Nakshatras of Vedic Astrology
Nakshatra – Stars in Vedic Astrology
According to Vedic Astrology, Nakshatra refers to the stars/constellations. The 360⁰ zodiac system is divided into 12 zodiac signs. There is a total of 27 Nakshatras in astrology, and hence the value of each star is 13⁰ 20’. In ancient times, Nakshatras are considered as a means of worshipping the divine. These 27 constellations are based on the movement of the Moon, which travels approximately 27.3 days around its orbit. Hence, the birth star of an individual is calculated based on the position of the Moon in any of these stars.
Nakshatra Meaning
The root word ‘Naksh’ means to worship or approach, and ‘tra’ is a suffix. The word ‘Nakshatra’ also is believed to mean ‘not destructible.’ Certain Nakshatras such as Tishya (Pushya), Ashwini, and Revati have been mentioned in the oldest of the Vedas – Rig Veda and the entire list of Nakshatras finds its place in Yajur and Atharva Vedas.
Nakshatras and Moon in Mythology
The 27 Nakshatras are spread across the 12 zodiac signs in three cusps at Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Some Nakshatras lie entirely within a sign, whereas certain stars overlap in two zodiac signs. Each Nakshatra has its own ruling deity and powers, which play a major role in deciding the characteristics of an individual. Everyone born on this earth has their birth star, which depends on the placement of Moon in one of the 27 stars. Each Nakshatra is further divided into 4 Padas (quarters) at 3⁰ 20’ each, which represent the quality of each star.
Nakshatra List
The 27 Nakshatra include Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrighasira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishaka, Anuradha, Jyestha, Moola, Purvashada, Uttarashada, Sharavan, Dhanishta, Shatabisha, Purvabhadra, Uttarabhadra, and Revati. Based on the birth time of an individual and the position of Moon at that moment, the birth star of an individual is determined.
Classification of Nakshatras
Based on the qualities of each Nakshatra, the 27 birth stars are classified into the following 7 groups:
| Quality | Star | Star Lord | Favorable Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laghu or Kshipra (swift) | Ashwini Pushya Hasta | Ketu Saturn Moon | Commence a journey, trade, and transactions, involve in sports activities, and also starting sales, business or repaying loan/debts |
| Mridu (tender) | Mrigashira Chitra Anuradha Revati | Mars Mars Saturn Mercury | Learn music,conducting dance, and arts and marriages. They are also ideal for the enjoyment of pleasures, making new friends, and wearing new clothes |
| Sthira (fixed) | Rohini Uttara Phalguni Uttarashada Uttarabhadra | Moon Sun Sun Saturn | Build homes, plant trees, purchase property, lay a foundation, and buying agricultural property |
| Chara (movable) | Punarvasu Swati Shravana Dhanishta Shatabisha | Jupiter Rahu Moon Mars Rahu | Buy automobiles, vehicles, beginning a journey or procession, travel, change of residence or job, and other major changes |
| Tikshna (sharp) | Ardra Ashlesha Jestha Moola | Rahu Mercury Mercury Ketu | Filing a divorce, breaking a relationship, black magic, exorcism, and other brash/bold activities |
| Ugra or Krura (fierce) | Bharani Magha Purva Phalguni Purvashada Purvabhadra | Venus Ketu Venus Venus Jupiter | Performing destructive deeds such as demolishing, poisoning, setting fire, and confronting enemies |
| Misra (mixed) | Krittika Vishakha | Sun Jupiter | Daily mundane actions, fire ceremonies and to buy furniture and electronics |
