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Krittika Nakshatra Explained
Lesson 58 of 100 · Nakshatras
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Krittika is the third nakshatra, spanning 26 degrees 40 minutes of Aries to 10 degrees of Taurus. It is unusual in straddling two signs. Its ruling planet is the Sun, its presiding deity is Agni (the god of fire), and its symbol is a razor or flame. The themes are sharpness, purification, and ambition. This is a concise primer; AstroAsk has a full Krittika guide for the deeper material.
This topic has a full, in-depth guide on AstroAsk. Read it, then come back to take the test.
Read the full guide →Placement, ruler, and deity
Krittika begins in the final 3 degrees 20 minutes of Mars-ruled Aries and continues into the first 10 degrees of Venus-ruled Taurus, while the nakshatra itself answers to the Sun. Agni, the fire deity, gives Krittika its burning, purifying quality. Krittika is also linked to the Pleiades star cluster and to the six Krittikas who nurtured the war-god Kartikeya.
Core themes
The razor and flame symbols capture Krittika well: cutting through illusion, purifying through fire, and driving toward goals with focused ambition. People connected to Krittika are often associated with sharp intellect, honesty that can sting, and the will to burn away what no longer serves. The shadow side is being overly critical or quick to anger, the same fire turned destructive.
Key takeaways
- Krittika spans 26 degrees 40 minutes Aries to 10 degrees Taurus, crossing two signs.
- Its ruling planet is the Sun and its deity is Agni, god of fire.
- The symbol is a razor or flame, signalling cutting and purification.
- Core themes are sharpness, purification, and focused ambition.
Knowledge check
6 quick questions on this lesson. Answer all, then submit to see your score and explanations.