Nakshatra (Constellations) & Zodiac

Nakshatra (Constellations) & Zodiac
 
The Nakshatras are the fixed stars, asterisms or ‘lunar mansions’ in the zodiac. The term “Nakshatra” is a combination of two words – ‘Naks’ meaning sky and ‘Shetra” meaning region/area. Nakshatras (or Constellations) are ruled by the moon which is associated with our intellect, intuition, emotions & mind.
 
In Vedic astrology, the zodiac of 360 degree has twelve rashis (signs) with 30-degree sections and is marked by 27 constellations or Nakshatras with 13.2 degree each. Both, signs and constellations start from the same point viz. the zero degree of the zodiac (Aries) and the first point of Ashwini. Moon shifts the houses approx. 2.3 days, means in 28 days all the signs in zodiac. Each sign is named after some animal. Each Nakshatra has resemblance to some shape (animal or others). They are assigned many different characteristics that include ruling planets, gender, temperament, symbols, deities, animal symbols and also syllables.  
 
Characteristics of Nakshatras:

1. Ashwini (Symbol – Male Horse’s face, ruling planet- Ketu, Gender- Male, Gana – Deva, Guna- Rajas/rajas/rajas, Presiding Deity- Ashwini Kumaras, the horse headed twins, Animal- Male Horse, Star of Transport) - Horses in Vedas are always connected to the Sun which represent dynamism and light. People tend to be adventurous and full of energy, ready to take risks, impatient and restless.
2. Bharani (Symbol- female sex organ, ruling planet- Venus, Gender- Female, Gana- Manusha, Guna- Rajas/rajas/tamas, Presiding Deity- Yama, Animal- Male Elephant, Star of restraint) – Elephants symbolises intense sexuality, and strong personality. People struggles for personal growth and transformation. They tend to be jealous of others and have self-doubt. They are honest and disciplined people and give more importance to their own opinions.
3. Krittika (Symbol- Knife or razor, ruling planet- Sun, Gender- Female, Gana- Rakshasa, Guna- Rajas/rajas/sattva, Presiding Deity- Agni, Animal- Female Sheep, star of fire) - Sheep like to be in herds. They tend to live for others – giving wool for warmth and meat for sustenance. People are ambitious, caring, passionate and determined towards everything that they do. They tend to be successful. They are faced with various ups and downs in life.
4. Rohini (Symbol- Ox cart or chariot, ruling planet- Moon, Gender- Female, Gana- Manusha, Guna- Rajas/tamas/rajas, Presiding Deity- Prajapati, Animal- Cobra, Star of ascent) - People are beautiful, materialistic, charming, talented, creative and have a certain standard. They are critical of others and tend to look down on people.
5. Mrigashira (Symbol- Deer’s head, ruling planet- Mars, Gender- Female, Gana- Neuter Deva, Guna- rajas/tamas/tamas, Presiding Deity- Soma, Animal- Female Serpent, Star of searching) - People are intelligent, travel a lot, always looking for new things and knowledge. They like collecting and increasing their possession.
6. Ardra (Symbol- Tear drop, ruling planet- Rahu, Gender- Female, Gana- Manusha, Guna- rajas/tamas/sattva, Presiding Deity- Rudra, Animal- Female dog, symbol suggests grief) - People are cold & stern, tend to be destructive, use bad things to their benefit. They are constantly suffering and overcoming obstacles which leads to their inner growth.
7. Punarvasu (Symbol- Quiver of arrows, ruling planet- Jupiter, Gender- Male, Gana- Deva, Guna- rajas/sattva/rajas, Presiding Deity- Aditi, Animal- Female cat, Star of renewal) - People are having positive outlook on life, inspirational, kind, forgiving, good at overcoming bad situations and like travelling and are content with what they have.
8. Pushya (Symbol- Wheel or flower, ruling planet- Saturn, Gender- Male, Gana- Deva, Guna- rajas/sattva/tamas, Presiding Deity- Brihaspati, Animal- Ram) - People are kind, helpful, good in sharing, tend to be very religious and give high importance to their beliefs and laws. They believe that they are always right and tend to be arrogant towards people who disagree with them.
9. Ashlesha (Symbol- Coiled Serpent, ruling planet- Mercury, Gender- Female, Gana- Rakshasa, Guna- rajas/sattva/sattva, Presiding Deity- Nagas, Animal- male cat, Clinging star) - People tend to be wise and intelligent, cunning & liars and often use their wisdom for dark deeds. They don’t like getting humiliated or criticised.
10. Magha (Symbol- Royal throne, ruling planet- Ketu, Gender- Female, Gana- Rakshasa, Guna- tamas/rajas/rajas, Presiding Deity- Pitris, Animal- male rat) - People are loyal, tend to be great leaders, like power and wealth and work for attaining these things. They have a high self-opinion and sometimes tend to be arrogant towards others.
11. Purva Phalguni (Symbol- Hammock, front legs of bed, ruling planet- Venus, Gender- Female, Gana- Manusha, Guna- tamas/rajas/tamas, Presiding Deity- Bhaga, Animal- Female rat) - People are loyal, kind, often lazy but talented & very creative and like enjoying. They are good at communicating and are very social.
12. Uttara Phalguni (Symbol- Hammock, four legs of bed, ruling planet- Sun, Gender- Female, Gana- Manusha, Guna- tamas/rajas/sattva, Presiding Deity- Aryaman, Animal- Bull, Star of Patronage) - People are good natured and loving, friendly, kind & helpful. They do not do well alone and tend to be insecure.
13. Hasta (Symbol- Hand or fist, ruling planet- Moon, Gender- Male, Gana- Deva, Guna- tamas/tamas/rajas, Presiding Deity- Surya, Animal- female buffalo) - People are very intelligent, talented, having good grasping power, and tend to be good with their hands. They make good healers and artists. They like the profession were they’re able to help others with their skills.
14. Chitra (Symbol- Pearl, gem, ruling planet- Mars, Gender- Female, Gana- Rakshasa, Guna- tamas/tamas/tamas, Presiding Deity- Vishwakarma, Animal- female tiger, Star of opportunity) - People are artistic, creative, charming and beautiful, having good communication ability, good at expressing themselves. and have a good imagination.
15. Swati (Symbol- Sword, coral, ruling planet- Rahu, Gender- Female, Gana- Deva, Guna- tamas/tamas/sattva, Presiding Deity- Vaya, Animal- male buffalo) - People are curious, intuitive, artistic, tend to be good at communicating and expressing their thoughts and ideas. They can sometimes be shallow and egoistic.
16. Vishaka (Symbol- Decorated archway, potter’s wheel, ruling planet- Jupiter, Gender- Female, Gana- Rakshasa, Guna- tamas/sattva/rajas, Presiding Deity- Indragni, Animal- male tiger, Star of Purpose) - People are ambitious, hard-working, determined and very focused. They like competitions and never back down easily. They can get jealous of others very easily and often get angry when things don’t go their way.
17. Anuradha (Symbol- Triumphal archway, umbrella, lotus, ruling planet- Saturn, Gender- Male, Gana- Deva, Guna- tamas/sattva/tamas, Presiding Deity- Mitra, Animal- female deer or rabbit) – People are very organized, cooperative, good leaders and good at balancing their work and relationship. They are good at sharing and make great friends.
18. Jyesta (Symbol- Umbrella, earring, ruling planet- Mercury, Gender- Female, Gana- Rakshasa, Guna- tamas/sattva/sattva, Presiding Deity- Indra, Animal- Male deer or rabbit) - People are wise and intelligent. They tend to be experienced and are good at dealing with power and wealth. They are protective towards their family members and are usually the leaders of their house. They face a lot of hardships in life. They are not very social and have few trusting friends.
19. Mula (Symbol- Bunch of roots tied together, ruling planet- Ketu, Gender- Female, Gana- Neuter Rakshasa, Guna- sattva/rajas/rajas, Presiding Deity- Nirriti, Animal- Male dog, Root star) - People are good investigators, good at uncovering secrets and tend to have a resenting nature and always blame others. They face various ups and downs in life which gives them a sense of pain and loss.
20. Purva Ashadha (Symbol- Elephant tusk, fan, basket, ruling planet- Venus, Gender- Male, Gana- Manusha, Guna- sattva/rajas/tamas, Presiding Deity- Apas, Animal- Male monkey, invincible star) -People are independent, strong, good at manipulating and influencing others and have great communication skills. They have anger issues and are often aggressive.
21. Uttara Ashadha (Symbol- Elephant tusk, small cot, planks of bed, ruling planet- Sun, Gender- Female, Gana- Manusha, Guna- sattva/rajas/sattva, Presiding Deity- Vishwadevas, Animal- Male mongoose, universal star) - People are patient, soft, kind and great endurance power. They are responsible people and do their work with great determination. They are sincere and never lie. They often become lazy when they lose interest and what they are doing.
22. Shravana (Symbol- Ear, three footprints in uneven row, ruling planet- Jupiter, Gender- Male, Gana- Deva, Guna- sattva/tamas/rajas, Presiding Deity- Vishnu, Animal- female monkey, Star of learning) - People are intellectually wise. They are good at listening as well as teaching others. They tend to be restless and always travel to different places in search of more knowledge.
23. Dhanishta (Symbol- Drum or flute, ruling planet- Mars, Gender- Female, Gana- Rakshasa, Guna- sattva/tamas/tamas, Presiding Deity- 8 Vasus, Animal- Female Lion, Star of symphony) - People have a lot of wealth and possessions. They are inclined towards music and dancing.
24. Shatabhisha (Symbol- Empty circle. Thousand flowers or stars, ruling planet- Rahu, Gender- Female, Gana- Neuter Rakshasa, Guna- sattva/tamas/sattva, Presiding Deity- Varun, Animal- Mare, Veiling star) - People are secretive and philosophical. They make good healers. They can moody and lonely as they are not good at communication. They tend to think highly of themselves in terms of knowledge and consider themselves to know everything.
25. Purva Bhadrappada (Symbol- Sword, two front legs of a funeral cot, Man with two faces, ruling planet- Jupiter, Gender- Male, Gana- Manusha, Guna- sattva/sattva/rajas, Presiding Deity- Aja Ekapada, Animal- Male lion, Star of transformation) - People are passionate and very indulgent in whatever they do. They are two faced and are secretive about themselves. They will face problems and accidents in life and hence have to be careful. They are good at communication and influencing people.
26. Uttara Bhadrapada (Symbol- twins, back legs of a cot, a snake in the water, ruling planet- Saturn, Gender- Male, Gana- Manusha, Guna- sattva/sattva/tamas, Presiding Deity- Ahir Bhudyana, Animal- Female Cow, Warrior star) - People are kind, cheerful, good at controlling their emotions and tend to be lazy. They are extremely protective of the people they love and like home and family and the simple pleasures that come with it.
27. Revati (Symbol- drum, pair of fish, ruling planet- Mercury, Gender- Female, Gana- Deva, Guna- sattva/sattva/sattva, Presiding Deity- Pushan, Animal- Female Elephant) - People are loving, kind, helpful, creative, imaginative, happy and positive people. They like being social and getting to know new people. They make great artists.  They are care givers and are always helping others.

 
Attributes of Nakshatras:

1. Tattva - Each division of 13-degrees 20 minutes is further subdivided into 4 quarters of 3-degree 20 minutes called as padas. The first pada is Agni (fire) tattva, the second is Prithvi (earth) tattva, the third is Vayu (air) tattva, and the fourth is Jal (water) tattva. From these four Padas, Nakshatra aims are derived, which are Dharma, Artha, Kaam, and Moksha. These four Padas are like four legs of the Bull, wherein Moon represents the Bull that visits each Nakshatra (cows).
2. Gana – Ganas are three viz. Dev, Manushya & Rakshasa. People with Dev Gana are angel-like, very subtle and refined. People with Manushya Gana act human like. People with Rakshasa Gana are not demon like but there are more chances for them to exhibit an unpolished behaviour to some extent.
3. Presiding Deities –
   1. Ashwani Kumars (sarsa & satya) – Physician of Gods and connected to healing & rejuvenation.
   2. Yama – God of death. It helps in self-control & restraint as well as death & transformation.
   3. Agni – God of fire. Its characteristic attributes are intelligence, speed, brightness and sacrifice.
   4. Prajapati or Brahma – It stands for creativity & culture. It confers fertility.
   5. Soma or Chandra – Moon. It characterizes comfort, development, happiness and friendly attitude.
   6. Rudra -the storm God. It signifies emotional upheavals, annihilation and natural diseases.
   7. Aditi – Mother of Gods. She characterizes empathy, abundance, safety, knowledge and expansion.
   8. Brihaspati – Priest of Gods. It represents consciousness, insight and rituals.
   9. Nagas – deified snakes. It denotes healing, transcendence, overconfidence and powerful speech.
   10. Pitrs – family ancestors. It demonstrates sense of responsibilities, masculine energy, ancestral relation and authority.
   11. Bhaga – God of patronage. He provides health, body strength, and nourishment.
   12. Sun – He characterizes knowledge, insight, mindfulness and illumination.
   13. Vishwakarma – Celestial architect. It stands for construction, embellishment, development and renovation.
   14. Vayu – It stands for vigour, movement and influence.
   15. Indra – the chief of Gods. It denotes for both political and spiritual authority.
   16. Mitra – He denotes partnership and friendship.
   17. Nirrti – Goddess of dissolution & obliteration. It is related to the end of life, a precursor of new beginning.
   18. Apah – God of Water. It is linked to seeking, rejuvenation and emotions.
   19. Vishvadevas – Universal Gods. It stands for dharma, descent character and goodness.
   20. Vishnu – The preserver of universe. It stands for tolerance, growth and understanding.
   21. Eight Vasus – It is known for prosperity and exceptional fame.
   22. Varuna – God of cosmic waters. It is exemplified by discrimination and judgement.
   23. Ajikanda – Ancient fire dragon. It represents penance and purification.
   24. Ahir Budhyana – It is related to unconscious mind.
   25. Pushan – The protective God. He provides guidance, as well as protection and offers sustenance and success.
4. Animals –
   1. Male Cats can really sleep for long hours yet have high sexual activity. This indicates a passive and procreating ability. (Ashlesha)
   2. The female cats are very observant and sensual. (Punarvasu)
   3. The male serpent is known to be very silent and dormant. They can be dangerous when provoked and watchful of his surroundings. (Ashlesha)
   4. Female serpent which is the symbol of fertility. (Mrigasira)
   5. Goat is both curious and agile. The people are very daring. (Krittika & Pushya, nakshatras)
   6. A female dog can be very loyal and fierce. (Ardra)
   7. The male dogs who apart from being loyal and intelligent can be ferocious, if provoked. (MULA)
   8. The male rat exhibits aggressive behaviour when threatened. (Magha)
   9. The female rat attribute can be very productive, but also look for comfort and luxury in their life. (Purva Phalguni)
   10. The male cow can be passive but yet become more dominant as it grows up. (Uttara Phalguni)
   11. The female cow represents the same has a lot of maternal qualities. (Uttara Bhadrapada)
   12. The male horse shows strength, virility, and freedom. (Ashwini)
   13. The female horse can be cranky and territorial. (Satabhisha)
   14. Mongoose likes solitude and find difficulty in adjusting with others. (Uttaraashada)
   15. The male elephant is known for its sensuousness and gentleness. They are the epitome of honour, status, and respect. (Bharani).
   16. The female elephant bestows the person with grandeur yet the person is not aware of their own importance. (Revati)
   17. The female deer are highly inquisitive, gentle, alert, family-oriented and loving. (Anuradha) The male deer shows similar nature as of female deer. (Jyestha)
   18. Monkeys are very intelligent, vocal and creates very strong bonds. (Purvaashada) (Shravana)
   19. A male lion is a very territorial animal, commanding powers and an ability to instil fear in others. (Purva Bhadrapada) The female lion allows people to earn more than their shares. (Dhanishta)
   20. The female tiger has a sense of amiability in relationships and an attitude of sharing. (Chitra nakshatra) The male tigers have a daring and curious attitude who likes to move into unknown places. (Vishakha).