Swati : [6°40’ – 20°00’ Libra]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Swati is the fifteenth asterism of the zodiac which extends from 186°40’ to 200°0’ and completely resides within the sign Libra, the balance, ruled by Venus. It is spotted by Arcturus, the brightest single star in the constellation Bootis. The meaning of Swati is the Sword which indicates a strong desire of dominance. The sign Libra is ruled by planet Venus and denotes that material and spiritual forces are evenly posed. Swati represents that influence with some differences. This is being highlighted by the rulership of asterism by Rahu. The primary motivation of the asterism is Arth, focused activity. Its basic and secondary attribute is tamas, with sattva at tertiary level. The presiding deity of the asterism is vayu, the god of wind or life breath. Vayu or air is the vital life force of the universe. The symbol of the asterism is Coral.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

A lot of mystery is attached with the Coral because it has many characteristics within itself. It is believed that it produces its off spring on its own. This also indicates of an evolutionary stage when outer forces are not required because evolution was happening on its own. Although coral looks like a solid mass but essentially not a marine creature, actually it is a sea product. Due to marine conditions it becomes hard and solid. At the same time coral has a strong psychic impact on the people who experienced it. Although it is affected by its marine conditions, it has an inbuilt quality of creating its own environment. The same is true for human beings also, they get influenced by surroundings but have the ability to change themselves suddenly.

Swati is a primordial stage of evolution when evolution was happening with a single cell or asexual. There are many ancient stories where a rishi could produce off springs by his thought, imagination, speech, ear, nose, sweat etc. as a matter of fact reproduction activities started happening under Swati’s influence in Libra. The deity of the asterism is Vayu, however there are two more important forces agni (fire), Surya (the Sun) and Vayu, the trinity gods who are responsible to the formation of the material world. The sign Libra plays a very important role in the cosmic world. Being the seventh sign of the zodiac which represents balance of the universe plays a very important role in the planetary hierarchy. Saturn becomes exalted here indicating materialism is taking a centre stage. The atmic planet Sun gets debilitated which indicates that atmic or spiritual forces are at the lower ebb. Therefore self-gratification starts taking deep roots over here and ego becomes self-centered. Rahu, the lord of nakshatra plays a very important role because internally he seeks spirituality but externally gets entangled with materialism. Here lies the importance of balance, Libra. If that can be established then one can proceed towards spirituality easily.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Swati – Rahu – Venus combination provides an inherent force to change the surrounding environment in a dramatic way. Their inner force is so intense that it has the ability to bring a paradigm shift in their lives. Persons born under this sign are extremely passionate and plan their moves by utilizing their intellect to the optimum. Your actions are directed towards personal gains because self-gratification is the most motivating point in your life. Your total personality is engrossed in every action that you pursue. If you go through any pain or deprivation, you do not get bogged down because of the strong belief that when the time of rewards shall come, these things will not matter at all. You seek pleasure in work but are not pleasure seekers.

You work very hard to crystallize your spirit and energies towards the world for personal gains. Your total persona is highly motivated to achieve personal glorification. You can be focused and can cut yourself from all worldly pleasures to achieve your goals. Sometimes, outer surroundings do influence you, but you have the capability to come out unscathed. You are intensely passionate in most of your actions. As a matter of fact, you can be business-like and forego personal pleasures. You are compassionate towards others and willing to help anybody in distress. You are exceptionally kind and have a healing influence on others.

Your Drawbacks: You remain discontented and restless even after achieving a lot in life. Too much self-indulgence or self-centredness can also create problems with your personality. You should learn to organize your energy because destructive tendencies can take a heavy toll on you. You are very sensitive and tend to get upset easily.

Chitra : [23°20’ Virgo – 6°40’ Libra]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Chitra is the fourteenth star of the zodiac. The asterism is divided equally in Virgo and Libra signs. It extends from 23°20’ to 30°0’ in Virgo and from 0°0’ to 6°40’ in Libra sign, i.e., from 173°20’ to 186°40 of the zodiac. Virgo sign is ruled by Mercury whereas Libra is governed by Venus. Chitra is known as the star of opportunities and represented by a single star, Spica and symbolizes as a bright pearl. Chitra means an image, a work of art, painting, picture etc. The ruling planet of asterism is Mars. Its primary motivation is kama or passion. Tamas or inertia is its attribute on all levels. The presiding deity of the asterism is Tvashtra, also known as Vishwakarma, the celestial architect of the universe.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

Chitra is one of the most mystical nakshatras. The meaning of Chitra is brilliant, transparent and is also referred as a serpent. The symbol of asterism is Pearl. Prime a facie it looks very attractive and alluring but it also has the potential of a serpent. The danger and wisdom operates at the same level which is why it is difficult to decipher easily. The Sanskrit word of Pearl is mukta which has its roots in mukti or moksha, i.e., liberation. Superficially, moksha or liberation looks very easy and everybody thinks that one day he will be liberated. But the real meaning of moksha is known only by yogis because they lead a life of severe austerity and put themselves through all kind of trial and turbulence before they be one with their god or get liberated.

The asterism is equally spread in Virgo as well as in Libra. Virgo is the sixth sign of the Kaal Purush(cosmic man) and denotes disease and opposition. Mercury is the lord of Virgo who operates at a mental plane and faces all kind of difficulties and constraints before it can cross the shore. Libra is the seventh sign and ruled by Venus. The constellation itself is ruled by Mars. The combination of Venus and Mars motivates the soul and it gets into worldly pleasures and absolute ignorance takes place. Tvashtra is the presiding deity of the universe and its job is to bring out the real image out of a rough and tough stone. As a sculpture it needs to cut and chip the stone which is definitely a painful task.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Chitra – Mars – Mercury combination suggests that the stage is set for trial and tribulations before an individual realizes ones goals. The inner force wants to break away with the outer crust, therefore, pain and trouble becomes a part and parcel of life. In this process, sometimes, an individual feels very lonely. This situation is similar to churning an ocean where the elixir of life cannot be obtained without much effort. Mysteries of life need to be demystified, only the real image can be perceived.

The Chita – Mars – Venus combination suggests tremendous potential. Paradoxically, wisdom and danger are also synchronized in this nakshatra, which is why this asterism is known as being the most mystical. One has to go to the extreme and utilize all his potential to get desired results. The aspirant needs to discipline himself and focus his energy on one identified point, it is only then that the real goal could be perceived. Helplessness in an action always encounters you before you succeed. For people born under this combination, success is not achieved without paying a price.

You think like yogis to a certain extent. Yogis are aware of the fact that nothing exceptional can be achieved nor can one liberate oneself from the mundane affairs without going through pain and difficulties. You also believe that the real nature of your being can be perceived only through severe austerities. Perhaps, this is the reason you do not mind taking on challenges of life with all your might. You are very honest, interested in intellectual pursuits and you work with the knowledge that if you utilize your energy in the right direction, nothing will be impossible. You go an extra mile to help people in areas where you see potential.

You work very hard to crystallize your spirit and energies towards the world for personal gains. Your total persona is highly motivated to achieve personal glorification. You can be focused and can cut yourself from all worldly pleasures to achieve your goals. Sometimes, outer surroundings do influence you, but you have the capability to come out unscathed. You are intensely passionate in most of your actions. As a matter of fact, you can be business-like and forego personal pleasures. You are compassionate towards others and willing to help anybody in distress. You are exceptionally kind and have a healing influence on others.

Your Drawbacks: One of your challenges revolves around a strong sexual urge which needs to be either understood or harnessed. Too much indulgence or being over-passionate could also bring about your downfall. At times, your temperament can also create a lot of problems for you. Self-centredness and an egoistic approach need to be cured well in time.

You remain discontented and restless even after achieving a lot in life. Too much self-indulgence or self-cenredness can also create problems with your personality. You should learn to organize your energy because destructive tendencies can take a heavy toll on you. You are very sensitive and tend to get upset easily.

Hasta : [10°0’ – 23°20’ Virgo]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Hasta is the thirteenth asterism of the zodiac which extends from 160°00’ to 173°20’. The entire nakshatra resides within the sign Virgo, ruled by Mercury. The symbol of Hasta is hand. One can locate it in the sky as a hand looks giving blessings to the mankind. The lunar mansion is governed by the Moon, the main receptacle of cosmic energy whereas the lord of sign Mercury operates as a link between the man and the divine. Mercury gets exalted here. Virgo and Mercury put together stands for clarity of thoughts, deeds and absolute concentration. The primary motivation of the asterism is moksha, liberation. Its basic attribute is tamas, inertia at both primary and secondary level, with rajas activity at a tertiary level. The ruling deity of the asterism Hasta is Saviter, the Sun god who is the reservoir of all generated forces in the universe.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

The symbol of the asterism is Hasta or human hand. The hand is the most powerful instrument given to man which makes him stand apart from the entire animal kingdom. The difference between animal and man is only of the grip. Man can use his grip the way he wants but no other animal has got this ability. It gives him prowess and enables him to stand any kind of confrontation. If man is self-reliant in all departments of life then the credits goes to hand and he knows how to use it in different situations. Saviter is the presiding deity of the asterism and in the form of Sun god who imparts creative and regenerative energy. With the support of this energy multi-faceted growth of life has taken place.

Under the influence of this nakshatra, the individual wants to bring many changes and keen to give new shape to his imagination all the time but he is constantly faced with external resistance therefore conflict and crisis become the main impediments. Hasta also represents duration, the time itself. All activities can fructify only in a time and space realm, whereas the consciousness crosses all the boarders of time and space or for it time and space make no difference. On a worldly level field of action is determined and Hasta produces action in that field. Therefore action is directly related to the duration which is the combination of time and space. On the worldly level hand is used for personal gratification and if selfish motives take a centre stage the hand can become the worst enemy of the entire mankind. On the spiritual plane hands can be used in the form of mudra, yoga and meditation.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Hasta – Moon – Mercury combination brings out an individual who is very keen to change the world, to give a new shape and keep growing. There is a tremendous urge inside you to march ahead without bothering about external resistance. The laws of paradoxical nature operate fully but you look for a paradigm shift. Difficulties and obstructions are faced at every level but this does not deter you to achieve the desired results. This combination also makes one self-reliant and one who can influence the energy pattern with his will and optimism. They approach life as a natural phenomenon and do not defer their plans because of various reasons.

You are mentally very strong and there is a keenness to express your creative intelligence in whatever you undertake. You are very clear about your thoughts right from the beginning which is why you work with utmost self-control to realize all your dreams. You are quite sure of your abilities and go all out to achieve your goal. There is a tremendous regenerating power within you which is why you almost always help those who seek help. On a higher level of your existence, you are very keen to make a difference in the lives of mankind as a whole, rather than work on an individual.

Your Drawbacks: You may face hard times, difficulties, ill-health and constraints early in life. You can be over-critical, impatient and perturbed. At times, your merciless attitude could begin to tell on your relationships. Your tendency towards self-indulgence can be detrimental.

Uttara Phalguni : [26°40’ Leo – 10°0’ Virgo]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Uttara Phalguni is the twelfth nakshatra of the zodiac and it is also the later part of Purva Phalguni. Uttara Phalguni extends from 146°40’ to 160°0’ of the zodiac. The asterism resides in two fixed stars at the tail of the lion but nakshatra itself extends in the next constellation of Virgo. The first quarter of the nakshatra from 26°40’ to 30°00’ resides in Leo sign governed by the Sun, which provides the native with tremendous possibilities of growth, development and creative expression. The remaining three quarters of the asterism which extends from 0°0’ to 10°0’ in sign Virgo is ruled by Mercury. Virgo and Mercury put together create a wonderful environment which enables the native to develop his/her latent potential including yogic powers. The lord of nakshatra is the powerful planet of the zodiac is the Sun. its basic attribute is tamas, inertia with rajas at secondary and sattva at tertiary levels. The primary motive of the asterism is moksha, i.e., liberation.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

It is noted the Phalgunis are twin cousins. One is Purva and second is Uttara Phalguni. Therefore some features, symbols and activities are somewhat identical. The symbol of Uttara Phalguni is also four legs of a coat which connect them with each other. Uttara Phalguni represents the two real legs of the coat which have the ability of healing others. The presiding deity of the asterism is Aryaman. Aryaman, a Vedic god is known for his leadership and noble qualities. The unity of Phalguni needs a deeper insight to know the multi-faceted approach of a four-legged cot. On the lower plane the utility of cot is well-known and understood. On the higher plane the unity of four legs makes the world complete itself because the entire Universe is enclosed and creates an environment where four natural forces can operate easily. The quarternity can be interpreted in many ways. The beginning of universe is related with the four heads of Brahma, the four dimensions of the space and the four Vedas. There are four stages of human life and there are four duties one needs to perform to live life comprehensively. The world is also made of four walls as is the house where man lives. The number four provides the basic environment from where life or understanding starts happening or taking place. The fifth dimension is space or absolute reality known as Brahma.

The first quarter of Uttara Phalguni nakshatra falls in Leo sign which provides a very secure environment for the native and without any restriction. The opportunities are available in abundance to the native for his growth and development. The last three quarters fall under Virgo and ruled by vibrant planet Mercury. Virgo sign is deeply related with the mysteries of the nature. This sign also bestows the native with hidden powers. The planet Mercury is fully capable of exploring the hidden qualities of brain. The sign Virgo represents the nature at large and Mercury provides the needed intellect to understand the hidden forces which control the nature. Therefore the possibilities of spiritual growth and mental expansion are tremendous under this asterism. If one takes keen interest then mystery of nature and space can be understood to a great extent. This asterism is also provided with tremendous energy so one can gaze at the vastness of the Universe. Whenever one tumbles in his mission or feels isolated then there is Aryaman, the presiding deity who assures the success in mission because he himself is a superman and does not like his people, those born under this asterism, to face permanent blockade in life.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: Uttara Phalguni – Sun – Sun combination provides immense activities to the people born under this nakshatra. Uttara Phalguni bestows tremendous basic power, hidden urge and restlessness which could become the driving force to attain something meaningful. Before they achieve something important, they must go through the process of chaos. Unless and until courage, confidence, endurance and an ability to fight is instilled, they cannot achieve their desire. Since you are aware of your potential, perhaps this is why you fight with all your might to achieve something extraordinary. This combination is a mixture of ambition, fight, difficulties and righteous struggle. Persons born under this nakshatra are bestowed with a tremendous force to overcome constraints and restrictions.

The Uttara Phalguni – Sun – Mercury combination possesses latent potentiality that could be used in various yogic powers. Uttara Phalguni also indicates that the creative energy is ready to bestow the native with the best in every possible way. A person born under this combination possesses an inherent power which constantly pushes restless energy to take a concrete shape under any circumstance. This constellation also enables the person to fight with all his might until he achieves his desired goal. There is an inherent urge to fulfill aspirations through righteous means and it does not bother the person if, in the process, he or she faces tremendous difficulties.

You are eager to fight your way to achieve leadership in your desired field. You also believe very strongly that if efforts are righteous, then the desired are not very far off. You can bear all sorts of difficulties and hassles once results are assured. You have no problem in standing alone or in isolation, but once you decide to get into action, then you focus all your energy to achieve laurels. You have a self-belief that safety, peace and comfort can only be achieved while engaged in meaningful actions. You are very kind and generous to people you feel deeply associated with.

You are extremely hopeful about your abilities. There is a tremendous positive belief in you that possibilities will never shut their doors on you. You cannot be tied down with limitations and always want to explore the vastness of the universe. You prefer to stand alone and live in isolation but once you have decided to engage in action, your commitment is unbelievable. As achievements make you feel secure and confident, you direct all your energies to achieve worldly things. You have the ability to explore the hidden aspects of your nature and utilize them to your benefits.

Your Drawbacks: On the other side of your personality, loneliness can create a great void in your life. You know you grow in meaningful relationships or in co-dependency. If you can overcome your loneliness then you can do wonders; being lonely is the most difficult state of your being. At times, your resentment and ingratitude towards others creates problems for you.

Self-centredness could bring your morale to its lowest ebb. You could sometimes isolate yourself too much and too deeply. It can reduce your confidence to a very low level and then it will take very long to bring it back. Do not indulge in black magic or left-handed tantra to control others. Sometimes, you hold an inner resentment towards your friends and even those who have helped you.

Purva Phalguni : [13°20’ – 26°40’ Leo]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Purva Phalguni is the eleventh asterism of the zodiac which extends from 133°20’ to 146°40’ resides within sign Leo ruled by the Sun. it consists of two stars, can be seen at the rear flank of the lion. The symbols of the nakshatra are a couch, platform and fire place. The meaning of Purva Phalguni is ‘the fruit of the tree’. The ruling planet of the asterism is sensuous Venus and the Vedic deity of nakshatra is Bhag, the god of fortune and bliss. Its basic attribute is tamas, inertia, rajas at a secondary and tamas at the tertiary level. The primary motivation of the asterism is kama, desire or healthy enjoyments.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

The symbols of Purva Phalguni are extremely significant and it has three symbols. The first symbol of the asterism is a cot which is used for sitting, resting and sleeping. To fulfill the duties of life, rest or interval is very important to rejuvenate one’s energy for the next journey. The other symbol of nakshatra is a fire place which serves a different purpose altogether. In the ancient times a guru would sit around the fire place with his disciples and impart his knowledge and experience with them. Fire provides warmth which also necessitates for future activities. Platform is the third symbol of the asterism. It is also a launching place for future journeys. All these symbols indicate that a stage is set for future activities. It is noticed that Lord Shiva’s marriage journey began in this constellation. His marriage indicates the divine energy is taking a centre stage for spiritual activities.

In this sense Purva Phalguni creates an environment where dynamic energy can express itself. Soul is also getting ready to move towards external realm to discharge its divine responsibility. Asterism itself stands for readiness where energy is plunged into action. The motivational force of the asterism is kama, passion, desire which makes the native over enthusiastic to take active part in sensuous pleasures. The lord of nakshatra is sensuous Venus which also operates as a catalyst and enjoyment, luxury, comfort, physical pleasure becomes the main theme of personality.

The deity of the asterism is bhaga which has two distinct meanings, one is auspicious bliss and another meaning of bhaga is the female reproductive organ which is the source of the birth of an individual. On the physical level it awakens the sensuous energy but at a deeper level it has a divinity in itself. The basic job of bhaga is procreation which directly relates with creativity that is why Bhaga and lingam are deeply interconnected and worshipped as Shiva Lingam which is also the symbol of nakshatra.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: Purva Phalguni – Venus – Sun bestows the person with riches, affluence and material prosperity. This combination raises high expectations of becoming a king, warrior or a person well-versed in a particular religious order. The basic impulse of people born in this combination is to be ready to take the plunge into something different or unique. The person is extremely passionate and ever enthusiastic to undertake any activity with tremendous vitality and energy. Sometimes, his force works to his advantage, and at times to his disadvantage, depending upon the situation. The amount of energy poured into activities generally makes him successful in his endeavours.

You are highly imaginative as well as creative. You have the ability to give a new meaning to your sexuality. Perhaps, this is the reason that whenever you undertake a new challenge, you suddenly feel totally virile, energetic and extremely forceful as one would. You know how to transform sexual energy into a dynamic force. You have the capacity to overcome all adversities and come out victorious. There is a great thirst in you to have a direct experience in most of the things you want to do. You are keen to share your experience, happiness, wealth and enjoyment with others – most of all, with the ones you love.

Your Drawbacks: Overindulgence in sex, drugs, alcohol could bring your downfall. Sometimes, your self-centeredness can be a source of great anxiety to you. Refrain from black magic or half-cooked tantra. The urge to show off can also add on trouble to your life.

Magha : [0°0’ – 13°20’ Leo]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Magha is the tenth asterism of the zodiac which extends from 120°00’ to 133°20’ and the entire nakshatra resides within the sign Leo. Magha’s main star is Regulus, the brightest star of Alpha Leo. Magha means the great or the mighty one. The presiding deity of the asterism is Pitris, the fathers or the great is palanquin he humanity. The symbol of nakshatra is palanquin (palki) on which a king, or a pilgrim or a new bride is carried by the bearers from one place to another. The ruling planet of Magha is Ketu whereas the sign Leo is ruled by the mighty planet Sun. The primary motivation of Magha is Arth, seeking specific goals. Its basic attribute is tamas or inertia and it has rajas, activities at secondary and tertiary levels.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

The presiding deity of the asterism is the father of humanity. The ancestors of humanity have been given a special responsibility of providing the proper guidance to their families on this planet. They are the guiding force and live in Pitri’s Lok (Ancestor’s abode) and when they find that their progenies are in dire trouble or deviating from the righteous path, then they help them. If their progenies are progressing on the defined path then they just oversee the progress and enjoy. They are also known as guardian angels who keep on protecting their progenies from disasters. Due to their influence many rituals and traditions are being followed by their progenies.

At this stage the individual increasingly become self-centered. He wants to grow rapidly and achieve everything in an isolated manner. His ego is inflated and he wants to carve a niche for himself and prove to others his superiority. For him the self-respect, family pride, racial superiority, class status etc. takes a centre stage and he works for that. If any restriction or boundaries are put against him then he becomes restless and a rebel to an extent. The other meaning of the word – Magha is an island. He wants to create his own world or an island and uses all his energy, force to achieve his desires. At times he isolates himself from the group and suffers in isolation also. Ketu is the lord of the asterism and is a highly spiritual planet. A soul needs that kind of environment where it has to be separated from the whole to understand its own limitations and restrictions. Unless and until that has not been understood the soul cannot advance further.

In this reference the symbol of Palanquin is very important. Palanquin is carried by people and the person who sits on it, either a king or a pilgrim or a bride holds a special status. The same way when due to the influence of spiritual planet Ketu, the Tamsik attributes of self are overcome then lift is available to move toward the higher destination.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Magha – Ketu – Sun combination sets the stage for an individual to ready his mind to take decisions and direct all the energy at his disposal to attain desired goals. Evolution is ready to take place as the soul carries forward the divine mission. There is tremendous courage and energy to accomplish any task once the person gets started. This configuration makes people highly ambitious and bestows them with leadership qualities. You are magnanimous in your attitude and totally devoted to those you love. You have the ability to express your ideas, doctrines and philosophy in a beautiful way.

You believe you are indebted to take care of humanity and act as a father figure. Perhaps this element of responsibility enables you to become a guiding force for your family, nation, etc. Although your ideas remain quite contradictory, you overcome the situation with efforts. One part of your being is very keen to get into action while the other part does not want to come out of inertia. With constant action and understanding, you are large-hearted and go a step ahead to help the ones you care about.

Your Drawbacks: You can be extremely arrogant and prejudiced about certain ideas and people. Sometimes, it is very difficult for you to achieve your lofty and impractical ideas. Overindulgence in sexual activities can be the main cause of your downfall. Too much materialism or overpossession could also bring your progress to a half.