Ashwini (0 - 13x 20' Aries)

The first of the 27 lunar mansions is called Ashwini, which resides entirely with the sign of Aries the Ram, ruled by Mars. The nakshatra itself is ruled by Ketu, the South Node of the Moon. Thus, a Mars/Ketu mixture of energy is experienced by planets which inhabit it. Dynamism, tenacity, fierce activity and a thirst for life are reflected by this combination of forces. Activation of primordial energies with the awakening of consciousness is associated with this asterism. The symbol of this nakshatra is a horse's head. It consists of three stars in the head of the Ram constellation. These fixed stars are Mesarthim, Al Sharatain and Hamal. These stars lie just a little north of the ecliptic. This lunar mansion is called "the star of transport." In her wonderful book, The Circle of Stars, Valerie Roebuck reveals that Ashwini also means "the horsewoman," "possessing horses," "yoking horses," and "she who yokes horses." Interestingly, famous horse lovers Prince Charles of England and Jackie Onasssis have their natal Moons placed in this nakshatra. The power and stamina of the horse as well as its "headstrong" nature are found within this asterism. The grace and beauty of a horse in flight may also be witnessed through Ashwini. A playful and childlike nature can also be experienced through Ashwini. A dauntless spirit that likes to explore new lands may be observed. As Bepin Behari writes, "If a rider is able to break and subdue a wild horse, he can use it to travel far." The love of just "horsing around" may also be present. For example, the famous comedian Jerry Lewis has his natal Moon in Ashwini. The Sun is exalted in this nakshatra. There is therefore a thirst for leadership, authority and honor associated with Ashwini. The great Hindu deity Shiva is said to inhabit this lunar mansion. The primary motivation of this nakshatra is the principle of dharma or righteous deeds and activity. Law, duty, religion, and ethical conduct are emphasized. The myth of Ashwini is also connected with Surya, the Sun god in Hindu lore. The story goes that Surya was so brilliant and hot that no one could bear to be in his presence. To help him, his father divided him into twelve parts, each a Sun with its own universe. Bits of solar energy that were whittled away in this process provided the material used to create Shiva's trident, Skanda's spear and Vishnu's discus. The Sun in our own universe was then married to the daughter of Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Her name was Sanjna which means intellect. But due to the heat and intensity of even this division of the original Sun, she needed to spend time away from Surya even though, in a sense, his divine light represented her true nature. During one of Sanjna's absences, she asked her housemaid, Chhaya, to take care of her husband. Interestingly, Chhaya translates to mean "shadow." Surya fell in love with Chhaya while his wife was away. When Sanjna returned, she found out about this betrayal and became so angry she turned herself into a mare and galloped away. Surya, realizing the grave mistake he had made, turned himself into a stallion and galloped after her. He finally caught up to her in a beautiful meadow and they made love, conceiving the Ashwin twins, the two horsemen. The Ashwins are pictured as divine, mystical doctors who ride in a golden chariot, bringing their healing energy down to the earth plane. They bring light, happiness and bliss to everyone they touch. They are known as the "physicians of the gods." The Ashwins can be invoked to bring about healing and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit. The assist in childbirth and can restore youth to the old and even life to the dead. A Greek equivalent to the Ashwins is Asklepios, the father of healing in ancient times. Miracles are experienced within this nakshatra. The shadow side of Ashwini is impulsiveness, aggression, a stubborn and arrogant nature. Adolf Hitler had his exalted natal Sun placed in Ashwini. Passion, lust and lack of discretion may be present if afflicted planets are placed in this nakshatra. Venus placed here may bring difficulties with sexuality. Dissatisfaction, disappointment, lack of mental quietude, and fear of criticism may appear if Saturn resides in this lunar mansion. References