The literal translation for the word Moola is ‘root’. Root is the most important and the innermost part of a plant or tree. A root also conveys the sense of being grounded and holding. The ability to look at the root of a matter means recognizing the most important aspect of an issue. Significant amount of curiosity, intelligence and energy is required to reach to the root of a matter.
Root of anything is as deep as it gets. Hence such root indicates the approach to look at things as they are in their purest forms. Combining all these attributes, Moola exhibits traits like being rooted, curiosity, intelligence, energy and direct or straight forward approach in dealing with issues.
Vedic astrology assigns a tied bunch of roots as the main symbol of Moola. This tied bunch of roots again conveys various meanings. A tied bunch of roots indicates variety, versatility and strength through unity. Hence Moola exhibits traits like versatility and strength through union. It means people under strong influence of Moola may be good at connecting with their roots and they may gain strength through such connections.
Hence Moola people may have closely formed bonds with their parents, siblings, relatives and childhood friends; and these relationships may be at the root of their strength. A connection with roots also suggests affinity with family line. Accordingly, people under strong influence of Moola may feel deeply connected to their ancestral lineage and family traditions. Moola people may be straight forward in their approach and they may not care for social norms. It means a Moola native may say things as he sees them and he may not care about the kind of reactions his words may bring back.
Since Moola people may be gifted with the ability to reach to the root of matters; their speech patterns may often offend other people. This is because they may not only speak out loud when they find something is bad, they may also tell why it is bad. For many people, adding the root cause may only mean adding insult to injury. For example, a Moola native may say something like, ‘this dark yellow doesn’t suit you because of your dark complexion’.
Though this Moola native may be telling the truth according to his understanding; he may be hitting the affected person with double strength. The first blow is that dark yellow doesn’t suit him and the second blow is that his complexion is dark. Though it is an honest comment according to such Moola native, the other person may get offended.
Taking a look at another example, a native under strong influence of Moola may say, ‘the food is too salty today and it is overcooked’. Once again, it is an honest comment according to such Moola native but it may seriously offend the other person. Due to such straight forward approach, Moola people may often be called outspoken or even offensive.
It should be noted that Moola people may also be good at giving complements and that too with details. For example, a Moola native may say, ‘you look beautiful today and this new hair style enhances your beauty’. Hence Moola people may be straight forward with their approach though such attitude may often cause problems for them, unless there are corrective planets in their horoscopes.
Such direct approach may not be limited to their speech or opinions and it may also reflect through their actions. For example, a Moola native may reject a girl on her face on the first date, if he finds she is not a good match for her. A Rohini native or a Poorvaphalguni native in this situation may simply make an excuse and leave the venue; without saying anything to the girl; and he may never date the girl again. However, a Moola native in the same situation may tell her that she is not fit for him and hence they should not date again. Though such Moola native may be speaking the truth in this case also, to the best of his knowledge; he may be perceived as offensive.
Due to such straight forward approach, Moola people may not believe in formalities and they may directly deal with the issues at hand. For example, a Moola native may go to his neighbor and directly ask for his car in case of need, without exchanging any courtesies. Such Moola native may say, ‘my car is broken, can I borrow your car for today’. If the neighbor gives him the key, such native may say a simple thanks and leave. He may not bother about exchanging any courtesies before asking for car and after getting such car.
Looking at this equation from the opposite angle, if the neighbor comes and asks for his car, the reaction may again be straight forward. Such Moola native may bring the key and give it to the neighbor, without even asking him to come in or offering him a drink. Hence Moola people may lack diplomatic skills and they may often face problems due to their direct to the point approach. For this reason, Moola people may be perceived as outspoken, harsh and rude; though they may simply not care.
Roots are directly related to strength of trees or plants they represent. It means various plants having roots receive strength and growth through roots. Hence stronger are the roots, stronger is the tree or plant. Accordingly, people under strong influence of Moola may try to achieve power and authority in their lives and they may take help from their roots in order to do so.
For example, a native under strong influence of Moola may ask his father for business investment, so that he may achieve more growth in profession. Compared to this, a native under strong influence of Ardra may not do so and even if his father himself offers help, such Ardra native may refuse. This is because Ardra believes more in achieving success through its own efforts.
It should be noted that the root of a plant or tree is always hidden and it is covered in mystery. Hence Moola people have tendency to connect to the hidden, mysterious and occult side of nature. Therefore many Moola people may resort to faiths like astrology or tantra, in order to gain success and power.
Some people under strong and specific influence of Moola may also engage in professions related to such fields. These people may become astrologers, tantrics, psychics, spiritual gurus and other such professionals; depending on their overall horoscopes. Since roots are always hidden in mystery, this trait may also be exhibited by Moola. It means people under strong influence of Moola may be skilled at hiding their strengths, their sources of power and their intentions.
Vedic astrology assigns Nritti as the ruling deity of Moola. Nritti is considered as the goddess of destruction according to Vedic mythology as the word Nritti literally translates into Calamity or destruction on a large scale. Accordingly, many traits of Nritti like the ability to destruct, aggression, anger and violence are relayed through Moola. These traits make Moola a difficult to handle nakshatra.
As a result, placements of unsuitable or malefic planets in Moola in a horoscope may cause serious problems for the native as well as for other people. It should be noted that destruction represented by Nritti is on large scale. It means people under strong influence of Moola are capable of waging wars and other such acts; which may end up causing destruction on large scales.
For this reason, many Vedic astrologers fear Moola and they paint it in very bad colours. However, any type of energy in its purest form is innocent and it doesn’t have a wish of its own. It means whether the traits of Moola are used in accordance with universal theme or such traits are used for selfish motives; depends on the overall horoscope of the native under consideration.
Vedic astrology assigns Ketu as the ruling planet of Moola. Ketu is known as a planet associated with past, mysteries, troubles and destruction. Many such traits of Ketu are relayed through Moola and they make it an even more difficult to handle nakshatra. Ketu is known as a fiery planet and it has the trait of bringing good or bad results in short periods of time. It means the fire of Ketu may cause destruction in no time.
These traits of Ketu are also exhibited through Moola, making it a more fearsome nakshatra. Due to all these traits exhibited by Moola, people under its strong influence may have strong urge to destroy. Whether such urge is converted into positive destruction or negative destruction depends on placements of benefic or malefic planets in Moola as well as on the overall horoscope of the native under consideration.
All four quarters of Moola fall in Sagittarius which is a fiery sign ruled by Jupiter. Sagittarius is considered as a lucky, optimistic and prosperous sign. Jupiter is known as the greatest of all natural benefic planets. Therefore, influences of Jupiter and Sagittarius add traits like optimism, faith, prosperity, intelligence, creativity and positive outlook to Moola.
These much needed traits tend to bring Moola back to balance. This way, Moola becomes a battlefield for conflicting traits of different energies. Some of these traits look very good whereas some others look horrible. Due to such conflicting traits, Moola is one of the most difficult to handle nakshatras, among all 27 nakshatras. Therefore, whether the energy of Moola is used positively or it is used negatively, largely depends on the overall horoscope of a native under its strong influence.
Let’s discuss the horoscope of Adolf Hitler, who had strong influence of Moola as well as other malefic energies on him. As a result, he became the root cause of mass destruction, through war as well as through other extreme methods. A malefic combination of Moon in Moola and Jupiter as well as Ketu in Poorvashada is placed in the twelfth house of his horoscope in Sagittarius. Hence Guru Chandal Yoga as well as Grahan Yoga is formed in the twelfth house of his horoscope.
A combination of exalted Sun, Mercury, Mars and retrograde Venus is placed in the fourth house in Aries. Benefic Saturn is placed in the seventh house in Cancer in Ashlesha; and malefic Rahu is placed in the sixth house in Gemini. Mars is placed in Bharani nakshatra. The first thing to note in this horoscope is that seven out of nine planets are placed in fiery signs, indicating too much fire. Here also, all fiery planets Sun, Mars and Ketu are placed in fiery signs, adding even more fire.
This makes the native significantly impulsive and aggressive. Saturn being the lord of ascendant is placed in the seventh house in Ashlesha which is perfect for rise through politics; as already discussed in chapter named Ashlesha. Mars forms Ruchaka Yoga in the fourth house.
Since the horoscope is strong due to Sun and Mars in Aries and due to Jupiter in Sagittarius; supported by Saturn in Ashlesha; the native rose to power through politics. Mars being the planet of wars is placed in Bharani which is fierce and extreme. Looking into the twelfth house, placement of Moon in Moola is a troublesome placement. Placement of Ketu in the same house aggravates the situation as Ketu is associated with destruction.
Addition of malefic Jupiter to the same house further aggravates the problem. Jupiter deals with religion and races; and Ketu corrupts its significances by afflicting it. Due to this troublesome combination, the native started war with the intention to destroy a race, which he thought was inferior and had no right to live. Hence the native waged war in order to prove superiority of his race over the others, indicating corruption of Jupiter’s significances.
Both Ketu and Jupiter are placed in Poorvashada, which stands for being ‘invincible’. Hence the native had strong conviction that he is invincible. Poorvashada is also known to be most persistent nakshatra and it may go to the limits of obsession in order to achieve its goals. Accordingly, the native engaged in monumental efforts to achieve his goal. The native had problems with a race and he wanted to root it out, under combined influence of Moola and Guru Chandal Yoga.
Since Moola, Bharani, Mars and Ketu love war and among them; Moola and Ketu have affinity for destruction, the native caused destruction. Moola is known to cause mass destruction and the same happened. The twelfth house deals with prisons and refugee camps among other things. Hence he got a large number of people captured in such camps as prisoners; and he got them killed.
Even when the native started losing, and winning armies marched into the capital, he kept believing that his side was winning. This shows the height of obsession exhibited by Poorvashada. In the end, the native committed suicide as he preferred death over defeat; a typical trait of Poorvashada.
Let’s now look at an example of the opposite type to understand the working of Moola in an even better way. The name Paramahamsa Yogananda is a highly respected name in spiritual domain. A benefic combination of Sun and Mercury is placed in the fifth house of his horoscope in Sagittarius, forming Budhaditya Yoga. Mercury is placed in Moola and Sun is placed in Poorvashada. Moon is placed in the first house in Leo in Magha, Saturn is placed in the second house in Virgo, Rahu is placed in the ninth house in Aries, Ketu is placed in the third house in Libra, Venus is placed in the fourth house in Scorpio in Jyeshtha; and a combination of Jupiter and Mars is placed in the eighth house in Pisces.
Since Mercury is placed with lord of ascendant, it has significant influence on the native. The fifth house is related to spiritual growth among other things. Moola connects to roots or lineage. Placement of Moon in Magha also indicates authority gained through ancestors, where ancestors in this case are from spiritual lineage, since Moon rules the twelfth house. It means these ancestors are not his physical ancestors and they are his spiritual ancestors. It further means that the native might have been with them during his previous life also.
Hence the native was blessed to be a part of a spiritual lineage filled with highly evolved spiritual souls. Placement of Mars with Jupiter in the eighth house in Pisces indicates spiritual war, the one which is fought within. The eighth house deals with death and this war is fought to achieve victory over death; meaning liberation. Placement of benefic Venus in Jyeshtha indicates authority and dealing with supernatural or the occult.
The combined influence of these energies made this horoscope go in positive direction. Hence the trait of destruction exhibited by Moola was used to destroy the demons within, which means the impurities. The native destroyed his impurities with the help of Moola’s energy and he reached his original root, the soul. Placement of Rahu in the ninth house in Aries took this native abroad for spiritual teachings. Since the overall horoscope is benefic and strong, the native was able to make best use of energy of Moola.
It means the energy of Moola may be used to destroy millions of innocent people or it may be used to destroy the demons within; depending on the overall horoscope of the native under consideration. Hence Moola may be a difficult to handle energy; but energy in itself is not good or bad; its use is.
Moola people are generally very focused on their goals. They may keep trying until they have achieved their goals or they have completely exhausted themselves. Moola people may be neither troubled nor bothered by hindrances on the way and they may keep moving relentlessly to achieve their goals. Moola is an impulsive nakshatra due to strong influences of Ketu and Nritti on it. Hence it may be very quick in taking actions, many times without proper consideration. As a result, Moola people may have to suffer in the end. However, Moola people may not learn from their mistakes and they may keep repeating same mistakes.
Moola people may have good sense of financial management and they may spend their resources wisely. In its extreme form, this tendency may make them spend as little as possible. Hence they may try to save as much money as they can and they may not be willing to spend it; even when it should be. As a result, they may end up creating a number of problems; especially in the sphere of relationships.
When Moola is occupied by malefic planets, these people may exploit their friends, relatives and allies for selfish motives. Moola people may also have strong tendency to cut off the ones who they think have become useless for them. Due to this trait, Moola people may often be considered as selfish. Moola people may be proud and adamant. Such traits like being selfish, proud and adamant may bring their downfalls, unless there are corrective planets in their horoscopes.
Moola people may develop habit of picking fights with others, whenever their egos are hurt. This habit may contribute a lot in bringing their downfalls since they may at times pick fights with people who may cause them serious damage. To summarize, Moola is a difficult to handle nakshatra. Hence people under strong influence of Moola must have strong supportive horoscopes or else, they may end up using this energy for selfish motives. Such practices may ultimately bring their downfalls and they may have to face serious consequences.
As always, Moola displays a number of traits. However, different people may embrace different traits, depending on placements of various planets in this nakshatra as well as on their overall horoscopes. Looking at planets among navagraha; Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu may handle the energy of Moola with ease. Mercury and Venus may perform well in Moola, under specific conditions.
Moon is not suited for Moola and its placement in this nakshatra may form Gandmool Dosh in horoscope. Gandmool Dosh may prove troublesome for native’s own life or for his mother’s life; depending on his overall horoscope. Placements of malefic planets in Moola may weaken or corrupt its traits. As a result, the native may suffer from a number of problems, depending on his overall horoscope.
Let’s look at performances of various planets in various navamshas of Moola. Starting with Aries navamsha; Jupiter, Mars, Sun and Ketu may perform well or very well here; when supported by overall horoscope. All these planets are strong in Sagittarius as well as Aries. Saturn may perform on average or below average in this navamsha; since it is not strong in Sagittarius and it is debilitated in Aries.
Venus may perform on average or above average here whereas Mercury may perform on average in this navamsha. Both Mercury and Venus are not strong in Sagittarius as well as Aries. Rahu may perform on average in this navamsha. Though it is weak in Sagittarius and it is not strong in Aries; it is very comfortable in Moola. Moon forms Gandmool Dosh in this navamsha. Hence it may perform poorly here. Among navagraha; Jupiter may be the strongest in this navamsha whereas Saturn may be the weakest. Moon is not weak in this navamsha but it is troubled.
Looking at Taurus navamsha; Jupiter, Sun and Mars may perform well or very well here whereas Ketu may perform well but not very well in this navamsha. Ketu is strong in Sagittarius and it has great comfort in Moola but it is debilitated in Taurus. Saturn may perform above average in this navamsha since it is strong in Taurus.
Mercury may perform above average here whereas Venus may perform above average or well in this navamsha; since Venus is stronger than Mercury in Taurus. Rahu may perform above average in this navamsha; since it is weak in Sagittarius but it is exalted in Taurus. Moon may perform on average or above average but not well in this navamsha. Though Moon has decent strength in Sagittarius and it is exalted in Taurus; it is not comfortable in Moola. Among navagraha; Jupiter may be the strongest in this navamsha. No planet may be significantly weak in this navamsha.
Moving on to Gemini navamsha; Jupiter, Sun and Mars may do well or very well here whereas Ketu may do well but not very well in this navamsha; since Ketu is weak in Gemini. Saturn may perform on average or above average here; since it is strong in Gemini.
Mercury may perform above average in this navamsha whereas Venus may perform on average or above average here. Venus is stronger than Mercury in Sagittarius whereas Mercury is stronger than Venus in Gemini. Mercury is more comfortable in Moola than Venus. Rahu may perform above average in this navamsha whereas Moon may perform on average or below average here. Among navagraha; Jupiter may be the strongest in this navamsha. No planet may be significantly weak in this navamsha.
Considering Cancer navamsha; Jupiter may perform very well here, Ketu may perform well or very well here; and Sun as well as Mars may perform well but not very well in this navamsha. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, Ketu has decent strength in this sign, Sun is weak in Cancer and Mars is debilitated in this sign. Saturn may perform on average in this navamsha; since it is not strong in Sagittarius as well as Cancer.
Venus may perform on average or above average here whereas Mercury may perform on average or below average in this navamsha. Venus has decent strength in Cancer whereas Mercury is weak in this sign. Rahu may perform below average in this navamsha since it is not strong in Sagittarius as well as Cancer. Moon may perform above average here. This may be the easiest to handle navamsha of Moola; due to cooling influence of Cancer. Among navagraha; Jupiter may be the strongest and Rahu may be the weakest in this navamsha.
Himanshu Shangari