Aslesha – The Serpent

Aslesha (16.40 Cancer-30.00 Cancer) is ruled by the Serpent God and identifies with the heraldry of Mercurial energy. It is where Ketu is born. Aslesha is also known by the name Naga, which relates to the serpent deity. The nakshatra indicates serpentine qualities like clinging, entwining or embracing.

The primary symbol of this asterism is the coiled snake which can even be found in all the ancient civilizations of the world. All civilizations have a cold blooded and deceptive aspect to them, while at the same time they are also insightful, semi divine and carnal.

Behavioral Characteristics

Various words in English use the alphabets of Aslesha (da, di,do): demon, deceit, debauchery, delusion, darkness, desperation, devil, danger and the like. You can find them out yourself. The common feature however that binds these words is that it is not possible for Aslesha to function benevolently while working on the mundane plane. It is extremely difficult to cope with the energies of this nakshatra or handle it appropriately. The Vedic astrologers identified this constellation with the esoteric and the occult.

The marked features of Aslesha natives are square faces, parallel, wide and thin lips, beady eyes, suspicious looks, a pale complexion, lack of attractiveness and sexual appeal. Their snake-like movement makes others attracted to them. Adept at social graces, Aslesha natives flatter others with courteous approaches. To rise up the social ladder, they are often deceitful, ruthless and plotting. Anyone with above average perceptiveness can spot their scheming nature. Additionally, they are always worried and cautious.

The suspicious nature of Aslesha makes them good observers and intuitive individuals. They function best in situations where there is lurking danger. Sometimes, the suspicion can make them paranoid and schizophrenic. Presence of the Aslesha energy breeds social suspicion and fear. This makes the natives lurk behind genuine thoughts and feelings. It also makes them miserly and when deceiving others, they are also deceived in return.

Their natural affinity towards poison is complemented with mental games like strategy. Aslesha nakshatra has a natural affinity for cooking and in business, they often employ deceptive methods. The ‘visasleshana shakti’ attribute to them the power of inflicting poison on others.

Quarters or Padas

Sagittarius Navamsa (16.40–20.00 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by Jupiter. It is characterized by disease and enmity

Capricorn Navamsa (20.00-23.20 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by Saturn. It is characterized by dealing with people, ambition, swindling, possession-oriented, and financially backward

Aquarius Navamsa (23.20–26.40 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by Saturn. It is characterized by secrecy, concealment, plotting and adverse effects on their mother’s health

Pisces Navamsa (26.40–30.00 Cancer): This quarter is ruled by Jupiter. It is characterized by illusions, moral struggle (as here the serpent is slain), extremely deceptive, putting up façades and have adverse effects on their father’s health

Gana: Aslesha is a ‘rakshasa’/demonic nakshatra, its celestial representation, Hydra, is considered the most dangerous of all demons, which makes the natives cruel, selfish and wicked.

Favorable Activities

Harsh measures like filing lawsuits, poisoning, scheming against enemies, carnality, short term prospects, Kundalini yoga

Unfavorable Activities

Beginnings, lying in the background, business, dealing with money

Measures for Remedy

Aslesha natives should worship the Snake God by performing all kinds of serpent rituals like Sarpa Homaand Naga Panchami by feeding milk to snakes, and chant the root mantra “Om Kham” and “Om Gam” 108 times during the lunar transition of this nakshatra to alleviate afflictions. Wearing dark colors like red or black is also recommended. All important actions should correspond to the course of this constellation for best results.

Miscellaneous

In the words of Varahamihira, the lunar influence gives Aslesha gluttonous and crafty natures. Indira Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi is a typical Aslesha native.