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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 19

Mula

Tied roots

Mula, nakshatra 19 of 27 (0°00′ Dhanu – 13°20′ Dhanu), ruled by Ketu, presided over by Nirriti; symbol: tied roots.

Mula is the 19th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 0°00′ Dhanu – 13°20′ Dhanu of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Nirriti, and its traditional symbol is the tied roots. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Ketu, so a person whose moon falls in Mula begins life in the Ketu period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Mula is counted rakshasa. Astrologers use the nakshatra of the moon at birth for naming (each pada has its own syllable), for matching horoscopes before marriage and for choosing auspicious times (muhurta). The descriptions of each nakshatra in Sanskrit texts such as the Brihat Samhita and in modern handbooks vary, and are best read as traditional associations of its deity and symbol.

Personality

investigative · philosophical · intense · truth-seeking · bold · restless

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Mula is described as investigative and philosophical, driven to get to the root of things. Its name means 'root', its symbol is a bunch of roots tied together, it lies near the centre of the galaxy in the tail of the Scorpion, and its deity is Nirriti, the goddess of dissolution and misfortune, so it is associated with uprooting, destruction and the search for foundations.

Traditional descriptions credit Mula natives with courage, determination, depth of thought and a passion for research, truth and spiritual inquiry; they are said to be able to rebuild from nothing after loss. Their weaknesses are said to be restlessness, harshness, impulsive destruction of what they have built, and periods of upheaval. Traditional texts treat birth in Mula with some caution, a view modern astrologers usually soften.

In relationships Mula is portrayed as sincere and intense but independent, needing a partner who shares its search for meaning. In work it is linked with research, science, medicine and herbalism, philosophy, investigation and spiritual teaching. Counted among the rakshasa temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Ketu, whose Navaratna stone is cat's eye chrysoberyl.

Stone: Cat's Eye (Chrysoberyl)

Sources and further reading