Introduction to the Nakshatras

To appreciate the depth and uniqueness of Vedic Astrology, one must encounter and explore the nakshatras. Nakshatra literally means "that which never decays." They reflect the primordial level of the zodiacal belt, which lies beneath the twelve basic signs. In comparison to the signs (or rasis as they are named in India), the nakshatras reveal the deeper, more profound effect of the constellations. While the rasis reflect a "mass or heap" of the twelve signs, the nakshatras further divide the constellations into 27 segments of equal length. Each nakshatra is 13x 20' in duration. Multiplying this length by 27 equals the entire zodiacal belt of 360x. Each nakshatra has a rich mythology and powerful deities that reside within it. It is important to remember that "the basis of astrology is mythology." By exploring the myths and archetypes of the nakshatras, the constellations are brought to life. One of the best books on this subject is Myths and Symbols of Vedic Astrology by Bepin Behari. As Behari points out, "the Atharva and Yajur Vedas give complete lists of them (nakshatras) and associate them with the oldest Vedic gods." By befriending the particular god or goddess of a given nakshatra, archetypal healing becomes possible. As the great Swiss psychiatrist C.G. Jung once stated, we must "feed the gods." The nakshatras represent the fields of activity or environment in which the creative powers of the planets can reveal their multifaceted nature. They are called lunar mansions because the Moon "lives in" each of them for approximately one day. Each lunar mansion of 13x 20' length is further subdivided into four quarters of 3x 20' called padas. An ancient Vedic myth describes how the Moon god, Soma, was given 27 wives by the lord of creation, Prajapati. Each wife represented one of the lunar mansions which Soma, the Moon god, inhabited during his lunation cycle through the constellations. Each nakshatra is associated not only with particular deities, but also with a specific planet which rules that asterism. It may fall completely within a particular sign or overlap between two signs. Thus, it is also influenced by the sign or rasi it resides within. Each nakshatra is male or female, as well as sattva, rajas or tamas in nature. Sattva has a quality of spirituality, harmony, balance and purity. Rajas, which is dominant in human experience, is high energy, activity and somewhat "Type A" behavior. Finally, tamas has the basic quality of dullness, inertia, sloth, and darkness. These are the three basic gunas in which life reflects according to the Vedas. A specific animal species, sex, caste, temperament and primary motivation such as dharma (life purpose), artha (wealth), kama (fulfillment of desire) and moksha (enlightenment) is reflected through each nakshatra. Personality strengths and weaknesses are also correlated with the basic nature of each lunar mansion. Finally, a specific archetypal symbol is depicted for each asterism. Because Vedic Astrology is a sidereal system, it is based on direct observation of the planets in the constellations. Thus when you observe the Moon at night near the fixed stars of Al Sharatain and Mesarthim, you know it resides in the first lunar mansion of Ashwini (0x to 13x 20' of Aries). In this respect the Vedic or sidereal viewpoint is more in line with an astronomer's picture of the cosmos than the season-based tropical zodiac many people use in the West. As an example of how Nakshatras are interpreted, let us focus Ashwini. Note, however, that aspects made from other planets can greatly influence the quality of a planet in a particular nakshatra. The strength of the ruling planet of a nakshatra will also provide further insights into the nature of the planet residing there. Ashwini (0 - 13x 20' Aries) The first of the 27 lunar mansions is called Ashwini, which resides entirely with the sign of Aries the Ram, ruled by Mars. The nakshatra itself is ruled by Ketu, the South Node of the Moon. Thus, a Mars/Ketu mixture of energy is experienced by planets which inhabit it. Dynamism, tenacity, fierce activity and a thirst for life are reflected by this combination of forces. Activation of primordial energies with the awakening of consciousness is associated with this asterism. The symbol of this nakshatra is a horse's head. It consists of three stars in the head of the Ram constellation. These fixed stars are Mesarthim, Al Sharatain and Hamal. These stars lie just a little north of the ecliptic. This lunar mansion is called "the star of transport." In her wonderful book, The Circle of Stars, Valerie Roebuck reveals that Ashwini also means "the horsewoman," "possessing horses," "yoking horses," and "she who yokes horses." Interestingly, famous horse lovers Prince Charles of England and Jackie Onasssis have their natal Moons placed in this nakshatra. The power and stamina of the horse as well as its "headstrong" nature are found within this asterism. The grace and beauty of a horse in flight may also be witnessed through Ashwini. A playful and childlike nature can also be experienced through Ashwini. A dauntless spirit that likes to explore new lands may be observed. As Bepin Behari writes, "If a rider is able to break and subdue a wild horse, he can use it to travel far." The love of just "horsing around" may also be present. For example, the famous comedian Jerry Lewis has his natal Moon in Ashwini. The Sun is exalted in this nakshatra. There is therefore a thirst for leadership, authority and honor associated with Ashwini. The great Hindu deity Shiva is said to inhabit this lunar mansion. The primary motivation of this nakshatra is the principle of dharma or righteous deeds and activity. Law, duty, religion, and ethical conduct are emphasized. The myth of Ashwini is also connected with Surya, the Sun god in Hindu lore. The story goes that Surya was so brilliant and hot that no one could bear to be in his presence. To help him, his father divided him into twelve parts, each a Sun with its own universe. Bits of solar energy that were whittled away in this process provided the material used to create Shiva's trident, Skanda's spear and Vishnu's discus. The Sun in our own universe was then married to the daughter of Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Her name was Sanjna which means intellect. But due to the heat and intensity of even this division of the original Sun, she needed to spend time away from Surya even though, in a sense, his divine light represented her true nature. During one of Sanjna's absences, she asked her housemaid, Chhaya, to take care of her husband. Interestingly, Chhaya translates to mean "shadow." Surya fell in love with Chhaya while his wife was away. When Sanjna returned, she found out about this betrayal and became so angry she turned herself into a mare and galloped away. Surya, realizing the grave mistake he had made, turned himself into a stallion and galloped after her. He finally caught up to her in a beautiful meadow and they made love, conceiving the Ashwin twins, the two horsemen. The Ashwins are pictured as divine, mystical doctors who ride in a golden chariot, bringing their healing energy down to the earth plane. They bring light, happiness and bliss to everyone they touch. They are known as the "physicians of the gods." The Ashwins can be invoked to bring about healing and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit. The assist in childbirth and can restore youth to the old and even life to the dead. A Greek equivalent to the Ashwins is Asklepios, the father of healing in ancient times. Miracles are experienced within this nakshatra. The shadow side of Ashwini is impulsiveness, aggression, a stubborn and arrogant nature. Adolf Hitler had his exalted natal Sun placed in Ashwini. Passion, lust and lack of discretion may be present if afflicted planets are placed in this nakshatra. Venus placed here may bring difficulties with sexuality. Dissatisfaction, disappointment, lack of mental quietude, and fear of criticism may appear if Saturn resides in this lunar mansion. References The Circle of Stars: An Introduction to Indian Astrology, Valerie J. Roebuck. Element, Inc.: Rockport, MA, 1992. Myths and Symbols of Vedic Astrology, Bepin Behari. Passage Press: Salt Lake City, UT, 1990. Ashwini at a Glance Range: 0x - 13x 30' Aries Symbol: Horse's Head Ruling Planet: Ketu Nature: Deva (god/goddess) Primary Motivation: Dharma Animal Symbol: Male Horse Direction: South Sounds: Chu, Chey, Cho, La Deities: Ashwini Kumars, Shiva, Surya Ascendant in Ashwini Famous People Graceful, lovely appearance Martin Luther King Brilliant eyes, magnetic look Carlos Castenada Respected, prominent, modest Robert F. Kennedy Wealthy, efficient Elvis Presley Moon in Ashwini Famous People Intelligent, bright mind Prince Charles Attractive, beautiful appearance Jackie Onassis Happy mood, gives hope to others Jerry Lewis Healing gifts, nurtures others Alfred Adler Fond of music and the fine arts Rick Tarnas Love of travel Aldous Huxley Attracted to spiritual life Ingrid Bergman Believes strongly in God Geena Davis Sincere love of family My wife Laura Marriage usually occurs between the ages of 26 - 30 Struggles until 30th year,then progress occurs