Nakshatras
(CONSTELLATIONS)
Constellations or Nakshatras is an important aspect of Astrology. The zodiac, which is already divided into 12 signs, is further divided into 27 sections. A particular fixed star or Nakshatra marks each section. The starting point of the first Nakshatra, Ashwini coincides with the zero point of the Aries rasi (the first sign of the Zodiac). On the Zodiac belt, each of the Nakshatra occupies 13 degrees 20 minutes. This is further divided into four quarters each measuring 3 degrees 20 minutes and each known as a Pada. In a particular rasi, which occupies 30 degrees, there would be 2 ¼ Nakshatras. Hence there will be some Nakshatras that will have all 4 padas in a rasi, while others would have one, two or three padas in one and the rest in the next or previous rasi. The Nakshatra, which is occupied by Moon at the time of birth, is known as the Janam Nakshatra or Natal Star.
The 27 Nakshatras have been classified into three Gunas to determine the good and bad points of the native. The three Gunas are Deva (divine), Manushya (human), Rakshas (demonical). Each of the Nakshatra has also been assigned a sex and properties such as Vibrate, Passive and Attract.
Natal Stars are a very useful tool in the predictive astrology. It is used to check the compatibility of two persons for the purpose of marriage, partnership and personal relationship etc. Asterism is also employed in ascertaining the right or auspicious moment to undertake important tasks, or what is known in Indian Astrology as Muhuruta Astrology. Effects of Janam Nakshatra on the native are general in nature and a more accurate prediction is only possible when the structure of the native’s horoscope is taken into consideration.
The 27 Nakshatras are:
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ASHWINI
Ashwini the first of the 27 constellations is known
as Arietis in the western world. The zero point of
this asterism coincides with the zero point of
Aries. It extends to 13 degrees 20 minutes of the
zodiac belt. All the four padas lie in this zodiac
sign. Ketu, the dragon’s tail is the lord of this
Nakshatra, which belong to the Rakshas gana. This
masculine Nakshatra is considered to be passive in
nature. People born under Ashwini asterism, are said
to have a beautiful appearance and love to adorn
themselves. They are generally intelligent, popular
and wealthy.
BHARINI
41 Arietis or Bharini is the next Constellation in
the Zodiac belt. It occupies the arc starting at 13
degree 20 minutes up to 26 degree 40 minutes; hence
all its four padas lie in the Aries sign. The planet
Venus rules this Nakshatra. Assigned to the Deva
gana, Bharini is considered to be a feminine
Nakshatra. Bharini imparts to the native a steady
and honest nature. They are also learned, healthy,
wealthy and believe in enjoying life.
KRITTIKA
The third Nakshatra is Krittika also known as
Aycyone. It covers the region of the zodiac belt
starting at 26 degrees 40 minutes extending up to 40
degrees. Of this the first pada, from 26 degrees 40
minutes to 30 degrees, lies in Aries and the
remaining 10 degrees, corresponding to the other
three padas, lies in Taurus. A feminine
constellation, Krittika belongs to the Deva gana
like Bharini. It is ruled by Sun and natives born
under this Nakshatra are believed to have a forceful
nature and are positive and famous people. They may
be however deceitful, gluttonous and at the same
time misers.
ROHINI
The region from 40 degrees to 53 degrees 20 minutes
of the zodiac belt is occupied by the constellation
Rohini or Aldebaran. Taurus houses all the 4 padas
or quadrants of this constellation, which is ruled
by Moon. Rohini, which is a feminine Nakshatra is
categorized as one belonging to the Deva gana and
said to be "attract" by nature. People
with Rohini as their birth Nakshatra are honest,
soft spoken and charitable by nature. A striking
physical feature of the natives of this
constellation is that they have exceptionally large
eyes. Intelligent people, they have every chance of
attaining a good position in life as long as other
planets are favorably placed.
MRIGASHIRA
Orionis, the constellation known as Mrigashira, lies
half in Taurus and half in Gemini as it extends from
53 degrees 20 minutes on the zodiac belt to 66
degrees 40 minutes. Mars is the lord of Mrigashira
and it belongs to the demonical community or Rakshas
gana. The other characteristics of this
constellation are that it is passive by nature and
is believed to be a eunuch. The natives of
Mrigashira are timid by nature, temperamental and
rash. They may be wealthy and love to lead an easy
life. However in spite of being rich they can be of
a selfish nature.
ARIDRA
The sixth Nakshatra is Aridra, which is known as
Betelguese in western astrology. All the four padas
of this feminine asterism lies in the sign of
Gemini. Rahu, the dragon’s head is its ruler. It
is a member of the demonical community (Rakshas gana).
This jewel shaped constellation imparts to its
natives a proud ungrateful and insincere nature.
They would be known for their temper and may indulge
in wicked deeds. On the positive side they are not
easily disturbed by problems that they may face.
PUNARVASU
The next constellation that lies in the zodiac signs
of Gemini and partly in Cancer is known as Punarvasu
or Pollux. It occupies the region from 80 degrees to
93 degrees 20 minutes. The last pada (quadrant) of
this Nakshatra lies in Cancer. Jupiter owns this
masculine constellation, which is a member of the
Manushya gana. A passive Nakshatra, people born
under this constellation are good natured, tactful
and clever. They are generally respected by one and
all and love to live a life of comfort. A particular
characteristic of the natives of this Nakshatra is
that they feel very thirsty.
PUSHYA
The arrow shaped constellation, which lies in Cancer
is Pushya or Castor. It extends from 93 degrees 20
minutes to 106 degrees 40 minutes and all its 4
padas are located in the same sign. Saturn rules
over this quardi-stared constellation. Indian
astrology has assigned this as a male Nakshatra with
a passive nature. Some of the general
characteristics of the persons with Pushya Nakshatra
are that they make dutiful children, are learned and
wise. They are righteous and have a strong control
over their desires. In general they are lucky.
ASHLESHA
Ashlesha (Hydrae) the asterism that occupies the
region extending from 106 degrees 40 minutes to 120
degrees of the zodiac belt. It lies totally in the
sign of Cancer. This masculine Nakshatra is ruled by
Mercury and is part of the Manushya (human)
community. Passive in nature, this Nakshatra imparts
to its natives a strong and jovial nature. However
they are capable of being ungrateful and
multi-tongued.
MAGHA
The 10th Nakshatra is Magha or Regulas. A house
shaped asterism like Punarvasu it has an extra star
(5 stars). On the zodiac belt it extends from 120
degrees to 133 degrees 20 minutes and all its 4
padas comes under the sign Leo. Magha comes under
the jurisdiction of Ketu and belongs to the Rakshas
(demonical) gana. This feminine Nakshatra is vibrate
in nature. People with Magha Nakshatra have a
religious bent of mind and are devoted to their
parents. This asterism also imparts to its natives
wealth, and they may live a very comfortable life
with many servants at their disposal.
POORVA
PHALGUNI
Poorva Phalguni also known as Zosma in western
astrology is located in the sign of Leo. It occupies
the zodiac belt from 133 degrees 20 minutes to 146
degrees 40 minutes and the whole constellation lies
in this zodiac sign. Poorva Phalguni is a feminine
asterism, which is ruled by Venus and it is a member
of the Divine community, Deva gana. Those who have
this constellation as their birth Nakshatra are
considered to be sweet tongued and lucky. They make
a very successful businessman and may earn a lot,
however they may not be able to accumulate lot of
wealth.
UTTARA
PHALGUNI
Denebola or Uttara Phalguni is the constellation
that is located in the region from 146 degree 40
minutes to 160 degrees. The first quadrant of this
constellation lies in Leo while the remaining three
quadrants are located in the next sign, Virgo. Sun
rules over this feminine asterism. Indian astrology
has assigned this constellation to the Deva gana
(divine community) and placed it along with the
Nakshatras that are Attract in nature. People born
under the Nakshatra Uttara Phalguni are liked by
all, are honest, stout bodied, wealthy and
intelligent. They may however be fond of the
opposite sex and have a bad appetite.
HASTA
In the sign of Virgo lies a 5 stared, hand shaped
constellation known as Hasta or Corvi. It lies
totally in the domain of Virgo and occupies the
region of the zodiac belt from 160 degrees to 173
degrees 20 minutes. According to Indian astrology
the ruler of this masculine asterism is Moon. A
member of the Rajas (Deva gana) category, it is
passive by nature. Hasta imparts to its native both
good as well as negative characteristics. On one
hand a native of Hasta Nakshatra may be learned,
courageous, wealthy towards the latter part of life,
the native may also be shameless, a potential thief,
drunkard and a liar.
Provided the planets are favorably placed, he or she
would gain after 30 to 32 years of age.
CHITRA
Chitra, the single stared constellation can be
located partly in Virgo and partly in Libra. Two of
its padas are located in Virgo and two in Libra as
it extends from 173 degrees 20 minutes to 186
degrees 40 minutes. Mars owns this constellation,
which belongs to the Rakshas (demonical) gana.
Chitra is "vibrate" by nature and is
considered to be a feminine asterism. People with
Chitra as their birth Nakshatra are believed to have
a shapely figure and lovely eyes. They love to
enhance their beauty and are fond of clothes and
ornaments. Comforts from children and a comfortable
life are in store for them, as long as the planets
are favorably placed in the native’s horoscope.
SWATI
The 15th Nakshatra in Indian astrology is Swati or
what is known as Arcturus in the western system of
astrology. This asterism falls in the sign Tula or
Libra, as it occupies the region of the zodiac belt
extending from 186 degrees 40 minutes to 200
degrees. A feminine constellation, it is passive in
nature and belongs to the demonical community. Swati,
which is owned by Rahu, imparts to its natives a
mild and a well-behaved nature. God fearing,
intelligent and a sweet tongue are other
characteristics of people born under this
constellation.
VAISHAKHA
The four-stared constellation Zubenubi is known as
Vaishakha in the Indian system of astrology. Its
first three padas are located in Libra and the last
in Scorpio and extends from 200 degrees to 213
degrees 20 minutes on the zodiac belt. Vaishakha,
which is ruled by Jupiter, is a feminine
constellation and vibrate by nature. This asterism
is a member of the Manushaya (human) gana. People
falling under this constellation are jealous,
miserly and of bright appearance. They are skilled
in earning money, thanks to their intelligence.
Their distinct speech is another major plus point.
ANURADHA
Scorpius or Anuradha, lies wholly in the sign of
Scorpio and the region of the zodiac belt extending
from 213 degrees 20 minutes to 226 degrees 40
minutes comes under its domain. It is a masculine
constellation, which is ruled by Saturn. Anuradha by
nature is passive and part of the demonic (Rakshas)
group. Those who’s Nakshatra is Anuradha are
learned and dutiful to relatives. They are wealthy
and enjoy the comforts of conveyances. They are also
people who travel a lot, especially to foreign
lands.
JYESTHA
Jyestha the 18 Nakshatra, also known as Antares
occupies the region extending from 226 degrees 40
minutes to 240 degrees. It falls totally in Scorpio
and has Mercury as its lord. This feminine
constellation belongs to the Manushaya gana (human)
and is said to possess a vibrate nature. People born
when moon was passing through Jyestha asterism are
cheerful, religious and clever. They are known to
have a bad temper and may use harsh words, however
they also possess a charitable nature.
MOOLA
The asterism shaped as a tail of a lion located in
the sign Sagittarius, is known as Moola or Shaula.
This Nakshatra’s domain extends from 240 degrees
to 253 degrees 20 minutes in the zodiac belt. Ruled
by Ketu, the imaginary shadowy planet, it has a
neutral gender. By nature Moola is vibrate and is a
member of the demonic community (Rajas / Rakshas
gana). Natives of this Nakshatra are haughty, harsh
and short-tempered by nature. They however lead a
disciplined life and are generally wealthy. Health
may be a problem, so they should take proper care of
themselves.
POORVA
SHADA
Kaus-Aust or Poorva Shada is the constellation that
is housed in the region extending from 253 degrees
20 minutes to 266 degrees 40 minutes in the sign of
Sagittarius. A feminine Nakshatra, Poorva Shada is
ruled by Venus. This asterism has been placed in the
community of gods or the Deva gana. Attract by
nature, it imparts to is natives a proud nature and
foresight. In case of male naives, they may be
blessed with a loving wife. People with this birth
Nakshatra are caring towards their mother and are
attached to their friends.
UTTARA
SHADA
Uttara shada is the constellation that lies next to
Poorva Shada on the zodiac belt. It extends from 266
degrees 40 minutes to 280 degrees. While one of its
pada lies in Sagittarius, the remaining three
quadrants lie in Capricorn. Uttara Shada is owned by
Sun. This feminine asterism is a part of the Deva
gana or divine community and is of attract nature.
Those born under this Nakshatra are obedient and
humble in nature. They possess a clear knowledge of
good and bad and would be respected by rulers and
the general populace. They possess a strong muscular
body and in all probability a long nose.
SHRAVANA
The 22nd Nakshatra is Sharavana or Altair.
It occupies the region under the jurisdiction of
Capricorn extending from 280 degrees to 293 degrees
20 minutes. This asterism, which lies totally in
Capricorn, is ruled by Moon. It is belongs to the
Deva gana and a masculine Nakshatra. Passive by
nature, Sharavana imparts to its natives
intelligence and an enthusiastic nature. They are
also blessed with a liberal wife, fame and
prosperity. They may be inclined to music,
astrology, and arithmetic.
DHANISHTHA
Capricorn houses the first two padas of Dhanishtha
or Delphinus, while Aquarius houses the remaining
two padas. This constellation extends from 293
degrees 20 minutes to 306 degrees 40 minutes. Some
of the characteristics of this asterism ruled by
Mars are that, it is a feminine constellation,
belonging to the Rakshas (demonic) community and has
a vibrate nature. Those born under this asterism are
fearless, independent and noble. They may be highly
esteemed by others. They would have a great fondness
for music.
SHATABHISHA
In the zodiac sign Aquarius is the elliptic
constellation Shatabhisha or Aquari. The imaginary
planet, Rahu, rules this constellation whose domain
extends from 306 degrees 40 minutes to 320 degrees.
Shatabhisha is one of the three asterism, which are
considered to be eunuchs. It belongs to the demonic
community and has a vibrate nature. This Nakshatra
imparts to its natives an uncompromising, courageous
and honest nature. They are however harsh in speech.
Victory over enemies and respect from superiors is
ensured for the natives of this Nakshatra.
POORVA
BHADRA
Poorva Bhadra, the Nakshatra that is located in the
region of the zodiac belt extending from 320 degrees
to 333 degrees 20 minutes, is the famous Pegasus
constellation. It lies partly in Aquarius, that is 3
padas, and the last pada is located in Pieces. This
masculine asterism is ruled by Jupiter and has been
placed in the Manushya (human) community. Poorva
Bhadra, passive by nature, is an asterism whose
natives are known for their gift of the tongue,
however at an extreme level they may be talkative.
In the case of males, they are easily influenced by
women and would inherit wealth from them. They are
however learned and skilled.
UTTARA
BHADRA
The penultimate constellation is Uttara Bhadra.
Located in Pisces, this asterism comes under the
jurisdiction of Saturn and occupies the region from
333 degrees 20 minutes to 346 degrees 40 minutes. It
is a member of the demonic community and has an
attract nature. Uttara Bhadra, considered to be a
masculine asterism, imparts to its natives a
generous and charitable nature. They may be
talkative, but at the same time they are good
debaters.
REVATI
Revati, known as Piscium to the western world,
occupies the remaining space of the zodiac sign
Pisces, i.e. from the last point of Uttara Bhadra to
360 degrees. Mercury is the ruler of this Nakshatra.
According to Indian astrology Revati is a feminine
asterism, belonging to the human (Manushya) gana and
is of an attract nature. People born when moon was
passing through Revati, are perfect bodied, popular
and heroic. They never covet the wealth of others
and are rich themselves.