Discrimination for the Young

The First Feeding of Grain

For the Annaprashana The ritual where a child is first fed solid food, usually rice., the auspicious stars are those associated with the directions or specific deities: Purva-Ashadha, Purva-Phalguni, Purva-Bhadrapada, Bharani, Bhujanga original: "भुजंग" (bhujaṃga) — The "Serpent" star, Ashlesha., and Varuna original: "वरुणे" (varuṇe) — The star Shatabhisha, ruled by the god Varuna.. Regarding the planets, the influence of Mars and Saturn should be considered. One should avoid the Parva Full moon or new moon days. days, the seventh lunar date, and the "Empty" original: "रिक्ता" (riktā) — The 4th, 9th, and 14th lunar days, traditionally considered unfavorable for new ventures. dates, as well as the twelfth. This ritual should be performed in the sixth month for boys and in the fifth month for girls. Favorable zodiac signs include Taurus, Virgo, and Gemini, provided Mercury is strong in the lunar half and the timing is auspicious.
8. Thus concludes the First Feeding.

The Tonsure Ceremony

Regarding Chudakarma The ritual of the child's first haircut or tonsure., the favorable stars are Revati, Ashwini, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Jyeshtha, and the three stars of Vishnu original: "विष्णत्रये" (viṣṇatraye) — Shravana, Dhanishta, and Shatabhisha., as well as Pushya and the three "Uttara" stars. The Sun, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury should be in favorable positions during the bright half of the month. The signs of Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, and Aquarius are beneficial, but one must avoid the "Empty" lunar dates. It is highly auspicious if performed during the child's birth month or under a favorable lunar alignment.
9. Thus concludes the Tonsure Ceremony.

The Commencement of Education

For Vidyarambha The formal beginning of a child's education, usually involving the writing of the first alphabet., the auspicious stars are Revati, the five stars of the Mrigashirsha group, Shravana, the "Purva" stars, the three stars of Hasta, and Mula. This should be done when Jupiter, Venus, and the Sun are in favorable signs such as Sagittarius or Pisces. One should avoid the fifth and sixth lunar positions. When the Sun and Jupiter are pure and the "Empty" dates are avoided, the acquisition of knowledge is always successful.
10. Thus concludes the Beginning of Education.

The Sacred Thread Ceremony

For the Vratopanayana The initiation ceremony where a boy receives the sacred thread and begins his formal Vedic studies., the following stars are recommended: Purva-Ashadha, the three stars of Hasta, Mrigashirsha, Revati, Jyeshtha, and Pushya. The Sun should be in its northern course original: "उत्तर गते भानौ" (uttara gate bhānau) — Uttarayana, the period between the winter and summer solstices. during the bright half of the lunar month. Favorable signs are Taurus, Pisces, Virgo, and Sagittarius. Venus, the Sun, and Jupiter should be well-placed. This vow is prescribed for the second, fifth, eighth, and tenth lunar dates.
11. Thus concludes the Sacred Thread Ceremony.

The Piercing of the Ears

For Karnavedha The ritual of piercing the ears., the favorable stars are Rohini, the Uttara stars, Mula, Anuradha, Mrigashirsha, the three stars of Vishnu, Ashwini, Revati, and the two stars of Punarvasu. It is auspicious when the zodiac signs of Pisces, Virgo, or Aquarius are rising and Mercury is strong. This ritual should avoid days that suggest "widowhood yoga" Special astrological alignments thought to bring misfortune to the household.. The Moon and Venus should be in favorable positions Vishnu? during the proper months.
12. Thus concludes the Ear Piercing.

Rules for Agriculture

For the activities of Krishi Agriculture and farming., the stars Swati, Shravana, Mrigashirsha, Hasta, Anuradha, Magha, Revati, and the Uttara stars are auspicious. These are favorable for the first tilling of the soil and the sowing of seeds. The signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Gemini are beneficial for the growth of crops. On the days of...