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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 5

Mrigashira

Deer's head

Mrigashira, nakshatra 5 of 27 (23°20′ Vrishabha – 6°40′ Mithuna), ruled by Mars, presided over by Soma; symbol: deer's head.

Mrigashira is the 5th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 23°20′ Vrishabha – 6°40′ Mithuna of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Soma, and its traditional symbol is the deer's head. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Mars, so a person whose moon falls in Mrigashira begins life in the Mars period (dasha).

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

curious · gentle · searching · intelligent · restless · sociable

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Mrigashira is described as curious, gentle and always searching, like the deer whose head is its symbol, alert and ready to move on. Its deity is Soma, the moon and the sacred drink of the Vedic sacrifice, and it bridges the signs of Taurus and Gemini in the sidereal zodiac.

Traditional descriptions credit Mrigashira natives with a quick and inquiring intelligence, a love of learning and travel, sensitivity, kindness and an attractive, youthful manner; they are said to be good researchers and conversationalists. Their weaknesses are said to be restlessness, suspicion, indecision, a timid streak and a tendency to keep looking for something better rather than enjoying what they have found.

In relationships Mrigashira is portrayed as romantic and attentive but changeable, needing variety and intellectual companionship. In work it is linked with research, writing, teaching, travel, trade, textiles and music. Counted among the divine (deva) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Mars, whose Navaratna stone is red coral; as always in Jyotisha, the nakshatra is read alongside the rest of the chart.

Stone: Coral (Precious Coral)

Sources and further reading