Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

13 HASTA
Hasta extends from 160° 00' to 173° 20' of the zodiac. It lies entirely within
the sign of Virgo, ruled by Mercury. The asterism itself is ruled by the Moon,
the receptacle of cosmic energy, whereas Mercury establishes the link
between the human and the divine. Mercury is exalted here. Its primary
motivation is Moksha, liberation, while its basic attribute is Tamas, inertia at
both primary and secondary levels, with Rajas, activity at a tertiary level.
The deity presiding over Hasta is Savitar, the Sun god, particularly as the
reservoir of all generative energy in the universe. The word Hasta itself
means the hand. The human hand, or more specifically the palm of the hand,
through which the entire individuality of the person can be read, is the
symbol of the asterism.
Hasta gives self-reliance and control over the outgoing cosmic energy that is
always ready to proceed further. Various impediments arise in this enterprise
as natural reactions to it. Whenever any kind of kinetic energy moves over
static matter, there is resistance to it. Such an individualistic approach to life
as is natural under this asterism must bear this kind of confrontation. The
inner faculties can develop only through such an exercise.
The hand stands for prowess or the capacity which enables the individual to
withstand confrontation. The hand also refers to full confidence in the soul's
capabilities to march ahead. This self-reliance springs from the fact that the
individual is aware of his own faculties through an understanding of his real
nature and the laws of the universe. This is the basic and most important
characteristic of Hasta.
Hasta contains within it an immense regenerative power. Savitar, its ruling
deity, is the form of the Sun god that imparts creative and transforming
energy. This energy enables life to grow and assume innumerable shapes.
The cycle of birth, growth, decay and death shows the transformation of the
energy content of the incarnate soul. This asterism impels the individual
under its impact to change, take new shapes and grow. This process of
growth results from the inner urge to march ahead, while external conditions
exert resistance. Thus conflict and different levels of crises are the natural
features of this lunar mansion. The impediments, difficulties and