The nakshatras (lunar mansions in English) are small constellations of stars that the moon travels through as it orbits Earth. Ardra is the sixth of 27 nakshatras. If you were born when the moon was between 6:40-20:00 degrees Gemini, then this guide is for you. You’ll learn all about your characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, compatibility, ideal careers, and more.
Recommended: Learn more about your moon sign, Gemini. You can also look up your friends’ nakshatras with our free Nakshatra Calculator.
Ardra Nakshatra Astrology
Nakshatras are an important feature of Vedic Astrology. Every nakshatra has its own set of fixed attributes. This includes planetary ruler, nakshatra group, zodiac sign, deity, symbol, and power. The features of Ardra are below:
Sanskrit Name: आर्द्र (Ardra). One meaning of Ardra is “the moist one,” indicating softness, youthfulness, and an adaptive nature.
Planetary Ruler: Rahu. The planet Rahu is equated with the North node of the moon and is described in the Vedas as the disembodied head of the demon Rahu. Vedic lore describes that eclipses occur when the sun or moon is swallowed by the head of Rahu. Rahu is associated with trouble, disease, and radical change.
Nakshatra Group: Humanlike. Nakshatras are divided into three classes — monsters, humans, and gods. Ardra is a humanlike nakshatra. People in this group are generally hardworking and motivated to achieve material success. Although they are generally kind, they can also be vindictive and self-serving.
Zodiac Sign: Gemini. Gemini natives are intelligent, analytical, imaginative, and thoughtful individuals skilled at rhetoric.
Deity: Rudra. Rudra, also known as Shiva, is the lord of destruction and one of the most powerful deities in Vedic theology. He is also respected as a great mystic and spiritual practitioner.
Symbol: A human head or a teardrop. This represents intellectualism and the clarity that comes after sadness.
Power: Achievement through effort. Strength of will powers Ardras in their endeavors, and they put considerable care and trouble into achieving their goals.
Resonant Syllables: In India, the birth nakshatra is traditionally used as one means of choosing the name of a child. The corresponding syllables for the four quarters (padas) of Ardra are Ku (कु), Gha (घ), Na (ङ), and Cha (छ). The syllable of a person’s first name is sometimes used when calculating an astrological chart if the time of birth is unknown.
Strengths
Ardras are known for their intellects. You have an excellent memory and are knowledgeable about a variety of subjects. People respect your for your intellectual ability and clarity of thought.
The value of honesty is not lost on you, and you endeavor to be truthful in your dealings with others. As a result, you come across as authentic and might be noted for your “purity of heart.”
You are goal-oriented and work best when there is a clear aim in sight. Things don’t always come easily to you, but you push on with enthusiasm until you achieve your goals. Ardra natives don’t shy away from a challenge. Physically strong and possessing an adventurous spirit, you like pursuing new avenues of thought and activity.
It’s rare that you allow others to see your agitation, and in fact it’s difficult to upset or disturb you. You are generally composed and calm, and your pride and self-respect ensure that you don’t embarrass yourself. As a result, you are respected for your ability to perform under pressure and deal with difficulties without getting too ruffled. You excel in fields where diplomacy and tact are important.
Ardra Careers
As a result of your intelligence and curiosity, you are skilled in many different areas.
You are a motivated worker and work well when you have specific goals and a chance for personal advancement.
Some ideal professions include:
- Scientist, writer, or teacher
- Psychologist or social services worker
- Politician or public relations representative
- Athlete or construction worker
Note: Those born under Ardra are sometimes drawn to pursue a living outside the law. Their drive and ambition can lead them to put achieving their goals above all else, disregarding whether there is a right or wrong way to achieve them.
Weaknesses
Ardra’s shadow side is where death, pain, and suffering are found. As an Ardra, you may become the cause of suffering for others. One of your weaknesses is a lack of empathy, and as a result you can be inconsiderate and even cruel. However, you could be linked to suffering in a different way — many Ardras are useful in fields where they reduce suffering, such as in hospice or humanitarian work. Involving yourself in these types of activities can help you develop empathy and balance your harsher tendencies.
Anger, aggression, and even violence are not uncommon in Ardra natives. You take things to extremes and, although you are good at hiding your emotions, those same emotions can lead you to actions that may be destructive to others and ultimately yourself. It may be helpful to find a healthy outlet for your aggression, such as in a competitive sport.
When your self-confidence is not in a healthy state, arrogance becomes an issue. You may be haughty, ungrateful, and highly critical. Your impressive intellect can be your downfall if you allow yourself to think that it makes you better than others.
You are very motivated to achieve your material goals, but the downside of this is that your ambition can make you greedy. You might operate under the belief that any action is justified if it leads to your goals. You can be manipulative and have mischievous tendencies — you aren’t afraid to bend or break the rules to get what you want.
Cultivating empathy and gratitude is useful for Ardras and will bring them a sense of peace. Gratitude journaling is one exercise that Ardras may benefit from. Adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet can help Ardras counterbalance their violent tendencies, because it promotes a focus on non-violence and on alleviating the suffering of other creatures.
Recommended: Learn more about the science of the Vedas and how Vedic knowledge can help you elevate your consciousness and enhance your life.
Other Personality Traits
You are imaginative. Like most Geminis, you enjoy exploring new avenues of thought. Ardras are especially attracted to anything that is original and breaks with established tradition.
You are a risk-taker. Confidence, ambition, and your sense of adventure make you prone to taking risks. Sometimes, the risks get you into trouble. Other times, luck is on your side. When you think things through and don’t act recklessly, you can make intelligent, calculated risks that may give great results.
You change your mind a lot. Your mind is always active, and as you explore one idea after another you might change your opinion accordingly. This can make you seem unreliable.
You can completely transform your character. Ardras have the ability for radical personal change. The influence of Rahu makes you capable of leaving established norms behind entirely. If you become disillusioned with a particular lifestyle, system of belief, or behavior, you don’t hang on to it.
Your are a crafty speaker. You have a way with words and know how to use them to your best advantage. This can make you very popular — however, it also makes it too easy to be duplicitous and manipulative.
You may abuse power. Your intelligence and confidence can make you believe in the rightness of your own plans and intentions above all else. “The end justifies the means” is a philosophy that might appeal to you. As a result, you are liable to misuse others when given the power to do so. When in a position of authority, you use any advantages available to you — even if those advantages aren’t strictly moral.
Ardra Compatibility
Ardra sexuality is symbolized by a female dog. In terms of physical compatibility, this makes them an ideal match for persons born under Mula nakshatra.
Based on holistic matching, Ardras are most likely to find happiness in long-term partnerships with:
- Mrigashiras in Gemini
- Punarvasus in Gemini
- Magha (for male natives)
- Purva-phalguni
- Uttara-phalguni
- Chitra
- Visakhas in Libra
- Mula (for male natives)
- Purva-ashadha (for female natives)
- Uttara-ashadhas in Sagittarius
- Dhanisthas in Aquarius
- Purva-bhadrapadas in Aquarius
Note: Compatibility in relationships is a complex science that looks at many different factors. You should always consult with an experienced astrologer who can carefully analyze the charts of both you and your partner.
Ardra’s Four Quarters (Padas)
Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters, also known as padas, of 3:20 degrees each. These quarters are based on a 1/9th divisional chart, known in Sanskrit as navamsha.
The moon’s position at your time of birth determines the quarter in which you are born.
First Quarter (6:40-10:00 degrees Gemini): Sagittarius. You are intelligent and known for your good character. You love to explore. Luxury appeals strongly to you and you live lavishly.
Second Quarter (10:00-13:20 degrees Gemini): Capricorn. Hard work doesn’t faze you and you work with determination and diligence. Material success is important to you and you work hard to get it. You have a tendency to bend the rules to get results and can be dishonest. Despite your hard work, you often seem to have bad luck and may deal with a number of adversities.
Third Quarter (13:20-16:40 degrees Gemini): Aquarius. Scholarly pursuits appeal strongly to you and you will probably do well at school. Your mind is always active. You can be somewhat obsessive in your interests, and your absorption in your mental world and a lack of empathy can lead you to be unkind to others.
Fourth Quarter (16:40-20:00 degrees Gemini): Pisces. You are sensitive and easily affected by the world around you. You are attuned to the feelings of others and your compassion endears you to family and friends. Less harsh than other Ardras, you have a mild nature. You always have something to say and are an enthusiastic conversationalist.
Ardra in Electional Astrology
In electional astrology, also known as muhurtha, nakshatras are used to determine favorable days and times for important ceremonies and events, such as weddings, buying a new house or vehicle, commencing a project, or conceiving a child.
The electional nature of Rohini is Sthira, “fixed or steady.” Rohini is an excellent nakshatra for:
- Marriage ceremonies
- Building a home
- Buying land
- Planting trees
- Undergoing a medical treatment
- Learning art, music, or dance
A List of the 27 Nakshatras
The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |