#ashvins

Turning of the Wheel: Summer Solstice traditions in Latvia

Photographed by Jānis Jusjukevičs and Ivo Kušķis

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Rooted in ancient pre-Christian nature worship, Latvia’s midsummer festival called "Līgo" or "Jāņi, historically honored the summer solstice figure Jānis.

Jānis is a complex and debated figure in Latvian mythology. Often mistakenly referred to as a deity of fertility and light, and additionally being linked to the Dieva Dēli - twin sons of the sky god found in Baltic and other Indo-European traditional beliefs (i.e. Ashvins in Hinduism). Unlike other deities of the Baltic pantheon, he appears almost exclusively in connection with the Midsummer festival, raising questions about his origins. Some scholars believe the name "Jānis" may be a later adaptation of John the Baptist, introduced during Christianization. However, the rituals associated with his festival, such as: bonfires, wreaths, fertility symbols, and even remnants of phallic cult practices, are unmistakably pre-Christian and rooted in ancient agrarian traditions.

An exalted planet means this planet has reached the higher point in its own sky. There, the planet feels free to unleash its power for better... Or worse. The sign where the planet is exalted allows the planet to flourish, as well as the nakshatra where the exaltation degree falls.

Sun's Exaltation in Ashvini

The Sun gets exalted in Aries 10° in Ashvini. (Ashvini: 0°00 Aries to 13°20 Aries). Here, the Sun's heat burns. It burns to the point that, according to tradition, the rays of Surya the Sun God were so strong that his wife Sanjna Consciousness, decided to escape, replacing herself by her clone, Chhaya the shadow. When Yama, their son, told him the truth, Surya asked for help to reduce his rays and once it was done, he came to see her. Then, they conceived the Ashvin Kumars, the twin horses, who rule Ashvini nakshatra. Surya Sun is their father: life, vitality, health, rejuvenation are the Ashvin's main characteristics. Their healing gifts saved many human mortals. Unlike the general Deva/Gods' viewpoint that consider humanity as impure, the Ashvins did not hesitate to help human beings in distress just like the Sun rays help all living entities on Earth every single day. The unafflicted Ashvini natives do not discriminate who to save: they must save everyone.

Ashvins

The Ashvins (aka Asvins, Asvinau, or Asvini Kumaras) are two twin brothers of Hindu mythology, sons of the sun god Surya. They may also be referred to as the 'Horsemen' and are forever young, handsome, and athletic. They are considered the physicians of the gods. As twins, they represent a cosmic duality of ideas such as light and dark, healing and destruction. In many ways they are similar to the Dioskouroi (Castor and Pollux) of Greek and Roman mythology and may well have been based on historical figures, perhaps two rulers famous for their skills in battle and good deeds.

Surya & Samjna

The Ashvins appear in Vedic literature (1500 – 1000 BCE) as the twin sons of Surya the sun god or of the sky. Their mother is Samjna (Conscience), the daughter of Visvakarma. Unfortunately, Samjna became so tired of Surya's brilliant light that she one day gave him a handmaid, Chaya (Shade), and left him to live a life of reflection in the forests, transformed into a mare. Surya was not to be so easily deprived though and disguised as a stallion mated with Samjna. The resulting offspring were Revanta (chief of the Guhyakas) and the two twins. The twins are also considered the parents of Nakula and Sahadeva, the Pandu princes.

Yama: Many may think he sounds rough while in a way he does... But also he sounds like he's there to take you home. Exactly like your mother who came to take you home after the first day of school when you were anxious. His sound is comforting, it's to guide you back home.

Agni: whatever he speaks, he apeaks with a passion. A passion you'll feel is burning like the sacred flames. It have a certain warmth to it yes. You'll feel the safe fuzzy feeling you get sitting around the campfire. But when he's angry his voice will engulf you whole, give you no spac to escape and burn you fully.

Dyaus: Well... He just sounds... Vast. You'll never figure out where exactly is he speaking from, even if he's standing just infront of you. And you'll also never know which ear you heard him from... Was it left? Or was it right? His voice kinda sounds like an akashvani (lol pun intended) he takes his time while speaking and his tone is unchangeable to say the least.

Alakshmi: She sounds like she's in despair. She sounds hateful, sad and it will give you a sense of emptyness. Like as if you are sure you failed your interview but just the news haven't reached you yet... Anxiety is not the term to explain her voice but it's like that. It's empty, it's hateful. You won't want to listen to her again...

Ashwin Kumars: This two are what you call typical twin voice... They sound so similar yet so different. Their voice is like the soothing ointment you apply on your wounds, a bit straight forward but got a nice comfort to the voice. When they speak to you they speak in sync, completing eachother's sentences... It almost feels as if you just woke up from sleep after a horrible feverish night. You'll automatically feel better if you listen to them.

Vac: She sounds like every and any type of sound you can ever imagine.. You would be utterly confused trying to figure out what exact tone she's speaking in. But at the same time it's easy to understand. As if you're a child who doesn't know how to speak yet... And you're trying to pick up the words your parents are asking you to speak.

Shukra: Knowledged. If anything he sounds knowledged, but also most of the time he sounds strict like a teacher. But when he's not angry he's calm and you'll actually enjoy listening to him. But also like his graha's atmosphere his voice have a certain density to it. As if the dead might rise again listening to him (lmao bad pun sorry)

Ila/Sudyumna: There's a duality in their voice... When he's Sudyumna he sounds regal and poshed just like a prince. With softer tone and sweeter accent. But when Ila, she's a bit rougher.. even if not as royal as her male self, still sweet though.

Yamuna: Her tone is slow and she takes her time speaking just like the Yamuna river, it's sweet and enjoyable to listen... As if a storyteller from some far away land is telling you the tales.

Rudra: Powerful, sharp tone. A bit loud... Kinda like wild animals, but not bad. He speaks fast as if he's a storm or he's in a hurry. His tone will give you the feel of a hunter chasing down it's prey, it's like a lion's cry majestic and can scare you on occasions..

Savitr: His voice is pleasant to hear, a reassuring tone, just like a gaurdian. It's a bit deep and have a heavyness to it, as if protecting you from something... But at the same time it's warm like new sunrays hitting the baby plants on the morning.

Ayyappan: His voice is boyish, and sounds innocent yet as if it holds all the knowledge of this earth. It sounds like the soft jingles of temple bells or the laughter of children running around. It gives a somewhat a sense of nostalgia to you

Shani: Straight forward and sharp. A bit too sharp for liking. Also whenever he speaks it's as if he knows, now what he knows that you'll never know... His voice may sound a bit like, as if he's criticizing you.. which he maybe is. It got both the ability to scare you or make you feel safe.

YOU DID IT AGAIN!

Ashvins

Les Ashvins (alias Asvins ou Ashwini Kumaras) sont deux frères jumeaux de la mythologie hindoue, fils du dieu soleil Sūrya. Ils sont également appelés les "cavaliers" et sont toujours jeunes, beaux et athlétiques. Ils sont considérés comme les médecins des dieux. En tant que jumeaux, ils représentent une dualité cosmique d'idées telles que la lumière et l'obscurité, la guérison et la destruction. À bien des égards, ils ressemblent aux Dioscures (Castor et Pollux) de la mythologie grecque et romaine et pourraient bien avoir été inspirés par des personnages historiques, peut-être deux souverains célèbres pour leur habileté au combat et leurs bonnes actions.

-Ushas, Vedic goddess of the dawn and keep of cosmic laws

7/30/2021 Moon is in Aries for the next couple days. Today is in Ashvini Aries Pada 2 today and the mind is full of energy, spontaneity, and creativity.

There’s a lot of passion, power and motivation to give this energy to others and to devote it achieving our wants and desires.

The mind is bright, focused, alert, determined, dominating, feisty, and willing to work hard to achieve any goal.

We can grasp new concepts, philosophies, research, and ideas quickly and love to share our ideas with others. Our advice may even be sought out.

One may get a promotion at work or a bonus or win a new contract. There may be unexpected opportunities or gains.

Mind and emotions are impulsive and fiery, so try to slow down and practice mindfulness in actions to avoid any aggressive tendencies today with others.