Mrigashira means "Deer's Head," and its mythology is the continuation of the Rohini story. When Brahma (the Creator) pursued his daughter (Rohini) in the form of a stag, Shiva (the destroyer) saw this breach of cosmic law. He took the form of a hunter (Rudra) and shot an arrow at the stag. The stag's head was severed and flew into the sky, becoming the constellation Mrigashira. This violent separation sets the tone for Mrigashira: it is the star of the hunt, the chase, and the eternal search. The deer is a wandering animal, constantly moving, sniffing the ground, looking for the softest grass or the divine nectar (Soma). Soma, the Moon God, is the presiding deity of this star. Soma represents the elixir of immortality, the ultimate bliss that the soul seeks. The mythology paints Mrigashira as a restless spirit. Just as a deer is easily startled and always on the lookout for predators, natives of this star have a nervous, alert energy. They are searching for something—paradise, truth, or the perfect relationship. The tragedy is that the deer often carries the musk (scent) within itself but searches the whole forest looking for the source of the smell. This is the spiritual metaphor for Mrigashira: they search the world for a happiness that already lies within them. The arrow of Rudra also signifies the piercing intellect. Mrigashira natives are intellectual hunters; they track down information. They are the detectives and the researchers. The influence of Mars (the planetary ruler) gives them the energy to pursue, while the Moon (Soma) gives them the sensitivity to feel. Another legend involves Parvati, who took the form of a doe to test Shiva's love. They wandered the forests together. This connects Mrigashira to the beauty of nature, forests, and trails. It is a star of tracks and paths. It rules the roads we travel, both physically and metaphorically.