Nakshatra 9 of 27
Ashlesha
The coiled serpent — a hypnotic depth that heals or poisons.
Ashlesha · 16°40'00" Cancer — 29°60'00" Cancer
Lord
Mercury
17 years in the period cycle
Deity
the Nagas
Symbol
coiled serpent
Animal (yoni)
cat
Nature (gana): fierce (rakshasa) — intense, uncompromising
Guiding theme: hypnotic depth, strategy, healing and venom
Strengths
- ✦sharp perceptiveness and the ability to read people
- ✦strategic thinking a step ahead
- ✦the ability to heal what's hidden
Shadow to work through
- ◦manipulation, when it would be simpler to speak plainly
- ◦suspicion that poisons good relationships
The shadow isn't a verdict — it's the area where the same force works against you until you notice it.
Natural directions
psychotherapy, pharmacy, negotiation, investigations, addiction work.
In close relationships
You bond deeply and see more than your partner says. Use that to understand, not to control.
Four quarters (padas)
Every nakshatra divides into four parts of 3°20' each. The quarter refines the shade — the same nakshatra in a different pada works a little differently, because each corresponds to a different sign in the navamsha (D9).
| Pada | Range | Navamsha sign |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16°40'00" Cancer — 19°60'00" Cancer | ♐︎ Sagittarius |
| 2 | 20°00'00" Cancer — 23°20'00" Cancer | ♑︎ Capricorn |
| 3 | 23°20'00" Cancer — 26°40'00" Cancer | ♒︎ Aquarius |
| 4 | 26°40'00" Cancer — 29°60'00" Cancer | ♓︎ Pisces |
Compatibility with other nakshatras
Calculated classically — through nadi (life energy) and yoni (the nakshatra's animal), the same tables as the full Guna Milan. It's a pointer, not a verdict: a low score marks an area for conscious work, not an obstacle.
Works well with: Punarvasu, Ashwini, Bharani, Mrigashira, Ardra, Pushya
Needs attention with: Krittika, Rohini, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Swati
Not sure if this is your nakshatra?
The Moon crosses one nakshatra in about a day, so your time of birth is needed. We'll calculate it from ephemerides — along with the pada and your full birth chart.
Find your nakshatraAll 27 nakshatras
ℹ How we calculate this
If you're comparing this result with another program and something differs, the reason is almost always here — not a calculation error.
Which zodiac: Indian (sidereal)
Rahu and Ketu: traditional version
House division: a whole sign is one house
Accuracy: verified against eclipses
Time of birth: accounting for historical daylight saving time
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