Omens

The notions of auspiciousness and
inauspiciousness are deeply rooted in
Hindu life, and are based on the
assumption that by their very nature
certain things bring good fortune, and
certain other things bring ill fortune.
The notion of omens is an extension of
this idea; omens are important not
because they cause good or bad fortune
in themselves, but because they indicate
conditions that are present. According
to this belief, auspicious conditions will
automatically give rise to favorable
omens, and inauspicious conditions to
unfavorable omens. Omens serve as
indicators to help judge the current state
of affairs and make any necessary
adjustments. For example, if on leaving
the house to do some business one sees
a person deemed inauspicious, one
should return to the home and begin
again, lest the work be fruitless.