Nakshatra

One of 27 lunar mansions — finer-grained subdivision of the zodiac than Rashi. The Moon's Nakshatra at birth governs the structure of the Vimshottari Dasha system and is read as a strong indicator of personality and disposition.

Related terms

• Mahadasha

  A 'major period' — the planetary lord whose influence dominates a span of years in the Vimshottari Dasha cycle. The 9 grahas each get a Mahadasha; the cycle totals 120 years. The current Mahadasha is the single most consulted operative timing tool in Vedic astrology.

• Pada

  One of 4 quarters of a Nakshatra. Each Pada associates with a Rashi via the Navamsa division and adds nuance to the Nakshatra reading.

• Rashi

  Zodiac sign (1 of 12). The Moon's Rashi at birth is the conventional 'sign' a Vedic astrologer asks for first; the Sun's Rashi is closer to the Western convention.