Vedic astrologers identified number of Constellations, but constellations falling in the orbit of moon were considered instrumental for the purpose of Indian astrology. Constellation means – constellation of stars. On an average there are visible 5-6 stars in each constellation and the group was to be named identified via a major star of the group.
At all 28 constellations were supposed to be more influential & time-space relationship was innovated and a few formule invented on the basis of moon-constellation (Nakshatra) relationship. Mythological stories explain these 27 (out of 28, one Abhijit was considered less important) constellations be the wives of moon.
Moon transiting through a constellation, though very near to earth, it affects all the cosmic radiations reaching up to earth or the native, the final destination of Indian astrology. This is the reason. The moon & the constellation relationship assumed maximum importance in Indian astrology. As a later development from one birth to another via position of moon in particular constellation. Break up point between the two birth was supposed to be longitude of the moon.
Ashwini :- This falls in ‘Aries’ the zodiac of Mars and Lord of this Nakshatra is Ketu. Mars & Ketu combination gives dynamism, aggression, strong impulse and stubbornness. The animal symbol of this Nakshatra is a horse’s head, conferring the horsepower in the individual. This is deeply related to ‘sun’ as sun is exalted here and the mythological story of Ashwini brothers is related to sun. Ashwini the divine doctors make medicine and healing, an important feature of this Nakshatra.
Ardra :- It lies completely in Gemini and the ruling planet is ‘Rahu’, hence it is a Mercury+Rahu combination. It can be considered as the combination of intellectual feeling with passionate thinking. The deity is ‘Rudra’, the God of destruction and it renders this quality in the native. ‘Ardra’ means moist or wet. It is symbolized as a teardrop. As Rahu is the ruling planet the darker side of keen desire of materialism, causing troubles for others. Thunder power can make a person violent by nature. Native of ‘Ardra’ can be complaining and ungrateful.The animal symbol is female dog (bitch) again confirming violence. This is a ‘teekshna Sangyak’ Nakshatra, leading to destructive acts.
Punarvasu :- The major part of this Nakshatra is in Gemini and the minor one (3.20o) in Cancer. Ruling planet is Jupiter. The combination of Mercury+Jupiter renders the native intelligence and spiritualism. It also ensures impressive speech. The symbol is quiver of arrows which depicts hitting the target.In the minor part there is a combination of Moon & Jupiter, blessing the native with sensitivity, wisdom and prosperity too.The animal symbol is female cat, offering the native a vigilant eye and desire of freedom. The meaning of the word ‘Punarvasu’ is repetition of good. So it motivates for self-purification. The deity is Mother Goddess Aditi, mother earth, giving ability to forgive, stability and fertility.The over intelligence lacking the practicality of life are the grey shades of this Nakshatra.
Pushya :- It lies completely in ‘Cancer’. The ruling planet is ‘Saturn’, so this is a Moon-Saturn combination making a unique rhythm of imagination and creativity with stability. It is a ‘Laghu Sangyak’ Nakshatra. The symbol is ‘Udder of a cow’. Moon also symbolizes milk and ‘Pushya’ means to nourish, therefore nourishing and healing are the major characteristics. Ruling deity is ‘Brihaspati’ and Jupiter is exalted in this Nakshatra. This combination gives intuitive power, good fortune, strong oration and a pious soul. The animal symbol is male sheep. Showing stubbornness. The excessive good sometimes turns to arrogance, envy and pride too. Piousness of heart unable the native to discriminate a real friend or a foe.
Ashlesha :- It lies entirely in Cancer. Ashlesha means to embrace and ruled by Mercury. This Mercury, Moon combination leads to philosophical, researchful creative mind. The individual (native) of this Nakshatra will have an interest towards writing and will be highly explosive. The symbol is coiled serpent or kundalini and the deity is ‘Ahi’ the serpent so kundalini when activated lightens spiritually and mystically. The animal symbol is male cat, giving magnetic and enigmatic the fascination of cat and serpent reflect on the native of ‘Ashlesha’ Nakshatra. The dark side of a serpent is danger, sudden attack and poison. Fascination, strong ego is present accompanied with hot temper.
Magha :- This Nakshatra lies entirely in ‘Leo and is ruled by Ketu, there combination becomes of Sun and Ketu. Ketu gives the desire of sacrifice and the Sun gives leadership, this makes ‘moksha’ possible. The symbol is Palanguin (Palki) the ‘kings’ seat the symbol also matches with royalty which sun gives. The ruling deities are Pitris worshipped and prayed to maintain traditional pride and power. A native of magha reflects the combined effects of the above as being ambitious, born leaders, family pride and strong spiritualistic feeling. The generosity and piousness of Ketu is present. The impact of pitris is there in form of deep attachment with the rootes.The animal symbol is male rat. It is a kroor Nakshatra giving cruelty too. The dark sides of Magha are in the extremes of its bright side as racial superiority and proud of status. Strong attachment for materialism sometimes deflect them from the path of spiritualism. Setting high goals but not working up to the mark is a big draw back.
Uttaraphalguni :- It lies in Leo & Virgo the major part is in Virgo. It is ruled by Sun. In first part there is Sun & Sun combination. It bestows tremendous enthusiasm for pragmatic and creative approach. Sun gives the power to overcome any hurdle of life. The later part of this Nakshatra has a combination of Sun & Mercury. This strong combination gives vision to explore the life and strong intelligence. The native of this Nakshatra happens to be the leaders of their field with inherent talents. The symbol is bed, revealing the healing effect in this Nakshatra. It is reflected in the native as a helping, loving and caring nature. The ruling deity is ‘Aryaman, God of patronage and the native is found raising voice for noble causes and humanity. Aryaman is the protector of family, therefore the native strengthens the unity of the family.The animal symbol is ‘bull’ giving strong endurance power and hard work. The dark side of this Nakshatra is the feeling of loneliness inculcated if the they do not get strong relationship. Bull also gives them strong stubbornness.
Hast :- This Nakshatra lies completely in Virgo. The ruling planet is moon. The Mercury+Moon combination gives strong mental set-up with creative mind and strong oration. Mercury is exalted here blessing the native with strong sense of humour, pleasant appearance, skill in arts ‘n’ crafts. The symbol is the palm of the hand’, showing hard working and target oriented efforts, hand also shows blessings and native of this Nakshatra renders a helping hand always. The ruling deity is ‘Savitri’ God of creativity and energy. It ensures healing, meditation etc for self development.‘Hast’ also confirms flexibility and strength to withstand any odds. The Moon Mercury influence makes the native sensitive in health issues. The native of this Nakshatra can sometimes be impatient, clever and absolutely merciless. The animal symbol is ‘female buffalo’.
Chitra :- Chitra lies in Virgo and Libra, Mars is the ruling planet hence, there is combination of Mercury+ Mars and Venus+ Mars. It is the most enigmatic Nakshatra with deep spiritualistic feeling. Native has strong desire and inspiration to explore oneself. ‘Chitra’ means pretty picture. Those born in this Nakshatra are beautiful, have attractive personality and strong full. They are talented and are fond of bright and colorful things. They are very near to nature. The Venus gives them a passion for dance, drama and music. This is a ‘Mridu Sangyak’ Nakshatra making native soft and kind hearted. The symbol is pearl or bright jewel, which justifies the fondness of native towards jewels.The animal symbol is tigress, which gives passionate personality, well built body and arrogance.The deity is ‘Vishwakarma, the architect of universe who represents prosperity, creativity and accumulation of goods in life.The dark sides of this Nakshatra is the demonic temperament. Native has a strong ego and is famous for tongue lashing. They love to remain in illusions.
Swati :- It lies completely in Libra. The lord of this Nakshatra is ‘Rahu’. Rahu is an airy planet and Libra is the air sign. It gives the native a restless and exploring mind. Rahu’s combination with Venus gives a strong lust. This is a ‘dev Nakshatra’ and word ‘Swati’ means the priest. Therefore, native is generally generous charitable, virtuous and religious. The symbol is ‘Coral’. Which gives strong mind set-up and initiative power to the native. The deities are Vayu and Saraswati. Vayu makes the native fickle and works as life giving. It also blesses the native with the great quality of adjustment in every situation. Saraswati gives them intelligence and a strong desire to learn. The animal symbol is male buffalo.The dark side of this Nakshatra is self-concealment. The energy in the native can prove to be destructive, they are very discontented and presence of Rahu with Venus gives a strong desire for comforts and pleasures, which may lead them to any extent.
Vishakha: - Vishakha is the 16th constellation lies majorily in Libra and Scorpio. Hence it is a combination of Venus & Jupiter and Mars & Jupiter as the ruling planet of Vishakha is Jupiter. This combination reflects energy strength and potential. The symbols of Vishakha are archway and potler’s wheel.Archway symbolises victory whereas the potler’s wheel symbolizes patiently creating the art hence it gives native patience, consistence and devotion to complete the task. The natives of Vishakha achieve success in later stage of their lives. The deities of this Nakshatra are ‘Indra’ and ‘Agni’.Over accumulation of energy results & the shadow side of this Nakshatra. It makes native aggressive and dominant. The nature of this Nakshatra is ‘Rakshasa’ making a quarrelsome personality. Over ambitious results to frustration. Moon is debilitated in the last segment (IV pada). The bitterness of the temperament keeps them aloof from social network and friends. The animal symbol is ‘Male tiger which reflects both energy and violence.’
Anuradha: - Anuradha lies completely in Scorpio. The ruling planet of this Nakshatra is ‘Saturn’ hence it is a ‘Mars-Saturn’ combination. Saturn gives spiritual inclination whereas Mars give courage and risk taking abilities. So the native of ‘Anuradha’ Nakshatra can achieve impossible even in foreign land.The symbol of this Nakshatra ‘Lotus’ confirmed this ability as ‘Lotus’ symbolizes the ability to bloom even in the hardships of life, so Anuradha called the star of success. The deity is ‘mitra’, the god of friendship. This renders in the native the power to create balance in relationship. Another important deity is ‘Radha’, the better half of Lord.The primary motivation of this Nakshatra is ‘Dharma’ so the native can maintain relationships along with his goals. The moon is in debilitated sign here giving melancally nature, jealousy and desire of dominance.
Jyeshtha: - It lies completely in ‘Scorpio’ and ruled by ‘Mercury’, hence it is the dynamic combination of ‘Mars and Mercury’. Mercury gives intelligence and analytical ability and ‘Mars’ gives capacity to achieve high positions. It makes native highly innovative. The literal meaning of ‘Jyeshtha’ is senior most and it makes native the most powerful and successful mythologically, ‘Jyeshtha’ is the eldest queen of moon who was superseded by younger wives. It is interesting to find that Jyeshtha is opposed by ‘Rohini’, the favourite wife of moon. The chief deity is Indra who is known for courage, royalness all this is reflective in the native of this Nakshatra.The primary motivation of Jyeshtha is ‘earth’ hence there is always a battle between their major goals. To be successful, arrogance, pride and egoism has to be kept under check.
Mool:- This lies in ‘Sagittarius’ and the ruling planet is ‘Ketu’. So the Jupiter Ketu combination gives native a philosophical nature and exploring mind. ‘Mool’ means the root, it confirms the inquisitive approach of reaching to the depth of the subject in the native. The primary motivation of this Nakshatra is ‘Kaam’ or material desire. The deity of this Nakshatra is ‘Niriti’ is called ‘Lakshami’ i.e. poverty the hardships put the native on the track of salvation.The animal symbol is a ‘male dog’ and the nature is Rakshasa moreover mool is a teekshna Nakshatra inferring cruelty in the native.
Poorvashadha :- It lies completely in ‘Sagittarius’ and is ruled by ‘Venus’ therefore the combination of Venus and Jupiter confers on the native . A convincing influence and the ability to empathies the masses. The influence of two masters ‘Venus & Jupiter’ makes the native proud. It is further confirmed as the literal meaning of ‘Purva ashadha’ is undefeated.
Uttara-Ashada:- One pada of Uttara ashada is in Sagittarius and three are in Capricorn. This is ruled by Sun, so we find a combination of Sun-Jupiter and Sun-Saturn. The combination of Sun-Jupiter gives a sharp insight and a good temperament controlled by Jupiter.The native is blessed with excellent concentration power. Sun gives the leadership quality, strong efforts and power. The Sun-Saturn combination gives spiritualistic aptitude, high goals and pious deeds.The primary motivation of this Nakshatra is ‘Mokhsa’ and the effect of ‘Saturn’ confirms the native’s desire for liberation. The symbol is elephant’s tusk, reflecting the blessings of ‘Lord Ganesha’ on every endeavour of the native.
Person under the influence of this Nakshatra would take rest only after the accomplishment of their job. The ruling deity are the ‘Vishwadevas’, they are ten in number and are said to be the sons of ‘God Dharma.” These tend duties are Vasu, Krathu, Daksha, Kaal, Kaam, Dhrit, Kuru, Pururavas and Madrava. The native is showered with the blessings of virtues governed by these ‘ten devas’. The animal symbol is ‘male mongoose, as there is no female counterpart. The native’s had troubled married life.The dark side of this Nakshatra is an introvert and adamant personality. If they don’t have any work, they are extremely lazy. The love to remain alone and sad without any reason. The first half of life of the natives of ‘Utara-Ashada’ is troublesome but they get success in the later half. ‘Abraham Lincoln’ is the best example who had his natal moon in Uttara-Ashada.
Shravan:- This lies completely in ‘Capricorn’ Astronomically it consist of three stars which are taken as the three foot prints of Lord Vishnu. As this constellation is ruled by mo, so there is a moon-Saturn combination. Saturn gives the inquisitive nature and the keen desire for knowledge. Shravan is called the ‘star of learning. The duties of this Nakshatra are Vishnu and Saraswati, Vishnu the protector, renders the virtues of humanity and charity in the native and goddess ‘Saraswati’ blesses the native with knowledge, music and humanitarian attitude.The word ‘Shravan’ has its roots in the Sanskrit word ‘Shiv’ which means to hear this could to co-related to Shruti i.e. learning by hearing. It also represents their ability of a keen observer. The relation of this Nakshatra with knowledge is further justified as it is related to ‘Peepal tree’ under which ‘ Buddha’ got enlightment. The animal symbol is female monkey. The activeness in the native of ‘Shravan’ can be co-related with the animal symbol. As it is said, that excess of way thing is bad the excess knowledge of the native makes them rigid or obstinate. They create enemies themselves because of this nature. The primary motivation is earth, they earn money first and then go for higher goals.
Dhanishtha:- One half of Dhanishtha lies in ‘Capricorn’ and the remaining in Aquarius. And the ruling planet is ‘Mars’ so there is a combination of Saturn & Mars. The effect of Saturn gives spiritual inclination and an interest in occult sciences. Sympathy and compassion for others is very evident in the native. Mars bestows its energy and enthusiasm on the native as mars is exalted here. The animal symbol of this constellation is female lion which justifies the extra energy. When required they put their best. It is appropriate to call these native as spiritual warrior. The symbol of this star is a musical drum. There is a natural inclination for music in the native and the interesting point is that these people have a rhythm in their every activity.The deities are eight vasus, the gods of energy and light. The eight vasus give high virtues, kindness and high ambition to be prosperous. The dark side is that over ambition makes them greedy and self-centered. This is demonic in nature and the native sometimes becomes merciless. They enjoy isolation and become arrogant.
Shatbhisha:- This constellation lies completely in Aquarius. Shatbhisha means of hundred physicians pouring divine nectar to nourish humanity. The pot in the zodiac sign Aquarius reflects the same. Another meaning of Shatbhisha is “hundred stars”, hence, it is a fortunate star. The native of Shatbhisha enjoys exploding vigour which helps them defeat their enemies and emerge as a winning star.The ruling planet is Rahu. Hence this is a combination of Saturn and Rahu. Together, Saturn and Rahu gives the native philosophical and mystical mind. We can find secretive nature of the native enjoying independence and solitude, Rahu, reflects serpent energy and is associated with kundalini energy. Meditation can make this energy active and can pave path for big achievements. Animal symbol is female horse which is reflected in the native in form of energy and loyalty.The deity is Varuma, the god of rain. Varuma is also known for power of healing. The primary motivation is dharma. Hence the power of healing is justful and impartial. The native of this constellation is an excellent judge of moral and immoral.The dark side of this Nakshatra is the dominant depression and loneliness. The native takes life as a set rules of duty and leads restrained life. Persons born in this Nakshatra witness a difficult childhood making them mature pre-timely. As this constellation is demonic in nature reflecting harshness of speech and dry nature.
Purva Bhadrapada:- The major part of this constellation lies in Aquarius with one part in Pisces hence it is a combination of Saturn and Jupiter and the ruling planet is also Jupiter. This beautiful Saturn-Jupiter combination connects with the intellectual on one hand and a philosophical brain on the other hand. The effect of ‘Saturn’ denies the set norms of the society.The animal symbol is made lion and the king sets his own rules. The striking feature is the foresightedness. Purvabhadra means former lucky feet. It has an interesting relationship with the deity ‘Aja ek Pada which means ‘one-footed goat’. The deity is considered to be a form of Lord Shiva and vehicle of God of fire Agni hence they are energetic and passionate.The primary motivation is ‘Artha’ and the natives are usually found skilled in the art of earning money.One of the merits of this constellation i.e. enthusiasm when increases in ratio become the negative of this constellation and the native can be very short tempered, arrogant and anxious and a decline in enthusiasm makes them nervous and fearful. They may be very harsh in speech and extremely criticizing. One of the symbols is two-faced man. This symbolizes their ability to see a thing from different point of view but to others they seem to be double faced.
Uttarabhadrapada:- This constellation lives entires in ‘Pisces’. The ruling planet is ‘Saturn’ and hence the combination is same as that of Poorvabhadrapada i.e. Jupiter-Saturn. As the ruling planet is ‘Saturn’ there is more endurance discipline and self-control, as this called the warrier star so we find the native fighting for the noble causes. The combination of Saturn &Jupiter confers generosity and kindness the spirituality is of high level. The sign is a tow headed man and the deities are ‘Ahirbhudhanya and Lakshmi who is a serpent and a part of Lord Shiva’s army. Snake symbolizes fertility, secrecy and ‘Kundaline power, all this makes the native energetic and exploring. The other deity Lakshmi bestows the native with fortune, health, wealth and happiness.The animal symbol is ‘female cow’ who is sacred and worshiped in India. The women of this Nakshatra are honoured in their families. Although Uttarabhadrapada people are more controlled than Poorvabhadrapada yet anger and arrogance is the negative shade of their personality. They can be extremely careless and ignorant sometimes. The primary motivation is ‘Kama’ which makes them addicted sometimes.
