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 There are many different systems of measurement and teachings of astrology.
Most of them are based on measured observation of the movement of celestial
bodies in relationship to the earth. The two structures most widely used
today are Western astrology; and the East Indian system known as Vedic astrology.
The Vedic system is renowned for accuracy in prediction of events as well
as relationship compatibility.
The two have many similarities, but also some broad differences. Western
astrology is oriented to the Sun and its movement through the signs of the
zodiac. The Sun, however, has not always been seen as the most powerful celestial
being. In ancient Sumer, China, and India, the Sun was viewed as a destructive
entity die to its intense heat which scorched the earth and left the land
parched and dry. The Moon, on the other hand, was revered as a creative power
which brought the cool night air and promoted growth. This quality was important
to early farming communities which depended upon reliability in predicting
seasonal changes and growing conditions for success of their crops.
Vedic astrology is based on the Moon and its 27 Lunar Mansions known as
the Nakshatras. The Nakshatras are a fundamental feature of most lunar based
astrological systems, such as Chinese, and of course, Indian. Also, this
powerful ruler of the night (named Soma) in Indian astrology and mythology
was regarded as a male deity; a god and not a goddess. According to Hindu
lore, Soma considers the 27 Lunar Mansions as his resting places as he journeys
through the zodiac.
Each Nakshatra spans just over 13º, starting at zero Aries and ending
at 30 degrees of Pisces, so they do not exactly follow the 30º sign
and house system of Western astrology. They are referred to as the Lunar
Mansions because the Moon moves approximately 13.20 per day, and therefore,
resides in one Nakshatra per day each month. The Lunar Mansions can also
be thought of as centering on one's birthstar, and is an important factor
in determining the characteristics of an individual. Each mansion is centered
on a different fixed star in the sky, often, but not always a central part
of one of the 12 signs of the Western zodiac.
Other legends personify the mansions as Soma’s amorous wives- one
lover for each day of the Moon’s cycle. Several of the Nakshatras have
qualities similar to the zodiacal signs they occupy, or to one of the fixed
stars contained within that particular sign. A perfect example is the Lunar
Mansion named ‘Rohini’; known throughout Indian mythology as
Soma’s favorite and most jealous wife.
Rohini, meaning ‘Red Cow’ spans the mid degrees of Taurus the
Bull, the most sensual and possessive sign of the zodiac. The zodiacal or
actual night sky location of this nakshatra centers on the fixed star Aldebran,
the red eye, and brightest of 5 stars which form the head of the bull in
the constellation Taurus. So, here, in Taurus, the sign of the Moon’s
exaltation and greatest strength, resides his favorite partner, Rohini.
Each Nakshatra has a ruling planet, male or female animal, a symbol, and
a primary power. For instance, Rohini is ruled by the Moon, and her animal
is a male serpent. Her symbol is a chariot. Rohini is described as * ‘lightly
built, soft spoken and popular. She has delicate features and a gentle nature,
and most admires honesty and loyalty.’ People born under the influence
of this Lunar Mansion are further depicted as ‘witty and intelligent
and with excellent persuasive skills. They quickly gain others' confidence
but must take care not to abuse their trust. And, as the most favored wife
among 5 jealous sisters (the other stars forming the head of the bull in
Taurus) these natives may experience family problems due to being misunderstood
sometimes. The romantic and marital life, however, is blissful’.
Both Vedic and Western astrology use the planets and signs; but with a different
system of measurement. Western astrology is which is based on a Tropical
Zodiac. The Tropical Zodiac is movable because the vernal equinox, which
occurs on March 20-21st in the Gregorian calendar, is always considered to
be 0° Aries- despite the fact that the actual vernal point has not fallen
on that constellation degree for about 1700 years. As of 1950, the sidereal
zodiac was 23° behind the tropical zodiac. So, indeed, our system of
Western astrological measurement and interpretation is not based on the actual
positions of the planets in relationship to the constellations. It still
works; perhaps due to an evolution of consciousness and the human quality
of synchronicity rather than actual planetary movements. Vedic astrology
is based on the Sidereal zodiac, or actual movement of the earth in relationship
to stationary stars in the sky. This creates a ‘fixed’ zodiac
because the beginning of the astrological year is always the first degree
of the actual constellation of Aries.
The difference in degrees between where the vernal equinox point is actually
placed is can be easily calculated to arrive at the sidereal positions. Remember,
the sidereal zodiac is 23° behind the tropical zodiac. The easiest way
to determine the sidereal degree of your Moon or any planet is add 7° to
the tropical measurement, and then subtract 30º; or simply go back one
sign. For instance, if your Moon is at 20º Libra, to find the degree
of your Moon in the Vedic system- add 7 to 20, which equals 27° Libra,
and then count back one sign- to Virgo. The Vedic sidereal position of the
Moon by sign and degree would be 27° Virgo; and the Nakshatra is Chittra-
a female tiger ruled by Mars.
Researching your personal Moon Nakshatra, will take some time, but is worth
the effort. First, you need to have the Tropical degree of your Moon. (You
can do this with all the planets, but start with the Moon.) If you do not
know, there are several free web sites to get this information. I recommend
www.astrodeinst.com as a reliable and professional source. Remember the rule:
take the degree of your natal Moon; add 7º; and then go back one sign.
Next, we rely again on the internet or a book for interpretation of your
nakshatra. See the sources listed below. I guarantee this will be a thought
provoking exercise, and here is my toast to a wiser and more insightful you!
* www.vedicpredictions.com (for Rohini’s characteristics listed above)
other good sources: www.dirah.org; www.komilla.com
‘
The Nakshatras- the Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology’ by Dennis Harness,
PhD
© Maya White/White Star Astrology/ 2009 |
