Magha Purnima is the day of the full moon that occurs during the Hindu calendar month of Magha. This year it occurs in the constellation called “Ashlesha” on 8th of February in the USA and on the 9th of February in India. To know local timings download the align27 app. 

Significance of the Full Moon in Ashlesha Nakshatra on Magha Purnima

Ashlesha is often referred to as the “Clinging star”. Being ruled by Nagas (mystical snakes) this asterism brings tremendous wisdom, intuition and insight. The challenge is to win over our own inner poisons through self-reflection as the shakti or power of this asterism is “Visasleshana Shakti” which means the power to inflict poison.

Whenever a full moon transits a specific asterism it brings out the qualities of that asterism in full glory. It is wise to be aware of the temptations that may arise during this time and carefully think before you say or do anything. The secret keyword to handle the energy of this asterism is “awareness”. Watch your thoughts and just be aware of it without judging them. This will help you let go of the negative ones and hold onto positivity. 

The common themes are fear, mistrust, being ruthless, deceptive, etc. So just be aware of them and let go. Make sure to boil your water or drink fresh clean water during this time. 

Ashlesha relates to the kundalini shakti so it is the perfect time for meditation and spiritual sadhana (practices). Take a sincere look at who you really are and accept yourself without any prejudice. Watch out for unwanted mental and emotional turbulence and do not let yourself swayed by it. Make a conscious choice to choose only things that will help you evolve spiritually and let go of the rest.

Astrological Transit During The Full Moon

The full moon will receive powerful aspects from Sun, Saturn and Mars which could potentially create a lot of pressure on our minds and emotions. 

For locations where this transit is happening on a Saturday, there is added pressure as Saturday is lorded by Saturn, the Purnima tithi is lorded by Saturn as well and for the first half of the day until 11.36 am EST the Moon will transit Pushya nakshatra which is again ruled by Saturn. So there is plenty of Saturnian energy in play which calls for careful attention, patience and perseverance. Listen to or chant the Hanuman Chalisa, walk barefoot on the grass and do some of the standard Saturn remedies tomorrow. Here is the post about 17 ways to please Saturn (Lord Shani)

Magha Purnima (Full Moon) in Ashlesha Nakshatra Rituals

For personalized rituals based on your own birth chart download the align27 app.

  1. Perform the Naga mudra – it will give you deep insights about how to clear up any obstacles on your path etc. See below for instructions on how to perform this mudra.
  2. Meditate on the picture of Lord Vishnu and Anantasesh (who is connected to the deity of this Nakshatra)
  3. Read a few paragraphs of Patanjali Yoga Sutras – Maharishi Patanjali is strongly connected with Ashlesha Nakshatra.
  4. Let go of things that do not support your evolution. Good day to get rid of unwanted and unused things at home and clear up your environment.
  5. Look at yourself by standing in front of the mirror and give yourself a big hug. You may think this is silly, but this is one of the best and most effective remedies for Ashlesha Nakshatra. Cling on to who you really are and embrace yourself, and this will help you with unrealistic expectations of always wanting to cling on to someone or something.
  6. Donate in the name of your ancestors and pray for them.
  7. Magha Purnima is significant for a ritualistic bath in holy rivers, if you are unable to do so, wake up during Brahma Muhurta (ambrosial hours before sunrise), take a shower and chant this mantra while you do so.

गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरि जलेऽस्मिन् संनिधिं कुरु ॥ 

Gangge Ca Yamune Cai[a-E]va Godaavari Sarasvati |

Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale-[A]smin Sannidhim Kuru ||

For personalized rituals based on your own birth chart download the align27 app.

How to do the Naga Mudra ?

  1. Sit comfortably with your spine errect.
  2. Cross your hands in front of you at chest level
  3. Bring the thumbs together and make a pose that is shown on the picture below.
  4. Close your eyes
  5. Take few long deep breaths in and out.
  6. Watch your breath and you will soon enter a meditative state.
  7. After 3 to 4 minutes bring the hands down and keep them on your lap with palm facing the ceiling.
  8. Continue to meditate for 10 to 20 minutes.