The word nakshatra comes from the root word “Naksha” – means map in the sky . “Tra” – means instrument to understand
So it is an instrument to understand the map in the sky – Dr. Arjun Pai

Svati – The star of Indivuduality

Svati is 15th among the 27 nakshatras and falls completely in the airy sign of Libra ruled by Venus.
Sva – means ego, “I”ness. Svati can be translated as the independent one.

Svati’s symbol is a flower bud swaying against the wind. The other symbol for svati is “Coral” – coral is self made and requires very less help from its surrounding to grow. And this adheres with the individuality of this Nakshatra.

The ruling deity of Svati is Vayu, the God of the Wind.

Vāyu (Sanskrit, Sanskrit pronunciation: [ʋaːju]) is a primary Hindu deity, the lord of the winds, the father of Bhima and the spiritual father of Hanuman. He is also known as Vāta, Pavana (“the Purifier”), and sometimes Prāṇa (“the breath”). – Wikipedia

Vāyu and the Silk-Cotton Tree

Mahābhārata (Śānti. 154-156) tells a story involving Vāyu and reminiscent of Svāti’s symbol, illustrating the pride of false-ego and inflated individuality: There was once a silk-cotton tree so huge that its branches would not move in any storm, nor would even a single leaf or flower fall. A great sage, Nārada, took shelter of this tree during a storm and, amazed, praised the tree’s power. The tree became very proud and came to consider itself more powerful than Vāyu. Hearing of this, Vāyu came and said, “You fool! If you are strong, fight me here and now!” Vāyu blew off all the tree’s fruits, flowers and leaves. He then explained to the humiliated tree, “Long ago, Brahmā rested in your shade. Out of deference to the sacred place I have always stilled my winds near you. It is not your power that made you great, it was my grace!”

Svāti empowers the self to be an individual, but the risk of individualism is egoism. So we must always remember that the powers and qualities that make us a unique individual are granted to us by the powers of the universe. We should not proudly think of ourselves as completely individual and disconnected from the divine whole.

– Vic DiCara( 27 Stars, 27 Gods: The Astrological Mythology of Ancient India

Puranic Myth

Hanuman, the son of Vayu Hanuman was the son of Vayu. He was an ideal devotee giving his life in devotion to Shri Rama. He represents courage and devotion, qualities that can be seen in Swati. According to the epic Ramayana, Anjana was worshipping Lord Shiva and asking him for a child. At the same time Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya, was performing the Putrakama Yagya in order to have children. As a Prasad he received kheer (rice pudding) which was to be eaten by the three wives of King Dashratha. This led to the births of his four children Shri Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. A bird snatched a bit of the Prasad and dropped it where Anjana was worshipping. Vayu carried the falling Prasad to the hands of Anjana, who consumed it. Hanuman was born to her as a result and he is known as Pawanputra, the son of Vayu. Swati can reflect qualities of Hanuman – devoted, caring, brave and flexible. Hanuman represents the ideal devotee, and if people who are linked to this energy get passionate about something they can give all their life to it. This can lead to success too as it gives them the ability to focus.

– Komilla Sutton,  Nakshatras: The Stars Beyond the Zodiac

The alternate deity of Svati nakshatra is Sarasvati, the goddess of speech, wisdom, and education.

The ruling planet of Svati is Rahu – The mystic planet. Rahu is also an airy planet and hence there is a strong connection of air/wind/vayu/vata to this nakshatra.

The Shaki(power) of this Nakshatra is Pradhvamsa – The power of Destruction, the power to scatter like the wind to bring in transformation.

Positive Traits of Svati

  1. Sociable
  2. Willingness to Learn
  3. Diplomacy
  4. Innovative Ideas
  5. Flexibility
  6. Great networking skills
  7. Patience
  8. Self Made
  9. Optimism
  10. Excellent Communication Skills

Negative Traits of Svati

  1. Pompous
  2. Materialistic
  3. Inability to make quick decisions
  4. Strong urge for Individuality
  5. Restlessness

Favorable for: Business dealings, Public/social events, trade agreements, self grooming, Art and science initiatives, Money Transactions, Commencing Education,

Unfavorable for: Travel, Disagreements, Aggressive Behavior