Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
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1 ASHWINI<br />
Ashwini, the first asterism or lunar mansion starts at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sign Aries and extends from 00° 00' to 13° 20' <strong>of</strong> the zodiac. It consists <strong>of</strong><br />
three stars in the form a horse. <strong>The</strong> Vedas represent the asterism by two<br />
horses. Classical texts link it with a celestial nymph who in later times was<br />
considered the mother <strong>of</strong> the Vedic gods, the Ashwins. Ketu, the south node<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Moon which relates to the abstract intellect, is the planetary ruler <strong>of</strong><br />
Ashwini. Mars, which aids in the expansion <strong>of</strong> the internal to the external in<br />
order to carry forward the evolutionary process, owns the sign Aries which<br />
contains it. <strong>The</strong> asterism has the basic attribute <strong>of</strong> Rajas, activity, which<br />
occurs on all levels. Its primary motivation is dharma, principle or honor.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Sun is exalted here.<br />
Ashwini is related to the activation <strong>of</strong> the primeval energy from its state <strong>of</strong><br />
latency. In Hindu mythology no one is able to withstand the radiance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Sun-god (Surya). <strong>The</strong> Sun-god was therefore left alone without anyone to<br />
share his life. To enable him to have a wife, the first task was to reduce his<br />
effulgence.<br />
<strong>The</strong> resplendence <strong>of</strong> the Sun was so unbearable that his mother, Aditi,<br />
approached her husband, the sage Kashyapa, for help in reducing it.<br />
Kashyapa divided the fetus into twelve parts, and made each a Sun in its<br />
own realm.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Sun belonging to our universe was married to the daughter <strong>of</strong> Tvashtar<br />
(also called Vishwakarma), the celestial architect, but the girl found it<br />
difficult to discharge her marital responsibilities with such a dazzling<br />
spouse. In order to discover her own dharma (responsibility), she went to<br />
perform penance. As she left to do so, she instructed her handmaid, Chhaya<br />
(meaning shadow), to look after her husband.