Sun Transit in Magha

The throne of Magha stands at the start of Leo, under Ketu, with the Pitris as its deities. At Simha Sankranti the Sun enters its own sign and Magha in the same moment. The usual lists count Ketu an enemy of the Sun, so the graha is king in its sign and a guest of the ancestors in the nakshatra.

Over a stay of about two weeks, the Sun's significations of father, authority and government are at their most formal. Honours are conferred and seniority is asserted. Family history comes up in every conversation about property and name, and the heart needs care in the heat and damp of the season.

The Pitris are the fathers of the line, and Ketu keeps their memory. In Magha the Sun brings the father's father into view: a debt of the lineage, a family trait, a promise made a generation ago. Whatever position a person holds is shown to rest on those who came before.

Gemini, Pisces, Scorpio and Libra Moons and lagnas have the Sun in the third, sixth, tenth and eleventh, the houses Phaladeepika gives as favourable. Leo Moons carry it in the first house and Virgo Moons in the twelfth. Capricorn and Taurus Moons hold the eighth and fourth, where standing, health and home need attention.

Ketu strips the ornament from the throne. Holding the seat in service makes the fortnight easy.

Offer tarpana to the ancestors, or a simple gift of food and water, and offer water to the rising Sun. Recite the Aditya Hridaya on Sunday and give wheat or copper. Speak of your parents with respect during the stay, and settle any duty still owed to them.