Shatabhisha Nakshatra

24. Shatabhisha (6°40′ — 20° of Aquarius)

Varahamihira: Those who have the Moon in Shatabhisha will be sharp in their speech but truthful; they will endure misfortunes but will defeat their enemies; they will be careless in taking employment and will lead an independent way of life.

General indications: The symbol of Shatabhisha is an empty circle, and its deity is Varuna, the Vedic god of the heavenly and earthly waters. The circle carries within itself the idea of gathering one’s own, since its circumference divides space into the inner and the outer. The circumference simultaneously protects what is inside from some external dangers and prevents it from uniting with a more encompassing whole, thereby isolating it and keeping it captive. The coastline fences an object off from the water, just as the horizon, the limit of visibility, borders the sky. Under the power of Shatabhisha are storehouses, cisterns, tanks, lakes, armaments and defence, outer garments and coverings. It is usually considered that Shatabhisha covers, veils the essence of things in order to keep them secret or hide them from prying eyes. This asterism rules over traps and paralyses — in the literal and the figurative sense. The empty circle may be understood as «zero» — a sophisticated mathematical concept which in some philosophical systems serves as a designation for Non-being, lying beyond all manifested forms. Alcoholic drinks are also ruled by Shatabhisha, possibly because of its ruling deity (one of the varieties of wine in Ancient India was called varuni).

If the lagna or the Moon occupies Shatabhisha, this may signify a personality who prefers solitude, is dreamy and contemplative, and is inclined to limit himself in food. Many of those born under the stars of Shatabhisha are personalities of a scientific, philosophical or mystical cast. In their affairs serious failures are sometimes possible, sometimes because they begin to «assert their rights» at the wrong moment, and sometimes because of rudeness, from which they make enemies and drive away well-wishers. Diseases whose causes are in Shatabhisha are very difficult to cure and may require the intervention of «a hundred physicians» (one of the possible translations of «shata-bhisha»). Sometimes only the Ashvini Kumaras (see Ashwini, above) are able to cure diseases rooted in Shatabhisha, since these tend to proceed with complications and to become chronic.

Physiology and diseases: The mouth; the right hip.

Professions, people and places of habitation: All who are connected with the sky: astronomers, astrologers, aircraft builders, rocket testers and so on. Observatories and planetariums. Those who engage in science-intensive medical treatment of complex and hard-to-cure diseases, for example AIDS researchers and chemotherapists. Organisations that care for public welfare. Murderers, cruel people, those who hunt for amusement, those who set traps. People connected with electricity and other modern kinds of energy: electricians, nuclear physicists, specialists in gravitational fields and so on.

Shatabhisha (Sanskrit: शतभिषा) is a group of a hundred pale stars in the heart of the constellation Aquarius.

Zodiac: 6°40′ — 20°00′ of Aquarius
Ruling planet: Rahu (the north node of the Moon)
Symbol: a circle, a hundred flowers
Deity: Varuna
Varna/caste: butchers, executioners
Goal: dharma
Origin: demonic
Temperament: temporary, movable (chara)
Guna: tamas
Gender: female
Quality: mobility
Ayurvedic constitution: Vata
Element: ether
Direction: the sector from south-west to south-east
Body parts: the jaws
Animal: a horse
Sounds: go, sa, si, su
Enemy: Hasta

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

To create an atmosphere of unity that would promote healing and perfection.

Secretiveness, ensuring secrecy — these are characteristic properties of Shatabhisha. It conceals the essence of things, hides it from prying eyes. Shatabhisha always tries to gain access to what is hidden, and draws strength from this. It is no less interested in unravelling secrets than in keeping them.

Shatabhisha is one of the nakshatras most closely connected with the media, especially the electronic media. In the modern world the mass media work on the basis of two principles — suppression and deceit. They know the truth about the ruling power, while ordinary people receive a «smokescreen». Shatabhisha people are true masters of humbug.

Suspiciousness is strongly pronounced in the character of Shatabhisha. Those who are under its influence usually need time to get used to new things, thoughts, places and people. Suspiciousness makes them stay on their guard, but this is only an attempt to protect themselves from pain. They create hard-to-overcome boundaries around themselves, and this complicates attempts to become close to them. Usually they are introverts, hermits, eccentric persons and recluses. The plus of this peculiarity is the ability to be alone. Solitude strengthens contemplativeness, which promotes the attainment of wisdom and enlightenment. In the worst case withdrawal engenders pessimism and self-pity.

Shatabhisha loves to get to the bottom of the truth. And although Shatabhisha personalities are usually quiet and reserved, they may blurt out a harsh truth at the most inopportune moment. This is perhaps Shatabhisha’s greatest problem on the path to success, especially material success.

Personalities who are under the strong influence of Shatabhisha, as a rule, do not have a proper upbringing in childhood and youth, suffer from insufficient attention and care, and do not receive an appropriate education. They often have to create for themselves the rules of interaction with the modern coarse world, which adds coarseness to them as well. They have a cold, calculating head and a tendency to suppress their emotional sphere.

Shatabhisha people may be careless with regard to their appearance and clothing, and absent-minded. Their negative peculiarities include laziness, dependence, perversion, vulnerability of any type, and mental and emotional disorders. Their positive qualities are enterprise, moderation, discernment, a philosophical attitude to the world, a striving for truth and an unblinkered perception.

On the material plane Shatabhisha knows how to turn everything into zero. For example, if someone has the lord of the 2nd house located in Shatabhisha, he has most likely had an experience of destitution or of the complete loss of his family at some stage of life.

Shatabhisha symbolises selfless help and healing. High vital force, boldness, industriousness, ambitiousness and secretiveness — these are the qualities of a person in whom it is strong.

If the Moon is in Shatabhisha under favourable aspects, the changes in life will be positive; if, however, the aspects are unfavourable, there will be suffering, depression and apathy.

Diseases caused by a planet in this nakshatra, beginning from the day of the Moon’s transit over the nakshatra, are very complex, serious and hard to cure. It is considered that only Ashwini can cure them.

The symbol of the nakshatra is an empty circle, which has to do with everything cyclical. A striving towards intoxicants is possible, since its deity is Soma, the divine drunkard.

Mula and Shatabhisha are the most ascetic, separated and philosophical nakshatras.

Men

A broad forehead, a prominent nose, attractive eyes, a soft body and a small belly.

They possess a magnificent memory and are born with certain principles from which they do not depart under any circumstances. For the sake of truth they are ready to sacrifice even their own life. At the same time they are distinguished by soft-heartedness.

Their motto is selfless service. They prefer to follow religious traditions. They take decisions once and for all. Shatabhisha men are reasonable and effective in various spheres of life. These people possess a natural modesty and shyness, and therefore cannot present their own talents. They are irascible, but calm down quickly.

Until the age of 34 they experience difficulties in the professional sphere; after that a period of progress comes. The professions of astrologer, psychologist, healer, doctor and investigator suit them. There may be literary abilities, which manifest already in the young years.

Usually relatives cause trouble and problems. Most often they do not receive love and support from the father, but receive enough care and attention from the mother. The family life of a Shatabhisha man is not very happy, although the wife possesses all the qualities of a good partner. In those cases where afflictions of Saturn and Jupiter can be traced in the natal chart, these people may not marry at all.

The healthy appearance of these men is deceptive — they endure any physical problems with difficulty. They are inclined to diseases of the genitourinary system and the respiratory tract, and to diabetes. Since this type is excessively attached to sexual pleasures, they not infrequently contract venereal diseases. Getting chilled often leads to a cold.

Women

Tall, slender, elegant. Plump lips and large cheeks stand out on the face.

They have a calm, soft character, but are sometimes hot-tempered, which may lead to family disagreements. They are religious and God-fearing. They are compassionate and generous. They do not expect a reward for their good deeds. Such actions lead to a lack of understanding on the part of the family. They possess a good memory. They may engage in scientific activity and research. They are good doctors.

On the whole their personal life is not very happy because of possible separation from the husband or widowhood.

Their illnesses are connected with the genitourinary and respiratory systems.

The padas (quarters)

The first pada of the nakshatra Shatabhisha (6°40′ — 20°00′ of Aquarius) falls into the navamsha of Sagittarius, which is under the rulership of Jupiter. Manliness, stubbornness, religiousness and truthfulness. This pada brings luck into the native’s life and instils optimism. Fanaticism in convictions may be traced. Two or more marriages are possible.

The second pada of the nakshatra Shatabhisha (10°00′ — 13°20′ of Aquarius) falls into the navamsha of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Practicality, organisation, pride, sometimes haughtiness. A desire to satisfy material needs. Often those born in this pada have excessive ambitions.

The third pada of the nakshatra Shatabhisha (13°20′ — 16°40′ of Aquarius) falls into the navamsha of Aquarius, ruled by Saturn. This pada represents the visionary, futuristic and philosophical side of this nakshatra. In its negative aspect it may give excessively eccentric and rebellious people — slaves of their passions. Planets placed in this pada often work well on the material plane: wealth comes to a person, which is, however, squandered on pleasures.

The fourth pada of the nakshatra Shatabhisha (16°40′ — 20°00′ of Aquarius) falls into the navamsha of Pisces, ruled by Jupiter. With a favourable placement this pada gives great healing abilities and compassion. Birth in this pada favours engaging in activity for which a good imagination is necessary, for example film production. Benevolence and a cheerful disposition manifest in the character.
The ruling planet

The chief ruler of the nakshatra is Rahu. Shatabhisha is the peak of his energy. In its highest manifestation this nakshatra personifies the intellectual and philosophical side of Rahu. Rahu is a force that is able to destroy the boundaries of races, ages, statuses, nationalities and religions in order to appeal to humanity.

In its lowest manifestation Rahu abets the production and sale of all types of alcohol, drugs and chemical poisons. The indications of Rahu connected with intoxicants are under the rulership of Shatabhisha. How the planets placed in Shatabhisha will manifest in a person’s character will depend on Rahu.

Saturn is also connected with this nakshatra, being the ruler of Aquarius. Such qualities of Saturn as coldness, slowness, taciturnity, discipline, persistence and impartiality are inherent in Shatabhisha. However, contemplativeness and organisation are most clearly expressed in it.

The combination Rahu-Saturn conveys the energy of this nakshatra. Mercury, Venus and Rahu act beneficially in it; Saturn does fairly well in Shatabhisha, but it may give an inclination towards melancholy.

Professions

Specialists of the aerospace industry, design engineers of spacecraft. Pilots, astronauts, astronomers, space researchers. Radar experts, radio operators. Nuclear physicists and physicists in general. Electricians and all who work with electricity. Those who work in the production of plastic and silicone, in the oil industry. Professions connected with the sea, the automotive industry, motor sport. Martial arts instructors, masters of martial arts. Hunters. Those who work in the film and television industry, film stars. Models, stylists and photographers in the fashion industry. Professions connected with the production and sale of alcohol and drugs. Pimps and prostitutes. Specialists in waste removal and rubbish processing. Detectives. Experts in puzzles. Researchers and inventors. Writers in the science fiction genre. Gurus of yoga and meditation. Astrologers. Herbalists. Doctors, surgeons, radiologists, chemotherapists. Those who work in the pharmaceutical industry.
Places

Oceans and sea coasts. Outer space, space stations, airports, observatories and planetariums. Factories and plants, physical and chemical laboratories, drilling rigs. Nuclear dumps and dumps in general, processing plants, treatment facilities and reservoirs. Bars and night clubs, especially those where «techno» music is played. Hospitals, phytotherapy centres. Temples, chapels, yoga and zen centres, meditation centres. Film and television studios. Hunting grounds. All places connected with the professions listed above.
Favourable activity during this nakshatra

Signing contracts, concluding deals with land and real estate. Acquiring new cars. Technological activity. Media events. Education and learning. Studying astronomy and astrology. Travel, especially by water, visiting the sea coast. Riding bicycles and motorcycles. Entertainment events. Sexual activity. Treatment, rejuvenation and undergoing procedures aimed at extending life. Meditation and yoga.
Unfavourable activity during this nakshatra

The beginning of any undertakings. Entering into marriage. The treatment of infertility. Matters connected with the law, court disputes. Negative activity connected with the display of anger. The display of social activity, communication. Resolving financial matters. Buying new clothes and jewellery. Domestic activity.

Diseases

Problems with the heart, the ankles, the ankle joints and the jaws. Arthritis, rheumatism, hypertension and weakness of the bones are possible.

THE TWENTY-FOURTH STAR — SHATABHISHA 6° 40’ — 20° OF AQUARIUS

The Greek name is Aquarii. The name is translated as «100 healers». The nakshatra consists of a hundred little stars.
Shatabhisha is a demonic star of a low nature, ruled by the strong and ominous planet Rahu. The presiding deity is Varuna, the god of rain and water, and also the experienced physician of the gods. People who are born under the influence of Shatabhisha have an inclination towards medicine and healing. Shatabhisha is also known as «the covering, masking star», which indicates a quiet, calm disposition in the owner of the horoscope or the fact that on the path of self-expression he will meet many obstacles.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE BORN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SHATABHISHA

Men
An aristocratic appearance, attractive eyes. They have a developed intellect and an excellent memory. They are principled; conflicts with those around them are possible. In an astonishing way both the good and the bad coexist in them. For the sake of truth they may sacrifice their life. They change a decision taken with difficulty. They are hot-tempered but quick to forgive. As a rule they are eloquent and well educated. 

Until the age of 34 — difficulties in the career, after that constant progress. They can perform any work well. They make excellent doctors, psychologists or astrologers. They have literary
abilities. They usually receive a higher education. They have a loving and caring mother, but receive no support from the father. Relatives cause them much trouble. They may remain bachelors, but if they marry, their family life cannot be called happy. They have weak health. Diabetes, diseases of the genitourinary system and the respiratory organs, and venereal diseases are possible.

Women
Tall, slender, elegant, very beautiful. Calm, religious, they have a good memory. They may become good doctors or researchers in the field of medicine. They love their husband, but in family life they have many problems.

The Moon in Shatabhisha: I. Levitan, V. Komissarzhevskaya.
The Sun in Shatabhisha: D. Kharms, N. Ge, B. Kustodiev, N. Krupskaya, O. Yankovsky, K. Malevich.

IF THE MOON OR THE SUN IS PLACED IN SHATABHISHA, THE CHARACTERISTICS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST

The Moon in the 1st quarter, 6° 40* — 10° of Aquarius
Courage, stubbornness, religiousness, truthfulness. Wealth is possible. They may become good doctors. They have two or more than two marriages. Dangerous years: 5, 12, 28.

The Moon in the 2nd quarter, 10° — 13° 20* of Aquarius
Pride, haughtiness, an inclination towards astrology. The owner of the horoscope will have one marriage and one child. In his life he will constantly experience ups and downs. At the age of 28 — the danger of an accident.

The Moon in the 3rd quarter, 13° 20* — 16° 40* of Aquarius
The owner of the horoscope is a slave of his passions, a dishonest person. He receives patronage and help, wealth comes to him, and he squanders it on pleasures.

The Moon in the 4th quarter, 16° 40’- 20° of Aquarius
Benevolence, a cheerful disposition, pride. A long life. At 5, 12 and 30 — the possibility of accidents or danger from water. If the Sun and Mars are in the 1st quarter of Uttara Phalguni and the Moon in the 4th quarter of Shatabhisha — an early death.

The Sun in the 1st quarter, 6° 40’ — 1° of Aquarius (birth on 21—24 February)
If Saturn is located in Purva Phalguni, the death of children is possible.

The Sun in the 2nd quarter, 10 — 13° 20’ of Aquarius (birth on 24—26 February)
If a person was born at the new moon and the lagna was located in Uttara Bhadrapada — blindness is possible. If this combination is afflicted by Mars — a complete loss of sight.

The Sun in the 3rd quarter, 13° 20’ -16° 40’ of Aquarius (birth on 26 February — 1 March)
The possibility of emigration. Danger from fire.

The Sun in the 4th quarter, 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius (birth on 1—4 March)
Cruelty, stubbornness, a desire to live at the expense of others. If the Sun is aspected by Jupiter — wealth, comfort, a high social position.

IF MARS IS PLACED IN SHATABHISHA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST

Mars in the 1st quarter, 6° 40’ — 10° of Aquarius
The owner of the horoscope will have a good character, but bad people will surround him. He will look after his own family and help acquaintances.

Mars in the 2nd quarter, 10° — 13° 20’ of Aquarius
If this quarter also becomes the lagna and Venus is placed in Magha, the owner of the horoscope may die at an early age, when Mars again passes over its natal position.

Mars in the 3rd quarter, 13° 20’ — 16° 40’ of Aquarius
If the Sun is located in Magha and the lagna and Mars are placed in this quarter of Shatabhisha, the child may die in infancy.

Mars in the 4th quarter, 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius
Help from an elder brother, a joint, prosperous business. Asthma or diseases of the lungs are possible.

IF MERCURY IS PLACED IN SHATABHISHA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST

Mercury in the 1st quarter, 6° 40’ — 10° of Aquarius
A person who has Mercury placed in this quarter will have a business jointly with his brother. Success will come to him after the age of 33. When the lagna is located in Hasta and Mercury — in this quarter, it is possible that the owner of the horoscope will live until the age of 11.

Mercury in the 2nd quarter, 10° — 13° 20’ of Aquarius
The brother of the horoscope’s owner will be rich (his horoscope must have a strong dhana yoga) and will help in business. If Mercury is conjunct Venus in a man’s horoscope — the marriage will take place at the age of 25, and in the case of a woman’s horoscope — at 22.

Mercury in the 3rd quarter, 13° 20’ — 16° 40’ of Aquarius
If Mercury is conjunct Saturn, the owner of the horoscope will occupy a good position in society. A conjunction of Mercury with Mars will bring many misfortunes and sorrows to the owner of the horoscope until the age of 31, and afterwards a stable life full of prosperity awaits him, mainly thanks to the wealth of his marriage partner, but there will be no family happiness or mutual understanding between the spouses.

Mercury in the 4th quarter, 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius
in the 28th year of his life. If Mercury is conjunct the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter, the owner of the horoscope will be born into a very rich family, but will live in poverty.

IF JUPITER IS PLACED IN SHATABHISHA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST

Jupiter in the 1st quarter, 6° 40’ — 10° of Aquarius
A person who has Jupiter placed in this quarter, and his mother, will face enormous difficulties and want. Relatives, not the father, will help them. But on reaching mature age the owner of the horoscope will take a well-paid and prestigious post. At the age of 31 there is the possibility of an accident from fire or from a car.

Jupiter in the 2nd quarter, 10°- 13° 20’ of Aquarius
If Saturn is located in Magha and Jupiter occupies this quarter, the owner of the horoscope will marry a woman much older than himself. If in addition Venus is placed in Rohini, the wife of the horoscope’s owner will hold a well-paid post. Disharmony in the marriage is possible until the age of 35, after which relations become stable.

Jupiter in the 3rd quarter, 13° 20’- 16° 40’ of Aquarius
The owner of the horoscope is the eldest child in the family. If the lagna falls in Ashlesha, death in infancy is possible.

Jupiter in the 4th quarter, 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius
The characteristics described in the 3rd quarter are applicable here as well, with only one difference: an unaspected Jupiter placed alone in this quarter will give the owner of the horoscope a long but unremarkable life.

IF VENUS IS PLACED IN SHATABHISHA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST

Venus in the 1st quarter, 6° 40’ — 10° of Aquarius
An early marriage (before the age of 20). A happy life.

Venus in the 2nd quarter, 10° — 13° 20’ of Aquarius
A man who has Venus occupying this position in his horoscope may succeed in chemistry, while a woman will become a nurse or a nanny, or a
secretary. Also, as in the previous quarter, an early marriage is noted.

Venus in the 3rd quarter, 13° 20’ — 16° 40’ of Aquarius
The owner of the horoscope will be endowed with attractive traits of character. This position of Venus in a man’s horoscope speaks of marriage at the age of 26, and in a woman’s horoscope — at 19.

Venus in the 4th quarter, 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius
If Venus is conjunct Mercury, the owner of the horoscope will be in government service. He will begin to work very early and will rise from a low post to the very heights. In some cases an interrupted education is also noted.

IF SATURN IS PLACED IN SHATABHISHA AND ASPECTED BY VARIOUS PLANETS, THE RESULTS DESCRIBED UNDER SHRAVANA MANIFEST

Saturn in the 1st quarter, 6° 40’ — 10° of Aquarius
Wealth, family happiness. The owner of the horoscope is sincere, has good manners and works hard. He may devote his life to scientific research and attain honour and fame.

Saturn in the 2nd quarter, 10° — 13° 20’ of Aquarius
An ardent nature, temperament, coarse speech. An inclination towards extramarital affairs. 

Saturn in the 3rd quarter, 13° 20’-16° 40’ of Aquarius
Many abilities, diplomacy, the ability to solve the most difficult tasks.

Saturn in the 4th quarter, 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius
Life far from the place of birth, wealth, family happiness. In old age the owner of the horoscope will return to his homeland. At the age of 55 the marriage partner will be seriously ill, and the owner of the horoscope will spend almost all his fortune on the treatment.

RAHU IN SHATABHISHA

The 2nd quarter, 10° — 13° 20’ of Aquarius
If this quarter becomes the ascendant and has an aspect from a malefic planet, an early death is possible. If Rahu is aspected by Jupiter, a high position in society and family happiness are to be expected.

The 3rd quarter, 130 20’ — 16° 40’ of Aquarius
Rahu conjunct Saturn in this quarter will make the owner of the horoscope a thief and a smuggler. But this same position may also indicate that the person will become the head of a city or a village.

The 4th quarter> 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius
Rahu in this quarter forms an ominous combination when it is conjunct the Moon and the lagna is located in Ashlesha or Hasta. In this case the mother of the horoscope’s owner will die early, and the father will abandon the child.

KETU IN SHATABHISHA

The 1st quarter, 6° 40’ — 10° of Aquarius
If Ketu is not conjunct favourable planets, the owner of the horoscope will suffer much in his life. If Ketu is conjunct the Sun and Mercury and aspected by Jupiter, then, on the contrary, the person’s life will be prosperous and happy; he will be excellently educated and will attain renown in the academic field or will become an outstanding engineer.

The 2nd quarter, 10°- 13° 20’ of Aquarius
To the characteristics described in the 1st quarter is added a predisposition to a stomach ulcer or bronchitis.

The 3rd quarter, 13° 20’ — 16° 40’ of Aquarius
If there is no aspect from Jupiter, complete disappointment in life awaits the owner of the horoscope. His property may be stolen or confiscated by the government.

The 4th quarter, 16° 40’ — 20° of Aquarius
A loss of fortune and the forfeiture of might and power are possible. A male owner of the horoscope will be scandalously caught in liaisons with women occupying a lower position. But after the age of 40 he will settle down.

GENERAL REMARKS

Those who are born under Shatabhisha will have difficult relationships with people born under Uttara Bhadrapada, Ashwini, Krittika and Dhanishta. The maximum life span of people who have the Moon occupying Shatabhisha is 88 years. The ruler of the dasha is Rahu, followed by the periods of Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu and Venus.

DESTRUCTIVE DEGREES

Mercury -7° of Aquarius
Mars -11° of Aquarius
Jupiter -15° of Aquarius
Saturn -13° of Aquarius
Rahu -18° of Aquarius
Ketu -13° of Aquarius
Moon — 20° of Aquarius

If in the horoscope these planets occupy the corresponding degrees, a person’s life span is shortened. One should be careful whenever the planets pass over their deadly degrees and should not undertake any important matters.