One of the characteristics of Vedic Astrology, which differentiate it from other forms of astrology, is its use of the twenty-seven nakshatras or constellations. In the West, the zodiac is usually divided into twelve signs. In India, besides dividing the zodiac into twelve signs, it is also divided into twenty-seven constellations or nakshatras.

Each nakshatra has a basic style of energy called its shakti. The shakti of the nakshatra is its fundamental nature, which the astrologer also uses to predict the influence of the nakshatra on any planet placed there. The shaktis of the nakshatras go back to the Taitiriya Brahmana, one of the oldest astrological works on earth.

Each of these nakshatras is also related to a particular deity from the Hindu pantheon and shares in that deity's symbolism and mythology. These symbols provide the astrologer with a rich background from which to draw intricate detail and deeper meaning from the chart. In this regard, it is not uncommon for a Vedic Astrologer to tell the client a story from the puranas, the classical mythology of India. When this happens during a reading, he is usually telling a story which is linked to the deity of a focal nakshatra in the client's chart.

Every nakshatra has its own energy, they are the powers of the gods that rule the nakshatras and they let out positive or negative effects. Below is given the effects of few nakshatras:

Ashwini

This nakshatra is ruled by the Ashwins, the twin horsemen. It energizes and cures fast. It rejuvenates by stimulating a new level of activity.

Bharani

Bharani nakshatra is ruled by Yama, the God of Death. It has the power to take things away. It illustrates the movement of the soul away from the body and will make one experience the result of their karma from the present life and prepare for the life to come.

Krittika

Krittika nakshatra is ruled by Agni, the God of Fire. It turns out all the negativity and purifies ones nature not by destructing rather taking of the impurities.

Rohini

Rohini is ruled by Prajapati, the Creator. Rohini Nakshatra supports in growth and gives opportunities for imparting creativity on all levels, and blesses with great fruitfulness. It can develop jealousy and increase desires.

Mrigashirsha

Mrigashirsha is ruled by Soma, the God of the Moon. This nakshatra fills life with joy.

Ardra

Ardra is ruled by Rudra, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. It stimulates to put in greater effort in life. But, the struggle bestows with great rewards but not without determination and some amount of luck.

Punarvasu

Punarvasu is ruled by Aditi, the Great Mother Goddess. It fills us with the ability to gain wealth or substance.

Pushya

Pushya is ruled by Brihaspati, the God of Divine wisdom and creates spiritual energy. It increases good karmas and good efforts.

Aslesha

Aslesha is ruled by the serpent God. It bestows the power to paralyze the enemy.