The Commencement of Education and the Sacred Initiation

The "empty" lunar days original: rikta — refers to the 4th, 9th, and 14th days of the lunar fortnight, the ninth, the thirteenth, and the day of the full moon—as well as Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Mondays—should be avoided. If Vidyarambha the ritual for beginning a child's education is performed during these times, or on days forbidden for study original: anadhyāya, the student will become sorrowful, ill-behaved, and possess a very poor intellect. One who begins their education at such a time will certainly live a short life. 68

Malefic planets such as Mars or Saturn are considered auspicious for beginning education if they are positioned in the third, sixth, or eleventh houses of the birth chart. These positions are declared beneficial for Vidyarambha, but one should avoid the fifth house. 70

When a benefic planet such as Mercury or Venus or Jupiter the planet of wisdom is in the ascendant or the tenth house, the light of education shines forth for the student. 71

The teacher should sit facing the East, and the student should sit facing the West. The child should not be taught for the first time until they have been honored with the blessings of the twice-born original: dvija — referring to the priestly class or Brahmins. 72

Regarding the Upanayana the sacred thread ceremony that marks the start of formal Vedic study: when the sun is in its northern course original: uttarayana, and Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus are in auspicious signs such as Taurus, Pisces, Virgo, or Sagittarius, the ritual is beneficial. Auspicious constellations include Revati, Pushya, the three "Hand" stars original: hastatraya, and the three "Latter" stars original: uttaratraya. The fifth, tenth, and second lunar days of the fortnight are considered best. 73

The authorities of the Vedas declare that the initiation should occur in the eighth year from conception or birth for Brahmins, in the eleventh year for Rajanyas the warrior or ruling class, and in the twelfth year for Vaishyas the merchant or agricultural class. 74

If initiated in the eighth year from conception, one becomes a lord of great wealth and an expert in the meaning of the Vedas and ethics. Initiation in the ninth year brings a good intellect. One initiated in the fifth year achieves special distinction and wealth in the world, even if born into a large and complex family. 75

The season of Spring is prescribed for Brahmins, Summer for Kshatriyas the warrior class, and Autumn for Vaishyas. These are the proper times for the binding of the ritual cord for young boys. 76

If one is initiated outside of these prescribed seasons, or during forbidden times such as a "choking planet" original: galagraha — a technical astrological term for specific forbidden lunar days or an Anadhyaya day, the child is not properly initiated and deserves to undergo the Samskara ritual purification again. 77

Initiation in the month of Magha January/February brings wealth and strength of wisdom. In Phalguna February/March, the student becomes brilliant. Initiation in Chaitra March/April makes one a scholar of the Vedas. In Vaishakha April/May, one becomes skillful in enjoying wealth, and in Jyeshtha May/June, one becomes a superior scholar. These timings are respected throughout the earth. 78

When the Sun is in the sign of Aries during the month of Chaitra, and the influence of Venus is present, the Upanayana is considered very auspicious. 79

The binding of the Maunji term: maunjī bandha — the ritual tying of the grass girdle around the student's waist is declared auspicious when the Sun is in Pisces, even if Jupiter is in a weakened state or in an enemy house. 80

The ritual should consider the birth constellation and the position of the Moon at birth...