A Bouquet of Auspicious Timings

One should not set out on a journey during the New Moon original: "darśa", the "Empty" lunar days original: "riktā," referring to the 4th, 9th, and 14th days of the lunar fortnight, traditionally considered "hollow" or unlucky for starting new ventures, or the 8th and 12th days of the lunar cycle. Similarly, do not travel during the unfavorable birth-stars original: "vipari-janma-samprati-tārā," specific stars calculated from one's natal star that indicate danger or loss, during the inauspicious period of Vishti a specific division of time, or Karana, considered "toxic" for auspicious acts, or when Mars original: "kuja" is in the rising sign. 5

Muhurta Martanda, Chapter 4, Verse 5

Prohibition of Journeys

On Saturdays and Mondays, do not travel toward the East original: "paurahūtyāṃ," the direction of the god Indra. Do not travel toward the South-East, the direction of Fire original: "agneya", or toward the South, the direction of Death original: "yamasya". Do not travel toward the West original: "pratīcī" when the star Rohini is active or on a Sunday. One should not travel toward the North on a Wednesday unless it is absolutely necessary. 6

The Spikes of the Directions

original: "dik-śūlam," literally "directional needles." These are astrological "clashes" where specific days of the week conflict with specific cardinal directions

Travel is also forbidden during the Noose of Time original: "kāla-pāśa," a metaphor for an inescapable astrological trap. The planetary lords of the directions must be clearly calculated; do not travel at night if the lord of that direction is in an unfavorable state. 7

Reflections on the Noose of Time

The period known as Panchaka a cluster of five stars—Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Purva-Bhadrapada, Uttara-Bhadrapada, and Revati—during which certain actions like traveling or building are restricted occurs when the moon is in the stars from Dhanishtha to Revati during the Sun's southern transit. These five should be avoided for significant actions.

One must also consider the Yogini a celestial female spirit that moves through the directions on different lunar days; traveling directly toward her is considered unlucky, while having her to one's back or side is lucky. Do not travel when she is directly in front of you on the New Moon or other specified dates; it is better to have her on your left or behind you.

Reflections on the Yogini and Journeys

Royal Audiences

original: "rāja-darśanam"

Avoiding the "Empty" days and the 8th day, a lord or official should seek an audience with the King on the Day of Vishnu original: "hareḥ-vāsare," the 11th lunar day or Ekadashi or other auspicious days. The favorable stars for meeting royalty are Vishakha, Anuradha, Chitra, Magha, the three "Uttara" stars, Rohini, and Revati. 9 An audience with the king under these stars brings great friendship and prevents enmity.

The Royal Seal

original: "rāja-mudrā"

The creation or use of the Royal Seal the signet or emblem used to authorize decrees is auspicious when Jupiter and the Moon are in a favorable rising position, avoiding the harsh rays of the Sun.

The Royal Regalia

original: "rāja-upakaraṇam"

The various ceremonial items of the kingdom—including the royal lamps, the fly-whisks original: "cāmara," traditional fans made of yak-tail hair used as symbols of sovereignty, flower garlands, the royal bed, and the throne—should all be prepared or commissioned when the stars are favorable and the planets are in a supportive alignment.

Conclusion of the Third Cluster

This concludes the Third Cluster original: "tṛtīyo gucchaḥ," a chapter or "bouquet" of knowledge, which contains the reflections on Starting a House, Entering a House, the Coronation of a King, and the Rules of Travel. 3

Regarding the stars Rohini and the three Uttaras...