The zodiac is divided in 12 signs of 30 degree each and the signs are further divided into 27 nakshatras or asterisms which have their own characteristics, these nakshatras are very useful to determine Muhurta or auspicious time for various ceremonies and works. We will take a look at the nature and use of nakshatras in this article.
This is a very basic but important part in astrology which we often neglect, I am writing this for the benefit of the readers as well as my own self as manana is always required at regular intervals. Today being Bali-padyami I have started my day with writing one small piece of article so that I may continue to write and contribute more to astrology readers and enthusiast.
Nature and use of Nakshatras
Each nakshatra spans the arc of 3 degrees and 20 minutes which is known as one pada and a rashi is made up of 9 padas which means 2 full nakshatras and 1 pada of the 3rd nakshatra. The names of the nakshatras are follows:
- Ashwini
- Bharni
- Krittika
- Rohini
- Mrigshira
- Ardra
- Punarvasu
- Pushya
- Ashlesha
- Magha
- Poorva-phalguni
- Uttara-phalguni
- Hastha
- Chitra
- Swati
- Visakha
- Anuradha
- Jyestha
- Moola
- Poorvashada
- Uttarashada
- Shravan
- Dhanistha
- Shatabhishaka
- Poorvabhadrapada
- Uttara bhadrapada
- Revati.
- Abhijeet is the 28th Nakshatra which has no separate place but lies at 6.40 minutes to 13.20 minutes in Makar rasi.
Nature of Nakshatras
Ugra nakshatras (Fiery or Aggressive asterisms)
- Bharni
- Poorva-phalguni
- Moola
- Poorva bhadrapada
The above nakshatras are ugra/fiery in nature and can be auspicious for starting any work of aggressive nature like fights, quarrels, battles, wars etc.
Mishra nakshatra (Mixed asterisms)
- Krittika
- Visakha
The above 2 nakshatras are misra or mixed in nature and can be used for mixed activities.
Mridu nakshatras (light nakshatras)
- Ashwini
- Pushya
- Hastha
- Shravana
The above 4 nakshatras are light in nature and are auspicious for starting any activity like education, arts, buying and selling etc.
Maitri nakshatras (Friendly nakshatras)
- Mrigshira
- Chitra
- Anuradha
- Revati
The above 4 nakshatras are classified as friendly and can be used for auspicious works like starting friendship, a new relationship, extending hand for friendship, peace, wearing new clothes etc.
Daruna nakshatras (Fierce/hard nakshatras)
- Ardra
- Ashlesha
- Jyestha
- Moola
The above 4 are classified as daruna or hard nakshatras and are usually avoided for any auspicious activity.
Adhomukhi nakshatras (Down face nakshatras)
- Bharni
- Ashlesha
- Magha
- Poorva-phalguni
- Visakha
- Poorva-shada
- Poorva bhadrapada
The above 7 nakshatras are classified as down facing nakshatras and are good for works like digging wells, tanks, mining etc.
Urdhvamukhi nakshtras (Up faced nakshatras)
- Rohini
- ardra
- Pushya
- uttara-phalguni
- uttara-shada
- shravan
- dhanistha
- shatabhishaka
- uttara-bhadrapada
The above 9 nakshatras are classified as up facing and good for getting favors of boss, government, promotional activity etc.
Triyangamukha nakshatras (Triple face nakshtras)
- Ashwini
- Mrigashira
- Punarvasu
- hastha
- chitra
- swati
- anuradha
- jyestha
- revati
The above 9 nakshatras are classified as triple facing and considered good for journey, purchasing etc.
Dagdha nakshatras (Burnt stars)
- Bharni on Sunday
- Chitra on Monday
- Uttara-shada on Tuesday
- Dhanistha on Wednesday
- Uttara-phalguni on Thursday
- Jyestha on Friday
- Revati on Saturday
These nakshatras falling on the above mentioned weekdays are considered as dagdha nakshatras and are inauspicious to start any new activity or work.
Fixed nakshatras/Sthira nakshatras
- Rohini
- Uttaraphalguni
- Uttara-shada
- Uttara-bhadrapada
Rohini and all Uttara’s come in the ambit of fixed nakshatras, These nakshatras are very auspicious to do work which is of fixed nature like Marriage, Building a house, Entering a house, starting a business. Any activity which will be continued for long term can be started on this nakshatra.
Movable nakshatras or Chara nakshatras
- Punarvasu
- Swati
- Shravana
- Dhanistha
- Shatabhishaka
The above 5 nakshatras are movable and chara in nature hence they can be auspicious for undertaking journey or any activity related to movement or short term.