The third volume in the Predictive Astrology series delves into the significance of Nakshatras.
Nakshatras, the lunar constellations or clusters of stars, hold a profound role in Predictive Astrology. They offer deeper insights into an individual’s personality, life events, and destiny.
The word Nakshatra comes from Sanskrit: Naks meaning “sky” and Shetra meaning “area.” Thus, Nakshatra translates to “area of the sky” or “sky map,” encompassing the twelve Rashis.
Together, the twelve Rashis form a complete circle of 360 degrees, with each Rashi—or zodiac sign—spanning 30 degrees.
The Nakshatras are distributed across the twelve Rashis, with each Rashi accommodating two and a half Nakshatras. Every Nakshatra spans 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac. The sequence begins at 0° Mesha (Aries) and concludes at 30° Meena (Pisces). This calculation arises from dividing the 360° zodiacal circle into 27 equal parts.
Each Nakshatra is further divided into four phases, known as padas. Since every Rashi contains two and a half Nakshatras, each Rashi therefore comprises nine padas.
The Moon takes approximately 2.25 days to transit one Rashi. Consequently, it traverses all twelve Rashis in about 27 days. Because the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in roughly 27 days, it passes through one Nakshatra each day, completing the cycle of all 27 Nakshatras within this period.
Each of the 27 Nakshatras carries unique qualities, is presided over by a particular deity, and is governed by a ruling planet. A deeper understanding of Nakshatras—both in general and in detail for each individual Nakshatra—can be explored through the reference provided below.
https://bit.ly/nakshatras-intro & https://drapraoastrology.com/articles/1
Importance of Nakshatras:
Janma Nakshatra:
Great importance is placed on the Nakshatra of the Moon at the time of birth, known as the Janma Nakshatra. It provides valuable insights into one’s nature, personality, and strengths.
Nakshatra of the Ascendant (Lagna):
The Nakshatra of the Ascendant reveals details about the body, physical appearance, and inherent strengths.
Nakshatra of Planets:
The Nakshatra in which a planet resides highlights the karmic path and the unique energies that planet expresses in an individual’s life.
Dasa Predictions:
Life events are timed through the Vimsottari Dasa system, which is entirely based on the Moon’s Nakshatra at birth. Since each Nakshatra is ruled by a planet, the first Mahadasa of an individual is determined by the ruler of the Moon’s Nakshatra at the time of birth. For example, if the Moon is in Uttarabhadra Nakshatra at birth, the life journey begins with Saturn Mahadasa.
Life Events:
Nakshatras are also used to determine the timing of significant life events such as marriage, career, childbirth, and other milestones
Each nakshatra has unique characteristics, deities, and symbols. Here is a brief overview of them:
Nakshatra Diety Symbol
1. Ashwini - Ashwini Kumars - Horse Head
Fast, energetic, quick thinkers, healing abilities
2. Bharani - Yama - Female Yoni
Strong willed, nurturing, transformation, creative
3. Krittika - Agni - Axe/Razor
Determined, powerful, leadership qualities
4. Rohini - Brahma - Ox cart
Aristic, charming, loves beauty
5. Mrigashira - Chandra - Deer
Curious, adaptable, seeker of knowledge
6. Ardra - Rudra - Teardrop
Intense, emotional, transformative
7. Punarvasu - Aditi - Bow and Arrow
Optimistic, nurturing, resilient
8. Pushyami - Brihaspati - Udder of a cow
Kind hearted, supportive, compassionate
9. Aslesha - Nagas - Serpent
Intuitive, secretive, mysterious
10. Magha - Pitru devatas - Throne
Proud, authoritative, values tradition
11. Purva Phalguni- Bhaga - Front two legs of the cot
Sensuality, love, enjoys leisure
12. Uttara Phalguni- Aryaman - Back two legs of the cot
Loyal, generous, social justice
13. Hasta - Savitr - palm of hand
Skilled, crafty, enjoys crafts
14. Chitra - Viswakarma - Pearl
Creative, loves aesthetics
15. Swati - Vayu - Shoot of a plant
Independent, adaptable, free-spirited
16. Vishakha - Indragni - Potters wheel
Ambitious, goal-oriented, loves challenges
17. Anuradha - Mitra - Lotus
Friendly, cooperative, values relationship, dedication
18. Jyeshta - Indra - Umbrella
Protective, authoritative, leadership
19. Mula - Nirruti - Bunch of roots tied together
Deep thinker, philosophical
20. Purvashada - Apah or Apas - Hand fan
Optimistic, enthusiastic, goal oriented
21. Uttarashada - Vishva devas - Elephant tusk
Determined achievers, leadership
22. Shravana - Vishnu - Ear
Knowledgeable, good listeners, spiritual growth
23. Dhanishta - Vasus - Drum
Wealthy minded, musical, fame, recognition
24. Satabhisha - Varuna - Empty circle
Healing oriented, mysterious, deep insight
25. Purva Bhadrapada- Aja Ekapada - Front legs of funeral cot
Spiritual seekers with cosmic order insights
26. Uttara Bhadrapada- Ahirbudhnya - Back legs of funeral cot
Compassionate, wise, universal love
27. Revati - Pushan - Fish
Nurturing, caring
