Nakshatra Characteristics
The key components for vedic astrology are rasis, nakshatras, houses, and grahas. In the vedic astrology landscape, firstly, the rasis and nakshatras represent the background. Secondly, the houses represent the themes and finally, the grahas represent the actors. Each of these dimensions has multiple options. There are 12 rasis., 27 nakshatras, 12 houses, and 9 grahas. Every astrologer must know the characteristics of the options in each of these dimensions. In this blog we look at Nakshatra characteristics.
The work of the astrologer is to look for recurring patterns while evaluating a chart using each of these dimensions. For example, Sun in Leo in Magha nakshatra in the first house indicates the confluence of leadership themes. Sun is the King among grahas. Leo is the fiery rasi representing leadership. Magha nakshatra is represented by a throne. The first house indicates the self. Another example is Mars in Aries in Krittika nakshatra in the 3rd house indicates aggression using the hands. Mars is the commander-in-chief. Aries is a fiery rasi. Krittika nakshatra’s symbol is a sharp blade. The 3rd house represents courage and hands.
Nakshatras form the backdrop in which the grahas and houses act. It is critical to understand the nakshatra characteristics. This helps us understand how the nakshatras can shape the impact of the grahas in the respective houses.
There are 27 nakshatras. Here are their characteristics.
| Nakshatra | Symbol | Diety | Characteristics tied to symbol or diety | Other characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwini | Head of a Horse | Ashwini Kumaras | Twins, equestrian - fine appearance, swift, amiable manners, medicine, healing | Happy-go-lucky disposition, stuttering, fond of ornaments, intelligent |
| Bharani | Vulva | Yama | Personal breakthroughs preceded by struggles | Social transformation, nurturing, creative |
| Krittika | Razor | Agni | Sharp and cutting nature, appetite, cooking, digestion | Heroic deeds, adoption, inventors |
| Rohini | Cart | Brahma | Growth oriented, conveyances | Sensual, beautiful, good at arts |
| Mrigashirsha | Deer | Moon | Timid, shy and nervous, fidgety, tender,, changing | Enchanting, fickle |
| Ardra | Teardrop | Rudra | Loss or disappointment, malicious | Diplomacy, self-centered, deal with dead things, primal energies like atomic research |
| Punarvasu | Quiver of arrows | Aditi | Freedom, unbounded, adaptive, resourceful, focused | Noble, philosophical, teachers |
| Pushya | Udder of cow | Brihaspati | Nourishing, abundance, growth | Aristocrats, ministers, gurus |
| Ashlesha | Coiled serpent | Nagas | Deceit, secretive, poisonous | Wisdom, insight, blunt, disliked by others |
| Magha | Royal throne | Pitris | Regal, tactful, diplomatic, traditional, support from ancestors | Opportunities, corporate heads |
| Purvaphalguni | Front legs of bed | Bhaga | Rest, relaxation, carefree nature | Creation, marriage, entertainment |
| Uttaraphalguni | Back legs of bed | Aryaman | Helpful, patrons | Amorous, adventurous |
| Hasta | Hand | Sun | Controlling, repetitive | Followers, witty, not reliable |
| Chitra | Jewel | Vishvakarma | Indefatigable, unconquerable, architect, artists | Fond of books, analytical, balanced thinkers |
| Swati | Young sapling | Vayu | Delicate, influenced, Learner | Thoughtful, spiritual, religious |
| Vishakha | Triumphal arch | Indragni | Successful, focused on goals, dictators, aggressive | Courageous, egocentric |
| Anuradha | Triumphal arch | Mitra | Goal oriented, devoted to friends, lead and manage organizations | Live abroad, good with numbers |
| Jyeshta | Protective talisman | Indra | Fame, glory, occult, hidden things, elder, protection | Inventive, imaginative, |
| Moola | Roots tied in a knot | Nirriti | Calamity, material destruction, contrarian, restraint, bondage | Research oriented - getting to the bottom of things, medicine |
| Pruvaashadha | Winnowing basket | Apah (water) | Strong desire to improve situation, aggressive | Good debators, pervasive, universal |
| Uttaraashadha | Elephant tusk | Vishvadevas | Honest, sincere, remover of obstacles, sharp and penetrate | New beginnings that become successful |
| Shravana | Three footprints | Vishnu | Hearing, oral traditions, knowledge, scholars | Kind, charitable, humanistic |
| Dhanishta | Drum | Vasus | Optimistic, ambitious, prosperous, related to sound | Marital discord |
| Shatabhisha | Empty circle | Varuna | Separation, confinement, cloaks | Scientific, mystical, prefer solitude, rare diseases |
| Purvabhadrapadha | Front legs of funeral cot | Ajaikapada | Destruction, respectfulness, passionate, fearful | Anger, fanatics, terrorists |
| Uttarabhadrapadha | Back legs of funeral cot | Ahirbudhya | Planned evil, more restraint than purva | Practitioners of tantra |
| Revati | Drum | Pushan | Rich, nurturing, safe travels, related to time | Protection, shelter, hospitality, foster care |
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