Padas (Quarters)

1. The first pada or quarter of this asterism (20� 00' � 23� 20' Libra) falls in
Aries Navamsa and is ruled by Mars. This pada is all about energy, impulse, one
pointedness and social ambitions. The focus here is on relationships, but passion
and instinct are likely to dominate instead of commitment and depth. A well placed
Mars or Venus are the most suitable planets for this pada.

2. The second pada or quarter of this asterism (23� 20' � 26� 40' Libra) falls in
Taurus Navamsa ruled by Venus. Endurance and durability are the hallmarks of this
pada. Planets here tend to give success in Venusian pursuits. Material ambitions
are strong here and since this is the Pushkara navamsa pada they are fulfilled to
the degree allowed by the Chart as a whole.

3. The third pada or quarter of this asterism (26� 40' � 30� 00' Libra) falls in
Gemini Navamsa ruled by Mercury. Vishakha's onepointedness Channels itself through
thoughts, communication, philosophical and religious attitudes. There's a definite
conflict between two opposing forces here - one force demands the native to be
lighthearted, openminded and jovial, while the other promotes selfishness,
deception and anxiety. Only well placed Mercury and Saturn can be counted on for
giving good results in this pada.

4. The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism (00� 00' � 3� 20' Scorpio) falls in
Cancer Navamsa ruled by Moon. This is the most one pointed of all Vishakha's padas.
The turmoil here takes place on the emotional plane, making this a highly volatile,
transformative and dangerous part of the zodiac. In its lowest aspect, it is highly
vindictive and revengeful and embodies most of the despicable human qualities. In
its higher aspect, it can give penetrating insight, strong will power, executive
ability and the conviction necessary to root out the dark forces. Only a well
placed Jupiter can give the widom to navigate through the stormy waters of this
pada.

Lunar Month and Day

It relates to the first half of the lunar month of Vaishakha, which usually falls
in early May. Vishakha is also related to the Shashti & Saptami (6th & 7th tithis
or days) of the waxing and waning phases of the Moon's monthly cycle.

Planetary Ruler
Venus, Mars, Pluto, Ketu and Jupiter are the three planetary influences connected
to Vishakha. Jupiter is the main ruler of this asterism, while Venus, Mars, Pluto
and Ketu rule the respective signs that Vishakha occupies.

Jupiter connects to this asterism through Indra, whose preceptor is Brihaspati.

Jupiter Supports most of Indra's objectives and ambitions, even the unwholesome
ones, through this nakshatra. Its natural benevolence, grace and good fortune can
be used for pompous extravagance under the influence of this nakshatra.

Venus, Jupiter's counterpart and adversary, is connected with the first three padas
of Vishakha. It is the natural antagonism between the energies of these two planets
which makes Vishakha a turbulent nakshatra. A lot of Indra's Venusian excesses as
enumerated in numerous puranic legends are not sanctioned by Jupiter; and it goes
without saying that Indra lands into some sort of trouble each time.