In Vedic astrology, constellations are known as ‘nakshatras.’ One particular nakshatra that bears symbolism to the Eye is that of Ardra, which literally translates to ‘green’ and ‘moist.’ In western astrology, this sign corresponds to the right part of the Gemini constellation, which appears as the twins Castor and Pollux. However, this part of Gemini is perceived differently in Vedic astrology. Traditionally, Ardra appears in the form of a teardrop but at times has instead been interpreted as an eye. Its ruling deity is the storm god Rudra, who was the predecessor to the later Hindu god Shiva. This red-skinned god has a third eye in his forehead that is perpetually half-awake, lest it fully open and annihilate everything in the universe. He appears in many forms with many different names, and one of these is Pashupati, in where he adorns a horned headdress whilst sitting in a yogi posture, surrounded by wild beasts. This form of his was the earliest known form of the later horned Celtic god Cernunnos, who, whilst also seated in a yogi posture surrounded by wild animals, holds a serpent in his left hand. This creature was also associated with Rudra, along with the bull, wolf, dog, and various large cats as well as domesticated ones. Among his myriads of worshippers were a band of archaic berserker-warriors known as the Vrātyas (dog-priests) who were believed to be literal werewolves by donning wolf pelts over their heads and charged into battle. In this way, Rudra was seen as the proverbial Lord of Werewolves. These depictions of this entity were also extended to the familiar Norse god Odin who is one-eyed and dons a horned headdress whilst being surrounded and worshipped by wolf-men that howl, shriek, and scream in the throes of a raging storm. Several of Rudra’s other titles are ‘Supreme Ruler and Lord of the World’ and ‘Lord of Spirits.’ His dwelling abode is atop Mount Meru, where he awaits the eventual destruction of not only the world but the entire universe. When it finally comes, his third eye awakens and from a distance we may see a massive mountain with a large eye hovering above it, emanating nothing but destruction…in order to recreate.
O Lord of the Earth, O Lord of the Intermediate Region
O Lord of the World, O Lord of the Spirits …
He who hates us and whom we hate (for him) art Thou difficult to satisfy
With Thy Shadow, because of Thy Insidiousness
The Heart is Thy Bow, the Mind is Thy Arrow, the Shooting is Thy Eye
As such we know Thee
Homage to Thee!
May Soma refresh Thee
Do not hurt me
The Two who like Wolves with jaws wide opened, roam in the forest
Bhava and Sarva, the sons of the Great God, (may) homage (be paid) and with the hymns (beginning)
“What might we say to Rudra”
“These prayers we offer to Rudra”
“Let, O Father of the Maruts”
“These praises bring to Rudra of strong bow” …
— Shankhayana Shrauta Sutra, 4.20
