The 27 nakshatras

What a nakshatra is

The twelve rashis cut the sky into twelve big parts. The nakshatras cut it into 27 small parts. Each one is 13°20′ wide. The Moon crosses about one nakshatra a day. So they show the small details, not just the big picture.

Every nakshatra has its own symbol, its own god, and its own nature. Two people can have the same moon sign and still feel very different. Usually it is because they were born in different nakshatras.

Your janma nakshatra

The nakshatra the Moon was in when you were born is your janma nakshatra. In many Indian homes, this is the first thing an astrologer looks at. It shapes your nature. It also decides where your Vimshottari dasha order starts. Families use it to pick a baby's name, to keep birthdays by the Moon, and to choose a muhurta.

Padas and rulers

Every nakshatra is split into four padas (quarters). Each pada is 3°20′ wide. Nine grahas rule them, one after another, again and again - Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury. That ruler is why your dasha starts where it starts.