Magha, the brightest and largest amongst nakshatras, is represented in the night sky by a sickle-shaped group of stars in front of the royal constellation of Leo. The brightest among these is Regulus or Alpha-Leonis. With a visual magnitude of 1.41, it is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and is also known as the «Little King» or the «Little Sun». Its companions, which comprise the rest of the constellation, lie above it and are known in modem astronomy as Eta-Leonis (Al Jabnah), Zeta-Leonis (Adhafera), Mu-Leonis (Rasalas), Epsilon-Leonis, Lambda-Leonis (Alterf) and Kappa-Leonis. Ancient Vedic seers saw this constellation as a throne while other cultures saw it as a lion.
Magha translates into «mighty», «the beneficent», «the great», «the magnificent», «the most important» or «the bountiful». This translation immediately evokes a variety of meanings and feelings and as we shall see this nakshatra is true to its name.
Magha's main symbol is а 'throne'. As a matter of detail one can say it is a 'royal chamber with a throne' (please refer to the image). This symbolism immediately conjures up a picture of royalty, power, status, honour and the like. We can see that all these interpretations live up to the meanings evoked by the name of this nakshatra. However the bottom line of this symbolism lies in one word — «achievement». After the struggles and tribulations of Ashlesha (previous nakshatra), it is now time for reaping rewards. In the material realm, Magha bestows this reward on natives under its influence through power, position, authority; and in the higher aspect, through self knowledge.
In a way the body is nothing but the throne of the soul. Most of us identify or attach our sense of self to our minds and bodies. Magha is the first nakshatra which relates to the individualization process. It represents all that we mean when we say «I». The soul uses the body and mind as its identity. The mind and intellect however are given the task to understand our true identities as eternal, everlasting souls. There's no greater accomplishment with the discovery of the «self». In its material aspect, Magha can bestow all kinds of worldly honours and prestige, usually through our ability to accomplish on the material plane.
In many cases Magha can bestow all of this as a result purely through hereditary means or some sort of succession. In ancient times it was implicit that the son of the king will be king and the son of a barber will be a barber. Even though things appear different today, they are still pretty much the same if one looks at the full picture.
Magha's throne denotes all that we have inherited, whether it be genes, roots, property, wealth, knowledge' or status through our parents and ancestors. Magha is therefore the nakshatra which is most closely related to our sense of identity. It relates to who we are and where we are coming from.
Pitris, or «the ancestors», are the main ruling deity of this asterism. It comes as no surprise that the world of the ancestors controls Magha. As we discussed earlier, we owe alot to our ancestors in terms of our actual self identity and station in life, even without ever knowing or acknowledging it, as is the case in modern times. Ancestor worship was another one of the common strands which connected all ancient civilizations.
Our ancient ancestors obviously were not ungrateful fools like us and saw it as their duty and privilege to keep alive the knowledge of their roots, by honouring and in some cases bonding with their ancestors in the other realms. In the rural areas of countries like India, ancestor worship still remains a serious matter. In fact death rites usually involve rituals directly related to one's ancestry. Many families in India, especially Brahmin families, often trace their ancestries back to the original seven sages whp were created by Brahma, at the very beginning of creation.
The modern science of genetics has made it clear that most of our abilities and capabilities are dependant upon our genetic code and that this genetic code is basically a sort of free gift from our ancestors. In the same way, Magha is known for bestowing liberal favours without any expectation of return. It is basically a nakshatra which deals with the past. We should however keep in mind that our ancestors are not frozen remains of the past, but are actually alive in one of the universal realms.
The Puranic texts tell us that there is a a heavenly realm called Pitra Loka or «world of the ancestors». This is the world where alot among us go to after our physical deaths. It is sort of an intermediary station where souls meet their ancestors and rest for awhile, before returning to earth for another life or moving on to other lokas. This world of the ancestors finds vivid descriptions in all ancient cultures, especially among the present day native American Indian and aboriginal tribes. This world of the dead is supposed to overlook our affairs on the physical earthly realm and in some cases, some direct intervention and communication is experienced. Magha is a nakshatra relating both to our identity in the present life and our after death journey.
Common english words like «magnificent», «manor», «major», «mayor», «master», «magic» and «magnanimous» seem to have their root in the first two syllables of the word «Magha». The meanings of these words relate to Magha's functioning at some level or the other.
It is Magha's job to shape the present using the past. Wherever this nakshatra is placed in a chart one will experience the positive effects of one's past karmas. This may manifest as opportunities or favour from those in high positions. These favours are very sudden and based on impulse from those who bestow them.
Its fierceness corresponds to the fierce aspect of Ketu, which is akin to the fierce aspect of Sun. Ketu is the most fierce among planets. It can be as fierce as the mid-summer, mid-afternoon desert Sun. Fierceness as we know is also associated with authority at some level. Authority can either foster magnanimity or produce the merciless tyrants who are blinded by power and authority.
It is a human asterism which brings out the more worldly human side of esoterically oriented Ketu. This is very much a worldly nakshatra which is interested in human affairs. Ketu is known to us as a separative planet which disassociates one from worldly ties, but through this asterism it promotes involvement in mundane affairs for discharging one's worldly duties. It brings out the materially active side of Ketu which is very concerned about social status, prominence and discharging of one's worldly duties. This is why its pitfall lies in making one over ambitious in one's material pursuits. However when working through its higher principal, this asterism has a high degree of idealism even when surrounded by worldly attainments. Ketu is an idealistic planet when functioning in its solar aspect. Ketu is also a naturally rebellious planet and consequently this nakshatra is directly related to all types of revolts against authority.
This is an asterism connected to the sustenance and maintenance aspect of nature. Its primary impulse is to maintain established traditions, organizations and civilizations. This is usually the function of those in positions of authority whom this asterism represents.
Natives with Magha rising or strong Magha influence are easy to spot because of their big noses and regal demeanour. Magha people have middle stature and lion-like top heavy bodies. They have arrogant mannerisms which make them misunderstood in general. Their power lies in covering up weaknesses through reservedness. They usually align their selves with their ancestral lineage and derive pride through a sense of belonging. They are usually magnanimous to those below their station in life. Following a moral and ethical code is important for their inner peace of mind. Magha natives usually have a strong concern for the continuation of their family lineage through progeny. They have great expectations of their progeny and want them to bring pride and renown to the family.
In the universal scheme of things, Magha relates to «tyaga shepani shakti» — the power of the astral body to cut its ties with the physical body. Its symbolism has mourning above and the death process below. This relates Magha to all endings like physical death and new beginnings which arise as a result. Magha guides the souls to Pitra Loka (the realm of the ancestors) after one's death. Thus Magha is basically a facilitator in change of state.
Magha is considered to be an Active nakshatra. Magha's naturally fiery nature promotes activity and dynamism. It is Magha's striving for a sense of achievement and glory which makes it pursue an active way of life.
Strangely enough, the ancient Vedic seers assigned the royal nakshatra of Magha the Shudra (servant) caste. Their line of thinking may be partially understood when one comes to the understanding that finally a king is nothing but a servant of his people. It is Magha's duty to be of service no matter what high throne it sits upon. This is best conveyed in the words of the contemporary poet Bob Dylan, «You might be the devil or you might be the lord, but you gotta serve somebody!»
It is a Female nakshatra. It has been a tradition in the Vedic literature to view things like prosperity, fame and fortune as feminine. All these desired attainments in the material world are often depicted in the form of goddesses. It is interesting to note that even the word Vanity' is seen as a predominantly feminine vice.
Nose, Lips and Chin are the body parts related to this nakshatra. Readers thus can notice that people with prominent Magha influence in their charts usually have a big nose. It is not very difficult to see where the term «high nosed» came from!
It is a primarily «Kapha» (watery) nakshatra. It can be noticed that Magha has the ability to hide its ambitions, motives and fieriness under a calm exterior. A calm exterior as we know is often associated with water signs or the kapha element.
It is related primarily to east, south, northwest and southwest.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Aries Navamsa and is ruled by Mars. This is the pada relating to the will power aspect of Magha. This is the pada where the throne is won after the killing of the many headed serpent of Ashlesha. Magha qualities like self assertion, leadership, courage and idealism are displayed here to their fullest.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Taurus Navamsa ruled by Venus. After the throning, the king has to consolidate his position. This is a very ambitious pada, where the emphasis is on image, duty and materialistic organization. Planets placed here bring about favours from superiors.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Gemini Navamsa ruled by Mercury. This pada relates to the often ignored intellectual side of Magha. After the throne is safe, the king indulges in more literary artistic pursuits and listens to discourses from learned men. The emphasis here is on mental activity and a quest for knowledge (knowledge of the ancients in the present times!). Planets placed here make one succeed through group activity, even though it is Magha's essential nature to go it alone.
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism falls in Cancer Navamsa ruled by Moon. This is the pada which brings out Magha's love of ritual, ceremonies, ancestor worship and family pride. The king here concentrates on the wellbeing of his subjects, his family life and looks for progeny to keep his lineage going. Planets placed in this pada make one derive pride from one's family, ancestors and one's charitability. Planets here are not very conducive to material prosperity and create upheavals through some form of self undoing.
Administrators; Managers; Royalty and those in direct touch with Royalty; Those who bestow (or receive) honours like «knighthood» etc. ; Those in high places in Government; People at the top of their chosen professions; Legends; Bureaucrats; Aristocrats; Officials; Chairmen (those in a position of authority); Lawyers; Advocates; Judges, Referees, Magistrates and the like; Politicians; Historians; Librarians; Orators; Dramatists and Performers; Upholders of Traditions; Professions relating to Museums of all types; Occultists; Black Magicians; Exorcists; Astrologers; Dealers in Antiques of all types; Archaeologists; Genetic Engineering Experts; Professions related to using and researching Ancient Knowledge, Monuments etc; Those Researching and Documenting Lineages.
Deserts; Forests; Capital Cities; Libraries; Museums; Palaces; Ancient Monuments and Sites; Govt. Offices; Residences of Top Politicians; National Monuments; Stages and Performance Halls; Ceremonial Grounds and Buildings; Crematories; Places of Religious, Spiritual Significance.
It is supposed to be a Tamasic nakshatra. The primary reason why the ancient seers saw the active Magha as being predominated by tamasic energy is because of the fact that it relates more to the past. Many a times Magha can retard new growth as a result of being stuck in the past. Magha carries within itself all the inertia, temptations and trappings that the past more often than not manages to conjure.
It belongs to the Water element. It is a watery nakshatra in the sense that it is like an ocean and represents the expansive watery side of Ketu. Ocean is again symbolic of vastness and prominence inherent in this nakshatra. Water as we know is the secondary element of Ketu. It brings out the emotional side of Ketu, which manifests in qualities like compassion and benevolence. These are important qualities for those in positions of authority.
It is considered a Rakshasa (demonic) nakshatra. Through this classification the ancient seers are giving us a signal that the world of the ancestors is not all benign and godly. There are many bhootas, pretas, pishachasand other types of negative astral entities associated with this nakshatra. Most of the black magic practices involve the summoning and use of these negative entities. Most of these dark occult practices are often done in order to gain typical Magha goals — power, status, fame, fortune, prosperity etc. A statement of caution for the black magic practitioners — «every action has a reaction and everything has its price».
It is a Downward Looking nakshatra. This basically relates to Magha's association with the past and in the same sense, all things down and under. As mentioned earlier, Magha can be quite a constrictive influence, a role which the bureaucracy and authority plays to the T in the present times. It is interesting to note that alot of research relating to the past involves digging underground, an activity normally associated with downward nakshatras.
It is an Ugra (fierce or aggressive) nakshatra. It is very clear that no throne is attained without overcoming numerous obstacles, enemies and the like. It is Magha's burning pride and ambition that makes it fierce and cruel. Magha sets itself no limits or boundaries when it comes to achieving its goals.
It is related to the second half of the lunar month of Magha. This period usually falls in the month of February in the solar calendar. In India this part of the month of Magha is still used for ancestor worship.
Magha is also related to Amavasya (15th tithi or New Moon Day) of the waning phase of the Moon's monthly cycle.
Ceremonies of all kinds, especially those requiring pomp and grandeur; Marriage ceremonies; Stage and public performances whether it involves music, oratory or drama; Public displays; Coronations and other royal events; Parades; Award ceremonies; Researching one's lineage; Anything involving the past; Historical/classical studies and research; Taking on a new name; Upgrading to higher and better quality in possessions, jobs, etc. ; Undertaking career strategies; Job promotions; Donating elaborate gifts; Studying ancient knowledge; Religious activities of all types especially those involving ancestor worship; Good for settling disputes or other warlike activities; A good time to seek favours from powerful persons, government and other authority figures.
Not favourable for lending money; Not good for servile, mundane or common activities; Not good for futuristic planning and exploration; Not very conducive for dealing with new technologies.
Ketu is tine main planetary ruler of Magha. One of Ketu's main symbols is a Flag, which directly relates to authority, eminence, fame etc. This favoured position in the present life is earnt due to meritorious past life deeds. Ketu as we know is the guardian of our past karmas and it releases the ones that are ripe enough to be experienced in the present life through this nakshatra.
The qualities and attributes of Ketu like deep perception, penetrating insight and independent spirit, which are similar to that of Sun, are exhibited by Magha. Sun as we know is the royal planet but mostiy we don't see Ketu in that light. This asterism brings out the regal side of Ketu. This asterism can be seen as a combination of Sun's and Ketu's energies. Sun is related to Magha as a result of being the ruler of Leo, the sign Magha falls in.
Ketu as we have discussed earlier, is a genetic planet and represents the paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother in a chart. Our connection with our ancestors has a lot to do with our past lives which is again a Ketu domain. To sum it up, Magha has a lot to do with the genetic and past heritage aspect of Ketu. It also relates to the fact that Ketu is responsible for bringing the wisdom of the ancient ages and civilizations to the present.
Sun-Ketu conjunction in a nativity carries an energy similar to that of Magha. Fiery royal planets like Sun and Mars usually do well in Magha. Servant planets like Saturn however feel at sea in this nakshatra.
The first pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Ma» as in Magic or Marilyn.
The second pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Mi» as in Mia.
The third pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Mu» as in Mukti
The fourth pada or quarter of this asterism corresponds to «Me» as in Meryl.
In the Sanskrit alphabet Magha corresponds to «Gha» and «Nga», consequently its mantras are «Om Gham» and «Om Ngam».
Its sexual animal is a Rat. It is interesting to note that the regal and pompous Magha becomes a rat in bed. Magha is always said to have a weakness for the opposite sex. Rats are highly sexually active animals known to produce scores of progeny. As we have discussed, Magha is very fixed on propagating its lineage and its rampant sexuality is both for procreation and recreation. It could be said that sexuality is just another show off medium for Magha, who in reality often doesn't match up to its partner's expectations in bed. It is mostly compatible with its fellow rat Purva Phalguni.
Magha is the 10th nakshatra and thus like the 10th house its spirituality lies in Karma Yoga, which entails fulfilling one's duty in life. The star Regulus, the principle star of Magha, was revered in all the ancient cultures as the celestial seat of power. The constellation of Magha lay beside Hydra, the constellation relating to the demonic serpent forces and the previous nakshatra Ashlesha. This relates to the fact that the crown or throne of Magha is only achieved after overcoming the primordial negative part of our nature exemplified by Ashlesha.
In the Greek culture (an offshoot of the ancient Vedic culture), there are references to many celestial battles between the serpents and the Gods. The most famous of these battles relates to the killing of Hydra, the sea serpent with nine heads, by Hercules, the son of Jupiter. Hydra is the longest constellation in the sky and also covers the largest area. The astrological signs of Cancer, Leo, Virgo and Libra can be seen placed along its northern side. Hercules, the great warrior, is also a constellation in the sky placed close to the star Vega.
Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, kills a several-headed serpent called Kali/a in a story very reminiscent of the above-mentioned Greek legend. It was understood that subduing or winning over these forces was an important part of establishing oneself as being worthy of the throne, which allowed one to have influence over the masses. The whole point of Magha is to rise above the Cancerian pool of mass-mentality and discover one's own unique individuality.
The fact that our ancient ancestors who lived in the Golden, Silver and Bronze ages were suppposed to be more highly evolved than us, makes the world of the ancestors a place where we could draw wisdom and knowledge from. Ancient native cultures like the Native American Indians and the Nordics have always known this fact. Any real change in the present day situation of hopelessness, confusion and misery will only come about after the knowledge of the ancients is properly understood.
This nakshatra is related to the SageAngiras, one of the seven celestial sages looking after the affairs of our galaxy. The name of this sage translates into «the fiery one». Considering Magha's essential fiery nature, it is no wonder that it connects to this particular sage, who, as we recall, also presides over the fiery nakshatra of Krittika.