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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 15

Swati

Young shoot in the wind

Swati, nakshatra 15 of 27 (6°40′ Tula – 20°00′ Tula), ruled by Rahu, presided over by Vayu; symbol: young shoot in the wind.

Swati is the 15th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 6°40′ Tula – 20°00′ Tula of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Vayu, and its traditional symbol is the young shoot in the wind. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Rahu, so a person whose moon falls in Swati begins life in the Rahu period (dasha).

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

independent · flexible · diplomatic · enterprising · fair · restless

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Swati is described as independent, flexible and enterprising, able to bend without breaking like the young shoot in the wind that is its symbol. Its deity is Vayu, the wind god, its star is usually identified with Arcturus, and it is associated with movement, freedom and self-reliance.

Traditional descriptions credit Swati natives with diplomacy, courtesy, fairness, a gift for trade and negotiation, and a strong desire to make their own way; they are said to be adaptable, studious and well spoken. Their weaknesses are said to be restlessness, indecision, difficulty with commitment, a tendency to scatter energy and vulnerability to being blown off course by others' influence.

In relationships Swati is portrayed as courteous, charming and fair, but in need of personal space and freedom. In work it is linked with business and trade, law, diplomacy, travel, aviation, the media and independent professions. Counted among the divine (deva) temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Rahu, whose Navaratna stone is hessonite garnet; the condition of Rahu and the moon in the chart is said to shape how these qualities appear.

Stone: Hessonite

Sources and further reading