Ashwini

by Unknown Author is licensed under

The above is a picture of the Horse Head Nebula.

Astronomy - Ashwini Nakshatra
The number of stars is 3
1. Alpha Arietes / Hamal
2. Beta Arietes / Sheratan
3. Gamma Arietes/ Mesarthim.

All the Three are Fixed Stars. Hamal (Head of the Ram) is the
Brightest Star in the Constellation of Aries. Hamal makes one
Headstrong and Often Aggressive, yet Potentially Capable Leaders
and Protectors of their Community, all Qualities of the Ram.
Sheratan Lies in the Horn of the Ram of Aries. It is connected to the
throat region of the human body. Its Qualities are Violent, Outspoken,
and Brazen. It causes bodily Injuries, unscrupulous defeat, and
destruction by fire, war or earthquake.

Mesarthim or Meshadi (Sanskrit) combines Martian and Saturnian

Powers, and this makes their Nature into a
Violent One.
The deities of this nakshatra are the Ashwini Kumaras (the Celestial
Twins) Dasra and Nasatya. The word Kumaras means Teenagers.
They where the sons of Saranya also called Sanjana (daughter of
Viswakarma; the celestial architect) and the Surya (Sun God) in his
form of Vivasvat (as a Stallion as per Hindus). As per the Puranas it is
believed that Saranya (also called as Sanjana or Samjna) held the
Solar Semen in her nostrils, for otherwise she could not hold it, it is so
strong.
The twins as a pair are inseparable and hence are referred commonly
as ‘the night’ and ‘the day’, ‘the light’ and ‘the darkness’, ‘the
heaven’ and ‘the earth’, the light’ and ‘the moisture’. The are the
‘light healers’ that work with polarity and pulse, such as pulsing laser
beams. They have superb hearing and are very sensitive to vibrations
Personifified, “ Ashwini” is considered to be the wife of the Ashwini
Kumaras. Ashwini is represented either by the head of a horse, or by
honey and the bee hive
The Ashwins symbolize the shining of sunrise and sunset, appearing
in the sky before the dawn in their golden chariot, bringing treasures
to men and averting misfortune and sickness. They chase Usha (The
Dawn) every morning with their brilliance. The Sun God is depicted
and represented by the Seven Horses or the Seven Colors. The
Ashwini Kumaras are represented as humans with the head of a horse.
 Background

Sanjana was the daughter of Vishwakarma (the celestial engineer and

architect). As Sanjana grew to a marriageable age, Vishwakarma
sought out for a suitable groom, and approached Surya, the Sun God
to accept his daughter’s hand in marriage. Surya accepts and the
marriage is solemnized.
A little while into the marriage and Sanjana is troubled, she can take it
no more, the glare and heat emitted from Surya’s golden aura have
darkened her complexion and sapped her energy; she no longer feels
any love for her husband. Her color now resembles the energies of
evening/dusk and the Gods bestow her with a new name – Sandhya.
Sanjana plots a plan for her escape. She creates a clone (perhaps one
of the first documented instances of cloning). She calls her clone
“Chhaya” (shadow). She installs Chhaya in her place and instructs her
not to leave Surya’s presence under any circumstances, and to
dutifully remain there till her return. Sanjana then returns to her
father’s house for some respite. Surya does not notice the difference.
He takes Chhaya to be his wife; he initiates marital relations; Chhaya
conceives and delivers a son – Shani (Saturn). Shani is born of dark
complexion like his mother, and also inherits Chhaya’s serious and
somber countenance.
Vishwakarma hears news of Shani’s birth and he is deeply troubled.
He confronts Sanjana and ask for the truth. Sanjana confesses having
left behind a clone. Vishwakarma immediately orders his daughter to
return to her rightful position in Surya’s house. Sanjana returns to
Surya’s house but is livid with Chhaya for having violated the scope
of her orders. Sanjana destroys Chhaya’s tangible body and reduces
her to a mere illusion in Surya’s light and glare.
Surya once again does not notice the exchange of wives. Sanjana
gives birth to 2 children from Surya – son Yama and daughter
Yamuna. As the children grow older, Sanjana’s animosity towards
Shani grows stronger and she does everything in her power to
distance him from Surya. Devoid of motherly love and fatherly
attention, Shani is distraught, depressed, lazy and utterly directionless.
The 3 children come of age, and time comes to bestow them with
responsibilities. Surya announces the same to his children; hearing
this, Sanjana quickly poisons Surya’s mind against the capabilities of
Shani and requests him to divide his responsibilities between Yama
and Yamuna. Surya relents.
So on the appointed day, Shani (the elder son) is ignored and Yama
(the younger son) is given the title of “Dharmaraj” or “king of
dharma” and is given the responsibility of upholding truth in
humanity. Yama though popularly known as “God of death” is not
literally so; he merely appears at the appointed time of death so that
he can cart away the soul and present the updated karmic balance
sheet of the life just gone by, to the soul; and explain with
compassion, righteousness and an unwavering approach – the good
and bad deeds of the soul and the likely implications of same in this
after-life.
Yamuna is given the status of a holy river, and is given the
responsibility of washing away the sins of those who bathe in her or
partake of her waters. She is also given the responsibility of
generating a spark of good thought in all those who touch her waters.
Yama and Yamuna accept their responsibilities and leave. Shani is
left standing all alone. As a son and older brother, he feels humiliated
and insulted. Unable to break the barriers of communication with his
father; unable to invoke love from his mother; unable to express
authority over his younger brother and sister, and unable to prove the
capability that he believes he has – a rage builds up in Shani.
To vent his anger, he seeks out mother Sanjana and delivers a well
aimed kick in her womb believing that she is an insult to the womb
that she birthed him from. Shocked at this act, Sanjana retaliates by
cursing Shani to lose the leg that he kicked her with. Maimed and
helpless, Shani lies on the ground. The scene is witnessed by Surya.
Though he can forgive Shani’s behavior as he act of an unruly son, he
is unable to understand the curse of mother Sanjana. Surya then
confronts Sanjana for the truth.
Sanjana confesses to her folly, apologises, and narrates about her
clone Chhaya and the birth of Shani before her return to Surya’s
home. Surya is livid with rage and glows brighter and hotter than
before. He accepts Shani as his legitimate older son, restores his lost
leg though a limp still remains to honor the word of his mother’s
curse, and then makes amends by bestowing upon him the honor of a
place in the solar system. Shani is installed as the planet that will
govern “karma” and “dharma” in a horoscope. He will enter your
horoscope as your karmic guru, your harshest teacher, and will ensure
that you learn your lessons and pass your tests, so that you can rise
higher up the karmic ladder.  Like his brother Yama, Shani will brook
no concessions in the house that he will appear in, and will force you
like a hard taskmaster to confront and deal with your toughest karmic
issues – and bestow you with his own traits of patience, seriousness
and diligence to help you learn your lessons in the appointed house.
True to his own life experiences, the house that Shani appears in, will
first experience – insults, depression, prejudice, laziness and a sense
of being directionless before you can invoke his powers of patience,
perseverance and hard-work to deal with your tests.
Astrologically also, the placement of Shani and Surya in the same
house is not considered good. The old Vedic animosity will resurface
and the native will always feel the pressure of “wanting to glow with
the pride of Surya” but being “subdued with the restrictions of Shani”.
It is a balance that the native will seek to find in his life. (Incidentally,
my own horoscope has this conjunction, but more when I write about
the significance of Saturn in a Vedic horoscope chart.)
After Shani’s installation into the solar system as a planet, the Gods
gathered around him and chanted an invocation to restore his lost
honor; that chant is used even today used as a prayer to propitiate
Shani:-
Neelaanjana samaabhaasam (To the color of brilliant dark blue)
Ravi-putram Yama-agrajam (Son of Surya, elder brother, agraj, of
Yama)
Chhaya-Maartanda sambhootam (Son of Chhaya and Surya)
Tam namaami Shanaishcharam (We offer our obeisance)
The Story of Ashwini Kumar(s) – twin sons of Surya – Part II
Sanjana, after being admonished by Surya in the presence of Shani,
and being further unable to bear the glow and heat of an angered
Surya, leaves his abode once again. She now cannot return to her
father’s house, so she disappears into a Himalayan forest to cool
herself; there she takes on the disguise of a mare to prevent herself
from being discovered and sent back home. She spends many long
years in the forest, as a mare.
When Surya’s anger cools down, he begins to miss his wife and he
goes in search of her to Vishwakarma’s house. Vishwakarma informs
him of Sanjana’s whereabouts but also has as humble request – he
asks Surya to reduce his glare so that daughter Sanjana is not
discomfited. Surya says he is helpless as it is part of his nature;
Vishwakarma then offers to help. Vishwakarma, the celestial engineer
and architect, puts his skills to use and scrapes the glow away from
Surya’s face and body, thus giving him, what they would say in
modern day parlance – a matt-finish. Surya in his new look ventures
into the Himalayan forest in search of Sanjana. He spots her grazing
the grass in the form of a mare. To entice her, he takes the form of a
young stallion and approaches her. Sanjana recognizes her husband
and is pleasantly surprised at his efforts to woo her. She concedes,
they mate, and out of this mating are born the Ashwini Kumar(s) – the
twin sons of Surya. The name “Ashwini” is derived from the root
“ashwa” meaning “horse”.
The Ashwini Kumar(s) are given the responsibility of healing;
keeping with this order, they pursue the field of medicine and emerge
as the celestial physicians/doctors of Gods. The Ashwini Kumar(s)
true to the horse form in which they were conceived, also hold the
prime reigns amongst the 7 horses that drive Surya’s chariot. Every
sunrise, they come forth as the first rising rays of Sun, and are also
known as “Surya-kiran”.
Being the celestial physicians/healers of Gods and humanity, facing
their rays during sunrise bestows good health. This is done, as per
prescribed Vedic customs, by honoring their mother Sanjana or
Sandhya as the Gods called her – hence we welcome the first rays of
morning Sun with “Sandhya-vandanam” or “Sandhya-vandan” by
offering “arghyam” or water from our palms to the rising Sun. The
Sandhya-vandan is often accompanied by a chant of Gayatri mantam.
 Ashwinis and Chyawan Rishi
Chyawan Rishi was the son of Rishi Bhrigu and his wife Puloma.
After imbibing the necessary teachings from his father Bhrigu,
Chyawan ventures into the forest to embark upon a penance (tap) for
further enlightenment. Many decades pass in this penance; the Rishi
remains rooted to his spot, unmoving, in a state of super-
consciousness. A tall, conical anthill forms around the Rishi
enveloping him completely; all that is visible is an anthill with 2 holes
in the exact spots of the Rishi’s 2 eyes. The energy and glow of
penance radiate through his closed eyes thus preventing any
obstruction forming before his eyes.
Into this same forest comes Princess Sukanya with her entourage.
Sukanya is 16 years old, and is the daughter of King Sharyaati and
has come for a ride through this ancient forest with her group of
friends. Walking along the forest tracks, Sukanya chances upon the
anthill that has formed over Chyawan Rishi; she is fascinated by the
size of the anthill, and the glowing rays that are emitting from 2 holes
towards the top. After scrutinizing the anthill from all angles,
curiosity gets the better of her, and she picks up a stick and probes it
into the 2 holes to try and gauge the source of the light rays. Little
does she know that she has probed the stick into the Rishi’s eyes;
blood starts oozing from the eye holes, the penance of Rishi Chyawan
is broken, and he emerges from the anhill with a blood curdling
shriek.
The Rishi breaks the anthill and rises to stand to his full height; blood
is oozing from his eyes, and he realizes he has been blinded. Sukanya
realizes what she has done and faints in fear. Her father, King
Sharyaati is hurried to the forest to take control of the situation. When
Sharyaati arrives in the forest, and is face to face with Chyawan Rishi,
he realizes that this is no mean situation; the Rishi has just awakened
with the full power of his decades-long penance and is just about to
unleash the wrath of his curses on the King, his daughter and his
kingdom. Sharyaati goes down on his knees, confesses his daughter’s
crime, begs forgiveness and in a final bid to appease the angry sage,
he offers his erring daughter, Sukanya’s hand in marriage to Chyawan
Rishi. The sage accepts and forgives.
Sukanya begins her married life with Chyawan, and serves him with
acceptance and dedication. Chyawan is pleased with her commitment
to him, and requests a son from her. Sukanya agrees, but voices her
reluctance to make love to an aged Rishi with all bodily signs of old
age from graying hair to wrinkled skin to creaking joints, while she
herself is only in the youth of 16 years. The blind sage understands
and asks her for a year’s time.
Chyawan takes to penance again and propitiates the celestial
physicians/doctors, the Ashwini Kumar(s) – [always in plural, as they
are the twin sons of Surya***]. The Ashwini Kumar(s) descend to
earth and urge the sage to ask for a boon. Rishi Chyawan asks for a
prescription to restore youth to the human body. The Ashwini
Kumar(s) relent, grant the sage his youth and his eyesight, and also
leave behind the requested prescription along with a seed, for the
benefit of all humanity in the ages to come.
Rishi Chyawan, in all his youthful splendor, returns to wife Sukanya.
Then, he plants the seed received from the Ashwini Kumar(s) and
vows to spend the rest of his life in research of Ayurveda so that he
can restore health and youth to humanity.
As a result of these and other similar legends, the Ashwinis are
invoked for"offspring, wealth, victory, destruction of enemies, the
preservation of the worshippers themselves, of their houses and
cattle."
The following legend of the cure they effected on Chyavana, from
the"Satapatha Brāhmana," will illustrate the peculiar features of the
work of the Ashwinis:
 Chyavana, having assumed a shrivelled form, was abandoned by
his family. Saryata, a Rishi, with his tribe settled in the
neighbourhood; when his sons seeing the body of Chyavana, not
knowing it was a human being, pelted it with stones. Chyavana
 naturally resented this, and sowed dissension amongst the
family of Saryata.
 Anxious to learn the cause of this, Saryata inquired of the
shepherds near if they could account for it; they told him that his
sons had insulted Chyavana. Saryata thereupon took his
daughter Sukanyā in his chariot, and, apologizing for what had
been done, gave his daughter to the decrepit man as a peace-
offering.
 Now the Ashwinis were in the habit of wandering about the
world performing cures, and, seeing Sukanyā, they were
delighted with her beauty and wished to seduce her. They said,"
What is that shrivelled body by which you are lying? Leave him
and follow us." She replied that whilst he lived she would not
leave the man to whom her father had given her. When they
came to her a second time, acting on her husband's suggestion
she said, "You speak contemptuously of my husband, whilst you
are incomplete and imperfect yourselves. "and on condition that
they would make her husband young again, she consented to tell
them in what respect they were imperfect and incomplete. Upon
this they told her to take her husband to a certain pond. After
bathing there, he came forth with his youth renewed. Sukanya
told the Ashwinis that they were imperfect because they had not
been invited to join the other gods in a great sacrifice that was to
be celebrated at Kurukshetra. (The Battle of Mahabharata took
place here)
 The Ashwinis proceeded to the place of sacrifice, and, asking to
be allowed to join in it, were told that they could not do so,
because they had wandered familiarly among men, performing
cures. In reply to this, the Ashwinis declared that the gods were
making a headless sacrifice. The gods inquiring how this could
be, the Ashwinis replied, "Invite us to join you, and we will tell
you." To this the gods consented.
In another account of this legend, it is said that, as the Ashwinis were
physicians, they were consequently unclean;

IMPORTANT THEMES
Aśvini natives have a horsey ambience = large teeth, likes to run,
independent and psychically attuned.

Aśvini usually has a Twin = either a psychic twin or a physical twin.

This twin is a person or a being to whom the Aśvini native can
listen clairaudiently. Aśvini inventors, scientists, intuitive are easily
able to communicate with their twins on the Other Side.

The Sanskrit root word

Ash - to reach, to gain, to master, to penetrate, to enjoy.

Other Ancient names of this Nakshatra

Ashvinau, Ashvayujau, Aswathy, Aswiyuka, Aswayuk, Ashvattha,
Aswija, Ashwi, Ashwah, Aswa-sirsha, Ashvashiras, Adyah, Dasrah,
Dasradevata, Dhata, Haya, Harih, Janman, Nasatyas, Suta, Tutaga,
Turangah, Turangamah, Turagah, Tanugriha, Udaya,
Vaaji, Vaajiba.

Meaning
Ashwini translates as “Born from a Female Horse” or “The Horse
Woman” or “Possessing Horse”, “Asva-r-yujya” translates as “She
Who Yokes Horses”.

Since they were born as twins, this nakshatra has the propensity to
produce twins. One of the possible combinations is having Mars
posited in
Ashwini nakshatra with the lagna as Aquarius, can give the native a
tin brother or sister, since Mars is placed in the 3 rd house of siblings
The Ashwini Kumaras rule over Agriculture and are experts in the use
of herbs (e.g. Ayurveda) and healing therapies. They are the herdsmen
and Gardeners. They bring the honey to the Gods. Hencepeople born
under this nakshatra may have a strong desire to have their own
garden with special herbs or plants. It comes naturally to them
According to the Rig-Veda, Ashwini Kumaras are the Lords of Speed,
"the swift movers, the falcons of light, riders of the task force horse,
responsive and brilliant". Lord Ashwini Kumaras are observed as the
embodiments of knowledge, intelligence and speed
Once Lord Indra, tried to stop the Ashwini Kumaras from seeking
medicinal education from the Sun God. Hence people born with
Ashwini Nakshatra may have gaps in their education life, but will
complete their education because of devotion and dedication.
Ashwini nakshatra is said to have "enemical relation" with Jyeshtha
nakshatra as Jyeshtha is ruled by Lord Indra. Indra once interefered
and did not let Ashwinis access knowledge which Rishi Dadichi was
wanting them to learn. The rishi did not agree to comply with the
orders of Indra and got his head cut off but he was later saved by the
Ashwinis who put the head of a horse on him. Ashwinis as a result of
this may want to heal people.
The Ashwini natives seem to have a tendency to feel dissatisfified
with the present due to the effect Ketu (the planetary ruler of
Ashwini) a idealistic, spiritual and headless planet, which is also the
karaka (significator) of Moksha (Salvation). Due to this are constantly
thinking about the future and tomorrow. This gives them the ability to
be excellent innovators.
Ashwini rules all forms of transportation and fast travel. Ashwini
Kumaras used to ride on the Golden chariot during sunrise and sunset.
Because chariots used to be decked up and decorated with a lot of
ornaments and precious gems and stones in ancient Indian times, they
were a sign of nobility. In the modern scheme of things Ashwini gives
a massive liking for luxury cars or cars with high horsepower because
the inner psychology of a person is still being dictated by Ashiwnis. If
the fourth lord in a person’s chart is under Ashwini and there are no
other malefic impacts to the 11th house , it is very probable that such a
person would own a luxury vehicle.
This is a nakshatra of initiation, revitalization and transformational
healing.
By the influence of this star the native is expected to be equestrian
(horse-ride) or a soldier, also a physician with marvelous power to
heal. The after-speak of physicians excellence or process. It is
possible, in the horoscopes of these physicians it will be seen that the
Graha for successful medical practice is positioned in Ashwini
Nakshatra. From

Ashwini it is supposed to be derived carriages for animals for

transport, everything related to transport and transport
department
Weakness / Shadow Issues
Hastiness in Action Compromises E&ciency, Impulsive, Does not
take Advice Well, Desire to Pursue New Experiences in Life Causes a
Weakness in Finishing Things,
Aggressive, Stubborn, Wants to Do Things Their Own Way,
Disappointed When Things Do Not Go as Planned, Dissatisfified,
Arrogant, Lack of Mental Quietude, Overly Passionate.
The Ashwini nakshatra natives lack patience and get restless when
they don't see quick results. In the same vein, it is observed that they
change jobs and professions more often than others
The Ashwini natives show attachment to parents, for better or worse.
They have high propensity to jump into activities without much
thought, which makes than hyperactive. Many times, it displays their
qualities of initiative, however, at many times it results in failures due
to jumping into something without prior evaluation of pros and cons
of their action
They can also be over passionate, impulsive, aggressive, stubborn and
arrogant in nature (Traits more pronounced when natives are born
during the period from April 14th to April 28th when Sun is exalted
and additionally when the native is born between October 14th to
October 28th when Sun is debilitated)
If malefices or if planets afflicted by malefices sitting here can bring
passion, lust
and a certain degree of lack of discretion
Venus placed here can bring issues and problems with sexuality
Saturn placed here can bring delays, disappointment, dissatisfaction,
lack of mental peace, and fear of criticism.
Quick Steps or going back and forth in walking, this can interpret in
ones nature. This nakshatra is considered inauspicious for closure/
completion of any work, which requires patience and perseverance.
Please note that Surya is exalted at precisely 10 degrees of
Ashwini which translates to midday or noon. The splendour and
power of the sun is at the highest during this time. Therefore, this is a
favourable time for Ashwini nativities to undertake an auspicious
action.
The Ashwini Kumaras are the typical Celestial Pranksters and love a
little of play. The Ashwini natives show a great taste for adventures
and adventurous sports in particular in this asterism. They are not
afraid of taking risks and taking new challenges in life. They
generally have a good sense of humor and can be an interesting
company
The desire of the Ashwini Kumaras was to drink the Soma (the Elixir
of Life and Immortality) and to be considered equals amongst the
Gods. By restoring the eyesight and youthful appearance to Chyavana
Rishi they earned their right to drink Soma Rasa, an immortalizing
drink, with the other demigods.
Likewise the Ashwini natives aspire for high position, desired to be
included amongst the elite, famous, rich, want to be considered equal
to demigods. There are always on the look-out for shortcuts and fast
ways to achieve their objectives quickly.
However, Ashwini people may incur initial resistance or even
prejudice in the process of attaining the status, position or acceptance
Favourable Activities when moon transits Ashwini
Nakshatra
Auspicious for Beginnings like Learning New Things, Laying Foundation,
taking Medicines, Rejuvenation and Healing, Self/Physical Improvements,
Brisk Thought/ Action, Equestrian Activities, Buying/Selling, Travelling,
Vehicle Repair, Wearing Jewelry/Clothes, Occultism, Law, Sacred
Installations, Renaming.

Unfavourable Activities when moon transits Ashwini

Nakshatra
Marriage, Conclusions, Emotional and Sexual Activity, Actions Requiring
Patience, Intoxication.

Places Associated with Ashwini

All Places related to Equine Professions, Grazing Lands, Stables, Horse
Tracks, Hospitals and Places associated with the Medical Profession,
Places where Herbs Grow, Botanical Gardens, Sporting Grounds, Race
Racks of all Kinds, Roads, Railway Track 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.

Career Interest
Psychologists, Therapists, Physicians, Healers, Mystics, Military
Personnel, Police, Criminal Courts, Merchants, Sales People, Musicians,
Horse Trainers, Jockeys, Equestrian Professions, Horse Trainers &
Keepers and all those involved in Equine Jobs or Sports, Horse Racing
Enthusiasts Gamblers, All types of Healing Professions, Physicians,
Therapists, Chemists, Counsellors, Physiotherapists, Druggists &
Surgeons, Those involved in Promotion and Motivational Jobs &
Campaigns, Physical Arts like Dancing, Those involved in the
Transportation Industry, Athletes and all Sport
related Jobs, Herbalists, All those involved in Racing Professions like
Motor Sports, Adventure Sports, Explorers, Stunt Men, Researchers &
Pioneers, Concreters & 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, Police
 Similarities in Ancient Indian and other cultures around
the world with regards to Aries

In ancient Egyptian astronomy, Aries was associated with the

god Amon-Ra (The Sun God), who was depicted as a man with a
ram's head and represented fertility and creativity. Because it was the
location of the vernal equinox, it was called the "Indicator of the
Reborn Sun". During the times of the year when Aries was prominent,
priests would process statues of Amon-Ra to temples, a practice that
was modified by Persian astronomers centuries later. Aries acquired
the title of "Lord of the Head" in Egypt, referring to its symbolic and
mythological importance.

In Hellenistic astrology, the constellation of Aries is associated with

the golden ram of Greek mythology that rescued Phrixus and Helle on
orders from Hermes, taking Phrixus to the land of Colchis. Phrixos
and Helle were the son and daughter of King Athamas and his first
wife Nephele. The king's second wife, Ino, was jealous and wished to
kill his children. To accomplish this, she induced a famine in Boeotia,
then falsified a message from the Oracle of Delphi that said Phrixos
must be sacrificed to end the famine. (Note the similarity of the
Greek and Hindu story of Surya, Sanjana, Shani and Chaya)