EsoteriaA library of sacred & hidden knowledge
Horoscopes · Systems of many cultures

Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 2

Bharani

Yoni (womb)

Bharani, nakshatra 2 of 27 (13°20′ Mesha – 26°40′ Mesha), ruled by Venus, presided over by Yama; symbol: yoni (womb).

Bharani is the 2nd of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 13°20′ Mesha – 26°40′ Mesha of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Yama, and its traditional symbol is the yoni (womb). In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Venus, so a person whose moon falls in Bharani begins life in the Venus period (dasha).

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

determined · intense · creative · truthful · sensual · responsible

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Bharani is described as intense, determined and capable of carrying great burdens, as the nakshatra's name, 'the bearer', suggests. Its symbol is the yoni, the womb, and its deity is Yama, lord of death and of dharma, so it is associated with the whole cycle of birth, restraint, death and renewal.

Traditional descriptions credit Bharani natives with strong will, honesty, creative and procreative energy, and a sense of duty that lets them face difficult truths others avoid. They are said to love beauty and pleasure as Venus, the nakshatra's ruling planet, suggests. Their weaknesses are said to be extremes of feeling, jealousy, stubbornness, a judgemental streak and a struggle between indulgence and self-control.

In relationships Bharani is portrayed as passionate, loyal and possessive, a partner who feels deeply and expects commitment. In work it is linked with the arts, entertainment, fashion, midwifery and medicine, law and any role that involves transformation or responsibility for others. Counted among the human (manushya) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Venus, whose Navaratna stone is the diamond.

Stone: Diamond

Sources and further reading