In the ancient tradition, the stars and lunar mansions—those guiding lights that adorn the night sky—are each presided over by divine beings, their subtle influences woven into the fabric of time and destiny. It is said that the constellation Kṛttikā is under the guardianship of Agni, the god of fire, while Rohiṇī is cherished by Brahmā, the creator himself. The stars of Punarvasu are watched over by Aditi, the universal mother, and Tiṣya is guided by the wise deity Guru. The radiant Pūrvaphalgunī stars belong to Bhaga, the bestower of fortune, while their northern counterpart, Uttara Phalgunī, is under the care of Aryaman, the upholder of noble conduct. Svātī, swift and gentle, is presided over by Vāyu, the wind god. Anurādhā is the domain of Mitra, the friend to all, and Jyeṣṭhā is watched by Śakra, the mighty Indra. Both Pūrvā and Uttarā Āṣāḍhā are the stars of the Viśvedevas, the host of universal gods. The learned recognize Dhaniṣṭhā as the star of Vāsava, another name for Indra. The Pūrvabhādrapadā star is under Aja Ekapāda, the one-footed goat, while Uttarabhādrapadā is guarded by Ahirbudhnya, the serpent of the depths. The star Bharaṇī is said to be the domain of Yama, the lord of justice. In this way, the presiding deities of the stars are revealed. Turning to the lunar days, the tenth day’s latter half in the northern direction belongs to Māheśvarī, the great goddess. On the sixth and fourteenth days, Indrāṇī, consort of Indra, is established in the west. The eighth day and the new moon are graced by the presence of Mahālakṣmī, goddess of prosperity. On the twelfth and fourth lunar days, Kaumārī, the youthful goddess, is found in the southwest. Among the lunar mansions, certain constellations are especially auspicious: Aśvinī, Maitra, Revatī, Mṛga, Mūla, and Punarvasu, along with the five beginning with Hasta and the three northern ones. These are considered most favorable for acts involving clothing and covering, offering protection and fortune. There are also constellations described as eastern and those facing downward. These, too, have their special uses. For the excavation of temples and the digging of treasure, one should favor the downward-facing stars, O bearer of the bull-banner, and similar endeavors. Anurādhā, Mṛgaśīrṣa, and Jyeṣṭhā are known as side-facing constellations; during their influence, it is auspicious to sow seeds and undertake activities involving movement and travel. Any actions that require attention to the sides should be performed under these stars. Varuṇa, Śravaṇa, and nine other constellations are considered upward-facing. All acts that are elevated or aspire upward should be performed when these stars preside. As for the lunar days, the new moon, the full moon, the twelfth, and the fourteenth are particularly significant. The third day is associated with the son of the earth, the fourth with Saturn, the seventh with the son of Soma (the Moon), and the eighth with both Mars and the Sun. The eleventh day is linked to Jupiter and Venus, while the twelfth is again associated with Mercury. The full moon and new moon are also considered especially auspicious for Jupiter. However, some combinations are to be avoided: Mars on the tenth day, Mercury on the ninth, and the sixth day for the son of the Sun—these times are not favorable for setting out or beginning journeys. Especially on Wednesdays, one should refrain from travel. Certain astrological combinations are also best avoided: the fourth lunar day in Taurus and Aquarius, the twelfth in Capricorn and Libra—when afflicted, these bring suffering and obstacles. The three Dhaniṣṭhās on Tuesdays and the three Revatis on Wednesdays are to be shunned. On Saturdays, avoid the three Uttara Phalgunis. The Sun in Mūla, the Moon in Śravaṇa, Mars in the northern Proṣṭhapada, Pūrvaphalgunī with Venus, and Svātī with Saturn—these, too, are not desirable when determining auspicious times, for their influence is dull and lacking in power. Finally, when considering the union of man and woman, one should take the first letters of their names and combine them into three, for this, too, is a part of the sacred reckoning of time and destiny. Thus, through the wisdom of the stars, the days, and the deities who preside over them, the auspicious and inauspicious moments are revealed, guiding all sacred undertakings and daily actions in harmony with the divine order.