Nakshatra - Rashi (Zodiac)

Zodiac: Tropical and Sidereal

The tropical zodiac is fundamentally based on the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. The tropical zodiac, fixes the starting point of the zodiac at the March equinox (vernal equinox) and aligns the signs with the seasons. The summer and winter solstices fall perpendicular upon it.

Many Hindu temples are built to align with equinox, and sun position is used to predict seasons. The gopuram and the idol of Padmanabhaswamy are positioned exactly perpendicular to the east west line. Every year on Equinox days (21st March & 23rd September), sun aligns through middle, gopuram opening. Similarly solar alignment in many ancient sites like Anghor wat.

Vishu in Sanskrit means equal, and refers to the March equinox, when day and night are roughly equal length. Ancient Indians celebrated solar new year on March equinox. Except National Saka calendar, others calendars are shifting new year by a day every 72 years, due to the movement of reference constellations.

The Sidereal Zodiac had its origin in the constellations of the ecliptic. The start point of the Sidereal Zodiac, is oriented to the fixed stars. Sun and Moon move along 12 constellations in Zodiac in one year and 27.32 days respectively.

Earth's wobbles very slowly, like a spinning top. It takes Earth's axis about 25,772 years to complete a circular wobble, which is called axial precession. This causes the apparent movement of the celestial poles and, a gradual shift in the constellations visible from Earth. So the reference constellations seems to move 360 degree in one cycle of 25,772 years. The ayanamsa, the difference between the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiac.

Calendar makers and astrologers use a concept called ayanamsa which is the longitude difference between the zero point in ancient India and current zero point based on March equinox or the first point of Aries. In ancient India, the coordinate was measured from a reference star Kritika or Aldebaran (Nakshatra suktham starts with Kritika). Some had started the reference list from the Nakshatra on June solstice and September equinox.

Some of the authors were not aware of the Precession of the Equinox and assumed that 12 constellations named after the Solar Months would forever coincide with those Solar Months. Nakshatras along zodiac belt may mean constellation, galaxies, group of stars and galaxies. The Nakshatras of the Indians and the Lunar Mansions of the Chaldeans and the Chinese are deified. The Planets are also deified.

There are 13 rather than 12 signs/constellations in the Constellational Zodiac, adding Ophiuchus. The signs of the Constellational Zodiac are highly irregular in size and there is controversy over the exact boundaries of each sign.

More on Tropical zodiac

Tropical zodiac Signs or rasis refer to the Earth's relationship to the Sun or movement of the Sun and the Earth. Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are called moveable signs. Their common characteristic is change and their beginning heralds a change in the Sun's movement. At 0 degrees Aries the Sun crosses the equator on its way North, changing from the Southern hemisphere to the Northern hemisphere. At 0 degrees Cancer the Sun changes from moving North to moving South. At 0 degrees Libra the Sun crosses the equator on its way South, changing hemispheres and at 0 degrees Capricorn the Sun begins to move North.
The fixed Rasis, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, represent the Sun being steadfast and resolute on its course.
The dual Rasis, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, represent the Sun losing momentum on its course and getting ready for a new beginning. This is why these signs are energy transformers. The dual signs are steadfast and resolute just enough to get the job done but are also flexible enough to allow for necessary change.

Ayanamsa variations

Table on Zodiac signs

Sanskrit Name	Western/Greek Name	Tattva (Element)	Quality	Ruling Planet	Part of Body
(1)Meṣa (मेष) "ram"	Aries ("ram")	Tejas (Fire)	Cara (Movable)	Mars	head
(2)Vṛṣabha (वृषभ) "bull"	Taurus ("bull")	Prithivi (Earth)	Sthira (Fixed)	Venus	mouth
(3)Mithuna (मिथुन) "twins"	Gemini ("twins")	Vayu (Air)	Dvisvabhava (Dual)	Mercury	arms
(4)Karkaṭa (कर्कट) "crab"	Cancer ("crab")	Jala (Water)	Cara (Movable)	Moon	two sides
(5)Siṃha (सिंह) "lion"	Leo ("lion")	Tejas (Fire)	Sthira (Fixed)	Sun	heart
(6)Kanyā (कन्या) "girl"	Virgo ("virgin")	Prithivi (Earth)	Dvisvabhava (Dual)	Mercury	digestive system
(7)Tulā (तुला) "balance"	Libra ("balance")	Vayu (Air)	Cara (Movable)	Venus	umbilical area
(8)Vṛścika (वृश्चिक) "scorpion"	Scorpio ("scorpion")	Jala (Water)	Sthira (Fixed)	Mars	generative organs
(9)Dhanus (धनुष) "bow"	Sagittarius ("archer")	Tejas (Fire)	Dvisvabhava (Dual)	Jupiter	thighs
(10)Makara (मकर) "sea-monster"	Capricorn ("goat-horned")	Prithivi (Earth)	Cara (Movable)	Saturn	knees
(11)Kumbha (कुम्भ) "pitcher"	Aquarius ("water-pourer")	Vayu (Air)	Sthira (Fixed)	Saturn	Lower part of legs
(12)Mīna (मीन) "fish"	Pisces ("fish")	Jala (Water)	Dvisvabhava (Dual)	Jupiter	feet

As per NASA there are 13 constellations in the original zodiac. But to match current 12-month calendar, Ophiuchus is left out.

1. Capricorn: January 20 - February 16
2. Aquarius: February 16 – March 11
3. Pisces: March 11 – April 18
4. Aries: April 18 – May 13
5. Taurus: May 13 – June 21
6. Gemini: June 21 – July 20
7. Cancer: July 20 – August 10
8. Leo: August 10 – September 16
9. Virgo: September 16 – October 30
10. Libra: October 30 – November 23
11. Scorpio: November 23 – November 29
12. Ophiuchus: November 29 – December 17
13. Sagittarius: December 17 – January 20

Nakshatras system:

Daksha, (may be chaldean origin), identified and named 28 stars and all stars are considered as his daughter. The North and South celestial poles do not remain permanently fixed against the background of the stars. Due to precession of the equinoxes, the poles trace out circles on the celestial sphere, with a period of about 25,700 years. North pole identified by polar-star, is part of porpoise-like constellation (stars of Cassiopeia make its tail, Andromeda and Triangulum form its body, and Aries makes its head)
28 star system was changed to 27 star system by Badra, by deleting Abhijit. This gave to mythological story, Daksha's human head was cut and replaced with mesha head. So, new star system starts with Krittika in mesha rasi. Now first star is Ashvini.

360 degree is divided in to 27 nakshatra signs 13 degree and 20 minutes (approximately 13.33°) each. Actual location or angle between two nakshatras are not 13 degree and 20 minutes, but varies (listed in table).

Tamil name	Nakshatra	Associated stars	Astronomical Name (No. of stars)	Indian zodiac	Symbol
Asvini	Ashvini	β and γ Arietis	Beta Arietis (3)	0deg - 13deg20' Mesha	Horse's head
Barani	Bharani	Arietis	35 Arietis (3)	13deg 20' - 26deg40' Mesha	Yoni
Karthikai	Krittika	Pleiades	Eta Tauri (6)	26deg40' Mesha - 10deg Vrishabha	Knife or spear
Rohini	Rohini	Aldebaran	Aldebaran (5)	10deg - 23deg20' Vrishabha	Cart, temple, banyan tree
Mirugasirsham	Mrigashia	λ, φ Orionis	Lambda Orionis (3)	23deg 20' Vrishabha - 6deg 40' Mithuna	Deer's head
Thiruvadirai	Aridra	Betelgeuse	Alpha Orionis (1)	6deg 40' - 20deg Mithuna	Teardrop, diamond, a human head
Punarpoosam	Punarvasu	Castor and Pollux	Beta Geminorium (2 to 4)	20deg Mithuna - 3deg20' Karka	Bow and quiver
Poosam	Pushya	γ, δ and θ Cancri	Delta Cancri (3)	3deg20' -16deg40' Karka	Cow's udder, lotus, arrow and circle
Aayilyam	Aslesha	δ, ε, η, ρ, and σ Hydrae	Alpha Hydroe (1)	16deg40' - 30deg Karka	Serpent
Magam	Magha	Regulus	Regulus (5)	0deg - 13deg20' Simha	Royal Throne
Pooram	Purva Phalguni	δ and θ Leonis	Delta Leonis (2)	13deg20' - 26deg40' Simha	Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree
Uttaram	Uttara Phalguni	Denebola	Beta Leonis (2)	26deg40' Simha- 10deg Kanya	Four legs of bed, hammock
Hastham	Hasta	α, β, γ, δ and ε Corvi	Delta Corvi (3)	10deg - 23deg20' Kanya	Hand or fist
Chitirai	Chitra	Spica	Spica Virginis -Vegus (1)	23deg20' Kanya - 6deg40' Tula	Bright jewel or pearl
Swati	Svati	Arcturus	Arcturus (1)	6deg40' - 20deg Tula	Shoot of plant, coral
Visakam	Vishakha	α, β, γ and ι Librae	Alpha Libroe (2)	20deg Tula - 3deg20' Vrishchika	Triumphal arch, potter's wheel
Anusham	Anuradha	β, δ and π Scorpionis	Delta Scorpio (4)	3deg20' - 16deg40' Vrishchika	Triumphal archway, lotus
Kettai	Jyeshtha	α, σ, and τ Scorpionis	Antares (3)	16deg40' - 30deg Vrishchika	circular amulet, umbrella, earring
Moolam	Mula	ε, ζ, η, θ, ι, κ, λ, μ and ν Scorpionis	Lambda Scorpio (11)	0deg - 13deg20' Dhanus	Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad
Pooradam	Purva Ashadha	δ and ε Sagittarii	Delta Sagittari (2)	13deg20' - 26deg40' Dhanus	Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket
Uttaradam	Uttara Ashadha	ζ and σ Sagittarii	Sigma sagittari (3)	26deg40' Dhanus - 10deg Makara	Elephant tusk, small bed
Abhijit		α, ε and ζ Lyrae - Vega
Thiruvonam	Shravana	α, β and γ Aquilae	Alpha Aquiloe (3)	10deg - 23deg20' Makara	Ear or Three Footprints
Avittam	Dhanishtha	α to δ Delphini	Beta Delphinum (4)	23deg20' Makara - 6deg40' Kumbha	Drum or flute
Sadayam	Shatabhisha	γ Aquarii	Lambda Aquarius (100)	6deg40' - 20deg Kumbha ;	Empty circle, flowers or stars
Purattadhi	Purva Bhadra	α and β Pegasi	Alpha Pegasi (2)	20deg Kumbha - 3deg20' Meena ;	Swords or two front legs of cot, man with two faces
Uttarattadhi	Uttaea Bhadra	γ Pegasi and α Andromedae	Gama Pegasi (2)	3deg20' - 16deg40' Meena ;	Twins, back legs of cot, snake in the water
Revathi	Revati	ζ Piscium	Zeta Piscum (32)	16deg40' - 30deg Meena	Pair of fish, drum

Each nakshatra is associated with deity and characteristics of personality and so on

Nakshatra	Ruler	Deity	Meaning	Purpose	Animal	Gana
Asvini	Ketu	Saraswathi, Gods physicians	wife of the Ashvins	Dharma	Horse M	Deva
Barani	Venus	Durgai, god of death or Dharma	the bearer	Artha	Elephant M	Manushya
Karthikai	Sun	Agni	nurses of Kārttikeya	Kama	Goat F	Rakshasa
Rohini	Moon	Brahma or Prajapati	the red one, a name of Aldebaran, brāhmī	Moksha	Serpent M	Manushya
Mirugasirsham	Mars	Soma, Chandra	the deer's head, āgrahāyaṇī	Moksha	Serpent F	Deva
Thiruvadirai	Rahu	Shiva or Rudra the storm god	the moist one	Kama	Dog M	Manushya
Punarpoosam	Jupiter	Aditi, mother of the gods	(dual), two restorers of goods, the two chariots	Artha	Cat F	Deva
Poosam	Saturn	Brihaspati	the nourisher, sidhya	Dharma	Ram M	Deva
Aayilyam	Mercury	Adhisesha or Nagas	the embrace	Dharma	Cat M	Rakshasa
Magam	Ketu	Sukra or Pitrs family ancestors	the bountiful	Artha	rat M	Rakshasa
Pooram	Venus	Parvathy, god of marital bliss and prosperity	first reddish one	Kama	rat F	Manushya
Uttaram	Sun	Surya, god of patronage and favours	second reddish one	Moksha	Bull M	Manushya
Hastham	Moon	Sasthan, Saviti or Surya	the hand	Moksha	Buffalo F	Deva
Chitirai	Mars	Vishvakarman, the celestial architect, Indra	the bright one	Kama	tiger F	Rakshasa
Swati	Rahu	Vaayu	name of Arcturus	Artha	Buffalo M	Deva
Visakam	Jupiter	Kumara, Agni, god of Fire	forked, having branches, rādhā the gift	Dharma	tiger M	Rakshasa
Anusham	Saturn	Laxmi, Mitra	following rādhā	Dharma	Deer or Hare F	Deva
Kettai	Mercury	Indra	the eldest, most excellent	Artha	Deer or Hare M	Rakshasa
Moolam	Ketu	Asurar, Nirrti, goddess of dissolution and destruction	the root	Kama	Dog F	Rakshasa
Pooradam	Venus	Varuna, god of Water	the invincible one	Moksha	monkey M	Manushya
Uttaradam	Sun	Ganapathi, Visvedevas, universal gods	second of the aṣāḍhā	Moksha	Mongoose M	Manushya
Abhijit		Brahma	victorious
Thiruvonam	Moon	Vishnu	Shravana	Artha	Monkey F	Deva
Avittam	Mars	Eight vasus, deities of earthly abundance	Shravishthā - most famous, Dhanishta - swiftest	Dharma	lion F	Rakshasa
Sadayam	Rahu	Yama, god of cosmic waters, sky and earth,	requiring a hundred physicians	Dharma	Horse F	Rakshasa
Purattadhi	Jupiter	Kubera, an ancient fire dragon	first of the blessed feet	Artha	lion M	Manushya
Uttarattadhi	Saturn	kamadhenu, dragon of the deep	second of the blessed feet	Kama	cow F	Manushya
Revathi	Mercury	Sani, nourisher, the protective deity	prosperous	Moksha	elephant F	Deva

Tips for locating nakshatras and their equivalent in other systems.

Indian list	Greek	Chinese	Arab	Sun sign or alignment	deg from aswin	Theoretical
Ashwini	Alpha Aries*	Peih	Al Fargh al Thani	14 Apr	0	0.00
Bharani	Delta Aries	Goei	Al Batn al Hut	28 Apr	11	13.33
Krittika*	Pleiades	Leu	Al Sharatain	12 May	26	26.67
Rohini	Aldebaran	Oei	Al Butain	26 May	38	40.00
Mrigashira	Orionis	Mao*	Al Thurayya*	9 June	51	53.33
Aardhra	Betelgeuse	Pi	Al Dabaran	23 June	67	66.67
Punarvasu	Castor and Pollux	Tsee	Al Hak'ah	7 July	84	80.00
Pushya	Praesepe Cancri	Shen	Al Han'ah	21 July	93	93.33
Aashlesha	Hydrae	Tsing	Al Dhira	4 Aug	104	106.67
Maghaa	Regulus	Kwei	Al Nathrah	18 Aug	121	120.00
Pubba	Leonis	Lieu	Al Tarf	1 Sept	137	133.33
Uttara	Denebola	Sing,	Al Jabhah	14 Sept	146	146.67
Hastaa	Corvi	Chang	Al Zubrah	28 Sept	159	160.00
Chitra	Spica	Yen	Al Sarfah	11 Oct	172	173.33
Swati	Arcturus	Tchin	Al Awwa	24 Oct	183	186.67
Vishaka	Librae	Kio	Al Simak	5 Nov	193	200.00
Anooradha	Scorpionis	Kang	Al Ghafr	20 Nov	209	213.33
Jyeshta	Antares	Ti	Al Jubana	4 Dec	217	226.67
Moola	Lamda Scorpionis	Fang	Iklil al Jabhah	17 Dec	229	240.00
Poorvashada	Sigma Sagittarii	Sin	Al Kalb	29 Dec	251	253.33
UttaraShada	Delta Sagittarii	Wei	Al Shaulah	12 Jan	272	266.67
Abhijit	Vega	Ki	Al Na'am
Shravana	Altair or Aquilae	Tow	Al Baldah	25 Jan	294	280.00
Dhanishta	Delta Delphinis	Nieu	Al Sa'd al Dhabih	7 Febr	304	293.33
Shatabhisha	Sigma Aquarii	Mo	Al Sa'd al Bula	20 Febr	312	306.67
Poorva Bhadra	Alpha Pegasi	Heu	Al Sa'd al Su'ud	5 Mar	329	320.00
Uttara Bhadra	Gama Pegasi (Andromedae)	Gui	Al Sa'd al Ahbiyah	18 Mar	341.5	333.33
Revathi	Piscium	Shih	Al Fargh al Mukdim	31 Mar	351.5	346.67

* represents first nakshatra for the particular system.

Kumara - Skanda - Seyon

Polynesians - Matariki

Matariki constellation is cluster of stars, is part of the Taurus constellation. Known as Krittika*, Pleiades, Leu and Al Sharatain by Indian, Greek, Chinese and Arab. Krittika (from divine eyes) or birth of kumara has sumerian connections. In Japan it is called Subaru meaning to govern.

Aotearoa’s Matariki – sometime referred to as Māori New Year – arrives mid-winter and marks the beginning of the new year for many iwi with the reappearance of the Matariki constellation in the east before sunrise in June-July. It will help break up the cold winter months because it will always be on a Monday or Friday. Polynesians celebrate when Matariki or Krittika star seen just before sunrise, while Indians celebrate when Krittika star rises just after sunset in Nov/Dec. When rises with full moon, it is Karthigai deepam

Matariki literally means the 'eyes of god' (mata ariki) or 'little eyes' (mata riki). When Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother were separated by their offspring, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became angry, tearing out his eyes and hurling them into the heavens. Matariki is the star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment and the gathering of people. Matariki is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people. The optimum time to observe the rising of Matariki is in the phase of the moon known as Tangaroa, the moon of plenty. The Tangaroa moon phase occurs in the three or four days leading to a new moon and will fall on different dates each year. We call it Ekadashi, or 11th day. Polynesians go for location of star in the sky.

Sapthrishis or Great Bear or Big Dipper

Ursa Major is a constellation in the northern sky, is a "greater bear", and nearby Ursa Minor, the lesser bear. The Big Dipper is a grouping of stars within the constellation Ursa Major, also known as The Great Bear. The best time to view the Big Dipper is on a spring night when it is above the northern horizon. Look for the seven brightest stars of Ursa Major.

Arundhati and Vashistha is a twin star system. None of the two stars are dominant over the other. They revolve around each other. one of the important marriage ritual is to get the couple locate and look at it in night. Now just the point to the sky in day time and see the stars, which is not possible.

Mizar is known as Vashista and Alcor is known as Arundhati. You'll spot Mizar first, as the middle star of the Big Dipper's handle. Look closely, and you'll see Alcor right next to Mizar. This pair of stars in the Big Dipper’s handle is famously called “the horse and rider.” If you can’t see fainter Alcor with the unaided eye, use binoculars to see Mizar’s nearby companion.

Ancient Hindus, Chinese, Japanese, Romans, Greeks and Babylonians all have tracked Arundhati and Vashishta or Mizar and Alcor. The two are visible year round from the mid-northern hemisphere. (may be around 8 PM). Apart from Alcor, Mizar being double star, they themselves are binary and four stars. Alcor a binary, consisting of Alcor A and Alcor B. Alcor binary system is gravitationally bound to the Mizar quadruple system – making six stars in all.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Abhijit - Vega - Whanui

Whanui is invoked for abundant food. Whanui stole tuber kumara (sweet potato) from his brother Rongo-ma-tāne, and brought them to earth where his wife Pani introduced them as food to humans. As the star Vega, his rising signals the time for the harvest. When it moves slowly it is a sign of plentiful crops and an abundance of food. But when it moves swiftly, as if blown by the wind, then the coming season will be one of great scarcity, a lean season (he tau hiroki). When Whanui is seen flashing above the eastern horizon as autumn approaches, it is the sign for taking up of the kumara crop.
"Whanui atua ka eke mai i te rangi e roa e
Whangainga iho ki te mata o te tau e roa e."
The expression mata o te tau denotes the first fruits of the season.

Additional Notes on nakshatras

1. The starting point for the nakshatras is the point on the ecliptic directly opposite to the star Spica called Chitra in Sanskrit. It is called Meshadi by Lagadha.
2. Ashwini is classified as a Small constellation, precise or delicate nature Bharani is she who supports, maintains.
3. MRIGASIRA, head of the Deer is the constellation Orion.
4. Arudra nakshatra (Betelgeuse) means the goddess of fortune. Symbol a teardrop means wet or surcharged with water
5. Punarvasu are the two brightest stars in the constellation of Gemini
6. Magha in Leo means 'Grand' or 'Noble'.
7. Purva Phalguni and Uttar Phalguni means reddish, a double star constellation
8. Hasta belongs to Virgo and its symbol is a hand
9. Swati or star Arcturus or star which converts dew drops into pearls.
10. Jyeshtha (The Eldest) is associated with Indra, chief of the gods
11. Mula (The Root)

The classical western map of the sky, with the 48 Greek constellations, was derived from at least two different pre-Greek traditions. One tradition comprised the 12 signs of the zodiac, with several associated animal constellations, all of which developed over 3,200-500 BC in Mesopotamia in a religious or ritual tradition. The other tradition comprised large constellations which appear to date from 2,800 BC, devised for the navigators of ships. They include huge bears and serpents which marked the celestial pole and equator at that time, and probably the four anonymous giants which we know as Hercules, Ophiuchus, Bootes, and Auriga, as well as some of the large southern 'marine' constellations.

The night sky is full of bright stars, below are the Top 10 Brightest Stars. Venus is the brightest planet, which can often be seen within a few hours after sunset or before sunrise as the brightest object in the sky (other than the moon).
1. Sirius A (Alpha Canis Majoris)
Located in the constellation Canis Major with an apparent magnitude of -1.5 and 8 light years away from Earth. Visible from the whole planet.
2. Canopus (Alpha Carinae)
Located in the constellation Carina with an apparent magnitude of -0.72, 309.8 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
3. Rigil Kentaurus (Alpha Centauri)
Located in the constellation Centaurus with an apparent magnitude of -0.29, 4.36 light-years away from Earth. Visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
4. Arcturus (Alpha Bootis)
Located in the constellation Bootes with an apparent magnitude of -0.04, 37 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
5. Vega (Alpha Lyrae)
Located in the Lyra constellation with an apparent magnitude of +0.03, 25.5 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
6. Capella (Alpha Aurigae)
Located in the Auriga constellation with an apparent magnitude of +0.08, 42 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
7. Rigel (Beta Orionis)
Located in the constellation Orion with an apparent magnitude of +0.18, 860 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
8. Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris)
Located in the Canis Minor constellation with an apparent magnitude of +0.34, 11.45 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
9. Achernar (Alpha Eridani)
Located in the Eridanus constellation with an apparent magnitude of +0.445, 114 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
10. Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis)
Located in the constellation Orion with an apparent magnitude of +0.42, 640 light years away from Earth. Visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
Binaries have revealed around 50 suspected or confirmed stellar-mass black holes in the Milky Way, but scientists think there may be as many as 100 million in our galaxy alone.
The nearest known black hole, called Gaia BH1, is about 1,500 light-years away, is 33 times more massive than our sun. Gaia-BH3 is located just 2,000 light years from Earth. Gaia-BH1 has a mass around 9.6 times that of the sun.
Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, is more than 26,000 light years away from Earth, it is our closest supermassive black hole, approximately 4 million times the mass of the Sun.