Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global

Narayana lays on his serpent-coiled bed floating on water. Fire gives life,
while water preserves form. In the human body, blood is the water of life but
it is energized by the life-force. So blood in all living forms is the result of
the cosmic creative principle represented by fire, and the eternal preservative
principle represented by water. Kartikeya is produced by water and fire. As
the deity presiding over the planet Mars, Kartikeya controls the blood
running in the veins of every living creature.
The six heads of Kartikeya present considerable difficulties in interpretation.
Blavatsky has, however, given a clue (SD Vol I, p. 177). She states the
number six is regarded in the ancient mysteries is an emblem of the physical
nature. Elaborating this idea, she refers to the double equilateral triangle, and
points out that the triangle with its apex pointed downwards is a sign of
Vishnu in his deeper implications as the god of water, Narayana, who moves
on the cosmic waters. The upper triangle is the representation of Shiva, the
principle of fire, symbolized by the triple fame in his hand. The two triangles
together show that the number six symbolizes both the creative and
preservative principles. Mars has a tremendous influence on living beings. It
provides the necessary life-force to forge ahead in the world. Six also
represents the universality of the life-force. Four heads symbolize the four
directions while six heads add above and below as additional directions to
these. During the fight with Taraka, Kartikeya descended from his seat in the
sky. Whenever Mars has heavenly functions to perform, it can provide the
necessary impetus for them, but when it is needed for gross physical tnsks
where physical valour and strength are needed it can operate on this level as
well. But Mars does not always exhibit its courage and strength. When Mars
encounters a task and finds he must take it on, then Mars recalls his hidden
power and exercises it by his will and uses it invincibly.
The role of Kartikeya in the destruction of Taraka, his basic mission for
which he is called the God of War, reveals only one aspect of his personality.
Another story is connected with his marriage. Shiva and Parvati had a
second son Ganesh, the elephant headed God, who has tremendous intellect
and great power lo remove obstructions. Kartikeya was the elder brother and
Ganesh the younger. Both were friendly to each other and their parents were
happy with them. When they grew to the marriageable age, the parents
wanted to find suitable brides for them. When the news was broken to them,
both wanted to get married first. The parents, however, stipulated that he
who could circumambulate the universe first would get married first.
Immediately, Kartikeya went on his way while Ganesh, being a fat and
chubby child, thought of his inability and tried to think of some way to
outsmart Kartikeya.