Ati-Mitra

Ati-Mitra Tara (Ati-Mitra-tāra) — the ninth and last of the nine taras in the Tara Bala system. The name comes from the Sanskrit "ati-mitra" (highest friend, truest ally). Tradition places it among the most favourable taras: days under Ati-Mitra Tara are held the most favourable of all.

Place in the system

Tara Bala divides the circle of 27 nakshatras into three circles of nine taras. Ati-Mitra Tara is the ninth position: the Moon stands eight steps ahead of your birth nakshatra (the last step before returning to Janma Tara).

Ati-Mitra Tara comes around three times per lunar circuit — about every 9 days. Tradition calls it the time of the greatest support among all nine taras.

Practical meaning

Ati-Mitra Tara is a favourable window for the most important undertakings: major projects, weighty decisions, spiritual vows. Tradition holds matters begun on this day especially supported.

The Ati-Mitra Tara background works through the highest connection. It is a day on which a person is especially open to support.

In Indian folk practice, Ati-Mitra Tara is a day on which devout Hindus often begin the most important ventures: the opening of a temple, the initiation of a spiritual community, a lasting vow.

In daily practice

Ati-Mitra Tara is a day for what matters most. If you have one main thing you've been putting off, this is a good day for it.

Ati-Mitra Tara also suits spiritual practice: prayer, meditation, a vow. Tradition holds practice especially strong on this day.

Ati-Mitra Tara also suits offerings and charity: a gift to a temple, help for those in need.

Ati-Mitra Tara closes the circle of nine taras: after it, the count begins again with Janma Tara. That makes it not only the most favourable position but also a natural point for taking stock before a new circle — a time to look back over the cycle just passed before it begins anew.

The previous position of the cycle is Mitra Tara, the next is once again Janma Tara: the cycle closes.