Ashlesha Nakshatra (Cancer): Analysis of the Four Padas

🌐 Read this in: বাংলা · हिन्दी

"Ashlesha means embrace, and Ashlesha also means bondage — this serpentine nakshatra binds the human unconscious mind in such a mysterious web of illusion that piercing it is beyond the capacity of ordinary wisdom."

In the deepest corner of the human mind lie certain emotions and stratagems that one hides from the outer world. The power of hiding — that is, 'occultism' — and extremely sharp intelligence — those in whom this is seen have a strong influence of Ashlesha Nakshatra in their birth chart. To ordinary intelligence this may seem 'malicious' or 'crooked', but in the view of Parashari astrology this is the final boundary of the human soul's transformation. Today we shall pierce the mathematical and psychological mystery of the four padas of this mysterious nakshatra of Cancer.

The entire extent of Ashlesha Nakshatra is from 16°40' to 30°00' of Cancer. The symbol of Cancer is the 'crab', which wants to hold everything within its own shell. The ruler of this nakshatra is Mercury (the significator of argument and stratagem) and its deity is 'Sarpa' or Naga (the serpent, which is the symbol of kundalini power). This combination of the Moon's emotion and Mercury's sharp intellect makes the native extremely skilled and mysterious. Let us, applying the flawless navamsa rule of a movable sign, analyse the psychology of its four padas.

♋ Cancer — Ashlesha First Pada (16°40' to 20°00'): Sagittarius Navamsa (Ruler: Jupiter)

In the Parashari rule, since Cancer is a movable sign, its navamsa reckoning begins from the sign (Cancer) itself. After Pushya Nakshatra has covered the Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio navamsas, the first pada of Ashlesha falls in the sixth navamsa of Cancer, that is, in Jupiter's Sagittarius Navamsa.

Psychological synthesis: Here we have the sign's symbol (the crab's bondage) + the ruler (Moon) + the nakshatra lord (Mercury) + the deity (Sarpa) + the navamsa lord (Jupiter). This union of Mercury's stratagem and Jupiter's wisdom makes the native extremely wise. They attain boundless success in spiritual practice or research. But by the influence of the Naga deity, there is a kind of 'unexpected secrecy' in their nature, which often has them labelled as selfish.

♋ Cancer — Ashlesha Second Pada (20°00' to 23°20'): Capricorn Navamsa (Ruler: Saturn)

This is the seventh navamsa of Cancer, that is, it falls in Saturn's Capricorn Navamsa.

Psychological synthesis: Here we have the sign (Cancer) + the nakshatra lord (Mercury) + the deity (Sarpa) + the navamsa lord (Saturn). Because of Mercury's sharp intellect and Saturn's strict discipline, they become extremely realistic. They give more importance to achieving their goal than to emotion. Sometimes their behaviour is harsh, but they are prepared to make any sacrifice for the protection of their own family. In business strategy they are incomparable.

♋ Cancer — Ashlesha Third Pada (23°20' to 26°40'): Aquarius Navamsa (Ruler: Saturn)

This is the eighth navamsa of Cancer, that is, it again falls in Saturn's Aquarius Navamsa.

Psychological synthesis: Here we have the sign's ruler (Moon) + the nakshatra lord (Mercury) + the deity (Sarpa) + the navamsa lord (Saturn). Under this doubled influence of Saturn, a deep melancholy and philosophical spirit work within the native's mind. When Mercury's intellect mingles with the air-element of Aquarius, they love to think something different from the mainstream of society. They can make extraordinary contributions in technology, science, or some occult knowledge.

♋ Cancer — Ashlesha Fourth Pada (26°40' to 30°00'): Pisces Navamsa (Ruler: Jupiter)

The final pada of Ashlesha Nakshatra is the ninth navamsa of Cancer, that is, it falls in Jupiter's Pisces Navamsa.

Psychological synthesis: Here we have the sign's symbol (the crab's shell) + the nakshatra lord (Mercury) + the deity (Sarpa) + the navamsa lord (Jupiter). When the wisdom of Mercury and Jupiter mingles with the watery spirituality of Cancer, the native's unconscious mind finds a heavenly feeling. The power of the Naga deity here becomes the symbol of kundalini awakening. They can influence people very easily, and as teachers or counsellors they become supremely revered in society.

Special Planetary Influences and Conditional Logic in Ashlesha Nakshatra

In a flawless reading of the birth chart, the influence of the planets is extremely important:

The Influence of the Moon and Mercury:

The combination of the Moon and Mercury in Ashlesha Nakshatra makes the native extremely intelligent and talkative. But there is a mysterious cleverness in their words or behaviour. If Jupiter's aspect falls, they become principled and wealthy.

The Influence of Rahu and Saturn:

Rahu's position in this nakshatra attracts the native towards some occult knowledge. If Saturn's aspect falls, the native has to struggle hard in the first half of life, but in the latter part they attain supreme stability and spiritual victory.

The Life-Philosophy of Sage Parashara: The True Path of Human Welfare and Karma-Correction

Since this is the nakshatra of the Naga or serpent, the greatest test of Ashlesha natives is their 'stratagem' and 'embrace'. They can entangle people in their own web of delusion, but often this very web chokes themselves.

According to the Parashari philosophy, their best karma-correction is — 'simplicity'. To abandon the stratagem of influencing people and walk on the path of honesty is the master key to the fortune-enhancement of these natives. Just as the serpent attains new life by shedding its skin, Ashlesha natives too should shed their old pride and crookedness. If they worship Shiva regularly, the poisonous emotions within them are purified.

"Through stratagem perhaps a temporary victory may be won, but through honesty and simplicity the human heart is won. To be free of the poison of crookedness — that is the true liberation of Ashlesha."

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)