Swati (சுவாதி): The Unique One
Placement: 06° 40’ to 20° 00’ of Libra
Element: Fire (Agni)
Pushkara Navamsha/Bhaga: 4th pada/NA
Ruler: Swati is ruled by the planet Rahu, which is classified as an air planet (vata graha). It is interesting to note that the zodiac sign of Libra, is also an air sign. Swati is considered an outcast nakshatra due to Rahu's rulership and Saturn's exaltation, which makes it unique and different from the norm. It is worth noting that all three nakshatras ruled by Rahu, namely Ardra, Swati, and Satabishak, are located in the heart of air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius).
Deity: The presiding deity of Swati is Lord Vayudeva, the God of wind, who represents movement, change, and transformation, who is responsible for carrying the seeds of life and bringing about new beginnings. In Hindu mythology, he is the father of Lord Hanuman (Ramayana) and Bhima (Mahabharata), and represents physical strength and power. Additionally, Swati is associated with the goddess Saraswati, who is the deity of knowledge, wisdom, intellectual mind, and memory power, and is the patroness of all 64 different arts.
Symbol: The symbol of Swati represents "a young plant shoot swaying in the wind", which signifies the nakshatra's ability to adapt and change quickly.
Animal: The animal associated with Swati nakshatra is the male buffalo. Although buffaloes are known for their slow pace, Swati's dynamic and ever-changing nature can make it completely opposite to its fundamental nature, showcasing its unexpected qualities.
Guna: Swati nakshatra is considered tamasic in nature, and its energy is directed towards maintaining balance and harmony in the material world around it.
Power: Swati is associated with "Pradhvamsa Shakti", which represents the power to be like wind. Wind has various qualities such as expanding, dispersing, scattering and moving away swiftly. This is why natural phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and cyclones are connected to Swati.
General attributes: Swati natives may find it hard to maintain stability and balance due to their ever-changing nature, particularly at a young age. However, they are highly social, adaptable to different situations, and always striving to acquire more knowledge. Due to Rahu's rulership and Saturn's exaltation, they may also have a rebellious streak. They need to be reminded of their abilities constantly, which is connected to Lord Hanuman, which means they may be late winners. They have the ability to find happiness in simple things and not be bothered much about huge responsibilities, much like the buffalo assigned to this nakshatra. Swati natives should plan for the long term as that's when their individuality will flourish. They listen to everything and everyone, but their success lies in their ability to find balance and act as the balancing energy wherever they are. Swati is a pivotal nakshatra in the natural zodiac belt and embodies all three qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas. The 4th pada of Swati is a "Pushkara Navamsha" pada that falls in Pisces in the navamsha (D9), which is auspicious for the native and will bestow good mental and intellectual stability. These are general qualities, and reader discretion is advised.
Hanuman Jayanti: Every year, the birth of Lord Hanuman is celebrated on the day of Swati in the month of Ashwina (between April and May) in North India. Lord Hanuman, a monkey God from the epic Ramayana, played a crucial role in assisting Lord Ram in his battle against Ravana. Although very powerful, Hanuman forgot his powers at a young age due to a curse, only to be reminded of them by a friend in his adulthood.