when observing the Moon at night near the fixed stars of Al Sharatain and
Mesarthim, one knows it resides in the first lunar mansion of Ashwini (0° to 13°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.
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 furthur insights into the nature of the planet residing there. (It is important to
subtract approximately 23° from tropical chart planets and ascendant if a Vedic chart
has not yet been calculated.)
Choosing an Auspicious Lunar Nakshatra
The Moon transits through a specific nakshatra each day (for approximately
25 hours). When the Moon passes through the different 27 lunar mansions, specific
activities can bear more productive fruit. The Moon is considered more benefic when
it is waxing or moving toward a full moon. The following is a listing of the nakshatras
in regard to their qualities and the daily life events that are harmonious under their
influence.
The Laghuor Kshipra(light and swift) nakshatras are Ashwini, Pushya, Hasta,
and Abhijit. They are especially good constellations for the Moon to reside in when
starting a journey (travel), sports activities, and doing healing work or administering
medicines. These lunar mansions are also good for opening a business, sales, trade and
obtaining or repaying a loan or debt.
The Mridu(soft, mild, or tender) nakshatras are Mrigrashira, Chitra, Anurad-
ha, and Revati. These lunar mansions are excellent for learning music, dance, and
drama and performing auspicious ceremonies like marriage. They are also good for
buying and wearing new clothes. Lovemaking and romance flow under these stellar
influences. These are excellent constellations for making new friends and enjoyment
of pleasures that are healing and revitalizing.
The Sthira(fixed or permanent) nakshatras are Rohini, Uttara Phalguni,
Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada. These constellations are good for building
homes and laying the foundations of communities. The emphasis here is toward per-
manence, stability, and structure. They are also favorable for ploughing the land,
planting trees, and purchasing agricultural property.
The Chara(moveable or ephemeral) nakshatras are Purnarvasu, Swati, Shra-
vana, Dhanishtha, and Shatabhisha. These constellations are good for buying auto-
mobiles and other vehicles, for going on a procession, and landscaping (gardening).
Change of residence or career, travel, and other major life changes can more easily
occur under their influence and support.
The Tikshna(sharp or dreadful) nakshatras are Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and
Mula. These lunar mansions are auspicious for creating separation from friends or fil-
ing for a divorce. Powerful, bold, and brash activities can occur under their influence.
THEASTROLOGYBOOK [481]
The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology