Know your Nakshatras

What is a Nakshatra?
Hindu astrology has a unique system of prediction that is based on the position of the moon in a given Nakshatra (constellation). There are twenty-seven nakshtras in all. Each one of them covers thirteen degrees and twenty minutes of the zodiac. Each Nakshatra is the head of a particular group of stars.

How does the Nakshatra affect you?
The zodiac is divided into 27 Nakshatra zones. Therefore, while traversing the zodiac, the Moon has to pass through one of the Nakshatra. When you were born, the Nakshatra in which the Moon was situated at that time is called your Janma Nakshatra (birth nakshatra). Accurate predictions can be made after ascertaining your Janma Nakshatra. You can exploit opportunities through proper interpretation of the Nakshatra. Similarly, you can ward off the negatives if you take corrective measures. Nakshatra are also associated with colours, symbols, deities, gemstones etc.

Nakshatras and the Three Worlds
According to Hindu mythology there are three worlds or 'Lokas': Swarga (Heaven) Loka, Prithvi (Earth) Loka and Mrityu or Narakha (Hell) Loka. The Nakshtras too are divided into three groups or 'Ganas'.

Ashwini
Translation: Horseman
Deity :Ashwinis (Health)
You are loyal, trustworthy and reliable. Your calm and quiet exterior hides a magnetic personality. Your inherent goodness and comforting nature draws people to you. They look to you for guidance. You are elegant and concerned about your appearance. You are as proud and self-sufficient as you are good natured and practical. You give comfort to others as well as encourage and motivate them. You move, think, act and learn quickly. Though you often enjoy starting new projects, there may be a certain lack of enthusiasm and consistency in following them through. Your movements are like that of a horse, always racing about.

Your greatest strength lies in the speed with which you can get things done. You always have a great deal of energy and stamina; that others can rarely keep pace with, and this keeps them in awe of you.

Activities and careers that will suit you are: architecture, stock broking, business, interior design, flying, driving, riding and sports. Take care to curb your stubbornness, as it may get in the way of a harmonious family life. You are predisposed to muscular injuries and those of you leading very active lives should be careful, as accidents are common to people born under this nakshatra.

Mrigasira
Translation: Deer's Head
Deity: Soma
You are youthful, full of energy, and very popular. You have a sharp intellect, unbounded curiosity, and a fine sense of humour. You are elegant and concerned about your appearance. You are very knowledgeable and can hold your own in intellectual discussion. You are very creative, especially in the performing arts. You enjoy singing and public speaking. You will have no problems in attracting romantic partners, though your marital life may not be harmonious.

You often tend to overdo things, and often get overexcited about them, and as a consequence; might suffer from nervousness and exhaustion. You have to guard against becoming too critical and sarcastic as you may risk alienating a lot of people.

Careers ideally suited for you are: Sports, Advertising, Communication, Environment campaigns, travel related industry etc. You will fare well in your career when you are given creative freedom and allowed to chart your own course.

Many of you will suffer from bodily ailments and minor illnesses through out your life.

Purnavasu
Translation: Good Again
Deity: Adita
You are a bright and enthusiastic person with handsome features. You are a simple person with not one dishonest bone in your body. You have a spiritual bent of mind and materialism does hold much attraction for you. Those born under this nakshatra will be drawn to religious professions. Whatever little material possessions you may acquire, you will share it with others. You look inward for your spiritual fulfilment.

You will tend to choose a religious or spiritual career. Even if you do not choose a religious career, you will remain deeply religious and spiritual. Other career options could be writing, acting or journalism.

Those born under this sign tend to have very happy marriages. Children born to such people feel loved and secure. Your deep-rooted faith in God and your high morals will give your family a deep sense of security.

You should take care of your health and eat healthy wholesome diets, otherwise diseases like T.B., under nourishment and pneumonia, could afflict you.

Pushya
Translation: Nourishing
Deity: Brihaspati
This is considered the best nakshatra. You are intelligent, soft-spoken and spiritual. You help others, asking nothing in return. You are self-sufficient and self-reliant. You are also inclined towards intellectual activities. You have deep-seated political and humane convictions. You help others unconditionally and are a champion of the underprivileged. However you must be cautious of others trying to manipulate you for their own selfish ends. You are a fair and straightforward person and expect others to behave likewise. Medicine, Social Work, health care are ideally suited for you.

Your talent for spreading happiness and lifting the spirit and activities like comedy, party planning, event planning will be suitable. Your tendency of putting your political or social work before your self, and your family, may cause some friction. It is advisable to have a balanced approach, and be sensitive to the needs of your loved ones.

Some you could be predisposed to ailments like gall stones, gastric ulcers, skin diseases etc.

Hasta
Translation: Hand
Deity: Savitri
You are generally tall and well built. You have a magnetic personality and it is impossible to remain unimpressed with you. You have a selfless and helpful nature. You are a very creative person and work very well with your hands. Your talent will bring you name and recognition. You are hard working and dedicated and this propels you towards success. You have a very competitive nature that makes you seek success, often for its own sake. You often take things to heart and can lash out at others, when hurt or neglected. You should be honest with your feelings, and discuss them rationally and calmly. You should be careful of overindulgence. Also, try to be sympathetic to others and be sensitive to their needs.

You will be successful in areas that require you to use your creativity as well as work with your hands. Those born under this nakshatra are good at organising and managing things. You will also excel at jobs, which involve a lot of travelling.

Marital life will be happy and contented.

You could be plagued by minor bodily ailments like cough and cold, Breathing trouble, asthma etc. Overindulgence may lead to high blood pressure and heart ailments.

Swati
Translation: The lead goat in a herd
Deity: Vayu
You are a kind and caring person, who often gets involved with other's problems. You are an astute and intelligent person, to whom people come for guidance. Peaceful and good-natured, you cannot be corrupted or manipulated. You are single-minded and fiercely ambitious and will stop at nothing to achieve your goals. You have a strong sense of justice and harmony. You are broad-minded and attract people from diverse backgrounds. You will do well to attend to your finances or you may incur a lot of debt.

Many of those born under this nakshatra will be involved in religious or social work. You are ideally suited to work in the social sphere. You could also be involved in religious organisations and politics. Some of you will do well in professions related to medicine and drugs, chemicals, precious metals and travel industry.

You tend to focus too much on your social work and this may create friction within the family.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like pain in the joints, heart trouble, abdominal problems etc.

Anuradha
Translation: Success
Deity: Mitra
You are spirited, fun loving and well liked. You have an attractive personality and make a lot of friends. Strong and determined, you are also very ambitious. You achieve all your goals as you have a "never say die" attitude. You are spiritually inclined and may dabble in astrology and the occult. Some of you may be creative, especially in the performing arts. Many of you will shine in social and political fields.

You profession may take far away from your place of birth. Some of you may be successful in business. Careers that will suit you: Sales and marketing, Astrology, Spiritual guidance and counselling, Business etc.

You will have a satisfactory marriage but you will have to be sensitive to your partner's needs. Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from minor bodily ailments like asthma, breathing trouble, cough and cold and dental problems.

Shravana
Translation: Ear of Hearing
Deity: The Maintainer
You are a kind and considerate person. You are neat and well ordered. You tend to walk the middle ground preferring neither extreme. You will be financially successful and lead a materially comfortable life.

Your organisational and leadership skills are well developed, and you may do well in business. You will make a good manager or project leader. You also like to spend a lot of time working for charitable organisations. You need to be careful with your finances or you may bankrupt your self.

Careers that will suit you: Engineering, management related jobs, charitable and social institutions etc. You will be happiest if you could work for charitable or social work organisations.

Your marital life will be extremely happy and blissful.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like eczema and skin diseases, T.B., Rheumatism etc.

Revati
Translation: Wealthy
Deity: Pushan
You are independent and fiercely ambitious. As the translation suggests, this is a nakshatra of wealth. Those born under it will enjoy great prosperity. Setbacks will not hold you back for long. You are attractive and sociable. People enjoy being around you, as you are extremely likeable and easy to get along with. You enjoy a robust physique and good health. You have a tendency to overburden your self with others' problems and this could cause your health to suffer.

You should be careful with your finances or you could incur a lot of debt.

Careers that will suit you are: Counselling, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social work etc. You should also try volunteer work in your spare time.

Your marital life will be very harmonious and your spouse, very compatible.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from complaints like ulcers, intestinal disorders, orthopaedic and dental problems.

The Human group

Bharani
Translation: The Bearer
Deity: Yama
You are of medium build with well-set teeth. You are intelligent, with a quick mind and ready wit, and are mentally quite flexible. You are spontaneous and optimistic, and drawn to the unknown. You are very courageous and never shy away from a fight, especially if you think it is for the right cause. Many of you will be blessed with a long life. Your Nakshatra is that of the 'The Bearer', one who is burdened. This often makes you bitter and selfish, as you feel encumbered by responsibility. You dislike being controlled and manipulated though quite often your own behaviour can be childlike.

Some of you are very creative, especially in the visual arts, and may try your hand at painting and photography.

Careers that will suit you are: Military, Chemical industry, medicine, agriculture. You may have problems in romance and may be misunderstood by your partner. You are a connoisseur and fond of good things in life and prone to putting on weight. Obesity and skin diseases could plague many of you.

Rohini
Translation: The Red One
Deity: Prajapati
Lightly built, you are soft spoken and popular. You have delicate features and a gentle nature. You admire honesty and loyalty. You are witty and intelligent and with your excellent persuasive skills, you can sway people. You can quickly gain others' confidence but must take care not to abuse their trust. You can motivate others to work hard and achieve their goals. You may experience family problems due to being misunderstood sometimes.

Careers that will suit you are: Business, chemical engineering, civil engineering and construction, architecture, design, landscaping etc. Finance is another area where you could do very well.

You are also inclined towards intellectual activities and will continue to seek knowledge through out your life.

Your romantic and marital life will be blissful and tranquil. Some of you could suffer from nervous and stress related health problems. A turn towards spirituality and religion will prove beneficial and will bring you peace of mind.

Purva Phalguni
Translation: The Fig Tree
You are attractive and personable able to draw a large number of people towards yourself and make friends easily. You have a sophisticated and dignified bearing. You tend to be scrupulously honest and cannot stand back quietly and watch any illegal activity. You are also single minded and determined and once your mind is made up, there is no stopping you. This trait often causes you to step on a lot of toes and hurt people. It would be wise for you to plan and organise well before starting out on a project. You should be careful with your finances or you may incur a lot of debt.

You often take things to heart and can lapse into a depression when hurt or neglected. You should be honest with your feelings and discuss them rationally and calmly. You will do well in the legal field as well as in law enforcement as it is important for you to defend moral values. Your marital life will be happy though you will require constant reassurance and love from your partner. Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like asthma and related breathing troubles, dental problems and abdominal complications.

Uttara Phalguni
Translation: The latter red one
Deity: Bhaga
By nature you are calm, composed and unwavering. You charm your way into people's hearts. Though you are flexible, you have very strong moral convictions. You are a cheerful person and take the trials and tribulations of life in your stride. You possess an independent frame of mind. Some of you may have some problems regarding your temper. You will need to develop more tolerance. You should guard against becoming arrogant and vain. It is important that you do not become too self-focussed. Volunteer work with social and charitable organisations will bring you good luck.

You tend to be hard working and will do well in life. You will especially be successful in careers that are associated with new beginnings like construction industry, hospitality industry, event planning, publicity management etc. You may also do well in public dealings and earn well out of commissions and royalties.

Marital life is pleasant and contented.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like dental problems, gastric problems and bodily discomforts.

Purva Ashada
Translation: The Former Unsubdued
Deity: Apa
You are caring, gentle nature and have many friends. You are a hard worker and will make an excellent manager. You are supportive and generous and go out of your way to help friends. You have a forgiving nature and do not hold grudges against others. You prefer a simple life above fame and fortune. You would make an excellent manager but would rather not take on responsibility.

Very often, people born under this nakshatra are unable to realise their full potential. The reason for this is not lack of talent or skill but a lack of ambition. You need to focus more on your career and education.

Careers and activities that will suit you: Financial planning, social work, NGO's volunteer work etc.

Spouse is usually compatible and married life, satisfactory.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like T.B. eosonophilia, muscular problems etc. Women could suffer from uterine problems.

Uttara Ashada
Translation: The Latter Unsubdued
Deity: Vishwadevas
You have a tall well-proportioned body and tend toward thinness. You are interested in learning and in higher education. You are just, liberal and always ready to help the needy. You have a sunny disposition and are fun to be with. Your kindness and consideration has won you many friends. People look up to you and turn to you for help and guidance. Occasionally you should attend to your own needs too.

Careers that will suit you: Research, Teaching, Counselling, Intellectual activities, banking, publishing etc.

You will be lucky in love and you will have a happy marriage. You will prove to be a devoted spouse. Some of you may have more than one marriage though.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from complaints like stomach and abdominal ailments, eye problems.

Purva Bhadrapada
Translation: Former Beautiful Foot
Deity: Aja Ekapad
You are a self sufficient and highly resourceful person. You will be very successful in attracting wealth. You will succeed in attracting a lot of friends, some of them rich and powerful. You are a risk taker and your charming personality often gets you out of tight spots. You are a very adaptable person and can change yourself as the situation warrants. You have very discriminating tastes.

Careers that will suit you: Business, Banking and finance, Industrial management, international travel, gems and precious metals etc.

Your marital life will be happy and your spouse will be a constant source of strength and encouragement to you. You understand human nature and can figure out most people.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from complaints like paralytic attacks, diabetes, gastric and abdominal problems.

Women could suffer from uterine problems.

Uttara Bhadrapada
Translation: Latter Beautiful Foot
Deity: Ahir Budhnya
You are an attractive and charming personality and will always stand out in a crowd. You have a large number of friends cutting across the social spectrum. You are loyal to your friends and always willing to come to their aid. Some of you will tend to be shy and it is important that they learn to face the world with confidence. Generally, you are intelligent and erudite, and your intellectual achievements will be a source of inspiration to others.

You are financially successful and self-sufficient. You are a loving and merciful person and always willing to reach out to others. You spend a lot of time and money on charity. You are good at solving problems. This talent lends very well to a successful career in law, professional mediation, counselling.

Your marital life will be harmonious and satisfactory and children will be a source of joy and happiness.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from minor complaints like bodily aches and pains, rheumatism etc.

Ardra
Translation: Moist or Perspiring
Deity: Rudra
You tend to be healthy, vigorous and physically fit. Many of you are handsome and good-looking. You have that rare gift of compassion and empathy and are inclined to help the needy. You are more inclined towards physical activity even though you are quite intelligent. At times, you can be insensitive and impetuous. You are flexible and open to change, and often make attempts to change your negative traits.

Often you are stubborn and not easily persuaded. Some times you inadvertently cause pain to others, and are viewed as a threat by them.

Subduing of animals, people or natural forces come naturally to people born under this nakshatra.

Career best suited for you: Law enforcement, fire fighting, etc. It is important to realise that this urge to control others should not be extended to romantic and family affairs. It will have to be replaced with love, trust and respect. To always try and dominate will cause an inordinate amount of pain to your loved ones.

It is important to realise that this urge to control others should not be extended to romantic and family affairs. It will have to be replaced with love, trust and respect. To always try and dominate will cause an inordinate amount of pain to your loved ones.

Heart trouble, paralysis, and stress related ailments are some of the likely ailments that you could suffer from.

Kritikka
Translation: The Cutter
Deity: Agni
You have a feline grace and a magnetic personality. You are popular, especially with the opposite sex. You are powerfully built and have a commanding presence. You are hearty and vigorous with a voracious appetite. You are an overachiever and you may acquire many material possessions. You are determined and resolute and once your mind is made up, there is no stopping you. You are admired for your single mindedness, and your sense of purpose. You have the ability to cut through to the heart of the matter and tackle problems head on. Your leadership skills are highly developed though your aggressiveness often intimidates those around you. You are often misunderstood.

Normally those born under this nakshatra are placid characters, but can become very dangerous if provoked.

As the translation implies, you are good at cutting through things. Therefore you will be good at carpentry, sculpture, metal work etc.

Careers that will suit you are: Engineering, law, Military, medicine, business, interior decoration etc.

You are ideally suited to fight for the rights of the less privileged, as you are adept at getting things done.

Aslesha
Translation: The entwiner
Deity: Sarpas
You are resourceful and clever. You think and move fast. You are remarkably flexible and have the capability to transform yourself. You have diverse interests and need constant stimulation. As a result you may change careers many times in your life. Many of you are born leaders and have a fierce desire to be the best. You also want to be recognised for your achievements. You have excellent communication skills and many of you may be good orators

You should be careful regarding your investments or you may suffer heavy losses.

You are very secretive by nature and though often work in groups, you have a sense of alienation. Often you are unduly suspicious of people's motives. You need a lot of variety in your career. Ideally you are suited to go into politics, acting, writing or journalism.

Your family life will be harmonious and you will make your partner the focal point of your life. You could suffer from ailments like joint pains, bodily discomforts, and nervous disorders.

Magha
Translation: The Mighty One
Deity: Pitris
You are forthright and honest. You have a positive attitude and a very balanced outlook. You have a commanding personality and are very knowledgeable about various issues. People look up to you for guidance. You respect others and in turn expect respect from them. You have strong leadership skills and yearn to get to the top. You have a tendency to be arrogant, which combined with your bluntness and honesty may alienate some people. You will enjoy a harmonious marital life. However you if you are too demanding of your family you may face problems.

Your honesty and compassion makes you ideally suited to work in the social sector. Also Magha being the Nakshatra of royalty you may well be elevated to high position in life. You may do well in business or in public or private spheres. You can amass a lot of wealth. You are a brilliant planner and organiser and are always in command of a situation.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from diseases like asthma, epilepsy or cancer. Women should watch out for uterine problems.

Chitra
Translation: Brilliant
Deity: Twastry
You are graceful and sophisticated. You easily stand out in a crowd. You are well dressed and well groomed. You are also courageous, astute, intuitive, ambitious and popular. You are a lover of art and all things beautiful. You have an eye for detail and can arrange things in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing. Some of you may be drawn towards intellectual endeavours. Many of you will pursue higher education and will retain a lifelong thirst for knowledge. You are extremely knowledgeable and very concerned with political and social issues. You will be able to hold your own in intellectual discussions. You have a powerful urge to be proved right and often, this makes you aggressive.

Activities and careers that will suit you are: Research, teaching and intellectual pursuits, the visual arts, interior decoration, designing, landscaping etc.

You may face problems in your marital life that will need to be tackled with sensitivity. Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like kidney and bladder troubles, psychiatric and brain disorders etc. Women should be careful about uterine problems.

Vishakha
Translation: Forked Branch
Deity: Indra and Agni
You have an attractive personality and are quick-witted. You are very popular, especially with members of the opposite sex. You are very intelligent, needing constant mental stimulation. You prefer the company of like-minded people. You are an excellent communicator, and you write and speak well. You attract a large number of people and make many friends. You have a strong sense of justice and harmony and when you see people being treated unfairly, you speak up.

You will have to guard against sarcasm and speaking negatively about people.

Careers that will suit you: Journalism, sales and marketing, writing.

Those born under this nakshatra are likely to have a very happy marital life and will make good marriage partners.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like paralysis, kidney and bladder trouble, hormone deficiencies etc.

Jyeshtha
Translation: Eldest
Deity: Indra
You are an attractive personality, full of vitality and energy. You are loving and generous. You are engrossed in family matters and feel responsible for the members of your family. Sometimes you feel resentful and bitter about being encumbered by responsibility. You achieve success early in life. Your attractive personality and essential good nature wins you many friends. You are an expert at working with your hands and at fashioning metals.

Success will come to you after the age of twenty-one. Careers that will suit you are: Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical engineering, Architecture, construction, interior designing etc.

Married life is happy and you will have very supportive spouses.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from minor bodily ailments like pain in the joints, cough and cold, sleeplessness etc. Women could suffer from uterine problems.

Moola
Translation: The Root
Deity: Niritti
You have an attractive personality and ooze charm. You are therefore able to draw people towards you and influence them. You have a knack for getting to the heart of the matter and being very direct. You are flexible and unorthodox. Strong and determined, you are also very ambitious. You can sometimes be fiercely competitive and goal oriented. You are known for your direct approach and single-mindedness.

You will be financially successful and lead a materially comfortable life. Careers that will suit you: Politics, sales and marketing, finance, stock market, business, hydraulic engineering, sailing etc.

Married life is satisfactory though you will have to guard against sabotaging your relationship by getting too competitive with your mate.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from ailments like pain in the joints, Rheumatism, hip and backaches etc.

Dhanishtha
Translation: Wealth
Deity: Vasus
You are a multifaceted personality with diverse interests. You are highly intelligent and possess all round knowledge. Your interests take up a lot of your time. You are skilled in your line of work. You are passionate about the past and spend time learning about it. You generally have the upper hand in intellectual discussions. You are a glib talker, though you often end up hurting others.

You are skilled in business, music and dance, astrology etc. You will do well in scientific research etc. Activities and careers that will suit you are: History, archaeology, art-restoration, museology etc. Some of you could do well in engineering and computer industry. Generally you will need a profession that will allow you to establish a link with the past.

Marital life will be happy and satisfactory.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from complaints like anaemia, cough and cold etc. Women may suffer from uterine problems.

Satabisha
Translation: 100 Physicians
Deity: Varuna
You have a noble and an aristocratic demeanour. You value truth very highly. The pursuit of knowledge is a life long quest and you may have as diverse interests as philosophy, psychology, astrology, metaphysics and mathematics. You need constant mental stimulation. Though you have control over your emotions, you are very changeable and often confuse people. You can become dangerous when provoked.

Careers and activities that will suit you: Academics, Engineering, Mathematics, Accounts, Scientific research etc. As the translation indicates, you will especially do well in medicine and surgery. Some of you may explore non-traditional forms of medicine. Marital life may not be without friction.

Those born under this nakshatra could suffer from complaints like urinary tract diseases, diabetes, breathing trouble, cough and cold, pneumonia etc. Dental problems are also indicated.