The second asterism in the Nakshatra system of lunar mansions of 27 is Bharani, also known as Bhaga.
Bharani (Bhaga)
Bharani means the filler, and bhaga means part or composite (although colloquially it also means the horse running). Bhaga also bears an inference to the goddess Bhageshwari.
Bharani represents the star that bears the world, and in that is the foundation of goddess energy.
Interestingly, this is also a constellation that represents the god of Death Yama. Apa-Bharani(the upper as a prefix to name) was known in the old system as Ap-sarani which by definition means celestial goddess and dancer. In the olden system, this was the last or the 27th Nakshatra indicating the last stage of the heavenly cycle.
For us, on the other hand, it is merely the second.
The latin word for this constellation is Musca, and its arabic star name is Al-Botein, and it is part of the Zodiac constellation Aries. The planet that rules it of course is Venus. While Musca as a constellation means ‘The Fly’, Al-Botein translates into ‘the little belly’.
“yamasyāpabharaṇīḥ apakarṣantaḥ parastād apavahanto’ avastāt.”
– Taittreya Brahmana
‘Of Yama’s own fill, Bharani filler of the womb. Foiling the plans and purpose of saints in and the above the sky carrying away the waters of life to their journey’s below.’
Yama, in his own origin story is supposed to have been the First mortal man. And as the first to die, became the god of death for all that follow.
As the second nakshatra this is the journey that begins the cycle of life. Or perhaps begets it.
Bharani – The Elephant or the Womb
Bharani Nakshatra, is also known as the “Elephant” or the “Womb,” and is represented by a triad of faint stars located in the Aries zodiac sign between 13.20-26.40 degrees. This constellation is commonly referred to as the “Bearing Star” or the “Star of Restraint” and embodies the energy of Venus. According to Vedic astrologers, Bharani symbolizes the female sexual organ.
The name Bharani primarily signifies the feminine aspect of nature and its capacity to receive, nurture, bear, and destroy. It is often perceived as a gateway to another world and represents catharsis, forbearance, jealousy, and sacrifice.
Behaviorally, Bharani is characterized by its tendency to oscillate between polar contradictions, such as the absurd and supra-rational, the bohemian and the puritan, wisdom and naiveté, maturity and immaturity, and ultimately, life and death. Bharani is associated with desire, which can be described as a lust for life and a fear of death. It is often compared to a person facing celestials who guide human beings to the afterlife, or for that matter a young person on the cusp of puberty, maturity or adventure.
Bharani is considered one of the most willing constellations due to its childlike nature. These individuals are marked by their desire to explore their surroundings to the fullest and often exhibit a primal innocence in their experience of people and places. They are more instinctive than reasonable and are often consumed by overwhelming emotions and desires that can be difficult to contain. However, this also highlights the evolutionary nature of the soul.
Native Moon under Bharani
More evolved individuals born under Bharani channel their energy into fruitful pursuits, while less evolved persons tend to hop from one source of light to another. In today’s world of chaos and confusion, it can be challenging to restrain a Bharani individual, much like the mental and physical contradictions teenagers experience after puberty. Without guidance, these individuals are likely to indulge in everything that comes their way.
Bharani natives are accustomed to dealing with life’s upheavals and are therefore characterized by their strength. They may be crushed and crumpled at times, mourning their losses, but they cannot be contained for long. Due to their desire for extremes, these individuals go through radical transformations throughout their lives. Once they embark on a new path, they explore all its possibilities until exhaustion forces them to seek something new. The universe of the Bharani native is limitless.
The creative impulse of Bharani is manifested through childbearing in females and the manifestation of creative energy in males. The interplay of the masculine and the feminine makes Bharani a very sexual nakshatra. Driven by the force that draws opposites, Bharani individuals experience, engage in, fall prey to, and attempt to recognize it in every possible way. However, more evolved Bharani natives are more concerned with love, harmony, and unity.
Bharani natives are characterized by expressive eyes, a large head, medium-sized lips, and a death-like smile, denoting their sexual urge, inscrutability, and the process of life and death. They possess a calm disposition despite a tormenting mind. Energetic Bharani individuals can achieve success under wise guidance.
Padas or quarters
Leo Navamsa (13.20-16.40 Aries): The first quarter is ruled by the Sun. It is characterized by creativity, self-involvedness and sometimes self-centeredness, determination
Virgo Navamsa (16.40-20.00 Aries): The 2nd Pada or quarter is ruled by Mercury. It is characterized by service, mental agility and processes, perseverance, and sometimes altruism.
Libra Navamsa (20.00-23.20 Aries): The 3rd quarter is ruled by Venus. It is characterized by synchronization, limitlessness and fulfillment of desires, and the contrasts of balance and extremes.
Scorpio Navamsa (23.20-26.40 Aries): The 4th and final Pada/quarter is ruled by Mars. It is characterized by extreme energy, lack of inhibition and intensity.
Favorable Activities
Creative and martial activities, sexual, amorous, procreative, agriculture, beginnings/endings, acts involving fire, neglected activities, asceticism, children.
Unfavorable Activities
Travel, patience, initiations, conclusions.
Measures for Remedy
Bharani natives can meditate on death or may worship Yama, the death god, or Kali, the dark goddess. Worship of fertility goddesses is also auspicious.
Chanting the root mantra “Om Eem” 108 times during the lunar transition of this nakshatra alleviates afflictions. Wearing red, white, black and dark colors is also recommended.
All important actions should correspond to the course of this constellation for best results.
According to Varahamihira, the inherent moon’s influence gives Bharani resourcefulness, honesty, health and happiness.
A coat of quotes and passing poetry
"
Why thus longing, thus forever sighing
For the far off, unattained, and dim,
While the beautiful, all round thee lying,
Offers up its low perpetual hymn?
Wouldst thou listen to its gentle teaching, All thy restless yearnings it would still; Leaf and flower and laden bee are preaching.
Thine own sphere, though humble, first to fill.
Poor indeed thou must be, if around thee
Thou no ray of light and joy canst throw,
If no silken cord of love hath bound thee.
To some little world through weal and woe;
If no dear eyes thy fond love can brighten, — No fond voices answer to thine own;
If no brother's sorrow thou canst lighten
By daily sympathy and gentle tone.
Not by deeds that win the crowd's applauses, Not by works that gain thee world-renown,
Not by martyrdom or vaunted crosses, Canst thou win and wear the immortal crown.
Daily struggling, though unloved and lonely,
Every day a rich reward will give;
Thou wilt find, by hearty striving only,
And truly loving, thou canst truly live.
Dost thou revel in the rosy morning,
When all nature hails the Lord of light,
And his smile, the mountain-tops adorning,
Robes yon fragrant fields in radiance bright?
Other hands may grasp the field and forest,
Proud proprietors in pomp may shine;
But with fervent love if thou adorest, Thou art wealthier,—all the world is thine.
Yet if through earth's wide domains thou rovest,
Sighing that they are not thine alone.
Not those fair fields, but thyself thou lovest,
And their beauty and thy wealth are gone.
Nature wears the color of the spirit;
Sweetly to her worshipper she sings;
All the glow, the grace she doth inherit,
Round her trusting child she fondly flings.
"Why thus longing | Harriet Winslow Sewall