June 2009 Vedic full moon astrology: Jyestha

June 6, 7:59 PMAstrology ExaminerMaria Barron

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By Anindita Basu 

When we were little, some of us had big brothers (or sisters) – those tiny big people who'd look out for us in school, bloody the bully's nose, carry the heavier books, run after us holding onto tottering cycles ... and, sometimes just swat us away if we bothered them too much when they were in the middle of something. The full moon of June 7 engages that sort of energy.

Moon in Jyestha constellation, ruled by Indra
Planetary ruler: Mercury

Indra is like that older sibling. He is a ruler, a king, an elder. He tore apart the mountains when they concealed the light, and thus released the light. When he threw his thunderbolt at the dark mountains, he freed the waters that gushed forth like frolicking herds. He wins battles, tears down forts, and subdues enemies. Indra, besides being mighty-armed, is also someone who likes to quaff down draughts upon draughts of Soma, the intoxicating drink that supposedly eggs him on to mightier feats. Indra rules Jyestha, the constellation that moon is in tonight.

The Jyestha constellation is also ruled by the Mercury, the prince of intellect and discrimination. An unevolved Mercury results in cunning and deceit, something that Indra is often said to resort to while vanquishing his foes and retaining his sovereignty over heaven and earth. At the higher levels, however, it is the discrimination of Mercury that separates the human from the non-human, the men from the boys. It is this Mercurial ability that empowers Indra to drink from the Soma-cup of knowledge, slay the demons of ignorance, and win back the all-encompassing light for his people. The moon is Jyestha is full tonight, aspected by the sun in Mrigashira.

Sun in Mrigashira constellation, ruled by Soma
Planetary ruler: Mars

Mrigashira is a soft, gentle constellation, represented by the deer’s head. The ruling deity of this constellation is Soma, the divine nectar. According to the Vedas, “The ignorant think of Soma as a creeper that is crushed to obtain a juice offered in sacrifices. To the wise, Soma is something else again.” The intoxication flowing from Soma helps the seeker delve deeply into the hidden depths of the unconscious and find knowledge. Soma is repeatedly invoked to help bolster power, slay ignorance, purify thoughts and lead one on the straight path.

Mrigashira is ruled by Mars, the fast, sharp, powerful planet of fire and focused energy. In Hindu mythology, Mars is born of the Earth; hence, his energy requires physical manifestation. Mars gives daring and courage, valour, indomitable will, and tremendous powers of self-discipline.

When such a sun aspects the Jyestha moon, is it not entirely possible that big brothers and sisters stand up, fortified, to fight and win back, for their smaller siblings, the gift of light?