Why Should I Honor My Ancestors This Week?

Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th September (check your own city times on the align27 app) is the pinnacle date of the year to honor and get blessings from our ancestors – but why?

Why should we honor and check in on those that have passed? How does it benefit us or them?

You can find out in the ‘Secrets of Ancient Indian Rituals – The science behind everything Grandma did’ book that we launched earlier this year, but here’s a sneak peak for now:

Sarva Pitru Amavasya also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, is the day that we honor our ancestors and perform rituals for them.

According to the vedic scriptures, we as individuals are born with three debts that we have to pay off during this lifetime. Firstly, the debt to the Divine power that is running the universe (Devas). Secondly the debt to our ancient seers and saints (Rishis). And thirdly the debt to our ancestors (Pitrs).

Ancestors have the power to help us in our life journey, through remembrance, prayer and gratitude.

In astrological terms, Magha nakshatra is one of the most powerful nakshatras (lunar mansions) which has a special connection with the ancestral lineage as it is ruled by the Pitris (ancestors).

Magha nakshatra is considered the Emperor of the Nakshatras. The spiritual practices that you do help your ancestors to find Mukti, or liberation, and in return they send you blessings in abundance.

At times we come across people who we judge to be undeserving of the status, wealth or good life they have. In most cases, this person will have a planet in Magha nakshatra, and is supported by the ruling ancestors.

But even if you don’t have any planets in Magha nakshatra you can imbibe the power of the nakshatra – and create prosperity in your life – through the act of honoring your ancestors.

Our ancestors watch us from the other side with the awareness that life is just a game. And whilst they may usually play the role of a spectator, if we request them for help then they are absolutely willing to do so. So let’s remember our ancestors prayerfully and with gratitude, knowing that they have the power to help us progress on our journey – we just have to ask!