Nakshatra Meaning
It is called Stars or constellation, it is the belt of 27 stars in the sky and if we take a zodiac of 360° and divide by 12 then result would be 13° 20′ that is a constellation. Moon passes each lunar mansion approximately in a day. Moon lord resides in all constellation one by one and completes the cycle in a month that’s why it is also called lunar mansion.
Each constellation of 13° 20′ and it is assumed that moon travels in all stars with a same length of time in a day but in Vedic astrology moon spends longer time in Rohini nakshatra being favorite one and other fixed zodiacs too ex: Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
4 Pada of a nakshatra and its effect on person
Sun lord is the king and control over system and sun lord gets exalted in Ashwini nakshatra 10° 00′ so first nakshatra is counted from Ashwini but Moon lord gets exalted (00° 00′ – 3° 20′) in Kritika nakshatra second pada and all Vimshottari dasha system begins from Krittika nakshatra.
A nakshatra has four pada of 3° 20′ and each pada indicates dignity of a planet because it falls in navamsa sign which is most important than D-1 chart.
1st Pada is fire pada and will always be in Fiery signs in navamsa like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. It is related to Dharma of native and how person takes care of self and others.
2nd Pada is earth pada and will always fall into earth sign in navamsa like Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. It is related to work, finance and accumulation of things.
3rd Pada is Vayu pada and will remain in airy signs in navamsa like Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. It focuses on desires, relationships and public interactions, etc.
4th Pada is watery pada and will remain in watery signs in navamsa like Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. It focuses on liberalization, searching heavens and Vedic knowledge, etc.
Whenever moon pass through any nakshatra, it activates that according its energy in that chart. We always emphasis on janam nakshatra or Moon Sign nakshatra because native constant thinks towards that area, each nakshatra have alphabets and person should take their name based on it to keep strong emotional energy always. Sun nakshatra lord in the chart shows burning desire that don’t let you calm and you work really hard in that particular area to get more.
How does Nakshatra operates?
Nakshatra is like foundation of a horoscope, fixed in the sky and planets passes through during transit to give results according their characteristics. In Vedas nakshatras were already and to simply it, 12 zodiac signs were created later.
Gandanta Nakshatra
Gandanta are those points where zodiac sign and nakshatra end, it is between watery and fiery signs. Water signs are our past and fiery signs are future, in between is our present (Gandanta point). This energy is kind of uncomfortable because it puts us into future from present situations.
Tara Bala or Star Strength
Chandra bala or Tara bala is used to find out best muhurata for native where the moon transit and it is calculated based on the natal position of moon in the chart.
Abhijit Nakshatra significations
Abhijit falls in the (Uttarashada nakshatra 06° 40′ to 10° 30′ Shravana nakshatra), when Sun lord transit here, it is an auspicious time to start any activity especially spiritual practice as it is believed that gods awaken to bless us.
Abhijit muhurat in a day can also be considered when Sun lord appeared in same degree cups in the 10th house (Mid noon time) except Wednesday.
Bharani Nakshatra (13°20 – 26°40′ Aries): – The symbol of Bharani is ‘Yoni’ the ‘Doorway’ but to what to me it means Bharani is where life will lay in water waiting to come out of the doorway to start its spiritual journey. The word ‘Bharani’ itself means one who ‘bears’. Therefore, collectively Bharani is a nakshatra that is related to themes of bearing responsibility for protecting, safeguarding and defending & cutting off from EGO or staying down to progress up.
The Prominent Bharani natives (depending of planet placement etc.) have great drive for sexual pleasures. Their needs and desires for self-beautification are also high & it is only when their desires go low on meter will Bharani start its real spiritual journey. Now when we talk about the ‘Bearing’ aspect , I have noticed that woman Bharani’s tend to bear more load in their lives as compared to men (again depends case to case but in my opinion that is what I have seen so far in my research) .
Krittika Nakshatra (26°40′ Aries – 10°00′ Taurus): – Krittika natives are very much famous and their life is an open book and which ever planet placed here that signification are known to all ex- If Jupiter is placed here their wisdom, Knowledge and Spritual practices etc. is everywhere as these natives like to do for social welfare. People will go through lots of challenges in their life and get success.
Krittika is one of the influencing Nakshatra and can change people thought around them and easily followed by all. These are generally proud and honest, dedicated towards responsibility.
Rohini Nakshatra (10° – 23°20′ Taurus): – Rohini is a nakshatra that has the power of growth & fertility. It is that cosmic force that houses the power of attraction (desires) that results in creativity. On the other hand , Rohini is also the nakshatra where we see punishment (Prajapati punished by Rudra for approaching his daughter and Chandra punished for inseminating Tara and also by Daksha for favoring Rohini and Rohini derived from Rohan means to rise or to bring into existence. Another word for Rohini is Sun as Without heat and warmth creation cannot move forward.
Collectively, it means that the agni tatva is used by Brahma in form of desire to combine the female (Rohini) and male (Soma) aspects of cosmos to take the creation forward. At the same time, our desires become our sins and thus punishment is inevitable.
Mrigashira Nakshatra (23°20 Taurus – 6°40′ Gemini): – We are all aware of the mythology of Mrigashira where Brahma’s ‘DESIRE’ led to the slaying of his head by Rudra . ‘DESIRE’ is a demon that will lead to self-destruction & various mentions of this have been made in our scriptures and same has been explained in various mythologies, As I was contemplating on this word ‘DESIRE’ it occurred to me that , not having things as per societal norms (if not for themselves, then those around them) can sometimes make one unhappy (indirect ‘desires’ for benefit of others), but what it also grants them is “Power” , a power that comes from being content with where they stand. This power fuels up the will that strengthens the soul. This power gives one an upper hand as it allows them to have no fear from ‘DESIRES’.
As per the Vedas, Mrigashira is the third Nakshatra. This is the stage where after having found a woman to move the creation (Rohini) forward, the search for mating male begins. Once they are both found and matched
Ardra Nakshatra (6°40 – 20° Gemini): – The Star of oppression (unjust treatment or control / prolonged cruelty) Also Known as Goddess of Fortune Nakshatra- Shakti is to bring about achievement through efforts, one interpretation of Ardra is that they can transform, change and destroy all that is not in accordance with the Dharma, righteousness and truth – Revolution. Their is close connection with thunder and storm in various hymns. The name Rudra has many meanings, out of which the most commonly used is to cry out loud. The root of the word ‘rud’ means ‘to cry’.
Ardra Nakshatra is where Lord Shiva’s energy in rudra form is highly active. He is the god of change and destruction of the rigidity and promotes themes of righteousness. It exists in the sign of Gemini which is about ideas and challenging authority.⠀
Any planets in Ardra Nakshatra have that quality of transformation, promoting righteousness and defending the truth and also not to forget, Ardra’s power is effort (Yatna shakti), particularly for making gains in life through greater efforts . This great struggle can give out big rewards, with determination and a certain degree of luck! (As opposite is Sagittarius house of luck).
Punarvasu Nakshatra (20° Gemini – 3°20 Cancer): – Punarvasu can be split in 2 words ‘Punah’ ~ meaning again and ‘Vasu’ meaning ~ one who resides or ‘Dweller. Another meaning of Vasu is a ‘Ray of light, in simple terms, Punarvasu means once again the jeeva comes to live (re-birth). If the chronology of Nakshatras starts from Kruthika which is the soul level (the atma – the fire ) ; we can say that at Punarvasu that fire is transformed into ‘Jeeva’ or ‘the being’. The symbol of Punarvasu is a ‘Home’ or a ‘House’ suggesting that the jeeva has returned to its residence/ home or in one meaning has found a new home in form of a new body. Hence, we relate Punarvasu to return patterns. It is said in Hindu philosophy that a jeeva finds a most suitable home based on his past karma.
Punarvasu is that level of Nakshatra in the stage of pregnancy where the eggs are fertilized. This is apt as after much wandering (Ardra ) , the sperm finds a home to restart the ‘Life’. She is the fertile land that helps the seedlings to grow.
Pushya Nakshatra (3°20 – 16°40 Cancer): – Pushya means the nourishment and it is that level in the chronology of Nakshatras where the nourishment of jeeva begins. After all, in pregnancy, isn’t the most important focus on eating and nourishing the woman and the embryo inside her. Other names for Pushya are Sidhya-the perfect being and Tishya- the celestial archer. Pushya’s symbol is a lotus (Pushya also means blossom of flower), however, most commonly discussed one is the udder of the cow. And that makes sense as the cow is the nourisher of all beings.
Pushya natives are generally caring, nurturing, protective, generous and yielding in nature. These natives are always concerned about their family and friends. They are spiritually inclined. Saturn gives the balance and stability and so when dealing with others they always appear calm and patient. On the other hand, their over spiritual inclination can make them orthodox and narrow minded. At their utmost negative level, they can become dogmatic, headstrong and fundamentalist believers. Even after dedicating their life to humanitarian causes they can feel empty and this is where they should get the cue to connect to their spiritual core.
Ashlesha Nakshatra (16°40 – 30° Cancer): – One meaning of Ashlesha is to ‘bring closer’ (embracing). The most prominent Naga / Serpent is the Ananta Naga on which lord Vishnu rests , he is also called the ‘Adi Shesha’. It is believed that he holds all the planets on his vast hoods. Nagas are also said to be supporting the earth. The coiled snake on which Vishnu rests shows that lord has controlled time and thus when the Adi Shesha starts to uncoil , the time starts to unfold. When he comes back to its coiled position the time stands still once again. Nagas also depict desires and again the coiled serpent in resting position with lord Vishnu shows the lord’s control of his desires.
Furthermore, they are super protective and also always ready to provide protection as well as support, the water symbolism paired with the downward aspect shows the mysterious side. The feelings and emotions if these natives are deep-rooted. Quite interestingly I read that most often snakes come together just for mating and are not usually social beings. Similarly, these natives may seem socializing but within they remain isolated.
Magha Nakshatra (0° – 13°20′ Leo): – Magha is that nakshatra where there is a lot of focus on ‘I’, ‘Myself’ and ‘Me’. Their need for recognition, identification and acquisition is so high that they can easily get entrenched by feelings of exclusiveness that comes from having a position of authority. They like to be in control of things and enjoy power. They are rarely content with what they own , constantly struggling & working hard to get to the top (Opposite nakshatra is Dhanistha – climbing the Summit).
Magha has a great need for attention, they are even cocky at times. They like to flaunt their belongings. Making others realize their importance, position, power and wealth is an inherent trait especially when functioning at a lower octave. As Magha falls in the fire sign , it has a hot temperament and the same heat gives them such a shiny aura that they can cast an illusion on your mind. If blessed with positive planetary placements they are surrounded by material abundance. Their motivation is DESIRE (opposite is natural 11th house). No matter how much the material pleasures though, they have a hollowness inside again in my opinion.
Purva Phalguni Nakshatra (13°20 – 26°40′ Leo): – Purva Phalguni is the stage when the initial process of this creation starts. Now without man & woman, in other words without union of male & female energy, the creation cannot move. Thus motivation is ‘Kama. Native under this star also seem to have a close bond with other females or have influence from other female member or acquaintances and form opinions based on that. Native are generally very social & mingling in nature (Mostly Benefice) and in general terms, these natives are freedom lovers, relaxation seeker and helping in nature (even before someone asks), have sweet speech.
However under the influence of Leo , they cannot perform or work where subordination is required. They cannot be someone who can say ‘Yes Boss’. So may frequently change jobs. Since the deity is one of the Adityas they remain on path of dharma generally & tend to stay away from illegal activities (But Malefic in this Nakshatra can change that aspect). Again due to Sun’s influence they like & enjoy powerful status & positions. Finally although deity is ‘Bhaga’ who blesses one with marital bliss & also with other pleasures.
Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra (26°40 Leo– 10°00′ Virgo): – One connection for this is that Uttara Phalguni means the latter & Phalguni is the spring season. Combined with the symbology of rear legs of the couch / bed , it can imply that latter heat of spring in which people opt for afternoon Siesta. Therefore, in contrast with its former partner, U. Phalguni is more related to comfort rather than sensuality and more so in the first quarter under Leo. After all, the leaders job is to relax comfortably while he delegates the works to his people. Bulls can be very defensive especially when their female companion is in heat & sometimes they have to be separated.
This is a cur to is when Uttara Phalguni’s become angry , it’s better to just leave them alone tor a while or walk away. On the other hand, bulls are dependable and are used as means of transport in rural settings meaning they are helpful in nature, as we said quite worthy for its use, so certain combinations such as Mercury in Uttaraphalguni can make the native very sensible talker, especially in last 3 padas. Needless to say that Mercury blesses them with intellect (and with wisdom) in Pada 1 & 4 due to Sun / Mercury / Jupiter combination (Namansh).
Hasta Nakshatra (10° – 23°20′ Virgo): – Now, hand is also a main role in marriage, ‘Bethro one’s hand in marriage ‘. This signifies partnership, alliance and cooperation of a sort. Thus Hasta natives usually are cooperative, (to what means & ends, that is dependent on planet placement / aspects and etc.). Even a promise is made with shaking hands so ‘TRUST’ is a big factor in this star. Again depending on planets sitting here or being aspected by malefic or benefices will decide if a Hasta can be trusted or if a Hasta will have trouble trusting others.
Ruled by Mercury (by sign ) , the lord of commerce/ business / trade / intellect and even young kids. Hasta is a very young & playful being. Any trade / contract is finalized by a hand shake / any goods / services is transferred using wheel , which is another close resembling symbol of Hasta , the potter’s wheel and lastly we all know what young kids can do with their hands. While they can create tower of building blocks, they can also create a mess of slime.
Chitra Nakshatra (23°20′ Virgo – 6°40′ Libra): – Chitra we can further understand the interlink between the energies of these two amazingly creative asterisms. The deity of this nakshatra is, Tvasta is an artisan by profession. He is also the one adept in art of illusion (Maya). Just like how creation is never ending, the Chitra native’s role is never ending which is the reason for their frustrations. The reason for this is also their desire to keep creating and their never ending energy.
Native have prominent planet here, do what they do best and just keep doing it. They want others to benefit from what they creation. They are not attached to many but like working selflessly mostly for the down trodden of the society. They don’t have much regard for authority (especially Sun in Libra side) but also do not appreciate subordination , for Mars is the Chief of Army. On lower octave though, they can be truly selfish and know how to work their way out of a situation.
Swati Nakshatra (6°40′– 20° Libra): – Swati is an independent star with single grass which swings in wind and native have prominent this star effect, single hand will manage the things with all efforts. It is the external class or unconventional thinking, power to bring up the things like wind so quality to spread rumors.
It is known connected with Goddess “Saraswati” which makes native interest in Singing and tendency to move fast or speak fast if associated with second lord. Desire of this nakshatra to spread and move all over the world freely. Nature is quite fluctuation that cause always restless and in-decisive and must do meditation and focus on one things if native much effected with this asterism.
Anuradha Nakshatra (3°20′– 16°40′ Scorpio): – The Star of friendship & success, We rise by lifting others in the society and making a difference by providing selfless service to others with unselfish love , friendship & devotion towards each other with full empathy & compassion. ANURADHA natives in general : Born Peacekeepers , & great negotiators / liaisons (either in their professional life or in personal matters for others) & always working empathetically (sometimes secretly behind the scenes ) for the welfare of others. This nakshatra is very spiritual being in natural eight house and associated with Krishna and Radha so can be linked with love, devotion and friendship.
Person have prominent effect on this nakshatra are very hard working and suddenly rise on top so they themselves cannot imagine how did it happen and because their past good deeds, it has direct association with Shatabhisha nakshatra which is natural house of friend’s circle and they are the one who will be looked in mob. People are business minded and love to travel and like to do profession where travel is required.
Mula Nakshatra (0°′ – 13°20′ Sagittarius): – Mula is a nakshatra feared by many for its infamous traits such as causing destruction and inflicting pain . However, seldom people realize that creation cannot begin without either. Even the birth of a human / creation of life results after endurance of substantial and unbearable pain. Just a thought of pain could deter a woman from motherhood then creation wouldn’t move forward. Destruction of evil is necessary for maintaining the moral order in the society. Mula is ruled by Goddess Nirriti who is the preserver and a deity instrumental in maintaining this moral order.
Nirriti is derived from ‘Ni’ meaning without and ‘RTA’ meaning order. Thus Nirrti means, one without order or against the order. However, that does not make her evil. In fact, she is the one who goes against the order to fight the evil resulting from it. In other words, it means Mula is about following an unconventional approach to restoring or reinventing / recreating a belief system. Maybe that’s a reason why many spiritualists are born in this asterism. Not to forget it falls in the sign of lord Jupiter (the head quarter) , the ruler of higher wisdom.
Purva Ashadha Nakshatra (13°20′ – 26°40′ Sagittarius): – Purva Ashadha is the planning and strategizing stage where a plan for victory is devised. These natives are great are formulating plans, devising policies and are far sighted. On the other hand, just like water has the ability to smoothen surfaces (rocks and glass often seen in ocean is smoothened by water pressure) by exerting constant pressure these natives can melt your heart away by smooth talk but don’t be fooled by their outer shell as the more they grow the more wrathful.
They are highly secretive just like water that does not show what lies deeper. Due to this, they can be devious at times. Being secretive is also necessary to ensure that the plans they make will yield to results. After all, if plans were to leak who could win a war.
Shravana Nakshatra (10° – 23°20′ Capricorn): – We all know that Shravana is considered one of the pious nakshatras as it is over seen by the lord of preservation, Lord Vishnu himself. Nevertheless, at lower octave even learned and knowledgeable, generous ‘Shravana’ natives can possess negativity or merely weaknesses. These natives are intelligent however sometimes not granted sufficient humility that leads to their extremist views about others. That makes them quite rigid and orthodox in their views. Their belief that they alone have the right perspective on a matter can sometimes lead them to losing close friends or they may end up making enemies with those possessing opposite views.
These natives picture society as an idealistic way of life which in today’s times seems unrealistic. This can lead to struggles for these natives in finding a balance on a moral and spiritual level .
Due to these issues they may experience recurring periods of lack of financial stability. This hurts their pride and sanctimonious feelings. Although compassionate and generous in general their shortcomings listed above can make them jealous of others’ success which in turn leads them into gossiping and bad mouthing about others.
Shatabhisha Nakshatra (6°40′ – 20° Aquarius): – Aquarius people are assertive, independent, analytical and inventive. They like to explore and are curious by nature. The most intriguing question to them is the ‘why ‘of everything. It is the sign of hopes, dreams, friends and wishes. Shatabhisha natives are thus idealistic individuals who are always concerned for the larger issues of the mankind but at the same time are detached from it , even in their own close relationships.
Although an air sign, Aquarian people are like frozen water, firm, rigid and stiff (fixed sign). They are sometimes so eccentric that sometimes they feel attacked by narrow minded people who do not agree with their open mindedness. This leads them to get involved in unusual / unexpected situations. They like to be unique and different and sometimes so much that they can take a complete contrary approach. People seems drawn to their friendliness and enthusiasm but they also back up when they see the rigidity. They can turn out to be a complete shocker and hence the shockwave symbology. Nevertheless, these natives are a pathfinder with a wicked sense of humor and the ability to shock and amuse at the same time.
Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra (3°20′ – 16°40′ Pisces): – This is the house that shows behind the scenes- meaning we do not see our abilities and need others to help us recognize out talents and capabilities for us. This is also the house of withdrawal, or detachment (let it go). It denotes the need for seclusion, solitude, and emancipation especially in areas denoted by planets in this house. Whatever you have to detach from is represented by the 12th house in the horoscope.
Lord Saturn who is the significate of this house and also of this Nakshatra which falls in the heart of Pisces , who is a judge of karmas and assisted by two gurus (Jupiter by sign , & Venus gets exalted here) , this house perfectly describes the idea that whatever is given in universal love and compassion will go a long way and help the native to achieve the true reality. Life is a journey and we are healing at every moment. Those who don’t learn to cope with the tribulations that life throws at us, they fail to see beauty in shifting those burdens which life offers us. The hidden secret (12h ) to improve the quality of life is in these struggles.
Revati Nakshatra (16°40′ – 30° Pisces): – Revati is a sattwic nakshatra on all three levels and its primary motivation is liberation or Moksha. It is the end of the soul’s journey where it gets ready for new –life. New life, here means transformation of ideas , reforms in one’s life and major changes. Isn’t that what was happing around us right now? While trying to come out and recover from a major global disaster , aren’t we all in any, however little possible way pondering on how we can make a change, even a minutest one to prevent any more harm to mother nature and mother earth. This is exactly what Revati is about, that stage where the soul is pondering over its past mistakes, past deeds and getting ready to live a life- in a newer way.
In other words, under Revati, the soul searches for the realization of the truth and looks for a fresh start for a more meaningful life. As stated above, Revati denotes nourishment and new life-cycle, we should also note that the symbol of Revati, the fish is associated with lord Visnu’s Matsya Avatar who graced manking with so in order to preserve creation for new-life cycle. Revati denotes starting fresh and a new. Fish also known for fertility and fast growth which is also another angle of creation. In way, there is a lot of background work going on under this nakshatra, as in all planets are working behind the scenes to prepare the new life cycle.
Hope you all liked it and Keep learning and loving Astrology