Jyeshta (கேட்டை): The Senior
Placement: 16° 40’ to 30° 00’ of Scorpio
Element: Air (Vayu)
The Jyeshta nakshatra is comprised of three stars, one of which is the renowned Antares. As one of the brightest stars in the night sky, Antares is situated near the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, which appears as a white band in the night sky. In Sanskrit, Jyeshta signifies elder or senior, implying someone of higher status than others. Additionally, Jyeshta is the name of Jyeshta Lakshmi, the older sister of Goddess Lakshmi. According to some astrological texts, the ancients only used 18 nakshatras in astrology, and Jyeshta, as the 18th nakshatra, was considered the most senior.
Symbol: The symbol of Jyeshta is a "round talisman" or "circular amulet", which is known for its magical powers and ability to provide protection against evil. In addition to this, other symbols associated with Jyeshta are the ring, earring, and umbrella. Rings and earrings were worn by ancient kings and queens as ornaments and protective gear, often inscribed with a sacred mantra or protective symbol. The umbrella, on the other hand, signifies power, protection, and dignity, and was considered a royal insignia. It also represents protection from hidden or unknown dangers such as black magic.
Deity: The ruling deity of Jyeshta is Indra, the king of the heavens and ruler of all grahas and pancha bhutas. Indra is one of the 12 Adityas, solar deities worshipped for bringing rain and abundance. Although he is a protector of devas, wields a powerful weapon of thunderbolt and enjoys heavenly pleasures, he also has a tendency to act greedily which can lead to destruction of his own kingdom. When overly attached to something, Indra is said to commit misdeeds like an asura, earning him curses and punishments.
Ruler: The planetary ruler of Jyeshta is Mercury, which reflects the nakshatra's dynamic and adaptable nature. As an active nakshatra, Jyeshta requires constant vigilance, a trait that is closely associated with Mercury, the youngest and most mentally active planet.
Animal: The "male deer" is the animal associated with this nakshatra. It is a symbol of beauty, dominance, strength, and agility. Stags, with their impressive antlers, are known for their power and dominance. These antlers have been used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine, as well as by Amazonian shamans, to improve blood circulation, immunity, fertility, sex hormones, and treat erectile dysfunction. Additionally, the deer is also associated with the Anuradha and Mrigashira nakshatras.
Guna: This nakshatra is predominantly tamasic in nature, with a strong focus on safeguarding one's beliefs, possessions, and surroundings. As protection involves both defensive and offensive measures, this nakshatra has significant karmic implications.
Power: The nakshatra represents the "Arohana Shakti", which is the power to gain courage and rise up through battle.
General attributes: Jyeshta, the elder-most nakshatra, symbolizes dominance and command. As a gandanta nakshatra, it also carries karmic implications, requiring the native to repay karmic debts to progress in life. However, in doing so, one may become a strong, responsible individual. Those with a strong Jyeshta influence may excel as leaders, supervisors, or organizers and are adept at protecting their belongings, including people. They invest a great deal of energy and strength in their pursuits, sometimes becoming overly attached, as seen with Indra. In youth, they may exhibit a strong affinity towards people and things that offer protection. Due to its connection with ancient medicine, occultism, and mysticism, individuals with Jyeshta may display an interest in these areas. They exhibit high mental activity and possess a high level of flexibility, leading to early maturity. These attributes are general in nature, so reader discretion is advised.
Note: The fourth pada of Jyeshta falls in the Pisces navamsha, which is considered the most karmic pada. Since both Scorpio and Pisces are water signs, there can be an excess of emotions, imagination, and even intoxication, especially when malefic planets are present.