The fifth nakshatra, Mrigashira, is evenly divided within the constellations of Taurus and Gemini. It consists of three faint stars near the head of Orion. This lunar mansion is called “the searching star,” marking the “beginning of a search.” The ruling planet is Mars, reflecting the spiritual warrior searching for truth. Mrigashira is considered devic or god-like in nature with its primary motivation being moksha or the urge for spiritual liberation. The deity that presides here is Soma, the Moon god, who imparts the divine nectar of bliss and enlightenment. The first half of Mrigashira is placed in the constellation of Taurus the Bull. The creative impulse of Venus ruling Taurus can help individuals manifest their ideas into the material plane. Poetic and musical talent may be present. This nakshatra is also good for producing beautiful, creative and intelligent children and can bring material affluence. The second half of Mrigashira resides in Gemini. Writing, public speaking, and persuasive speech can manifest here. The person may also be very curious, clever and research oriented. Mrigashira literally means an “antelope’s head” or “having the face of a deer.” Mrigashira fills and covers us with joy. It is like a beautiful cloth that makes our life more attractive. It is considered a mridu (soft and tender) nakshatra A gentle, peaceful, sensitive, and perceptive nature is usually present. Fear of confrontation may be experienced. The other animal symbol is a female serpent, representing the sensual, seductive nature of this nakshatra. The Hindu myth connected with Mrigashira involves the Moon god. Somya, it represents the divine nectar that flows from the fruit of performing yagyas or pujas. This story reveals a shadow side of Somya and his attraction to Jupiter’s wife, Tara. Somya seduced Tara and eloped with her. This caused a tremendous uproar that forced the gods to intervene. Soma was persuaded to return Tara to Jupiter. However, there was a slight problem. Tara was pregnant with the Moon’s child. The child was named Budha or Mercury. In the Vedas, it is written, “out of the Moon, the mind was born.” That is, the analytical mind of Mercury is created out of the perceptual mind of the Moon. The myth ends with a renewal within the family. Even when Jupiter found out who the real father of Mercury was, the child was so charming that Jupiter agreed to parent him. This nakshatra reveals that, following turmoil, a new relationship is created to reflect the beginning of a new life between Jupiter and Tara after the birth of Mercury. The birth of Shiva’s consort, Uma, also took place under Mrigashira; they were also married under this nakshatra. Thus, birth and marriage can be auspicious under this asterism. The shadow side of Mrigashira can be an indulgence in pleasure. Astrologer Bepin Behari writes that “seeking comfort and pleasure in life is a sort of chase after the golden deer. Sensory attachments to strong earthly needs and a craving for sensation may result. A fickle nature may also be observed in this lunar mansion, particularly in the Gemini half of Mrigashira. This nakshatra is thought to be connected to the ancient civilization of Lumeria.