Learn · Vedic Astrology
The 27 Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)
The lunar mansions — the most precise layer of Vedic timing and personality.
The Nakshatras divide the zodiac into 27 segments of 13°20′ each — the path of the Moon across roughly one day. Your birth Nakshatra (the Nakshatra of your natal Moon) is the basis of the Vimshottari dasha and of much fine-grained prediction and naming.
Each Nakshatra is ruled by one of nine planets (in a repeating cycle), has a presiding deity and symbol, and is divided into four padas (quarters) of 3°20′. The pada fixes the Navamsa sign and the traditional naming syllable.
The nine Nakshatra lords (repeating cycle)
- Ketu
- Ashwini, Magha, Mula
- Venus
- Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha
- Sun
- Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
- Moon
- Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
- Mars
- Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta
- Rahu
- Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha
- Jupiter
- Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadrapada
- Saturn
- Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada
- Mercury
- Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati