In the holy Garuda Purana, the ancient wisdom of astrology unfolds with precise guidance for auspicious actions and the signs that mark fortune or adversity. It begins by teaching that Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio are regarded as the fixed signs of the zodiac. The wise are advised to perform important actions in the dual-natured signs, for these are especially favorable. Establishing deities and conducting marriages, too, should be undertaken when these dual-natured signs prevail. Turning to the timing of events, the second, seventh, and twelfth lunar days are auspicious, O bull-bannered one. Yet, the fourth, ninth, Rikta (empty), and fourteenth days are to be avoided for significant undertakings. The qualities to consider when planning actions include movable and benefic signs, the influence of Jupiter, swiftness, gentleness, Venus, the Sun, and the fixed signs. Journeys are best begun when the signs are movable and swift, while entering a new house or space is most auspicious under gentle and fixed signs. The consecration of a king and fire rituals are especially praised on Mondays. Mars is the planet for commanding armies, valor in battle, and weapon practice. Jupiter presides over study, worship of deities, and adorning oneself with garments and ornaments. Saturn is auspicious for establishing, entering a house, and binding an elephant. Thus concludes the sixty-second chapter, named 'Determination of Ascendant, Ghati, and Measures,' in the Achara Kanda of the Garuda Purana. The scripture then turns to the characteristics of men and women, addressing Shankara with reverence. Listen, for the features are revealed in brief: fingers that are close together, coppery nails, well-formed ankles, and veins that are not prominent indicate auspiciousness. In contrast, deformed or pale nails, curved and raised veins are signs of poverty and suffering, and need no further consideration. A single hair in each follicle is found in kings and great souls. If there are three hairs in a follicle, it points to poverty, and knees lacking flesh indicate disease. A thick organ is a sign of poverty; a single testicle brings misery. Those with hanging testicles are short-lived, without wealth, and of bad fortune. The manner of urination also reveals one's destiny: kings have noiseless urine, while those whose urine makes sound are not so fortunate. A serpent-like belly is a mark of poverty, and longevity is determined by the lines on the body. A man who is happy and blessed with sons lives for sixty years. A single line reaching to the end of the ear signifies a lifespan of one hundred years; two lines indicate seventy years, three lines sixty years, and fewer lines, forty years. If a trident or spear is seen on the forehead, it is a sign to be noted. The line of life is found in the middle, between the index and middle fingers. The first line, the line of knowledge, follows from the thumb. The line of life, resting upon the little finger, enters there. The lines on the palm reveal the person's lifespan: if the line resting on the little finger reaches the middle finger, the indication is clear. Thus ends the sixty-third chapter, 'Description of the Signs on the Body,' in the Achara Kanda of the Garuda Purana. The text then describes the signs of a maiden. She whose hair is curly and whose face is round, who has a golden complexion and lotus-like red hands, is regarded with favor. A maiden with wavy hair and round eyes, whose face is like the full moon and radiant like the rising sun, is auspicious. Yet, many lines on her palm bring trouble, while few lines indicate a lack of wealth. In action, a woman is a counselor; in virtue, she is chaste; in deeds, she is skilled. Especially auspicious is she who bears the mark of an elephant goad, an earring, or a discus on her palm. Thus, the Garuda Purana continues to impart its sacred wisdom, weaving together the signs of the heavens and the marks upon the body to guide the conduct and destiny of souls.