Glossary
Nakshatra: meaning in astrology
A nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions: equal segments of the sidereal zodiac, each 13 degrees 20 minutes wide. The Moon spends roughly a day in each one as it circles the sky. Your birth nakshatra is the one the Moon occupied when you were born, and in Vedic astrology it often says more about you than your Sun sign does.
Each nakshatra has a traditional deity, ruling planet and symbol. See the nakshatra guide for all 27.
Where does "Nakshatra" come up on this site?
89 guides use the term. The ones that use it most:
- Nakshatra list: all 27 lunar mansions, lords and deities
- Ashwini nakshatra: deity, lord, padas and muhurta
- Mula nakshatra: Nirṛti, Ketu and the roots
- Ardra nakshatra: Rudra, Rahu and the teardrop
- Hasta nakshatra: Savitṛ, the Moon and the hand
- Ashlesha nakshatra: the serpents, Mercury and padas
- Mrigashira nakshatra: Soma, Mars and the deer
- Pushya nakshatra: Bṛhaspati, Saturn and light days
How we calculate
Is astrology a guarantee of what will happen?
No. These calculations locate celestial bodies; astrology is a reflection and timing tradition, not evidence of guaranteed health, financial or relationship outcomes.
How are these results calculated?
Positions come from Astronomy Engine, an open-source astronomy library, and are checked against Swiss Ephemeris in our methodology tests. Western readings use the tropical zodiac; Vedic readings subtract the Lahiri ayanamsa. Terms are defined in the glossary.
Next: compare your birth chart, see today's sky, or make a private vision board.