Krittika is known as the 'Star of Fire' and is intimately linked to Agni, the Vedic God of Fire. Fire is the element that consumes, purifies, and transforms matter into energy. The mythology of Krittika is also tied to the birth of Kartikeya (Murugan), the general of the celestial army. The story goes that when Shiva's seed was released, it was too hot for anyone to hold. It was eventually placed in the river Ganges and then into a forest of reeds, where it transformed into six babies. The six Krittikas (the Pleiades star cluster), who were the wives of the seven sages, found these babies. Overcome with maternal love, they nursed them. Kartikeya developed six heads to nurse from all six mothers simultaneously. This myth highlights the dual nature of Krittika: it is fiercely sharp and war-like (Kartikeya is a warrior), but it is also deeply maternal and nurturing (the nursing mothers). Krittika natives often display this 'tough love' persona. They can cut you with their words (the symbol is a razor), but they will also cook you a warm meal and defend you to the death. Agni, the ruler, represents the digestive fire—both of food and of information. Krittika has the power to burn away impurities. In ancient times, fire was the primary tool for civilization—cooking, clearing forests for agriculture, and forging weapons. Similarly, Krittika natives are the builders and the clearers. They have a zero-tolerance policy for lies or inefficiency. Another layer of the myth is the separation. The Krittikas were accused of infidelity (due to their association with Agni/Shiva) and were separated from their husbands (the Sages/Ursa Major). This theme of separation or living apart from a partner often plays out in the lives of Krittika natives. They often have to stand alone to uphold their truth.