Full Moon in Aśleṣā Nakshatra

...tap into the power of the serpents

On Wednesday, February 12, we will experience a full moon in Aśleṣā Nakshatra (pronounced Uh-shlay-sha). Aśleṣā is the domain of the serpent – and is connected to both its venom and its wisdom.

This full moon is a powerful invitation to awaken, seduce, transform. But like all things in the realm of the serpent, it’s a double-edged blade.

The power of the serpent: transformation or entanglement?

Aśleṣā Nakshatra is ruled by the Sarpa Devatas, the serpent gods. Across many cultures and traditions, serpents represent a dual force: the power to poison and the power to heal, the power to bind and the power to break free.

The lower form of this energy is the Sarpa – the entangled, shadowy, deceptive side of the serpent. This is where we find obsession, manipulation, and the kind of desire that binds rather than liberates. With a full moon like this one, it’s easy to fall into the Sarpa’s trap – games of seduction that go nowhere, power plays, and secrets wrapped so tightly they choke us.

But there is another path: the path of the Nāga, the higher form of the serpent. These serpents are tied to wisdom, divine protection, and spiritual power. Those who walk this path gain intuitive clarity, deep (psychological) insight, and the ability to use their power for creation rather than destruction.

Although not quite the same, this is similar to Kundalini energy, which is described as as a coiled serpent that slumbers at the base of our spine. Kundalini is linked to Shakti, the power of the divine feminine, and this full moon is ideal for exploring its transformative, intuitive power.

However, this comes first with a word of caution.

Shakti: Feminine power that must be rooted

Shakti is feminine power.

It is raw, primal energy. It is sensuality, creativity, life force itself.

However, when ungrounded, it can be chaotic – like a flood that sweeps away everything in its path. This is why ancient traditions emphasized that Kundalini must be awakened with care.

When properly rooted, it is a force of ultimate transformation. When it’s not, it can overwhelm the mind, distort reality, and create obsession.

And this is where the Venus/Rahu energy baked into this full moon come into play.

Venus in Pisces: Love beyond boundaries

During this full moon, Venus, the planet of love and sensuality, is in Pisces – her sign of exaltation. This energy embodies cosmic, limitless love. It’s an incredible time for deep emotional and sexual connection, for merging with another in ways that transcend the physical. If you practice tantra, sex magic, or any form of energy work, this is the full moon to go deeper with your practice.

The energy it brings also makes it a powerful time to raise our intuition. Aśleṣā already holds the key to unlocking deep wisdom, and with Venus in Pisces, our hearts are more open to receiving it.

Rahu’s influence: Stay grounded

But there’s a catch.

Rahu, the great disruptor, is with Venus and casting its aspect onto the moon.

Like Venus in Pisces, Rahu loves crossing boundaries. However, he does so in a ways that shock, distort, and overwhelm. He doesn’t dissolve the ego – he inflates it. He doesn’t open the mind – he confuses it.

While Venus in Pisces is unconditional love, Rahu’s influence brings in a shadow of greed and insatiability. Therefore, the energy of this full moon holds the potential for illusion or getting lost in lower vibrational energy.

To reduce the negative effects of Rahu on this full moon (as well as a day before and a few days after), try to:

• Avoid drugs and alcohol, which will amplify confusion.

• Limit screen time, especially doom scrolling, which feeds Rahu’s restless, obsessive nature.

• Engage in grounding practices, such as meditation, breathwork, or simply being in nature.

Final thoughts

This full moon is a potent one. It is magnetic, seductive, and tied deeply the power of the serpent. However, it does have an element of instability, both because of Rahu and because both the Sun and Moon are on the very precipice of changing signs. Whether you choose to engage in deep spiritual work, sacred sexuality, or simply a night of reflection, be mindful of the energy you are working with.

On this night, the wiser choice is to harness the wisdom of the Nāga, not the chaos of the Sarpa.

Spinal breathing guide: Connecting to your chakras and kundalini

The energy surrounding this full moon make it an ideal time to focus on spinal breathing.

Spinal breathing is a powerful practice that aligns your awareness with the flow of prana (life force energy) through your chakras.

By visualizing energy moving up and down your spine, you can activate Kundalini Shakti – the feminine power that lies dormant at the base of the spine – and balance your energy centers. This practice also integrates bija (seed) mantras, which are vibrational sounds that activate each chakra.

How to practice spinal breathing