Nakshatra

What is a Nakshatra?

'Nakshatra' is a term used in Vedic astrology to describe the path the Moon travels in the sky. There are 27 nakshatras, also called lunar mansions, because the Moon stays in each one for about one day.

Each nakshatra covers 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the sky and is split into four parts, called padas, each part being 3 degrees and 20 minutes.

In Hindu belief, these 27 nakshatras lie along the Moon’s path around Earth. The Moon takes about 28 days to move through all of them, changing its position every 2.3 days.

The Moon is seen as the ruler of all nakshatras, while the Sun rules the 12 zodiac signs. Each nakshatra also has a planet that rules it, which helps astrologers understand a person’s life and future based on where the Moon was at the time of their birth.

Importance of Nakshatras

Nakshatras are an important part of Vedic astrology. They help us understand a person’s thinking, nature, and behavior. Nakshatras also help in finding out the timing of life events through the dasha system (based on your birth chart).

There are 27 Nakshatras in total. Each one is linked to a special power (called shakti) and ruled by a specific god or goddess. They are also ruled by one of nine planets — Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury — and this order repeats three times to cover all 27 Nakshatras.

Difference between Nakshatra and Zodiac Sign

The sky, like a circle, is made up of 360°. When this celestial sphere is divided into 12 equal segments, each segment is known as a zodiac sign. However, if the same 360° is divided into 27 equal parts, each section is referred to as a nakshatra.

So, mathematically:
One zodiac sign = 360° ÷ 12 = 30°
One nakshatra = 360° ÷ 27 = 13.33° (approximately)

This means there are 12 zodiac signs—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces—and 27 nakshatras in total.

Since a nakshatra covers a smaller portion of the sky than a zodiac sign, around 2.25 nakshatras fit into one zodiac sign. This relationship between nakshatras and zodiac signs plays a key role in Vedic astrology and birth chart interpretations.

Everything You Should Know About Nakshatra Astrology

• Understanding Nakshatra Through Your Personality

For those who deeply follow Vedic astrology, the movement of planets holds great significance throughout every stage of life. From birth to death, tracking your birth star or Nakshatra is essential to help balance planetary influences and understand your personality traits.

• Analyzing the Birth Chart with Nakshatra

Nakshatra-based analysis has been practiced for generations. At the time of birth, planetary positions and Nakshatra placements are used to draw a detailed and insightful birth chart, offering a glimpse into life’s journey and potential.

• The Structure of 27 Nakshatras

There are 27 Nakshatras in Vedic astrology, each with its unique significance. The position of the moon at your time of birth determines your Birth Star or Nakshatra, influencing various aspects of life including character, behavior, and destiny.