The nakshatras are small constellations of stars that the moon travels through as it orbits Earth. In English, nakshatras are known as “lunar mansions.” Bharani is the second of 27 nakshatras. If you were born when the moon was between 13:20-26:40 degrees Aries, then this guide is for you. You’ll learn all about your strengths, weaknesses, compatibility, ideal careers, and more.
Recommended: Learn more about your moon sign, Aries.
Overview of Bharani Nakshatra
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 Bharani are below:
Sanskrit Name: भरणी (Bharani) comes from the Sanskrit word भार (load or burden). One meaning of Bharani is “one who bears,” indicating a strong work ethic, self-sacrifice, and a patient, tolerant nature.
Planetary Ruler: Venus. The Ancient Romans worshipped Venus as the goddess of desire, sex, and sensuality. Venus is associated with material pleasures and prosperity, an enjoying spirit, and the arts.
Nakshatra Group: Human. Nakshatras are divided into three classes — monsters, humans, and gods. Bharani is a human 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: Aries. Arians are loyal, intelligent, confident, and competitive. They make natural leaders. Bharani natives will possess all these Arian qualities and more.
Deity: Yamaraja. The lord of death and the underworld, Yamaraja determines what happens to souls after they die. He is also known as the lord of dharma, or a person’s duties according to the laws of the universe. Yamaraja is praised for his honesty and virtue.
Symbol: The female sex organ. This represents fertility, rebirth, restraint, struggle, secrecy, and forbearance.
Power: Removal of burdens. Bharani is known as a nakshatra that cleanses impurities and removes burdens. This power is also associated with transporting the soul from one body to the next.
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 Bharani are Li (ली), Lu (लू), Le (ले), and Lo (लो). The syllable of a person’s first name is sometimes used when calculating an astrological chart if the time of birth is unknown.
Strengths
Bharanis are very creative and artistic individuals. Your creative abilities will likely require some discipline and austerity in order to be fruitful, but this isn’t a problem. You possess a good deal of forbearance and self-control, so discipline and sacrifice aren’t difficult for you.
You are dutiful, loyal, and self-sacrificing in your relationships. Others generally find you attractive—which is good, because your sex drive is stronger than average.
You possess a keen intellect and can be quite pioneering. Despite your creative and out-of-the-box thinking, you don’t get lost in a world of possibilities. Your efficiency and hard-working nature allow you to work through struggle and difficulty to realize your ideas.
Spirituality is attractive to you, and you have a strong conscience. Your sense of morality leads you to live virtuously. Although the pleasures of the world hold a strong appeal for you, you are capable of being satisfied and self-controlled.
Bharani Careers
Bharanis have an excellent work ethic. In addition to this, their creative thinking and their leadership abilities mean that they are likely to excel in the workplace. However, they should be mindful not to overburden themselves or to sacrifice themselves too much for the sake of their job.
Some ideal professions include:
- Obstetrician, midwife, doulla, or childcare professional
- Musician, artist, screenwriter, or a career in the film and entertainment industry
- Writer, publisher, or lawyer
- Entrepreneur, C-level executive, or manager
- Psychologist or therapist
Weaknesses
Bharani is called the “star of restraint” and this means that you will do best when you exercise self-control. Although you have the ability to do this, you can also be overly indulgent. The influence of Venus means you love to enjoy, and you must be careful not to let your desires for the world’s pleasures consume you. Mars also exerts a strong influence over you as an Aries. The combination of Venus and Mars means you can become vain and narcissistic, and are especially prone to indulge excessively in sex.
The interplay of restraint and a strong desire for pleasure can result in a kind of tug-of-war in Bharani natives. You could become very judgemental, taking your moralism to an extreme. You could also become amoral, indulging in the very behaviors that the moralist might judge you for. Your tendency to take things to extremes has to be—like all things for Bharanis—restrained.
Because you have a strong desire to succeed, you could become resentful towards those who have what you don’t. You might feel like you are always struggling to gain things that come easily to others. This is difficult for you, as Bharanis are not the most patient of people. Your impatience is understandable, but be careful that it doesn’t lead you to become harsh and irritable with others.
You don’t lack determination and it often serves you well. However, this trait can also result in stubbornness. When combined with your confidence and your desire to succeed materially, your stubbornness can make you overly ambitious. Be careful not to lose yourself in your work and ambitions, or bite off more than you can chew. You might end up feeling overburdened as you struggle to balance all your responsibilities. Balance is key. A tendency to fall into brooding and even depression can result when you don’t achieve a sense of balance. If you are able to slow down and find satisfaction in the present moment, you will be much happier!
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 courageous. The sign of Aries is known to produce brave, courageous individuals. You aren’t afraid to step outside your comfort zone and head in directions no one has gone before. Combined with your innate creativity, this courage could lead you to be described as revolutionary.
You follow your instincts. Your instincts often guide you, and if you are like most Bharani natives, you probably listen to them. Your instincts play a subtle yet vital role in the decisions you make.
Your mind gives you little peace. The dark side of Bharani is a feeling of struggle and suffering. Much of this suffering may come from your own mind. Like many artists you are a deep thinker, and it sometimes feels like your mind is tormenting you. As an Aries, your competitive nature leads you to hold yourself to high standards and you don’t give yourself much slack.
You excel under good guidance. In the contemporary world, we place a high value on our independence and our ability to take care of ourselves. This can lead us to miss the opportunity to take advice from elders and mentors who can use their own experience and knowledge to guide us. Bharanis do best when they receive and follow guidance from others.
You have a hard time deciding who you are. It might be hard for you to pinpoint your personality because it seems to fluctuate. Many people act a little differently in different groups of friends and in different situations, but you may experience this more keenly.
Bharani Compatibility
Bharani sexuality is symbolized by a male elephant. In terms of physical compatibility, this makes them an ideal match for persons born under Revati nakshatra.
Based on holistic matching, Bharanis are most likely to find happiness in long-term partnerships with:
- Ashwini
- Krittikas in Aries
- Magha
- Purva-phalguni
- Uttara-phalgunis in Leo
- Chitras in Libra
- Mula
- Uttara-shadhas in Sagittarius
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.
Bharani’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 (13:20-16:40 degrees Aries): Leo. Leo is represented by a lion and like the lion you are courageous and a natural leader. You are successful, and your good character earns you respect. However, you also manifest a lion’s aggressive nature. Your confidence can turn to selfishness.
Second Quarter (16:40-20:00 degrees Aries): Virgo. You are clever, logical, and inclined to scholarly and academic pursuits. Your tactical abilities help you achieve your goals, but you may cheat others in the process.
Third Quarter (20:00-23:20 degrees Aries): Libra. You are active and fearless. You impress others with the extent of your knowledge and endear yourself to them with your lovable nature. However, your desire for sensual pleasure makes you weak-willed in the face of sex.
Fourth Quarter (23:20-26:40 degrees Aries): Scorpio. You are comfortable being yourself and don’t see the need to adjust yourself for the sake of others. You are honest and straightforward, and can be too harsh and direct in your speech. You have a critical eye and can be judgemental, narrow-minded, and even mean. Your intensity often inspires others, but it can also turn them off.
Bharani 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 Bharani is Krura or Ugra, “fierce” and “harsh.” Bharani is an excellent nakshatra for:
- Giving up bad habits
- Cutting off toxic relationships
- Quitting a job
- Any destructive act, such as weeding or demolition
- Performing vows or retreats, such as a day of silence
- Doing any kind of detox or cleanse
A List of the 27 Nakshatras
The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |