27 Moons Project: Ardra Nakshatra
...the key to understanding your mind and the mind of others
In Vedic astrology, the moon is divided into 27 divisions called Nakshatra. The moon is our mind and therefore how we filter all thoughts, impressions and experiences. Knowing our Moon Nakshatra and the Nakshatras of others is key to understanding and appreciating how we think and approach the world. If you don’t know your Nakshatra, you can find out what it is here.
Happy Moon Monday!
For the next half a year, I’ll be writing a post about the current Nakshatra of the moon every Monday, the day naturally ruled by the moon.
If you don’t know what Nakshatra are, check out this post first.
For now, let’s dive into the Nakshatra the moon is currently in this lovely Monday.
This Monday’s Nakshatra: Ardra
Ardra is the sixth Nakshatra in the Vedic lunar zodiac, spanning from 6°40' to 20°00' in the sign of Gemini and is lorded by Rahu.
The term "Ardra" translates to "The Moist One," emphasizing its connection to the stormy and transformative forces of nature. Natives with their moon in Ardra Nakshatra possess a fierce, strong and intense nature.
In Sanskrit transliteration, Ardra is written as Ārdrā. The pronunciation of the word is Ār-dra. Ardra is associated with the single star Betelgeuse in the constellation of Orion.
Let's explore the characteristics of Ardra by delving into its symbols, deity, and general keywords to gain insights into the mindset of individuals with their moon in this Nakshatra.
Symbols
Each Nakshatra has several symbols that can help you visualize their deeper meaning.
The symbols associated with Ardra is the teardrop. However, don’t let this fool you. This Nakshatra is not about sorrow or soft-heartedness (although they are often moved to protect those in pain).
If anything, this teardrop should be seen as the waters of a storm or tears shed in anger. Indeed, Ardra natives are often quick to anger and – like a powerful rain storm – may be difficult to pacify and bring back into a peaceful state.
We will explore this tendency when we examine Ardra’s ruling deity.
Ruling deity
When it comes to Nakshatras, knowing the ruling deity gets you closer to understanding their inner nature than the sign they are in.
The ruling deity for Ardra Nakshatra is Rudra, the fierce and destructive aspect of Lord Shiva. Rudra is often associated with storms, thunder, and the forces of destruction.
Rudra was born from Brahmā’s third eye in a moment of anger. He would not stop crying. When lord Brahmā asked him why, he said, “Because I don’t have a name.” His father said, “then I will call you Rudra”, which means to cry. The child did not stop crying until he was given seven more names.
Like the freshly born Rudra, who was not satisfied until he’d received many names, these natives are often ambitious and need to make a name for themselves or gain titles.
However, Rudra is also considered a protector – destruction takes place when he withdraws his protection. Ardra natives often have compassion for those suffering and in pain – and are willing to use their strength to fight for them.
Skills and interests
If you’re looking for a diplomatic communicator who packs things up in pretty words, an Ardra native is not who you are looking for. These people do not like to beat around the bush and at times can be quite blunt and brusque.
They exude strength and endurance, and come equipped with mighty drive and stamina. Like a boulder in a storm, those with their moon in Ardra nakshatra can weather hard times without losing determination. These people are truly a force to be reckoned with.
Ardra natives love change and freedom and loathe monotony and boredom. They are often skilled in many disciplines and may change careers several times over the course of their life.
As driven and determined as they are, but they aren’t necessarily good planners, especially in financial matters. Spend today and don’t think about tomorrow may be their motto, which can lead to financial upsets and difficulties.
Their tendency to get angry about even trivial matters means many battles, sometimes also in the courtroom. When this is the case, you can be sure they will fight to the bitter end.
Ardra natives love out-of-the-box thinking and innovation. They like to laugh, and their humor tends towards sarcasm. Although strong, they sometimes may have the tendency to be too swayed by the opinions of others. Behind their intelligence and shrewd mind often brews a storm of a intense emotions.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
curious, intelligent and open-minded
quick to get into action
open and direct communicator
transformative nature that helps overcome more negative traits
physical strength
sharp, intelligent and analytical
emotional and creative
pure-hearted and caring for those in pain
Weaknesses
stubborn and unyielding
arrogant and self-serving
mean spirited, critical and judgmental
overly indulgent, impulsive and reckless
restless and always on the move
prone to mood swings
irritable and easily angered
rude and ungrateful
Famous people with their moon in Ardra
Prince William
Steve Jobs
Bruce Lee
Che Guevara
Morgan Freeman
Taylor Swift
Janis Joplin
Stella McCartney