Muhurat

In India, especially among the Hindus, there is the custom of following the muhurat, (the auspicious time) for any event or occasion of some significance.  Hence prior to any wedding or house-warming, a priest is consulted.  He then does his ground work and informs the members of the most auspicious of dates and the precise time too.  He does so reading the movement of the heavenly bodies and the 'panchangam' or 'kundali' of the involved individuals.  It is interesting to note that this particular process indicates the involvement not just of a couple of individuals for whom the event is of great significance but of the whole universe.  It is like the whole universe - all the gods, stars, nature, people especially those conducting the event and even the demons - working in tandem for the good and prosperity of the said persons. 

Catholics have a different notion of time.  We do not have specific moments of 'auspicious' moments.  We treat every minute as God-given and sacred - at least in theory! However understanding the Hindu notion of time and relevance is truly a great eye-opener.  Hidden beneath the apparent myths and stories about the different 'kalas' and 'yugas' and the calculation process of the 'muhurat' there is a deep wisdom and unique universal perspective of even very small and routine events.