We now move into the first complete star in virgo viz hasta. In fact, it is the only star which falls fully in virgo–Uttaraphalguni has only 3 quarters in virgo while chitra has only 2 quarters in it.
A person born in the first quarter of hasta is revengeful and victorious over enemies ; in the second quarter one has artistic talents and gives top priority to sensual enjoyments ; in the third quarter, one has the blessings of goddess saraswathi and in the fourth quarter one who follows moral law and one who is lived by everyone.
Kshipra or Laghu nakshatras are those nakshatras which favor all the deeds which require speed, Skill, Dexterity and Efficiency. These stars are hasta, Pushya and aswini. Trade, sensual pleasures, sports, education, decorations, ornamentation, fine arts, skilled Labor, Medical treatment,Journeys, Business, Learning Sciptures, Wearing Jewellery are all activities found by hasta.
Hasta is a “Tiryag Mukh nakshatra” meaning it favors activities that are favourable for purchase and training of quadrupeds, journey on water – land – air , learning to drive vehicles, singing, playing of musical instruments and construction of roads.
In this context I will explain how a “Tiryag Mukh” star differs from an “Adho mukha” or an “urdhuva mukha” star. When we construct a building, the activity shows upward growth whereas when we dig a well or mine, the activity is below the earth. For the formal activities, “Urdhuva mukha “ star are preferable while “Adho mukha” star favors the latter activities.
Sarvartha siddhi yoga is an auspicious yoga which favors success in all endeavors and therefore eminently suitable as a muhurta. Two considerations involving Hastam star are as follows :-
1.On a Sunday, Hasta star coinciding with panchami or saptami
2.On a Sunday, Hasta star coinciding with thithis 1,4,6,7 or 12.
The highly inauspicious venaasayoga is formed when Hastam star falls on a Saturday when the thitti is Tritiya, Saptami, Navami or Ekadasi.
The stars 9,18 and 27 come under a category called “parama maithra” or extremely friendly stars. However this rule is not true in hundred percent if the cases. For example the 27th star is unsuitable for marriage, travel and sharing. The 22nd star though a “Ksherma” nakshatra is a “vainasika” nakshatra about destruction and therefore to be avoided. This “Vainasaka” theory does not hold good when birth star is rohini,pushya,makha, hasta, uttaraphalguni, chitra, Anuradha, Purvashadrapada, Uttarashadrapada and revathi.
For eating new grains and for the first use of flowers, fruits and leaves, hasta is agood star. For agricultural harvest, Hasta is a good star. For agricultural harvest, gathering and sharing, this is a good star.
For ploughing, Hasta is a good star. The same holds good for sowing seeds and planting from this discussion we can safely conclude that hasta star is an ally of the diligent farmer, aiding and abetting all his agrarian activities. Beds and mats can be put to use for the first time in hasta star.
Accounting, book keeping and business transactions including buying and selling, Hasta is auspicious. This star is good for opening a shop. It is suitable for all kinds of investments. For taking steps to conceive children, this is a favourable star.
In this matter certain biological rhythms relating to the menstrual period of a woman need special mention. Usually bathing after menses is on the 4th day from the date of commencement of menses. If the start of menses commences when the is in an anupanchaya bhava reckoned from the Janma lagna aspected by Mars, then that period is likely to lead to conception.
Assume for a moment, a woman is born in aries lagna. If menses starts on a day when moon is in Gemini, Virgo, Capricon or Auarium, then that cycle will not prove successful. Let us assume moon is in leo and mars is in aquarius. Now all the conditions are fulfilled as moon is placed in a non-upachaya bhava and gets aspected by mars. Then that cycle would prove to be a harbinger of success.
There are some couples who are anxious to have children while others try to postpone the event. For both categories, the above rules would be of use, provided they are willing to take astrological factors into consideration for running their day – to – day lives.
To ensure for the first time is an important samskara that has a bearing on health and longetivity. Normally we go to a barber when we reach a stage when our hair becomes unmanageable. This is in stark contrast to our ancestors, who saw in an ordinary mundane matter like a haircut, an activity which would influence our life either positively or negatively. Please note that when we are on the subject of Chowla, we are talking about the haircut of a newborn child, which is done when the child is 3 years of age.
Tonsure is best done in Uttarayana and Suklapaksha. Some scholars opine that even when the moon is waning, the thithis tile Pancham would still be auspicious. If this theory is accepted, then the first five thithis from Amavasya, need to be rejected for want of moon’s Pakshabala. A child becomes lustrous when tonsure is done in Hasta star.
It is also believed that when Chowlam is done in the solar month of Capricorn it bestows prosperity; Aquarius, progeny; Pisces, happiness; Aries, all kinds of grains; Taurus, success and Gemini, prosperity of the family.
In respect of tonsure these are four precautions which need to be observed
i) Tonsure should not be done during the pregnancy of child’s mother.
ii) Tonsure should not be done when the child’s mother has their periods.
iii) When a marriage in the family has taken place, for the next six months this function should not be held.
iv) When an Upanayana has taken place in the family it should not be done for six months.
When new clothes are worn on Hastam star, one gets very good clothes. Hastam is the best start for construction of dining halls. In general for construction to commence, this star is auspicious. Two points need attention in this context:
1.Mars in Hastam on a Tuesday is inauspicious for construction as it harms children.
2.Mercury in Hasta on Wednesday is very auspicious.
For learning any craft, say, painting, handicrafts, sculpture Hasta is a good star.
In olden times, crimes would be detected by forcing the suspect to undergo a divine test or forcing him to prove his innocence in front of a deity. Development of forensic science, placement of closed circuit cameras and surveillance have vastly changed the methodology in crime detection and prevention. To do a lie detector test, Hasta is an auspicious star. Hasta also favours education in general, dance, music and acting in particular.
For wearing ear ornaments, piercing the ear is a necessity. Some opine that piercing the ear is similar to acupuncture and promotes health. This activity is recommended in Hasta star. Grammar, Logic or Astrology can be mastered if the classes commence on a day ruled by Hasta. This star is suitable to employ a servant.
The following if present constitute Saraswathi Yoga
1.Lagna is Gemini or Virgo
2.Day is Wednesday
3.Star is Hasta
4.Sun, Moon and Mercury occupy Gemini or Virgo in Navamsa.
The above Yoga is specifically recommended for commencement of the study of Vedas. For cutting nails, shaving and grooming hair, Hasta is a good star. According to Kalaprakasika, Hasta is a good star for Grahapravesh or entering a new house.
In litigation, involving land matters one must ensure that Mercury is well placed. Scooping out a handful of Earth at a time when Moon is in the fourth pada of Bharani, Ardra, Vishaka or Hasta enables one to gain possession of land when there is litigation over that property.
A disease which commences in Hasta gets cured in a week’s time. For intake of laxatives and purgatives or for giving enema, this star is favoured. Hasta is an auspicious star for the coronation of a king.
For the “Seemantha” function, Hasta is an auspicious star. Hasta is a good star to travel especially for a person who has Moon in Taurus in the natal chart. Hasta is also a good star to drive a vehicle for the first time.