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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 1

Ashwini

Horse's head

Ashwini, nakshatra 1 of 27 (0°00′ Mesha – 13°20′ Mesha), ruled by Ketu, presided over by Ashvins; symbol: horse's head.

Ashwini is the 1st of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 0°00′ Mesha – 13°20′ Mesha of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Ashvins, and its traditional symbol is the horse's head. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Ketu, so a person whose moon falls in Ashwini begins life in the Ketu period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Ashwini is counted deva. Astrologers use the nakshatra of the moon at birth for naming (each pada has its own syllable), for matching horoscopes before marriage and for choosing auspicious times (muhurta). The descriptions of each nakshatra in Sanskrit texts such as the Brihat Samhita and in modern handbooks vary, and are best read as traditional associations of its deity and symbol.

Personality

swift · healing · pioneering · youthful · helpful · impulsive

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Ashwini is described as quick, energetic and eager to begin, with the healing gifts of the Ashvins, the divine twin horsemen who were physicians to the gods. As the first nakshatra, symbolised by a horse's head and counted among the divine (deva) temperaments, it is associated with speed, freshness and the start of every cycle.

Traditional descriptions credit Ashwini natives with courage, charm, intelligence and a helpful spirit, often drawn to medicine, healing or rescue, and with an attractive, youthful manner that lasts into later life. Their weaknesses are said to be impatience, impulsiveness and a tendency to rush in before thinking, as well as restlessness once the excitement of a new start fades.

In relationships Ashwini is portrayed as warm, spontaneous and loyal, though in need of freedom. In work it is linked with medicine, emergency services, sport, transport, horses and vehicles, and any task requiring a fast response. Its Vimshottari lord is Ketu, whose stone in the Navaratna scheme is cat's eye chrysoberyl; Jyotisha always reads the nakshatra together with the rest of the birth chart.

Stone: Cat's Eye (Chrysoberyl)

Sources and further reading