A Bouquet of Auspicious Timings

The tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and fifth lunar days are considered to bestow auspiciousness upon the ceremony of the sacred thread original: "vratabandha," referring to the Upanayana or initiation into Vedic study. 20
Thus ends the Sacred Thread Ceremony.

Under the stars of Jyeshtha, Mrigashira, Rohini, Bharani, Revati, Pushya, Vishakha, and Krittika, the ritual of establishing the sacred fire original: "Agnihotra," a primary Vedic fire ritual is highly praised, provided the day of the week is favorable, even if the lunar day is typically considered unfavorable. 21 3
Ritual of the Sacred Fire and Related Rites.

Thus ends the first chapter original: "guccha," literally a "cluster" or "bundle" titled A Consideration of Auspicious Times for Life-Cycle Rites within the Compendium of Auspicious Moments composed by the illustrious Scholar Yajnadatta. 1

[The author now begins a new section on astrological strength:]
Counting from the birth star, the sequence of influence is: birth, wealth, danger, prosperity, enemy, achievement, death, friend, and great friend. One must avoid the birth star, the third danger, and the seventh death; thus is the method for determining the strength of the stars. 1
Thus ends the Consideration of the Strength of the Stars.

For women, the three "Uttara" stars, the three "Purva" stars, Rohini, and Krittika are beneficial for the influence of Jupiter. When the Moon and Jupiter are strong in the birth chart, the marriage union is always powerful. 2
Thus ends the Consideration of Selecting the Groom and the Positions of Jupiter, Sun, and Moon.

Marriage original: "panigrahana," literally "taking the hand" is declared most auspicious under the stars of Mula, Ashlesha, Magha, Revati, Hasta, Anuradha, and Swati, and during the months of Jyeshtha, Magha, Phalguna, and Margashirsha. 3
Thus ends the section on Constellations and Months for Marriage.

Draw five lines horizontally and five vertically to form a grid. Place the stars in order, starting with the northeast corner... this describes the "Five-Spike Diagram" Pancha-shalaka-chakra; an astrological grid used to check for "vedha" or planetary obstructions that could harm a marriage. 4
Whichever planet resides in the "heart" of the calculation should be noted; when the full moon is near, the specific rules for the wedding constellation must be applied here. 5
Thus ends the Five-Spike Diagram.

The Sun in the twelfth or eighth house, Jupiter in the sixth, Mars in the third... these positions can be destructive if they appear in the front of the constellation or the ascendant. Rahu in the ninth, Mercury in the seventh, and Venus in the fifth are considered for the health and well-being [of the couple]...