In Vedic astrology, the nakshatras are small constellations of stars that the moon travels through as it orbits Earth. A person's birth nakshatra is the main indicator of personality along with their moon sign. In English, nakshatras are known as “lunar mansions.” A Vedic astrologer looks at the nakshatras along with zodiac signs to determine additional details about a person’s inborn traits. In addition, in electional astrology, also known as muhurtha, nakshatras are essential for determining suitable times for major life events.
In this guide we take a deep dive into the importance of nakshatras and how they are used in Vedic astrology. We also provide an overview of each of the 27 nakshatras so that you can get an idea of the influence and traits of each one.
What are Nakshatras?
Every month, the moon transits through the entire zodiac. This includes the twelve signs beginning with Aries, and ending in Pisces. What many people don't know is that among the constellations that make up the twelve signs of the zodiac, there are 27 smaller groups of stars, known in English as "lunar mansions." These are the 27 nakshatras of Vedic astrology, and each one exerts a unique influence on the planets as they move through the twelve signs of the zodiac.
Types of Nakshatras
The nakshatras are divided into three broad groups — godly, human-like, and monstrous:
- People born under godly nakshatras are generally good-natured and fortunate in life. However, they may struggle with pride and a sense of entitlement.
- People born under human-like nakshatras are generally hardworking and motivated to achieve material success. Although they are generally kind, they can also be vindictive and self-serving.
- People born under monstrous nakshatras aregenerally intuitive, strong-willed, and assertive. They may be prone to anger and violence.
In addition to these groups, nakshatras may be further subdivided according to the zodiac sign they fall under, as well as their planetary lord. Each of the nine planets of Vedic astrology rules over three nakshatras, beginning with Ketu, the lord of Ashwini, which is the first nakshatra.
Find Your Nakshatra: Use our Nakshatra Calculator to look up your birth star.
The 27 Nakshatras
Here is a list of the 27 nakshatras along with the basic traits of each one:
Ashwini
Planetary Ruler: Ketu.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Aries.
Deity: The Ashwini-kumaras.
Symbol: A horse's head.
Bharani
Planetary Ruler: Venus.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Venus.
Deity: Yamaraja.
Symbol: The female sex organ.
Krittika
Planetary Ruler: The Sun.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Aries & Taurus.
Deity: Agni.
Symbol: A knife or a flame.
Rohini
Planetary Ruler: The Moon.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Taurus.
Deity: Brahma.
Symbol: An oxcart or a temple.
Mrigashira
Planetary Ruler: Mars.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Taurus & Gemini.
Deity: Soma.
Symbol: A deer's head.
Ardra
Planetary Ruler: Rahu.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Gemini.
Deity: Rudra.
Symbol: A human head or a teardrop.
Punarvasu
Planetary Ruler: Jupiter.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Gemini & Cancer.
Deity: Aditi.
Symbol: A bow and quiver.
Pushya
Planetary Ruler: Saturn.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer.
Deity: Aditi.
Symbol: A bow and quiver.
Ashlesha
Planetary Ruler: Mercury.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer.
Deity: Vritrasura.
Symbol: A serpent.
Magha
Planetary Ruler: Ketu.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Leo.
Deity: Daksha or the Pitris.
Symbol: A palanquin or a throne.
Purva-phalguni
Planetary Ruler: Venus.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Leo.
Deity: Surya (Aryaman).
Symbol: A hammock.
Uttara-phalguni
Planetary Ruler: The Sun.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Leo & Virgo.
Deity: Surya (Bhaga).
Symbol: A bed.
Hasta
Planetary Ruler: The Moon.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Virgo.
Deity: Surya (Savitri).
Symbol: A hand.
Chitra
Planetary Ruler: Mars.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Virgo & Libra.
Deity: Vishvakarma.
Symbol: A pearl or a jewel.
Swati
Planetary Ruler: Rahu.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Libra.
Deity: Vayu.
Symbol: A fresh blade of grass.
Vishakha
Planetary Ruler: Jupiter.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Libra & Scorpio.
Deity: Indra.
Symbol: A potter's wheel.
Anuradha
Planetary Ruler: Saturn.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio.
Deity: Mitra.
Symbol: A lotus flower.
Jyeshta
Planetary Ruler: Mercury.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio.
Deity: Indra.
Symbol: An umbrella.
Mula
Planetary Ruler: Ketu.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius.
Deity: Alakshmi.
Symbol: Roots.
Purva-ashadha
Planetary Ruler: Venus.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius.
Deity: Apah.
Symbol: A winnowing basket.
Uttara-ashadha
Planetary Ruler: The Sun.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius & Capricorn.
Deity: Vishvadevas.
Symbol: The tusk of an elephant.
Shravana
Planetary Ruler: The Moon.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn.
Deity: Vishnu.
Symbol: An ear.
Dhanishta
Planetary Ruler: Mars.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn & Aquarius.
Deity: The Eight Vasus.
Symbol: A drum.
Shatabhisha
Planetary Ruler: Rahu.
Nakshatra Group: Monstrous.
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius.
Deity: Varuna.
Symbol: An empty circle.
Purva-bhadrapada
Planetary Ruler: Jupiter.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius & Pisces.
Deity: Shiva.
Symbol: A funeral bed.
Uttara-bhadrapada
Planetary Ruler: Saturn.
Nakshatra Group: Human-like.
Zodiac Sign: Pisces.
Deity: Ananta.
Symbol: A snake.
Revati
Planetary Ruler: Mercury.
Nakshatra Group: Godly.
Zodiac Sign: Pisces.
Deity: Surya (Pushan).
Symbol: A fish.
Nakshatras in Electional Astrology (Muhurtha)
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.
There are seven classes of nakshatras, and each class is suitable for different kinds of activities.
Chara Nakshatras (Mobile)
Chara or “mobile” nakshatras include Punarvasu, Swati, Shravana, Dhanishta, and Shatabhisha. Chara nakshatras are excellent for:
Buying a vehicle
Changing residence, jobs, or other life changes
Beginning a pilgrimage
Planting vegetables or other crops, and general gardening work
Travel
Sthira Nakshatras (Fixed)
Sthira or “fixed” nakshatras include Rohini, Uttara-phalguni, Uttara-ashadha, and Uttara-bhadrapada. Sthira nakshatras are good for:
Marriage ceremonies
Building a home
Buying land
Planting trees
Undergoing a medical treatment
Learning art, music, or dance
Mridu Nakshatras (Soft)
Mridu or “soft” and “mild” nakshatras include Mrigashira, Chitra, Anuradha, and Revati. Mridu nakshatras are good for:
Beginning a journey
Undergoing a medical operation
Marriage ceremonies
Conceiving a child
Purchasing new clothes or jewelry
Ugra Nakshatras (Harsh)
Ugra or “harsh” nakshatras include Bharani, Magha, Purva-phalguni, Purva-ashadha, and Purva-bhadrapada. Ugra nakshatras are ideal 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
Tikshna Nakshatras (Sharp)
Tikshna or “sharp” and “intense” nakshatras include Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and Mula. Tikshna nakshatras are useful for:
Undergoing surgery
getting a piercing
Separating from a business partner, friend, or spouse (divorce)
Giving up bad habits
Punishing someone who has acted wrongly
Kshipra Nakshatras (Swift)
Kshipra or “swift” and “light” nakshatras include Ashwini, Pushya, and Hasta. Kshipra nakshatras are excellent for:
Beginning a journey
Undergoing a medical operation
Learning something new
Athletic events and competitions
Performing any healing work
Mishra Nakshatras (Mixed)
Mishra or “mixed” nakshatras include Krittika and Vishakha. Mishra nakshatras are good for:
Cleaning or organizing
Discarding unwanted things
Giving up bad habits
Holding a protest or strike
Performing a vrata, or spiritual vow, such as a vow of silence