The nakshatras (lunar mansions in English) are small constellations of stars that the moon travels through as it orbits Earth. Chitra Nakshatra is the fourteenth of 27 nakshatras. If you were born when the moon was between 23:20 degrees Virgo and 6:40 degrees Libra, 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. If you were born in the 1st or 2nd quarter of Chitra, your moon sign is Virgo. If you were born in the 3rd or 4th quarter of Chitra, your moon sign is Libra. You can also look up your friends’ nakshatras with our free Nakshatra Calculator.
Chitra 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 Chitra are below:
Sanskrit Name: चित्रा (Chitra). Some meanings of Chitra are “wonderful” and “variegated,” indicating charisma, versatility, and physical beauty.
Planetary Ruler: Mars. The Romans worshiped Mars as the god of war, a tradition that had its roots in the scriptures of Vedic India. Mars is associated with masculinity, power, vitality, courage, and conflict.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous. Nakshatras are divided into three classes — monsters, humans, and gods. Chitra is a monstrous nakshatra. People in this group are generally intuitive, strong-willed, and assertive. They may be prone to anger and violence.
Zodiac Signs: Virgo (1st and 2nd quarter) and Libra (3rd and 4th quarter). Virgos are intelligent, practical, capable problem solvers who like to help others with their abilities — however, they can be critical of both themselves and others. Libra natives possess excellent taste and good judgement. They are friendly, learned, and dignified, but may be prone to arrogance.
Deity: Vishvakarma. In Vedic theology, Vishvakarma is the architect of the gods, the divine builder and craftsman. He is credited for designing the universe at the instruction of Lord Brahma.
Symbol: Pearl or jewel. This represents beauty, opulence, brightness, and glamour. This is sometimes related to the spirit or soul that shines brightly within everyone.
Power: To gain merit. In the Vedic understanding, merit or good fortune is achieved through acts of virtue and piety.
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 Chitra are Pay (पे), Po (पो), Ra (रा), and Ree (री). The syllable of a person’s first name is sometimes used when calculating an astrological chart if the time of birth is unknown.
Strengths
It’s usually easy to spot Chitras in a crowd — you have a dynamic energy and striking appearance. Beautiful, fashionable, and charismatic, you are hard to overlook. Social settings often bring out the best in you. Your personal charm and conversational skills make you easy to befriend.
Beautiful things, places, and people attract you. Artistic and creative, you can rearrange anything to make it more aesthetically pleasing. You keep yourself and your space clean and have a great eye for detail.
There is much in the world that interests you. A strong curiosity leads you to keep learning throughout your life. You are well-read and often impress others with your intelligence. It’s easy to respect you. Alongside being talkative and social, you have a composure and depth that lends weight to your presence.
However, there’s more to you than intelligence and an attractive appearance. You also have the ability to accomplish a great deal. You are motivated and throw yourself into pursuing your goals with energy. You aren’t someone that should be underestimated. You have the strength and bravery to stand up for what you believe in and see it through to the end.
Chitra Careers
Positions that are dynamic, creative, and fully engage Chitras’ abilities will be the most fulfilling for them. They should avoid careers that are too routine or where they have to work under someone less capable than they are.
Some ideal professions include:
- Architect, interior designer, or landscaper
- Advertiser, writer, or media personality
- Jewelry or fashion designer
- Surgeon
Weaknesses
Desire is your primary motivation and you can tend to be self-indulgent. Your sexual desires are especially strong. If you let them consume you, you may neglect other important areas in your life. Since desire is what motivates you the most, you may try to use it to motivate others as well. Be wary of manipulating or seducing others in order to what you want.
Your desires can become more important to you than anything else, leading you to break rules and act unethically to achieve your goals. As a result, you might not always be honest and can be hard to trust. Your lack of integrity could cause damage when it is revealed.
Arrogance is another struggle for Chitras. It can be hard to be humble when you are so admired, but failure to do so could cause you many problems in your personal relationships and in your own sense of fulfillment. You might come across as smug or shallow.
Skill in conversation means that you always have something to say, but you don’t always know when it would be better to remain silent. You are outspoken, often speaking without thinking, and may regret your words later on after it’s too late. You tend to be argumentative and may be too ready to give and express judgement.
Things that are too routine can quickly lose your interest — you can get bored with situations, projects, and people. Patience doesn’t come easily to you, and you can be easily irritated and are not very good at hiding it.
Recommended: Learn more about science of the Vedas and how Vedic knowledge can help you elevate your consciousness and enhance your life.
Other Personality Traits
You live life to the fullest. You don’t like to do things halfway. Your zest for life makes you fun to be around and could lead you to great heights.
You place more importance on externals. Aesthetics mean a lot to you. This could make you overlook the value of things that aren’t externally attractive. It can also make you feel pressure to pretend to be something you aren’t.
You are a powerful leader. Chitra natives have the ability to lead others. Your conviction, confidence, and motivation will often put you at the head of the pack.
You are sometimes too hasty. You have a habit of speaking or acting first and thinking later. You can get a lot accomplished, but failing to think things through could get you into trouble.
You are progressive. You are forward-thinking and open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. You don’t get caught up on tradition or systems that may be outdated.
You are spiritually inclined. You desire to find spiritual meaning in your life. Feeling spiritual fulfillment is very important to most Chitras.
Chitra Compatibility
Chitra sexuality is symbolized by a female tiger. In terms of physical compatibility, this makes them an ideal match for persons born under Visakha nakshatra.
Based on holistic matching, Chitras are most likely to find happiness in long-term partnerships with:
- Ardra
- Visakha (for female natives)
- Shravana (for female natives)
For Chitra natives in Virgo (1st and 2nd quarter):
- Krittikas in Taurus
- Rohini
- Uttara-phalgunis in Virgo (for male natives)
- Hasta (for male natives)
- Uttara-ashadhas in Capricorn
- Purva-bhadrapadas in Pisces (for female natives)
For Chitra natives in Libra (3rd and 4th quarter):
- Bharani
- Krittika (for male natives)
- Rohini (for male natives)
- Swati (for female natives)
- Visakhas in Libra (for male natives)
- Shatabhisha
- Purva-bhadrapadas in Aquarius (for female natives)
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.
Chitra’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 (23:20-26:40 degrees Virgo): Leo. You are a natural leader and possess great inner power, and you are physically attractive. You have good self-control, and are able to restrain your emotions and urges. However, you can be authoritarian, dictating what others should do without considering their opinions. You can be harsh.
Second Quarter (26:40-30:00 degrees Virgo): Virgo. Your mind is a powerful asset and your intellectual abilities are significant. You have natural skill with language and are an especially gifted communicator. When you want to do something, there’s little that can stop you — you have a strong will.
Third Quarter (0:00-3:20 degrees Libra): Libra. You are liked by many people. You are courageous and always strive to do what is right. Your confidence allows you to stand up for what you think is right even in the face of opposition. You are patient, and probably live a lavish lifestyle.
Fourth Quarter (3:20-6:40 degrees Libra): Scorpio. You are bold and don’t hide who you are. You feel no shame, even though you are prone to do things many would consider immoral or, potentially, illegal. You can be a bit temperamental and are easily agitated and hard to predict. Your life is not always an easy one — you face a series of difficulties that may be hard for you to overcome.
Chitra 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 Chitra is Mridu, “soft” or “mild.” Chitra is an excellent nakshatra for:
- Beginning a journey
- Undergoing a medical operation
- Marriage ceremonies
- Conceiving a child
- Purchasing new clothes or jewelry
A List of the 27 Nakshatras
The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |