Exploring the Energetic Ashwini Nakshatra in Vedic Astrology with Prash Trivedi

 

In the Sky

 

Ashwini, beginning of everything, especially Ketu’s energies, is represented in celestial firmament by two bright stars in constellation of zodiac sign Mesha. Ancient Vedic Seers saw constellation of Mesha as forming a horse’s head, and thus these two stars were seen as making a similar pattern. These stars are known in modern astronomy as Alpha Arietes (Hamal) & Beta Arietes (Sheratan). Alpha Arietes is slightly brighter with a visual magnitude of 2.02, while Beta Arietes has a visual magnitude of 2.66. These relatively bright stars lie very close to planetary ecliptic, right below bright constellation of Andromeda, and are easy to locate in night sky.

 

Name

 

Ashwini” can be translated into either ”born of a female horse” or ”horse-woman”. First meaning is clear, but second one leaves one confused as to whether woman is riding a horse, or is she a mythical creature with a horse’s head and woman’s body. As we shall discover later, it is probably latter.

Its alternative name is ”Asvayuj”, which translates into ”she who yokes horses”. Once again a strong emphasis on horse and a female is seen, root of which we would discover when we get to its ruling deities.

 

Symbol

 

Ashwini’s main symbol is a ”horse’s head”. This symbol, as we can see, is in keeping with its name. A horse’s head conveys idea of ”a beginning”. One can notice how riders pat their horse’s neck before beginning any journey. From time immemorial, a horse has been seen as symbol of power, courage, movement and vitality. A horse’s head signifies an eagerness to act and a swiftness of approach. A horse, as we know, is always ready to make journeys, not for its own ends, but for ends of its rider or others in general.

 

If one has had chance of being close to a horse, one will realize that a horse’s head conveys a certain amount of sensitivity and alertness. Since Ashwini lies in beginning of Mesha, which is seen as representing head of Kala Purusha (eternal being), it makes sense that Ashwini be related to a head of some kind. Head of course relates to brain, controlling organ of all body functions. Thus Ashwini automatically relates to mental impulses and leadership. Horses are nervous, fidgety and highly strung animals. Therefore this Nakshatra carries all of these qualities in good measure.

 

Its alternative symbol is a ”horse carriage consisting of two horses carrying two people”. This symbolism relates to presiding deities of this Nakshatra. This symbol once again emphasizes a need for movement and relates to transportation of all kinds. This movement can relate to material transportation on earth or travelling between different worlds, realms or planes.

 

Deity

 

Ashwini Kumaras, two celestial horsemen, are regarded as main presiding deities of this Nakshatra. Their names are Dashra and Nasatya, which translate into ”bringing help” and ”truthfulness” respectively. There’s no ancient culture where one cannot find stories and legends carrying their symbolism. Tales often show two heroic brothers travelling around, solving problems of whosoever they encounter in their travels.

 

In Vedic legend they are twin brothers, who were born out of union of Surya and his wife Sanjana, when they were in a form of a stallion and a mare. One can refer to previous author’s book ”Surya - The Cosmic Powerhouse” (Sagar Publications, India) for full story. These two brothers are seen as celestial physicians in ancient Vedic texts. This is where healing and rejuvenating aspect of this Nakshatra stems from.

 

Ashwini Kumaras are supposed to have knowledge of all herbs on physical and astral plane, and are supposed to possess supernatural powers to cure any disease or fix any problem. They are particularly concerned with friction or obstacles which might come up between married couples. Thus Ashwini is a Nakshatra which promotes marital harmony. Ashwini Kumaras are also invoked to aid childbirth. They are also very well known in ancient legends for curing impotence and other types of sexual disorders.

 

This Nakshatra reflects Divine qualities of these two beings as best as it can be done on material plane. Ashwini Kumaras are considered so powerful that they can make old become young and even bring dead back to life. They themselves have a youthful appearance and never age. This explains ageless quality of this Nakshatra. Generosity and compassion of Ashwini Kumaras extends to animals as well. There are a lot of stories of them saving gentle animals like lambs from preying creatures like wolves.

 

In our view, Brahma, creator among Trinity, can be regarded as overseer of this Nakshatra. Not many scholars have shed light on this aspect, but fact remains that this Nakshatra represents beginning of all things, including creation. Brahma is architect of Universe and is responsible for all types of beginnings.

 

Ganesha, elephant-headed son of Parvati and Shiva, is also strongly attached with this asterism. Ganesha also represents beginnings of all things and is regarded as remover of obstacles. It is interesting to note that this Nakshatra can be summed up by phrase ”remover of obstacles”. Ganesha is also main presiding deity of Ketu, Graha ruling this Nakshatra. His four main qualities - purity, auspiciousness, innocence and supreme devotion to Universal Mother principle - can be seen manifested through functioning of Ashwini.

 

 

Nature & functioning

 

Spontaneous” is word which sums up this Nakshatra’s nature and functioning. It is a Nakshatra which is way ahead of all other Nakshatras as far as initiating anything is concerned. It is also quickest amongst Nakshatras. All associated qualities with quickness, like agility and speediness, form core of Ashwini’s functioning. One can see that in order to be quick, one has to be direct and to point. This Nakshatra has a straightforward, no nonsense approach to dealing with things and life in general.

Natives with prominent Ashwini never lose a minute in converting their impulses into thoughts and their thoughts into action. This often results in an impulsive behavior pattern, which in its negative aspect often leads to rashness. All phrases like ”Hurry causes delay, and haste makes waste”, seem to be aimed directly at Ashwini natives.

 

 

Ashwini natives are usually brimming with life, have lively intelligence, a quick comprehension ability and a happy-go-lucky disposition. Their appearance is usually youthful and eager. They seem to age less quickly than other Nakshatra types. When Ashwini is rising on Lagna, it makes person short, athletic, robust and charming in an innocent sort of way. In fact, natives with prominent Ashwini can be singled out by their innocent looks and childish demeanor. Since Ashwini Kumaras are known for their charm, elegance, style and extravagance - these qualities are reflected in mental and physical makeup of Ashwini natives.

 

 

Ashwini natives usually have a strong spirit of adventure and revel in encountering unknown. A spirit of adventure always requires courage and this Nakshatra has loads of it. It is a fearless Nakshatra which derives satisfaction from heroic pursuits. For example, a person bungee jumping at age of 90 could only be an Ashwini type. In its negative aspect, this quality often comes out as foolhardiness, and Ashwini natives have a tendency to suffer a lot as a result. Lesser evolved among such natives show a marked tendency not to learn from their mistakes, and can be seen to be repeating same mistake over and over again. There is definitely a lack of reflection associated with this Nakshatra and bad news is that things don’t usually improve with age.

 

There’s a distinct sense of humor associated with this Nakshatra. Natives have a light-hearted and jovial humor and possess an ability to laugh at themselves and others. Its peculiar brand of humor is best exemplified by Charlie Chaplin movies.

 

 

Constant need for movement makes Ashwini natives completely useless at all activities requiring stillness and patience. This is reason why they are very rarely seen to bring to completion what they have begun. They have enough motivation when it comes to initiating new activities, but they find it hard to stick it out.

 

Ashwini natives are known for having an eye for needs of others and a helpful nature, but in our experience they are more likely to be helpful in short term things or those requiring quick bursts of energy. If something requires long term attention, Ashwini natives are likely to transfer their responsibilities to some other Nakshatra type and move onto next thing.

 

Their innate urge to quickly move onto next thing makes them lose out as far as attaining enduring knowledge and wisdom is concerned. This is especially case with younger and less evolved souls. In today’s hyper-materialistic day and age, such natives can easily scatter their lives away moving from one triviality or distraction to next. ”Naiveté” is keyword which sums up such Ashwini types. Ashwini natives usually have an independent and confident spirit and don’t like to be told what to do. This quality is similar to that of a wild or untamed horse. This is alright in evolved souls who know exactly which path to follow, but for those who have not reached that level, it makes them want to do things their own way, without even knowing what to do. Such Ashwini types can be very stubborn and unyielding, and are likely to ignore all good counsel. Just like wildest horse can be tamed, all Ashwini natives can be made to tow line if handled with a certain degree of sensitivity and caution, mixed with aggression and firmness.

 

 

Ashwini natives usually like to dress well and can be seen spending a considerable amount of time on their wardrobe. They are direct, straightforward people and appreciate same quality in others. They are always fascinated by all affairs related to healing, rejuvenation and self-improvement practices of all kinds. They can be easily found in local health club and most of bodily improvement advertisements seem to be directed at them.

 

 

Ashwini natives like to be unique in whatever they do and how they are seen. All Ashwini natives have a marked tendency to feel unique in comparison to others. They like to think that they have some special gifts which others do not possess. It is true that they have a pioneering approach to things, which makes them a step ahead of rest. In present day and age they are ones that are likely to catch on to new trends and happenings first.

 

One peculiarity of Ashwini natives is that they are moderate eaters and are modest in any circumstance. Despite their unique qualities, they are not show-off types and are not likely to gloat over their accomplishments. They have a thing about being self-sufficient and don’t like to be dependent on others. Ashwini is a very resourceful Nakshatra. Natives under its influence always seem to come up with required resources under most adverse circumstances, as if by magic. They are competent and sincere about whatever they do, although they may lack discipline and endurance required to achieve perfection. Ashwini natives who have endurance are often very successful at whatever they choose to do. This endurance factor usually comes from other factors in a chart rather than Ashwini itself.

 

Mode of functioning

 

In keeping with its basic nature and disposition, ancient Vedic Seers saw this as an active asterism. This comes as no surprise, as this Nakshatra relates to very beginning of all activities. It is basic primordial force which introduces activity into passivity of time and space. Original creative spark cannot be anything but active.

 

Caste

 

It belongs to Vaishya (merchant) caste of Nakshatras. It might surprise some to know that original creative spark is a businessman, but ancient Vedic Seers did not have above indication in mind when they designated Vaishya caste to this asterism. Doing any kind of business requires a lot of initiative and there is no Nakshatra with more initiative than Ashwini, so it automatically gets connected to all kinds of business activities on material as well as other planes of existence. Business out here cannot just be seen as buying and selling goods, as is mostly case nowadays. It relates to interaction and exchange on many different levels, and primordial, unconscious motivations underlying all activity. In present context however, Ashwini natives can be seen to be good at doing business and making money.

 

 

Gender

 

It is a male Nakshatra, since it is first Nakshatra and number 1 relates to male aspect in nature. This Nakshatra projects archetypical masculine qualities like drive, ambition, logic and initiative. It is also mainly connected to male Grahas like Surya and Mangal. All its presiding deities are also male

 

Body parts & humor (Ayurvedic constitution)

 

 

Knees and top portion of feet are main body parts ruled by this Nakshatra. Its association with knees is evident from its association with movement. Knees are body parts which provide us our capacity for walking, running and jumping. Horses can run fast because they have strong knees. Feet again are related to our ability to move.

 

It is a primarily ”Vata” (airy) Nakshatra. Vata, as we know, carries a very moveable energy in tune with this Nakshatra’s basic nature. All of nature’s moveable creatures, like birds, have a Vata disposition.

 

Its main directions are centre, East, South and North-West.

 

Padas (1 quarter of Nakshatra)

 

 

First Pada of this asterism (0° 0’ - 3° 20’ Mesha) falls in Mesha Navamsa and its ruling planet is Mangal. This is Pada which relates to most pioneering, courageous and physically active part of this Nakshatra. This Pada is full of initiative and bestows abundant energy and drive.

 

Second Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Mesha) falls in Vrisabha Navamsa and its ruling planet is Sukr. This Pada relates to more practical and resourceful aspect of this Nakshatra. It is connected to splendorous, graceful and indulgent aspect of Ashwini Kumaras. This Pada likes to see material manifestation of its thoughts and ideas.

 

Third Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 00’ Mesha) falls in Mithuna Navamsa and its ruling planet is Budh. This Pada relates to light, humorous, communicative aspect of this Nakshatra. This Pada gives a very quick comprehension and makes one adept at all kinds of mental activity. It can be said to be speedy jack of zodiac.

 

Fourth Pada of this asterism (10° 00’ - 13° 20’ Mesha) falls in Karkataka Navamsa and its ruling planet is Chandr. This Pada relates to healing part of Ashwini. This Pada has an eye for people’s needs, and is usually very in tune with pulse of collective consciousness at any given point in time. It is birth place of emotional faculty, which manifests itself as empathy.

 

Professions

 

Equestrian professions, horse trainers & keepers and all those involved in equine jobs or sports; horse racing enthusiasts / gamblers; all types of healing professions (in present day and age physicians, therapists, chemists, counselors, physiotherapists, druggists & surgeons); marriage counselors and childbirth specialists; those involved in promotional & motivational jobs & campaigns; physical arts like dancing; those involved in transportation industry; athletes and all sport related jobs; herbologists; gardeners; teachers & educators for beginners; all those involved in racing professions like motor sports; adventure sports; explorers; stunt men; researchers & pioneers; concretors & all those involved in laying foundations in building industry; people in law enforcement agencies; soldiers; generals; mechanical engineers & those involved in engineering professions in general; jewelers, especially goldsmiths; small business owners and shopkeepers in general.

 

Places

 

All places related to equine professions - grazing lands, stables, horse tracks etc.; hospitals and places associated with medical profession; places where herbs grow; botanical gardens; sporting grounds; race tracks of all kinds; roads, railway tracks and all other types of paths meant for transportation; military bases; research centres; technological & industrial centres; health clubs & gymnasiums; all places where initiations and beginnings are done; kindergartens & primary schools.

 

Guna (essence) and Tatva (element)

 

 

This is a Satvic Nakshatra. It’s Satvic quality relates to purity and innocence attached with all types of beginnings, including creation of our Universe. What ancient Vedic Seers are saying through this is that - in beginning only Satva exists, and Rajas and Tamas manifest themselves afterwards.

It belongs to earth element. All beginnings, including beginning of our Universe, have one and only one objective - material manifestation.

 

Gana (type)

 

It is considered a godly or Deva Nakshatra. This comes as no surprise, as all of its presiding deities are predominantly godly in nature.

 

Orientation & disposition

 

It is a level Nakshatra. Level Nakshatras are useful for leveling things. This applies almost literally to this asterism, as it is associated with all kinds of leveling activities, such as laying foundations for houses, buildings etc. We can see that leveling aspect is very important in Ashwini when it comes to places like racetracks, roads etc.

 

It is a moveable (ephemeral) Nakshatra. This means that it relates to travelling and change in all its forms. One doesn’t have to think twice before assigning a moveable disposition to this Nakshatra. This is most restless among all Nakshatras, and is happy only in movement. This movement normally expresses itself through mental and physical planes.

 

Lunar month & Tithi (day)

 

It relates to first half of lunar month of Ashvin. This usually relates to September or October in solar calendar.

Ashwini is also related to Prathma (1^st Tithi) of waxing phase of Chandr’s monthly cycle.

 

Auspicious activities

 

Good for all types of beginnings and initiations, especially those involving learning new things; laying foundation stones; taking medicines; good for all healing, rejuvenation and exercise; good for improving physical appearance, self-improvement on other levels, and age-prevention techniques; good for all activities requiring quickness of thought and action; equine related activities; favorable for buying or selling; travelling; repairing vehicles or machinery of any kind; putting on clothes & jewelry; planting seeds; learning astrology and other spiritual, occult sciences; especially good for installing sacred items such as altars, statues, temples etc.; legal activities; favorable for taking up a new name.

 

* First Pada of this Nakshatra can be avoided for performing activities in general.

 

Inauspicious activities

 

Unfavorable for marriage; all kinds of endings; all kinds of activities requiring patience and perseverance; sexual activity; not good for activities which are heavy on emotional plane; intoxication; not good for completions of any kind.

 

Lords (planetary rulers)

 

Lord of this Nakshatra is Ketu. Ketu as we know relates to all types of beginnings and thus is directly related to initiatory impulse inherent in this Nakshatra. Among Grahas, Ketu is only one which represents power of past, which can be utilized to heal person in present. Ketu’s power of rejuvenation and regeneration is akin to phoenix rising from ashes, and as mentioned earlier, this Nakshatra’s ruling deities can even bring dead back to life.

 

Creativity of this Nakshatra corresponds to Ketu’s primordial creative potential, arising from will aspect of nature. However, this creative force can sometimes be so strong and overwhelming that it becomes difficult to control or channel. This is where things go wrong with this Nakshatra. Its downfall usually comes through attempting close to impossible feats without proper consideration. However, when it succeeds, it gets pioneer label. This Nakshatra has a strong faith in magic and dictum - ”anything is possible””. For a more detailed understanding of its connection with Ketu, readers can refer to author’s previous work, ”The Rahu - Ketu Experience / The Astrology of Lunar Nodes” (Sagar Publications, India) or ”The Key Of Life ” (Lotus Press, USA).

 

Mangal connects to this Nakshatra, being Lord of Mesha. Mangal, as we know, is Graha of energy, and energy is a must for any kind of initiatory impulse. Without energy there can be no movement. In a way it can be said that Mangal is engine which drives Ashwini’s car.

 

 

This Nakshatra also has a close relationship with Surya, since Surya reaches maximum exaltation here. In numerology, Surya is related to number 1, and since this is first Nakshatra, it is also directly connected with number 1. This Nakshatra has an independent spirit in much same way as Surya. It is interesting to note that Surya is also a continuously moving entity, which is supposed to ride on a chariot of 7 horses. Readers can also recall that two Ashwini Kumaras are sons of our Surya.

 

Surya, Ketu and Mangal express themselves strongly when placed in Ashwini. Budh, Sukr, Guru and Rahu are good here, as long as Ketu is well placed. Conjunctions of Surya / Ketu, Surya / Mangal and Mangal / Ketu carry energies similar to Ashwini.

 

Vowels & alphabets

 

First Pada of this asterism (0° 0’ - 3° 20’ Mesha) corresponds to ”Chu” as in Chuck or Church.

 

Second Pada of this asterism (3° 20’ - 6° 40’ Mesha) corresponds to ”Che” as in Cherry.

 

Third Pada of this asterism (6° 40’ - 10° 0’ Mesha) corresponds to ”Cho” as in Chocolate.

 

Fourth Pada of this asterism (10° 0’ - 13° 20’ Mesha) corresponds to ”La” as in Larry or Las Vegas.

 

In Sanskrit alphabet, Ashwini corresponds to ”Am”, ”Aam” & ”Im”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om Am”, ”Om Aam” & ”Om Im”.

 

Sexual type & compatibility

 

Its sexual animal is a horse. Horses are sensitive and passionate creatures, and these qualities find expression in Ashwini’s sexuality. Natural grace of horses gives Ashwini natives appeal and sexiness. Ashwini is most compatible with other horse Nakshatras like Shatabishak.

 

For sexual & marriage compatibility with other Nakshatras please refer to tables at end of this document.

 

Ashwini represents primordial, initiatory urge which created both manifest and unmanifest Universes. Being beginning of all things, it has power to set anything right. This is why in later times, physicians of gods, Ashwini Kumaras, were entertwined with energies of this Nakshatra. In almost all ancient cultures, roots of which of course are same, one can find ”Divine physician” archetype. Astoundingly, all these Divine physician archetypes are very similar to Ashwini Kumaras in sense that they are always riding horses, they are mostly twins, they are born out of a water goddess or a water source of some sort. Ashwini Kumaras are very learned in Ayurveda, original healing system. They revived Sage Dadhichi. Indra warned Dadhichi not to teach Kumaras Brahma-Vidya (knowledge of creation), since their occupation placed them outside that realm. He promised to cut off Dadhichi’s head should he not heed warning. Dadhichi relayed this to Kumaras. With their great medical abilities however they removed Dadhichi’s head and replaced it with a horse head. Dadhichi then spoke to them through horse mouth. They were then able to replace original human head of Dadhichi after Indra cut off horse head.

 

Ashwini Kumaras restoring youth of Cyavana Muni - through this service to a powerful Muni, twins were granted right to drink Soma Rasa, an immortalizing drink, with other demigods. In Mahabharata, Nakul & Sahadeva, youngest amongst 5 Pandava brothers, were sons of Ashwini Kumaras.

 

An ancient Welsh legend, which still holds relevance today in minds of Welsh people, illustrates this fact. According to this legend, three sons were born from a lady which had emerged from a lake called Lannefann. These semi-Divine beings, known as ”physicians of Myddfai”, were known to be able to cure every disease and were even able to slow down ageing process. Lake can still be visited today. This story definitely supports assumption, which is gaining ground now, that ancient Celtic religion was same as ancient Vedic religion. It corroborates well with Puranic story of birth of Ashwini Kumaras. Vivasvan’s (solar diety) wife Samjna once ran away from her husband and in order to hide from him took body of a mare, while she performed austerities on Earth. Vivasvan, who was searching for her, finally found her by side of a lake and turned himself into a horse and out of their union these twin sons, Ashwini Kumaras, were born.

 

 

Whilst discussing asterism Shatabishak, we came across fact that oceans are known to carry enough herbs to cure every known disease, besides carrying other types of magical herbs. In ancient Vedic legend concerning ”churning of ocean” (please refer to author’s previous work - ”The Rahu - Ketu Experience”, Sagar Publications, India, or ”The Key of Life”, Lotus Press, USA), Ashwini Kumaras were born out of this churning of ocean. We can see that Ashwini Kumaras and Shatabhishak have a strong connection due to correlation between their ruling deities. It is said that diseases, which are caused under influence of Shatabhishak, can only be cured under influence of Ashwini. Since every beginning is a kind of rejuvenation, Ashwini has power to overcome any affliction on physical, mental, emotional and higher planes.

 

In universal scheme of things, Ashwini relates to ”Shidravyapani Shakti” or power to quickly attain one’s objective. It is clear from above that Ashwini is representative of universal energy which assists everyone in need without hesitation or delay.

 

Family Life

Ashwini Nakshatra natives typically have a vibrant and energetic family life. Their impulsive nature and desire for new experiences often bring excitement and enthusiasm into the household. However, their restlessness can sometimes cause disruptions, necessitating understanding and patience from family members.

अश व न

The influence of अश व न Nakshatra can be seen in their dynamic approach to life and their constant pursuit of new beginnings. This Nakshatra is known for its healing and rejuvenating qualities, reflecting the energies of the Ashwini Kumaras.

26 years

The age of 26 years is often significant for Ashwini Nakshatra natives, marking a period of self-discovery and significant life changes. During this time, individuals may find themselves embarking on new adventures and taking bold steps towards their goals.

26 to 30

The years 26 to 30 can be particularly transformative for those born under Ashwini Nakshatra, as this period often involves major personal and professional milestones. These years are marked by growth, learning, and the pursuit of new opportunities.

 

 

Gotra (celestial lineage)

 

This Nakshatra is related to Sage Marichi, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”light”. This comes as no surprise, as Ashwini is lightest and swiftest amongst 27 Nakshatras.

 

Remedial

 

For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this Nakshatra, best remedial measure is worship of Lord Ganesha.