The nakshatras (lunar mansions in English) are small constellations of stars that the moon travels through as it orbits Earth. Swati Nakshatra is the 15th of 27 nakshatras. If you were born when the moon was between 6:40-20:00 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, Libra. You can also look up your friends’ nakshatras with our free Nakshatra Calculator.
Swati 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 Swati are below:
Sanskrit Name: स्वाति (Swati) comes from the Sanskrit words सु (very good) and आति (goer). One meaning of Swati is a “great mover,” indicating movement, independence, and an idealistic 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: Godly. Nakshatras are divided into three classes — monsters, humans, and gods. Swati is a godly nakshatra. People in this group are generally good-natured and fortunate in life. However, they may struggle with pride and a sense of entitlement.
Zodiac Sign: Libra. Libra natives possess excellent taste and good judgement. They are friendly, learned, and dignified, but may be prone to arrogance.
Deity: Vayu. The ruler of the air and wind, Vayu is also intrinsically connected with the life force, or prana, through the breath. He is respected as a powerful god who can blow away hindrances and contaminations like the wind he controls.
Symbol: A fresh blade of grass. This represents the innocence of youth, flexibility, and innate potential for strength.
Power: To disperse or bring to an end. The changeable nature and power of the wind gives Swatis the ability to wipe the slate completely clean. They can destroy things or make them disappear, allowing for a fresh start.
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 Swati are Ru (रू), Re (रे), Ro (रो), and Ta (ता). The syllable of a person’s first name is sometimes used when calculating an astrological chart if the time of birth is unknown.
Strengths
Swati natives are independent by nature — they don’t depend on others for motivation. You are confident and often drawn to pursue adventure. Change doesn’t disturb you, and you have the ability to be flexible and adjust to whatever circumstances you come across. Happiness comes naturally to Swatis who are in their element. You tend to see the glass as half full and can usually find something positive in any situation.
People like you — you endear yourself to others with your modesty, compassion, and generous nature. Another remarkable quality is your skill at communication, for you manage to be simultaneously honest and charming. Thanks to this rare harmony and your intelligence, people are inclined to listen to you and you have the potential to be very influential.
Doing the right thing is important to Swati natives, and this results in an interest in ethics, morality, and theology. However, you don’t use ideas about right and wrong to create excessive boundaries and limitations. You are liberal in your thinking and willing to accept many people and practices, and may explore a number of different paths in your life. Although you may not pursue it right away, many Swatis feel most fulfilled once they find spiritual meaning in their lives.
Swati Careers
As excellent self-starters, Swatis can bring a lot of energy to their work. They will do best in careers where their independence is utilized rather than stifled.
- Some ideal professions include:
- Lawyer, judge, or politician
- Sales executive, stock broker, or entrepreneur
- Travel agent, travel journalist, or other career that involves travel
- Member of the clergy or other spiritual vocation
Weaknesses
The downside of Swati’s spontaneous nature is a tendency to be impulsive. You might jump into a course of action on the spur of the moment, despite time spent making a different decision. It can be difficult for you to stick with the plan and you might feel trapped, restless, and discontented. Remember that real progress won’t be made unless you can train yourself to focus and control your more temperamental side.
Anger can be an issue for Swati natives. You might damage yourself unnecessarily, sabotaging yourself and your relationships, if you aren’t able to curb your anger when you sense that it’s about to get out of hand. Another way you might hinder yourself is a habit of extreme procrastination. Don’t let your dislike of structure and commitment prevent you from taking care of necessary tasks. Immediate pleasure is often your go-to, but a life of continual indulgence and living in the moment will quickly cause you trouble.
The flipside of your independence is that you often focus too exclusively on your own needs and desires. You may pursue opportunities for personal gain at the expense of others. This may not be intentional, but unless you train yourself to consider others’ needs you could become quite self-absorbed.
Swatis must learn to harness their proclivity for change. Your ability to remove the old and make space for the new is a gift when it’s used in a constructive way, but it can easily be destructive instead. Don’t tear things apart just for the sake of it. Finding this balance will be easier if you can remain internally centered and grounded — making time for solitude and reflection can help you immensely.
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 are prone to go into debt. Your love of spontaneity and enjoying the moment can lead you to make financial decisions that aren’t exactly prudent.
You will travel a lot. You love adventure and it’s hard to keep you pinned down to one place. You might even live abroad.
You may achieve some renown. Your dynamic personality attracts others to you and makes you hard to forget. You’ll be well-known and may experience some degree of fame.
You might have unrealistic goals. You have lots of ideas and aren’t short of ambitions, but try not to get ahead of yourself. You’ll be able to accomplish more if you ground your plans in reality — taking advice from others in this regard will be helpful.
You are a good networker. Your charisma and communication skills give you influence over others, and your travels put you in contact with a wide variety of people. You’ll have many connections to call upon when needed.
You may be disinterested in your family. Home and family don’t have the same power over you as they do for many others. For you, it is what is found outside the bounds of the familiar that motivates you. Your focus is on adventure rather than comfort and security.
Swati Compatibility
Swati sexuality is symbolized by a male buffalo. In terms of physical compatibility, this makes them an ideal match for persons born under Hasta nakshatra.
Based on holistic matching, Swatis are most likely to find happiness in long-term partnerships with:
- Ashwini
- Bharani (for female natives)
- Mrigashira
- Krittika (for male natives)
- Punarvasus in Gemini
- Visakhas in Libra (for male natives)
- Chitras in Libra (for female natives)
- Uttara-ashadhas in Capricorn (for male natives)
- Purva-bhadrapadas in Aquarius
- Dhanishtas in Aquarius (for male 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.
Swati’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 Libra): Sagittarius. You are always curious to learn something new and aren’t afraid to ask questions — your curiosity also extends to a love for travel. Working to improve the welfare of others is important to you, and you’re likely to give generously to charities and engage in other works of philanthropy. However, you can be proud.
Second Quarter (10:00-13:20 degrees Libra): Capricorn. You are more settled than other Swatis — you are grounded and methodical in your approach. However, it can be difficult for you to overcome your propensity for indulgence and you might fall into bad habits. You can tend to be selfish.
Third Quarter (13:20-16:40 degrees Libra): Aquarius. Your mind is a powerful tool, and you are intellectual and able to think out of the box. In general, you are very creative. You have a knack for business, but can spend your money too readily.
Fourth Quarter (16:40-20:00 degrees Libra): Pisces. You often come up with ideas that no one else would have thought of — you are imaginative and can find solutions that are both clever and original. You often put others before yourself. You have a good reputation and are respected by many people.
Swati 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 Swati is Chara, “mobile.” Swati is an excellent nakshatra for:
- Buying a vehicle
- Changing residence, jobs, or other life changes
- Beginning a pilgrimage
- Planting vegetables or other crops, and general gardening work
- Travel
A List of the 27 Nakshatras
The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
Aries | Taurus | Gemini |
Cancer | Leo | Virgo |
Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius |
Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces |