In the video below, we delve into the fascinating realm of Nakshatras, also known as lunar mansions from Vedic astrology. Nakshatras hold the secrets to understanding human behavior, personality, and destiny. Watch to learn how you can gain deeper insights into the nature of each nakshatra through daily observation and journaling…
What is Vedic astrology? As a brief overview, this form of astrology, also known as Jyotia, is an ancient Indian system of astrology that analyzes the positions and movements of celestial bodies to gain insights into human affairs and natural phenomena. It is based on the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of India, and emphasizes the influence of planets, stars, and their alignments at the time of a person’s birth. Overall, Vedic astrology serves as a tool for self-discovery, enlightenment, and achievement of greater success.
What are Nakshatras?
In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras (also referred to as lunar mansions or “asterisms”) are a crucial component of the system, deeply influencing a person’s astrological profile. They are a set of twenty-seven constellations in the sky that work “behind the scenes” of each of the twelve zodiac signs. There are approximately 2.25 nakshatras contained within each zodiac sign. Each one adds its own unique traits to the planet which transits through it. Nakshatras offer a microscopic way to further pinpoint a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and astrological goals in life.
What is Observational Astrology?
Since the moon and the stars are constantly influencing our thoughts and actions, understanding these cosmic influences can vastly help individuals navigate their journeys through life with greater awareness and insight.
In Vedic astrology, the moon represents our mind and emotions. Because the moon travels through each nakshatra every one to one-and-a-half days, nakshatras impact our thoughts, feelings and actions every day. If we can learn how to utilize the varying energies of each nakshatra and their effects, we can enhance our own self awareness and better maneuver through the hurdles of life.
Some experts believe that the best way to recognize the cosmic influence that nakshatras provide, is to simply observe. Notice the life activities, incidents, and encounters that happen in your daily life. Write down these observations, and begin your journey towards using nakshatras to understand your own place in this universe.
How to Study Nakshatras
Nakshatras can indicate or even predict event occurrences in your life as well as have an impact on your thoughts and feelings. You can begin to study these impacts by simply observing. No experience or knowledge is needed. The beauty of astrology is how it can be understood even with basic and simplistic practices.
If you already know the details of your birth chart, start with finding the nakshatra of your moon in your own birth chart. If you have not seen your own birth chart, you can find it online for free by searching something like “vedic birth chart calculator”, or you can use our birth chart calculator. However, you can still practice observational astrology and study the effects of the nakshatras in your life without using your own birth chart. Whenever you feel ready to start observing, find out what the nakshatra is for that day. You can easily find this information for free on the internet by searching something like “what is today’s nakshatra in my location?” (for example, “what is today’s nakshatra in Chicago, IL”). Start your observations when the moon transits over that nakshatra.
Write down your experiences each day such as:
- what you watch
- what you wear
- what you eat
- what you discuss
- who you speak to
- what topics or themes arose in your conversations
Notice any differences in your interactions with family, friends, or acquaintances on one nakshatra day versus another.
Continue your observations for at least two full cycles of the moon over twenty-seven nakshatras, which would take around fifty-four days. The more you study each occurrence in detail, the better understanding you will have, especially as you go back over your notes and start to notice similarities.
How to Get Started
We created a journal which is specially designed to help you observe the influence of nakshatras. Our journal is simple to use and contains various prompts to get you started on your journey to better understanding this important component of Vedic Astrology.
