For those of you who have had Celestial Natal Readings with me, or my special offering which is your unique Natal Starry Sky Story, you know that we turn back the clocks to see where your planets were in the sky the moment you first opened your eyes on earth; and as I guide you through your celestial travels I also analyze your chart with the tropical zodiac – so we basically blend astronomy with the tropical zodiac in my readings, and see the connection between sky and earth, above and inward, the physical and the spiritual.
As I guide you along your celestial travel, you will see your planets residing in various parts of the sky, within constellations, close to fixed stars or star clusters and asterisms. Perhaps your Venus is at the paw of the lion or perhaps she is with bright star Aldebaran blessing you with magnetism, allure and creativity; perhaps your natal waxing crescent Moon is held within the embrace of the eternal twins being blessed with intuitive powers and spiritual secrets, or your Sun swims the seas of the great cosmic whale, or your Jupiter shines bright closest to the Milky Way destined to lead humanity towards greater unity through your universal wisdom. Parts of the sky, and specific fixed stars and asterisms, allow us to enter the Vedic lunar mansions called nakshatras, which deepen us into more insight.
Last time in The Love Story of Nakshatras, I shared with you more deeply on a few of the nakshatras and their energies, and today let’s travel the celestials as I guide you through the fixed stars and asterisms that each nakshatra corresponds to. One of the best ways to perceive the nakshatras is through direct observation knowing which stars within astronomical constellations they correspond to.
Nakshatras are essentially the deity personification of fixed stars and asterisms, and what nakshatra means is “lunar mansion”. Each nakshatra is a seed, and relates to the feminine aspect and feminine energy, the yoni, which then births its own fruit and flower. The planet is the husband, the nakshatra is the wife, and then a child will be born of their union. I’ve written on nakshatras many times before, and today we’ll have a celestial tour.
As a spiritual astrologer, please know that I use the Western and tropical zodiac, but in my holistic practice I blend various techniques from Vedic, Shamanic, and Esoteric astrology systems also. Nakshatras are one of my favourite Vedic techniques, which I’ve studied for many years and use in my professional practice with clients; and in chart interpretations and delineation, I use the sidereal zodiac for the nakshatras, as they are based on fixed stars, so I find that this is their approprite calculation.
I love astronomy and studied it briefly in university also, and I truly believe that astronomy, mathematics and celestial awareness help deepen our practice as astrologers; so may this be of benefit to you wherever you are on your path.
The Moon Cycles
There are 27 nakshatras, and they connect to the Moon and her lunar cycle.
There are two cycles of the Moon: the sidereal orbital period, which is 27.27 days, and synodic month, which is 29.5 days.
The shorter 27.27 sidereal orbital period is the time it takes the Moon to complete its travel along the backdrop of the fixed stars. For example, if the Moon today were at fixed star Spica, it will take it 27.27 days to arrive at Spica again. The sidereal period reflects the alignment between the Moon and fixed stars. This cycle is the basis for defining the nakshatras.
The longer 29.5 synodic month is the time from one new Moon to the next new Moon, aka the lunation cycle as observed from earth. The synodic period reflects the alignment between the Moon and the Sun.
The nakshatras are calculated using the sidereal orbital period and the sidereal zodiac. The tropical zodiac uses the synodic moon, meaning it calculates the Moon’s position based on its phases as seen from Earth, which is the time between consecutive new moons or full moons, rather than its position relative to fixed stars (sidereal moon).
In my professional practice while I delineate natal charts with the tropical zodiac, I always use the sidereal for the nakshatras, because they are deity personifications of the fixed stars within astronomical constellations and should appropriately be calculated with the sidereal orbital period.
Now let’s begin our celestial tour. I’ll be using the app Stellarium, which is free for download, so that you may use it to learn on your own if you wish, and I’ll turn on the astronomy art images, so that you can have a better idea of where the stars are or what astronomical constellations they relate.
Ashwini
Ashwini corresponds to β “Sheratan” and γ “Mesarthim” of the Aries constellation. We see it here at the head of the ram, and close to the fixed star Hamal, which is the brightest within this astronomical constellation. This part of the sky deals with leadership but should be mindful of stubbornness.
Bharani
Bharani corresponds to 35, 39 “Lilii Borea” and 41 “Bharani” of the Aries constellation. These stars actually form the asterism Musca Borealis, which was a constellation on its own, but is now considered a part of the Aries, so now it is merely called “Musca”. Musca Borealis was called Northern Fly, but originally it was called Apes, meaning “bee”, so this part of the sky is associated with a lot of creativity and fertility. In an atlas published in 1674, French scientist Ignace-Gaston Pardies named the stars of Musca Borealis Lilium, meaning the fleur-de-lis. A trace of it still exists, today, as the star 39 Arietis (one of the main stars of Lilium and Musca) is now known as Lilii Borea, the name given to it by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille. Bharani holds Lilii Borea, with the depth of the spiritual symbolism and divine feminine energy within it. This all flows nicely with the Vedic nakshatra meaning, as Bharani’s symbol is the yoni and her ruler is Venus, goddess of love, spiritual wisdom and the divine feminine.
Krittika
Krittika corresponds to the Pleiades, which is a cluster of young stars found in the body of the Taurus constellation. It’s often visible in the winter sky from the Northern Hemisphere, and is surrounded by a bluish nebula. Krittika, meaning “nurses of Karttikeya, a son of Shiva”, is ruled by the Sun, god of fire, and carries the Shiva trimurti energy of desiring freedom, search for truth and a lot of independence. The bluish nebula symbolizes the need for learning how to harness the energy and practice more compassion, kindness and patience.
Rohini
Rohini is the deity personification of fixed star Aldebaran, the brightest in the Taurus constellation. Aldebaran is a red star found in the eye of the bull, and one of our brightest ones in our sky; and Rohini itself means “red girl”. This part of the sky is associated with fertility, material abundance, creativity, sensuality, beauty and art, and strong magnetic energy. Being the favourite nakshatra and wife of the god Chandra Moon, where he’d spend all his time in her bedchambers and could barely make himself to leave to travel the rest of the sky, Rohini carries a lot of powerful magnetism and allure.
Mrigashira
Mrigashira corresponds to λ “Meissa” and φ “Hecka” of the Orion constellation. Orion is named after a hunter from Greek mythology, and Mrigrashira’s symbol is the deer’s head. We see these two stars in his face nicely aligning to Mrigashira’s symbol of the seeker, and the start of the quest.
Ardra
Adra corresponds to Betelgeuse or the Orion constellation. Orion is named after a hunter from Greek mythology, and this is one of the brightest stars in our whole sky that’s been discovered. We see Betelgeuse and Ardra at the right shoulder of Orion (or left shoulder if seen from earth), and this part of the sky carries a lot of power to create change and pave the unpaved paths.
Punarvasu
Punarvasu, meaning the return of light and renewal of soul, is the deity personification of two of our brightest stars in the sky, twins Pollux and Castor of the celestial Gemini constellation. Considered the purest nakshatra, with its deity Aditi, mother of all gods, this part of the sky is essentially about the power of love and raising each other in our world through compassion, kindness, moral compass and spiritual wisdom; it also connects to intuitive gifts and spiritual leadership.
Pushya
Pushya, meaning the nourisher, relates to the asterism γ “Asellus Borealis”, δ “Asellus Australis” and θ of the Cancer constellation. Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis are also known as the “Northern donkey” and “Southern donkey” respectively. There is wisdom and softness here, and a lot of nurturing as it shows us that through our human ability to see the inner self in someone and nourish and nurture them, a donkey is no longer just a donkey, a squirrel is no longer just another squirrel, it becomes dear in our heart; and when we appreciate, nourish and care for someone we deepen in love.
Ashlesha
Ashlesha combines stars and asterisms of δ, ε “Ashlesha”, η, ρ, and σ “Minchir” and “Minazal” of the Hydra constellation, the snake. Ashlesha entwines and coils around people and things, especially those she loves or wants to attach to, and should be mindful of her intention. There is potential for healing and raising herself through deeper awareness if she chooses rightly, and align to the kundalini and deep wisdom through transformation.
Magha
Magha is the deity personification of the star Regulus from the Leo constellation. We see the mighty lion, king of his realm, pacing his step and leading with courage, hopefully mindful of any pride or arrogance. A king is a true king when he leads with responsibility, integrity and honour, protecting humanity and having a big loving generous heart.
Purva Phalguni
Purva phalguni relates to δ “Zosma” and θ “Chertan” of the Leo constellation – and we see her here at the back legs of the lion, and in a part of the body relating to procreation. This part of the sky deals with creativity, love, art, pleasure and wealth.
Uttara Phalguni
Uttara phalguni is the personification of the star Denebola in the Leo constellation – we see her here along the tail of the lion. Uttara phalguni’s symbol is the back legs of a bed or hammock, and it may often relate to relaxation and rejuvenation, as well as willpower and enduring.
Hasta
Hasta corresponds to the asterism of α “Alchiba”, β “Kraz”, γ, δ “Algorab” and ε “Minkar” of the Corvus constellation. Corvus is a small, box-shaped pattern in the night sky that depicts a raven or crow; and the name Corvus comes from the Latin word for “crow”. Hasta often relates to clarity of thinking, humour, ascetic tendencies and structured intelligence.
Chitra
Chitra is the deity personification of the bright fixed star Spica in the Virgo constellation. We find Spica in the hand of the woman, often portrayed as holding a branch of wheat, showing our connection to the nature and willingness to serve others. Chitra’s symbol is a bright jewel or pearl, and it is through her selfless generosity and serving others in her every day life that she may shine brightly.
Swati
Swati is the deity personification of the bright star Arcturus of Boötes. Boötes is said to be one of the most ancient constellations in the sky, and is the 13th largest constellation in the night sky with Arcturus being one of the brightest stars in our sky. This is a part of sky which shows movement and direction, change and initiation, travel and is world oriented, and relates to sharp thinking, courage and independence.
Vishaka
Vishaka, meaning forked or two branched, corresponds to α “Zubenelgenubi”, β “Zubeneschamali”, γ “Zubenelhakrabi” and ι of the Libra astronomical constellation. This constellation is usually best seen in the spring and summer skies in the Northern hemisphere; and at these times of seasons, as we know, nights and days are more of equal length, which is why this part of the sky relates to justice and the need for balance.
Anuradha
Anuradha holds into her lunar mansion the three stars β “Acrab”, δ “Dschubba” and π “Fang” – forming the “Crown of the Scorpion” – of the Scorpius astronomical constellation. Symbolized by the lotus flower, Anuradha is about deep devotion and spiritual strength, loyalty and harmony. Anuradha means “following Radha”, and Radha was the beloved of god Krishna, and she was also goddess of love, compassion and devotion – so the path of this nakshatra, if we seek to enter it fully and reach its heart, is through the devotional path.
Jyeshta
Moving into the body of the scorpion, we find Jyeshta as the asterism of the α “Antares”, σ “Alniyat”, and τ “Paikauhale” of the Scorpius constellation. Antares is a fiery star, often called the rival of Mars (whose is known as god Ares), as she is seen often more visibly than Mars, and in ancient China Antares was called “the second star of the heart” and/or “the fiery star”. Antares shines brightest in this constellation and is widely referred to as the heart of the scorpion. There is intensity here, but also the opportunity, if she uses her power wisely, for meaningful transformation, inner growth, intuitive and emotional maturity.
Mula
Mula is the lunar mansion holding the tail of the scorpion, including the stars ε “Larawag”, ζ, η, θ “Sargas”, ι, κ, λ “Shaula”, μ and ν “Jabbah” of the Scorpius constellation. In the image above, Mula is basically all the stars spanning the tail beginning at Larawag in the body. Mula means “root”, and it is usually symbolized by a tied bunch of roots; and as her deity is Niriti, there is often a need here to untangle roots, destroy and cut some roots also, to make way for something new to be born.
Purva Ashada
Purva ashada, meaning the invincible one or the victory, holds true to its name as we enter the lunar mansion of δ “Kaus Media” and ε “Kaus Australis” of the Sagittarius constellation. These two are part of the bow of the archer, and are the closest stars to the densest of the Milky Way, thereby symbolizing depth of spiritual knowledge and wisdom, free minds, and the profound ability for insight that may bring humanity into oneness. Often known as the high priest or priestess, possessing deep spiritual wisdom as well as a love and knowledge for philosophy and long distance travels, they have an aura of magnetism and influence.
Uttara Ashada
Uttara ashada, meaning the later victory or later invincible, is the asterism of ζ “Ascella” and σ “Nunki” of the Sagittarius constellation, and it too relates to universal wisdom, and the intention to dissolve boundaries and open perspectives. Here we see someone who is a spiritual seeker, seeking to move towards the Milky Way.
Shravana
Shravana, meaning hearing, is the asterism of α “Altair”, β “Alshain” and γ “Tarazed” of the Aquila constellation, which is shaped like an eagle. In this part of the sky we find the flow of consciousness, receptivity to the subtle, voice and communication, and ability to express and teach others with wisdom, so that they reach far in their lives with higher perspectives.
Dhanishta
Dhanishta is the asterism of α “Sualocin”, Rotanev, Al Ukud, Al Salib of the Delphinus constellation, which is our celestial dolphin. The symbol of Dhanishta is the flute, and in this part of the sky we see symphony, music, singing, charity, and the ability to have an active vision of the higher realms; there is often compassion and inspiration for social justice.
Shatabisha
Shatabisha, meaning the hundred physicians, is the deity personification of the fixed star γ “Sadachbia” of the Aquarius constellation. We see her here at the place where the water bearer pour his waters of insight and high knowledge to infuse something new into our world for the purpose of moving forward. As it carries undertones of Uranus, these aren’t necessarily “waters” he is pouring; I’ve always seen these as the electric Uranus sparkles of new ideas and free independent thought. The deity of Shatabisha is Varuna, god of cosmic water, sky and earth; and this part of the sky often is associated with healing potential also, which is why Shatabisha is known as the hundred physicians.
Purva Bhadrapada
Purva bhadrapada, meaning the first of the blessed feet, is the asterism of α “Markab” and β “Scheat” of the Pegasus constellation. We see these stars at the chest of the Pegasus, and in this part of the sky, under the influence of both Jupiter and Uranus, there is eccentric and unique nature, original and out of the box visionary. It’s quite future oriented and a maverick.
Uttara Bhadrapada
Uttara bhadrapada, meaning the second of the blessed feet, is the joined two stars of γ “Algenib” of Pegasus and α “Alpheratz” of Andromeda. The joining of the two constellation gives this part of the sky an energy of a cosmic bridge, so these natives often have some affinity with the cosmos, are often peaceful and interested in the spiritual. The deity of uttara bhadrapada is the dragon of the deep sea, so they need to be mindful of addictions and try to be more discerning and less indecisive.
Revati
Revati is the deity personification of ζ “Revati” of the Pisces astronomical constellation. We see star Revati at the beginning of the constellation, where it is initiated from the whale Cetus, and then separates into two flows. Each fish follows her own flow; one moves towards Andromeda, and the other towards Aquarius, and Revati is in the latter flow. This part of the sky is about developing maturity, inner stability through self knowledge, while also learning trust and surrender, and essentially, learning how to navigate the waters of life. Know thyself is where all begins.
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