Magha Nakshatra
Magha nakshatra is tenth among 27 nakshatras. All four quarters of this nakshatra fall in Leo. Ashlesha marks the completion of the first group of nine nakshatras and Magha marks the beginning of the second group of nakshatras among three groups in total.
The meaning of Magha is translated as mighty, magnificent and important. All these meanings indicate some kind of power and authority associated with this nakshatra. Strong influence of Magha nakshatra in a horoscope is believed to bless the native with one type of authority or another. A throne is used as the main symbol for Magha nakshatra. A throne associates characteristics like authority, power and status with Magha nakshatra. It is believed that the authority and power exhibited by Magha may be associated with inheritance in many cases.
It means natives under strong influence of Magha nakshatra may inherit their positions of authority or status from their ancestors. For example, a king who has become king through his own efforts and qualities may not be considered as a king of Magha type according to some beliefs of Vedic astrology. On the other hand, a king who has become a king by virtue of his father being a king; which means he has inherited the throne, is considered as a king of Magha type. We will find more reasons for this belief as we explore this nakshatra. Hence Magha nakshatra exhibits characteristics like authority, power, status, might, and magnificence by virtue of its symbol.
Magha is the first nakshatra where a proper sense of self is developed. Accordingly, Magha natives may start paying much more attention to their individualities, compared to the natives belonging to the previous nakshatras. Vedic astrology considers Pitras or Ancestors as the ruling deities of Magha nakshatra. This gives an indication about the influence of ancestors on this nakshatra. This is the most probable reason for which natives under strong influence of this nakshatra are thought to get their share of authority, power and status from their ancestors.
According to Indian mythology, the ancestors live in Pitra Loka with their astral bodies, between the period after their physical deaths and before their next births in any physical forms. According to Indian mythology, Pitra Loka is considered as a heavenly place which is resided by Pitras in their astral bodies. It is a well-known fact that most of us develop and exhibit characteristics, genetically forwarded to us in the form of genetic codes, by our ancestors.
Therefore, the sense of self, developed in Magha nakshatra is considered to be directly related to the ancestors, as majority of our present form and shape has been forwarded to us by our ancestors. Hence the individuality of a person may include many characteristics which belong to his ancestors. Thus the individualism aspect of Magha nakshatra can also be seen associated with ancestors, as without the contribution of ancestors, we might not have been what we are today.
Vedic astrology assigns Ketu as the planetary ruler of Magha nakshatra and Sun rules Leo which features all four quarters of this nakshatra. Sun is the peak of individualism among all planets. Hence the individualism aspect of Magha nakshatra is supported by Sun and its sign Leo. Vedic astrology associates Sun with authority, power and status. Hence, the royal and materialistic characteristics of Ketu are exhibited through Magha nakshatra, due to influence of Sun and Leo on this nakshatra.
These characteristics are likely to be forwarded by ancestors of the native; due to the impact of Pitras over Magha nakshatra. Therefore, the characteristics of Ketu and Sun like authority, power, status, individuality, deep insight, quick action, intelligence, creativity and other such characteristics are exhibited through Magha nakshatra. It is interesting to note that Sun is the signifier of the self and the ancestors.
Negative planetary influences on Sun in a horoscope lead to the formation of Pitra Dosh in such horoscope. Ketu is also considered as a planet of genetics as it represents older family members like grandfather. Vedic astrology also considers Ketu as a planet related to the past and past lives. As the past again connects with ancestors, it can be concluded that the influences of ancestors, Ketu and Sun work in coherence to exhibit their specific and matching characteristics through Magha nakshatra.
Magha is a fierce and active nakshatra according to Vedic astrology, since Sun and Ketu are both considered as fiery and active planets. As a result, the good or bad results rendered by Magha nakshatra to the native under its strong influence may be quick and fierce. It means that Magha nakshatra may either bring fortunes to the native under its influence or it may bring great troubles and miseries to the same native in a short period of time. Whether the native receives blessings by virtue of his past life karmas or past or Pitras; or he receives troubles, depends on the use of Magha nakshatra by benefic or malefic planets in his horoscope.
Though Magha nakshatra is associated with planets like Sun and Ketu which are considered as the planets favouring individualism, it is still a very much social nakshatra. Magha natives are generally good at making and maintaining social relationships. It is interesting to note that Magha natives may consider themselves superior compared to many people in their social circles. They generally demand respect and authority from people around them, which they may or may not get, depending on their overall horoscopes. The reason for such behavior of Magha natives is associated with the symbol of this nakshatra as well as with the influence of Sun on this nakshatra.
Magha natives may have great respect for traditions due to the influence of Pitras on this nakshatra, as everything passed on to us by our ancestors is a tradition in a way. Magha natives may not like people who disrespect their traditional values and who bring disgrace to the names of their families. Magha natives may at times go out of way to show anger on such people and they may even punish them in some way.
Magha natives may be proud of their family lineages and they may do their best to protect them and bring good name to their families, by following the moral and ethical codes of society. These natives may have strong desires for continuation of their family lines through progenies. The influences of Magha nakshatra and Sun may help them achieve this goal in most cases. Strong influence of Magha nakshatra in a horoscope is considered good for children aspect; especially in case of male natives. Hence, placement of benefic Sun, Mars or Jupiter in Magha nakshatra in a relevant house of horoscope may bless the native (male) with children who may achieve success, name and fame by virtue of qualities possessed by them.
In cases where malefic planets occupy this nakshatra; the natives may bring disgrace to their families, by virtue of their actions. Such natives may have no respect for family traditions and some of them may even hate their families as well as ancestors.
Looking at professions, natives under strong influence of Magha nakshatra may be seen practicing as heads of states, kings, ministers, chief ministers, prime ministers, presidents, politicians, administrators, bureaucrats, judges, aristocrats, diplomats and all other types of professionals who enjoy authority in the house of government in one way or another.
Apart from that, natives under strong influence of Magha nakshatra may achieve success as actors, singers, writers, musicians, dancers, sportsmen, astrologers, psychics, tantrics, spiritual heads, religious heads, teachers, coaches, engineers, scientists, historians, explorers, lawyers, professionals dealing in entertainment industry, media industry, software industry, information and technology, movie industry, television industry, radio industry; and many other types of professionals.
Let’s look at some other facts associated with this nakshatra. Magha is considered as an active and fierce nakshatra. It is considered as a female nakshatra. Vedic astrology assigns Shudra Varna and water element to Magha nakshatra. The Gana assigned to Magha is Rakshasa and the Guna assigned to it is Tamasic. It is a downward nakshatra and its Yoni or animal symbol is Rat.
Himanshu Shangari