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YAZATAS
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Satavaesa

An acolyte of Tishtrya. The star Satavaesa is also personified, but his individuality is very faintly pronounced. He has no Yasht or hymn composed to glorify him. As an acolyte of Tishtrya, he causes the waters of the sea Vourukasha to flow down to the seven zones for the nourishment of plants and animals, and for the fertility and prosperity of the Aryan nations.[1]

Haptoiringa

Another acolyte of Tishtrya. This constellation, Ursa Major, is also raised to the position of a lesser divinity. Ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine Fravashis watch over this stellar cluster.[2] The genius of this star is invoked to enable mankind to oppose the evil caused by the sorcerers and fairies.[3]

Vayu

The deification of the wind. Vayu, or Vata, is the IndoIranian impersonation of wind. The terms Vayu and Vata arc variously used to represent either the wind or the genius of wind in both the Rig Veda and in the Avestan texts. Yet Vayu is chiefly the personification of the wind. As we have already seen, the whole of the Ram Yasht treats of the exploits of Raman's comrade Vayu. Vayu's wind is divided into two parts, the good and the evil. The wind is productive of good, but it also causes harm. That part of Vayu which is supposed to be the source of harm is branded as evil, and classed among Angra Mainyu's creations. Hence the faithful take care to sacrifice unto that part alone of Vayu which is the creation of Spenta Mainyu.[4] The twenty-second day of the month is named after Vayu.[5]

Vayu's attributes. The genius of wind is most frequently called 'working on high.' He strikes terror among all, and

  1. Yt. 8. 9; 13. 43; Sr. 1. 13; 2. 13.
  2. Yt. 13. 60.
  3. Yt. 8. 12; Sr. 2. 13.
  4. Ys. 22. 24; 25. 5; Yt. 15. 5, 42, 57; Sr. 1. 21; 2. 21.
  5. Ys. 16. 5.