NAKSHATRA (Constellation)

========Knowledge of Nakshatra : Vedic Astrology========

(Part-1)

Historical Origins of the Lunar Mansions :

The Sanskrit term nakshatra translates as “that which does not decay” (na –not and kshatra – destructible). Naksh can also indicate approaching, to worship, to guard or protect. Tra is a suffix implies a tool or instrument. Thus, the nakshatras are themselves a means of worship.

Before the ecliptic was divided into the twelve zodiac signs, the ancient Indian astronomers recognized 27 divisions called nakshatras. The primary usage of the nakshatras is a fundamental difference between Western and Vedic astrology. One must deeply encounter and explore the nakshatras to appreciate the diversity and richness of Vedic astrology.

The Moon takes about 27.3 days to complete its sojourn around the ecliptic. The nakshatras represent the average daily movement of the Moon against the fixed stars. Each daily segment is identified by a small constellation or a single star. Originally the length of each nakshatra varied, but by the time the Surya Siddhanta was written (c. 500 CE), a classical astronomy text, the segments were fixed to a length of 13 degrees 20 minutes of arc.

Each nakshatra has a symbol that emphasizes its meaning. Unlike the zodiac or “circle of animals” the nakshatras are symbolized by inanimate objects. Swati is shown as a blade of grass blowing in the wind, Chitra is shown as a pearl, and Anuradha is symbolized by a lotus flower. Each nakshatra is governed by a Vedic deity. So we find Ashwini ruled by the Ashwin twins, the physicians of the gods, and Hasta governed by Savitar the creative force of the Sun.


Historical and Contemporary Use of Nakshatras :

The primary use of the nakshatras in ancient Indian culture was to determine when religious rituals were conducted. The position of the Moon was critical to the successful outcome of any ritual or sacrifice. Nakshatras were also used in the naming of children. Each nakshatra is associated with a particular syllable or sound and these would be the basis of the religious name given to a child.

In addition to their traditional usage, contemporary usages of the nakshatras include :

1. Muhurta or Electional Astrology: The nakshatras are classified by quality. Some lunar mansion are “light” or “sharp” while others are “moveable” or “fixed.” These categories are used primarily in muhurta, or electional astrology.

2. Mundane Astrology: The Moon’s location can be used in mundane astrology, as the Moon nakshatra reflects the social behavior patterns due to its reflection of the general public.

3. Vedic Synastry: The nakshatras are used extensively for relationship compatibility, even in contemporary India. Certain nakshatras are considered more compatible than others. Vedic astrologers have developed an elaborate point system that measures Moon compatibility

4. Navamsha Harmonic Chart: The nakshatras are connected to the navamsha, or 9th harmonic chart as each nakshatra is divided into four equal parts which correspond to the 108 divisions used to calculate the navamsha chart. (The Navamsha chart is used extensively in Vedic astrology to reflect one’s marital karma and one’s deeper spiritual tendencies.)

5. Vedic Dasha System: Perhaps the most well known use of the nakshatras is the basis of calculating the vimshottari dasa system. The dasas are planetary periods which reflect developmental cycles. The full cycle is 120 years which is the theoretical natural length of a human life. Where an individual starts in the cycle is determined by the ruling planet of their birth nakshatra of their natal Moon.

6. Vedic Mythology and Spirituality: The mythological and spiritual depth of the nakshatra material and its application is coming to fruition in the West. Exploring the rich mythology of the nakshatras offers both spiritual and psychological insight.

According to the Taittiriya Brahmana 1.5.2, “One who offers worship here reaches the world of heaven beyond. That is the nakshatrahood of the nakshatras.”

Thus, the nakshatras create a cosmic bridge between the human mind and the universal mind. They are the lunar mansions of the Vedic gods and goddesses, the celestial palaces of these divine beings. To the ancient seers, the nakshatras and planets in the sky were spiritual forces dispensing divine blessings on humanity. The heavenly lights reward us with the fruits of our karma according to our spiritual efforts made thru worship, prayer and meditation.

7. Personality Analysis: The 27 nakshatras offer a deeper analysis of personality, character and temperament than the twelve zodiac signs. They reflect the most intimate aspects of one’s mental, emotional and spiritual nature. The nakshatras are an important tool for self-discovery.

The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology :

“Dawn is the head of the sacrificial horse. Heaven is his eye. The year is his soul. His form are the nakshatras and the stars are his bones”.

...... Taittiriya Samhita of Yajur Ved VII 5.25


The following brief descriptions of each nakshatra :

1. Ashwini: The Star of Transport - (Aries 0-13 20’)

The symbol for Ashwini is a horse’s head representing a dauntless spirit of adventure and a head-strong nature. The ruling deities are the Ashwin twins who ride in a golden chariot and shower healing energy down to the earth plane. They are the “Physicians of the Gods”. Their shakti 9 is the power to quickly heal and reach what they desire. This is a nakshatra of initiation, revitalization and transformational healing. The Ashwini natives have a deva or godly temperament and their primary motivation is dharma. The ruling planet is Ketu which gives a mystical and mysterious bent to their life journey.

अभि शयावं न कर्शनेभिरश्वं नक्षत्रेभिः पितरोद्यामपिंशन |
रात्र्यां तमो अदधुर्ज्योतिरहन्ब्र्हस्पतिर्भिनदद्रिं विदद गाः ||
..........Rig Ved 10.68.11

“Our ancestors fashioned heaven as a dark horse with pearls. They placed darkness in the night and light in the day. Brihaspati broke the rock and released the rays”.


2. Bharani: The Star of Restraint – (Aries 13 20’ to 26 40’)

The symbol for Bharani is a clay vessel or yoni, reflecting the potent creative energy that is contained in this lunar mansion. The ruling deity is Yama (the binder ), the God of Death. According to Atharva Ved, Bharani is the final nakshatra listed revealing its connection with the end of life. Another name for this asterism is Apabharani which translates as “the waters that carry things away”. The shakti is the “power to cleanse and remove impurities”. Bharani has a manushya or human temperament and the primary motivation is artha or prosperity. The ruling planet is Venus reflecting the creative nature and strong sexual desires of this nakshatra.


3. Krittika: The Star of Fire – (Aries 26 40’ to Taurus 10 00’)

The primordial flame is the primary symbol of this nakshatra, representing the purification by the sacred fire (yagna). The ruling planet is Sun with the Agni, the God of Fire as the residing deity. The shakti of this lunar mansion is ‘the power to burn away the negativity to get to the truth”. Interestingly, the Moon is exalted in this powerful nakshatra. It has a rakshasa or demon nature with a primary motivation of kama or desire. The other symbol for this asterism is a razor reflecting the cutting activity of this nakshatra which can heal or destroy.


4. Rohini: The Star of Ascent – (Taurus 10 00’ to 23 20’)

The shakti is “the power of the devata or the deities ruling the lunar mansion.” The symbols of this asterism are a chariot, a temple and a banyan tree. Rohini provides movement toward the divine as well as a place of worship. It has a manushya or human temperament with a primary motivation of moksha or spiritual liberation. The divine Krishna is said to have had both his Moon and Ascendant in this lunar mansion. The primary deities are Brahma and Prajapati, the creators of the universe. The shakti experienced here is the ability to “foster growth and creation”.



5. Mrigashira: The Searching Star – (Taurus 23 20’ to Gemini 6 40’)

The symbol for Mrigishira is an antelope’s head. People born with this nakshatra prominent often have the face of a deer. It has a deva temperament and moksha or spiritual liberation as it’s primary motivation. It is a excellent asterism for research of religious or philosophical truths. The ruling planet Mars, reflects the
energy of the spiritual warrior. The primary deity is Soma, the Moon God who imparts the divine nectar of ever-new bliss. The shakti of Mrigishira is the “power to give fulfillment”. It is formed by three faint stars at the head of the constellation of Orion.



6. Ardra: The Star of Sorrow – (Gemini 6 40’ to 20 00’)

The primary symbols for Ardra are a human head (thinking) and a teardrop which represents overcoming suffering. It is an excellent rising nakshatra reflecting brilliant mental abilities (Albert Einstein, Robert Hand). Rudra, the Lord of the Storms is the deity of this lunar mansion. The ruling planet is Rahu, the North Node of the Moon denoting the sharp, fierce activity of this asterism. Ardra can represent the clarity and emotional cleansing that occurs after the storms of the soul recede. The temperament in manushya and primary motivation is artha or wealth. The shakti of Ardra is “the power to make gains in life thru greater effort”.


(To Be Continued ....)