Nakshatras (Constellations) are further divisions of the zodiac signs and governed by planets, therefore they are of extreme importance for in-depth analysis of a birth chart..
The zodiac is divided into 12 equal parts of 300 each and these are called zodiac signs from Aries to Pisces.
There is another division of the zodiac and that is into its 27 equal parts of 130:20′ each and these are known as Nakshatras or Constellations. There are two and a quarter constellations in one sign.
Each of these nakshatras is governed by a planet, as there are nine planets so each planet governs three nakshatras.
Importance of Nakshatras in Vedic astrology
In a birth chart each planet not only falls in a particular sign but also in a nakshatra. What difference is made if nakshatras are considered will be clear from the following real life example:
The following is the birth chart of a famous surgeon born in 1942.
In this birth chart Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are placed in the house of profession viz. the 10th house. The planet Mars is the main planet for becoming a surgeon, Jupiter is connected with wisdom, cure and medicine and Saturn is for scalpel and scissors which are essential tools of a surgeon.
Now if we consider the nakshatras in which these three planets fall, then we find the key factor that gave high degree of excellence in his surgery work to this doctor.
From the astrological data given below in table 1 we note that Mars falls in the nakshatra of Mars itself so Mars here gets extra strength giving him high degree of expertise. Jupiter also falls in nakshatra of Mars so this auspicious planet gets connected firmly with surgery. Saturn falls in the nakshatra of the Sun which is the boss of health and healing.
Table: 1 Astrological data of the above birth chart.
| Planet/Asc | Sign | Longitude/Degrees:Minutes | Constellation | Constellation lord |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asc | Leo | 18:26 | Poorvaphalguni | Ve |
| Su | Pisces | 24:54 | Revati | Me |
| Mo | Sagittarius | 28:02 | Utrashadha | Su |
| Ma | Taurus | 26:08 | Mrigshira | Ma |
| Me | Pisces | 12:40 | Utrabhadrapad | Sa |
| Ju | Taurus | 24:04 | Mrigshira | Ma |
| Ve | Aquarius | 08:42 | Shatbhishaj | Ra |
| Sa | Taurus | 03:17 | Kritika | Su |
| Ra | Leo | 18:38 | Poorvaphalguni | Ve |
| Ke | Aquarius | 18:38 | Shatbhishaj | Ra |
Most Important Nakshatras
It is always better to pay attention to the nakshatra of each planet and the ascendant. But most important nakshatras are those of the following:
♣ Nakshatra of the ascendant
♣ Nakshatra of natal Moon
♣ Nakshatra of the cusp of house under consideration.
♣ Nakshatras of the signification a house
By taking into consideration at least these nakshatras one can expect greater degree of accuracy of analysis and predictions.
Article by: Jyotirvid Pawan Kumar
