The independent — wind-blown freedom, balance and self-reliance.
| Ruling planet (dasha lord) | Rahu |
| Presiding deity | Vayu (the wind) |
| Symbol | Coral, sword, or a young shoot bending in the wind |
| Gana (temperament) | Deva |
| Naming syllables (pada 1–4) | Ru, Re, Ro, Ta |
| Position in zodiac | Nakshatra 15 of 27 |
Swati is governed by Vayu, the wind, and symbolised by a young plant bending yet unbroken in the breeze. It is the nakshatra of independence, movement and self-determination. Tradition associates Swati with flexibility, diplomacy, a love of freedom, fairness in dealings, adaptability and the quiet strength to stand alone and find one's own balance.
If a child is born under Swati nakshatra, tradition suggests a name beginning with one of these syllables, chosen by the Moon's pada (quarter) at birth: Ru, Re, Ro, Ta — one syllable for each of the four padas.