Pushya: “The Star of Nourishment”

by Katya Faris, MA, MA

www.hindustanastrology.com

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Pushya, the 8th nakshatra in Vedic astrology, is known as “The Star of Nourishment” for its deeply caring, protective, and prosperous qualities. Symbolized by a cow’s udder, it represents sustenance, abundance, and the divine motherly energy that nurtures and provides. Ruled by Brihaspati (Jupiter), this nakshatra is considered one of the most auspicious for wealth, spiritual growth, and stability. Interestingly, the Pushya Point—a specific degree calculated from this nakshatra—is known as the “Yogi Point” in financial astrology, associated with holding onto wealth and prosperity.

Attributes of Pushya Nakshatra

• Rashi (Zodiac Sign): Cancer
• Sidereal Degrees: 13°20′ Cancer to 26°40′ Cancer
• Ruling Deity: Brihaspati (Jupiter), the priest of the gods and bestower of wisdom
• Planetary Lord: Saturn
• Fixed Star: Delta Cancri (Asellus Australis), part of the constellation Cancer
• Symbol: Cow’s udder, lotus, arrow
• Nature (Gana): Divine (Deva)
• Gender: Male
• Element (Tattva): Water
• Guna (Quality): Sattwic (pure, harmonious)
• Animal Symbol: Male goat (representing fertility and nourishment)
• Key Themes: Nurturing, wealth, protection, spirituality, tradition, discipline

The Color of Pushya

Pushya is associated with black or dark blue, symbolizing depth, wisdom, and the nourishing waters of Cancer. This color reflects its connection to Saturn (discipline) and Jupiter (expansion), blending structure with abundance.

The Fixed Star: Delta Cancri (Asellus Australis)

The primary fixed star of Pushya is Delta Cancri (Asellus Australis), part of the “Donkeys” in the Cancer constellation. In ancient lore, these stars were seen as donkeys feeding from the celestial manger, fixed star Praesepe that lies between the Aselli, reinforcing themes of nourishment and sustenance. Astrologically, this star enhances Pushya’s nurturing qualities, linking it to caregiving, agriculture, and prosperity.

The Myth of Pushya: The Divine Cow and the Sage’s Blessing

Once upon a time, in the age when gods and demons still walked the earth, there lived a mighty sage named Vasishta, one of the seven great Rishis who held the wisdom of the cosmos. His hermitage was a sanctuary of peace, where sages meditated, students learned the sacred Vedas, and even weary travelers found rest and nourishment.

One day, as the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) churned the great ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) in their quest for the nectar of immortality (Amrita), something miraculous arose from the depths—Kamadhenu, the celestial wish-fulfilling cow. Her milk was sweet as nectar, and from her udders flowed endless abundance. She could grant any wish, feed any hunger, and sustain all of creation.

The gods, knowing her power, entrusted Kamadhenu to Sage Vasishta, for he was pure of heart and wise in spirit. In his ashram, she became the mother of all nourishment, providing milk, ghee, and sacred offerings for rituals. The land around his hermitage flourished—trees bore fruit in every season, rivers ran clear, and no one ever knew hunger.

The Greed of King Vishwamitra

Now, there was a powerful king named Vishwamitra, a mighty warrior who once visited Vasishta’s ashram. The sage welcomed him with honor, offering a grand feast—all prepared from Kamadhenu’s divine milk. Amazed, Vishwamitra demanded, “Give me this cow! A king deserves such wealth more than a hermit!”

But Vasishta refused gently, “Kamadhenu is not mine to give. She is a gift to the world, sustaining sages, gods, and all living beings. To take her would be to steal from the divine.”

Enraged, Vishwamitra ordered his soldiers to seize Kamadhenu by force. But as they approached, the divine cow let out a sorrowful cry, and from her body emerged fierce warriors—celestial armies ready to defend her. A great battle erupted, but Vishwamitra’s forces were no match for the protectors of the sacred cow. Defeated and humiliated, the king realized his folly.

The Transformation of Vishwamitra

Realizing that true power came not from wealth, but from wisdom and penance, Vishwamitra renounced his throne. He embarked on thousands of years of meditation, enduring storms, hunger, and temptations, until even the gods acknowledged his discipline. Finally, Brahma himself appeared and granted him the title of “Brahmarishi”—a sage equal to Vasishta.

The Lesson of Pushya

This myth reveals the dual nature of Pushya Nakshatra:

• Nourishing and gentle, like Kamadhenu’s milk, providing for all who seek with pure intent.
• Fiercely protective, summoning strength when its blessings are threatened.
• Transformative, like Vishwamitra’s journey—showing that true wealth comes from wisdom, not greed.

Those born under Pushya often carry this energy—nurturing yet strong, abundant yet disciplined. They may face tests where their generosity is exploited, but like Kamadhenu, they hold the power to sustain and protect what is sacred.

Moon in Pushya: Client Stories

Client 1: Moon in Pushya (9th House) Conjunct Mars Retrograde

This client’s Moon in the 9th house (father, spirituality) conjunct debilitated Mars in Cancer revealed a mother who raised her alone, with unmet emotional needs passed down. Their relationship was tumultuous, leading to estrangement. Despite Pushya’s wealth associations, financial struggles persisted. However, her nurturing side emerged through Wiccan crafts, wildcrafting herbs, and selling homemade products—still embodying Pushya’s nourishing energy.

Client 2: Moon in Pushya (11th House) Conjunct Pluto Retrograde

An automotive engineer with a stolen patent, his 11th house (gains, friends) Pushya Moon should have brought wealth, but Pluto’s influence led to betrayal. His Ketu in Leo (12th house) suggested past-life karma around loss. Pushya’s potential for wealth was blocked, yet his inventive mind (Cancer’s creativity) still left a mark on the industry.

Client 3: Moon in Pushya (9th House) Conjunct Rahu

A psychic medium with a 9th house Pushya Moon + Rahu, she had a smothering yet loving mother and a strong spiritual path. Her wealth stabilized in marriage, and she embraced Divine Feminine practices, selling mushroom teas—another form of Pushya’s nurturing through natural remedies.

Famous People with Moon in Pushya

1. Studio 54 – The infamous nightclub was a haven for the elite, reflecting Pushya’s exclusivity and wealth.
2. David Bowie – A chameleon of art and music, his creativity was nurtured (Pushya) yet boundary-pushing (Cancer’s depth).
3. Hoagy Carmichael – His timeless jazz melodies carry Pushya’s nostalgic, nourishing quality, and his mother was a piano teacher, enforcing the mother bond of Cancer.
4. Clint Eastwood – A disciplined, protective figure (Pushya + Saturn), both as an actor and director.
5. Rachel Graham (“Kayleigh’s Mom”) – A mukbang creator on TikTok, her content revolves around food, family and nurturing, pure Pushya energy.
6. Tom Hanks – Beloved for his fatherly, comforting roles, embodying Pushya’s warmth.
7. Paris Hilton – A business mogul who turned fame into an empire, showing Pushya’s wealth-holding ability.
8. Israel – A nation deeply tied to tradition and nourishment, yet stealing it from another like The Greed of King Vishwamitra (Pushya’s myth).
9. Alice Keppel – A mistress who wielded influence, using charm (Cancer) to secure status (Pushya’s wealth).
10. Hedy Lamarr – An actress and inventor, her frequency-hopping tech shows Pushya’s innovative, nurturing mind.
11. Prince Louis of Wales – The youngest royal, his life is protected and nourished by tradition.
12. Mandy Moore – Her soft yet strong presence in music and acting reflects Pushya’s gentle power.
13. Gail Thackray – A spiritual coach using gems and reiki, channeling Pushya’s healing energy.

Remedies (Upayas) for Pushya

• Worship Brihaspati (Jupiter) – Chant “Om Brim Brihaspataye Namah” on Thursdays.
• Charity: Donate yellow cloth, ghee, or grains to priests or temples.
• Gemstone: Yellow sapphire (Pukhraj) can strengthen Jupiter’s blessings.
• Mantra: Recite the Pushya Nakshatra mantra: “Om Bham” 108 times.
• Fasting: Observe fasts on Pushya Nakshatra days or Thursdays.
• Serve Cows: Feeding or caring for cows honors Kamadhenu, bringing prosperity.

Closing Thoughts

Pushya is a nourishing, protective, and wealth-attracting nakshatra, but its energy must be honored with discipline (Saturn) and wisdom (Jupiter). Whether through mothering, inventing, or spiritual guidance, its natives are here to sustain and uplift. If wealth is blocked, karma or planetary afflictions may need addressing—but Pushya’s inherent grace ensures that true nourishment always finds a way.

May the milk of abundance flow for you! 🐄✨