Before the rashi (sign), the Moon’s exact position is identified through its nakshatra. The whole sky is divided into 27 of them.
Nakshatra vs rashi
A rashi spans 30 degrees, a nakshatra only 13 degrees 20 minutes. So a bit over two nakshatras fit inside one rashi. Nakshatra gives a finer-grained read.
Ashwini through Revati
Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati make up all 27, each with its own ruling planet and characteristics.
Each nakshatra has its own page
The ruling planet, qualities and naming information for every nakshatra is available on its own page on our site.
Find your nakshatra
Start with Ashwini nakshatra, or use the birth chart tool to find your exact birth nakshatra.
This information is descriptive.