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Divisions and Charts

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Every nakshatra is divided into four padas related to the Char Dham, a set of four pilgrimage sites in India. Listed are the padas as systematically aligned with the four purusharthas, or the fundamental aims of human existence. The four aims of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. These systematic alignments and parts of division reveal the underlying motivation behind a planet’s energy in that specific quarter. Each of the four padas within a nakshatra corresponds to one of the 12 zodiac signs, starting with Meṣa (Aries) and proceeding in order. This division is not arbitrary. With 27 nakshatras each having four padas, we arrive at a total of 108 padas in the entire zodiac. This number, 108, is sacred in many Eastern traditions, representing the wholeness of cosmic existence. It is the number of beads on a mala for chanting mantras, signifying the completion of a spiritual cycle. In astrology, these 108 padas represent the complete spectrum of human potential and karmic expression. This catalogue could focus more on the potential and karmic specifics of each nakshatra.

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Rasi (or D1) is the main birth chart, which is known as your natal chart. The true genius of the pada system lies in its direct link to the zodiac signs and, most importantly, the Navamsa (or D9) divisional chart. The Navamsa is considered the most crucial divisional chart after the main birth chart (Rasi or D1), as it reveals the soul’s inner promise, the nature of one’s marriage and partnerships, and the fruits of one’s karma in the second half of life. Each of the four Padas within a Nakshatra corresponds to one of the 12 zodiac signs, starting with Aries and proceeding in order. For example, the first Nakshatra, Ashwini, is located entirely within the sign of Aries. Its four Padas correspond to the Navamsa signs of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. The next Nakshatra, Bharani, continues the sequence with its Padas corresponding to Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio. This means that a planet’s position in a specific Pada in your birth chart (D1) determines its sign placement in your Navamsa chart (D9). This is the key that unlocks the D9 chart. A planet may be in Aries in the main chart, but its Pada placement could give it the underlying quality of a completely different sign—like Cancer—in the Navamsa, profoundly altering its manifestation in your life. One can always research these charts.