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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 14

Chitra

Pearl, jewel

Chitra, nakshatra 14 of 27 (23°20′ Kanya – 6°40′ Tula), ruled by Mars, presided over by Tvashtar (Vishvakarma); symbol: pearl, jewel.

Chitra is the 14th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 23°20′ Kanya – 6°40′ Tula of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Tvashtar (Vishvakarma), and its traditional symbol is the pearl, jewel. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Mars, so a person whose moon falls in Chitra begins life in the Mars period (dasha).

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

artistic · brilliant · charismatic · stylish · creative · proud

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Chitra is described as brilliant, artistic and charismatic, with an eye for beauty and design. Its name means 'bright' or 'wonderful', its symbol is a shining pearl or jewel, its star is Spica, and its deity is Tvashtar, the divine craftsman, often identified with Vishvakarma, architect of the gods.

Traditional descriptions credit Chitra natives with creativity, style, intelligence, energy and a talent for making beautiful and well-made things; they are said to be attractive and to enjoy fine clothes and ornaments. Their weaknesses are said to be vanity, self-centredness, impatience, a quarrelsome streak and a tendency to judge by appearances.

In relationships Chitra is portrayed as attractive and passionate but independent, sometimes restless in commitment. In work it is linked with architecture, design, jewellery, fashion, engineering, the visual arts, photography and any craft of skill and display. Counted among the rakshasa temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Mars, whose Navaratna stone is red coral. As with all nakshatras, Jyotisha reads these traits in the context of the whole chart.

Stone: Coral (Precious Coral)

Sources and further reading