The twenty-fifth nakshatra is named Purva Bhadrapada and is located primarily in the sign of Aquarius, with one pada in Pisces. It consists of two main stars (Markab and Scheat) in the body of Pegasus, the winged horse. The symbols for this lunar mansion include a sword, two front legs of a bed or funeral cot, or a two-faced man. Purva Bhadrapada translates as “the former lucky feet” or the “feet of a stool or bench.” This also refers to the deity of this nakshatra, which is Aja Ekapada, the “one footed goat” or unicorn which is related to Rudra, the god of storms. Like the unicorn, Purva Bhadrapada people are unique, eccentric and mystical beings. Aja Ekapada is also worshiped as a form of Lord Shiva and a transport vehicle of Agni, the god of fire. It gives the fire to raise a spiritual person up in life {yajamana vdyamana shakti).1 Purva Bhadrapada people are usually passionate, impetuous, and opinionated. They possess good speaking ability and are skilled in earning money. Their primary motivation is artha or material prosperity. Combined with the next nakshatra, Uttara Bhadrapada, this asterism forms half of “the scorching pair” or “burning pair.” Both lunar mansions create a fiery temperament and an immensely active nature. The animal symbol is a male lion. Purva Bhadrapada reveals a strong urge to be focused on anideal or vision for the future. Its natives like to work for universal goals that uplift humanity. Purva Bhadrapada grants a universal view through intense internal purification. The ruling planet is Jupiter which connects this nakshatra with the Brahmans or intellectual caste. These people are very independent and selfreliant- people who possess deep philosophical wisdom and originality in thought. They love to escape or run away from the constraints of societal rules and norms. They like to “travel to the beat of their own drummer.” They believe in the idea that “beaten paths are for beaten people.” The shadow side of Purva Bhadrapada is an angry, impulsive, anxious personality. These people can be cynical and communicate with harsh or critical speech. They may try to coerce others to conform to their idealistic principles and philosophies. Purva Bhadrapada people can become fearful, nervous, and worrisome when confronted with stressful life events. A wavering or unstable mind is often the result. They can be stingy or miserly. Their goal is to raise up their spiritual aspirations in life which can take them out of the domain of selfish behavior. Pain, suffering, injuries from falls, accidents, or attacks can occur here. Reflecting the symbol of the two-faced man, they possess the ability to see issues from different points of view. However, they may appear “two faced” to others in the process.