Nakshatras have exclusive system of prediction which is based on the position of the moon in a given constellation in Vedic astrology. In the Vedic system of Astrology, the 27 constellations are the key to understanding celestial influences on the planet. These 27 constellations are the 27 Nakshatras. Geographically, these naksatras are 300 to 400 light years away from earth. Vedic or Hindu astrology offers a most powerful predictive technique which is based on the Nakshatra of a person at the time of birth. The zodiac is divided into 12 signs and 27 constellations. Each one of them covers thirteen degrees and twenty minutes of the zodiac. Each nakshatra is the head of a particular group of stars.

The term "Nakshatra," can be broken down into its constituent parts such as "naks" meaning "sky" and "shetra" meaning "region", which when translated stands for "Sky Map." Another translation is arrived at using a different analysis; "naksha" is "map" and "tara" is "star" and so Nakshatra is "Star Map." Both meanings clearly bring out the significance of the 27 Nakshatras (constellations). Since ancient times the Moon was looked for calculating time and connecting to the stars. `Nakshatras` is the name given to the constellations or mansions of the Moon, as the Moon resides in each of these constellations for one day.

The system of constellations is very ancient and dated back about more than 5,000 years. The ancient Vedic scriptures find its reference. These also lunar mansions appear in Chinese and Arabic astrology but have not received much attention in Western or European astrology. The concept of Nakshatra is known to give more accurate results. Nakshatras are the backbone of astrology and were taken into account even before Sign system was considered. Nakshatras are considered throughout the astrological analysis.

According to Hindu mythology, Moon had married all the 27 daughters of king Dakshan, who are the star constellations (27 Nakshatras) in the sky. But he loved to spend time with only his beloved queen Rohini. Other wives complained the matter to their father. Inspite of king Dakshan`s repeated interference, Moon did not rectify his habit. Dakshan finally lost his mind and cursed moon, causing it to wane in size. Moon started diminishing in size, and feeling the ill consequences of it, all the gods intervened and requested the king to revoke the curse. King then assured that only if Moon visits all his wives, he would regain his strength for half a month. That is the reason why Moon visits the entire 27 constellations during the month, constantly waxing and waning in size.

Moon travels across the sky and around the earth through this pathway. They define characteristics and influence of the planets placed in them. Janmanakshatra is the Nakshatra in which the moon is placed at the time of birth. It plays a major role in shaping our thinking patterns, inherent capabilities and destiny. Because of being the pathway of Moon, Nakshatras are also known as lunar mansions. Moon travels through one Nakshatra in a day. Each Nakshatra is divided in four sections called Padas or charan. Consideration of Pada is also very important during chart analysis as each Pada of Nakshatra gives a different result. Each zodiac covers nine Padas in total. Hence any zodiac covers more than two Nakshatra. The calculation begins by Ashwini Nakshatra which covers from zero degrees of Aries, and ends in 30 degrees of Pisces covered by last Nakshatra of Revati.

Nakshatras are classified in numerous ways and the classification is made according to basic attribute. The primary motivation is Kama -sensual desires; Artha - material desires; Dharma - living life based on spiritual principles; Moksha - liberation from birth and death, sex, caste, species and so on. They are chiefly revealed by their presiding deities, ruling planets and their symbolic form.

The Nakshatra and the signs of the zodiac both begin from the same point. The first Nakshatra, or constellation of is Ashwini, the first Nakshatra, is the same as that of the first sign of Aries. Each sign contains the combined influence of the Nakshatras falling with it. The Nakshatras possess a deeper effect. In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are considered to be essential. The personality traits are read more through the birth star (Nakshatra of the Moon) than by the Sun sign. Nakshatra positions of planets are examined in the birth chart as well. According to the saints Nakshatras represent the abodes into which the fruits of labour or Karma is transferred and stored. Thus, Nakshatras distribute the outgrowth of Karma according to Hindu scriptures.