filter_5Chapter 2
The 5 Limbs: Decoding the Data
Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana. What do they actually mean?
1. Vara (Solar Day)
The solar day from sunrise to the next sunrise. It is named after and ruled by a planet (e.g., Sunday = Sun, Monday = Moon) and carries that planet's vital characteristics.
2. Tithi (Lunar Phase)
The lunar day, representing the time it takes for the Moon to move 12 degrees relative to the Sun. Tithis are not fixed 24-hour periods; they can start or end at any hour.
3. Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion)
The background constellation of stars. The sky is divided into 27 Nakshatras. As the Moon travels, it passes through one zone each day, dictating the emotional tone of that period.
Example / Tip:
For example, Rohini Nakshatra feels creative and nurturing, while Bharani feels intense and transformative.
4. Yoga (Sum of Longitudes)
A mathematical sum of the Sun and Moon's positions. There are 27 Yogas, indicating the harmony, partnership, and overall collaborative success of the day.
5. Karana (Half-Tithi)
Half of a Tithi (6 degrees of lunar movement). It changes twice a day and is used for micro-planning specific actions like meetings, trading, or starting a journey.