Ashvini

Aries map showing Asvini

Ashvini is the first nakshatra (lunar mansion) in Hindu astrology having a spread from 0°-0'-0" to 13°-20', corresponding to the head of Aries, including the stars β and γ Arietis.

The name aśvinī is used by Varahamihira (6th century). The older name of the asterism, found in the Atharvaveda (AVS 19.7; in the dual) and in Panini (4.3.36), was aśvayúj "harnessing horses".

Ashvini is ruled by Ketu, the descending lunar node. In electional astrology, Asvini is classified as a Small constellation, meaning that it is believed to be advantageous to begin works of a precise or delicate nature while the moon is in Ashvini.[1] Asvini is ruled by the Ashvins, the heavenly twins who served as physicians to the gods. Personified, Asvini is considered to be the wife of the Asvini Kumaras.[2] Ashvini is represented either by the head of a horse, or by honey and the bee hive.[3]

Traditional Hindu given names are determined by which pada (quarter) of a nakshatra the moon was in at the time of birth. In the case of Ashvini, the given name would begin with the following syllables:

References

  1. ↑ Hart De Fouw, Robert Svoboda. ‘’Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India.’’ 2003: pg. 204. ISBN 0-940985-69-1
  2. ↑ Ralph Griffith, The Rig Veda 1895
  3. ↑ Dennis M. Harness. ‘’ The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology’.’ Lotus Press, 1999. ISBN 0-914955-83-7. pg. 2
  4. ↑ http://www.mypanchang.com/nakshatras.html