Listen, O twice-born, to the account of the subtle influences that dwell unseen in the world, and the ways by which wise ones protect themselves and their homes. There are beings who ceaselessly steal and disturb, taking the dye from safflower and the thread from cotton. Such a one is known as the self-stealer, who is ever engaged in theft. To guard against these, it is advised that one crafts an artificial woman, a protective figure to stand as a pair for the peacock, and inscribes words of protection within the house, all the while avoiding impurity. For vessels containing milk and similar substances, purification is to be performed with ashes from the sacrificial fire, with incense, and offerings to the deities—thus, their safety is assured. Yet another of these beings resides in the same place, causing distress by making a person’s mind wander. She is called the roaming maiden. For her, protection is made by scattering white mustard seeds on the seat, the bed, and the ground where the afflicted person stays. One should recognize her harmful intent and, with focused mind, repeatedly recite the Bhuḥ Sūkta as a remedy. There is also a maiden who takes the flowers of women, stealing the menstrual flow and interrupting the natural cycle. To calm her influence, one should sprinkle water at holy places, at abodes of the gods, shrines, mountain peaks, river confluences, and wells. When such disturbances arise, a knower of mantras, one versed in the true nature of things, a twice-born at the proper times, or a skilled physician should employ the best medicines and treatments together. Another maiden steals the memory of women, known as the memory-stealing maiden. Her influence is subdued when the affected one dwells in a secluded place. Still another steals the seed, terrifying to both men and women; her power is diminished by eating pure food and bathing regularly. There is an eighth, the hostility-bringing maiden, who spreads fear and causes a man or woman to be hated by others. To appease her, offerings of sesame anointed with honey, milk, and ghee are made into the fire, and Mitravinda is worshipped; thus, her malice is calmed. O best of twice-born, among these maidens and youths, there are thirty-eight offspring. Hear their names and natures as I recount them. From Dantākṛṣṭi was born the maiden Vijalpā, and also Kalahā. Vijalpā is associated with disrespect, falsehood, and wicked speech, and should be contemplated and appeased by the wise, who remain diligent at home. Kalahā, on the other hand, brings constant quarrels into households, leading to the destruction of families. To appease Kalahā, one should offer shoots of dūrvā grass anointed with honey, ghee, and milk, scattering them into the fire while praising Mitra. When performed together with offerings to the Mothers of beings, peace is bestowed upon children. May these beings always grant peace in learning, austerity, self-restraint, discipline, and success in agriculture and trade. When properly worshipped, may all the Kuṣmāṇḍas, Yātudhānas, and other hosts be fully satisfied. By the grace of Mahadeva and the will of Maheshvara, may they swiftly bring satisfaction to all. When satisfied, may they remove all evil deeds, great sins, and obstacles. By their favor, may all hindrances be destroyed, whether in marriages or in rites for prosperity. May they grant peace in virtuous acts, in the worship of teachers and deities, in recitations and sacrifices, and in all manner of journeys—fourteen kinds in all. Let them also bring well-being in matters of health and enjoyment, happiness and wealth, for the old, the young, and the afflicted—may their peace ever abide. Soma, Ambu, the ocean, Savita, wind, and fire—these are said to be the sources from which Kālajihva, the son dwelling in Tāla, was born. He, established in their tongues, afflicts those who are impure. There are also two sons called Parivarta, both deformed, who dwell atop trees, in moats, ramparts, and the ocean, wandering among the branches of Gurviṇī’s trees. Parivarta is found in the krauṣṭuka bird, and from another womb comes the embryo. Neither tree, mountain, rampart, nor the great ocean—or even a moat—should be crossed by a weak pregnant woman, for she may bear a son named Piśuna, who clings to her limb. This Piśuna enters the bones and marrow, consuming the strength of men who lack self-control, as well as the offspring of hawks, crows, pigeons, vultures, and owls. The bird seized five of them; the gods and demons took them. Death seized the hawk, Time took the crow, Nirṛti seized the owl, disease afflicted the vulture, and Yama himself took the pigeon. These beings are said to be causes of sin. Therefore, if hawks or their kind settle upon someone’s head, one should perform rites of peace for protection. This also applies if such birds nest or are born in the house. A house over which a pigeon has settled should be avoided. If a hawk, pigeon, vulture, crow, or owl enters the house, one should inform the household and abandon the place, performing rites of peace. Even in dreams, the sight of a pigeon is inauspicious. There are six offspring spoken of, as well as those at the edge of the cheek. Now, hear about the period of menstruation in women and its duration: four days at first, followed by another thirteen days. Then, eleven more days are counted for the birth of offspring; on another day, for approaching, and yet another for offering śrāddha. Thus, O twice-born, are the subtle influences, their effects, and the means of protection and purification, as declared in the ancient teaching.