men are excellent administrators and managers, advocates, scholars and historians. They know how to keep secrets.
They greatly treasure relations with their brothers and sisters. A considerable inheritance from their family is possible. The wife usually has excellent qualities, but relations with her relatives are strained. Marriage in any case improves the financial position.
They have weak health because of an inability to take care of themselves. They begin to treat an illness only when it manifests seriously. As soon as it becomes easier, they stop the treatment and set to work. For them illness exists only in its extreme manifestation. Anaemia and diseases of the lungs are characteristic of them.
Women
They are attractive and look young even after the age of 40. They usually have plump lips, and in some cases an irregular arrangement of the front teeth.
These women have a very great appetite for life, that is, they are very resilient and active. Modesty, indulgence and tolerance of the shortcomings of others are inherent in them. Such women often express compassion and sympathy for those people who are rejected, weak or lonely. They are keen on literature and science. They may make good teachers, lecturers and researchers.
Dhanishta women are excellent housewives, but family life may be overshadowed by their desire to hurry everything along, to inspire everyone and to push them into action. In the family this is not always perceived adequately and may lead to the arising of conflicts.
Unfortunately, their health is not impeccable. They are inclined to anaemia and other diseases of the blood.
The padas (quarters)
The 1st pada of the nakshatra Dhanishta (23°20′ — 26°40′ of Capricorn) falls into the navamsha of Leo, ruled by the Sun. This quarter relates to the ambitious part of the nakshatra; passion, ambition and success in undertakings are characteristic of it. The combination of the energy of the Sun, Mars and Saturn pushes towards material achievements. Since the Sun is an unfavourable planet for entering into marriage, this pada is not very good for family harmony and may be too aggressive; manifestations of rudeness and suspiciousness are possible.
The 2nd pada of the nakshatra Dhanishta (26°40′ — 30°00′ of Capricorn) falls into the navamsha of Virgo, ruled by Mercury. Communicative abilities, adaptability, a strong mind, truthfulness, prudence and wealth are characteristic. Mercury’s rulership gives this pada a good coordination of «clever» hands, which promotes the manifestation of musical and sporting talents. However, the changeability of Mercury is not very good for family harmony.
The 3rd pada of the nakshatra Dhanishta (00°00′ — 03°20′ of Aquarius) falls into the navamsha of Libra, ruled by Venus. Friendliness, optimism, sociability, musicality, social orientation, courage and kindness are characteristic. Since Venus is the natural significator of harmony, this pada promotes accord in the family and highlights elegance, refinement and sophistication. Pursuits in music and the fine arts are very favourable.
The 4th pada of the nakshatra Dhanishta (03°20′ — 06°40′ of Aquarius) falls into the navamsha of Scorpio, ruled by Mars. This pada has an excess of Martian energy and is connected with rhythm. The pada of warriors and sportsmen. It is not good for family harmony because of excessive aggressiveness, rudeness and pride.
The ruling planet
The main influence on Dhanishta is exerted by Mars, Saturn and Rahu. The chief ruler is Mars. Its qualities reach their apogee in Dhanishta. Bravery and wisdom connect this nakshatra with warriors, armaments, military personnel and extreme sports.
Saturn has to do with the persistence, discipline and organisational abilities of Dhanishta. It usually sets itself long-term goals, which it fulfils at any cost.
Dhanishta is a nakshatra that solves the difficult task of harmonising the influences of Mars and Saturn. Let us note that the energy of Mars in it is absolutely purified, and therefore Dhanishta can use energy (Mars) and the passage of time (Saturn) wisely and constructively. This skill makes it possible to apply one’s abilities to obtaining wealth. Dhanishta understands the rhythm of life, and its ability to keep to this rhythm allows it to extract all the best that the Universe can offer.
The influence of Rahu connects Dhanishta with the mass media, and this is the reason why a multitude of leading people in the entertainment industry have a strong influence of Dhanishta in their charts.
The conjunction Rahu-Mars-Saturn carries an energy similar to the energy of Dhanishta.
The Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus and Rahu, as a rule, manifest in Dhanishta from a favourable side. The Moon and Mars feel better in the Capricorn part, while Mercury, Venus and Rahu — in the Aquarius part. The position of Saturn in this nakshatra will weaken success and may deprive one of family happiness entirely.
Professions
Composers, musicians, drummers, painters, dancers, actors, poets, managers of the entertainment industry. Sportsmen and persons engaged in sport. Coordinators and top managers. Those whose work is connected with the use of high technologies. Landscape designers. Employees of the real estate sphere. Military men. Surgeons, general practitioners, psychotherapists. Astrologers. Scientists, researchers. Organisers of charitable programmes.
Places
Parks and gardens. Places for meditation. Executives’ offices. Real estate agencies. Financial institutions, banks and vaults. Scientific laboratories and factories equipped with high-technology equipment or producing it. Places connected with music and other kinds of art (creativity) — schools, studios, theatres, exhibition halls. Entertainment centres and stadiums.
Favourable activity during this nakshatra
The performance of religious rituals, meditation, yoga. Group activity of all kinds. Large festive events involving huge crowds, such as concerts, opening ceremonies and so on. Creative activity in general, especially music and dance. Buying new clothes. The study and use of high-technology equipment and armaments. All kinds of activity requiring the display of aggression and an active position. Travel. The beginning of treatment of illnesses. Gardening.
Unfavourable activity during this nakshatra
Routine activity. Domestic activity (cleaning, laundry and so on). Giving up old habits. Forming new partnership relations. Meetings with people who require tactful, reasonable and gentle treatment. Sexual activity and marriage.
Diseases
Problems with the back, the heart, the knees and the ankles, arthritis, hypertension, haemorrhoids.
THE TWENTY-THIRD STAR — DHANISHTA (SHRAVISHTHA) 23° 20’ OF CAPRICORN — 6° 40’ OF AQUARIUS
The Greek name is Capricorni or Delphini. The nakshatra includes four white stars. The name is translated as «very famous» or «rich». Dhanishta is a demonic star of a low nature, ruled by Mars. The symbol of the nakshatra is a drum, which indicates an interest in or abilities for music. Dhanishta brings the owner of the horoscope luck far from his place of birth. The presiding deities of the nakshatra are the Ashta Vasavas (the Eight gods who control the brain cells).
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE BORN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DHANISHTA
Men
Tall, slender. They attain high qualification in any work, are very clever and have a broad outlook. They are reserved, know how to keep secrets, do not like to express their disagreement and do so at the last moment. They are vindictive, always remember offences and choose a convenient moment for revenge. They are mistrustful and cautious. They may become excellent advocates, since they can win any argument. They also make good historians and scholars. Progress in the career begins as early as the age of 24. Their material position changes after marriage. As a rule they have a good wife, but if there is a conjunction
of the Sun and Mercury in the horoscope — they may remain bachelors. They are attached to their brothers and sisters. They receive no help from relatives. Their health is not very good, and they do not take care of it. Diseases of the respiratory tract and anaemia are possible.
Women
They are beautiful, and their beauty does not fade for a long time. They have wide-ranging interests and seek perfection in everything. They are keen on literature and science. They help the weak. They may make good teachers, lecturers and researchers. They are excellent housewives. Their health is weak. Anaemia and diseases of the blood are possible.
The Moon in Dhanishta: A. Kern, V. Belinsky, M. Sholokhov, D. Kharms, I. Aivazovsky, D. Mendeleev, S. Kovalevskaya, Y. Sverdlov.
The Sun in Dhanishta: B. Pasternak, F. Chaliapin, V. Meyerhold, V. Kachalov, A. Pavlova, E. Vakhtangov, D. Mendeleev, A. Pavlova, H. Roerich.
IF THE MOON IS PLACED IN DHANISHTA AND ASPECTED BY OTHER PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST
The Moon in the 1st quarter, 23° 20’ — 26° 40’ of Capricorn
Ambition, rudeness, suspiciousness, passion. In women — problems with childbearing. If in a man’s horoscope Saturn or Mars is placed in the second quarter of Ashlesha and the Moon in this quarter — the wife may die during or after childbirth.
The Moon in the 2nd quarter, 26° 40’ — 30° of Capricorn
Wealth, optimism, enthusiasm, prudence, intelligence. At 20 and 25 — dangers to health.
The Moon in the 3rd quarter, 0 — 3° 20’ of Aquarius
Manliness, truthfulness, kindness, wealth. Diseases of the stomach are possible.
The Moon in the 4th quarter, 3° 20’ — 6° 40’ of Aquarius
Pride, rudeness. Two marriages, extramarital affairs are possible. A long life. On the left hand there is a mark: a mole or a scar. At the age of 5 the danger of fire or burns lies in wait for the owner of the horoscope, at 12 — the possibility of poisoning, at 28 — of an accident.
IF THE SUN IS PLACED IN DHANISHTA AND ASPECTED BY OTHER PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST
The Sun in the 1st quarter, 23° 20’ — 26° 40 ’ of Capricorn (birth on 7—10 February)
Selfishness, an inclination towards boastfulness.
The Sun in the 2nd quarter, 26° 40’ — 30° of Capricorn (birth on 11—13 February)
An attractive appearance, a nasty character, few friends.
The Sun in the 3rd quarter, 0 — 3°20’ of Aquarius (birth on 13—16 February)
Intellect, beauty. A long life. Sickliness.
The Sun in the 4th quarter, 3° 20’- 6° 40’ of Aquarius (birth on 16—20 February)
Luck, happiness, attractiveness, a love of music, good health. Until the age of 35 there are conflicts in the family, then they realise their mistakes, and harmony and peace come to family life. But relations with the father are never put right.
IF MARS IS PLACED IN DHANISHTA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST
Mars in the 1st quarter, 23° 20’ — 26° 40’ of Capricorn
This is the best position for Mars, which endows the owner of the horoscope with wealth, fame, happiness and an almost royal position.
Mars in the 2nd quarter, 26° 40 ’ — 30° of Capricorn
If Mars, placed in this quarter, aspects the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter, the owner of the horoscope, having been born in the lower strata of society, will rule an entire state. When the Moon is placed in the 4th quarter of Ashlesha and Mars — in the 2nd quarter of Dhanishta, the person will become an outstanding military commander and will master weapons to perfection. He will govern a country and will die at the age of 70 from a weapon or from fire.
Mars in the 3rd quarter, 0° — 3° 20’ of Aquarius
Intelligence, cunning, the acquisition of considerable property. This position of Mars indicates a profession connected with mechanics or chemistry. However, if the Moon and Mercury are conjunct in the horoscope, the owner of the horoscope may become a doctor. Mars aspected by Jupiter speaks of the profession of a teacher.
Mars in the 4th quarter, 3° 20’ — 6° 40’ of Aquarius
If Saturn aspects Mars placed in this quarter, the owner of the horoscope may suffer from epilepsy and tuberculosis. The owner of the horoscope may work in the production of iron and steel.
IF MERCURY IS PLACED IN DHANISHTA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST
Mercury in the 1st quarter, 26° 40 ’ — 26° 40 ’ of Capricorn
This position of Mercury gives the owner of the horoscope a subordinate position and constant debts. He is interested in music and art. Diseases of the blood and rheumatism are possible.
Mercury in the 2nd quarter, 26° 40* — 30° of Capricorn
Mercury alone in this quarter, without aspects, will make the owner of the horoscope a «ruler of large and small cities». But in family life he will have no happiness, since the owner of the horoscope will be attached to alcohol and to the opposite sex. At the age of 44 great health problems await him. Heart diseases are possible.
Mercury in the 3rd quarter, 0° — 3° 20* of Aquarius
The results mentioned in the 2nd quarter are also possible with Mercury placed in the 3rd quarter, but the owner of the horoscope will not be as rich, and at the age of 35 nervous diseases are possible.
Mercury in the 4th quarter, 3° 20*- 6° 40’ of Aquarius
If Mercury is conjunct Venus in a man’s horoscope, before marrying he will have to overcome several rivals. But after 7 years of marriage the spouses will live apart for a long time or will divorce. If the Sun and Saturn aspect the conjunction of Mercury and Venus, the death of the wife within 5 years of the marriage is possible.
IF JUPITER IS PLACED IN DHANISHTA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST
Jupiter in the 1st quarter, 23° 20*- 26° 40* of Capricorn
If Jupiter in this quarter is not aspected by the Moon, the owner of the horoscope will be poor and unhappy and will occupy a subordinate position.
Jupiter in the 2nd quarter, 26° 40* — 30° of Capricorn
An unaspected Jupiter in this quarter speaks of the profession of a teacher or a minor employee. If Mercury and Venus aspect Jupiter, the owner of the horoscope will be well educated and will become a competent astrologer. He will represent his community (city, country, nation) at various religious and cultural events. The owner of such a placement of Jupiter will travel a great deal.
Jupiter in the 3rd quarter, 0- 3° 20’ of Aquarius
If the Moon or the Sun aspects Jupiter in this quarter, the person will live far from his homeland. If before the age of 24 he has an unfavourable dasha operating in his horoscope, misfortunes in a foreign land await him, but after that age he will obtain some technical work.
Jupiter in the 4th quarter, 3° 20’ — 6° 40’ of Aquarius
This is a good position for Jupiter, which brings excellent health and many joys and pleasures in life; if Mercury aspects Jupiter, the owner of the horoscope will occupy a high administrative post.
IF VENUS IS PLACED IN DHANISHTA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST
Venus in the 1st quarter, 23° 20’ — 26° 40’ of Capricorn
Venus in this quarter speaks of a sickly marriage partner. The owner of the horoscope will have two children. If the lagna, aspected by Jupiter, is located in Hasta, this speaks of the early death of the marriage partner.
Venus in the 2nd quarter, 26° 40’ — 30° of Capricorn
A conjunction of Venus with Jupiter brings the owner of the horoscope a very high position, not only in the professional sphere but also in society. He will also have a close connection with representatives of the church and will earn a great deal of money. However, family happiness is unlikely.
Venus in the 3rd quarter, 0° — 3° 20’ of Aquarius
Venus in this quarter speaks of moderate wealth and moderate happiness. The marriage of the horoscope’s owner will take place at the age of 26. But if this quarter also becomes the ascendant and receives an aspect from Saturn and the Moon, the mother of the horoscope’s owner is in danger.
Venus in the 4th quarter, 3° 20’ — 6° 40’ of Aquarius
If in a man’s horoscope Venus occupies this quarter, he will always feel an inclination towards young girls. Outwardly he will give the impression of a noble and kind person, but in fact there will always be a reason for the display of these qualities.
IF SATURN IS PLACED IN DHANISHTA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST
Saturn in the 1st quarter, 23° 20’ — 26° 40’ of Capricorn
If Saturn is conjunct Mercury, wealth and all-round prosperity are to be expected. If in a man’s horoscope the Moon is placed in the 3rd quarter of Ashlesha and Saturn — in this quarter, the owner of the horoscope will occupy a high rank in the army or will become a major administrator, possibly the governor of a city or region (in the text — «the ruler of a city or province»). He will be changeable in his attachments, and the only woman to whom he will be devoted is his mother. The owner of the horoscope will live to the age of 70.
Saturn in the 2nd quarter, 26° 40’ — 30° of Capricorn
The owner of the horoscope will be plain-looking, perhaps even ugly. He will learn to control his feelings excellently and will never allow himself to display anger for no reason. A characteristic feature of Saturn’s placement in this quarter is that when the owner of the horoscope comes into contact with someone, his interlocutor sees before him a sweet, charming, decent and joyful person; the unpleasant impression of his appearance goes away and is replaced by respect and sympathy.
Saturn in the 3rd quarter, 0° — 3° 20’ of Aquarius
Tall stature, a pleasant appearance, graceful manners. He engages in research in the field of science or art. A man who is the owner of the horoscope is
addicted to women and alcohol. He is hot-tempered and may be rude and abrupt.
Saturn in the 4th quarter, 3° 20’ — 6° 40’ of Aquarius
The owner of the horoscope occupies a good position in society. If Saturn is aspected by Jupiter, the owner of the horoscope may become the head of a city or a village. He will receive considerable landed property from his marriage partner.
RAHU IN DHANISHTA
The 1st quarter, 23° 20* — 26° 40 ’ of Capricorn
Wealth, a good education, cunning, guile, cruelty, rejection by the family.
The 2nd quarter, 26° 40* — 30° of Capricorn
A good education and wealth are also noted. But if Rahu is aspected by Saturn, skin diseases may be observed.
The 3rd quarter, 0° — 3°20* of Aquarius
Stubbornness, cruelty; the owner of the horoscope constantly creates problems for those around him. If Rahu is aspected by the Sun or Mercury, the owner of the horoscope will unexpectedly attain a high position, but will just as unexpectedly lose everything. Trouble may be expected at 24, or at 31, or at 47.
The 4th quarter, 3° 20* — 6° 40* of Aquarius
If Rahu is conjunct the Moon and the lagna is located in Hasta, danger to the mother is to be expected when the owner of the horoscope is 7 years old. This position of Rahu in a man’s horoscope gives one brother, and in a woman’s — one sister.
KETU IN DHANISHTA
The 1st quarter, 23° 20* — 26° 40* of Capricorn
An inclination towards religion and philosophy. Hostile relations with one’s close relatives over property. If Ketu is aspected by a benefic planet, the owner of the horoscope will win the property disputes.
The 2nd quarter, 26 40* — 30° of Capricorn
Frequent accidents and crashes are possible. The owner of the horoscope will undergo some operation.
The 3rd quarter, 0° — 3° 20* of Aquarius
The theft of property from the owner of the horoscope is possible. If Ketu occupies this position in a woman’s horoscope, problems with the menstrual cycle and abortions are possible.
The 4th quarter, 3° 20’ — 6° 40’ of Aquarius
This quarter is more favourable for Ketu, and indicates that the owner of the horoscope will attain a high position in society, and one of his children will become famous and rich.
GENERAL REMARKS
Those who are born in Dhanishta will have difficult relationships with people who have the Moon placed in Purva Bhadrapada, Revati, Bharani and Anuradha. The ruler of the dasha of Dhanishta is Mars. He is followed by the periods of Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus and so on.