In the sacred teachings of the Nārada Purāṇa, the wise reveal the subtle influences of the planets and stars upon human affairs, especially in the context of marriage and auspicious rites. When the Moon is joined with Jupiter, it brings misfortune, while its union with Venus leads to the loss of offspring. If the Moon finds itself with Ketu, suffering and poverty follow. Yet, when the Moon is joined with benefic planets, or is exalted, or placed in a friendly sign, its influence becomes auspicious. Whether the Moon is exalted, in its own sign, or in that of a friend, it brings positive results. The eighth ascendant, or the eighth sign from the ascendant of the couple, if joined with benefic planets, or if the ascendant itself is joined with benefics, bestows good fortune. Similarly, if the twelfth ascendant or the twelfth sign from the ascendant is occupied by the ascendant itself, it is considered auspicious. The birth sign and the rising sign, as well as the birth ascendant and its rising, are all regarded as favorable omens. The paths of Kha and the Veda-pakṣas are known as the Kharāma and the Veda-mārgaṇas. These are marked by two pauses, their own sacred fires, empty vessels, and grounds where elephants tread. There are also empty moons, Vedic moons, six-starred, and Veda-armed configurations. Some are called logic-moons, Veda-winged, donkey-paused, and horse-fed, each with its own significance. In marriage and other important rites, one must avoid the Viṣanāḍī, for even if it is endowed with countless virtues, it is not suitable for auspicious acts. Even when joined with Śukra (Venus) and Ijya (sacrifice), it is likened to milk mixed with poison—seemingly pure, yet tainted. As long as the Moon has consumed such influences, it is like burnt wood that has been released, losing its auspiciousness. All constellations, the five products of the cow, and those joined with even a drop of liquor are similarly inauspicious. If pierced by the cruel, or joined with the altar in an inauspicious manner, these, too, must be avoided. Among the divisions of Taurus, nine are known as givers of good fortune, while the other nine are to be shunned, for they are considered unfavorable. On days marked by a great fall, all auspicious acts should be avoided. There are other times, not explicitly mentioned, which may carry minor faults, such as lightning, mist, or rain. The tithi called “burnt by the month,” known as Lattopagrahapāta, is also to be recognized and avoided. Thus, the arrangements for these omens and timings have been established from the very beginning. For the sake of auspiciousness, these are to be considered faults, though by the passage of time alone, they may not always be so. Even so, one may remove a heap of faults by proper means, without doubt. When preparing for sacred rites, in the second—the Śaṃbhu corner—the fire altar should be properly placed. The Sun and other celestial bodies mark the day and night as they move before and behind. The Sun, Bhāt, Sārpa, Pitṛ, Antya, Tvaṣṭṛ, Mitra, Uḍu, Viṣṇu, and Bhama are all to be considered in these arrangements. In the regions of Saurāṣṭra and Sālva, the Bhama should be avoided when marking the altar. Yet, in Bāhlika, Kuru, and other such regions, there is no fault in this. In Madhyadeśa, these must be avoided, but in other places, they are not censured. In Gauḍa and Mālava, they must be abandoned, though elsewhere, they are not criticized. Even if the altar is made from lesser metal, it may be accepted, for its faults are minor and its virtues greater. The altar should be raised by four hands, square on all sides, and measured accordingly. It should have a pavilion facing all four directions, adorned with stairways, shining beautifully. Decorated with painted pots, archways, and fresh sprouts, it becomes a sight of delight. When blessed by the words of Brahmins, and endowed with auspicious fortune, the altar becomes divine and delightful. Thus, in this manner, one should assemble the altar for the sacred fire, together with the couple, ensuring that all is in harmony with the ancient and revered ways.