February 2009 Vedic full moon astrology: Magha

February 8, 10:47 PMAstrology ExaminerMaria Barron

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Photo by Pramod K. Mahanand

As the moon moves through its circle of space around the Earth, Vedic astrology marks its progress through 27 Mansions of the Moon, which western astrologers can think of as divisions of the constellations for which the astrological signs are named. It's the same circle of space, seen differently.

Anindita Basu brings us the Vedic astrological symbolism of Monday's full moon from Bangalore, India:

The moon is in Magha mansion this night. Magha is ruled by the Pitris, the forefathers. They are the sages who, having died, became stars in the sky. They are immortal. They found the path to the hidden light that is the dawn of knowledge. Like any parent, the Pitris are large-hearted. They bestow offspring and immortality, and protect their devotees from the ill-effects of any sins.

The moon mansion is ruled by the planet Ketu, the South Node of Moon. Ketu is a spiritual planet that represents introspection. Ketu is also often spoken of as a banner that holds aloft the qualities of whichever chariot it may be tied to. Ketu, thus, is a shadow that takes on the qualities of the god to which it is tied. With the Pitris, Ketu can signify a leaning towards traditions and family rituals. It may also denote path-breaking mysticism.

Ketu is also the planet of shadows of the mind. The flip side thus could be arrogance or paranoia stemming from a misplaced belief in familial, cultural or racial superiority. Ketu is headless – it has only a body. And, with its body, Ketu is always on the lookout for an opportunity to eclipse Moon. Ketu and Moon are sworn enemies. The moon, in such an enemy's house, loses its lustre. Moon in Magha is a somewhat constricted moon feeling a bit overwhelmed by Ketu's shadow. Moon, this night, would look towards Sun's full aspect for succour and support.

Sun is in the Dhanishtha mansion. Dhanishtha is ruled by Vasu, the auspicious light. Not much is known about this god; however, in the texts that are much later than the Vedas, the Vasus are a collective group of eight gods who represent the solar energy that bestows abundance and light on the Earth. Mars rules Dhanishtha. Mars is focused fiery energy, which is essential to create a cycle of wealth and abundance out of formless material. Sun is in its elements, thus, in this mansion ruled by the light Vasus and the fire Mars. It is a bright and glowing sun that casts its rays on the moon.

This is a religious full moon propped by the abundance and prosperity of Sun. The full moon in Magha lends its name to the Hindu month of Magha and the bathing day of Maghi Purnima. Tradition says a dip in the holy waters on this day cleanses one of all sins.