7. Punarvasu 20°00! Gemini - 3°20! CancerPunarvasu (20°00 Gemini - 3°20" Cancer) In the Sky: Punarvasu, the root of Jupiterian energy, consists of the two bright stars in the constellation of Gemini, known in modem astronomy as Castor (Alpha-Geminorium) & Pollux (Beta-Geminarium). With visual magnitudes of 1.58 and 1.22 respectively, Castor & Pollux are easily visible in the night sky, They can be located at the top left hand comer above Orion within the constellation of Gemini In most ancient cultures these stars were seen as twins (brothers or lovers). The ancient vedlc seers however saw this asterism as a “quiver of arrows". Name + Punarvasu translates into “Good Again", "Wealthy Again" or the "Visible Infinity”. The Vasus are demigads carrying all the desirable qualities lie goodness, strength, prosperity etc. (refer to the Deity section of Dhanistha, the 23" asterism). The fact that the term "Punarvasu" literally translates Into "Becoming Vasu Again’, reveais its first two meanings. We also get an impression of some positive transformation from darkness into light. This duality and interplay between the opposites is the essence of Punarvasu, Its “visible infinity’ meaning is more profound and relates to its ruling deity. oe vm104 Symbol “The most accepted symbol of Punarvasu isa ‘quiver full of arrows. Sometimes one single arrow is taken as its symbol, but in both cases the arrow symbolism dominates the discussion of this nakshatre. ‘An arrow has been traditionally associated with every aspect of human nature and functioning - arrow of desire, arrow of ambition, Zras' arrow and not to forget the arrow of time. In all these cases the arrow is always associated with some sort of movement, striving or objective. The arrows in the Punarvasu quiver are not normal arrows. They are supposed to be like the divine astras ‘Qvezpons), used in ancient times, which magically return after fulfiling their function or mission. ‘This conveys the idea of renewal, regeneration and endless beginnings. Punarvasu's quiver basically represents energy and resources at one’s command. It ts up to us to choose the purpose and timing of their use. Punarvasu thus has a distinction of returning safely from any mission it undertakes. This mission may be as simple as going to the neighbourtiood shop or as arduous as climbing M& Everest. The mission can take place on any plane - mental, physical, ‘emotional, astral or causal It is Punarvasu’s function to ensure safe return to the starting point. No ‘wonder that Punarvasu becarne synonymous with ‘safety’ in the eyes of the wise men. Its alternative ‘symbol, “a house", once again reiterates the idea of safety. ‘One can aso easily infer from the above that Punarvasu has alot to do with any kind of motion, movernent and searching. All the qualities normally associated with the sign Sagitarius, which also thas an arrow as its symbol, can be applied to Punarvasu as well. The fact that the journey always ‘ends where one started leads us to the idea of a cirde. Time and reality are cyclical and not linear, _as most in the modem world believe it to be, The modern Darwinian theory of evolution suggests, that the human race is in a state of unhindered evolution by the process of natural selection. This implies that we, as a race, are becoming more intelligent than our ancestors with each passing ‘generation, The theory further suggests that we are in a state of perpetual progress, through linear time, which only moves forward, This is in opposition to the view held by all ancient civilisations, ‘who knew that time Is cydical, and that nature renews itself through perpetual repetition. This