Vedic astrology accords great importance to Nakshatra. The Sanskrit word Nakshatra means “that which does not decay.” The Nakshatras influence the quality of the Rashi in which they are positioned. In the same way the quality of the Graha depends to some extent on the Nakshatra in which it is positioned.
The moon passes through the circle of the 27 Nakshatras in about 27 days. Thus it takes the moon about one day to pass through one Nakshatra. Every other planet moves through the 27 Nakshatras.
Each Nakshatra is divided into 4 equal parts of 3 degrees 20 minutes each. They are called Nakshatra Pada 1, 2, 3, and 4. Therefore, in 3 Nakshatras we have 12 padas. Because each pada represents a sign of the Zodiac, in a group of 3 Nakshatras we find the entire zodiac in the form of padasigns.
Every human being pursues one or more of four main aims/purpose of life: ARTH, DHARMA, KAAM, and MOKSHA. The 27 Nakshatras are studded with one or more
of these.
Each Nakshatra represents certain gunas. There are three levels. A Nakshtra may have one or all the three gunas – Rajasik (R) Tamasik (T) and Sattvik (S). There are also the powers of the Devatas or the deities ruling the Nakshatras. This inference is derived from the scripture Taittiriya Brahmana. Narad Puran and Agni Puran have also defined the importance of Nakshatras in great detail.
Any person (Jatak) born in a Naksahtra, by birth develops specific qualities. In the text below, the qualities of Nakshatra are mentioned, followed by the characteristics of Jatak (in Italics).
1. Ashwini – The Ashwins, the twin horsemen, are Devtas of Ashwini. It has the power to quickly reach things (Shighra Vyapani Shakti), provides healing therapy, brings about quick help and energy. The healing power of Ashwini brings about fast, radical or miraculous cures, as well as rejuvenation. The Ashwins are forces of Prana(life), and initiate a new level of activity.
Any one born in this Nakshtra is a scholar, teacher, interested in medicine , astrology and creative writing. Also has qualities like honesty, unsteady mind – and suffers from boils,
domestic estrangement.
2. Bharani – Ruled by Yama, the God of Death, Bharani has the power to take things away (Apabharani Shakti), and removal of life from the body. It's basis below is the carrying of the soul to the realm of the ancestors. By the combination of these factors, creatures move on to the next world. This Nakshatra takes away life to a new condition. It shows the movement of the soul away from the body. Yama guides the soul to the astral plane, where it can experience the result of its karma from the present life, and prepare for the life to come. Yama is a figure of discipline and sacrifice.
Bharani bestows the quality of physical strength, capability to vanquish enemies, action-oriented nature, cunningness, tendency to cheat, religious leanings, love for art and practicing law. Jatak is ambitious.
3. Krittika – Krittika, ruled by Agni, the God of Fire, has the power to burn (Dahana Shakti). Its basis above is heat, and below is light. The result is burning and purification. Krittika Nakshatra burns up negativity, purifies what is mixed, and cooks or prepares that is not yet ripe. Agni is mainly the God of the sacred fire, so purification is perhaps the dominant action, not destruction – though purification does involve the destruction of impurity. Agni is also the fire that cooks our food, and so there is a nourishing side to its effects as well. This fire has a child-like nature.
Krittika inspires Jatak to seek knowledge, love animals, indulge in merry-making; respect saints and sages. Outraged easily, quarrelsome, lawyer, and fundamentalist.
4. Rohini – Rohini is ruled by Prajapati( Brahma), the Creator. Its power is growth (Rohana Shakti). Its basis above is the plants, and below is the waters. The result is creation. Rohini Nakshatra allows growth and creation at all levels, bestowing great fertility. However, it also evokes some degree of jealousy, because others may resent it when a person gains affluence in abundance. Moreover, it can increase desire. But these are only side effects to great prosperity. Prajapati is the creator who can bestow everything, so we should be careful of what we want.
A person born in Rohini loves purity, music & social work. Seeks name and honor, enhances the interest of honest and truthful people.
5. Mrigashirsha – Mrigashirsha is ruled by Soma, the God of the Moon or the immortal nectar. Its power is giving fulfillment. Its basis above is extension. Its basis below weaving (producing cloth). These factors put together make the world enjoyable.
Mrigashirsha Nakshatra proliferates joy and happiness. It is like a beautiful attire (clothes) to make our life more attractive. Soma the source of great enjoyment is attained, conquered, bought or stolen – so its procurement does not always come easily.
Mrigshira makes one wealthy, efficient, thinker, influential, religious, exhibitionist, progressive, lover of pomp and show. One makes money by illegitimate means and gets involved in speculation and gambling.
6. Ardra – Ardra is ruled by Rudra, the fierce form of Lord Shiva, who represents thunder. Its power is effort (Yatna Shakti), particularly for making gains in life. Its basis above is hunting or searching; its basis below is reaching the goal. These factors bring about achievement. Ardra Nakshatra inspires us to put in greater efforts in life that can bring great rewards, but not without persistence and a bit of luck. Rudra is the hunter and the wielder of the bow. The idea here also suggests aiming of the arrow and hitting the target. For this one must have a good aim, as well as strength to shoot. Rudra is also the lord of wild animals.
Ardra makes Jatak sweet-tongued, socialite, respected in social circle, pure hearted, at times regretful, timid, in poor health, ordinary financial status, at times indulgence in dishonorable acts due to lack of foresight. Relatives are inimical. Jatak leads life full of aggression
and struggle.
7. Punarvasu – Punarvasu is ruled by Aditi, the Great Mother Goddess. Its power is the ability to gain wealth or substance. Its basis above is the wind or air; its basis below is wetness or rain. Together they bring about the revitalization of the plants.
Punarvasu Nakshatra brings about the return of energy and vitality, like the return of the monsoon rains after the dry season. It matures our creative growth, and generates inspiration. Aditi is the Earth Goddess who grants all the abundance, and gives birth to all the Gods.
Jatak born in Punarvasu acts thoughtfully, attains high and important office, likes teaching and loves white dress. Suffers from dental-trouble and pain in hands and feet. Gets money from in laws,remains happy in old age, is short tempered, proud, ambitious, immoral & indolent.
8. Pushya – Pushya is ruled by Brihaspati, the God of Divine wisdom and preacher-guide of Devtas. Its power is the ability to create spiritual energy (Brahmavarchaswa Shakti). Its basis above is sacrificial worship; its basis below is the worshipper. Together they result in the creation of spiritual energy.
Pushya Nakshatra increases our good karma and noble efforts. The value of this Nakshatra for religious and spiritual practices is emphasized. Brihaspati is the lord of speech, particularly prayer, and of all forms of worship, including meditation.
Pushya Nakshtra makes Jatak unhealthy, efficient, devoted to Shiva, gains from trade of machinery, quarrels with friends, possesses business oriented thinking, loves relatives, is paranoid and has ordinary financial status.
9. Ashlesha – Ashlesha is ruled by the Serpent God. It has the power to inflict shock with poison (Visasleshana Shakti). Its basis above is the approach of the serpent; its basis below is trembling and agitation. These together bring about the destruction of the victim.
Ashlesha Nakshatra paralyzes the enemy. This can be helpful as it can serve a person to overcome enemies and obstacles. It bestows inimical temperament as well. It all depends on how the energy of this Nakshatra is used. Serpents also give wisdom.
Ashlesha makes one wealthy, lazy, friend of lowly people, smiling and truthful, sexually weak, selfish, and lover of delicate dishes. Jatak loves spouse, gets hurt suddenly, and steals occasionally.
10. Magha – Magha is ruled by the Ancestors(Pitar). It gives the power to leave the body. Its basis above is mourning; its basis below is leaving the body.
Magha Nakshatra causes a change of state or condition, a kind of death. Usually it shows that we are coming to the end of a cycle. It bestows ancestral pride and power.
Magha Nakshtra makes Jatak interested in secret acts, easily agitated, suffers sudden losses, loves sex, grabs other’s wealth, faces obstacles constantly, suffers from skin-related ailment, trouble in ear, is constantly worried, and low paid.
11. Purva Phalguni – Purva Phalguni is ruled by Aryaman, the God of contracts and unions. It gives the power of procreation (Prajanana Shakti). Its basis above is the wife or female partner; its basis below is the male or masculine partner. They together bring about the creation of the foetus.
Purva Phalguni brings about union and procreation at all levels. Yet this follows some official agreement or marriage, and is part of the creation of a new family or social order. Aryaman governs such productive alliances, and also arranges the marriage festivity.
Purva Phalguni makes Jatak specialist of weapons, lover of animals, business-oriented thinker, works in religious institutions, suffers losses in sale and purchases, unsuccessful in efforts towards rise,but occasionally earns name and honour.
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