Nakshatras - The Foundation of Life (Lunar Mansions)
According to Vedic Astrology, the sky (360 degrees) is divided into 12 zodiac signs and 27 Nakshatras. While signs show the outer environment, Nakshatras reveal the internal quality and psychological nature of a planet. Our Moon's position at birth in a Nakshatra determines our mental makeup and life cycle (Dasha).
Nakshatras and Their Ruling Planets
| Ruling Planet | Nakshatras |
|---|---|
| Ketu | Ashwini (1), Magha (10), Moola (19) |
| Venus | Bharani (2), Purva Phalguni (11), Purvashada (20) |
| Sun | Krittika (3), Uttara Phalguni (12), Uttarashada (21) |
| Moon | Rohini (4), Hasta (13), Shravana (22) |
| Mars | Mrigashira (5), Chitra (14), Dhanishta (23) |
| Rahu | Aridra (6), Swati (15), Shatabhisha (24) |
| Jupiter | Punarvasu (7), Vishakha (16), Purvabhadra (25) |
| Saturn | Pushyami (8), Anuradha (17), Uttarabhadra (26) |
| Mercury | Ashlesha (9), Jyeshtha (18), Revati (27) |
Did you know? Each Nakshatra spans exactly 13 degrees and 20 minutes. The results of a planet change significantly even when it stays in the same sign, just by moving from one Nakshatra to another.