The Nakshatras

The Lunar Mansions

While the twelve rashis (signs) divide the zodiac into thirty-degree segments, the nakshatras offer a finer division - twenty-seven lunar mansions, each spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes of arc. This is perhaps the oldest layer of Vedic astrology, predating the twelve-sign zodiac, rooted in ancient observation of the Moon’s nightly journey through the stars.

The Moon’s Path

The Moon travels through the entire zodiac in approximately 27.3 days, spending roughly one day in each nakshatra. Ancient astrologers observed which constellation the Moon rested against each night and gave each of these “lunar mansions” specific qualities, deities, and significance.

The nakshatras represent the intimate, personal layer of astrology - while the signs show broad characteristics, the nakshatras reveal subtle psychological textures and karmic patterns. Two people with the Moon in the same sign but different nakshatras can have markedly different mental and emotional constitutions.

The Twenty-Seven Nakshatras

Each nakshatra has a ruling planet, a presiding deity, a symbol, and a characteristic quality (guna). Here is an overview of all twenty-seven:

1. Ashwini (0°00’ - 13°20’ Aries)

Ruler: Ketu | Deity: Ashwini Kumaras (divine physicians) Symbol: Horse’s head | Quality: Light (Laghu)

The first nakshatra represents healing, speed, and new beginnings. Those born under Ashwini are often quick, helpful, and interested in medicine or healing arts.

2. Bharani (13°20’ - 26°40’ Aries)

Ruler: Venus | Deity: Yama (god of death) Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ) | Quality: Fierce (Ugra)

Bharani represents the capacity to bear and nurture - birth, death, and the transformations between. These natives often carry heavy responsibilities.

3. Krittika (26°40’ Aries - 10°00’ Taurus)

Ruler: Sun | Deity: Agni (fire god) Symbol: Razor or flame | Quality: Mixed (Mishra)

Krittika’s sharp energy cuts away impurities. These natives are often direct, critical, and purifying in their influence.

4. Rohini (10°00’ - 23°20’ Taurus)

Ruler: Moon | Deity: Brahma (creator) Symbol: Ox cart | Quality: Fixed (Dhruva)

The Moon’s favorite nakshatra represents fertility, beauty, and growth. Those born here are often attractive, creative, and drawn to luxury.

5. Mrigashira (23°20’ Taurus - 6°40’ Gemini)

Ruler: Mars | Deity: Soma (Moon god) Symbol: Deer’s head | Quality: Soft (Mridu)

Mrigashira represents the searching mind - curious, gentle, and always seeking. These natives are often restless seekers of knowledge and experience.

6. Ardra (6°40’ - 20°00’ Gemini)

Ruler: Rahu | Deity: Rudra (storm god) Symbol: Teardrop | Quality: Sharp (Tikshna)

Ardra represents storms, destruction, and the renewal that follows. These natives often experience intense transformation and possess penetrating intelligence.

7. Punarvasu (20°00’ Gemini - 3°20’ Cancer)

Ruler: Jupiter | Deity: Aditi (mother of the gods) Symbol: Quiver of arrows | Quality: Moveable (Chara)

Punarvasu means “return of the light” - representing renewal, restoration, and second chances. These natives are often optimistic and recover well from setbacks.

8. Pushya (3°20’ - 16°40’ Cancer)

Ruler: Saturn | Deity: Brihaspati (guru of the gods) Symbol: Lotus, cow’s udder | Quality: Light (Laghu)

Considered the most auspicious nakshatra for beginnings, Pushya represents nourishment, generosity, and spiritual development.

9. Ashlesha (16°40’ - 30°00’ Cancer)

Ruler: Mercury | Deity: Nagas (serpent gods) Symbol: Coiled snake | Quality: Sharp (Tikshna)

Ashlesha represents the kundalini energy - hypnotic, penetrating, and sometimes deceptive. These natives are often psychologically astute and magnetic.

10. Magha (0°00’ - 13°20’ Leo)

Ruler: Ketu | Deity: Pitris (ancestors) Symbol: Royal throne | Quality: Fierce (Ugra)

Magha connects to royal lineage and ancestral legacy. These natives often have pride in heritage and may be drawn to tradition and ritual.

11. Purva Phalguni (13°20’ - 26°40’ Leo)

Ruler: Venus | Deity: Bhaga (god of fortune) Symbol: Hammock, front legs of a bed | Quality: Fierce (Ugra)

This nakshatra represents enjoyment, creativity, and the pleasures of life. These natives are often artistic, romantic, and drawn to comfort.

12. Uttara Phalguni (26°40’ Leo - 10°00’ Virgo)

Ruler: Sun | Deity: Aryaman (god of patronage) Symbol: Back legs of a bed | Quality: Fixed (Dhruva)

Uttara Phalguni represents commitment, friendship, and lasting relationships. These natives are often reliable helpers and form strong bonds.

13. Hasta (10°00’ - 23°20’ Virgo)

Ruler: Moon | Deity: Savitar (sun god of the morning) Symbol: Hand | Quality: Light (Laghu)

Hasta represents skill, dexterity, and the power of the hands. These natives are often craftspeople, healers, or skilled in manual arts.

14. Chitra (23°20’ Virgo - 6°40’ Libra)

Ruler: Mars | Deity: Vishwakarma (celestial architect) Symbol: Bright jewel | Quality: Soft (Mridu)

Chitra represents beauty, craftsmanship, and creative brilliance. These natives are often visually oriented and attracted to beautiful things.

15. Swati (6°40’ - 20°00’ Libra)

Ruler: Rahu | Deity: Vayu (wind god) Symbol: Young plant swaying | Quality: Moveable (Chara)

Swati represents independence, flexibility, and the capacity to adapt. These natives are often self-made and value personal freedom.

16. Vishakha (20°00’ Libra - 3°20’ Scorpio)

Ruler: Jupiter | Deity: Indra and Agni Symbol: Triumphal arch, forked branch | Quality: Mixed (Mishra)

Vishakha represents goal-oriented determination and the power to achieve. These natives are often single-minded in pursuit of their aims.

17. Anuradha (3°20’ - 16°40’ Scorpio)

Ruler: Saturn | Deity: Mitra (god of friendship) Symbol: Lotus | Quality: Soft (Mridu)

Anuradha represents devotion, friendship, and the ability to flourish in difficult circumstances. These natives are often loyal and resilient.

18. Jyeshtha (16°40’ - 30°00’ Scorpio)

Ruler: Mercury | Deity: Indra (king of gods) Symbol: Circular earring, umbrella | Quality: Sharp (Tikshna)

Jyeshtha represents seniority, authority, and protective power. These natives often assume responsibility and leadership roles.

19. Mula (0°00’ - 13°20’ Sagittarius)

Ruler: Ketu | Deity: Nirriti (goddess of destruction) Symbol: Tied bunch of roots | Quality: Sharp (Tikshna)

Mula represents the root - investigation, uprooting, and getting to the bottom of things. These natives often seek fundamental truth.

20. Purva Ashadha (13°20’ - 26°40’ Sagittarius)

Ruler: Venus | Deity: Apas (water goddess) Symbol: Elephant tusk, winnowing fan | Quality: Fierce (Ugra)

This nakshatra represents invincibility and the power of purification. These natives are often confident and persuasive.

21. Uttara Ashadha (26°40’ Sagittarius - 10°00’ Capricorn)

Ruler: Sun | Deity: Vishvadevas (universal gods) Symbol: Elephant tusk, small bed | Quality: Fixed (Dhruva)

Uttara Ashadha represents final victory and lasting achievement. These natives are often principled and achieve enduring success.

22. Shravana (10°00’ - 23°20’ Capricorn)

Ruler: Moon | Deity: Vishnu (the preserver) Symbol: Three footprints, ear | Quality: Moveable (Chara)

Shravana represents listening, learning, and the transmission of knowledge. These natives are often good listeners and communicators.

23. Dhanishtha (23°20’ Capricorn - 6°40’ Aquarius)

Ruler: Mars | Deity: Vasus (eight elemental gods) Symbol: Drum | Quality: Moveable (Chara)

Dhanishtha represents prosperity, music, and rhythm. These natives are often wealthy or musically inclined.

24. Shatabhisha (6°40’ - 20°00’ Aquarius)

Ruler: Rahu | Deity: Varuna (god of cosmic waters) Symbol: Empty circle, hundred physicians | Quality: Moveable (Chara)

Shatabhisha represents healing, secrecy, and independence. These natives are often interested in alternative healing or esoteric knowledge.

25. Purva Bhadrapada (20°00’ Aquarius - 3°20’ Pisces)

Ruler: Jupiter | Deity: Aja Ekapada (one-footed goat) Symbol: Sword, front legs of funeral cot | Quality: Fierce (Ugra)

This nakshatra represents intensity, transformation, and spiritual fire. These natives are often passionate and idealistic.

26. Uttara Bhadrapada (3°20’ - 16°40’ Pisces)

Ruler: Saturn | Deity: Ahirbudhnya (serpent of the deep) Symbol: Back legs of funeral cot, snake | Quality: Fixed (Dhruva)

Uttara Bhadrapada represents wisdom, depth, and spiritual attainment. These natives are often wise, patient, and mystically inclined.

27. Revati (16°40’ - 30°00’ Pisces)

Ruler: Mercury | Deity: Pushan (nourisher, protector) Symbol: Fish, drum | Quality: Soft (Mridu)

The final nakshatra represents the end of the journey, nourishment, and safe travel. These natives are often protective and nurturing.

Using the Nakshatras

The Moon’s nakshatra at birth (called Janma Nakshatra) is especially significant - it forms the basis for:

Name selection: The first syllable of a person’s name is traditionally chosen based on the Moon’s nakshatra.

Dasha calculation: The planetary period system (Vimshottari Dasha) begins from the Moon’s nakshatra position.

Compatibility assessment: Marriage compatibility in Vedic astrology relies heavily on nakshatra comparison.

Muhurta selection: Choosing auspicious timing for events often involves nakshatra consideration.

The Intimate Layer

If the signs are the broad strokes of personality and destiny, the nakshatras are the fine details - the subtle textures that differentiate individuals who might otherwise seem similar. They connect modern seekers to the ancient practice of observing the Moon’s nightly journey through the stars.