Ashwini (sanskrit: अश्विनी) — the Star of Transport.
Ashwini, the beginning of everything, especially Ketu's energies, is represented in the celestial firmament by two bright Stars in the constellation of Aries. The ancient vedic seers saw the constellation of Aries as forming a horse's head. "Ashvini" can be translated into either "Born of a Female Horse" or the "Horse-Woman". Its alternative name is Asvayuj, which translates into "she who yokes horses".
Range: 00°00' — 13°20' Aries
Symbol: horse's head, horse carriage consisting of two horses carrying two people
Mode of Functioning: Active
Caste: Vaishya (merchant)
Gender: Male
Body parts: knees and the top portion of the feet
Humor (Ayurvedic Constitution): Vata (airy)
Direction: centre, east, south and north-west
Guna (Essence): Sattva
Tattwa (Element): Earth
Gana (Type): Deva (godly)
Orientation: Level
Disposition: Moveable or Ephemeral
Ruling Planet: Ketu (South lunar node)
Sounds: Chu, Chey, Cho, La
Animal symbol: Horse
Primary Motivation: Dharma
Enemy: Jyeshtha
Padas (Quarters)
1. The first pada or quarter of this asterism (00°00' — 3°20' Aries) falls in Aries Navamsa and is ruled by Mars. This is the pada which relates to the most pioneering, courageous and physically active part of this nakshatra. This pada is full of initiative and bestows abundant energy and drive.
2. The second pada or quarter of this asterism (3°20' — 6°40' Aries) falls in Taurus Navamsa ruled by Venus. This pada relates to the more practical and resourceful aspect of this nakshatra. It is connected to the splendorous, graceful and indulgent aspect of the Ashwini Kumaras. This pada likes to see the material manifestation of its thoughts and ideas.
3. The third pada or quarter of this asterism (6°40' — 10°00' Aries) falls in Gemini Navamsa ruled by Mercury. This pada relates to the 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 the speedy jack of the zodiac.
4. The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism (10°00' — 13°20' Aries) falls in Cancer Navamsa ruled by Moon. This pada relates to the healing part of Ashwini. This pada has an eye for people's needs, and is usually very in tune with the pulse of the collective consciousness at any given point in time. It is the birth place of the emotional faculty which manifests itself as empathy.
Lunar Month and Day
It relates to the first half of the lunar month of Ashwin. This usually relates to the month of September or October in the solar calendar. Ashwini is also related to the Pratipad (1st tithi or day) of the waxing phase of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Planetary Ruler
The planetary ruer of this nakshatra is Ketu. Ketu as we know relates to all types of beginnings and thus is directly related to the initiatory impulse inherent in this nakshatra. Among the planets, Ketu is the only which represents the power of the past, which can be utilised to heal the person in the present. Ketu’s power of rejuvenation is akin to the phoenix rising from the ashes, and as mentioned earlier, this nakshatra’s ruling deities can even bring the dead back to life.
The creativity of this nakshatra corresponds to Ketu’s primordial creative potential arising from the 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 the pioneer label. This nakshatra ha a strong faith in magic and the dictum - “anything is possible”.
Mars connects to this nakshatra, being the planetary ruler of the sign Aries. Mars as we know is the planet of energy, and energy is a must for any kind of initiatory impulse. Without energy there can be no movement. In a a way it can be said that Mars is the engine which drives Ashvini’s car. This nakshatra also has a close relationship with Sun, since Sun reaches maximum exaltation here. In numerology Sun is related to the number 1, and since this is the first nakshatra, it is also directly connected with the number 1. This nakshatra has an independent spirit in much the same way as Sun. it is interesting to note that Sun is also a continuously moving entity, which is supposed to ride on a chariot of seven horses. The readers can also recall that the two Ashvini Kumaras are the sons of our Sun.
Sun, Ketu and Mars express themselves strongly when placed in Ashvini. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Rahu are good here as long as Ketu is well placed. Conjunctions of Sun/Ketu carry energies similar to Ashvini.
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 the present day and age - Physicians, Therapists, Chemists, Counsellors, Physiotherapists, Druggists & Surgeons); Marriage Counsellors and Childbirth Specialists; Those involved in Promotional & Motivational jobs & campaigns; Physical Arts like Dancing; Those involved in the 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 the building industry; People in Law Enforcement Agencies; Soldiers; Generals; Mechanical Engineers & those involved in Engineering Professions in general; Jewellers 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 the 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.
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; Favourable for buying or selling; Travelling; Repairing vehicle or machinery of any kind; Putting on clothes & jewellery; Planting seeds; Learning astrology and other spiritual, occult sciences; Especially good for installing sacred items such as altars, statues, temples etc.; Legal activities; Favourable for taking up a new name.
Inauspicious activities
Unfavourable for marriage; All kinds of endings; All kinds of activities requiring patience and perseverance; Sexual activity; Not good for activities which are heavy on the emotional plane; Intoxication; Not good for completions of any kind.
Health Issues
Head injuries, headaches, mental illness, smallpox, malaria.
Remedial
For those suffering from bad effects resulting from afflictions to this nakshatra, the best remedial measure is worship of "Lord Ganesha".
Repetition of the root mantra of this nakshatra "Om Am" and "Om Im" 108 times when Moon transits this nakshatra and in its corresponding lunar month, is sure to reduce suffering and bring enfightenment into a person's life.
Persons who are benefiting from the positive energy of this nakshatra can also increase the good effects through the above mentioned ways. It is helpful for them to wear various shades of red and bright variegated colours. They should use Ashwini's directions, lunar month and the days when Moon transits Ashwini to undertake all important actions.
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