The Astrology Book

NADIR

The nadir is the point in the heavens directly opposite the zenith, which means that it
is the point in the heavens on the other side of Earth directly underneath one’s feet. It
should be carefully distinguished from the imum coeli, which is the point directly
opposite the midheaven.

THENAKSHATRAS:

THELUNARMANSIONS OFVEDICASTROLOGY

As in tropical astrology, learning the basics of planets, houses, signs, and aspects is the
foundation of learning natal chart analysis. But, to appreciate the depth and unique-
ness of Vedic astrology, one must also encounter and explore the nakshatras.Naksha-
tra literally means “that which does not decay.” The nakshatras reflect the primordial
level of the zodiacal belt, which lies beneath the 12 basic signs. The concept of the
lunar mansions extends across many cultures as a natural result of observing the luna-
tion cyle. The Arab, Tibetan, and Chinese cultures also utilized lunar mansion sys-
tems in their astrology. The nakshatras can be thought of as the 27 “Moon signs” of
the Hindu zodiac. In comparison to the signs or rasisas they are called in India, the
nakshatras reveal a deeper, more profound effect of the constellations. While the rasis
reflect a “mass” or “heap” of the 12 signs, the nakshatras further divide the constella-
tions into 27 segments of equal length. Each nakshatra is 13°20’ in length. Multiply-
ing this length by 27 equals the entire zodiacal belt of 360°.

Each nakshatra has a rich mythology and powerful deities that reside within it.
It is important to remember that the basis of astrology is mythology. By exploring the
myths, symbols, and archetypes of the nakshatras, the constellations are brought to
life. One of the best books on this subject is Myths and Symbols of Vedic Astrologyby

THEASTROLOGYBOOK [479]

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