THE NAKSHATRAS IN VEDIC ASTROLOGICAL CHART INTERPRETATION

The 27 signs of the Vedic Lunar Zodiac are probably the oldest astrological system of mankind.

This system is so rich in mythology and meaning that we can say that it provides a system of
interpretation of its own. There is no reason why it should be subordinate to the system of the
12 "Sun signs".

This article contains of two parts.

In this, I will look at some characteristics of the Nakshatra system. This will be particularly
interesting for the more advanced student.

A. SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEDIC ASTROLOGICAL NAKSHATRA SYSTEM

In this part I will look at the Nakshatras from the point of view of:

1. The relationship to the navamsa, which is the chart of the soul

2. The gunas, which represents qualities of energy.
3. The four purposes of life.
4. Some other characteristics of the Nakshatras

1. THE SIGNS OF THE PADAS AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO THE NAVAMSA

There are 27 Nakshatras. Every Nakshatra measures 13.20' (13 degrees and 20 minutes).

Each Nakshatra is divided into 4 parts of 3.20’ (3 degrees and 20 minutes). These parts are called
padas.

Each pada has the characteristics of a sign of the zodiac, starting with Aries.

Therefore, the pada system can be seen as a system which integrates the Nakshatras with the
commonly used zodiac.

In each Nakshatra there are 4 padas. Therefore, in 3 Nakshatras we have 12 padas. Because each
pada represents a sign of the zodiac in a group of 3 Nakshatras we find the entire zodiac in the
form of padasigns.

Now each sign of the zodiac covers 2 � Nakshatras. That is 4 + 4 + 1 = 9 padas.

The navamsa is the 1/9 division of the zodiac. Therefore, there is connection between the padas
and the navamsa. The connection is simple. If a planet is in the pada of Aries then it is in the
navamsa in Aries. If it is in the pada of Taurus it is in the navamsa in Taurus and so on.

Therefore, the navamsasigns and the signs of the padas are the same.

The navamsa is the chart of the soul. It gives information about the state of the soul and thus of
the inner life of the person.
Therefore, it can be said that the signs of the padas give information about the soul of a person.

If the rashi contains information about in which padas planets are located, there is no need for a
separate printout of the navamsa. Navamsasigns and padasigns are the same.

You will find an overview of this system in the next table:

TABLE: PADAS OF THE FIRST NAKSHATRAS

1. Ashwini 0-13.20 Aries padalord

0-3.20 Aries pada of Aries Mars
pada of
3.20-6.40 Aries Venus
Taurus
pada of
6.40-10 Aries Mercury
Gemini
pada of
10-13.20 Aries Moon
Cancer
13.20-26.40
2. Bharani  
Aries
13.20-16.40
pada of Leo Sun
Aries
16.40-20.00
pada of Virgo Mercury
Aries
20.00-23.20
pada of Libra Venus
Aries
23.20-26.40 pada of
Mars
Aries Scorpio
26.40-10
3. Krittika  
Taurus
26.40 Aries-0 pada of
Jupiter
Taurus Sagittarius
pada of
0-3.20 Taurus Saturn
Capricorn
3.20 -6.40 pada of
Saturn
Taurus Aquarius
pada of
6.40-10 Taurus Jupiter
Pisces
10-23.20
4. Rohini  
Taurus
10-13.20
pada of Aries Mars
Taurus
13.20-16.40 pada of
Venus
Taurus Taurus
16.40-20 pada of
Mercury
Taurus Gemini
20-23.20 pada of
Moon
Taurus Cancer
5. 23.20 Taurus
 
Mrigashirsha -6.40 Gemini
23.20-26.40
pada of Leo Sun
Taurus
26.40 Taurus- 0
pada of Virgo Mercury
Gemini
0-3.20 Gemini pada of Libra Venus
3.20-6.40 pada of
Mars
Gemini Scorpio

2. THE THREE GUNAS

There are three gunas or types of energy.

1. First, there is Rajas. Rajas is the energyspark of the soul which is incarnating in the
world. Rajas gives activity.
2. Then there is Tamas. The soul, which comes into this world, immerses itself into
materiality. Tamas is about materiality and the material world.
3. After the soul has encountered materiality, it is time for the soul to liberate itself. The
energy of liberation is called Sattva. Sattva is about going beyond the material world. It
is about the soul wanting to return to its heavenly home.

Each Nakshatra represents certain gunas. And it does so not only on one level, but on three
levels.

FIRST LEVEL

1. First, we have a group of 9 Nakshatras that represent Rajas energy on a primary level.
These Nakshatras coincidence with the signs Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. Aries is
the first firesign, Taurus the first earthsign, Gemini the first airsign and Cancer the first
watersign.
2. Then there comes a groups of 9 Nakshatras which represent Tamas on a primary level.
These Nakshatras coincidence with the signs Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio. Leo is the
second firesign, Virgo the second earthsign, Libra the second airsign and Scorpio the
second watersign.
3. Finally, we have a group of 9 Nakshatras which represent Sattva on a primary level.
These Nakshatras coincidence with the signs Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and
Pisces. Sagittarius is the third firesign, Capricorn the third earthsign, Aquarius the third
airsign and Pisces the third watersign. .

SECOND LEVEL

Now each group of 9 Nakshatras can be divided into 3 groups of 3 Nakshatras. This represents
the gunas on a secondary level.
In each groups of 9 Nakshatras the first three Nakshatras represent Rajas on a secondary level,
the second three Nakshatras represent Tamas on a secondary level and the third three 
Nakshatras represent Sattva on a secondary level. We see that the order of Rajas, Tamas and
Sattva, which we saw at the primary level, repeats itself on this level.

THIRD LEVEL

There are 3 groups of 9 Nakshatras. Because each group of 9 Nakshatras has been split into 3
groups of 3 Nakshatras we have a total of 9 groups which consist of 3 Nakshatras.

These groups of 3 Nakshatras represent the tertiary level. The first Nakshatra of such a group
represents Rajas, the second Nakshatra Tamas and the third Sattva.

THE GUNAS AT THREE LEVELS

What we have here is a rather complicated system in which each Nakshatra represents certain
gunas on different levels.

Let us look at the first Nakshatra of Ashwini. On a primary level Ashwini represents
Rajas,because the Nakshatra of Ashwini is in the range of the signs Aries to Cancer.

On a secondary level, Ashwini represents again Rajas, because it is part of the first group of 3
Nakshatras within the range of Aries to Cancer.

And also, on a tertiary level Ashwini represents Rajas, because it is the first Nakshatra of the
first group of 3 Nakshatras.

Therefore we say that Ashwini is Rajas – Rajas – Rajas.

The next Nakshatra Bharani is Rajas – Rajas – Tamas

Only the tertiary level has changed.

Next comes Krittika which is Rajas – Rajas – Sattva.

Again only a change at the tertiary level.

Then we come to a new group of three Nakshatras, which causes for a change at the secondary
level. This group does not have Rajas at the secondary level but Tamas.

Of course at the tertiary level, we start again with Rajas.

So Rohini is Rajas – Tamas – Rajas

And Mrigashirsha is Rajas – Tamas – Tamas

And Ardra is Rajas – Tamas – Sattva.

Now we come to the third group of Rajas Nakshatras at the primary level. These have Sattva on
the secondary level:

Punarvasu is Rajas – Sattva – Rajas

Pushya is Rajas – Sattva – Tamas

and Ashlesha is Rajas – Sattva – Sattva.

Ashlesha, which is located at the end of the sign Cancer, is the last of the Rajas Nakshatras at
the primary level.

The next Nakshatra has Tamas at the primary level. It is the Nakshatra of Magha which is
placed at the beginning of Leo.

Magha is Tamas –Rajas –Rajas

Purva Phalguni, which is next, is Tamas –Rajas –Tamas

Hopefully, the reader now has a certain feeling for the system and can easily finish this on his
own. A list of all the Nakshatras follows in the table below. The gunas are mentioned in this
scheme. The primary guna is mentioned first, then the secondary and then the tertiary. R is
Rajas, T is Tamas and S is Sattva

If you would like to know which gunas are emphasised in a chart you could look in which
Nakshatras the ascendant and the planets are located, look at the gunas of these Nakshatras and
give one point for each time you see a certain guna mentioned.

For example, the first example chart in the section about interpretation is the chart of Bill
Clinton He has his ascendant in Hasta, which is Tamas-Tamas-Rajas. This gives 2 points for
Tamas and 1 point for Rajas. If we add to this the gunas of the planets we get the following
score:
Rajas 10 points, Tamas 15 points and Sattva 5 points.  Therefore Tamas is the most important
guna in the character of Mr. Clinton, then comes Rajas and last comes Sattva.

We can compare this to the chart of Al Gore (not printed here, but birth data are March 31, 1948,
12.53, Time Zone 5 West, 38.54 North, 77.02 West). We get Rajas 13 points, Tamas 3 points and
Sattva 14 points. Therefore, Al Gore has a Sattva/Rajas character with almost no Tamas.

Of course, this system is helpful, but to really evaluate a chart we should always look at the
chart as a whole and not just at the gunas the planets and the ascendant are in.

DIAGRAM: AN OUTLINE OF THE 27 MOON CONSTELLATIONS USED IN VEDIC

ASTROLOGY/JYOTISH
(NAKSHATRAS)

constellati gun Purpo

size ruler
on as se
1. 0.13.20
Ketu RRR D
Ashwini Aries
13.20-
2. Bharani 26.40 Venus RRT A
Aries
26.40
Aries-
3. Krittika Sun RRS K
10
Taurus
10-23.20
4. Rohini Moon RTR M
Taurus
23.20
5.
Taurus-
Mrigashir Mars RTT M
6.40
sha
Gemini
6.40-20
6. Ardra Rahu RTS K
Gemini
20
7.
Gemini Jupite
Punarvas RSR A
-3.20 r
u
Cancer
3.20-
Satur
8. Pushya 16.40 RST D
n
Cancer
9. 16.40-30 Mercu
RSS D
Ashlesha Cancer ry
0-13.20
10. Magha Ketu TRR A
Leo
13.20
11. Purva Leo-
Venus TRT K
Phalguni 26.40
Leo
26.40
12. Uttara
Leo-10 Sun TRS M
Phalguni
Virgo
10
Virgo-
13. Hasta Moon TTR M
23.20
Virgo
23.20
Virgo-
14. Chitra Mars TTT K
6.40
Libra
6.40-20
15. Swati Rahu TTS A
Libra
16. 20 Jupite TSR D
 Libra-
Vishakha 3.20 r
Scorpio
3.20
17. Satur
-16.40 TST D
Anuradha n
Scorpio
18. 16.40-30 Mercu
TSS A
Jyeshta Scorpio ry
0-13.20
19. Mula Sagittar Ketu SRR K
ius
13.20-
20.
26.40
Purvasha Venus SRT M
Sagittar
dha
ius
26.40
21.
Sag.-10
Uttarasha Sun SRS M
Caprico
dha
rn
10-23.20
22.
Caprico Moon STR A
Shravana
rn
23.20
Cap.-
23.
6.40 Mars STT D
Dhanistha
Aquari
us
24. 6.40-20
Shatabhis Aquari Rahu STS D
hak us
20
25. Purva
Aquari Jupite
Bhadrapa SSR A
us-3.20 r
da
Pisces 
26. Uttara 3.20-
Satur
Bhadrapa 16.40 SST K
n
da Pisces 
16.40-30 Mercu
27. Ravati SSS M
Pisces ry

Each Nakshatra has a certain planet as its lord. Indeed, it is the lord of the Nakshatra in which
the Moon at birth is placed which decides which is the first dasa of the life of the person.
Therefore, these Nakshatralords are important.

It is interesting to see if we can find some connection between the lordships and the gunas.
And indeed the connection is there. It turns out that Ketu, the Moon and Jupiter are the lords of
Nakshatras, which have Rajas
at a tertiairy level.Venus, Mars and Saturn are the lords of the Nakshatras, which have Tamas at
a tertiary level. Finally, the Sun, Rahu and Mercury are the lords of the Nakshatras, which have
Sattva at a tertiary level.

Before we draw conclusions from this let us look at the secondary level.

Ketu, Venus and the Sun are the lords of Nakshatras which have Rajas at the secondary level
(this is the first group of nine Nakshatras).

The Moon, Mars and Rahu are the lords of Nakshatras which have Tamas at the secondary level
(this is the second group of nine Nakshatras).

Finally, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury are the lords of Nakshatras, which have Sattva at the
secondary level (the third group of nine Nakshatras) .

This is interesting because it gives us information about the gunas of the planets. If we mention
the secondary level first and the tertiary level, second we can make the following summary.

Ketu is Rajas- Rajas

Venus is Rajas-Tamas

Sun is Rajas-Sattva

Moon is Tamas-Rajas

Mars is Tamas-Tamas

Rahu is Tamas-Sattva

Jupiter is Sattva-Rajas

Saturn is Sattva-Tamas

Mercury is Sattva-Sattva

Now we can draw some interesting conclusions about the character of the planets.

I will give some examples of this.

Venus is a planet that has to do with love and lust. To get what we want we move into action
(Rajas). The result of this action is that we are going deeper into material life (Tamas).

The Sun is a fiery planet (Rajas), however it represents the soul in the chart and has therefore
Sattva characteristics.
Jupiter too is a fiery planet (Rajas), but again has Sattva characteristics because is the planet of
the Guru and inner wisdom.

Saturn is a spiritual planet, because it is the planet of Sannyas (renouncing the world).
Nevertheless, as we all know Saturn represents matter and therefore also Tamas.

Rahu has the same energies as Saturn only in a different order. It brings us deep into material
life (Tamas). However, it only is doing this so we are able to outlive everything that this earth
has to offer and then liberate ourselves (Sattva).

It may come as a surprise to some people that Mercury turns out to be the most spiritual
planet.However, one thing that distinguishes us from animals, is our capacity to think and
evaluate ourselves. Mercury as an airy planet can liberate us from this earth.
It is not a planet of materiality (Tamas) and neither does it like hard work and action (Rajas). It
thinks about Tamas and Rajas instead of going into it.

It is not my intention to give all the answers, but merely to give the reader a system and to
represent a way of thinking, which the reader can easily apply himself. After these examples, it
will probably not be too hard to meditate about the character of Ketu, Mars and the Moon.

CONCLUSION

In this paragraph I have mentioned the connection of the gunas to the Nakshatras. Out of this
have emerged conclusions about the connection of the gunas to the planets. I am well aware
that there are other systems, which give information about the gunas and the planets. However,
this system has a thorough theoretical foundation, which cannot be said of every system. The
basis of most systems is mainly what the author of a certain book ‘feels’ must be the connection
of the gunas to the planets.

3. THE NAKSHATRAS AND THE FOUR AIMS OF LIFE

Life has four aims:

1. Dharma: doing what you are supposed to do. Fulfilling your soul in daily activities
2. Artha: generating income and wealth so you can provide shelter and food for your
body.
3. Kama: going after your desires.
4. Moksha: liberating your soul.

Every Nakshatra represents an energy in which one aim is stressed. Therefore, by looking at
which planets are in which Nakshatras we can find out which aims of life are stressed in the life
of a person.

At first sight there seems to be a connection between these aims and the elements. It is easy to
see a connection between fire and Dharma, earth and Artha, air and Kama and moskha and
water. However there is another division of Nakshatras in tattvas (elements). This is a different
division then the division in aims of life.
The way the Nakshatras are divided among the aims of life is interesting. At first, the order of
the aims is the same as the order of the signs which represents the connected elements in the
zodiac.

We all know that the first sign in the zodiac is Aries (fire), then Taurus (earth), Gemini (air) and
Cancer (water).

Now the first Nakshatra Ashwini is a Dharma Nakshatra, the second Nakshatra Bharani is a
Artha Nakshatra, the third Krittika is a Kama Nakshatra and the fourth Rohini is a Moksha
Nakshatra.

Then however something different happens. The fifth Nakshatra Mrigashirsha is also a Moksha
Nakshatra and from then, the order is going backwards. So the sixth Nakshatra Ardra is a Kama
Nakshatra, the seventh Punarvasu is an Artha Nakshatra and the eighth Pushya a
Dharma Nakshatra.

Now we have returned at the ‘first aim’ Dharma again. The ninth Nakshatra Ashlesha is still a
Dharma Nakshatra. From then, we go onwards: the tenth Nakshatra Magha is Artha, the
eleventh Purva Phalguni is Kama, the twelfth Uttara Phalguni is Moksha.

From then, the same thing happens as with Rohini. Again the next Nakshatra Hasta is a Moksha
Nakshatra and from then, we go backwards: Chitra is Kama, Swati is Artha and Vishakha is
Dharma.

As can be expected there follows another Dharma Nakshatra which is Anuradha, then we have
an Artha Nakshatra Jyeshta, a Kama Nakshatra Mula and a Moksha Nakshatra Purvashadha.

At this point, something happens which may surprise us. At first what happens is very much
what we would have expected. There comes another Moksha Nakshatra, which is
Utturashadha, but then we  seem to skip the Kama Nakshatra and go right to an Artha
Nakshatra which is Shravana and then we come to a Dharma Nakshatra which is Dhanista.

Of course, it is interesting to know why we skip the Kama Nakshatra. The answer seems to be
that in the past there used to be a system of 28 Nakshatras. The 28st Nakshatra is Abhijit. This
Nakshatra  is located between Purvashadha and Shravana. It is the only Nakshatra of which
the main star Vega is located far away from the ecliptic. That is also why it is hard to locate it on
the ecliptic and probably one reason why it is skipped.

However, some fifteen thousand years ago Vega used to be the polestar. In the past, this
Nakshatra could be very important. The fact that the deity which belongs to this Nakshatra is
Brahma, the creator, seems to underline this. Today, this Nakshatra is sometimes used for
religious purposes,but is not a standard part of the system.

However, let us go back to the order of Nakshatras. We have arrived at Dhanistha, which is a
Dharma Nakshatra. Now we will find as expected another Dharma Nakshatra, which is
Shatabhishak. Then comes an Artha Nakshatra Purva Bhadrapada, a Kama Nakshatra Uttara
Bhadrapada and we end with a Moksha Nakshatra Revati.
It is interesting that we start the sequence of Nakshatras with the Nakshatra Ashwini which is a
Dharma Nakshatra (that has to do with finding our purpose in life) and end with a Moksha
Nakshatra which is about spiritual liberation.

In the diagram of the Nakshatras, which you can see above (in the paragraph about the gunas),
you will also find a column which gives information of which purpose of life belongs to which
Nakshatra. D = Dharma, A = Artha, K=Kama and M = Moksha.

There is something, which strikes me if I look at the table of the Nakshatras. The first Nakshatra
Ashwini is Rajas-Rajas-Rajas and is a Dharma Nakshatra.

The Nakshatra Chitra is Tamas-Tamas-Tamas and is a Kama Nakshatra. The last Nakshatra
Revati is Sattva-Sattva-Sattva and is a Moksha Nakshatra.

Therefore, there seems to be a connection between Rajas and Dharma, Tamas and Kama and
Sattva and Moksha. This connection is logical if you look at the characteristics of the gunas and
the purposes of life.

4. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NAKSHATRAS

The symbolism of the Nakshatras is rich indeed. In addition to a planet, deity, symbol, aim of
life and guna each Nakshatra also corresponds with a certain animal, animal type, caste, sex,
temperament, dosha, tattva (element) and even winddirection.

Deities, planets and symbols are mentioned in my booklet the Hindu lunar zodiac, aims of life
and gunas in the above paragraphs. I will now give a quick overview of the sexes,
temperaments and animals. When interpreting Nakshatras I sometimes make use of these.

There is no real orderly system like with aims of life and gunas when dividing the Nakshatras
among the sexes, temperaments and animals.

SEXES

Male nakshatras are: Ashwini, Bharani, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Swati,
Jyeshta, Mula, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha, Shravana and Purva Bhadrapada.

Female Nakshatras are: Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashirsha, Ardra, Punarvasu, Purva Phalguni,
Hasta, Chitra, Vishakha, Anuradha, Dhanistha, Shatabhishak, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati.

Male Nakshatras are more active than female Nakshatras. It is notable that sometimes male
Nakshatras are governed by female deities and the other way around.

TEMPERAMENTS

Deva (godly) nakshatras are Ashwini, Mrigashirsha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati,
Anuradha, Revati.

Human nakshatras are Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Shravana and all the Purva and Uttara
Nakshatras.
Rakshasa (demon) nakshatras are Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyestha, Mula,
Dhanistha, Shatabhishak.

People who have many planets in demon Nakshatras maybe more harsh then those who have
planets in the deva Nakshatras which are mostly soft.

However we have to keep in mind that devas are not necessarily good and demons are not
necessarily bad. In fact they both have their role in creation to play and are equally important.

If there were no demons, it would be impossible to deal with our karmic problems. In that case,
we would probably be playing harp all-day and enjoying the sunshine. Not much spiritual
growth  would result out of that.

ANIMALS

There is a connection between certain animal species and the Nakshatras. This is something that
can be interesting to know about. You can look in which Nakshatra you have your ascendant,
Moon or Sun and look at the corresponding animals. You may choose one (or more) of these as
your ‘totem animal’.

You can meditate on this animal. When you see it, you can look at its characteristics. You can
read books about the way it lives. When you see a program about this animal do not miss it
because by watching the program you will learn more about yourself. Personally, I think it is
funny and revealing to learn about yourself just by watching a certain animal.

Here comes the list. First I mention an animal and after that the Nakshatras which according to
Indian tradition correspond with this animal.

As with most connections at first the reason why a certain animal belongs to a certain Nakshatra
may not be clear. However, the reason is always there. Rather than writing a long essay about 
what might be the reasons I would ask you to think about this yourself. There are several
books in which you will find descriptions of the Nakshatras like my booklet the Hindu lunar
zodiac.

With these descriptions at your proposal, it may not be too difficult to find out the rational for
these connections. If you feel it is difficult, just meditate on it. If things get tough, you can see it
as a Zen koan.

Corresponding
Animal
Nakshatras
Ashwini (the
Horse: horsewoman),
Shatabhishak
Bharani (the
Elephant:
bearer), Revati
Goat: Krittika, Pushya
Rohini,
Serpent:
Mrigashirsha
Dog: Ardra, Mula
Punarvasu,
Cat:
Ashlesha
Magha, Purva
Rat:
Phalguni
Utter Phalguni,
Cow:
Uttara Bhadrapada
Buffalo: Hasta, Swati
Tiger: Chitra, Vishakha
Deer: Anuradha, Jyeshta
Purvashadha,
Monkey:
Shravana
Mongoose: Utturashadha
Dhanistha, Purva
Lion
Bhadrapada

B. THE NAKSHATRAS IN VEDIC CHART INTERPRETATION

In what follows I will look at what the Nakshatras have to say about charts of well known
people. I believe that the ancient system of the Nakshatras contain a system of chart
interpretation that can stand on its own.

You will note that some charts are from people who are more or less in the same ‘line of
business’. It is interesting to see what the similarities and differences between these charts are.

In the chart of Bill Clinton, president of the USA. What we see at first sight is that the Nakshatra
of Hasta is very important in this chart. He has his ascendant, Venus and Mars in this
Nakshatra.

Here is a quote from my booklet the Hindu lunar zodiac about Hasta: "Hasta is the constellation
of the conjurer who uses his hands to perform his tricks. The morality is not always very noble.
The smart salesman of second-hand cars, whose merchandise sometimes has hidden faults,
belongs to this constellation. This "cleverness" can work as a boomerang. In this case, the person
in whose horoscope Hasta is vividly present has to deal with problems and setbacks because of
his supposed "skilfulness".

Mr. Clinton has the nickname ‘slicky Willy’. There is even a bar in Washington with that name.
Of course, there is a reason why he got this nickname and if we look at the above description
that might be it. Because the ascendant is in Hasta this is a trait of his character that is visible
for the whole world. Because the sexual planets Mars and Venus are in Hasta, sexuality
certainly is a part of his moral problems.

Another indication that his problems have to do with sex and secrets is that the lord of Hasta,
the Moon is in the eighth house of sexual strength.

Of course Hasta has other more spiritual traits too, but because Bill Clinton is not really known
for being on a spiritual path the above traits surfaces.
The deity, which belongs to Hasta, is Savitar, the Sun god. This is appropriate for someone who
is president of the USA.

In addition, we see he has the Sun in the royal constellation of Magha. Again, I will give a quote
from the Hindu lunar zodiac:"The royal star of Regulus is the most important star in the
constellation of Magha. In Western astrology, this star deals with fame and kingship too. This
constellation brings prosperity.Someone whose horoscope is dominated by Magha is a natural
authority".

Again, we see an important character trait of Bill Clinton.

The Nakshatra in which the Moon is located is one of the most important Nakshatras. In Bill
Clinton’s case, this is Krittika. I will give a quote from the Hindu lunar zodiac about Krittika: "In
the sky, Krittika is positioned in the form of a group of stars called "The Pleiades", or the
"weeping sisters" as they are sometimes called. The warrior may bring destruction and sadness.
However, he may also be the protector of the good and the destroyer of evil. The warrior knows
what he wants and he is prepared to give his life in order to protect what is good.

Karttikeya, the general of the heavenly army, is the bearer of the golden sword. He fights
demons and shines like the sun in his golden armour. That is why Karttikeya is associated with
the golden light of the sun and the wealth connected with it. Agni, the other god that reigns
over
Krittika, brings destruction but also purification".

Bill Clinton has had to deal with several warlike situations during his office. Again, we see
something written about ‘the golden light of the Sun’. Therefore, we have another indication of
leadership.

There is more in the chart. Mercury and Saturn are in Pushya. This means two planets are in the
Nakshatra about which my booklet the Hindu lunar zodiac says the following: " In Vedic
astrology, Pushya and Rohini are considered to be the most favourable lunar constellations for
this earthly life. An enterprise which is started when the moon is in Pushya or Rohini can
hardly fail.

The god belonging to Pushya is Brihaspati. This god is the Vedic Jupiter and teacher/priest
(guru) of the gods.

The constellation brings wisdom and abundance. It gives both material and spiritual
nourishment. For this reason, the constellation has to do with teachers, priests, gurus, but also
with material wealth and expansion. The expansion can sometimes be pushed too far and for
this reason this constellation might suffer from obesity".

If we look at a picture of Bill Clinton, we see that he suffers a bit from obesity. At the same time,
this is a very beneficial Nakshatra. It is important that his ascendant lord Mercury is  located
here. Now you might say that Saturn in Pushya might spoil his luck. However, the lord of
Pushya is Saturn. Therefore, Saturn is in its own Nakshatra, which means that Saturn is
functioning well. In addition we see that Saturn is located in an Upachaya house (the eleventh)
in which malefics are welcomed. Therefore this Saturn in Pushya does not spoil his luck but on
the contrary promotes it.
Let us look at Rahu in the chart. Rahu is the shadow planet of insatiable desires. We have to be
careful not to attach too much importance on the Nakshatra in which this shadowplanet is in,
because Rahu is very slowly moving. Many people of Mr. Clinton’s age have Rahu in the same
Nakshatra. Still I cannot help to note that Rahu is in Mrigashirsha. This Nakshatra has to do
with romantic problems. In my booklet it says:
"It symbolises the spiritual seeker with a romantic tendency, who is always looking for new
experiences.".

There is one more Nakshatra we have to look at. It is Jyeshta in which Ketu is located. In the
booklet it says: "The spiritual path belonging to this constellation is that of the warrior and the
acceptance of authoritative positions". Mr. Clinton is certainly on an authoritative position and
had to deal with wars.

What we have seen here is that astrology does not have to be difficult. With the help of a small
booklet, we can say a lot about the character of a person.

CONCLUSION

By looking at a few example charts, you have seen how you can use the Nakshatras for chart
interpretation. The method that I have used it simple. Just look at what planets are in which
Nakshatras and you can come up with an interpretation. I hope that more people will use this
technique.

Indeed, sometimes I am surprised at the rather ‘far out’ and ‘difficult’ techniques some Jyotishis
use while at the same time this simple and basic technique is seldom used.

Roeland de Looff,