The Transformatikos: Shukra
(Part of The Transformatikos by Adityanath)
The Moon Mantra completed, we are ready to transcend the Lunar sphere and apprehend the energies of the Planets. In all traditional forms of Astrology, including Jyotisha, the Sun and Moon are numbered among the Planets, though they are also called the Luminaries. Typically the Inner Planets, those which orbit between the Earth and the Sun, are considered more personal energies close to and familiar to the Ego, which is represented by the Sun, while the Outer Planets, those outside the orbit of the Earth, are considered more societal or social in nature.
One interesting fact about the two Inner Planets, Venus and Mercury, is that from the perspective of the Earth, they never stray far from the Sun. Mercury can never be more than 28 degrees from the Sun, and thus it will always be found in either the same astrological sign as the Sun or in the sign just before or just after the Sun. Venus ranges farther but can always be found within 48 degrees of the Sun. This means that Venus can never be further than two signs ahead or behind the Sun. Due to this configuration, the Inner Planets frequently appear to change direction as viewed from the Earth. When apparently moving backward, they are said to be “retrograde.” In the case of Mercury, this happens so frequently that the Planet appears to take two steps forward followed by one step back.
Another consideration from the standpoint of Jyotish is that any Planets too close to the Sun, within 8 degrees, are said to be “combust” or burnt by the Sun. In other words, the energy of the Sun overwhelms the more subtle energy of the Planet. Due to this, the timing for working the Mantras of the Inner Planets is more critical than for any of the other planets. The best results will be obtained by starting when the Planet is at its furthest apparent distance from the Sun and has just gone into “direct” or forward motion. Of course, even then one must wait until the Moon is waxing and start on the appropriate day. In any case it is advisable to ensure that the Planet does not approach closer than 8 to 10 degrees from the Sun during the duration of the Mantra Working.
OM SHUM SHUKRAYE NAMAHA!
As we travel toward the Sun, Venus will be the next Planet with which we shall work. The Sanskrit name of Venus is Shukra, which literally means “semen.” This can be read on many levels but the underlying meaning is the refined energy of life, the life-force in all of its forms from the sap of plants and trees to the reproductive energies of animals and humans. Shukra rules over all the refined and desirable things of life: art, music, flowers, love, marriage, beauty, and other “good things.”
While in the West these things are all considered primarily good, in the more spiritual climate of ancient India they were also considered distractions to the spiritual life. For Westerners who are treading the path of the householder Nath, it is useful to balance and refine one’s attachment to the sensual pleasures of life. Too little of the Venusian element and our mind may become obsessed with obtaining a partner or a more comfortable position in life and this attitude can be an obstacle to our spiritual progress. Too much of the Venusian element and we will happily keep ourselves distracted by sensual pleasures and feel no need to pursue spiritual goals.
The Mantra of Shukra can increase our prosperity and improve our access to and relationship with all the good things in life such as those previously mentioned. As the natural ruler of the seventh house of Marriage, it is especially beneficial in harmonizing our committed relationships. It can also balance the hormonal system and it is said that it can benefit those with kidney problems or diabetes.
The recommended number of repetitions of the Shukra Mantra given above is 16,000, and the Working should be started on a Friday while the Moon is waxing. An ephemeris or astrological calendar should be used to ensure that Venus is in direct motion and sufficiently distant from the Sun during the Working. Alternatively, an astrologer could be consulted to assist with determining the most appropriate time to start the Working.
Home | Soma (Moon) | Shukra (Venus) | Budha (Mercury) | Surya (Sun)
Mangala (Mars) | Brhaspati (Jupiter) | Shanaishchara (Saturn) | Appendix