The Elemental Rulership of the Nakshatras
Vedic Astrology
Each Planet is known as a Lord, and every Lord is in possession of three Lunar Mansions.
The distribution of these Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) follows a Sequence of Initiation, with each Lord always returning to the same elemental realm of the Solar Zodiac Wheel.
Understanding the Element behind each Planetary Ruler (Lord) allows us to perceive the true nature of its Nakshatras.
Ketu rules the Nakshatras of Ashwini, Magha and Mula. Ketu’s Nakshatras always initiate the element of Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
Venus rules the Nakshatras of Bharani, Purva Phalguni and Purva Ashada. Venus’s Nakshatras are always fully in the element of Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
Sun rules the Nakshatras of Krittika, Uttara Phalguni and Uttara Ashada. The Sun’s Nakshatras always bridge the element of Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) with the element of Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
Moon rules the Nakshatras of Rohini, Hasta and Shravana. The Moon’s Nakshatras are always fully in the element of Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
Mars rules the Nakshatras of Mrigasira, Chitra and Dhanishta. Mars’s Nakshatras always bridge the element of Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) with the element of Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius).
Rahu rules the Nakshatras of Ardra, Swati and Satabisha. Rahu’s Nakshatras are always fully in the element of Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius).
Jupiter rules the Nakshatras of Punarvasu, Vishaka and Purva Bhadrapada. Jupiter’s Nakshatras always bridge the element of Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) with the element of Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).
Saturn rules the Nakshatras of Pushya, Anuradha and Uttara Bhadrapada. Saturn’s Nakshatras are always fully in the element of Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).
Mercury rules the Nakshatras of Aslesha, Jyeshta and Revati. Mercury’s Nakshatras always complete the element of Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and the Cycle of Initiation.
The shift from Water to Fire is the only elemental transition without a Planetary Lord to bridge it. This is where the Cycle begins again. In Vedic Astrology, this point is called the Gandanta — the portal of deepest transformation.
This passage recurs three times, forming a Holy Trinity of Initiation Cycles.
I theorize these 3 Portals (Gandanta Points) may lie at the root of humanity’s fascination with divine triads — the Triple Goddess, the Three Fates, and other triune powers — each a reflection of the Cosmic Womb at the Threshold of Rebirth.