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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 6

Ardra

Teardrop

Ardra, nakshatra 6 of 27 (6°40′ Mithuna – 20°00′ Mithuna), ruled by Rahu, presided over by Rudra; symbol: teardrop.

Ardra is the 6th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 6°40′ Mithuna – 20°00′ Mithuna of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Rudra, and its traditional symbol is the teardrop. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Rahu, so a person whose moon falls in Ardra begins life in the Rahu period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Ardra is counted manushya. 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

intense · intellectual · transformative · emotional · honest · stormy

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Ardra is described as intense, intellectual and transformative, carrying something of the storm in their nature. Its name means 'moist' or 'green', its symbol is a teardrop, its star is usually identified with Betelgeuse, and its deity is Rudra, the fierce Vedic storm god whose destruction clears the way for renewal.

Traditional descriptions credit Ardra natives with sharp minds, curiosity, honesty and the capacity to grow through suffering, turning hardship into insight and compassion. They are said to excel at analysis and research and to have strong feelings. Their weaknesses are said to be emotional turbulence, impatience, harsh words, restlessness and a tendency to destructive moods when frustrated.

In relationships Ardra is portrayed as passionate and loyal but volatile, needing a partner who can weather storms. In work it is linked with research, science and technology, medicine, writing, investigation and fields that deal with crisis or change. Counted among the human (manushya) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Rahu, whose Navaratna stone is hessonite garnet. Jyotishis add that the condition of the moon and Rahu in the chart greatly shapes these themes.

Stone: Hessonite

Sources and further reading