Nakshatras (Constellations)

Nakshatra or Constellations are very important for prediction in AstrologyThe study of the influence of celestial bodies on earth and humans. The astrologers can predict accurately with the help of the constellations present in one’s birth chartA diagram showing exact position of planets in signs at time of birth of an individual prepared with the help of time, date and place of birth. The ZodiacHeaven divided into 12 signs, of 30° each is a circle of 360°, to measure the total distance, an astronomical point is established, from ‘end of Revati to start of Ashwini’.

There are twenty-seven Constellations or Nakshatras in twelve signs. These are the Indian form of the lunar mansions or Nakshatra.

Each ConstellationA group of visible stars making a figure and visible at the night sky. Constellations (Nakshatras) are 27 divisions of zodiac, each measuring 13.20'. They are also termed as Lunar mansions (Nakshatra in Indian Vedic astrology) or Nakshatra is measured 13 degrees 20 minutes. It consists of four quarters (Charana or Padas). Thus, there are nine quarters or 2¼ constellations in a Zodiac Sign.

Abhijit Nakshatra, an auspicious but not a regular constellation is also considered twenty-eighth Nakshatra in Vedic astrology.

The starting point of the Signs, Nakshatra (constellations)

The Nakshatra and Rashi start at the same point which is the first point of Ashwini (Aries or Mesh) or end of the last point of Revati (Pisces or Meen) that is zero degrees of Zodiac.

The NatalBirth, natal chart is used for birth chart Moon is placed in the birth-chart, according to the position of Moon at the time of birth (EpochA particular period or a point in time of beginning of a new remarkable event, used for making birth chart) of an individual.

Judgments are made according to the nature of the natal Constellation

Each Constellation is ruled by one of the nine planets. The judgments are made according to the nature of the Natal Constellation (Janma-Nakshatra), the house lord, the position of the house in the birth chart, in which the Natal Constellation is positioned.

The Constellation indicates the individual’s personality, temperament, health, wealth, illness, and mental abilities. The individuals differ in all the above aspectsAngular distances between planets, based on zodiacal longitudes, calculated in specific degrees, viz trine, square, represent relationship between two planets Planets generally influence 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th house due to their aspect due to different constellations and Charanas, in which they are born.

Marriage compatibility based on the matching of the Janma Nakshatra

In Indian Vedic astrology, marriage compatibility is based on the matching of Nakshatras of both the boy and the girl.

Constellation is very important for daily prediction. The daily transitMovement of planets in the sky in real time of Moon in a constellation helps in predicting the destiny of that particular day according to the characteristics or personality traits of that constellation.

We can choose the right time for any auspicious event by studying the transit of the moon through a constellation.

Some examples of the auspicious events are as follows:

Naming ceremony (Namkaran Sanskar) of a newborn baby, predicting the right time(Muhurat) for marriage, Mundan Sanskar, Anna-Prashan or feeding the child for the first time.

We can find the auspicious period for performing the rituals through the transit effects of Moon in a Nakshatra and it’s Pada(Charan). One should select an auspicious Muhurat for starting of a new business, journey and construction, shifting to a  new house.

How to identify constellations or star patterns in the sky?

People can identify constellations easily.  We can see a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern in the night sky, which is traditionally named after its clear form or identified with its mythological figure.

Types of constellations(International):

There are 88 divisions of the celestial sphere defined by International Astronomical Union, which are star patterns within the traditional constellations, as a result, the number of the types of constellations has increased.

Star Constellations names of all the twenty-seven Nakshatra in 12 Rashi

The Star Constellations names of twenty-seven Nakshatra or Constellations in twelve Rashis are:-

Facts about constellations

Shubha Nakshatras/constellations in Vedic Astrology for performing auspicious events

Rohini(the brightest Constellation) is believed to be the queen of Nakshatras. It is the exalted point of Moon. People born under Rohini are considered very fortunate and graceful.

Pushya is believed to be the most auspicious Nakshatra for performing all events. It makes a powerful auspicious Muhurat, Gurupushyamrut Yoga if falls on a Thursday. However it is considered inauspicious for marriage, this is an exception.

11 Nakshatras/ auspicious Muhurat for performing marriage

Only eleven Nakshatras are considered auspicious for marriage except some of their Charanas.

These Nakshatras are as follows:

Rohini, Mrigasira, Magha- 1st Charana should be avoided.

Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Moola- 1st Charana should be avoided.

Uttarashada, all the Charanas, Uttara Bhadrapada- all the Charana, Revathi- first three Charanas are auspicious. The last Charana of the last Nakshatra Revati is not auspicious, one should avoid it for marriage.

Abhijit, not a regular Nakshatra, is an auspicious Nakshatra for all events/ceremonies. It lies in Capricorn from 6.40′ to 10.53′.20 (the last quarter of Uttarashada to 1/15th part of Shravan). It may be considered 28th Nakshatra in astrology.

Avoid these Nakshatras for important or auspicious events

Avoid performing of the auspicious events, if Abhijit Muhurat falls on a Wednesday. Also, avoid traveling towards south direction during Abhijit Muhurat.

Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshta, Moola, and Revati, ruled by either KetuDragon’s tail, used in Indian astrology or Mercury are considered to be Ganda Moola Nakshatra. These are considered inauspicious for some astrological horoscopes.

Last five Nakshatras or constellations, Dhanishta, Satabhisha, Poorva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati are known as Panchak Nakshatras. These are considered inauspicious for any event.