In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras form the foundation of celestial wisdom. Derived from the Sanskrit words “Naksha” (map) and “Tra” (guard), they are the 27 lunar mansions through which the Moon travels in its 27-day cycle. Each Nakshatra is a divine segment in the zodiac belt, carrying unique energies that influence our lives, behaviors, and destinies.
This guide dives deep into Nakshatras — their ruling deities, planetary lords, qualities, and actionable advice on what to do and avoid under their influence.
Understanding Nakshatras
- Significance: Nakshatras divide the 360-degree zodiac into 27 segments, each spanning 13°20′. Each is governed by a specific deity and planetary ruler, influencing human traits and activities.
- Symbolism: Each Nakshatra has unique symbols, elements, and energies representing its cosmic vibration.
- Purpose: Used for horoscope interpretation, Muhurta (timing of events), and understanding personality traits.
Nakshatras Overview: What to Do and Avoid
Below is a detailed list of the 27 Nakshatras, their lords, characteristics, and dos and don’ts.
1. Ashwini (0°-13°20′ Aries)
- Lord: Ketu
- Deity: Ashwini Kumars (healing deities)
- Symbol: Horse’s head
- Qualities: Energetic, healing, quick initiators.
- Do: Start new ventures, travel, or heal.
- Avoid: Procrastination, rash decisions.
2. Bharani (13°20′-26°40′ Aries)
- Lord: Venus
- Deity: Yama (god of justice)
- Symbol: Womb
- Qualities: Determined, nurturing, transformative.
- Do: Creative tasks, legal matters, personal growth.
- Avoid: Aggression, suppressing emotions.
3. Krittika (26°40′ Aries — 10° Taurus)
- Lord: Sun
- Deity: Agni (fire god)
- Symbol: Razor
- Qualities: Determined, sharp, focused.
- Do: Purification, sever ties with negativity.
- Avoid: Harsh words, unnecessary confrontations.
4. Rohini (10°-23°20′ Taurus)
- Lord: Moon
- Deity: Brahma (creator)
- Symbol: Chariot
- Qualities: Creative, charming, materialistic.
- Do: Artistic pursuits, romantic endeavors.
- Avoid: Overindulgence, possessiveness.
5. Mrigashira (23°20′ Taurus — 6°40′ Gemini)
- Lord: Mars
- Deity: Soma (Moon god)
- Symbol: Deer’s head
- Qualities: Curious, exploratory, sensitive.
- Do: Research, travel, and exploration.
- Avoid: Restlessness, scattered focus.
6. Ardra (6°40′-20° Gemini)
- Lord: Rahu
- Deity: Rudra (god of storms)
- Symbol: Teardrop
- Qualities: Intense, transformative, analytical.
- Do: Self-reflection, breaking old patterns, research.
- Avoid: Emotional outbursts, starting major projects.
7. Punarvasu (20° Gemini — 3°20′ Cancer)
- Lord: Jupiter
- Deity: Aditi (mother of gods)
- Symbol: Quiver of arrows
- Qualities: Optimistic, nurturing, resourceful.
- Do: Rebuild or repair, reconnect with family.
- Avoid: Overpromising, taking shortcuts.
8. Pushya (3°20′-16°40′ Cancer)
- Lord: Saturn
- Deity: Brihaspati (guru of gods)
- Symbol: Cow’s udder
- Qualities: Nourishing, disciplined, protective.
- Do: Spiritual pursuits, education, financial planning.
- Avoid: Overcommitting, selfish acts.
9. Ashlesha (16°40′-30° Cancer)
- Lord: Mercury
- Deity: Nagas (serpents of wisdom)
- Symbol: Coiled serpent
- Qualities: Intuitive, secretive, persuasive.
- Do: Research, strategic planning, self-discovery.
- Avoid: Manipulation, toxic relationships.
10. Magha (0°-13°20′ Leo)
- Lord: Ketu
- Deity: Pitris (ancestors)
- Symbol: Throne
- Qualities: Regal, traditional, authoritative.
- Do: Honor ancestors, take leadership roles.
- Avoid: Arrogance, neglecting emotions.
11. Purva Phalguni (13°20′-26°40′ Leo)
- Lord: Venus
- Deity: Bhaga (god of prosperity)
- Symbol: Hammock
- Qualities: Sociable, artistic, pleasure-seeking.
- Do: Relaxation, creative expression, socializing.
- Avoid: Laziness, extravagance.
12. Uttara Phalguni (26°40′ Leo — 10° Virgo)
- Lord: Sun
- Deity: Aryaman (god of hospitality)
- Symbol: Bed
- Qualities: Generous, loyal, disciplined.
- Do: Commit to long-term goals, strengthen relationships.
- Avoid: Overcommitment, rigidity.
13. Hasta (10°-23°20′ Virgo)
- Lord: Moon
- Deity: Savitur (solar deity)
- Symbol: Hand
- Qualities: Skilled, resourceful, humorous.
- Do: Handicrafts, learning new skills, nurturing.
- Avoid: Overanalysis, impatience.
14. Chitra (23°20′ Virgo — 6°40′ Libra)
- Lord: Mars
- Deity: Tvashtar (celestial architect)
- Symbol: Bright jewel
- Qualities: Artistic, bold, perfectionist.
- Do: Design, innovation, relationship building.
- Avoid: Criticism, impulsive behavior.
15. Swati (6°40′-20° Libra)
- Lord: Rahu
- Deity: Vayu (wind god)
- Symbol: Coral
- Qualities: Independent, adaptable, entrepreneurial.
- Do: Travel, networking, flexible planning.
- Avoid: Overindependence, lack of focus.
16. Vishakha (20° Libra — 3°20′ Scorpio)
- Lord: Jupiter
- Deity: Indra and Agni (gods of transformation)
- Symbol: Archway
- Qualities: Determined, ambitious, transformative.
- Do: Set clear goals, explore new opportunities.
- Avoid: Overambition, impatience.
17. Anuradha (3°20′-16°40′ Scorpio)
- Lord: Saturn
- Deity: Mitra (god of friendship)
- Symbol: Lotus
- Qualities: Loyal, spiritual, harmonious.
- Do: Meditate, strengthen bonds, pursue goals.
- Avoid: Jealousy, rigidity in thoughts.
18. Jyeshtha (16°40′-30° Scorpio)
- Lord: Mercury
- Deity: Indra (king of gods)
- Symbol: Circular earring
- Qualities: Powerful, protective, intense.
- Do: Leadership roles, problem-solving.
- Avoid: Power struggles, emotional overwhelm.
19. Mula (0°-13°20′ Sagittarius)
- Lord: Ketu
- Deity: Nirriti (goddess of destruction)
- Symbol: Tied roots
- Qualities: Investigative, transformative, philosophical.
- Do: Self-introspection, research, spiritual work.
- Avoid: Drastic changes, pessimism.
20. Purva Ashadha (13°20′-26°40′ Sagittarius)
- Lord: Venus
- Deity: Apah (water goddess)
- Symbol: Fan
- Qualities: Optimistic, determined, resourceful.
- Do: Plan travel, creative projects, team-building.
- Avoid: Stubbornness, overindulgence.
21. Uttara Ashadha (26°40′ Sagittarius — 10° Capricorn)
- Lord: Sun
- Deity: Vishwadevas (universal gods)
- Symbol: Elephant’s tusk
- Qualities: Ambitious, ethical, determined.
- Do: Leadership tasks, make long-term plans.
- Avoid: Overworking, neglecting family.
22. Shravana (10°-23°20′ Capricorn)
- Lord: Moon
- Deity: Vishnu (preserver of the universe)
- Symbol: Ear
- Qualities: Knowledgeable, attentive, communicative.
- Do: Learn new skills, teach, network.
- Avoid: Gossip, overthinking.
23. Dhanishta (23°20′ Capricorn — 6°40′ Aquarius)
- Lord: Mars
- Deity: Eight Vasus (elements of nature)
- Symbol: Drum
- Qualities: Ambitious, musical, energetic.
- Do: Take bold actions, focus on teamwork.
- Avoid: Aggressiveness, selfish acts.
24. Shatabhisha (6°40′-20° Aquarius)
- Lord: Rahu
- Deity: Varuna (god of cosmic waters)
- Symbol: Empty circle
- Qualities: Introspective, healing, unconventional.
- Do: Engage in research, spiritual healing.
- Avoid: Isolation, mistrust.
25. Purva Bhadrapada (20° Aquarius — 3°20′ Pisces)
- Lord: Jupiter
- Deity: Aja Ekapada (one-footed goat)
- Symbol: Sword
- Qualities: Transformative, passionate, mysterious.
- Do: Introspection, charity, transformation.
- Avoid: Extremes, pessimism.
26. Uttara Bhadrapada (3°20′-16°40′ Pisces)
- Lord: Saturn
- Deity: Ahir Budhnya (serpent of the deep)
- Symbol: Twin fish
- Qualities: Wise, empathetic, disciplined.
- Do: Pursue spiritual knowledge, practice patience.
- Avoid: Laziness, overanalysis.
27. Revati (16°40′-30° Pisces)
- Lord: Mercury
- Deity: Pushan (nourisher)
- Symbol: Fish
- Qualities: Nurturing, peaceful, charitable.
- Do: Engage in philanthropy, focus on healing.
- Avoid: Overgiving, lack of boundaries.
Nakshatras provide an in-depth lens to understand life’s flow. Whether it’s planning your day, starting a new endeavor, or deepening your self-awareness, working in harmony with Nakshatras ensures you’re aligned with cosmic energies. Learning their unique traits and integrating this wisdom can transform how you navigate life.
Astrology is an ocean of insights — Nakshatras are its shining pearls. Embrace their wisdom, and let them guide you to a life of harmony and purpose.
Example: Moon in Chitra Nakshatra: Personality and Characteristics
When the Moon is in Chitra Nakshatra, it blesses the individual with creativity, charm, and a natural flair for aesthetics. Governed by Mars as its planetary lord and presided over by Tvashtar, the celestial architect, Chitra imbues its natives with a unique combination of boldness, creativity, and a desire to craft beauty in the world.
Core Personality Traits
1. Visionary and Artistic: Natives have a strong inclination toward artistic pursuits, architecture, design, and innovation. They have an innate ability to visualize beauty and bring it to life.
- Example: They might excel as designers, sculptors, or photographers, creating work that captivates and inspires.
2. Magnetic Charm: Blessed with an alluring personality, these individuals are often the center of attention. Their charisma draws people to them effortlessly.
- Example: Their eloquence and style make them excellent public speakers or performers.
3. Perfectionists: They have an eye for detail and strive for perfection in everything they do. This trait can make them highly competent but may also lead to frustration if things don’t meet their high standards.
- Example: A Chitra native might meticulously plan every aspect of an event, leaving no room for error.
4. Independent and Courageous: Ruled by Mars, Chitra natives possess a bold and independent streak. They prefer carving their own path rather than following conventional norms.
- Example: They might choose unconventional careers or challenge societal norms with their innovative ideas.
Emotional and Mental Characteristics
- Imaginative Thinkers: They are dreamers with the ability to think outside the box, often coming up with ideas that others find extraordinary.
- Passionate but Impulsive: While deeply passionate, their Martian energy can sometimes make them impatient or quick-tempered.
- Romantic Nature: In relationships, they are loyal and generous but may have high expectations from their partners.
Strengths
- Highly creative and innovative.
- Natural charm and leadership abilities.
- Strong determination and resilience.
Challenges
- Overly critical or perfectionist tendencies.
- Impulsive decisions fueled by impatience.
- Struggles with work-life balance due to an obsession with their goals.
Career and Life Path
Chitra Nakshatra natives thrive in careers that allow them to express their creativity and leadership. They excel in fields like:
- Architecture, design, and art.
- Film and media, particularly roles involving visual creativity.
- Scientific innovation or engineering (inspired by Tvashtar’s craftsmanship).
- Public relations, marketing, or politics, leveraging their charm and communication skills.
Relationships and Compatibility
In love, they seek partners who appreciate their creativity and drive. While they can be romantic and giving, their perfectionist tendencies might sometimes create tension. Compatible Nakshatras for them include Swati and Hasta, which complement their imaginative and determined nature.
