Nakshatra · Lunar Mansion 9/27
Ashlesha Nakshatra आश्लेषा
kundalini · hypnotic · cunning · penetration
Ashlesha is the coiled serpent — the nakshatra of hypnotic insight and kundalini power, ruled by the Nagas. Its natives are penetrating, intuitive and persuasive, with the serpent's gift for wisdom and its capacity to sting.
| Number | 9th of 27 |
|---|---|
| Zodiac span | 16°40′–30°00′ Cancer |
| Ruling planet (Vimshottari) | Mercury (Budha) |
| Deity | The Nagas (serpent deities) |
| Symbol | A coiled serpent |
| Gana (temperament) | Rakshasa |
| Yoni (animal) | Cat (male) |
| Nadi (Ayurvedic) | Antya (Kapha) |
| Sanskrit | आश्लेषा |
Symbol & deity
Ashlesha's symbol is a coiled serpent, and its presiding deity is The Nagas (serpent deities). Its special power — its shakti — is the power to inflict and withdraw poison (visasleshana shakti). Together these encode the nakshatra's core lesson and gift.
Personality & traits
Strengths: Intuitive, hypnotic, insightful, persuasive, with deep penetrating wisdom.
Challenges: Manipulative, secretive, clingy, and capable of a venomous bite.
Ruling planet — Mercury
Ashlesha is ruled by Mercury in the Vimshottari system, so a Ashlesha Moon sets Mercury's dasha as the first major life period, and Mercury's nature deeply colours the personality. intellect, speech, commerce — the prince and the messenger.
Career & vocation
Psychology, the occult and healing, politics, medicine (toxins/poisons), persuasion and strategy.