The Moon in Mrigashira
The Moon in Mrigashira gives an inquisitive, searching mind that is always exploring and comparing something. The person is gentle in communication but inwardly restless, constantly looking for something new — knowledge, an impression, a place.
About the nakshatra Mrigashira
- Position: 23°20′–30° Taurus; 0°–6°40′ Gemini (the 5th of the 27 nakshatras); for the Moon in the sign, see Moon in Taurus, Moon in Gemini.
- Ruler: Mars.
- Deity: Soma, the deity of the Moon.
- Symbol: a deer's head.
- Gana: deva (divine).
- Full description: the nakshatra Mrigashira.
Mind and emotions
The symbol of Mrigashira is a deer's head: a sensitive, cautious and curious animal that is always listening. The deity Soma links the nakshatra with the Moon itself, so Chandra feels natural here. The first two padas lie in Taurus and the other two in Gemini; in Taurus the search is more sensual and practical, in Gemini more intellectual. Mars as the ruler gives the mind energy and a wish to act.
The sign the Moon occupies matters: in Taurus (the first two padas) it is in the sign of its exaltation and feels steadier, in Gemini it is more mobile and nervous. So the two halves of Mrigashira differ noticeably in temperament while sharing the common motif of searching.
Strengths and difficulties
The strengths are a spirit of inquiry, subtle perception, politeness and the ability to find the right approach to people. Such people work well with information, texts, travel, research, trade and music. They learn fast and switch easily between tasks.
The difficulty is dissatisfaction: it seems that the best is still ahead, and this gets in the way of valuing what has already been found. Indecision, suspiciousness and frequently changing interests are possible. The habit of bringing at least one search to its end and drawing conclusions helps.
Relationships
In relationships Mrigashira is tender and attentive and loves courtship and conversation. She needs intellectual companionship and a little freedom. Doubts about the choice of partner are typical of this Moon; stability comes when the couple keeps a shared interest in discovery.
The four padas
- 1st pada (23°20′–26°40′ Taurus). Leo navamsha: confidence, generosity, a wish to shine; the search is aimed at recognition.
- 2nd pada (26°40′–30° Taurus). Virgo navamsha: an analytical, practical mind, a love of detail and craft.
- 3rd pada (0°–3°20′ Gemini). Libra navamsha: diplomacy, taste, an interest in art and partnership.
- 4th pada (3°20′–6°40′ Gemini). Scorpio navamsha: the most passionate pada, depth of research and strong emotions.
The first mahadasha
The Moon in Mrigashira opens the Vimshottari cycle with the mahadasha of Mars, whose full length is 7 years; at birth only the part of it remains that corresponds to the stretch of the nakshatra the Moon has not yet travelled. It is followed by the period of Rahu (18 years). The Mars period in childhood often brings activity, sport, rivalry with peers and an emphasis on relations with brothers and sisters.
Read how Mrigashira shows itself in the solar part of the chart on the page The Sun in Mrigashira. The sign, the pada of the Moon and the start of the first dasha are shown by a birth chart.