Listen now to the wisdom revealed in the sacred Garuḍa Purāṇa, where the auspicious and inauspicious influences of the planets and signs are set forth, and the characteristics of men and women are described for the guidance of the wise. In the unfolding of time, as one passes through the sixth position, there comes the acquisition of wealth and grain. The seventh position brings pleasure and the opportunity for worship. When the tenth is reached, the accomplishment of one’s tasks is assured, and in the eleventh, victory is attained. As the journey of the stars begins at the onset of Krittika, one moves forward, traversing the seven stars. The northern path, especially through the seven stars beginning with Dhanishta, is praised for its auspiciousness. Certain constellations—Mrigashira, Chitra, Pushya, Mula, and Hasta—are always considered favorable. When Venus and the Moon occupy the birth position, they bring auspiciousness to the second place. Among the planets, Mercury is most beneficial when positioned in the fourth house from Mars, the Moon, and the Sun. Saturn, the Sun, and Mars are best placed in the sixth house, while Jupiter and the Moon shine in the seventh. The Sun, Mars, and Moon are especially auspicious in the tenth, and all planets bestow their blessings in the eleventh. There are further harmonies among the signs: with Leo, Capricorn is most favorable; with Virgo, Aries is excellent. Sagittarius finds Taurus to be most beneficial, while Gemini is complemented by Scorpio. Thus concludes the sixty-first chapter, known as “The Determination of Auspicious and Inauspicious Places of the Planets,” in the Jyotisha section of the Ācāra Kāṇḍa of the great Garuḍa Purāṇa. Continuing, O Hara, consider how the Sun is situated in the sign beginning from the ascendant. In Pisces and Aries, there are five; in Taurus and Aquarius, four; in Leo and Scorpio, six; and in Virgo and Libra, seven. At both the beginning and end of the signs reside the lords of the oceans of rasa. The qualities of a woman are also revealed by her ascendant: with Aries, she is barren; with Taurus, passionate. In Leo, she bears few children, and in Virgo, she is endowed with beauty. Sagittarius makes her fortunate, while Capricorn gives her a lowly manner. The signs themselves are classified: Libra, Cancer, Aries, and Capricorn are cardinal signs. Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio are fixed. The wise should undertake their actions in dual-natured signs, and such signs are also best for establishing deities and marriages. Of the lunar days, the second, seventh, and twelfth are auspicious, O bull-bannered one, while the fourth, ninth, Rikta, and fourteenth should be avoided. The planets and qualities are as follows: movable, benefic, Jupiter, swift, gentle, Venus, the Sun, and fixed. For journeys, one should choose times that are movable and swift; for entering, times that are gentle and fixed. The consecration of a king and fire rituals are especially praised on Monday. Mars is suited for commanding armies, valor in battle, and martial practice. Jupiter’s day is best for study, worship, and adorning oneself. Saturn is auspicious for establishing, entering a house, and binding an elephant. Thus concludes the sixty-second chapter, called “Determination of Ascendant, Ghati, and Measures,” in the holy Garuḍa Mahāpurāṇa. Now, O Shankara, listen as I briefly describe the characteristics of men and women. Those whose fingers are close together, with coppery nails, well-formed ankles, and veins that are not prominent, are blessed. In contrast, deformed or pale nails, and veins that are curved and raised, signify poverty and suffering—no further consideration is needed. A single hair in each follicle is found in kings and great souls, while three hairs per follicle indicate poverty. Knees lacking flesh are a sign of disease. A thick organ denotes poverty, and a single testicle brings misery. Those with hanging testicles are short-lived, without wealth, and of unfortunate fate. Thus, the ancient wisdom of the Garuḍa Purāṇa guides the discerning in matters of auspiciousness, destiny, and the marks of fortune and misfortune in human life.