Basics of Astrology – Chapter : 3
Learn About Nakshatras in Astrology
- ढा
- Uttara Ashadha / उत्तराषाढा
- Shravana / श्रवण
- Dhanishta / धनिष्ठा
- Shatabhisha / शतभिषक्
- Purva Bhadrapada / पूर्वभाद्रपदा
- Uttara Bhadrapada / उत्तरभाद्रपदा
- Revati / रेवती
Nakshatras are lunar mansions or star constellations that the Moon passes through in its monthly cycle. Unlike zodiac signs that span through 30 degrees, Nakshatras cover 13 degree 20 minutes of rashi and give an extremely filtered view of our karmic backlogs. There are 27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology, each playing a distinct role.
Table of Contents
The Meaning and Importance of Nakshatras
The word nakshatras, derived from Sanskrit, translates to “that which does not decay”. What does it mean? This indicates the eternal and unchanging nature of these celestial bodies. Each Nakshatra is said to represent a unique Shakti (divine power), governed by its ruling deity. For instance, Ashwini Nakshatra shows the energy of swift healing, ruled by the Ashwini Kumaras, celestial healers. Understanding these Shaktis enables astrologers to decode deeper layers of a horoscope.
The 27 Nakshatra are as follows –
- Ashvini / अश्विनी
- Bharani / भरणी
- Krittika / कृत्तिका
- Rohini / रोहिणी
- Mrigashirsha / मृगशीर्ष
- Ardra / आर्द्रा
- Punarvasu / पुनर्वसु
- Pushya / पुष्य
- Ashlesha / आश्लेषा
- Magha / मघा
- Purva Phalguni / पूर्व फाल्गुनी
- Uttara Phalguni / उत्तर फाल्गुनी
- Hasta / हस्त
- Chitra / चित्रा
- Swati / स्वाति
- Vishakha / विशाखा
- Anuradha / अनुराधा
- Jyeshtha / ज्येष्ठा
- Mula / मूल
- Purva Ashadha / पूर्वाषाढा
- Uttara Ashadha / उत्तराषाढा
- Shravana / श्रवण
- Dhanishtha / धनिष्ठा
- Shatabhisha / शतभिषक्
- Purva Bhadrapada / पूर्वभाद्रपदा
- Uttara Bhadrapada / उत्तरभाद्रपदा
- Revati / रेवती
The Role of Nakshatras in Astrology
Not every planet in Aries will behave the same. The blueprints will change as per the nakshatra. For example, the Sun in Bharani will show different results than the Sun in Ashwini. So the role of nakshatra is just this. It filters the results to give us extremely subtle views of our karma. Without understanding nakshatras in detail, the study of astrology is incomplete.
Classification of Nakshatras
As you learn astrology, it is essential to know the classification of Nakshatras.
They are divided into three groups based on their primary ruling deity:
- Dev (Divine)
- Manushya (Human)
- Rakshasa (Demonic)
This classification helps astrologers determine a person’s general nature and inclinations. For example, Dev Nakshatras are associated with piety and virtue, while Rakshasa Nakshatras indicate fierceness and ambition. Those who learn astrology quickly realize the importance of this classification in accurate chart analysis.
Nakshatra Lords and Ruling Planets
Each Nakshatra is governed by one of the nine planets:
- Ketu
- Venus
- Sun
- Moon
- Mars
- Rahu
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Mercury
This Nakshatra rulership plays a significant role in predictive astrology and personal readings. When you learn astrology, understanding the interaction between Nakshatras and their ruling planets becomes indispensable.
Nakshatras and Personality Traits
Nakshatra will show our distinct personality traits. For example, rising Nakshatra shows our facial structures and looks whereas moon nakshatra shows our emotions, our upbringing. Similarly, Saturn who is a significator of profession can give us insights into our work through his nakshatra.
How to Use Nakshatras in Chart Interpretation
One of the most valuable aspects of learning astrology is applying knowledge of nakshatras in chart analysis. For instance, the Nakshatra in which a planet resides can modify its effects. Saturn in Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra behaves differently than Saturn in Purva Ashadha Nakshatra. Those who learn astrology realize how crucial Nakshatras are for nuanced and precise predictions.
Exploring Nakshatras: Essential Steps to Learn Astrology
Padas and Divisions within Nakshatras
Each Nakshatra is further divided into four quarters or Padas, each spanning 3 degrees and 20 minutes. These Padas correspond to different signs and add more detail to chart interpretations. Learning astrology by mastering Nakshatra Padas allows for pinpoint accuracy in astrological predictions. This finer level of detail is essential for those who wish to learn astrology at an advanced level. For those who wish to go in depth in nakshatra padas, we suggest going through Nakshatra pada books by Deepanshu Giri Ji.
Nakshatras and Timing Events (Muhurta)
Astrologers have to use Nakshatras to select auspicious times for events. For example, Pushya Nakshatra should not be chosen for marriage as this nakshatra is not conducive for a marriage environment.
Nakshatras and Compatibility
You will be surprised to know that nakshatras play a critical role in marriage compatibility. As nakshatra shows our thought process and age, the Moon’s Nakshatra in both partners’ charts is analyzed to determine the strength and harmony of the relationship. It is not recommended to marry a person with the same nakshatra as you as this will create disharmony in thoughts. Moreover, we also check the nakshatra elements to see compatibility of health. For those who wish to go in detail, the Karma and Relationship course by Lunar Astro offers a beautiful way to understand compatibility and marriage match making.
Nakshatra Remedies and Spiritual Practices
Astrology is not just about predictions but also about remedies. The main aim of remedies is correction of your past actions. Remedies done on nakshatra level give results almost instantly as we are focusing on one point rather than the entire zodiac. For example, suppose you have the Moon in Ardra. Visiting Kashi on Ardra nakshatra and giving prayers to Kaal Bhairav will help you sort out your emotions and let go of all the grudges.
The Mythological Stories Behind Nakshatras
Mythological stories associated with Nakshatras give us deeper insights into their working. You can clearly notice how these stories play out in native’slife. For example, Rohini Nakshatra is linked with beauty and creativity, tied to the myth of the Moon’s love for Rohini. Whereas, Ardra is linked to Rudra who destroyed the yagna of Prajapati Daksh. And we can clearly see the destructive qualities of Ardra in natives.
How To Use Nakshatras in Daily Life
Each Nakshatra carries a unique energy that can favour or hinder certain activities. If you wish to use nakshatras in daily life, the best way is through panchang. Each day the moon travels through different nakshatras, so you can watch how your thoughts change based on Nakshatra. For example, when the moon transits through Dhanishta, you will get thoughts of gathering resources, doing something out of the box. Whereas, when the moon transits through Ashwini, you will focus on health.
In conclusion, Nakshatras form a critical part of astrology and without mastering them the study of astrology is incomplete. If you are looking for resources to master the energies of nakshatras we recommend going through the Predictive Nakshatra course and Nakshatra Pada books by Lunar Astro.