šŸŒ Cosmic Cycles

What Are Nakshatras?

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9 min readĀ·Lesson 14 of 25

What Are Nakshatras?

The zodiac is divided into 27 nakshatras refining each sign.

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansionsdivisions of the zodiac that add nuance beyond the 12 signs. Each nakshatra spans about 13 degrees and 20 minutes.
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Why Nakshatras Matter

  • Your Moon nakshatra is especially important - it determines your Vimshottari dasha starting point
  • Nakshatras refine how planets express
  • Used for compatibility (matching) in Vedic tradition
  • Each has unique symbolism, deity, and qualities
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Structure

  • 27 nakshatras x 13 degrees 20 minutes = 360 degree zodiac
  • Each sign contains 2.25 nakshatras
  • Each nakshatra has 4 padas (quarters) of 3 degrees 20 minutes
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The Nine Ruling Planets

  • Each nakshatra is ruled by one of the nine planets:
  • Ketu: Ashwini, Magha, Mula
  • Venus: Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha
  • Sun: Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
  • Moon: Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
  • Mars: Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta
  • Rahu: Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha
  • Jupiter: Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadrapada
  • Saturn: Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada
  • Mercury: Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati

Your Moon Nakshatra: This is the most important nakshatra in your chart. It describes your emotional nature at a deeper level, instinctive reactions, what makes you feel secure, and the starting point of your dasha cycle.

Key Takeaway

Your Moon nakshatra reveals emotional depths that the Moon sign alone does not show.

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