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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 17

Anuradha

Lotus

Anuradha, nakshatra 17 of 27 (3°20′ Vrishchika – 16°40′ Vrishchika), ruled by Saturn, presided over by Mitra; symbol: lotus.

Anuradha is the 17th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 3°20′ Vrishchika – 16°40′ Vrishchika of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Mitra, and its traditional symbol is the lotus. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Saturn, so a person whose moon falls in Anuradha begins life in the Saturn period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Anuradha is counted deva. Astrologers use the nakshatra of the moon at birth for naming (each pada has its own syllable), for matching horoscopes before marriage and for choosing auspicious times (muhurta). The descriptions of each nakshatra in Sanskrit texts such as the Brihat Samhita and in modern handbooks vary, and are best read as traditional associations of its deity and symbol.

Personality

devoted · friendly · cooperative · disciplined · loyal · spiritual

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Anuradha is described as devoted, friendly and cooperative, able to thrive in difficult conditions like the lotus, its symbol, which rises clean from muddy water. Its deity is Mitra, the god of friendship, alliance and agreements, and the nakshatra is associated with loyalty and success through partnership.

Traditional descriptions credit Anuradha natives with discipline, perseverance, organisational talent and a gift for making friends and working in groups; they are said to be devoted to their ideals and to their spiritual practice, and to find success away from their birthplace. Their weaknesses are said to be jealousy, melancholy, stubbornness, a controlling streak and difficulty showing vulnerability.

In relationships Anuradha is portrayed as faithful, affectionate and dedicated, a partner who values deep companionship. In work it is linked with management, diplomacy, organisations and teamwork, research, travel, astrology and spiritual or religious work. Counted among the divine (deva) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Saturn, whose Navaratna stone is blue sapphire. Jyotisha always reads these associations within the whole birth chart.

Stone: Sapphire

Sources and further reading