Certification Goal
You are learning the skills of a Seer. Test your knowledge risk-free.
Take Exam (Pay Later)Nakshatra 9: Ashlesha
The Essence
Ashlesha is the 'Clinging Star,' located in the deepest waters of Cancer. It represents the psychological undercurrents of the mind, the rising Kundalini, and the fine line between poison and nectar.
Attributes
- Deity: The Nagas (Serpents)
- Ruler: Mercury
- Symbol: Coiled Snake
- Gana: Rakshasa (Demon)
- Quality: Sharp / Tikshna
Psychology
Gifts: Insight, psychological depth, strategy, kundalini energy, and fierce protection of their own.
Shadows: Manipulation, deception, suspicion, clinging, and a tendency to poison relationships when threatened.
Mythology
The Nagas (Serpents) are a powerful, semi-divine race living in the underworld (Patala). They are the guardians of great treasures and secret wisdom. The most famous Naga, Vasuki, allowed himself to be used as the rope for the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan). The Devas held his tail, and the Asuras held his head. The friction caused him to vomit the deadly Halahala poison, which Shiva had to consume to save the world. This myth perfectly captures Ashlesha: they are capable of immense sacrifice and are central to the 'churning' of life's ocean, but their 'poison' (intensity/venom) is always a danger that must be managed by a higher consciousness (Shiva).
Vocations
Psychology, chemicals/pharmaceuticals, politics, occult, research, and strategic planning.
Relationships
Intense, possessive, and sexually magnetic. Prone to jealousy and mind games, but deeply loyal to those they trust.
Guidance
- Action: Meditation (Pratyahara) or discarding old skin (clothes). Learning to let go is the ultimate lesson.
- Deity: Shiva / Nagas
- Gemstone: Emerald
- Mantra: Om Namo Narayanaya