27 Moons Project: Aśleṣā Nakshatra
...the key to understanding your mind and the mind of others
In Vedic astrology, the moon is divided into 27 divisions called Nakshatra. The moon is our mind and therefore how we filter all thoughts, impressions and experiences. Knowing our Moon Nakshatra and the Nakshatras of others is key to understanding and appreciating how we think and approach the world. If you don’t know your Nakshatra, you can find out what it is here.
For the next half a year (or however long it takes), I’ll be writing a post about the current Nakshatra of the moon every Monday, the day naturally ruled by the moon.
If you don’t know what Nakshatra are, check out this post first.
For now, let’s dive into the Nakshatra the moon is currently in this lovely Monday.
This Monday’s Nakshatra: Aśleṣā
Aśleṣā Nakshatra is the ninth Nakshatra in the Vedic lunar zodiac, spanning from 16°40' to 30°00' Cancer. It is governed by Mercury.
The term Aśleṣā translates to "the entwiner," reflecting this Nakshatra's themes of entanglement, attachment, and penetrating insight. It is pronounced “Ah-shlay-shah.”
Aśleṣā is represented by a coiled serpent, symbolizing the Nakshatra's qualities of deep intuition, transformative energy and the ability to uncover hidden truths.
To understand the psyche of individuals with their moon in Aśleṣā Nakshatra, let's explore its symbols, deity and overarching themes.
Symbols
The symbol for Aśleṣā is a serpent (Sarpa). Just as the lidless eyes and flicking forked tongue of a snake can mesmerize, so too can Aśleṣā natives hypnotize others with their magnetic gaze.
Serpents hold back and wait until the time is right to strike. Once they do, they paralyze their prey with poison or quickly suffocate it in their coils before swallowing it whole. So too, do Aśleṣā natives destroy their enemies. They are not one to forget and forgive a slight or insult, and have the patience to watch and wait until they can take their revenge–even if it takes years.
Gifted diplomats who can read people and a room, Aśleṣā natives can make a good impression when they feel like it. They often have silver tongues and are adept at persuading others, sometimes through manipulative and deceptive means.
Just as the serpent lives in the depths, those with their moon in Aśleṣā are naturally introverted and secretive. They do not usually like to share their inner thoughts and feelings with others, sometimes even those who are closest to them.
Ruling deity
When it comes to Nakshatras, knowing the ruling deity gets you closer to understanding their inner nature than the sign they are in.
Aśleṣā Nakshatra is ruled by the Sarpa devatas, which means serpent gods. The Sarpas are revered for its connection to deep, hidden knowledge and its transformative power, but they also represents venom, entanglement and the darker aspects of the psyche.
However, Sarpa devatas are by no means only negative. In fact, they are divided into two groups: Sarpas, which are lower serpent forms, and Nāgas which are higher serpent forms. Both are associated with the nodes, Rahu (North node), which is the head of the serpent, and Ketu (South node), which is the tail of the serpent.
Aśleṣā natives who operate on a lower vibrational level more closely associated with the Sarpa and Rahu will manifest the negative sides of this energy; in more extreme cases, they may even be con men, sexually depraved or drug dealers.
Those with a higher vibrational level more closely associated with the Nāgas and Ketu will have the power of Kundalini Shakti and transformative intuition and psychic powers. This makes them naturally interested in and skilled at occult and mystical studies, particularly those that have a somewhat darker edge.
On a more general note, the serpent’s association with Aśleṣā Nakshatra encourages individuals to delve into the depths of their psyche, embrace transformation, and confront their inner darkness. This Nakshatra symbolizes the balance between concealment and revelation, reminding us of the importance of introspection and the potential dangers of unchecked power and secrecy.
Just as the serpent navigates both the hidden and dangerous aspects of life under ground, natives of Aśleṣā Nakshatra often display a profound sense of wisdom and a commitment to uncovering deeper truths. However, they must also be wary of becoming entangled in their own complexities and using their insights for manipulative purposes.
Skills and interests
In Book 9: The Nakshatras, Sarajit Poddar writes “The nature of the serpent is to entwine, embrace and enjoy its victims.” For Aśleṣā natives, this often means a strong libido.
As described above, this can take on both negative or positive aspects: On the one hand, this might mean someone overly promiscuous, unfaithful or involved in the sex industry in an unhealthy way. On the other hand, they might use seduction or sex as a ritualistic spiritual experience to reach higher planes or work in fields where they use sexual energy or touch as a means for transformative healing.
Although straight forward and extremely good at reading other people, Aśleṣā natives may sometimes be too introverted to seek out leadership positions themselves. However, they are very good at making connections and gaining favor from others. They know when to attack and when to back off, and don’t mind playing dirty when needed. This makes them excellent politicians and trial lawyers.
Again, the key words for Aśleṣā are mesmerising, hypnotic and poison. When using their powers for good, these natives may be involved in healing arts such as hypnotherapy, trance state therapies or working in pharmacology or toxicology. When using their powers for ill, they may be scam artists, crooked opportunists or drug dealers.
Either way these are magnetic people who draw others in–and are often well aware of their powers. In the spirit of Rahu, they are sometimes outsiders who don’t see the need for respecting social rules or customs, which gives them an independent edge.
Strengths
seductive and hypnotic
intuitive and wise
cunning and intelligent
independent and successful when motivated
mystical and magical
psychologically adept
wide range of interests and talents
transformative and deep
sexually skilled and adventurous
gifted healers who can go to darker places
Weaknesses
self-serving and manipulative
deceitful and dishonest
rude and uncaring
no issue with breaking rules or spreading lies
overly emotional, moody and possessive
anxious, restless mind
poisonous speech, backstabbing
lone wolf who finds it difficult to connect
issues with intimacy due to intense secretiveness
unhealthy sexuality, sex addiction
Famous people with their Moons in Aśleṣā
Charlize Theron
Megan Fox
Jane Fonda
Mao Zedong
Robert Bly
Oscar Wilde
Barbra Streisand
Marilyn Manson
George Michael
Queen Elizabeth II
Michelle R. Dean is a Vedic astrologer and writer based in Berlin. To find out more about Michelle or book a Vedic astrology consultation, swing by here.
Ashlesha is a "Muchanthi" Corner-place nakshatra. Being a Budha one in Kataka, makes a person logically emotional, an atypical person, difficult to deal with.