Exploring Amma’s Birth Chart, AstroliJam, Krittika Nakshatra, Taurus Moon and Mother’s Day

Last Sunday, our AstroliJam community on patreon.com/fionamarques came together to explore the chart of Amma, the Hugging Saint, in honor of Mother’s Day. The discussion was filled with insights and connections, not just between planetary positions, but between Amma’s life and our personal journeys. So I wanted to take the opportunity to record some of the discuss that I remembered and to invite you to join us next time!

One of the first things that stood out was Amma’s Moon in Taurus, in Krittika Nakshatra, a placement that remains consistent whether viewed Tropically or Sidereally. For me, Krittika Nakshatra has strong maternal symbolism because it is associated with the six celestial mothers who nurtured Lord Kartikeya, a deity associated with the Mars Avatar. (Interestingly, Amma is a Mars Ascendant in her Tropical chart). These six mothers are linked with the six brightest stars of the Pleiades constellation.   It is ruled by Agni (the Fire god), symbolizing purification and strength. People with the Moon in Krittika can exhibit fierce devotion, nurturing qualities, and a sharp ability to cut through illusions which are all traits that resonate with Amma’s compassionate and transformative presence.   

The Moon as the 7th lord in the 9th house initially made us think of marriage. But placed at 29º, it can signal something unfinished, unmaterialized or unable to fully take form in the material realm. As well as that, Venus, the ruler of Taurus (her 9th house), is debilitated in Virgo, and we see some confluence that this is not a chart destined for a conventional marriage. Instead, her Moolatrikona Moon in Taurus in the 7th house reveals a different kind of union—the ability to deeply connect with others in a spiritual way rather than through personal partnership.

Jupiter in Gemini, in the 8th Moksha house, also sparked fascinating discussion. Jupiter, the guru, residing in Gemini, which is a sign associated with the arms and hand (not to mention with human connection / communication), made us reflect on how Amma’s most profound gift is literally given through her arms! Her hugs transcend simple human connection; they become a doorway to spiritual liberation.

Her Rahu in the 4th house in Aquarius and the exalted Saturn in the 12th house also tell a story about her role as an unconventional mother. She has no children of her own, yet she is mother to everyone! The Air nature of Aquarius makes her a mother who propels he children forward rather than binding them in attachment. Aquarius prevents her compassion from creating clinging bonds. It is a Rasi of sustainability. And its Lord is Exalted in the most pragmatic sign on Libra. These placement have allowed her to embrace thousands and thousands of people without fostering dependence.

We also noticed that the lord of her Rahu is Exalted, while the lord of her Ketu (the Sun) is Debilitated - both in the 12th House. This seemed to explain so much about her powerful calling to give darshan. Additionally, when looking at her sidereal Navamsha, we noticed that her Sun is exalted, emphasizing a profound inner spiritual authority. While her Tropical chart presents themes of surrender and moksha, this sidereal insight underscores her radiant presence as a guiding force, suggesting a strong inner clarity and divine purpose despite any external renunciation.

We finished with a fun observation about her Mars-Venus conjunction in Virgo, speculating about how this energy may manifest in her ability to guide others into harmonious relationships, perhaps as an intuitive matchmaker :)

As we explored Amma’s spiritual presence, I shared my own story that seemed to resonate with our insights from her birth chart. Before leaving Australia in 2006, I had the opportunity to receive a hug from Amma (my teacher’s guru) in Sydney. At the time, I didn’t realize how this moment would weave into my journey later.

After moving to Portugal later that year, I found myself far from both Amma and my teacher. Then, in 2008, I had a remarkable dream where Amma told me she had booked an appointment for me at 11 on the 11th. When I woke up, I remembered to check the internet, and found that Amma was in fact scheduled to be in Barcelona on the 11th (of the 11th month!!). Taking it as a sign, I traveled there and imagining my “appointment” would be at 11 AM did everything I could to get there in the morning. But as fate would have it, Amma’s popularity meant that I waited I got my hug “ticket” at 11 AM, but didn’t actually get my hug till nearly 11 PM!

Months later, I had another dream. This time Amma was getting into a car, saying goodbye. It felt like a message. Like she way telling me there was no need to feel sad that we might not meet again, she was waving at me and let me know she was going. This dream gave me the ending that left me satiated knowing I didn’t need to chase after her.

Only during AstroliJam did I realize how this moment mirrored her chart’s Rahu, Aquarius connection in the 4th house, and the exalted Saturn in the 12th and that her presence is profoundly nurturing, yet allows people to move forward without attachment.

As I reflect on our discussion of Amma’s chart in this blog, I’m noticing striking parallels with our next AstroliJam case study - Pope Leo XIV. Like Amma, Pope Leo XIV has Venus and Mars in Virgo, reinforcing the themes of devotion, service, and spiritual leadership. Virgo brings precision and refinement, a disciplined approach to love and connection, which reflects in both figures’ spiritual missions. This means they both have Venus in its debilitation sign. Is this linked to a celibate, spiritual life?

Additionally, our upcoming Redemption Arc Detectives case study mirrors Amma’s chart in key ways, with four planets in the 12th house (Amma’s has three), including Sun and Saturn, strengthening the theme of moksha, surrender, and karmic resolution. They also both have Venus conjunctions in the 11th House. Interestingly, Amma’s Ascendant lord is in the 12th and the Redemption Arc Case Study’s Ascendant lord is in the 11th. How influential is this in the different paths these two birth charts have taken?

If you want to build your confidence in reading birth charts, I’d love for you to join our next AstroliJam, where we’ll dive into the chart of Pope Leo XIV and continue exploring how astrology shapes spiritual figures. Hop onto my Patreon anytime, where Vedic astrology enthusiasts connect, share insights, and exchange experiences in a friendly and supportive space. Hope to see you there!