Jyeshtha nakshatra
Jyeshtha is the 18th nakshatra, spanning 16°40′–30°00′ of sidereal Scorpio. Ruled by Mercury with Indra, king of the gods, as its deity, its symbol is a round amulet: a sharp star of seniority and protection.
Also known as: Jyestha, Jyeshta, Kettai, Thrikketta, Antares
Jyeshtha means ‘the eldest’ or ‘the most senior’. Its star is Antares, the red heart of the Scorpion, and its symbol is a circular amulet, an umbrella or an earring, all signs of rank and protection. Its deity is Indra, who leads and protects the gods.
Jyeshtha is one of the four sharp (tikshna) nakshatras, kept for decisive tasks rather than celebrations, and it is associated with responsibility, courage and a protective instinct. Ruled by Mercury, it begins life in Mercury’s 17-year dasha. The month of Jyeshtha takes its name from this star.
Its padas give the name syllables No, Ya, Yi and Yu. Jyeshtha ends at the junction of Scorpio and Sagittarius, so it is one of six ‘gandmool’ stars, and some families hold a short shanti puja after a birth here. This is a reassuring custom, not a forecast of trouble.