Rainfall prediction – Part 1 (Pre-rainy season observation &

GarbOttam)
This is a series on astrological inputs on predicting rainfall in advance. I will write the
articles in such a way that any interested amateur meteorologist can make the
recordings, interface with meteorological maps and check whether the predictions do
take place. I suggest that this methodology must be recorded for atleast 5 years
continuously to derive a reliable set of factors for rainfall prediction. If anyone is doing
this seriously, I request them to intimate me the findings.

Introduction.

Rainfall prediction is considered as Purva Chitti – prior wisdom, by Vedic Thought. In

the ritualistic question and answer dialogue in the course ofAshvamedha yajna, one
question is
"Who is called poorvachitti?"
The reply that follows is:- 
"The rain falling is called poorva chitti".

It is because the rain falling in a place is formed very much in advance under certain
conditions, knowing which one can tell in advance whether it would rain or not.
Reiterating this Varahamihira says,

"The predictions of an astronomer who pays exclusive attention, both day and night to
the indications of rain afforded by pregnant clouds, will as little fail of success as the
words of rishis.

What science can probably excel, in interest, the science relating to the prediction of
rain, by a thorough study of which one though ignorant in other matters passes for a
great astrologer in this Kaliyuga." (Brihad samhita, Chapter 21 – verses 3 &4)

The authors for rainfall prediction techniques.

Sages  Garga, Parasara, Kasyapa, Vatsa and others.

Books :- Brihad Samhita (Chapter 21 to 28) and Prasna Marga (Chapter 25)

Things needed:-
 Knowledge of names of Lunar months and dates (thithi) and names of 27 stars of
the Vedic astrology.
 Astrology software or any source which will help one to know the star in which
Sun or Moon transits on a particular day.
 Round the clock observation or observation of the outside at regular intervals.
Period of observation.
From the Lunar month of Karthika until Shravana.

When to begin observation.

There are 3 dates given, two by Brihad Samhita and one by Prasna Marga. No
explanation is given by the authors for the differences. My interpretation is given in
brackets.
1.      The first day of the bright half of the lunar month of Karthika (Oct- Nov) –
Siddhasena School (Check for the breaking of South West Monsoon in Lakshadweep or
Kerala.)
2.      The day Moon transits Puravashada in the bright half of Margashira (Nov- Dec) –
Sage Garga (Check for the first rains in Middle or North India)
3.      The day Sun enters the star Purvashada. This is occurs after 13-20 degrees in the
Sign Sagittarius. The period of 14 days starting from this is called the period of
'Conception of rainfall' or GarbhOttam.
Importance of GarbhOttam.

The 14 day duration is the period taken by the Sun to transit the entire extent of
Purvashada. The extent  of a star is 13 degrees and 20 minutes. Sun covers roughly 1
degree per day. GarbhOttam period is the period of Sun in the entire extent of
Purvashada.
Preliminary observation for the 14 day period of GarbhOttam is to check  if the entire
sky is covered with dark clouds and the Sun is hidden behind the clouds.

The observation (or any observation that is being said in this article) is applicable
for the place of the observer. In olden days every village had astrologers doing
that observation. Today meteorology applies to vast regions, but the ancient
Indian method helps to tell on a day to day basis whether a particular locality
would get rains or not. For that, the observer must be available on the place
continuously atleast from Margashira to Phalguni and on specific days at other
months.

 If on the 1st day of GarbhOtta, there are dark clouds all over the sky and sun is hidden
behind, it will rain here and there and every now and then in the 14 day period when
Sun will be transiting Arudra (in Gemini)

Similarly if on the 2nd  day of GarbhOtta, there are dark clouds all over the sky and sun
is hidden behind, it will rain here and there and every now and then in the 14 day period
when Sun will be transiting Punarvasu star (in Gemini and Cancer).

Similarly on the 3rd  day of GarbhOtta, there are dark clouds all over the sky and sun is
hidden behind, it will rain here and there and every now and then in the 14 day period
when Sun will be transiting Pushya star (in Cancer).

Like this Sun's transit upto Moola star (prior to starting of the GarbhOtta) is noted for
rainfall. 

The rationale is that  each day of the GarbhOtta in Purvashada in Sagittarius will have
bearing for the duration of sun's stay in every star starting from Arudra in the month of
Aani (in tamil) / Gemini / lunar month of Jyeshta in the next year and goes upto Moola in
next Margashira.
The stars mentioned below indicate the 14 day transit of Sun in that star. Eg 1 stday of
GarbhOtta will have an effect on 14 days of sun's transit in Arudra.

1st day – Arudra
2nd day – Punarvasu
3rd day – Pushya
4th day – Aslesha (Ayilyam)
5th day – Magam
6th day – Purva phalguni (Pooram)
7th day – Uttara Phalguni (Uttaram)
8th day – Hastha
9th day – Chithra
10th day – Swati
11th day – Vishaka
12th day – Anuradha (Anusham)
13th day – Jyeshta (Kettai)
14th day  - Moola.

If the sky is completely overcast for the whole day in one of these days, predict rainfall
from the day Sun enters the corresponding star.
This year GarbhOtta started yester day (28-12-2012). The whole of yesterday, the sky
was overcast in Chennai, at my place where I did the observation, right from the
morning and it rained after midnight. Rains will mar the subsequent rains after 195 days.
Therefore the first level of prediction is that there will be scattered rainfall in my place for
7 days as soon as Sun enters Arudra. Sun enters Arudra on the early morning hours of
22nd June 2013. Since for the whole day the sky was overcast, it is predicted that the
first half of Arudra (7 days) would give rains. Since it rained in the night yesterday, we
can expect a less wet or dry period in the 2nd half of the 14 day period starting from
22ndJune. Cloud cover is good, but rains are not good during GarbhOtta days. It could
be a drizzle but not rains.

The cloud cover continues today also. Therefore we can expect good rains once again
after Sun enters Punarvasu star (After July 6th).  
Whether there will be good rains or not can be assessed from the following factors.

Basics factors to observe:-
1.      Winds
2.      Rain
3.      Lightening
4.      Roar of thunder
5.      Appearance of clouds

Now the next step:-

In all these 14 days, the above mentioned 5 points must also be observed. Then the
observation must be continued everyday for four months until lunar month of Phalguni is
over. If any single day has all the 5 factors present, good rainfall must be predicted on
the 195th day from the day of observation.

In other words, one must note the thithi and paksha of the day of observation. Eg:
Observation is on Dwitheeya in the dark half of Margshira. Its resultant rainfall will be on
Dwitheeya on the bright half of Jyeshta. That is 6 and a half month from the month of
observation.
If noticed in a thithi in the Bright half of moon, the result will take place on the same
thithi on the dark half of moon 6 months later.
If noticed in the morning, the resultant rain will be in the evening on that day.

If winds or clouds are noticed in a direction, the resultant rain will be in the opposite
direction on that day. Keeping this in mind one must record not only the features but
also the direction and time of the day.

Now the features to be observed:-

Note:- Applicable on day to day basis. The prediction is for the corresponding day later,
on the 195th day..

1.      Winds:-
Gentle and agreeable wind = Good rainfall
Cool breeze from North and Northeast = good rainfall.
Heavy winds = rain clouds would gather but be shattered
Dust storm = No rains
2.      Rain
In Margashira, there will be no rains. If it rains heavily, rainfall on the corresponding day
would be affected. A gentle rain or drizzle would give good rainfall on the corresponding
day after 6 and a half months.
3.      Lightening
Lightening = good rainfall
Rainbow in the morning or evening = good rainfall
4.      Roar of thunder
Low, rumbling roar of thunder = good rainfall
Heavy sounding thunder = rain clouds would shatter away.
5.      Clouds
Sky overcast with huge, bright, dense clouds = good rainfall
Needle shaped clouds or sword shaped clouds = good rainfall
Blood red clouds = good rainfall.

Inference:-
If one any day in the months from  Margashira to Phalguni, all the above 5 factors are
present, the quantity of the subsequent rainfall will be 1 Drona. (Drona is equal to 200
phalas. Quantification in today's terms is not known. Perhaps the rainfall on those days
can be recorded and cross checked with other days when similar conditions prevailed.)

Reduce the quantity by quarter for the absence of every one factor.
Three-some observation.
1.      Terrestrial
2.      Atmospheric
3.      Planetary.

(I) Terrestrial factors to be observed.

1.      Sweet chirpings of birds.
2.      Animals moving relaxedly and making pleasant sounds
3.      Kids making sweet sounds and playing
4.      Trees with sprouts
5.    Trees grow without diseases.

(II) Atmospheric factors to be observed.

1.      Clouds resembling pearl or silver colour
2.      Clouds in the shape of aquatic animal, huge and dense.
3.      These clouds scorched by bright sun light
4.      Gentle breeze (presence of 3 and 4 together would result in torrential rain on the
195th day)
5.      Sun and the Moon encircled by glossy, bright and thick halo.
6.      Sky filled with bulky clouds or smooth needle like clouds (cirrus), or in the shape of
sword.
7.      Clouds appearing in red or blue tint.
8.      Pleasant twilights in morning and evening.
9.      Light rumbling thunder
10.  Rainbow in the lower horizon.
11.  Red glow in the horizon at dawn and sun set. This must be seen only in Margashira
and Pushya months. (Solar months also)
12.  Clouds with halos

Month-wise observation

In Margashira –
         red sun in the morning and evening, 
 -    sky in red colour before sunrise and after sunset.
         clouds surrounded by halos,
         very cold.
In Pushya 
          red sun in the morning and evening,
          clouds surrounded by halos,
           excessive snowfall.

In Magha –
         strong wind,
         sun and moon must be dimmed by clouds or snowfall at sun rise and sun set,
         fog, mist, excessive cold
-     
In Phalguna –
          rough and violent storm
        tawny colour of the sun,
          broken and imperfect halos around the sun and the moon,
          glossy clouds moving across the sky

The above ensure good 'conception of rainfall'.

In Chaitra and Vaishaka, sky marked by winds, clouds and halos ensure conception of
rainfall which will fall 195th day afterwards. 

The following features in the 4 months from Margashira to Phalguni mar conception

of rainfall.
1.      Meteor showers.
2.      Thunderbolt
3.      Dust storm
4.      Appearance of city-like formation of clouds.
5.      Unnatural phenomenon in the atmosphere in colour of sky, clouds etc and at sun
rise and sun set.
6.      Rainfall
7.      Sighting of comets
8.      Eclipses
9.      Spots in solar disc (sun spot maxima?)

(III) Planetary factors to be observed in the 4 month period.

Good for conception of rainfall

 - Planets appearing with clear and bright disc at night
-  Planets moving in Northern declinations
- Moon and stars must appear white 

Planetary features marring conception of rainfall.

         Eclipses ( mar rainfall later on the corresponding day)

         Planetary war (where planets are close together in such a way one planet will be
crossing another.) (mars rainfall for several days in the corresponding period.)

Position of Moon during the above 4  month period.

When the above 3-some favourable features of conception are present in a day when
Moon is crossing Purvashada, Uttarashada, Purva bhadrapada, Uttarabhadrapada and
Rohini, the subsequent rainfall on the 195th day will be abundant.

When the above 3-some favourable features of conception are present in a day when
Moon is crossing Arudra, Aslesha, Magha , Swati and Satabhishak, the subsequent
rains will go on for many days. On the contrary, if the 3 some factors are marred, there
will be dryness.
If Moon crosses all the above mentioned stars with 3-some factors being present and
marring factors being absent in Margashira - would give rainfall for 8 days later (after
195 days).

In Pushya - for 6 days

In Magha -16 days
In Phalguni – 24 days
In Chaitra – 20 days
In Vaishaka – 3 days.
Rainfall prediction – Part 2 (Solar ingress)

The previous part can be read here:

Rainfall prediction – Part 1

In the first part of this series, the methods of observation of meteorological factors were described.

Such observation must be done continuously on all days starting from

the solar month of Sagittarius or

the day the Sun enters Purvashada or

the day Moon transits Purvashada in the bright half of the month of Margashira.

This observation must go on until the solar month of Taurus (Tamil month of Vaikasi)

Of these the first 4 months from Sagittarius to Pisces have the bearing directly on the rainy season of
India starting from July to October. So meticulous observation is needed during those four months for
assessing the rainy season.

Now having come to the solar month of Aries, other observations begin.

In this article, I am going to tell about the effect and importance of Sun's entry into certain signs of the
zodiac and its entry into the star, Arudra.  All these must be studied together to assess the amount of
rainfall. 

1.      First of all the Name of the New Year must be checked with its yearly predictions. The predictions
are told by the famous astrologer cum siddha of ancient days known by the  name "Idaik-kaattu
siddhar"  They are available in almanacs or in some Jyothish books. The yearly prediction gives a broad
outline of the nature and amount of rainfall in the ensuing year.  For example, for the present New
Year Vijaya, abundant rainfall is expected. A good harvest is also predicted ensuring a good rainfall.

2.      The next step is to check the Solar ingress in Aries, In Gemini, in Cancer and in Sagittarius.

These can be found in the Nava nayakas in the almanacs with their predictions. Though Nava nayakas
mean 9, we need to check 4 for rainfall prediction. They are as follows. 

         Entry of Sun into Aries :- Mantri (name of the navanayaka) – for general rainfall prediction

         Entry of Sun into Gemini :- Arghadhipathi – for prediction of price level of agricultural products
(since rainfall affect the agricultural produce, this is checked)

         Entry of Sun into Cancer :- Sasyadhipathi – for prediction of growth of crops. (reason is same  as
above)

         Entry of Sun into Sagittarius :-  Dhanyadhipathi – for prediction of grain production. 

The day of the entry of Sun in these signs is to be noted. The day is from one sun rise to the next sun
rise.

If  the day happens to be Monday, Thursday and Friday, very good rainfall and crop production can be
expected.

If the day happens to be Wednesday, undue winds would occur and scatter the clouds. As a result less
rains would be experienced and prices rise due to scarcity of food grains. 

If the day happens to be Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday, medium rainfall would occur and scarcity of
food grains would happen as a result.

We have to check this for all the above 4 signs and arrive at the prediction connected with each of them.
Checking for this Vijaya year, the solar ingress into Aries happened on Saturday. Though Vijaya year
assures bountiful rains, the entry of Sun on a Saturday reduces that. But we have to see other factors
too.

The entry of Sun into Gemini happens on early morning of Saturday, at 4-56 am. Since this happens
before sunrise, we have to count it as Friday only. Entry on Friday brings good rains and the related
feature namely stabilization of price level.

The entry of Sun into Cancer happens on Tuesday afternoon. This is not a favorable sign for good
rainfall.

The entry of Sun into Sagittarius happens on Sunday after midnight. This is also not a favorable sign of
good rainfall.

Of the 4, only one out of four is favorable. So less to medium rainfall can be expected as per this rule.

3.      The next rule that we have to check is the first day of the Lunar year. This day is called Yugadhi, the
day after the conjunction on Moon and the Sun that occurs before the Solar New Year. The same rules
of days as explained above must be checked for this too. In the current year of Vijaya, the Lunar year
started on a Thursday. This ensures good rainfall. 

4.      After this we have to check the entry of the Sun in the star Arudra. This is considered as more
important of all the entries mentioned so far. This is known as "Arudra Pravesham" . In this in addition
to day of entry, many other factors are checked. Let us see them one by one.

Day of the week:- same as explained above.  This year it enters on early morning of Saturday, before
sunrise. That means the entry is on Friday. This is very good significator for good rainfall. 

Thithi at the time of entry:- 4,8,9,14 thithis give less rains. Amavasya also gives less rains. This year
14th thithi will begin by the time Sun enters Arudra. This is not favourable. 
Star at the time of entry:- Star means the star in which moon will be transiting at that time. Bharani,
Arudra, Aslesha, Magha, Chithra, Vishaka, Jyeshta are not favorable for good rainfall.  This year Anusha
will be the star at that time. This is favourable. 

Yoga at the time of entry:-  This can be checked from the almanac. Atiganda, Shoola, Ganda, Dhruvam,
Vyagatam, Vyatipadam, Brahmam, Aindra and Vydhruthi are not favourable. This year Siddham is the
yoga at that time. It is favourable.

Karana at the time of entry:- Vishti, Sakuni, Chathushpaadam, Nagavam and Kimsthugnam are not
favourable. This year Thythula karanam will be running at that time. It is favourable for good rainfall.

The Lagna at the time of entry:-  This can be known from the astrology software. The lagnas Taurus,
Cancer, Libra and Pisces give good rainfall. Virgo gives stormy weather. Others are not favourable for
good rains. 

The lagna must be checked for respective places. For Chennai, it is Taurus which ensures good rainfall. 

The Kala at the time of entry:- Day or night time must be checked. If it is sunset or mid-night, there will
be good rains. If it is noon or day time- less rains. If it is night - medium rainfall. This year the entry
happens at night and after mid night. More than medium rainfall is assured by this. 

Location of Moon at the time of entry:- If Moon is located at watery star, watery sign, watery lagna and
watery navamsa, there will be good rains.

Watery stars = Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Uttara phalguni, Purvashada, Uttrashada, Uttara Bhadrapada,
Hastha, Anusha, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhishak and Revathy.

Watery signs = Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces.

After doing these observations, we have to observe the transit of planets for predicting rainfall. We will
discuss that in the next part.
Starting from the month of Chiththrai (solar month of Aries), sudden pre-monsoon showers can
be expected. Though they also have a connection to the meteorological conditions that were
prevalent 195 days before, there are certain tips to find out whether sudden, instant rains can be
expected shortly before that in a given place.  An over-cast sky is not a sufficient indicator for
rains. When the rains are impending, the flora and fauna will  behave in certain ways.  Even
small kids can pick up the change in the climate for an immediate rainfall. Nature also would
look differently. In this article we will see such features written in astrological texts. These
features are known as 'Nimittha' – the 'indicators'. These are relevant in the thick of rainy season
too, to know if it would rain in a few hours' time in a particular day.

         If the ants, when undisturbed and on their own accord leave their hole carrying their eggs
from place to place.

         Snakes climbing trees and having sexual intercourse.

         Snakes found to rest on grass blades.

         Cows running home to meet their claves.

         Cats scratching the ground.

         Chameleons seen on top of the tree, staring at the sky.

         Cows looking up at the sky or looking at the Sun.

         Cocks crowing in the day.

         Sheep reluctant to go out and shaking and raising their ears and kicking the ground with
their legs.

         Dogs going to the top of the house and looking at the sky and crying.

         Fish jump from water suddenly.

         Forward movement of fish (These two indicators by fish are told in tanks and ponds. One
has to observe in Fish tank.) 

         Frogs croak suddenly in pre-monsoon period and  incessantly in monsoon period.

         Birds found to bathe in watery particles/ patches.

         Tender leaves of plants and creepers found to grow with their heads (tips) pointed towards
sky.
         Small children run around merrily shouting.
         The cloud which appears in sun-rise or at sun-set is in the colour of peacock, parrot or blue
hues,
         Or glossy as China rose or lotus,
         Or in the shape of undulating waves, of mountains, of crocodiles, of bear, of fish (in these
shapes)
         Or float layer over layer .

         If cloud appears all around white like chalk or like the colour of the moon and in the centre
black like collyrium or glossy,
         Or appears in various shapes and presenting a shape of flight of stairs.

         If at the time of sun-rise and sun-set, there are seen rainbow, clouds in rod like shapes and  a
mock sun.

         If at the time of sun-rise and sun-set, the colour of the sky is that of the wings of the
partridge and birds play around and make sound. 

         If at the time of sun-rise and sun-set, white straight rays of the sun shoot out as if they
formed so many out-stretched arms from behind the hills suitable for observation in western
ghats or where there are hills.

         If at the time of sun-rise and sun-set, clouds near the horizon roar.

         Hills or mountains at a distance appearing to have a blue colouring. 

         During the day, lightening appears in the north esat.

         Lightening appearing in the day time, red and straight like a rod.

         Appearance of a mock moon.

         Moon's disc having a circular red line.

         Moon's colour appearing to be that of honey or the eyes of parrot.

         In the rainy season, the rising sun appears dazzling or of the colour of molten gold or glossy
or bright as cat's eye (gem),
         Or if the mid-day sun is felt exceedingly hot, there will be immediate rains.

         In the rainy season, if water is without flavour, sky in the colour of cow's eye, or clear
without clouds, or if salt turns into water, or the atmosphere is still and there is no blow of wind,
there will be immediate rains.
Starting from the solar month of Aries (Chiththrai), the planetary transits must be noted. Certain
combinations of planets in certain locations of the zodiac can be seen to coincide with excessive
or lack of rainfall. The combinations for excessive rainfall are known asAtivrishti yogas
(अतिवष्टि
ृ ) and those that support lack of rainfall are known asAnAvrishti yogas  (अनावष्टि
ृ ). If
AnAvrishti yogas prevail, there will be drought. 

It is the planet that causes the rainfall or not is for the scientific researchers to find out, but a
correlation between rainfall and certain planetary combinations do exist and have been noticed
by our sages who have given it to us as knowledge. These combinations must be read along with
the meteorological conditions written in Part-1 of this series. If on the 196th day after the
favourable meteorological condition noticed (6 and a half months ago), planets are seen in
Ativrishti combinations, then there will certainly be rains.  As the meteorological conditions are
different from place to place, the planetary yogas, though present in the sky,  may not cause good
rains if the supportive  meteorological conditions were not noticed on the corresponding day
earlier. That is why emphasis is laid on continuous observation from the month of Sagittarius
onwards.

Declination.

Among the planets Venus has the foremost importance in causing plenty of rainfall. In Sangam
Tamil texts it has been told in many poems that if Venus is seen moving in the South, there will
be drought in the land. This is common wisdom that came up through watching the sky for ages.
What is told here is the movement of Venus in southern declination.  Declination is the region of
the sky 24 degrees North and 24 degrees south of the equator of the earth as seen in the sky. The
planets move up and down within this region. . Generally any planet would give favourable
results if it moves in Northern declination.

Particularly with Venus, if it is seen transiting in the northern side of the path of the earth, it will
give good rains. It should NOT be moving in the south of the orbit during the rainy season. Our
ancestors had the knowledge of the earth's path by looking at the zodiac in the sky and were able
to say which is north or south of it. Today we depend on Declination maps that are posted in the
internet! A rain-prediction enthusiast must keep track of the declination maps to see the location
of Venus.

Declination map of planets for the month of April 2013 is shown below. Venus is moving in the
Northern declination and its direction is towards North in the coming months. This is a prime
factor to be present for Venus to be effective in giving rains. Venus can be identified by this
symbol  in  the map.

http://www.moontracks.com/declinations.html

Combustion (Asthang / Asthamana)
The next feature to look for in Venus is whether it is combust or not. Combustion means too
close to the Sun in such a way that the planet cannot be seen. The combustion duration differs
from planet to planet. The degrees of combustion as per astrology are given below. 
Mars = 17 degrees
Mercury = 14 degrees
Jupiter = 11 degrees
Venus = 10 degrees
Saturn = 15 degrees.

(How to use = For example Mars becomes combust at 17 degrees means, combustion period
starts when Mars is in 17 degrees before the Sun and ends when Mars is in 17 degrees after the
Sun. For Venus it is 10 degrees)

Any planet when it enters into combustion (known from the degree it occupies) usually causes
rainfall at that time. Similarly the day of re-emergence from combustion comes along with
rainfall. In the case of Venus, there are specific rules pertaining to the star in which Venus re-
emerges from combustion.  In this scheme, the sky is divided into 6Mandalas of stars. They are
as follows:

1st Mandala  = Bharani, Krittikai, Rohini, Mrigashirsham (4 stars)

2nd Mandala =  Arudra, Punarvasu, Poosam, Aslesha (next 4 stars)
3rd Mandala = Magha, Purva phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hastham, Chittrai (next 5 stars)
4th Mandala = Swathi, Vishaka, Anusha (next 3 stars)
5th Mandala = Jyeshta, Moola, Purvashada, Uttara shada, Sravana, (next 5 stars)
6th Mandala = Dhanishta or Avittam, Shathabhishak or Sadhayam, Purva bhadrapada, Uttara
Bhadrapada, Revathy, Ashwini (next 6 stars).

If Venus re-emerges after combustion in the 1st and 2nd Mandala, rains will be below average.
If it re-emerges after combustion in the 3rd and 5th Mandala, there will be little rain and famine
conditions will prevail.
If it re-emerges after combustion in the 4th and 6th Mandala, there will be copious rains.

At the time of writing this article, Venus is combust in Aries. It is going to re-emerge from
combustion in Krittika star on May 6th 2013. This happens in the 1st Mandala. This period
coincides with pre-monsoon showers. As per this rule, there will be less rainfall. This means pre-
monsoon showers will be less.

(The rules that I am writing here have not been tested by me personally.  I request the enthusiasts
to test them atleast for 5 years and find out which of these work out. I am only recording here
whatever I have come across in the ancient texts.)

The re-emergence in a specific Mandala is given for Venus and not for other planets. However
the starting and ending of Combustion for other planets must be watched for rainfall occurrence
to check how far it works.

Budha – Shukra Saameephya (nearness of Mercury and Venus)

         Venus and Mercury will always be moving before and after the Sun. When all the three –
Sun, Mercury and Venus occupy the same sign (zodiacal sign), there will be rainfall. If they
happen to be in the same Navamsa, there will be heavy rainfall. If the sign and Navamsa happen
to be watery signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), then the rains will be very heavy. One has to judge
accordingly.

         If Venus and Mercury occupy the same sign and the same Navamsa and in combustion, and
Venus happens to be behind Mars, there will be plentiful rains.

         If the Sun is an earthy sign (Taurus and Virgo are applicable for rainfall) and Moon,
Mercury and Venus occupy watery signs and watery navamsas, and if at that time rainbow is
seen in the western sky, there will be plentiful rains.

(A note on rainbow:- In the rainy season beginning from the breaking of Monsoon season, if the
rainbow is seen on any day in the West, it would rain. Rainbow must not be seen in the east in
this season. If seen, it means less rains.)

The closer are Mercury and Venus to each other, it indicates good rainfall. A maximum gap of
30 degrees between them ensures copious rainfall. In their march around the zodiac, it is better to
have Venus moving in front of Mercury. If Mercury moves in front of Venus, rain clouds would
gather but would dissipate by wind currents. Fortunately throughout the rainy season this year,
Venus is moving ahead of Mercury. This is unlike last rainy season when mercury often
overtook Venus even though they were close to each other. Throughout the current year (2013)
Venus is moving in front of mercury. Only in the first week of January 2014, Mercury overtakes
Venus. 

Anywhere between 8 degrees to 30 degrees gap between Mercury and Venus is considered as
Budha- Shukra Sameepyam.  This closeness is known as Bahu varshaperiod in astrology.  The
closeness of these 2 planets is considered as a crucial factor in determining the rainfall season.
Compared to last year, this year's Budha- Shukra Sameepyam is long in the rainy season thereby
making the upcoming season a satisfactory one.

The following are the duration of this Sameepyam in 2013.

Between May 12  and  July 11 (coincides with arrival of monsoon)

Between Aug 24 and  sep 30 (this covers the main period of rainy season)
Between Dec 30 and Jan 11 (This coincides with snowfall / winter)
Between Feb 16 to end of Vijaya year (Coincides with winter) 

Inference from the above is that

         though the pre-monsoon showers may be less and missing, the arrival of monsoon can be
expected on time as Budha- Shukra closeness happens without any hindrance.

         After a brief lull in the 2nd half of July and 1st half of August, the Monsoon revives. One
must combine the GarbOtta assessment and daily observation done in Margashira month and till
Phalguni to get accurate predictions.

         The figures show failure of South east Monsoon as the closeness of these planets is not there
in the 3 months of October, November and December. We will check other factors in the next
article to see if this is remedied.
         As far as Mercury-Venus closeness factor is concerned, the winter and snowfall (wherever
applicable) is severe. This will result is misty conditions in the GarbOtta period next season and
in the 4 month period after that. This will have a favourable effect on rainy season in the year
that follows. 

In the immediate context, Mercury and Venus are coming closer starting from May 12thand will
be joined with Jupiter in the last week of May. Mercury – Venus – Jupiter conjunction ensures
good rainfall, according to Prasna Marga. This period coincideswith the arrival of Monsoon in
Lakshadweep and Kerala. Thereafter, Mercury and Venus move one after another without any
hindrance from other planets, until September.
In this article, we will know the planetary combinations that signify rainfall or lack of it. The
planetary combinations are common for all places. For a place to experience rainfall, the
meteorological factors as explained in Part-1 of this series must have been present 195 days
before the day of rainfall. These conditions and planetary combinations must be read together to
assess the arrival of rainfall in a particular place. 

In the system of observation of planets, Mercury and Venus occupy prime place. We discussed
about it in the last part of this series. Of these two, if Mercury is in front of Venus, there will be
winds and the rain clouds would be scattered and dissipated. If Venus is in the front it signifies
plentiful rainfall. 

Good news for the current year is Venus is leading in the front till the year end. However at the
time of expected arrival of the Monsoon in the last week of May, Mercury will be too close to
Venus and even leading in the front of Venus. But by 20th of June, Venus overtakes it. It must be
seen how the period between 28th of May and 20th of June works out for rainfall. If serious
research and recording of the rainfall with reference to the movement of planets is done, at least
for 9 years at a stretch, we will be able to develop reliable models for rainfall prediction. 

Nine types of Clouds.

There is a cyclical 9-year period in rainfall prospects. The rainfall pattern is divided into 9 types
of clouds for 9 years. This pattern is said to repeat continuously every 9 years. If someone can
have access to rainfall records for 9 years to 45 years in the past and test it with the planetary
movements, it would give a very reliable basis for near accurate prediction of rainfall. The 9 year
clouds are as follows:

1.      Tamo megha  (தமோ மேகம்) – brings plentiful rains.

2.      Vaayu megha  (வாயு மேகம்) –less rains. Famine conditions prevail.
3.      VaaruNa megha (வாருண மேகம்) – widespread and very heavy rains.
4.      Neela megha  (நீல மேகம்) – mixed trend. Rains heavily at one place but fails in another
place.
5.      KaaLa megha  (காள மேகம்) –Rains accompanied with storms.
6.      DroNa megha  (துரோண மேகம்) – Torrential rains causing floods.
7.      Pushkala megha  (புஷ்கல மேகம்) – Heavy rains.
8.      Sangavartha megha (சங்க வர்த்த மேகம்)- Less rains – more winds.
9.      Avarttha megha  (ஆவர்த்த மேகம்)- scanty rainfall enough to wet the ground. 

The type of cloud for a given year can be seen mentioned in the Almanac. Last year it was
Avarttha Megha which signifies scanty rainfall. (The year reckoning starts from Chiththrai /
Aries). This year (2013 Chitthrai onwards), it is Tamo Megha. This is supposed to bring plentiful
rainfall. One important feature of this Tamo Megha is that it is supposed to originate in South
east! This direction indicates Bay Depressions which benefit Tamilnadu!
 During this time (of South east originating cyclonic storms) , that is, in the 3 month period of
October, November and December, Mercury- Venus proximity is not there. However there are
no interfering planets between them from October 10th onwards. This must be beneficial for
Tamo Megha coming from South east. 

Even in the period of proximity of Mercury and Venus, Saturn comes in between in the 2nd half
of September. From September 18th to October 10th, the proximity of Venus and Mercury is
marred by Saturn in between. This period also must be watched on how it affects rainfall. 

The above mentioned 9 types of clouds must be analysed for a minimum of one round (of 9
years) or a reasonable time scale of 5 rounds of 45 years along with planetary combinations to
arrive at a reliable model for rainfall prediction. 

Let us now see the planetary combinations for Ativrishti and AnAvrishti.

Ativrishti (अतिवष्टि
ृ )Yogas (plentiful rainfall)

         At the time of Solar ingress into Gemini, if Venus is in the 2nd (in front of the sun) or
12th (behind the sun) in such a combination when Moon transits watery navamsa (cancer, Scorpio
and Pisces), there will be copious rains on those days.

         Sun, Moon, Mars, Saturn and Rahu are in watery signs and Venus and Mercury conjoin in a
fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius).

         When Sun, Mercury and Venus occupy the same sign and same Navamsa, there will be heavy
rains. If this sign or Navamsa happen to be watery, there will be very heavy rains.

         Mercury and Venus close to each other.  

         Mercury and Venus in the same sign and same Navamsa and in combustion.
         In the above formation if Venus is behind Mars.

         Sun in earthy sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and Moon, Mercury and Venus in watery signs or
Watery Navamsa and at that time a rainbow appears in the western sky.

         When Moon occupies watery sign or watery Navamsa and Mars and Saturn are in earthy signs
or earthy Navamsa, and at that time  a rainbow is seen in the east.

         Mercury and Venus close to each other in the western sky (evening) or to the west of Sun or in a
fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio) or in watery signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces)

         Setting of Mercury and rising of Venus.

          Mercury under retrogression and Venus coming to direct motion after retrogression.

         With this closeness, sun also joins them before or after in the same sign and in the same
navamsa.
         If the navamsa in the above combination (or for Mercury and Venus alone) falls in watery signs
(Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces).

          In the above combination (Mercury and Venus close to each other with sun in the front or
behind) these two planets (or one) are in combustion. When Mercury is within 14 degrees on
either side of the Sun, it is said to be combust. It is 10 degrees for combustion of Venus.

         In the above combination (of the three) Venus in front of Sun.  That is, in the order from east to
west - Mercury, Venus and Sun.

          Mercury -Jupiter closeness or Venus – Jupiter closeness with no planets in between.

          In the rainy season, Mars coming in between Sun and Venus in Leo, Virgo and Libra.

         Mars in Leo with Venus behind it.

         Mars behind the sun.

         All planets behind the sun.

         All planets in front of the sun (note that sun coming in between planets spoil cloud (rainfall)
formation. When the above two happen in rainy season, heavy floods occur, when they happen in
winter, heavy snowfall occurs.)

          Sun, Mars and Saturn must be transiting alternate signs. When moon is transiting at 150 or 180
or 270 degrees from them there will be heavy rains for 2 days before and after those degrees.

         Every new moon and Full moon must be observed. If it rains on a new moon day and the next
day, there will be no rains in the dark half.

           If it rains when the moon is within 8 to 15 degrees from the sun after conjunction (New Moon)
or opposition (Full moon), then it will rain for a month till moon reaches the same position again.
(In other words if it rains starting form the last 15 ghatis of Pratipat / Pradhamai / first thithi until
the first 15 ghatis of Dwitheeya / 2nd thithi, there will be rains for the 2 pakshas or the full lunar
month.) If there is scarce rain within these degrees, same weather condition will be experienced
for a month. If it does not rain during this period, there is no rain for the rest of the month.

         On any day of the rainy season, if the sun rises with a halo around it and the midday experiences
intense heat, there will be rains later on that day.

Anavrishti (अनावष्टि
ृ  ) yogas:- (Combinations that show lack of rainfall)

         Mutual opposition of planets (180 degrees apart) spoils rains.  In other words when the planets
are exactly at equal distance from each other, they result in reduced rainfall.
         Mutual opposition of Mars and Jupiter.

         Mutual opposition of Venus and Jupiter.

         Mutual opposition of Sun and Jupiter.

         Mutual opposition of sun and any other planet.

           Presence of Mars in Leo during the rainy season reduces rain-cloud formation.

          Mars in front of any planet including the Sun scorches the earth (in astrological terminology we
call it as Mars winning a planetary war.)

         Since Mercury and Venus are the sensitive planets helping in rainfall, outer planets namely
Jupiter or Mars or Saturn moving in front of them in rainy season causes famine like situations.

         When Jupiter moves in front of Venus, famine-like conditions prevail.

         When Saturn is in front of Venus, there will be less rainfall.

         When Mars is in front of Venus, hot conditions will prevail.

         When Mercury is in front of Venus, windy conditions will prevail.

         Transit of Mars in Rohini, Arudra, Aslesha, Magha, Swati, Uttara phalguni, Uttrashada, Uttara
bhadrapada and Jyeshta

The Anavrishti yogas show that there is no mutual opposition between planets during the rainy
season this year. This is good for plentiful rainfall. However the combination of Saturn and Rahu
in Libra pose a hindrance to the march of Venus in September – October. 

Apart from these there are other combinations of planetary transit in specific stars that help or
mar rainfall. We will discuss them in the next part. 
In the scheme of ancient wisdom of rainfall astrology, stars also
play a role. The zodiac is divided into 27 stars each with equal
length of 13 degrees and 20 minutes. Each of this distance is
supposed to signify certain attributes. For example the star
Krittika is supposed to be a fiery star and is denoted by Agni as
its Lord. In observational astronomy, the time Sun passes
through this star is indeed a fiery or the hottest time for India.
Similarly the star Swati is signified as a Windy star. In reality
the days that Moon transits this star are found to be windy. Like
stars, the 12 signs also signify specific attributes. That is how
the fiery signs, watery signs etc have been assigned in
astrology. 

Star –planet combination

Our ancient seers have observed stars and planets and each
aspect of Nature around us and have framed them as simple
rules to refer for prediction. In this way they have formed “Sapta
Nadi chakra” by grouping the stars into seven parts. The transit
of planets in each of this causes different effects on rainfall. This
chakra must be one of the oldest rules of astrology because this
takes into account 28 stars and not the currently held 27 stars.
The extra star “Abhijit” is noted for a distance of 4 degrees 14
minutes, between 276 -40 degrees and 280-54 degrees in the
sign of Capricorn. 

The planet – star combination makes or mars rainfall. 

This chakra can be easily interpreted in the following way.

1 Vayu Kri, Vishaka,  Saturn Windy,

Nadi Anusha, No rains
Bharani Starting
fromKrittika,
2 Vayu Ro, Swati, Sun Windy, the stars are
Nadi Jyesh, Aswini Rains arranged in a
systematic
3 Dahana Mri, Chith, Mars Heat, way. The
Nadi Moola, Dry transit of
Revathy weather certain planets
4 Sowmya Aru,  Hastha, Mercury Windy, in these stars
Nadi P-dhada, U- Less rains signifies
Bhadra rainfall or
other
5 Nirjala Punar,  Venus Cloudy, conditions.
Nadi U.Phal, U- But no They have
shada, P- rains been noted in
Bhadra the far right
6 Jala Nadi Pushya, Jupiter Plentiful column. When
P.Phal, rainfall Moon transits
Abhijit, the Amritha
Shatabhishak Nadi stars,
7 Amirtha Aslesha, Moon Excessive there will be
Nadi Magha, rainfall good rains. If
Sravana, Moon is
Dhanishta joined with
Jupiter and
Venus in Amritha Nadi and Jala nadi, the rains will be plentiful.
If Sun and Mars join the stars of Dahana Nadi, there will be
excessive heat and no rainfall. In this way, the prediction must
be done.

Stars and Moon

The transit of Moon across specific stars is noted for advanced
prediction of rainfall in the rainy season. Most important stars
are Rohini and Swati. Rohini is noted in the lunar month of
Ashada and Swati is noted in the lunar months of Jyeshta and
Ashada. (The lunar month begins from the 1st day after New
Moon / Amavasya and ends on the next New Moon.). These
observations starting from Jyeshta month help in deducing
whether it will rain or not in the upcoming days. 
Rohini Yoga.
The transit of Moon across Rohini in the dark half of the lunar
month ofJyeshta (June – July) is considered to be the single day
observation that can decide the nature of the next 4 months of
the rainy season. I don’t know how the meteorological scientists
view this, but the single day observation for 24 hours when
Moon crosses Rohini has been given prime importance by the
sages. The features of this observation was first given by Narada
to Brihaspathi from whom it was transferred to Garga, Parasara,
Kasyapa, Maya and others. It is worthy to check the nature of
this day scientifically. 
The original features include three-day worship by way of Vedic
Homa in the North east of the town. I will write here only
observational issues for rainfall enthusiasts. In the lunar month
of Ashada, Rohni rises before sunrise in the east. At that time
 the waning Moon also rises. The observation starts form sunrise
on that day until next sunrise. This duration is divided into 8
parts of 3 hours each. Starting from sunrise, each of this part
corresponds to each fortnight starting from the lunar month
of  Shravana to Kaarthika month. In those days a cloth was tied
on top of a pole to watch the wind direction. Today this can be
done by modern instruments. So let me not explain about the
fluttering of the cloth explained in Rohini Yoga.
Following are the features, if present on the Rohini day would
signify plentiful rainfall in each fortnight in accordance with
which part of the 3 hour duration, it is noticed.
The foremost observation is the wind. It must be a mild and
         

gentle breeze and not windy. The part of day (3 hour duration)
when the wind is breezy, it signifies good rainfall for the
corresponding fortnight starting from lunar month of Sravana.  
          A clear sky without clouds and the sun exceedingly hot.
          A clear sky at night with stars twinkling brightly.
If clouds are present they must appear huge and white as snow.
         

Their edges must reflect sun light.

          Or serpent like clouds, clouds that appear to be twisted together.
Or clouds in the shape of huge elephants with huge
         

paraphernalia on its sides.

          The clouds must not be small in size or dispersed by wind.
          Clouds of various hues can appear.
 Or clouds appear in the colour of blue lotus or in the colour of
         

Vishnu dressed in cloth of gold, immediately before sunrise or

after sun set.
If black clouds are seen, rainbows also may appear, but the wind
         

must be gentle. 
One or many of these features must be present on the day Moon
crosses Rohini. It will be all the more good for a bountiful rainy
season if these features are seen for the next 3 days after Moon
has crossed Rohini.  On the next morning of Rohini day, Moon
must rise ahead of Rohini and in the northern side of Rohini,
then the rainy season will be bountiful. 
There are a few more observations to be done on Rohini day as
follows:
If first clouds appear from the east or west and not in other
         

directions, the rainy season will be very good.

If first clouds appear from North, North east and North West, it
         

is not a very good sign, but there will be some rain in the rainy
season.
If the first clouds appear from other directions, less rains are
         

predicted.
It is better to have cloudless and hot day for the whole of Rohini
         

day.
If on that day, meteor showers, lightening, thunderbolts and
         

unusual appearances occur, they signify failure of the rainy

season. 
This year (2013) the Rohini day comes on July 5th. Moon starts
transiting Rohini from the early morning hours of Friday much
before sunrise. But the observation is done from sun rise. By
next morning the Moon had crossed Rohini in advance and will
rise before Rohini. This is one of the features for good rainy
season. The windiness and clouds must be watched on this way. 
Swati Yoga.
This observation must be done in the lunar months of Jyeshta
and Ashada. The 4 stars starting from Swati must be watched
during these months. Usually when Moon crosses Swati,
Vishaka, Anusha and Jyeshta, there will be dry winds and dust
storms. Even in GarbOtta observation (Part 1 of this series), the
days of these 4 stars must be windy. If it rains on these days, the
rainy season will be a failure. 
In the case of these two months, the Swati days must be windy
in the lunar month of Jyeshta and rainy in the lunar month of
Ashada. This kind of opposite combination must occur for a
bountiful rainy season. Only in the month of Ashada,  it must
rain in these 4 days. Otherwise there will be scanty rainfall
throughout the season. 
The legend on Swati pearls have come from the peculiar nature
of these days. The drizzle swept by dusty winds is the special
feature of Swati days in the lunar month of Ashada. The droplets
captured by oysters on these days are supposed to become the
best pearls. 
This year the Swati days of Jyeshta start from the afternoon of
19th June and end on pre-sunrise time of 23rd June. These days
must be dry and windy for good rainy season.
 The Swati days of Ashada start before mid night of 16th July and
ends on the afternoon of 20th July. There must be rains or
drizzles in all or one of these days.  
Ashadhi yoga
This is about the transit of Moon in Ashada stars in the lunar
month of Ashada. The observation is done on the Full Moon day
when moon transits Uttrashada.
If on that day of Asahdhi Yoga (Full Moon), the wind blows
         

form Northeast or North west or East after sunset, that is an

indication that the rainy season is on and bountiful. (22nd July
this year)
If it rains on the 4th day (Chathurthi) after Full moon in the lunar
         

month of Ashada, then it is an indication that the rainy season

will be prosperous. (26thJuly  this year)
These three yogas, namely Rohini Yoga, Swati Yoga and
Ashadhi yoga seem to form the last leg of meteorological
observation to make sure whether it will rain well in the ensuing
rainy season. There are many other features of these three
yogas  in Brihad Samhita on how to assess beforehand the
amount of rainfall, the extent of rainfall and the number of days
of rainfall at a stretch. They can be analysed with meteorological
data of the past years and refined for future use. Due to their
voluminous nature, I am not producing them here. Anyone
wishing to research them can refer to Brihad samhita written by
Varahamihira. 
An important feature of this book by Varahamihira is that he
says that this knowledge was given by sages of the past. This
shows that this knowledge was there in his times – about 1500
years before present. If they have been given by sages of the
much earlier period, then it shows the antiquity of this branch of
knowledge. Only if they had observed the surroundings for
thousands of years, they could have given minute observations
for every day application as explained in all these articles. 
Not only these, there are miscellaneous observations and month
wise observations which even a common man was aware of in
olden days. We will finish this series by writing them in the next
part.  
In this section we will see some trivia which meteorological scientists would not have thought of.
For instance, it is common to see in Hindu calendars the mention of terms such as “ThEdhi
mazhai” or “due date for rains” and observation of the tips of the crescent moon. They are a
result of years of observation of certain solar dates and the moon when it had rained. 

Taking up the “due dates for rains”, it is based on the premise that certain dates and stars in the
Solar month do indicate rainfall. In the Almanacs one would have noticed the mention of it
saying that if it rains on that day, it would rain well in the year. Meteorological analysis of olden
records might throw better light on why these dates have been identified so. These dates are with
reference to the Solar months. Below is given the solar months and the days. If it rains on these
days, it means rainfall is normal or above normal throughout the rainy season.

Gemini / Aani (in Tamil) = 10th day.

Cancer / Aadi = 8th day
Leo / AavaNi = 6th day
Virgo / Purattaasi = 4th day
Libra / Aippasi = 2nd say
Scorpio / Kaarthigai = 1st day
Sagittarius / Maargazhi = 1st day.

The above months cover both South west and North east monsoons. Old meteorological records
must be checked to see how many of these, when present had resulted in good rain fall in the
season or at least in the same month. It must also be checked if it pertains to a particular location
where it rains on the due date.

Importance of solar month of ShravaNa or AavaNi

Of the above months, the solar month of Leo / AavaNi  has a special significance. On the 6th day
of that month there must be some rains as per the above information. Even if it does not
rain,  thunderbolts must be heard on that day. If so, it would rain well in the rainy season. The
thunderbolt of Leo 6th is known as “AavaNi muzhakkam” or the “Roar of AavaNi / Leo /
ShravaNa”.  The thunderbolts must be heard loudly.  I think this also pertains to individual
localities. 
There is another observation in the solar month of Leo (AavaNi / ShravaNa). On the day
of Moon transiting the star Moola in that month, the rising sun must be covered by clouds in
such a way that there must dull light or darkness all around. If it appears so at the time of sun rise
on that day, then also it means that the rainy season will be bountiful.

Importance of  solar month of Ashada or aadi

Following observations are done in the solar month of Ashada or Aadi or Cancer. Only the solar
month must be taken into account even if lunar month of Shravana had started. 
The 5th day (Panchami thithi) after the New moon must be observed on this solar month. This
thithi coming on certain week days signify good rainfall in the rainy season. In Tamil this
observation is known as “Aadi-k-kuRi” or “the indicator of Aadi”.
 
They are as follows: (Thithi + week day)
 (This ) Panchami  + Sunday = Below average rainy season.
Panchami + Monday = Above average rainfall causing floods.
Panchami + Tuesday = Below average rainfall.  Heat and dryness. 
 
Panchami +Wednesday = windiness and less rainfall
Panchami + Thursday = Enough rainfall that supports agriculture.
Panchami + Friday = Excess rainfall.
Panchami + Saturday = Draught.
If one checks these days, it will be seen that it tallies with week day-based observation of Solar
ingress into Aries.

There is yet another observation in the solar month of Ashada / Aadi based on thithi – star
conjunction. It is known as “Aadi –thithi- kuRi” or “indicator of thithi in Aadi”.
This is a kind of fine tuning of the Ashadhi Yoga explained in the previous part. 
The waxing period (after New Moon) is under consideration here. The 9th, 10th and 11thdays of
this period namely Navami, Dasami and Ekadashi must be observed for conjunction with
specific stars. The stars are those starting from Swati upto Anusha. Moon’s transit on each of
these stars accompanied with specific meteorological conditions show whether the ensuing rainy
season will be bountiful throughout or in parts.  
Navami + Swati = cloudiness, rains, windiness with drizzle, thunderbolts and lightening
This indicates good rains in the early part of the rainy season.
Dasami + Vishaka = Same as above. This indicates good rains in the middle part of the rainy
season. 
Ekadashi + Anusha = Same as above. This indicates good rains in the latter part if the rainy
season.

In the waning fortnight of this solar month if Dasami or Ekadashi coincides with Rohini, it
causes good rains throughout the 4 months of the rainy season. This was explained asRohini
yoga in the previous article.

Some specific combinations – Month-wise.

The following are a kind of checklist for rainfall as the season progresses. 
         In the solar month of Vaishaka / Vaigasi / Taurus, if it rains on the 14th day (Chathurdashi ) of
the dark phase of the moon, it will rain well throughout the season. If not, there will be scanty
rainfall. This year this day comes on June 6-7.

         In the Solar month Ashada / Aadi / Cancer, if any two of the following happen to come on a
Sunday, there will be plentiful rains in the year. They are Swati,  Uttrashada, Navami,
Chathurdashi, Paurnami (Full Moon). If any one of these comes on a Sunday in the Solar month
of Cancer, it would rain well in the rainy season. This year on 21st JulyChathurdashi starts at 3-
30 am on the night of Sunday. We must see how much this bears fruit.

         In the Solar month of Ashada / Aadi / Cancer when there is combination of Swati – Navami,
Uttarashada – Full Moon and Chathurdashi – Sunday, if the following meteorological symptoms
are seen, the ensuing rainy season will be bountiful. They are rainbow, thunder, cloudiness or
rains.
         On the first day of any Solar month, if the moon is NOT transiting at that time Arudra or
Punarvasu or Hastha or Chithra or Purvashada or Uttrashada or Uttara bhadrapada, there will be
rain in that month. If Moon is in any one of these stars on the day of Solar ingress into a sign
(1st day of solar month) there won’t be rains in that month.
Indications from Clouds + stars.

Reddish tinted clouds seen on the days of particular stars (the star of the day is ascertained from
the transit of Moon in a star) are indicators of ensuing rainfall.
They are as follows:
If red tinted clouds are seen on the days of
Moola, BharaNi, Purvabhadrapada and Purvashada = it will rain after 8 days.
Aswini in the afternoon time = it will rain after 5 days.
Uttrashada in the afternoon time = it will rain after 11 days.
Uttrabhadar pada in the afternoon time = it will rain after 7 days.
Jyeshta in the afternoon time = it will rain after 10 days.
Anusha in the afternoon time = it will rain after 3 days.

The above are about reddish tint in the clouds.

The clouds as white as snow must be seen on the day of Arudra = it will rain after 7 days.

Indications from the appearance of Moon.

(1)   Crescent Moon.

The 3rd day of waxing Moon holds the clue to the normal nature of the monsoon.  This phase of
the moon is popularly known as “MoonRaam piRai” – the 3rd phase of the crescent moon. People
consider it to be rare to see this as it will be low in the sky and hidden by clouds in the monsoon
season.  But this phase of the crescent must be somehow sighted to make sure that the tips of the
crescent are in the expected positions that guarantee good monsoon and reasonable price level
( as a result of good monsoon). This also means that the path of moon and earth has to be in ideal
places which ensures ideal meteorological activities for a good monsoon. 
The two tips of the crescent are in north and south directions.
The northern tip must be higher than the southern tip for the eight months starting from the solar
month of Vaishaka / Vaigasi / Taurus until the solar month of Margashira / Margazhi /
Sagittarius. 
 
The two tips must have to be even in the next two months of Capricorn / Thai and Aquarius /
Maasi. 
The Southern tip must be higher than the northern tip in the next months of Pisces / Panguni and
Aries / Chiththirai.
If the tips look different from the way stipulated above, there will be terrible famine in the land. 
(2)   Halo around Moon

In the Monsoon season, sun or the moon will be often seen surrounded by a halo called in
astrology as “Parivesha”. 

In Ashadi Yoga, this observation is done. On the day of Full Moon in Ashada month (Aadi in
 Tamil), it is good to see a halo around the moon. The observation must start right from the time
Full moon is sighted in the evening and continues till dawn. The duration is divided into 3 parts
of 4 hours each.
         If the halo is seen around the moon in the first 4 hours after Moon-rise, it means it will rain well
in the lunar month of Aswayuja (October- November).

         If the halo is seen around the moon in the 2nd  4 hours after Moon-rise, it means it will rain well
in the lunar month of Kaarthika (November - December).

         If the halo is seen around the moon in the 3rd and the last 4 hours after Moon-rise, it means it
will rain well in the lunar month of Margashira (December- January).

If halos are seen around planets such as Jupiter and Venus, that also indicates good rainfall.
But halos must not be seen around Mars and Saturn.
 
(3)   Halo around Sun and the Moon for immediate rainfall

         Generally when the colour of the halo is white, milky white, silverish, or glossy in complete
circle around the sun or the moon, that ensures good rains to come.

         If the halo is tinged with peacock blue, that ensures immediate rains. 
         If the halo is found closer to Sun / Moon, it foretells rains in places away from where the on-
looker sees it.

         If the halo is found as a circle away from the disc of sun or Moon , it shows rains may arrive at
any time at the place of the on-looker.

         If the halo is thick and bright, the rainfall will be heavy.

         If the halo is broad, the rainfall will be on wider area.

Conclusion:
  
Major tips on rainfall prediction of Vedic seers have been covered so far in the 7 articles of this
series. One can observe that almost all of them are scientific and not dogmatic. They are derived
from observational meteorology and astronomy and cross checked with rainfall in a particular
place. Most of them are not part of today’s science of meteorology, but it would be beneficial if
modern science of meteorology takes them into account – of course after checking them. After
all, today’s science of meteorology is only a few centuries old whereas this wisdom of seers had
been in place for a known period of minimum of 2000 years and more. In olden days – not long
ago – until the traditional system of education was replaced by today’s education, this was one of
the main topics taught and studied in schools of astrology.

This compilation has been done to spread awareness about this indigenous knowledge of rainfall
prediction methods and encourage common man to take them up and judge the rainfall season in
HIS own place.  Though Monsoon arrival may be predicted by modern meteorological tools,
how much and how long it will rain in a given place cannot be predicted accurately by the
modern science. But this ancient wisdom helps even a common man to assess the rainfall
behaviour in his own place for the whole season. The methods written in this series can be
checked for a reasonable period of 5 to 9 years to derive more reliable methods for the current
times. The Tamil version of this is also being brought out. Those who want to use this work are
free to do so, but with due acknowledgements.