The Moon in Vishakha

The Moon in Vishakha gives strong purposefulness and persistence. The person sets big goals and is able to pursue them long and tenaciously until they get what they want.

About the nakshatra Vishakha

• Position: 20°–30° Libra; 0°–3°20′ Scorpio (the 16th of the 27 nakshatras); for the Moon in the sign, see Moon in Libra, Moon in Scorpio.
• Ruler: Jupiter.
• Deity: Indra and Agni (Indragni).
• Symbol: a triumphal arch, a potter's wheel.
• Gana: rakshasa.
• Full description: the nakshatra Vishakha.

Mind and emotions

The name Vishakha is translated as "the branched one"; its symbol is a triumphal arch, and its deities are Indra and Agni, strength and fire. This Moon knows what she wants and is ready to work for it. The first three padas lie in Libra, where the mind is more diplomatic, and the last one in Scorpio, the sign of the Moon's debilitation: the point of deepest debilitation falls at 3° Scorpio, within the fourth pada. Jupiter as the ruler gives idealism and an interest in knowledge.

Vishakha's second symbol, the potter's wheel, speaks of patient work in which form is born from many turns. The person tends to devote themselves wholly to one task for a time and, once it is achieved, to look straight away for the next summit.

Strengths and difficulties

The strengths are ambition, focus, a capacity for long work and the ability to inspire others to reach a common goal. Vishakha supports politics, research, business, teaching, sport, and religious and public activity. Success often comes to such a person not at once, but for a long time.

The difficulties are intolerance of obstacles, jealousy of others' success and a tendency towards rivalry. Sometimes the goal becomes more important than people. Learning to enjoy the journey and not only the result makes this Moon calmer.

Relationships

In relationships the Moon in Vishakha is passionate and devoted but can be jealous. She needs a partner who shares her goals or respects her ambitions. Shared tasks and mutual recognition of achievements strengthen the union.

The four padas

• 1st pada (20°–23°20′ Libra). Aries navamsha: energy, initiative, a strong desire to win.
• 2nd pada (23°20′–26°40′ Libra). Taurus navamsha: practicality, taste, a striving for material stability.
• 3rd pada (26°40′–30° Libra). Gemini navamsha: sociability, intellectual interests, the ability to persuade.
• 4th pada (0°–3°20′ Scorpio). Cancer navamsha: deep emotionality and sensitivity; the Moon's point of debilitation lies here, so its connections and aspects are especially important.

The first mahadasha

The first mahadasha for the Moon in Vishakha is the period of Jupiter (16 years in full). The further the Moon has advanced through the nakshatra, the less of this period remains at birth. Then comes the 19-year mahadasha of Saturn. The Jupiter mahadasha in childhood and youth is usually favourable for study and for the support of elders, if Jupiter is strong in the chart.

The solar version of Vishakha is described on the page The Sun in Vishakha. You can find out the pada of your Moon and the dates of the dashas by drawing up a birth chart online.