Let me tell you the tale as revealed in these ancient verses. There exist nine celestial paths, known as Mṛga, Añja, Dahana, and others, whose journey ultimately leads to disease. Yet, amidst these paths, there is one who brings fulfillment—bestowing grains, wealth, rain, and abundant crops upon the earth. In the eastern direction, when clouds gather among the five ancestral lunar mansions, they are considered auspicious, promising prosperity. But when the conditions are reversed, drought ensues, accompanied by the trembling of earthquakes. In such times, the earth becomes submerged in water, and the sun sets without shining its light. When Jupiter and Venus fail to bring rain, famine and war arise among the people. The wind that blows at the end of battle is said to cause famine and the loss of water, deepening the hardship. At the root of these events, the presence of weapons may bring rain, but the lurking fear of the serpent from the depths brings terror. When the moving one—perhaps a celestial wanderer—moves among people, he brings abundance and health. Stars are counted: five in the heart, four in the left hand, and four in the right hand. The stars in the right hand signify birth, prosperity, victory, and stability. Through effort, excellent journeys, and the gain of wealth, these are manifested in succession. This being produces equality, and when swift-moving ones are involved, the results unfold in order. In that place, immortality is attained, and the planet is recognized in its planetary state. When there is deviation or bending of the limbs, it is said that the two are far apart. The entries at the joints, as Satyadeva has declared, are likewise known in order. At the conjunction of celestial bodies, there is growth of cattle, crops, and twice-born people. Yet, under Indra’s influence, conflict arises among kings, suffering ensues, and crops are destroyed. Kings face misfortune, while others find security under Varuna. At the southern conjunction, drought, loss of crops, and famine prevail. During excessive times, flowers are lost, fear spreads, and crops are destroyed. Conflict among the rulers of the earth brings about the destruction of the rain of wealth. When all are consumed, the sun and moon themselves bring hunger, disease, fire, and fear. The twice-born are struck from the circle by the gaze of Rahu and serpents. Even the gods themselves cannot fully discern these mysteries—how much less can ordinary people comprehend them? We recognize the auspicious and inauspicious marks of time by these signs. The risings and settings of comets appear as portents for people, resembling sacrificial banners, weapons, mansions, demons, and elephants. Those that are divine are stationed among the stars, while the earthly ones appear upon the earth. For as many days as a comet of various forms is seen, its influence is felt. Divine comets always grant the fruits of life. A comet with a long tail that quickly sets causes drought. If a comet appears with two, three, or four prongs, it is considered the destroyer of kingdoms. Comets rising in the east or west bring about the downfall of kings. Those comets that arise from fire are also said to bear fruit. White comets, sons of Soma, bring abundance and security. The smoky comet from Brahma’s staff is considered the destroyer of people. The sons of Pāṅgu, named Viśikhā and Kamaka, are givers of misfortune. Subtle, white comets, sons of Budha, bring fear of thieves and disease. Born from Agni is Viśvarūpā, fiery in color, bestower of happiness. Thus, the signs in the heavens and the movements of celestial bodies weave a tapestry of fate, marking auspicious and inauspicious times, prosperity and misfortune, as declared by the ancient sages.