The Nakshatras are considered to be the wives of the Chandra (Moon). In vedic mythology the wives or consorts symbolize the power of the divinity. Therefore, as the wives of Chandra, the Nakshatras represent the powers of Chandra. Of what sort are these powers? Chandra indicates consciousness and that which grows as a result of what is in the consciousness. In fact, Chandra's favorite Nakshatra (wife) is Rohini, which means to grow, and which is presided by Prajapati, the lord of creation. The Nakshatras, therefore, indicate the powers of consciousness that create growth. The growth of any planet or point is dependent upon the Nakshatra in which it falls.
The Nakshatra tables provide an array of details and qualities pertaining to the Nakshatras. The growth of any planet or point is dependent upon the qualities of the Nakshatra in which it falls:
Some of the different categories of Nakshatras as given in the Nakshatra tables are now being explained:
Deity - The myths of these deities have a lot to reveal about the Nakshatras. For instance there is a myth that Narayana taught astrology to the Ashwins, Ashwini therefore is one of Nakshatras that indicates astrology. The deities can also be worshipped to increase the growth of those things falling in their Nakshatras.
Shakti - The power of the consciousness to create growth.
Basis Above - The foundation of the power of the consciousness.
Basis Below - The natural reciprocation, or reflection, of the Basis Above.
Result of the Shakti and Basis' - The natural result of the Shakti's and Basis, these all applied with flexibility and imagination will yield very revealing results.
Guna - Indicates the activating motivation of the Nakshatra;whether sattvic, inspired as a result of holding views that there are possibilities for elevation; rajasic, inspired due to holding views that there possibilities of fulfilling activities; or tamasic, inspired as a result of holding views that things can be depressed. Tamasic Nakshatras are not necessarily depressing; for instance Pushyami, a tamasic Nakshatra, has the Shakti to create spiritual energy. It is motivated to do this as a result of holding views that things can be depressed, in order to avoid this possibility spiritual energy is created.
Nature - The nature inclines the Nakshatras to be better suited for different tasks. For instance moveable Nakshatras will give greater growth tothis things that require movement, travel, or change. Fierce/severe Nakshatras will give greater growth to those things requiring severity, such as fighting,etc.
Race - Deva Nakshatras are inclined to uphold what they believe is good. Manusha Nakshatras are pragmatic and versatile in nature, the do what they believe will give the best results. Rakshasa Nakshatras are inclined to break taboos, restrictions, etc.
TriMurthi - Creation or Brahma Nakshatras indicate the creative aspect,these are also Karma (action) Nakshatras. Preservation or Vishnu Nakshatras are the reflection of the Brahma Nakshatras and thereby preserve or maintain what is created. These are also Bhoga (enjoyment) Nakshatras. Dissolution or Shiva Nakshatras indicate that which happens between the creative aspect and its reflection.Namely the process of understanding that results in the loss of the many in view of the One. These are also Naasa (loss) Nakshatras.
Activity - Passive Nakshatras are more receptive, active Nakshatras are more initiative, balanced Nakshatras are both active and passive depending uponneed.
Goal - Indicates the goal or purpose of the Nakshatra. Whether Dharma, finding one's place and purpose in life; Artha, material well-being as the support of the other goals; Kama, balanced fulfillment of one's desires; or Moksha, freedom from worldly suffering. The benefic or malefic influences upon the planet falling in a Nakshatra will determine to what extent the goal will be realized.
Body Parts - Useful primarily for medical astrology. The organs governed by Nakshatras with malefics or disease causing planets will be suffering due to some disruption, or excess to the proper flow of energy to that organ.
Dosha - The excess of energy the Nakshatra may give rise to.
People and Profession - These can be helpful to determine more specific detail about one's career or about people in the natives life.
Miscellaneous Articles - These can be helpful to determine more specific detail about one's possessions, expenses, goods sold, etc.
Name
Degrees
Lord
Meaning
Stars*
Shape/Symbol
Guna
Caste**
Goal
Race
Sex***
1
Aswini
00:00 - 13:20, Mesha (Aries)
Ketu
the horsem*n
3
horses head
Rajas
Vaishyas
dharma
Deva
M
2
Bharani
13:20 - 26:40, Mesha (Aries)
Shukra
(Venus)
the bearers
3
female sexual organ
Tamas
Mlecchas
artha
Manusha
F
3
Krttika
26:40, Mesha (Aries) -
10:00, Vrishabha (Taurus)
Surya
(Sun)
razor/cutter
6
dagger/razor
Sattva
Brahmins
kama
Rakshasa
F
4
Rohini
10:00 - 23:20,
Vrishabha (Taurus)
Chandra
(Moon)
ruddy cow, red, growing
5
chariot
Rajas
Shudra
moksha
Manusha
M?
5
Mrigashira
23:20, Vrishabha (Taurus) - 6:40, Mithuna (Gemini)
Mangala
(Mars)
dear or antelope's head
3
head or a deer
Tamas
servant
moksha
Deva
N
6
Ardra
6:40 - 20:00, Mithuna (Gemini)
Rahu
the moist
1
tear drop, gem
Sattva
butcher
kama
Manusha
F
7
20:00, Mithuna (Gemini) - 3:20, Karkata (Cancer)
Guru
(Jupiter)
return of the light and goods,
4/5
quiver/ house, bow
Rajas
Vaishyas
artha
Deva
M
8
Pushyami
3:20 - 16:40, Karkata (Cancer)
Shani
(Saturn)
nourisher, flower, the best
3
teat of cow, arrow, flower
Tamas
Kshatriyas
dharma
Deva
M
9
Aslesha
16:40 - 30:00, Karkata (Cancer)
Buddha
(Mercury)
entwiner, embracer, intimate connection
5/6
wheel, serpant
Sattva
Mlecchas
dharma
Rakshasa
F
10
Magha
00:00 - 13:20, Simha (Leo)
Ketu
beneficent, mighty
5
throne, palanquin, royal court
Rajas
Shudra
artha
Rakshasa
F
11
Poorva Phalguni
13:20 - 26:40, Simha(Leo)
Shukra
(Venus)
previous red one
2/8
legs of a cot, stage
Tamas
Brahmins
kama
Manusha
F
12
Uttara Phalguni
26:40, Simha (Leo) - 10:00, Kanya (Virgo)
Surya
(Sun)
later red one
2
bed, legs of a cot
Sattva
Kshatriyas
moksha
Manusha
F
13
Hasta
10:00 - 23:20, Kanya (Virgo)
Chandra
(Moon)
hand
5
closed hand
Rajas
Vaishyas
moksha
Deva
M
14
Chitra
23:20, Kanya (Virgo) -
6:40, Tula (Libra)
Mangala
(Mars)
brilliant, distinguished
1
pearl
Tamas
servant
kama
Rakshasa
F
15
Swati
6:40 - 20:00, Tula (Libra)
Rahu
independent, sword
1
coral, sapphire
Sattva
butcher
artha
Deva
F
16
Vishaka
20:00, Tula (Libra) -
3:20, Vrishchika (Scorpio)
Guru
(Jupiter)
branched, forked branches
4/5
leaf decked triumphal gate, potters wheel
Rajas
Mlecchas
dharma
Rakshasa
F
17
Anuradha
3:20 - 16:40,
Vrishchika (Scorpio)
Shani
(Saturn)
subsequent success, following Radha
4
" " " " or bali (heap of rice), umbrella
Tamas
Shudra
dharma
Deva
M
18
Jyeshta
16:40 - 30:00,
Vrishchika (Scorpio)
Buddha
(Mercury)
the eldest
3
kundal (ear Ring), umbrella, talisman
Sattva
servant
artha
Rakshasa
F?
19
Moola
0:00 - 13:20,
Dhanu (Sagittarius)
Ketu
root, commencement
11
tail of lion, crouching line
Rajas
butcher
kama
Rakshasa
N
20
Poorva Ashada
13:20 - 26:40,
Dhanu (Sagittarius)
Shukra
(Venus)
earlier victory
2
hand fan, winnowing basket, tusk, square
Tamas
Brahmins
moksha
Manusha
F
21
Uttara Ashada
26:40, Dhanu (Sagittarius) -
10:00, Makara (Capricorn)
Surya
(Sun)
later victory
2/8
machan, elephant tusk, square
Sattva
Kshatriyas
moksha
Manusha
F
22
Shravana
10:00 - 23:20,
Makara (Capricorn)
Chandra
(Moon)
famous, hearing
3
3 footprints, arrow
Rajas
Mlecchas
artha
Deva
M
23
Dhanishta
23:20, Makara (Capricorn) -
6:40, Kumbha (Aquarius)
Mangala
(Mars)
very rich, very swift
4/5
mridanga (drum)
Tamas
servant
dharma
Rakshasa
F
24
Shatabishaka
6:40 - 20:00,
Kumbha (Aquarius)
Rahu
100 medicines or doctors
100
circle, flower
Sattva
butcher
dharma
Rakshasa
N
25
Poorva Bhadrapada
20:00, Kumbha (Aquarius) -
3:20, Meena (Pisces)
Guru
(Jupiter)
earlier auspicious one
2
double faced man, stage, machan, legs of a cot
Rajas
Brahmins
artha
Manusha
M
26
Uttara Bhadrapada
3:20 - 16:40, Meena (Pisces)
Shani (Saturn)
later auspicious one
2/8
last bed, legs of a cot two joined men
Tamas
Kshatriyas
artha
Manusha
M
27
Revati
16:40 - 30:00, Meena (Pisces)
Buddha
(Mercury)
rich, wealthy
32
mridanga (drum), fish
Sattva
Shudra
moksha
Deva
F
*Some sources give a different number of stars, in this case both sources have been included.
*** There is some difference of opinion about the sex of two Nakshatras, these have a"?", the most agreed upon sex is listed.
The Shakti, Basis Above and Below and their Results are from Dr. David Frawley's translation of Taittiriya Brahmana,1.5.1.
#
Nakshatra
Deity
Shakti (power to/of…)
Basis Above
Basis Below
Result of Shakti & Basis'
1
Aswini
Ashwins-the twin horseman
quickly reaching things
those to be healed
healing therapies
world becomes free from disease
2
Bharani
Yama- Death
take things away
removal of life from the body
carrying the soul to the ancestral realm
moving on to the next world
3
Krttika
Agni- Fire
to burn
heat
light
burning or purification
4
Rohini
Prajapati-lord of creation
growth
plants
waters
creation
5
Mrigashira
Soma-god of immortality
giving fulfillment
extension
weaving
make the world enjoyable
6
Ardra
Rudra-god of storm
effort
hunting or searching
reaching the goal
brings about achievement
7
Punarvasu
Aditi-mother of the Gods
ability to gain wealth or substance
wind or air
wetness or rain
revitalization of plants
8
Pushyami
Brihaspati- teacher of the Devas
create spiritual energy
sacrificial worship
the worshipper
creation of spiritual energy
9
Aslesha
Sarpa-serpent
inflict with poison
approach of the serpent
trembling and agitation
destruction of the victim
10
Magha
the Pitris-the Ancestral Fathers
leave the body
mourning
leaving the body
death
11
Poorva Phalguni
Aryaman- god of contracts & union, Sun as friend, beloved
procreation
wife, female partner
husband, male partner
creation of the fetus
12
Uttara Phalguni
Bhaga-the Sun as bliss
giving of prosperity through union or marriage
wealth gained from one's own family
wealth gained from one's partner and their family
accumulation of wealth
13
Hasta
Savitar-Sun as inspiration
gain what one is seeking and place it in one's hands
seeking of gain
process of gaining
puts what one wishes to gain in one's hand
14
Chitra
Vishvakarma- divine architect
accumulate merit in life
law
truth
gain honor in one's work
15
Swati
Vayu-Wind
scatter like the wind
moving in various directions
change of form
transformation
16
Vishaka
Indragni-gods of lightning and fire
achieve many and various fruits
plowing or cultivation
harvest
fruit of the harvest
17
Anuradha
Mitra-divine friend, lord of compassion
worship
ascension
descent
honor and abundance
18
Jyeshta
Indra-god of thunder
rise or conquer, and gain courage in battle
attack
defense
one becomes a hero
19
Moola
Nirritti- goddess of disaster, Alaksmi
to ruin or destroy
breaking things apart
crushing things
the power to destroy (can destroy destruction)
20
Poorva Ashada
Apas-goddess of Waters
invigoration
strength
connection
gain of luster
21
Uttara Ashada
Vishvadevas-Universal Gods
grant an unchallengeable victory
strength to win
the goal that one can win
becomes unchallenged winner
22
Shravana
Vishnu- the Pervader
connection
seeking
the paths
connection of all things
23
Dhanishta
Vasus-gods of Light and Abundance
give abundance and fame
birth
prosperity
bringing people together
24
Shatabishaka
Varuna-god of Cosmic Waters
healing
pervasion over all
support of all
world freed of calamity
25
Poorva Bhadra Pada
Aja Ekapada- one footed serpant, horned goat, unicorn
gives the fire to raise one worshipping up in life
what is good for all people
what is good for the gods
support the entire world
26
Uttara Bhadra Pada
Ahir Budhyaya - dragon of the Depths of the atmosphere
bringing of the rain
raining clouds
growing of plants
stability of the three worlds
27
Revati
Pushan - Sun as nourisher, protector, fosterer
nourishment, symbolized by milk
cows
calves
nourishment of the entire world
*Dhatus are minerals, Moolas are roots and Jeevas are living beings. Karma is activity, Bhoga is enjoymentand Naasa is loss. These repeat in this order.
**These places are from Gnana Pradeepika, an unusual work on Prashna. According to this work, these places indicate where lost articles are to be found.
#
Nakshatra
People and Professions
1
Aswini
horse-dealers, commandants, physicians, attendants, horse-riders, merchants, handsome persons, traders, horse-grooms, army general, hunter, astrologers, poets, ministers
2
Bharani
those that feed on blood + flesh, cruel men, those engaged in killing, imprisoning and beating others, low-born persons, those who are devoid of courage, character or nobility, burial related jobs, menial jobs, dancers, actors, musicians, singers, those who play on musical instruments, the wicked, hunters
3
Krttika
Brahmans who maintain and worship the sacred fire daily, knowers of the sacred hymns and sacrificial rules, grammarians, miners, barbers, Brahmans, potters, priests and astrologers, commentators, gold miners, those who work on fire i.e. goldsmiths, blacksmiths etc., army commanders
4
Rohini
Observers of vows, merchandises, kings, wealthy persons, Yogins, cartmen, husbandmen, liquor drinkers, men in authority, politicians, entertainers, ascetic
5
Mrigashira
foresters (or forest-dwellers), those who partake of Soma juice (in sacrifices), musicians, lovers, carriers of letters, lustful persons, hunters, loafer, singers, sacrificers, officiating priests at sacrifices, noble persons
6
Ardra
Murderers (executioners), animal-catchers, liars, adulterers, thieves, rogues, creators of discord, cruel persons, charmers, sorcerers, those well versed in raising goblins, black magic, butchers, fowlers, prostitutes, oilmongers, washermen, dyers
7
Punarvasu
the truthful, generous, pure (clean), rich, high-born, handsome, intelligent, grain merchants, famous, merchants, servants, artisans, bankers, cave-dwellers
8
Pushyami
sacrifice conductor, ministers, kings, fishermen and the like, virtuous men and those that are engaged in big and small sacrifices, tohse involved in physical exercise, persons engaged in ringing bells, those who make loud announcements (or those who live in hamlets), gamblers
9
Aslesha
nurses, robbers, and all classes of physicians, artisians, sorcery
10
Magha
People rich in gold and corn, mountaineers, those devoted to parents or the Manes, valiant people, traders, heroes, carnivorous beings, women-haters, civil engineers, traders, godowns, commanders of elephant-divisions or chief ministers
11
Poorva Phalguni
Actors, young women, amiable persons, musicians, artists, boys, dancers, fashion, painting, dealers in juices or articles having the six kinds of tastes, courtesans, virgins
12
Uttara Phalguni
kind-hearted persons, the pure in conduct, modest, heretics, charitable persons, the learned, very rich men, those who are devoted to their duties, and kings, lawyer, judge, financiers, government/social service, those with Vedic Knowledge, treasurers, hermits (or mendicants), water
13
Hasta
thieves, advocates, those who travel in chariots, elephant-drivers, artisans, men learned in the Vedas, traders, men of prowess, speculator, gambling, barbers, potters, oil-manufacturers etc., physicians, tailors (needle-workers), elephant-catchers (or elephants and crocodiles), harlots, garland-makers (florists), painters
14
Chitra
persons skilled in making ornaments, dyeing (or painting), writing, singing, perfumery, mathematicians, weavers, jewel examiners, ophthalmic surgeons, architects, interior decorators, laborers engaged in the sinking of wells
15
Swati
traders, ascetic, unsteady friends, feeble characters, ascetics and connoisseurs of wares, airplanes, rhapsodists (bards), spies, couriers, charioteers or story-tellers, sailors, actors, musicians, messengers, traders
16
Vishaka
men devoted to Indra and Gani, those learned and skilled in handling fire, engineers, merchants
17
Anuradha
men of prowess, heads of corporations, friends of the virtuous, lovers of assemblies, tourists (or lovers of carriages), all honest persons in the world, athletes, vehicle repair and sales, ministers, those that work with wheels such as potters, oil-makers etc., those that beat gongs or bell-makers, friends, Kshatriyas
18
Jyeshta
great battle heroes, those who are noted for pedigree, wealth and fame, thieves, kings intent on conquests and commandants, kings, their preceptors, those that receive royal patronage or honor, leaders of Kshatriyas
19
Moola
physicians, leaders of groups, those who deal in flowers, roots and fruit, very wealthy persons, those who live only on fruits and roots, warriors, those who deal in medicinal roots (druggists)
20
Poorva Ashada
tender-hearted people, navigators, wealthy persons, fishermen, the truthful, pure, constructors of bridges/dams/canals, those who live by water, meat seller,
21
Uttara Ashada
Elephant drivers, wrestlers, devotees of Gods, warriors, persons enjoying pleasures, men of valor, astrologers,
22
Shravana
jugglers, the ever-active, the efficient, the energetic, the righteous, devotees ofVishnu, the truthful, king's officers, eminent Brahmins, physicians, priests
23
Dhanishta
Men w/o pride, eunuch, fast friends, men hated by women, women, charitable persons, very wealthy, peaceful, conqueror of senses, treasurers, bankers and the like, heretics
24
Shatabishaka
Snarers, anglers, bird killers, dealers in fish etc., boar-hunters, hunters, washer-men, distillers and fowlers, physicians, poets, drunkards, traders, politicians
25
Poorva Bhadra Pada
thieves, cowherds, murderous persons, nigg*rds, those engaged in despicable and roguish activities, those devoid of virtuous or religious observances, those clever in single combat, physicians, poets, drunkards, traders, politicians, gamblers
26
Uttara Bhadra Pada
Brahmans, those that are engaged in sacrifices, charity and penance, ascetic, very wealthy persons, recluses, heretics, monarchs, rivers, those who dwell on river-banks, carriage-makers, carpenters etc.
27
Revati
traders, sailor, helmsmen, andking's proteges, travelers arching troops
#
Nakshatra
Miscellaneous Articles
Miscellaneous
1
Aswini
conveyances, horses
2
Bharani
wells, husky grains, cereals
birth star of Rahu
3
Krttika
mantra, music, white flower
birth star of Chandra
4
Rohini
beasts of forests, rose apple, gems, ornaments, mountain, cows, bulls aquatic animals, beauty parlor, the market
5
Mrigashira
fruits, Catechu plant, fragrant articles, birds, garments, aquatic products, flowers, gems, beasts, perfumes, brewery, mango, juices, tastes, crops
6
Ardra
fort, husky grains, belleric myrobalan (baheda), heavy rains
7
Punarvasu
weapons, best of grains (Kalama paddy)
8
Pushyami
sugarcane, barley, wheat, rice, holy fig tree (Peepal), forest, water tanks, flowers
9
Aslesha
artificial articles, liquid, husky grains, bulbs, roots, fruits, insects, reptiles, poison, herbs, worms, aquatic objects or animals, snakes
10
Magha
corns, granaries, non-vegetarian food
11
Poorva Phalguni
salt, fire, butea frondosa (palash), commodities, oil, cotton, honey, kids, money exchangers, fried food
birth star of Guru
12
Uttara Phalguni
elephants, stone, fire, corns, holy tree (plaksha), fine grains (kalama rice), jaggery, salt (Venus-ruins the beings in the Jangala regions- where there is little water)
13
Hasta
neem tree, ornaments, commodities, husky grains, elephants
14
Chitra
coconut, corns for royal use, birds, painted vessels, women
15
Swati
elephant, green gram, Arjun tree (arjun terminalia), birds, beast, horses, grains that produce gas, deer, vegatables, birth control
gases in body
16
Vishaka
cotton, stone, trees with red blossoms and fruits, sesame, black, green and Bengal gram, gram, saffron, lac, crops, madder, safflower
Radha
17
Anuradha
wool and hide articles, ornaments, horses, vehicles, games, mimusops elengi (bakula), all things growing in the Autumn
18
Jyeshta
wealth, buffaloes, fir, weapons, groups or seminaries, elite families, trade guilds
19
Moola
opposite or reversed, seeds, weapons, agriculture, medicines, fruits, herbs
20
Poorva Ashada
fire, fruits, aquatic flowers and fruits, aquatic animals
21
Uttara Ashada
elephant, horses, stone, commerce, immovable things like trees, diseases
22
Shravana
medicinal plant (Aak), conveyance
birth star of Sarasvati
23
Dhanishta
ornaments
24
Shatabishaka
water creatures, things thriving in water, neulea orientalis (kandab), aquatic products, ropes, nets
25
Poorva Bhadra Pada
mango tree, animal husbandry, fire
26
Uttara Bhadra Pada
elephant, stone, lemon, fine/valuable corns, roots and fruit, gold, women
27
Revati
things produced in water, conches, ornament, bassia latifolia (mahua), fruits, salt, pearls, gems, flowers (fragrant), lotuses, perfumes, autumnal crops
Note: Those in italic are derivedfrom Brihat Samhita through a study of transit effects, the otherindications are directly stated from other works.
