Walker Geography, plate III, c. 1800
š Cosmic Cycles
What Are Nakshatras?
The zodiac is divided into 27 nakshatras refining each sign.
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions - divisions of the zodiac that add nuance beyond the 12 signs. Each nakshatra spans about 13 degrees and 20 minutes.
- 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
- 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
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.
Your Moon nakshatra reveals emotional depths that the Moon sign alone does not show.
Module 3 Quiz: Cosmic Cycles
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Ashwini, Bharani & Krittika