The Astrological Rulers and Timing of the Thread Ceremony

During the New Moon A person born under these specific planetary alignments will be renowned on earth for their priestly virtues. 81 If the child is born in a month where the ruling planets are well-placed, they will become a scholar of various sciences original: shastras and dedicated to the protection of the land. 82

4 If the birth star original: nakshatra is auspicious, the child will bring many followers and various forms of material happiness to their lineage. 83 If Jupiter is positioned in Sagittarius, Pisces, or Cancer at the time of birth, it bestows great happiness and prosperity for up to thirty-two years. 84

If the boy’s mother is pregnant and has reached her fifth month, the Upanayana the sacred thread initiation ceremony must not be performed for the child; performing it earlier than permitted in this state is a cause of misfortune. 85

For those seeking to live a life dedicated to the Vedas, a strong position of planets in the "center" original: kendra — the 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th houses of a birth chart is required. The ceremony is recommended during the "Rudra" fortnight referring to the waxing moon on the second, third, or fifth lunar days. 86 The strength of Jupiter and Venus is vital for priests Brahmins, while the strength of the Sun and Mars is essential for the ruling class Kshatriyas. 87

The Planetary Lords of the Vedas

The different branches of Vedic knowledge are governed by specific celestial bodies:

• Jupiter is the lord of the Rigveda the oldest Veda, consisting of hymns. 88
• Venus is the lord of the Yajurveda the Veda of rituals and prayers.
• Mars is the lord of the Samaveda the Veda of chants and melodies.
• Mercury (the son of the Moon) is the ruler of the Atharvaveda the Veda of procedures for everyday life. 89

When Jupiter and Venus are strong for a Brahmin, or when the Moon’s strength is prominent in the "center" houses for a warrior, the Upanayana should be performed. If the planets are in a weakened state or defeated by malefic influences, the child will become 90 devoid of the rites prescribed by the laws and traditions. 91

When the lord of one’s social class original: varna is endowed with strength, the initiation ritual is beneficial for everyone, especially if the Moon is also powerful in the ascendant. 92 It is said that:

• On the Moon's day (Monday), the child becomes intelligent.
• On Mercury's day (Wednesday), they become wise.
• On Mars's day (Tuesday) or Venus's day (Friday), they become eloquent, strong, and pure.
• On Jupiter's day (Thursday), they become a scholar.
  However, if the planets are afflicted by "sinful" planets malefics, the results will be unfavorable. 93

Prohibitions and Errors

If the ceremony is performed during an intercalary month term: Malemasi — an extra month added to the lunar calendar to keep it in sync with the solar year, considered spiritually "unclean", the initiate is reduced to the status of a Shudra the laboring class, who traditionally did not undergo the thread ceremony. In such a case, the priest must undergo the ritual of purification and re-initiation original: punah-sanskara. 94

The ceremony should not be performed when the birth star is afflicted by malefic planets, nor should it happen at night, during the twilight hours, or during an unfavorable ascendant. 95

The thirteenth day, the fourteenth day, and the four days starting from the first of the fortnight are known as "seized-throats" term: Galagraha — days on which the "throat" of Vedic study is symbolically constricted, making it forbidden to start new lessons. 96 During the solstices, or when the gods are sleeping, one must observe the "non-study" days original: anadhyaya, as well as on the specific days marking the start of the world-ages original: yugadi. 97

The third day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakha and the seventh day of the dark half of Phalguna are considered excellent for the Upanayana, as declared by the great sage Bharadwaja and other eminent seers. 98 One should avoid the "non-study" times during the evening... 4