Compendium of the Essence of Astrology

Using the calculation of the "head" and "tail" original: "vesha-pucchah," referring to specific beginning and end points in astrological mathematics and the ninth lunar day, the scholar determines the timing of the alignment.

The Threefold Success Alignment Traipushkara Yoga|A potent alignment where any action taken—whether for gain or loss—is said to be tripled in its result occurs when a Bhadra The 2nd, 7th, or 12th lunar days day falls on a Saturday, Tuesday, or Sunday, and coincides with the stars Krittika, Punarvasu, Uttarashadha, Vishakha, Uttara Phalguni, or Uttara Bhadrapada original: "dizharddhamaja-caranaditi-vadvivaisvai". This alignment is significant for the increase or destruction of one's essence; it is said that even the moon smiles upon this threefold configuration.

The Solar Alignment Ravi Yoga|An auspicious solar alignment believed to dispel a multitude of negative influences and "doshas" is determined by counting from the Sun's current star to the Moon's star in measures of 4, 9, 6, 10, 12, or 20. This alignment acts as a destroyer of accumulated flaws and misfortunes.

Classification of Lunar Days (Tithis)

The lunar days are categorized into five groups which govern the success of different types of activities:

The Nature of the Stars (Nakshatras)

The stars are classified by their inherent "temperament," which dictates what earthly actions they best support:

• Movable or Changeable original: "cara-calams": Svati, Punarvasu, and the three stars beginning with Shravana Shravana, Dhanishtha, and Shatabhisha.
• Cruel or Harsh: Bharani, Magha, and the three stars beginning with Purva-Phalguni Purva-Phalguni, Purvashadha, and Purva-Bhadrapada.
• Fixed and Permanent original: "dhruve-sthira": Rohini and the three "Uttara" stars Uttara Phalguni, Uttarashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada.
• Sharp or Dreadful: Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Ardra, and Mula.
• Swift and Light: Pushya, Hasta, Ashwini, and Abhijit.
• Gentle and Friendly: Chitra, Anuradha, Revati, and Mrigashirsha.
• Mixed or Ordinary: Vishakha and Krittika.

One should perform deeds that correspond to the specific "name" and quality of these stars.

Divine Lords of the Lunar Days

Each lunar day is presided over by a specific deity, who grants their blessing to the day's activities:
The First day is led by Gauri; the Second by Ganesha; the Third by Hari Vishnu; the Fourth by Guha Kartikeya; the Fifth by Ishvara Shiva; the Sixth by Vighna; the Seventh by Mahesha; the Eighth by Durga; the Ninth by Antaka Yama, the god of death; the Tenth by Vishvadeva; the Eleventh by Kamesha the god of love; the Twelfth by Soma the Moon; and the Thirteenth by the Ancestors original: "pitarau".

Finally, for matters of compatibility and merit, one must examine the eight criteria: Varna class, Vashya dominance, Tara star strength, Yoni animal affinity, Graha-maitri planetary friendship, Gana temperament, Bhakuta relative sign position, and Nadi pulse/constitution. These qualities increase the points of agreement between individuals.