According to Indian astrology Ashwini nakshatra falls in the category of Gandamoola nakshatra. Ketu is the ruling planet of this nakshatra. Astrology says that the natives of Ashwini are very energetic, mysterious, inaccessible to common people, can surprise others by their sudden and innovative performance, are people who will experience the extremes to accomplish their goals. The biggest drawback of their character is their vacillating mind short temper.
Etymologically implying birth from a female horse, the representational meaning of horse with regard to Ashwini nakshatra lies in its power, strength, vitality, courage and ability at speedy action. With ‘ketu’ or south lunar phase being its lord, Ashwini Nakshatra reflects the enthusiasm of its planetary lord ‘ketu’.

Aśvaḥ (अव) is the Sanskrit word for a horse, one of the significant animals finding references in the Vedas as well as later Hindu scriptures. The legend states that the first horse emerged from the depth of the ocean during the churning of the oceans. It was a horse with white color and had two wings. It was known by the name of Uchchaihshravas. The Puranic legend continues that Indra, king of the devas, took away the mythical horse to his celestial abode, the svarga (heaven). Subsequently, Indra severed the wings of the horse and presented the same to the mankind. The wings were severed to ensure that the horse would remain on the earth (prithvi) and not fly back to Indra’s svarga. There are repeated references to the horse the Vedas (c. 1500 – 500 BC). In particular the Rigveda has many equestrian scenes, often associated with chariots. The Ashvins are divine twins named for their horsemanship. Horses in Vedas are always associated to the Sun, carrying the Sun to a new dawn indicating a relation to light.- the strong solar connection of Ashwini and the Vedic symbolism of dawn . The horses will draw the chariots of the Sun god, carry a warrior. Again, the Sun, while searching for his wife he takes the form of a horse. This gives importance to Ashwini nakshatra.- symbolizing the qualities of independence, beauty, and wildness.

In the Rigveda, horses (prana) are yoked to the chariot of Indra, king of the gods (higher self). The chariot represents our body as vehicle and the horses, our sensory organs through which prana is gathered. The mind (ego) is the driver who holds the reins (yamas and niyamas) and next to the mind sits the true observer (higher self), Indra. We refine our senses and “driving” skills through Raja yoga (yoga is skill in action), cultivating the higher self as the mind mediates and navigates worldly phenomena. The Aswinis are luminal, twin Vedic deities giving spiritual strength. One twin fills the universe with light while the other twin with flexibility. The Aswini symbolize the dawn, the first breaking of light. They guide our awe-inspiring quest for reality and truth. In Vedic science, ashva (the horse) is prana, the energy that propels the zodiac as a single wheeledchariot yoked by seven planets. It is the wheel of time on which all beings are placed. The Vedic horse (ashva) is a symbol of the life energy (prana) and indicates perfect control over the breath (Pranayama) as well as miraculous speed.

Ashvini (aśvinī) is the name of a Hindu constellation (the head of Aries, or the first of the 27 Nakshatras). Personified, Ashvini is the wife of the Ashvins (Rigveda 5.46.8), later also considered their mother. The Ashvin are young twins. They are the embodiment of the great power that ushers in the dawn. They represent the movement from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. They are the physicians to the devas, the Gods, and their sacred energy alone is enough to destroy disease and bring about good health. The symbol of the Ashvin is honey. Honey has many miraculous properties, a fact that was known to the peoples of ancient days. Honey is the medicine of the Gods. It has the power to cure many illnesses, it purifies the body of all kinds of taints. It has a beneficial physical, mental and spiritual effect. Sweetness too, is a quality of the Ashvin. Ashwini is the first nakshatra of the zodiac having a spread from 0°-0′-0″ to 13°-20′ and is ruled by the node Ketu. Ashwini is governed by the Ashwins, the twin horsemen. The Sun is Exalted here and the horse is the preferred transport of the Sun God. Sun’s exaltation in Ashwini is a reminder to the soul of their eternal connection.

In the zodiac at 0° in Mesha there is a reddish star which the western astronomers call Arietis. The Indians named it Aswini. The deity for Aswini Nakshatra is Aswi or the Duality known as Aswini Kumar Twins, the physician of the Gods. The Puranas relate that the two Aswini Kumaras were born of mother Sanga and father Ravi. Ashwini nakshatra falls in the zodiac sign of Mesha, which is ruled by the aggressive and fiery planet Mars. The mystic ideas of Asvini the ancients. told in many tales in mythology. The symbolical expression of Asvini is ‘Dawn’ — personified as the sons (in twin ideas) of Ravi (light) and Chaya (shadow) — day and night; once in the morning and again in the evening. It represents twin ideas — Jnana (wisdom) and Ajnana (ignorance); birth and death creation and destruction; the visible world and the inv invisible space around. In mythology, Asvini kumara— the personified dawn, make their journey across the heaven in three wheeled and spring bearing golden chariots drawn by birds or horses. Asvini is predominantly Tamo Guna an attribute that is so essential for the destruction of evil propensities and to turn to Suva karma. The stories describe that Asvini kumara procured Madhu (honey) for Gods and together with Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) introduced Soma — wine (spirit) into the cult. They were refused drinks and equal status with Gods but they were reconciled to Indra (God of senses, Indriya) and had to be admitted to Yajna (sacrifice, religious activities; Dharmic karma}. The stories aim to say that it has ability to progress from wrong to right and can assert to secure a rightful position by the help of knowledge. There is an emphasis in their role as helpers and heroes who save and heal. They restored the decrepit Chyavana’s youth; saved Bhjyu, the son of Tugru from sinking into the sea and rescued Atri whom the demon had put i.ito a burning pot. They are beautiful, young, quick-moving physicians. Their typical epithet is ‘Miraculous’ A person born in this Nakshatra is inclined towards serving others, is humble by nature, is truthful, has a contented family life. Ashwini Nakshatra brings about quick aid and energization. People born in Ashwini are very active, always busy doing something and they will spend their time keeping their house neat and clean.

Ashwini rules all forms of transportation and fast travel. This represents a person with a happy, carefree disposition, very intelligent, infact rather an above-average person in this respect. Vast learning, well developed brain power, faith in religion, sacrificing tendency, ambitions, philosophical and social are the traits of those born under this nakshatra.

Ascendant in Ashwini: 

Adventurous spirit, love of travel, brilliant eyes, magnetic look, respectful, prominent, modest, efficient.

Moon in Ashwini: 

Intelligent, bright mind, attractive, beautiful and attractive, haapy and gives hope to others, fond of music and fine arts, love travel, attracted to spiritual development, devoted to family, etc. The moon in Ashvini indicates a person who is a pioneer, innovator and explorer, who is heroic, courageous, restless, impatient, with a zest for life. They have a strong desire to be of service to others. They are energetic, magnetic and attractive, and are quick in speech and actions. However, they can also be inconsiderate and irresponsible.

Sun in Ashwini:

Regal, proud, business skills, aggressive, militant, leadership, desire for power and fame, authority and position.

Shadowy sides of Ashwini:

Impulsiveness, aggression, stubborn and arrogan nature. Passion, lust and lack of discretion may be present if afflicted planets are placed on this Nakshatra. Adolf Hitler had an exalted Sun placed on this Nakshatra.
Venus on Ashwini bring difficulties in sexuality.
Saturn on this Nakshatra brings dissatisfaction, disappointments, lack of mental quietude and fear of criticism.

Career Interests: 

Psyschologists, theologists, physicians, healers, mystics, military personnel, police, criminal courts, merchants, salespeople, musicians, horse trainers, jockeys, architecture, stock broking, business, interior design, flying, driving, riding and sports etc.

Related activities: 

Travel, taking medicine, making ornaments, beginning lessons, beginning architectural studies, buying or selling or starting a journey via elephants or other vehicles.

Health issues and concerns : 

Head injuries, headaches, mental illness, small pox, malaria, predisposed to muscular injuries and those of you leading very active lives should be careful, as accidents are common to people born under this nakshatra.