Each night the Moon travels against a different backdrop of stars. Ancient Vedic astronomers divided its monthly path into 27 segments called Nakshatras, or lunar mansions, each spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the sky and each associated with a star or cluster.
Your birth star
The Nakshatra the Moon occupied at your birth is your Janma Nakshatra, or birth star. In Vedic tradition it is considered as important as, or more important than, your zodiac sign. It describes your emotional nature, instincts and the deeper motivations of your mind.
A few of the 27 mansions
Every Nakshatra has a ruling deity, a symbol and a planetary lord:
- Ashwini: the healers’ star, symbolised by a horse’s head; swift, fresh beginnings.
- Rohini: the Moon’s favourite, symbolised by a chariot; beauty, fertility and growth.
- Pushya: the nourisher, symbolised by a cow’s udder; care, protection and devotion.
- Swati: the independent one, symbolised by a young sprout in the wind; flexibility and freedom.
- Revati: the final mansion, symbolised by a fish; compassion, safe journeys and completion.
Living with the stars
Nakshatras are used to choose auspicious timing (muhurta), to name children and to understand compatibility. Even simply noticing which mansion the Moon is passing through each day can become a beautiful way to live in rhythm with the sky.
This article is for spiritual education and reflection. It is not medical, psychological, legal or financial advice. See our resources and disclaimer.