The term wealth can mean different things to different people. In modern day context, it is often linked to the accumulation of money and other assets. Many studies are based on the computation of wealth, including wealth of nations (reminds of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations), wealth of individuals, and wealth of families. (See Riches Countries in the World, 2020; https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/richest-countries-in-the-world).
There are many perspectives and theories on wealth. All of them have contributed in a big way to keeping the concept relevant and dynamic across ages and philosophies. A few writers would have an economic view while focusing on wealth generation, accumulation and creation. Others would take a esoteric view by focusing on wealth being the absence of debt and a value asset. A few scholars study wealth in a more philosophical sense using it as the means for defining an ideal life in harmonious relationship with material assets.
The diverse perspectives on the subject make wealth or being wealthy a rich and multifaceted concept. Interestingly, astrology also contributes to the discussion.
Wealth in Astrology
While looking at an astrological chart, wealth may be discussed in many contexts. It may involve a discussion on source of income, earning capacity, resources of family, liquidity , inheritance, long term investments etc. Here are a few examples;
First, an astrological chart may have a wealth producing yoga/combination. The yoga is formed with a harmonious alignment of houses and planets. E.g. Dhan Yoga, Lakshmi Yoga.
Second, an astrologer may analyze one of the money houses in the chart. E.g. the 2nd House of the chart representing resources, assets and family wealth.
Third, a discussion on the nature of work the native will do- business or job indicating the actual source of income.
Fourth, a discussion on inheritance and ancestral wealth. E.g. analysis of the 8th House of the chart.
Fifth, a discussion on un-earned wealth or money through lottery and speculation.
All of the above in one form or another focus on wealth including wealth creation, wealth inheritance, wealth preservation, and poverty. In addition to the above, there are other astrological indicators to give meaning and a tangible form to the expression being wealthy.
The Wealthy Nakshatras
The 27 nakshatras in the sky are an important part of the world of astrology. According to Vedic Astrologer Komilla Sutton, the nakshatras represent the mind , the higher and lower energies and daily struggles for peace amid the uncertainties and pressures...The ancient sages tried to decipher the meaning of life through the stars. (See Komilla Sutton, The Nakshatras: The Stars beyond the Zodiac, 2014).
All nakshatras have association with gods, goddesses, deities, and divine powers. Many nakshatras get associated with rich and abundant energies of fertility, productivity, creation and fulfillment. However, there are two nakshatras which are called the "the wealthy one".
Dhanishta
The nakshatra of Dhanishtha is associated with wealth and abundance. Prash Trivedi refers to the nakshatra as the "wealthiest" and the "most beneficient".The ruling deities here are the 8 vasus of Apas, Dhruva, Soma, Dhara, Anila, Anala, Pratyusha, Prabhas. (See Prash Trivedi, The Book of Nakshatras, 2005). The 8 vasus contribute several attributes and power to the nakshatra making it abundant in skill, resources and divine energies.
Sutton describes the wealth of Dhanista coming from the renunciation of material desire and ego in order to be empty and available for abundance. Trivedi refers to the nakshatra as the zenith of worldly achievements. (also because it falls in the sign of Capricorn ruled by Saturn- work, discipline and service). The power of the nakshatra is the Khyapayitri Shakti- meaning the power to give fame and abundance.
Because of the gifts from the 8 vasus, dhanista is an active nakshatra requiring goal oriented action and higher aspiration. The two qualities associated here are long lasting wealth and intelligent wealth. Intelligent wealth is the one earned through the pursuit of universal goal or from a moral resolve (astrologers refer to the life story of Bheeshma in the epic Mahabharat to describe the nature of Dhanishta- astrologers Dr. Arjun Pai, Komilla Sutton, Sandip Kanholy).
The wealth formula in Dhanista is action/pursuit + a universal goal/purpose = long lasting wealth.
Revati
The nakshatra of Revati means "wealthy". Being the last nakshatra in the 27 nakshatra scheme it is seen as a highly spiritual nakshatra symbolized by two fishes swimming in different directions.
The association of Revati to wealth is one of the most enigmatic ways in which astrology offers a deep meaning of wealth and being wealthy. Sutton in her book says that the ancient sages associated Revati with abundance because when the Sun moved into Revati it was time for the crops to harvest. Another interesting observation offered by Sutton is that the natives under its influence are not very good with money or finances.
Revati nakshatra is linked with Pushan, the deity who protects and guides the path between endings and beginnings or between death and life. Revati ruled natives have the power within to find and give direction. The power of the nakshatra being the Kshiradyapani Shakti i.e. the power to nourish. The process of nourishment is key in preserving life and existence.
With that interpretation, it is clear that experiences of malnourishment or under nourishment are indicators of poverty and a moral decline in any society. A wealthy society is one where there is proper nourishment of the body and mind of all.
The energies of Revati help us understand that wealth is a multifaceted concept. Especially when Revati is seen as disassociating itself from money and finance and sheds light on nourishment and care.
Both Revati and Dhanishta define wealth as a form of power or capacity. The capacity here is to utilize the most basic of one's potential of dedication to a path or goal and nurturing which when put to use will not only create wealth for others but also uplift the wealthy one to a status of receiving greater wealth.
Three more points- Debt, Evil Eye and Gold
On the concept of wealth, there are three more points to cover. One is on freedom from debt, the other on freedom from evil eye, and third on the significance of Gold. (watch out for future posts on the same).
Wealth in 2020-2021
In November 2020 we have a Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction in the sky. It is when Jupiter the planet of expansion, wealth and prosperity meets with Saturn, the planet indicating financial hurdles and resource depletion. The effect of the conjunction will make people reflect on how money is to be earned and saved. Financial re-adjustments, wealth generation, public debt, national debt will be the buzz words. Large financial organizations will be in search for means to generate wealth and lead people and countries to prosperity and financial stability.
Are you a wealthy person?
Where do you spend your wealth?
How are wealth and debt related?