Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

mystery; astronomical, physiological and psychical at once. It shows the
Moon functioning at different levels of human existence simultaneously. It is
reflected in stories concerning the Moon's origin.
One legend makes Soma or the Moon the son of the Vedic sage Atri and his
wife Anusuya. Atri is one of the seven Vedic seers on whom rests the
balance of the universe, and Anusuya is the epitome of chastity and purity.
Another legend makes the Moon a child of Dharma or righteousness. A third
makes the Moon's father to be Prabhakar, which means the Sun, Fire, Ocean
and Lord Shiva. From the Moon was born Budha, Pururavas, Ayus, Nahusha
and the Kurus, the last who fought in the great battle of the Mahabharata
which represents the complete destruction to the world. The Moon is the
progenitor of the Lunar dynasty of kings, as the Sun is that of the solar
dynasty. The difference between the two dynasties consists in the solar kings
being righteous, wise, courageous, invincible and strictly adhering to their
promises, while the lunar kings arc courageous and learned but susceptible
to worldly vices and suffer
from internal conflicts.
The allegory of the churning of the ocean describes the battle between the
gods and the demons. This yields several powerful important things
including poison, Lakshmi or the goddess of fortune, the immortalizing
nectar, and the Moon. As there was no place suitable for the Moon, it was
placed by Lord Shiva on his forehead. Hence, the Moon is known as Shiva-
Shekhar, meaning the crest of Shiva. From the Moon thus placed pours the
celestial nectar which nourishes the universe and a few drops of which can
give immortality.
The nature of the lunar influence is revealed by the names assigned to the
Moon. Soma, nectar; Aushadpati, lord of herbs; Kumud-pati, lord of the
lotus; Nakshatranath, husband of the asterisms; and Shwetajaji, drawn by
white horses, are important names of the planet. Soma is a name given to the
Vedic deity worshipped for "strengthening our life and conquering what
opposes us." The Rig Veda regards him as the inspirer of all auspicious
activities and the bestower of all desirable qualities, the progenitor of life on
earth and the source of all wisdom. Because of the special power enjoyed by
the Moon over the subtle forces of nature and his special status among the
spiritual hierarchy, the Sama Veda lauds Soma as the great, wise hierophant
who sustains the gods and gives birth to the different sense organs and
powers of perception. He bestows on Indra, who represents the center of
manifestation or the Universal Self, purity, strength and intellect. He gives
light to the Sun who unfolds all siddhis or supernatural powers. The Moon is
the deified soma-juice because it contains the celestial nectar that is the