Secrets of Ardra

Secrets of Ardra Nakshatra

 

Ardra (6°40'- 20° Gemini ♊︎) 

"The Storm Within" 

Meaning: The Moist One

Name: The Star of Sorrow 

Star Name: Betelguese 

Symbol: Teardrop, Diamond, Human Head 

Presiding Deity: 

Lord Rudra (Storm god) 

Vimshotarri Dasha Lord: Rahu 

Purushatra: Kama (Desires)

Gana: Human

Varna: Butcher Caste 

Element: Apah (Water) 

Gender: Female 

Nadi: Vata (Air and Space)

Guna: Tamasic (Ignorance) 

Nature: Tikshna (Sharp) 

Activity: Balanced 

Trimurti: Shiva (To Destroy) 

Yoni: Female Dog 

Yoni Consort: Male Dog (Mula) 

Shakti: Power to Make Efforts 

Direction: South East

Color: Green 

Facing direction: Upward 

Most Compatible: 

Mrigashira 

(23°20' Taurus- 6°40' Gemini), 

Purva Phalguni 

(13°20'- 26°40' Leo), 

Swati (6°40'- 20° Libra), 

Purvashada 

(13°20'- 26°40' Sagittarius)

Least Compatible: 

Ashlesha (16°40'- 30° Cancer), 

Jyeshta (16°40'- 30° Scorpio), 

Shatabhishak (6°40'- 20° Aquarius)

Padas (Quarters) of Ardra 

Luck, Marriage, & Microscopic View

1st Pada: 6°40'- 10° Gemini
Navamsa: Sagittarius                                  Focus: Humor, Knowledge, Faith

2nd Pada: 10°- 13°20' Gemini            Navamsa: Capricorn                                 Focus: Intensity, Struggles, Cynicism

3rd Pada: 13°20'- 16°40' Gemini        Navamsa: Aquarius                             Focus: Science, Groups, Struggles

4th Pada: 16°40'- 20° Gemini                  Navamsa: Pisces                                           Focus: Charity, Empathy, Optimism

    Ardra or Arudra is positioned from 6°40'- 20° of Vedic Sidereal Gemini. It can also be found in Western Tropical Cancer. Ardra means "The Moist One". It's also referred to as The Star of Sorrow. The symbols for Ardra are a teardrop, diamond, or human head. Lord Rudra, the storm god, is the presiding deity of Ardra. Ardra is also referred to as the birthplace of Rahu and is the first Nakshatra ruled by Rahu in the Vimshotarri Dasha system. To read about the other Rahu Nakshatras, see my post on Exploring Swati and Secrets of Shatabhishak. Also, see Secrets of Rahu (North Node). Mercury is also associated with Ardra because it falls entirely in the sign of Gemini. To learn more about Mercury, see Secrets of Budha (Mercury).

    "The Moist One" refers to the association with Lord Rudra. Rudra is a form of Lord Shiva who's associated with storms. In the story, Rudra is said to be born from the head of Lord Brahma. He wept and howled when being born. Lord Brahma asked Rudra why he was crying. He said that he had no title. Rudra is also said to have removed one of the heads of Brahma. He was an expert marksman and was able to cut off the head with one shot. The reason that Rudra had done this is that the head of Brahma was filled with lust. When shooting the head, Rudra was shunned. He was looked upon as savage and cruel. Rudra was also said to lay with serpents and to enjoy dangerous and dark taboos. It is also said that he brings to us treachery and sorrows in life. Associating him with the metaphorical storms that we go through in life.

    This tells us a lot about the nature of Ardra. Those born under Ardra are extremely sensitive. Often, they will cry a lot and focus on the negative aspects of life. However, they can also be cruel and dangerous. Many rebels and dark mysterious types are born under Ardra. They are some of the most misunderstood individuals. Refusing to fit into social norms and breaking taboos. Ardra individuals are deeply dissatisfied with life and can become extremely antisocial. Yet, they can also be intense and intimidating. Showing unconventional and dangerous interests. Such as an interest in owning wild animals, owning sharp weapons, and exploring pain. The qualities of Ardra are wild and exotic. Like an uncontrollable storm that's brewing inside them. This is what the human head represents. Ardra displays the primitive qualities of man. 

    Ardra is represented by a teardrop. Referring to the agonizing pain and sorrow of this Nakshatra. Many Ardra individuals go through intense experiences in life. Whether those experiences are physical or psychological. There is great difficulty and suffering that is felt in Ardra. Sometimes, these individuals have repressed sadness and anger. This can be dangerous because they are likely to explode or implode when their feelings can't be contained anymore. Making this a Nakshatra that's prone to outbursts and self-destruction. This is why Ardra can sometimes be seen as two-faced or passive-aggressive. There is a duality to their personality that causes sudden mood changes. Sometimes even showcasing violence and cruelty. Serial killers and psychopaths tend to be born with a placement in Ardra. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will become murders. The teardrop also relates to the ability to heal and renew themselves. Due to crying being a way of releasing. Much of the suffering that Ardra individuals go through has to do with intellectualizing everything and finding fault in everything. Letting go and allowing themselves to see the beauty of life can make their experience less agonizing. Sometimes that means allowing themselves to cry and release repressed and suppressed emotions. Along with physical activity that can help to get out all of the pent-up negativity. 

    Making Ardra all about transformation. The third symbol for Ardra is a diamond. Representing the terrible pressure that these individuals have to go through in life. However, it's similar to how a diamond becomes beautiful when pressure is applied. Ardra individuals go through many trials and emotional suffering in life. Yet, it makes them stronger and gives them the opportunity to tap into their true potential. Ardra falls in Gemini. Gemini is connected to the 3rd House of ego development, skills, and interest. It's the House where we find our courage and interests. To pursue our desires through our own efforts. Just like the shakti of Ardra is the power to make efforts. These are individuals who can be talented in many unique ways and can be a great force for change and innovation. On the negative side, these transformations can lead to becoming cold, judging, antagonizing, and cruel in nature. Along with extreme isolation and rejection of society. Spirituality can help those born under this Nakshatra and they can tend to be very skilled in spiritual/metaphysical topics. Along with making excellent therapists and healers of the human mind due to the connection to emotional suffering.

 
    These are also highly intelligent individuals. Once again, Ardra falls in the Mercury-ruled sign of Gemini. This is a sign of curiosity, hobbies, communication, technical skills, media, entrepreneurship, and quick logical decision-making. So, Ardra tends to have unique interests and a wide variety of knowledge. Gemini is the master of all trades. We also have the influence of Rahu in Ardra. Rahu is futuristic, unconventional, idealistic, rebellious, intuitive, clever, and ingenious. Showing the out-of-the-box way of thinking that these individuals possess. They are against following societal standards and aren't limited to conventional thinking. Making them excellent when it comes to technology, scientific research, mystical healing, esoteric knowledge, anthropology, and skills that others might overlook. Due to Ardra being ruled by the storm god, they also tend to be fascinated by meteorology and storm chasing. Ardra can start a whole movement or change an outdated system in society. They might even take interest in different subcultures and groups where they can explore their unique interests and hobbies. 

Depiction of Lord Rudra

    Ardra men tend to be seen as the shy, troubled, and mysterious type. There is something dark and tragic about them, yet they also have a sensitive side. This level of mystery usually attracts the attention of warm women (or the preferred gender) who can draw out their softer side. 

    Ardra women are more intense and tend to be focused on breaking societal conditioning. Sometimes, they play with their gender and/or sexuality. To show that the traditional views shouldn't restrict society from being whoever they are and exploring their sexual preferences. Feminists, LGBT supporters, and unconventional women can be seen in this Nakshatra. Showcasing their knowledge, strong will, and strong beliefs. This is a Nakshatra that is also associated with the unusual spelling of names, unique hairstyles, and unorthodox behavior that others might not agree with. Breaking traditions and restrictions is important to Ardra individuals.

Robert Pattinson 

Ardra Moon 

Mercury in Krittika (Aries) 

1st House 

Rahu in Ashwini 1st House

Bharani Ascendant 

Sun in Krittika (Aries) 1st House

Milla Jovovich 

Ardra Ascendant 

Mercury in Mula 

Rahu in Vishakha (Libra) 

Moon in Rohini 

Sun in Mula

Mike Tyson 

Sun in Ardra 

Jupiter in Ardra 

Mercury in Pushya 

Rahu in Krittika (Aries)