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Vedic (Jyotisha) · Nakshatra 10

Magha

Throne

Magha, nakshatra 10 of 27 (0°00′ Simha – 13°20′ Simha), ruled by Ketu, presided over by Pitris (ancestors); symbol: throne.

Magha is the 10th of the twenty-seven nakshatras, the lunar mansions of Indian astrology, spanning 0°00′ Simha – 13°20′ Simha of the sidereal zodiac. Its presiding deity is Pitris (ancestors), and its traditional symbol is the throne. In the Vimshottari system its ruling planet is Ketu, so a person whose moon falls in Magha begins life in the Ketu period (dasha).

Each nakshatra is classified by gana, or temperament — divine (deva), human (manushya) or demonic (rakshasa) — and Magha is counted rakshasa. Astrologers use the nakshatra of the moon at birth for naming (each pada has its own syllable), for matching horoscopes before marriage and for choosing auspicious times (muhurta). The descriptions of each nakshatra in Sanskrit texts such as the Brihat Samhita and in modern handbooks vary, and are best read as traditional associations of its deity and symbol.

Personality

dignified · proud · traditional · generous · authoritative · loyal

In Vedic astrology a person whose moon falls in Magha is described as dignified, proud and conscious of lineage, with a natural sense of authority. Its name means 'the mighty', its symbol is a royal throne, its star is Regulus, and its deities are the Pitris, the ancestors, so it is strongly associated with heritage, tradition and honouring those who came before.

Traditional descriptions credit Magha natives with leadership, generosity, courage, devotion to family and respect for custom and ritual; they are said to command respect and to enjoy recognition. Their weaknesses are said to be pride, arrogance, a sense of entitlement, quick anger when slighted and a tendency to cling to status or the past.

In relationships Magha is portrayed as loyal and generous, valuing family honour and expecting respect. In work it is linked with government, administration, leadership, history and genealogy, law, religious and ancestral rites, and any position of authority. Counted among the rakshasa temperaments, its Vimshottari lord is Ketu, whose Navaratna stone is cat's eye chrysoberyl; Jyotisha reads these associations in the context of the whole birth chart.

Stone: Cat's Eye (Chrysoberyl)

Sources and further reading