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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 18

Jyeshtha

Earring, umbrella

Jyeshtha, nakshatra 18 of 27 (16°40′ Vrishchika – 30°00′ Vrishchika), ruled by Mercury, presided over by Indra; symbol: earring, umbrella.

Jyeshtha is the 18th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 16°40′ Vrishchika – 30°00′ Vrishchika of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Indra, and its traditional symbol is the earring, umbrella. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Mercury, so a person whose moon falls in Jyeshtha begins life in the Mercury period (dasha).

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

protective · courageous · responsible · resourceful · proud · intense

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Jyeshtha is described as protective, courageous and conscious of seniority, carrying the responsibilities of an eldest child. Its name means 'the eldest', its star is the red Antares, its symbols are a round earring or an umbrella of protection, and its deity is Indra, king of the gods and slayer of the serpent Vritra.

Traditional descriptions credit Jyeshtha natives with leadership, resourcefulness, intelligence and a fierce instinct to protect family and those under their care; they are said to rise to authority and to handle crises well. Their weaknesses are said to be pride, jealousy, secrecy, a sense of isolation at the top and a tendency to anger when their position is challenged.

In relationships Jyeshtha is portrayed as loyal and protective but sometimes possessive, needing respect as well as affection. In work it is linked with management, government, the military and police, investigation, occult study and roles of guardianship. Counted among the rakshasa temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Mercury, whose Navaratna stone is the emerald; as with every nakshatra, the rest of the chart shapes the outcome.

Stone: Emerald

Sources and further reading