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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 7

Punarvasu

Quiver of arrows

Punarvasu, nakshatra 7 of 27 (20°00′ Mithuna – 3°20′ Karka), ruled by Jupiter, presided over by Aditi; symbol: quiver of arrows.

Punarvasu is the 7th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 20°00′ Mithuna – 3°20′ Karka of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Aditi, and its traditional symbol is the quiver of arrows. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Jupiter, so a person whose moon falls in Punarvasu begins life in the Jupiter period (dasha).

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

optimistic · generous · philosophical · contented · kind · resilient

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Punarvasu is described as optimistic, generous and resilient, embodying the 'return of the good' that the name means. Its deity is Aditi, the boundless mother of the gods, its symbol is a quiver of arrows, and it is associated with renewal after loss, like light returning after a storm.

Traditional descriptions credit Punarvasu natives with kindness, contentment, wisdom, a love of home and family, and a philosophical outlook that helps them recover from setbacks; they are said to be honest, devout and easily satisfied. Their weaknesses are said to be a lack of ambition or foresight, over-simplicity, restlessness and a habit of leaving and returning rather than settling problems.

In relationships Punarvasu is portrayed as warm, forgiving and supportive, a partner who values a nurturing home. In work it is linked with teaching, philosophy and religion, counselling, writing, travel, hospitality and caring professions. Counted among the divine (deva) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Jupiter, whose Navaratna stone is yellow sapphire; as with all nakshatras, the full chart refines this picture.

Stone: Sapphire

Sources and further reading