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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 13

Hasta

Hand

Hasta, nakshatra 13 of 27 (10°00′ Kanya – 23°20′ Kanya), ruled by Moon, presided over by Savitar; symbol: hand.

Hasta is the 13th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 10°00′ Kanya – 23°20′ Kanya of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Savitar, and its traditional symbol is the hand. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Moon, so a person whose moon falls in Hasta begins life in the Moon period (dasha).

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

skilful · clever · resourceful · humorous · practical · industrious

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Hasta is described as skilful, clever and resourceful, someone who achieves things with their hands and wits. Its name and symbol are 'the hand', and its deity is Savitar, the sun god who stirs creatures to activity at dawn and grants what is sought.

Traditional descriptions credit Hasta natives with dexterity, craftsmanship, wit and humour, intelligence, industriousness and a talent for healing and practical problem-solving; they are said to be good communicators and quick learners. Their weaknesses are said to be restlessness, anxiety, a manipulative or cunning streak, impatience and a tendency to be critical or to change their minds.

In relationships Hasta is portrayed as charming, attentive and helpful, showing love through service and practical care. In work it is linked with crafts and the arts, healing and massage, writing, commerce, palmistry and any skilled manual or technical work. Counted among the divine (deva) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is the Moon, whose Navaratna stone is the pearl; the full horoscope refines this portrait.

Stone: Pearl

Sources and further reading