Listen with reverence to the sacred wisdom of the Garuda Purana, as it speaks of auspicious times and the influences of planets and stars. In the course of one’s life, there are moments when seeds must be sown and journeys undertaken—these acts of coming and going are to be performed with careful attention to time. Whenever there are actions to be done on the sides—those auxiliary tasks—they too should be accomplished during these periods. Certain celestial deities preside over times that are considered upward-facing: Varuna, Shravana, and nine others. Whenever an act is meant to elevate or uplift, it should be performed during the periods governed by these upward-facing deities. The calendar is marked by sacred days: the new moon, the full moon, the twelfth, and the fourteenth days are of special importance. The third lunar day is associated with the son of the earth, while the fourth belongs to Saturn. The seventh day is connected to the son of Soma, and the eighth to Mars and the Sun. The eleventh day resonates with Jupiter and Venus, and the twelfth again with Mercury. Both the full and new moon days are especially auspicious for Jupiter. Yet, caution is necessary: Mars should be avoided on the tenth day, and Mercury on the ninth. The sixth day is not favorable for the son of the Sun; on these days, journeys and similar undertakings should be refrained from. In particular, one should avoid setting out on a journey on Wednesdays. There are further specifics: the fourth lunar day in Taurus or Aquarius, and the twelfth in Capricorn or Libra, when afflicted, are to be avoided by humans, for they bring suffering and misfortune. On Tuesdays, the three Dhanishthas are inauspicious, and likewise, the three Revatis on Wednesdays. On Saturdays, one should avoid the three Uttara Phalgunis. The positions of the planets and stars also influence outcomes: when the Sun is in Mula, the Moon in Shravana, or Mars in the northern Proshthapada, caution is advised. Purva Phalguni with Venus, and Swati with Saturn, are also times to be wary. When determining the right time, one may wonder about the power of these moments. The scripture teaches that when time is inauspicious, it is not desirable; its energy is dull. For matters such as marriage, the letters of the names of the man and woman are to be combined into three, and their compatibility considered. In the Vishkambha yoga, five ghatis are recognized; in Shula, seven are declared. In the yogas of Vyatipata, Parigha, and Vaidhriti, these are to be considered day by day. There are auspicious combinations for various rites: in Hasta, the Sun is favorable; in Pushya, Jupiter; in Anuradha, Wednesday is auspicious. On Friday, Revati is best, and Ashvini is auspicious with Mars. With Venus, Bharani is favorable; with the Moon, Chitra is auspicious. With Jupiter, Shatabhisha is good, and with Venus, Rohini is likewise beneficial. Pushya, Punarvasu, and Revati together with Chitra are all favorable. For birth-rites and similar ceremonies, Shatabhisha is recommended. However, Ashlesha and Krittika are to be avoided, for they bring death at departure. Thus, concludes the fifty-ninth chapter of the holy Garuda Mahapurana, in the Purva Khanda, within the Achara Kanda, in the section on Jyotisha Shastra, named ‘On the burning of nakshatras, their deities, and yogas.’ Now, hear further wisdom: among the six Adityas, ten tithis are to be known; in Soma, fifteen are remembered. The period of Saturn is ten years; Jupiter’s period is nineteen years. The Sun’s period is said to be ten years, bringing distress and the destruction of kings. The period of Mars brings suffering and loss of kingdom and possessions. The period of Saturn brings bondage, loss of kingdom, and suffering. The period of Rahu brings loss of kingdom, disease, and suffering. Each planet rules certain signs: Aries is the sign of Mars, Taurus of Venus, Leo of the Sun, Virgo of Mercury, Sagittarius of Jupiter, and both Capricorn and Aquarius of Saturn. From the full moon, there are two; from Purvashadha, there are two. The nakshatras Ashvini, Revati, Chitra, and Dhanishtha are declared auspicious for adornment and beautification. Thus, the scripture lovingly instructs on the proper observance of time, the influence of planets and stars, and the auspicious moments for human endeavor.