Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish, I wish tonight.

We have always been enchanted by stars. The Phoenicians looked to the sun’s movement across the heaven to tell them their direction. Stars since ancient times are described as forever hope, destiny, heaven and freedom. We also believe that seeing a falling star will fulfill our wishes. One has to wish immediately, because a falling star disappears in seconds.

In the Hindu faith, there are many legends about stars. Chandra (Moon God) in one version of the Puranas, the husband of the star goddess, Tara. She becomes the wife of Brihaspati — as they fell in love with each other. The Orion constellation symbolizes the Greek mythological hunter. Orion was born of Poseidon, God of the sea and Euro dale, a human princess.

Orion consists of seven of the brightest stars and it is called Kaalpurush in Hindu scriptures. It is a representation of Vishnu. This constellation is shaped like a deer, with three stars in the middle representing an arrow and four arrows at the corners representing the hooves. It is the concept of the Cosmic Man or the Universal being, who is Lord Vishnu.

When we look at the stars, we are looking at Vishnu, the preserver and also at a six-pointed star called Shatkona. It is a Yantra symbol that represents the union of both the masculine and feminine form. It represents Purusha (the supreme being) and Prakriti (mother nature). Vishnu preserves order in the universe. He restores balance in the chaos. He is compassionate and he gifts success.

Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious… There is always something you can do and succeed at. – Stephen Hawkins

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Mike Dierken on Unsplash