Introduction
Hasta is the thirteenth of the 27 nakshatras. It lies entirely in Kanya (Virgo), from Virgo 10°00′ to Virgo 23°20′. Its Vimshottari lord is the Moon, whose mahadasha lasts 10 years. The Muhūrta-cintāmaṇi names its deity as the Sun (Savitar). Its popular symbol is an open hand, and "hasta" itself means hand.
Your birth nakshatra is the one the Moon occupied when you were born. It sets your first mahadasha and the syllable for your name.
Temperament (as tradition sees it)
Because its symbol is the hand, astrology associates Hasta with skill, careful work, resourcefulness and a hand held out to help. Savitar is the form of the Sun that wakes and inspires at dawn; the Gayatri mantra is addressed to Savitar. So tradition also links this nakshatra with fresh starts, learning and good sense.
Its gana is Deva, which tradition links with a gentle, cooperative temperament. Its lord, the Moon, signifies mind and feeling, so Hasta is also described as sensitive and quick-witted.
All of this is only a leaning. The whole chart, the lagna, the planets and the dasha are read together.
Strengths and things to keep in mind
Strengths: tradition links this nakshatra with skilled hands, practical sense, humour and a spirit of service. Such people are thought to find a way even with few resources.
Things to keep in mind: like the Moon, the mind can be changeable, and small things may sometimes be overthought. Keeping everything in one's own hands can also be tiring. Trusting others a little and saying what is on one's mind is a good balance. How far any of this applies is for the whole chart to say.
Work and interests
Tradition connects Hasta with work that involves skilled hands, precision and resourcefulness. Crafts, writing, design, trade, teaching, counselling, or work that helps people directly are often named as interests. These are themes, not one fixed job; the 10th house, its lord and the dasha are also read.
Relationships
In relationships, tradition links Hasta with care and practical help. Such people are thought to show love more through deeds than words: making someone's work easier, noticing small needs. Saying one's feelings out loud now and then also means a lot to a partner.
In kundli matching, gana, yoni and nadi come from the birth nakshatra, but a match is understood from the whole picture.
Faith
The deity of Hasta is the Sun (Savitar). Tradition sees greeting the rising Sun and starting the day with his name as a simple, lovely practice.
ॐ सवित्रे नमः
(Nakshatra deity: Muhūrta-cintāmaṇi, Nakshatra-prakaraṇa 1; the name-mantra is in traditional use)
Daan (folk belief, optional): put out water for birds in summer. Do it out of goodwill, not worry; skipping it is perfectly fine.
Name syllables
By tradition each pada of a nakshatra has a syllable, and a name is often begun with it. The syllables of Hasta are:
- Pada 1: पू
- Pada 2: ष
- Pada 3: ण
- Pada 4: ठ
The pada depends on the exact position of the Moon at birth, so check the pada as well as the nakshatra. Use the name-letter calculator to see your own syllable.
To see the whole picture, make your free kundli.