Nakshatra 14 Constellation Chitra

Chitra – The Pearl

Chitra (23.20 Virgo-6.40 Libra) is represented in the astrological cosmos as a single star. It conveys the idea of universal craftsmanship through its ruling deity Twashtar. The primary objective of Chitra is to surmount illusion and maya.

Known to the Vedic astrologers as the nakshatra of prosperity, Chitra stands for the ‘big, bright, shining jewel’. Just as gemstones are created under extreme conditions of intense heat and pressure; the universe too needs to progress from its initial Big Bang which is emblematized by Chitra.

Behavioral Characteristics

Chitra is characterized with the essence of creation and conveys the intent of the English words, varied, multihued, brilliant, magic, art and visual delight. With little capability of sitting still, Chitra harmonizes with universal functions which in the negative context can become indulgent and self-serving.

Chitra natives are appearance conscious and complex, and hence it is related to maya, or glamour and illusiveness. Their aesthetic and architectural approach has a superficial desire to project external beauty and the need to harmonize their relationships. Chitra natives, on a material and spiritual plane, interplay projection and perception so much so that their dignified façade has a concealed inner layer.

Under the Virgo influence, Chitra tries to seek answers for illusions, while Chitra in the Libra zodiac relates more to the form and appearance of things. While Virgo is concerned with detail, Libra has more to do with relationship and seeking admiration. The ever present element of doubt and uncertainty give Chitra a weaker aspect which is why dubiousness looms over its need for appreciation and balance.

Chitra loves to understand the mechanism of things and hence to is related to the scientific, technological and creative fields. In fact, a shining example is the Japanese race. Chitra loves conjuring magic while the Libra influence gives the nakshatra the aesthetic appeal. On a higher plane, Virgo in Chitra creates the gadget, while Libra gives polish to the finished object, by understanding the universal mechanism and coating it with the illusive mantle.

Natives of the Chitra asterism have well-proportioned hairless bodies, with bright eyes and impressive manners. With a twinkle to their eyes, Chitra persons are able to naturally dazzle, which makes them attract the opposite sex. They can both sport and fake passion whenever required. Their penchant for dignity often conceals their errors. Causing some angst and disappointment, Chitra may both function on a higher and lower plane.

Like the oyster which displays irritation in producing the pearl, Chitra born individuals cannot easily strip themselves of maya and illusion. However, this pain itself is a manifestation of the chimera. 

Quarters or Padas

Pada 1 : Leo Navamsa (23.20-26.40 Virgo): This quarter is ruled by the Sun. It is characterized by glamour, perfection, self-negation, secretive, esoteric

Pada 2 : Virgo Navamsa (26.40-30.00 Virgo): This quarter is ruled by Mercury. It is characterized by maternity, duality, organization, conclusion, Puritanism

Pada 3 : Libra Navamsa (00.00-3.20 Libra): This quarter is ruled by Venus. It is characterized by relationship, balance, self-absorption, social manipulation, display, dazzling

Pada 4 : Scorpio Navamsa (3.20-6.40 Libra): This quarter is ruled by Mars. It is characterized by magic, mystery, secrecy, passion, materialism

Gana: Chitra is a ‘rakshasa’/demonic nakshatra, which can manipulate everyone on the plane of maya with indulgence.

Favorable Activities

Health and physical improvement, arts and crafts, interior designing, spirituality, herb collection, opposite sex, decoration, elegance, charisma

Unfavorable Activities

Confrontation, investigation, marriage

Remedies

Chitra natives should worship female deities who ride the tiger like Durga, Jagdamba and Bhavani, and chant the root mantra “Om Tam” and “Om Tham” 108 times during the lunar transition of this nakshatra to alleviate afflictions. Wearing bright, sparkling and varied colors is also recommended. All important actions should correspond to the course of this constellation for best results.

Miscellaneous

In the words of Varahamihira, the lunar influence gives Chitra pleasant and bright appearance. Mahatma Gandhi and Anna Nicole Smith are typical Chitra natives.