Nakshatra 1 of 27
Ashwini Nakshatra
Horsewoman. Ruled by Ketu, presided over by The Ashvins, twin healers.
Quick Answer
Ashwini is the 1st of the 27 nakshatras. It spans 0°00' Aries to 13°20' Aries in the sidereal zodiac, is ruled by Ketu, presided over by The Ashvins, twin healers, and its symbol is a horse's head.
Ashwini at a Glance
- Sidereal span
- 0°00' Aries to 13°20' Aries
- Tropical span in 2026
- 24°14' Aries to 7°34' Taurus
- Ruling planet
- Ketu
- Deity
- The Ashvins, twin healers
- Symbol
- A horse's head
- Name means
- Horsewoman
The Quality of Ashwini
Ashwini opens the zodiac with the speed of the twin horsemen who arrive to heal. Its mood is quick, fresh and willing to begin before everything is ready. The gift is a readiness to help and to start again; the lesson is patience with what heals slowly.
Where do you rush toward a fresh start when staying a little longer would serve you better?
The Four Padas of Ashwini
Each pada is a quarter of 3°20' and sets the navamsa (D9) sign.
| Pada | Sidereal Span | Navamsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0°00' Aries to 3°20' Aries | Aries |
| 2 | 3°20' Aries to 6°40' Aries | Taurus |
| 3 | 6°40' Aries to 10°00' Aries | Gemini |
| 4 | 10°00' Aries to 13°20' Aries | Cancer |
When the Moon Is in Ashwini
The Moon passes through every nakshatra once a sidereal month, about every 27.3 days. Lahiri ayanamsa.
| Enters (ET) | Leaves (ET) | Enters (IST) | Leaves (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 9:52 AM ET | Oct 26, 8:11 AM ET | Oct 25, 7:22 PM IST | Oct 26, 5:41 PM IST |
| Nov 21, 7:25 PM ET | Nov 22, 5:45 PM ET | Nov 22, 5:55 AM IST | Nov 23, 4:15 AM IST |
| Dec 19, 5:28 AM ET | Dec 20, 4:25 AM ET | Dec 19, 3:58 PM IST | Dec 20, 2:55 PM IST |
| Jan 15, 1:21 PM ET | Jan 16, 1:08 PM ET | Jan 15, 11:51 PM IST | Jan 16, 11:38 PM IST |
The Sun in Ashwini, 2027
The Sun enters Ashwini on April 14, 2027 at 5:58 AM ET (3:28 PM IST) and stays until April 27, 2027 at 9:52 PM ET (7:22 AM IST on April 28). It returns to the same nakshatra on nearly the same dates every year.
Neighboring Nakshatras
Before Ashwini: Revati, ruled by Mercury. After it: Bharani, ruled by Venus. See all 27 nakshatras.
Questions About Ashwini
What Is the Lord of Ashwini Nakshatra?
Ketu rules Ashwini, the 1st of the 27 nakshatras. In the Vimshottari dasha system, someone born with the Moon in Ashwini begins life in the Ketu period.
Where Is Ashwini Nakshatra in the Zodiac?
Ashwini spans 0°00' Aries to 13°20' Aries in the sidereal zodiac, 13°20' of arc. With the Lahiri ayanamsa in 2026, that corresponds to 24°14' Aries to 7°34' Taurus in the tropical zodiac.
What Are the Deity and Symbol of Ashwini?
The presiding deity of Ashwini is The Ashvins, twin healers. Its symbol is a horse's head. The name means "horsewoman".
What Are the Four Padas of Ashwini?
Pada 1 runs 0°00' Aries to 3°20' Aries (navamsa Aries); Pada 2 runs 3°20' Aries to 6°40' Aries (navamsa Taurus); Pada 3 runs 6°40' Aries to 10°00' Aries (navamsa Gemini); Pada 4 runs 10°00' Aries to 13°20' Aries (navamsa Cancer).
When Is the Moon in Ashwini Next?
The Moon is next in Ashwini from October 25, 2026 at 9:52 AM ET (7:22 PM IST) until October 26, 2026 at 8:11 AM ET (5:41 PM IST). It returns about every 27.3 days.
When Is the Sun in Ashwini in 2027?
The Sun enters Ashwini on April 14, 2027 at 5:58 AM ET (3:28 PM IST) and leaves on April 27, 2027 at 9:52 PM ET (7:22 AM IST on April 28), using the Lahiri ayanamsa.
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