Nakshatra

Nakshatra Wheel: The Nakshatra Wheel is one of the most exciting features in Sirius. The Nakshatras, or Vedic Lunar Mansions provide a 27 sign lunar zodiac system that is compatible with the 12 sign solar zodiac. This is an ancient system that dates back to a time when the Moon was revered as a central figure of study and worship. It has been preserved for humanity in India.

If you are not yet acquainted with the nakshatras, becoming so will greatly enrich your experience of astrology.

Each Nakshatra is traditionally associated with one or more symbolic objects. However, no simplified icons such as the icons used in Sirius have existed until this time. Below is the Nakshatra Wheel sample that shows the nakshatra symbols around the chart wheel.

A brief description of each of the Nakshatra symbols are provided below:

	1. Ashvini: This symbol mimics the traditional sign for Ashvini, a horse's head. This Nakshatra represents the "head", or the beginning of the zodiac. This symbol also resembles the female reproductive system. Ashvini relates to all initiations and beginnings.
	2. Bharani: Bharani is the Nakshatra of birth, death and transformation. It's symbol is the yoni. The triangle references the three stars which compose this asterism. These three stars, also known as "the Buckle of Isis" where perceived by ancient astrologers as portal between worlds.
	3. Krittika: Krittika, "the one who cuts", is traditionally denoted by a blade or a flame. This symbol combines the two motifs, expressing this nakshatra's sharp, fiery and proactive nature.
	4. Rohini: Rohini, the most materialistic nakshatra is represented by a four-petaled flower. This relates to its connection to the number four, as well as its typical emblem, the rose. Rohini relates to Taurine themes of fertility, stability, and abundance.
	5. Mrigashira: This symbol emulates Mrigashira's emblamatic cup of soma (elixir). It also combines the symbols for Taurus and Gemini, the two zodiac signs which correspond to this nakshatra. The curved line which reflects the horns of Taurus may also be interpreted as symbolic of Mrigashira's other motif, the deer.
	6. Ardra: This symbol combines this nakshatra's two emblems; the diamond and the raindrop (or teardrop). Together, they provide a visual description of Ardra's theme of growth and renewal through chaos and turbulence.
	7. Punarvasu: Punarvasu means, "becoming good again". Its symbol relates to themes of retrieving, recovering, and recycling. This nakshatra is traditionally denoted by a quiver of arrows (magical weapons which return after fulfilling their mission). These arrows are depicted here in their circular path from beginning to return.
	8. Pushya:Pushya is the nakshatra of nourishment, generosity and kindness. Its symbol is a circle which can be seen as a wheel, a drop of milk, a coconut, or the Moon inside a blossoming lotus flower.
	9. Ashlesha: Ashlesha means "coiling" or "embracing". Its symbol is two serpentine lines symmetrically entwining, recalling Mercury's healing staff as well as the double-helix pattern of DNA molecule. This powerful nakshatra gives intuition and transformative potential.
	10. Magha: Magha coincides with the beginning of Leo and epitomizes the Leonine themes of honor, pride, magnificence, duty, glory, and respect. It is symbolized here by a simple three-pointed crown.
	11. Purvaphalguni: Purvaphalguni is the nakshatra of comfort, pleasure, delight, and indulgence. It follows Magha, signifying a period of relaxation following worldly accomplishment. Its symbol can be seen as one reclining in a luxurious bed.
	12. Uttaraphalguni: Uttaraphalguni also represents comfort but with an emphasis on wisdom rather then sensuality. It falls into the latter part of Leo, its symbol relates to that sign. The circle representing the individual, formerly seen enveloped in the blanket of luxury, here rises up like the Sun (Uttaraphalguni's ruling planet).
	13. Hasta: Hasta is symbolized by a human hand. This nakshatra relates to all work and activities done with the hands, including all forms of craftsmanship. One traditional symbol for Hasta is the potter's wheel, shown here by an empty circle.
	14. Chitra: Chitra means "sparkling" or "brilliant". It is symbolized by a jewel star. Its nature is that of an artist; imagining and designing new forms, ideas, and illusions.
	15. Swati: Swati is typically symbolized by a young plant shoot blown by the wind or a sword. This symbol combines the two motifs. The curved line intersecting the straight line also represents the balancing of contrasting forces. Swati is adaptable, flexible, diplomatic, and temperate. It occurs halfway through the nakshatra cycle, and relates to all crossroads and compromises..
	16. Vishakha: The symbol of Vishakha combines its traditional symbol of the triumphal arch with its meaning, "Two-Branched". Vishakha relates to the concept of single-minded fixation on a goal, and the painful sacrifice required to meeting that goal. It is the incomplete desiring completion.
	17. Anuradha: After the sacrifice of Vishakha comes Anuradha, meaning "Subsequent Success". Its symbol is a staff which may be interpreted as a magician's wand or walking stick. Philosophy, astrology, and travel relate to this nakshatra. Anuradha transforms Vishakha's narrow-sighted obsession into a broader vision of reverence and awe.
	18. Jyestha: Jyestha means "the Eldest". It is usually symbolized by a round amulet or earring, denoting authority. Seniority and expertise are indicated. The three lines connecting the inner and outer circles of this symbol represent the past, the present, and the future.
	19. Mula: Mula means "Root" or "Center". This Nakshatra includes the Galactic Center. Our symbol is a stylization of Mula's traditional emblem: a bundle of roots. This bundle of roots represents not only Mula's urge to seek the essential nature of all things, but also to the practice of making medicines.
	20. Purvashada: This joyous and optimistic nakshatra delights in beauty. Its symbol resembles the seashell upon which Venus emerges from the waters of life. It also resembles Purvashada's emblem, the fan. The fan has multiple implications. It can be used to fan a fire (to keep passion alive), to cool off (to survive adversity), as a decorative item (to enjoy art), or to hide one's face (to retain mystery).
	21. Uttarashada:Uttarashada, "the Latter Invincible One" exemplifies truth, willpower, firmness, and virtue. Its symbol combines a pyramid (representing the crystallization of power), two elephant tusks (referring to Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles, its ruling deity), and the rising Sun (its ruling planet)..
	22. Shravana: Shravana means "hearing" and is ruled by the Moon. It relates to listening to others well as to one's inner voice. This Lunar receptivity is symbolized by a Full Moon supported by a Crescent Moon. The three smaller circles denote the "three uneven footsteps" associated with Shravana. The lines which connect the smaller circles to the larger one evoke the connection between speakers and listeners.
	23. Dhanishta: Dhanishta is represented by a drum. This bold and confident nakshatra relates to music and dance, as well as to the larger rhythms of life. The shape of this symbol reflects the rhomboid pattern of the stars of this asterism. It is divided into eight triangles, representing the Eight Vasus (demigods) who preside over Dhanishta.
	24. Shatabisha: Shatabisha, "the Hundred Healers", is typically denoted by an empty circle. Emanating from the circle are four lightning-bolts, signifying the subtle electrical force present in all things. There are also smaller circles portraying electrons circumnavigating an atomic nucleus. This symbol also resembles a turtle, the carrier of the world, relating to the transpersonal nature of this often eccentric, reclusive, scientific, and mystical nakshatra.
	25. Purvabhadrapada: This nakshatra is traditionally represented by a man with two faces, symbolizing the moment of death, when one exists both in this world and the next. It is also often denoted by a sword, representing severance. This symbol combines these two motifs.
	26. Uttarabhadrapada: Uttarabhadrapada relates to another aspect of death, in which consciousness sinks deep into the abyss. This nakshatra is associated with the deep unconscious and the life force residing within. Its deity is Ahir Budhanya, "the Serpent of the Depths", depicted here as a serpentine line ascending a vertical axis.
	27. Revati: Revati means "Wealthy" or "To Transcend". As the final nakshatra, it synthesizes and absorbs the mysteries of the previous 26. This knowledge is portrayed here by an all seeing eye. This symbol also contains two fish, representing the sign of Pisces and the soul's journey after death.

Also refer
http://jyotishvidya.com/nakshatras.htm

Tithi

In vedic timekeeping, a Tithi (also spelled thithi) is a lunar day, or the time it takes for the longitudinal angle between the moon and the sun to increase by 12°. Tithis begin at varying times of day and vary in duration from approximately 19 to approximately 26 hours. ^[1]

There are 30 tithis in each lunar month, named as :

l.No	Krishnapaksha (dark fortnight)	Shukla paksha (bright fortnight)	Deity and properties[citation needed]
1	Pratipad	Pratipad	The presiding deity of the first lunar day in Agni and is good for all types of auspicious and religious ceremonies
2	Dwitiya	Dwitiya	Vidhatr or Bramha rules this lunar day and is good for the laying of foundations for buildings and other things of a permanent nature.
3	Tritiya	Tritiya	Gauri is the lord of this day and is good for the cuttings of one's hair and nails and shaving.
4	Chaturthi	Chaturthi	Yama/Ganapati is lord of the 4th lunar day, which is good for the destruction of one's enemies, the removal of obstacles, and acts of combat.
5	Panchami	Panchami	The Naaga or Serpents rules this day, which is favourable for administering medicine, the purging of poisons, and surgery.
6	Shashti	Shashti	Karttikeya presides over this day and is favourable for coronations, meeting new friends, festivities, and enjoyment.
7	Saptami	Saptami	The 7th lunar day is ruled by Surya; one may begin a journey, buy conveyances, and deal with other such things as a movable nature.
8	Ashtami	Ashtami	The Rudra rule this day, which is good for taking up arms, building of one's defenses, and fortification.
9	Navami	Navami	The Ambikaa rules this day, with is suitable for killing enemies, acts of destruction, and violence.
10	Dasami	Dashami	The day is ruled by Dharmaraja and is auspicious for acts of virtue, religious functions, spiritual practices, and other pious activities.
11	Ekadasi	Ekadashi	Rudra rule this day; fasting, devotional activities, and remembrance of the Supreme Lord are very favourable.This day has special religious significance in Hinduism and Jainism -- usually observed by fasting
12	Dvadasi	Dwadashi	The Vishnu or Aditya rules this day, which is auspicious for religious ceremonies the lighting of the sacred fire, and the performance of one's duties.
13	Trayodasi	Thrayodashi	The day is ruled by Cupid and is good for forming friendships, sensual pleasures, and festivities.
14	Chaturdashi	Chaturdashi	Kali rules this day suitable for administering poison and calling of elementals and spirits.
15	Amavasya (new moon)	Purnima (full moon)	The Pitru-devas rule the New Moon suitable for the propitiation of the Manes and performance of austerities.Purnima is ruled by Moon and suitable for merry making,fire sacrifice.

Zodiac Signs and Body Parts by Joyce Hopewell

Many people are fascinated by the Signs of the Zodiac. For most people the twelve Signs are on the very front line of astrology. Almost everyone knows their own Sun Sign as it relates to them personally. Your own birthday is important to you, so even if you know nothing else about astrology, you’ll still know which Sign you were born under!

Being interested in the Zodiac Signs and the general characteristics they are associated with can, for some people, be a way into finding out more about astrology. If you're reading this, it's very likely that you were searching for information about astrology in general or perhaps more specifically about the Zodiac Signs, and you arrived here at this article.

This is a famous illustration called “Zodiac Man”. It comes from the 15th century illustrated book Les Trés Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, which also contains detailed and richly coloured illustrations for each of the 12 Zodiac Signs and their associated labours or tasks of the agricultural year.

Each Sign of the Zodiac is associated with a different part of the body, so Zodiac Man has the Aries ram balanced on his head (Aries rules the head), a Taurean bull is wrapped around his neck, which is ruled by this Sign, and Gemini’s Twins peep around both his shoulders. Follow the Signs downwards from head to feet, and you’ll see that each is represented in the area of the body part it’s associated with. Note Libra, the sign of the balance or scales, which rules the kidneys, organs of maintaining fluid balance in the body, and the elimination of toxins.

This more modern illustration of Zodiac Man clearly labels the body part associated with each Sign.

Sagittarius, the Centaur or half man/half horse, is associated with the thighs - the body part which is used when riding a horse. Leo is associated with the heart and spine - think of a proud, brave lion. Gemini excels at communication, so it’s appropriate that this Sign is associated with the lungs, arms and hands, and that the Twins peep cheekily over the shoulders and arms of Zodiac Man in the illustration.

In our Foundation Course for Beginners you can learn about the Signs of the Zodiac, the planets which rule the Signs and the astrological Houses, or areas of life experience, which are associated with them – and much, much more!

Astrology is a fascinating, interesting subject, and we welcome interested and curious seekers to ourThe Astrological Psychology Association courses, which teach the Huber Method of Astrological Psychology throughout the English-speaking world.