In this part we will discuss the astrological peculiarities of Mrgashira Star. Soma is the presiding deity of Mrgashira. Soma refers to moon. People born in this star will prosper on worshipping Soma. Mrga means deer in Sanskrit and shirsha means head: Mrgashirsha means deer’s head. Since this star resembles ‘deer head’, it is Mrgashirsha, whereas some would prefer to call it Mrgashira. The month which corresponds to this star is the month Margasheersha, extolled in the Bhagwad Gita (X: 35): Maasaanam margasheersham – I am Margasheersha among months.
Mrgashira belongs to a group of stars termed Ardhapam, where the first two quarters fall in one rasi and the next two fall in the subsequent rasi. The other stars which share this trait are Chitra and Dhanishta. People born in Mrgashira are truthful, shrewd in judgment of people’s character, and good at lecturing. They unhesitatingly discard long-term relationships if found wrong. One born in the first quarter of this star will become a king. One born in the second will become wealthy. One born in the third will acquire luxury goods. One born in the fourth quarter will have many types of apparel to wear.
Mrgashira also belongs to a category of stars, the Tiryak mukha (horizontal facing). Ashwini, Mrgashira, Punarvasu, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Anuradha, Jyeshta and Revati are other examples of such stars. These stars are suitable for travel and such activities, which involve horizontal movement.
Activities common in any trade such as book keeping, correspondence, and transactions are favoured by Mrgashira. Borrowing is another common feature in trade; individual business persons borrow funds to manage short-term needs. Certain astrological principles should be followed for the borrower to be able to repay the loan on time and honourably.
The borrower should never borrow when the ruling asterism is Hasta, when the Sun moves into a new house, and on Tuesdays and Sundays. Mrgashira is an ideal star for borrowing.
Mother feeds a newborn immediately after the umbilical cord is cut. For some reason this were not done, then it can done when Mrgashira rules. The other stars that can also be considered for such an event are Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Sravana, and Revati. The time fragment when the child is given solid food has a critical bearing on its health and long life. Mrgashira is ideally suitable for giving solid food for the first time to a child.
Tonsuring done when ruling star is Mrgashira bestows affluence on the holder. This star is suitable for the chowla (tonsuring) ceremony for a new born. The child should be named on the 12th day from the day of birth. If that is not possible due to any unforeseen circumstance, then the naming ceremony can be conducted on a day ruled by Mrgashira.
Weaving and sewing can be done when this star rules. However Mrgashira is unsuitable for wearing new clothes. If such an event occurs on a day ruled by Mrgashira, then that dress will be spoilt by rats.
Foundation-laying is an important event in the construction of either a house or a non-residential building. Mrgashira is suitable for foundation laying ceremony. Even for fixing the main doorframe to a building, Mrgashira is auspicious.
Learning of skills such as carpentry, welding, painting, knitting, and sculpturing can be commenced when the ruling asterism is Mrgashira. Mrgashira is also a favorable star for minting coins, and to commence learning dance and music. Nose and ear piercing is a key element in Indian tradition. For piercing of ears and nose, Mrgashira is a suitable.
Mrgashira is suitable to commence learning. In particular, study of grammar should be started on a day ruled by Mrgashira. The alternatives would be the days ruled by Rohini, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Anuradha, Dhanishta, and Revati.
Days ruled by Mrgashira, Ashwini, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Anuradha and Revati ensure cordial employer—employee relations. If employees commence duty on days reigned by the above stars, lockouts, hartals and other similar problems would not occur.
For establishing friendships, Mrgashira, Pushya, Anuradha, and Poorvaphalguni are favourable.
Mrgashira is a favourble star for cremation, especially in instances where the body is not traceable and a dummy is to be used instead. It is also suitable for cutting and trimming of body hair and cutting of nails.
Grahapravesa ceremony (entering a new house) can be done when Mrgashira operates. It is a suitable for wearing new ornaments. A disease contacted on Mrgashira star will get cured in 5—9 days even though Muhurtha Chintamani maintains that it will take 30 days.
Dental operations such as drilling or cutting can be done on this star and this time is also suitable for either giving enemas or taking laxatives. In general this star favours commencement of treatment and consumption of medicines.
Mrgashira is suitable to commence of painting such as painting of a buiding or painting of an artwork. Mrgashira favours the coronation of a king, assumption of office by either a Minister or a Head of State. Mrgashira favours all kinds of real-estate activities.
Persons possessed by spirits can be exorcised on a day ruled by Mrgashira.
Mrgashira is highly favourable for travel; others being Aswini, Pushya, Hasta, Anuradha, Sravana, Dhanishta and Revati. This star is equally favourable for returning home after a journey.