Jupiter, the planet of expansion and good fortune, is in Ashlesha pada one from August 18th to September 3rd, the nakshatra associated with insight and personal transformation.

Jupiter moves swiftly through this area of Cancer, which is in sharp contrast to its previous place in Pushya. As the karaka of wealth, Jupiter has its own power in this nakshatra ruled by the Nagas, the shape-shifting serpents who acted as the guardians of heavenly treasure. These mythological creatures also stand for worldly wisdom and cunning, which gives a more businesslike quality to Jupiter’s quest for knowledge.

You are interested in real-world power and influence and seek to understand truth on an emotional and instinctive level. Ashlesha pada one relates to Sagittarius navamsha, the underlying chart of relationship and good fortune, which gives Jupiter an even greater affinity and influence in this asterism. In addition to insight and cunning, you have an abundance of faith, honesty, and a sense of adventure.

You are open and generous in relationships, though there is a balance to strike between Ashlesha’s suspicion and Sagittarius’s trust. Follow your instincts in a one-to-one situation, and you can also express this transit by giving protection to your loved ones. The Shakti of this asterism is ‘to inflict venom,’ so be mindful of any potentially toxic atmosphere, where some people may be jealous of your progress.

Jupiter casts its influence directly onto slow-moving Saturn throughout this transit, especially from August 28th, and brings a sense of balance to these two important planets. This is a time for long-term decision-making, especially around career and budgeting, where you find the sweet spot between expansion and consolidation.