Listen now to the sacred teachings as revealed in the Garuda Purana, where the auspicious and inauspicious signs, omens, and planetary influences are described for those who seek understanding. When one sets out on a journey, certain sights and occurrences are considered highly auspicious. If, on your right side, you encounter a mongoose or a mouse, know that fortune smiles upon you. Likewise, the sight of a flute, a woman, or a full water jar as you begin your way is a favorable omen, promising success and blessings. Yet, be mindful of other things that may cross your path—cotton, medicinal herbs, oil, cooked charcoal, and snakes—each bearing their own subtle meanings. The signs of the body, too, reveal much. For instance, if a hiccup arises on the left side, it is said to bring great benefit. But the direction matters: if the hiccup is felt toward the southwest, grief and sorrow may follow; in the west, sweet food is to be expected; in the northeast, it is spoken that death may occur. Thus are the results of hiccups, as taught by the sages. The positions of the stars and marks on the body at birth also hold deep significance. Wherever the Sun is situated in the signs, three marks appear on the head. Each pair of arms bears a mark, as do each of the hands. One star is placed in the secret region, and one each upon the knees. Should the star be positioned at the feet, a person’s lifespan is said to be short. If the star rests at the navel, the person is satisfied with little; at the heart, one becomes like Maheshvara, lordly and serene. When the mark is on the shoulder, the person becomes lord of wealth; if on the mouth, one enjoys delicious foods. Thus concludes the sixtieth chapter, “Determination of Planetary Periods and More,” in the conduct section of the Jyotisha scripture, in the first branch of the Purva Khanda of the glorious Garuda Mahapurana. Now hear further, regarding the Moon and the stars: When the Moon is situated from the seventh sign onward in the waxing phase, it is always auspicious. When the Moon is honored by people, it assumes the role of a teacher, bestowing wisdom. The stars, beginning with Ashvini, are grouped into three sets, each bringing distinct experiences: laughter, play, and delight; trembling, happiness, and a total of twelve conditions. These states include grief, enjoyment, fever, trembling, and happiness, each following in order. In the third condition, royal honor is attained; in the fourth, conflict arises. In the sixth, one gains wealth and grain; in the seventh, pleasure and worship. In the tenth, one’s tasks are certainly accomplished; in the eleventh, victory is assured. Starting at Krittika and moving forward, one traverses seven stars, and the northern journey is praised in the seven stars beginning with Dhanishta. Certain stars—Mrigashira, Chitra, Pushya, Mula, and Hasta—are always auspicious. When Venus and the Moon occupy the birth position, they bring auspiciousness in the second house. Among the planets, Mercury is most favorable in the fourth house from Mars, the Moon, and the Sun. Saturn, the Sun, and Mars are best placed in the sixth house; Jupiter and the Moon in the seventh. The Sun, Mars, and Moon are best in the tenth house, and all planets are auspicious in the eleventh. In terms of signs, with Leo, Capricorn is most favorable; with Virgo, Aries is excellent. With Sagittarius, Taurus is best; with Gemini, Scorpio is excellent. Thus ends the sixty-first chapter, “The Determination of Auspicious and Inauspicious Places of the Planets,” in the Jyotisha section of the Ācāra Kāṇḍa, in the first part of the great Purāṇa, Śrī Garuḍa. O Hara, listen further to the arrangement of the Sun and the signs, beginning from the ascendant. In Pisces and Aries, there are five; in Taurus and Aquarius, four. In Leo and Scorpio, there are six; in Virgo and Libra, seven. At the beginning and end of the signs are the lords of the oceans of rasa, the essence of life. When Aries is the ascendant, the woman is barren; with Taurus, she is passionate. In Leo, she has few children; in Virgo, she is endowed with beauty. In Sagittarius, she is fortunate; in Capricorn, she moves in a lowly manner. Libra, Cancer, Aries, and Capricorn are the signs to be noted. Thus are the teachings given, shining with the wisdom of the rishis and the grace of the Supreme.