Book excerpt: The Nakshatras are one of the oldest references we have to astrology from the Rig Veda, dating back to about 5,000 years ago. The Vedas are the religious scriptures of the great seers and sages of India and the Nakshatras are like the zodiac signs but more specific. Their meanings are derived from the constellations, fixed stars and the mythology behind these portions in the sky. They are profound in meaning and have ruling deities that reveal the stories of myths that bring to life the symbolism referred to in our own life. The symbolism of the Nakshatras is rich indeed. In addition to a planet, deity, symbol aim of life and guna each Nakshatra also corresponds with a certain certain animal, animal type, caste, sex temperament, dosha, tattva (element) and even wind direction.