The intelligence which governs the universe has its own schedule. If we begin our activities in tune with the cycles of Nature, our desires can be fulfilled more effortlessly. One day may be favorable for starting a journey or founding a new company; another day more suitable for a wedding or laying the foundation stone of a new building; and a third day best for signing a contract or purchasing a new car.

In the Maharishi Jyotish program, the term "Muhurta" refers to favorable moments for beginning new activities; times when Natural Law will give maximum support and offer the least resistance to our endeavors.

Riding the Cycles of Nature
Maharishi Jyotish program experts use three major cycles in Nature for the calculation of a Muhurta—the day of the week, the Nakshatra, and the lunar day.

Each day of the week is governed by one of the Grahas, or planets. This ancient relationship is still reflected in names we use today—"Sun" in Sunday, "Moon" in Monday, and "Saturn" in Saturday. The quality of the day is influenced by the quality of the Graha. According to the quality of the day, some types of activity will be supported by Nature and others will not. 

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are governed by benefic Grahas, so they are generally favorable for all auspicious undertakings. Tuesday is governed by Mangala, or Mars, the significator of wounds or injuries, which makes it more suitable for surgery.

A second cycle in Nature used in calculation of Muhurtas is based on the 27 Nakshatras, or lunar constellations. Each Nakshatra has specific qualities. For example, there are "fixed" and "movable" Nakshatras. Chandra, the moon, in a fixed Nakshatra promotes stability, whereas Chandra in a movable Nakshatra promotes change. This is why a fixed Nakshatra is preferred in a Muhurta for building a house, while a movable Nakshatra is better for beginning a journey.

The third cycle is that of the lunar days or "tithis," which is based on the number of days since the full moon or the new moon. The 4th, 9th and 14th lunar days are called Rikta Tithis, which means "empty" lunar days. Since these days create an influence of failure, they are avoided when selecting a Muhurta.

The selection of a Muhurta includes additional points, such as Yogas. Yogas are combinations of influences which affect the success or failure of an activity. Most Yogas are combinations of the weekday, lunar day, and Nakshatra of the moon. For example, if Chandra, the moon, is in Shravana Nakshatra on a Monday, then "Siddhi Yoga" is formed. Since the word "Siddhi" means success, such a Muhurta will have a good influence for almost any type of undertaking.

Because each day involves so many different influences, a Muhurta is seldom completely perfect. Therefore great skill is needed to determine the best possible Muhurta.

Muhurta Complements the Birth Chart
A Muhurta helps to avoid unnecessary obstacles and bring additional support of Nature. However it cannot neutralize unfavorable influences that may exist in our birth horoscope. When we begin any new and important enterprise, it is always advisable to have a Jyotish consultation in addition to the Muhurta. The consultation will help us to understand our overall chances for success.

A Muhurta is not a remedial measure. If the time for the new activity is not favorable in our birth horoscope, as seen in its dasha periods and planetary transits, then we will need Maharishi Yagya performances to help fulfill the purpose of the Muhurta.

Muhurtas Promote Spiritual Progress
In Vedic times the use of Muhurtas was widespread. All important work was begun in step with the functioning of Natural Law to help avoid resistance and the possibility of mistakes. In addition, unfavorable influences from the past were neutralized by Yagya performances. Regular Maharishi Yagya performances, complemented by Muhurtas, will help open the door of perfection for everyone, the door to Heaven

For more information on the Maharishi Jyotish program call 1-800-888-5797

Dr. Herbert Johag is a department head for Maharishi Jyotish programs at Maharishi Vedic University in Vlodrop, Holland.