conceptualized as places where the Moon rested for the night. The Chinese name for the
Mansions 二十八宿 (Èr shí bā xiù) better illustrates this with the word xiù (宿) meaning
something more like a place one finds lodging for the night, almost like a motel room you would
stay in on your way to some other location.
Vedic astrology is based on the Sidereal Fixed star system of drawing up a chart, where the Moon is the most important planet in the chart. Knowing which Lunar Mansion your Moon is in at birth can give you vital information as to your personality, inner driving forces and purpose. If
249 you know the position of your Moon in your Western chart, all you need to do to convert it to a Sidereal Vedic position is to subtracting 23 from it. This may well mean that your Moon goes back to the previous sign, however, this is the actual position of your Moon at birth. The following readings are for the Sidereal Moon in each of the Lunar Mansions at birth.
- Aswini The Horse Goddess. 00 degrees 00’ –13 degrees 20’ Aries.
Born here you will have a strong lust for life with a restless streak with a low tolerance for boredom that spurs you on to new experiences and adventures and gives you a sense of pioneering. You will be quick in thought and action and need to take care that too much haste does not lead to rashness and impulsivity and reduced efficiency. Youthful and playful in nature and a free spirit, you may be reluctant to accept responsibility and may become arrogant or aggressive if things don’t go your way. Aswini people are often gifted healers with a natural gift for medicine and herbs.
- Bharani. The River of Souls. 13 degrees 20’ – 26 degrees 40’ Aries
This is a turbulent sign, which represents a sensuous and artistic temperament, that can be quite passionate and possibly extremist in your social ideals at times. You can be very focused, determined and goal-orientated and have the ability to master turbulent situations and also maintain a sense of compassion. This is a sign where personal transformation can take place through a struggle in which self control, and will-power enable you to triumph over the odds. This is a sign of a powerful soul traveler that has a mystical or shamanic side to them.
- Krittica. The Star of Fire . 26 degrees 40’ Aries – 1000’ Taurus.
This is a fiery, intense and emotional sign. You can be quite radical with truth and honesty and need to be careful how you use this, as you are capable of being cutting or critical with your words. You also can be proud, ambitious and self motivated, which can make you a leader as long as you can learn to control your innate impulsivity. Although penetrating and sharp in nature, you also have a witty side and a lively imagination. You are a compassionate nurturer by nature and can be strongly dedicated to a cause or ideal. Generally, you will have a strong appetite and enjoy cooking.
- Rohini. The Red Goddess 10 degrees 23’ – 23 degrees 20’ Taurus
Rohini is the favorite wife of Siva, the erotic goddess. Being born here will make you attractive, sensuous, charming and artistic. You will be romantic and enjoy beauty, culture and art of all kinds. Truthfulness and the ability to speak well and have firm views are also attributes of this sign, however it is likely that you will also have a more philosophical side to you that can balance your love of luxury and comfort, with wisdom and a practical earthiness.
You will need to be careful that you do not become overly enmeshed in the material side of life, as this can result in ultimate dissatisfaction and a tendency to be critical.