Chapter on Childbirth

On the New Moon original: "amavasya," the lunar phase when the moon is not visible of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika a month in the Hindu calendar typically falling in October or November,

under the constellation of Mrigashira original: "Mrigashira-nakshatra," the "Deer’s Head" lunar mansion associated with searching and curiosity, throughout the day and night there is sickness.

For this person [Type 1]: This is the Ascendant of Aries original: "Mesha-lagnam," the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth, which defines the individual's physical appearance and temperament.

In Taurus original: "Vrishe"; this likely refers to the placement of the Moon or another planet in the neighboring sign of Taurus, the vital breath is pure original: "shveta pranah," literally "white breath," implying a pure or balanced life-force. The body is auspicious and beautiful and fortu-

-nate. The individual has slightly brown hair original: "ishat-kapila-keshah". There is a shield-

-ing defect original: "varu-dosha," likely a specific astrological or physical blemish that acts as a protection or "shield" and the mark of a plow original: "hala-lakshana," a physical sign on the palm or body believed to indicate a life of productive labor or agricultural wealth. If a girl

is born, she will likewise be of this kind, [perhaps] born with a single umbilical cord original: "eka-nala," a technical term in ancient obstetrics/astrology referring to a specific way the umbilical cord appears at birth, sometimes thought to carry special destiny.