The Farmer's Song, a revealed Science ( the Krishi Geetha )

The International Astronomical Union had standardised all the constellations of the Sidereal Zodiac and the exact boundaries fixed in 1930. . But none of the Indian names figure in the list of the IAU, despite the fact that India had one of the earliest astronomical cultures.

That the ancient Babylonians, the Hindus and the Egyptians had deep and independent knowlege of the Heavens is an undisputed fact. The names of fabled heroes, animals and deities were assigned to the constellations. Those who followed the ” Star of Bethlehem” had come from these pagan cultures. The ascendency of Sirius marked the resuscitation of the Nile, after a long dry spell.Edava Pathi transformed the hot, parched landscape of Kerala into a lush green Paradise, a tropical wet system, as per the German climatologist Koppen !

The Indian system is far more comprehensive. It deals with the Sidereal Zodiac, which begins from 0 degrees of Beta Arietis ( Aswini ) and ends at the 360th degree of Zeta Piscium ( Revathi ). As the Sun moves roughly one degree per day, the solar transit of a 30 degree Sign is 30 days and a constellation is 13.33 days ( as the constellation is 13 degrees and 20 minutes ). A Njattuvela is a solar transit of a constellation of 13 degrees 20 minutes and hence the duration is 13.33 days.

The Malayalam Era is known as Kolla Varsham and it was compiled by a man from Kollam. It is derived from the Ursa Major Cycle ( The Saptharshi Yuga ). Staying in a constellation for 100 years, the Ursa Major makes a retrograde circuit of the Zodiac, known as the Ursa Major Cycle. Hence the Ursa Major Cycle is 2700 years ( 27*100).

All other calenders deal only with the 12 signs of the Tropical Zodiac and hence is superficial.

The book “The Farmer’s Song’ , Krishi Geetha deals with the effects of the solar transits of constellatons. Legend has it that Parasurama, one of the ten incarnations of the Lord, after destroying the tyrants, was seized with remorse. In order to expiate for his sins, he distributed the lands he had conquered to spiritual people. In higher states of Consciousness, he received higher instructions how to make the land fertile, how to plant, when to plant and when to reap, according to the solar transits. The result of his great pyshic research was ‘ The Farmer’s Song” , the Krishi Geetha. This is a revealed science, like allVedic sciences.

The Fivefold Ephemeris, the Panchanga

The Ephemeris is fivefold

Vaara, Day of the Week, named after the Seven Revolving Heavens
Thaara, the Star, the lunar transit of a constellation
Thidhi, the Lunation, 12 degrees
Karana, 6 degrees or Half Lunation
Nithya Yoga, longitude of Sun + longitude of Moon

Those who follow Astrology follow the Panchanga, which gives all astro information. For corporate merges, weddings and other auspicious events, thePanchanga is used. The Panchangas use the Indian calculation of Nazhikas ( 24 minutes ) and Vinazhikas ( 24 seconds ). The Zodiac Software converts theseNazhikas into hours and minutes.

Thaara is the Lunar transit of a constellation while Njattuvela is the solar. The Panchanga and the Astro Calender gives all info about these transits.

The six Seasons of the Astro Calender are Vasanta ( Aries, Taurus), Greeshma ( Gemini, Cancer ), Varsha ( Leo, Virgo ), Sharat ( Libra, Scorpio ), Hemanta ( Sagittarius, Capricorn) and Sisira ( Aquarius, Pisces ). Thau Dau Rithu - Two months make a Rithu or a season.

During Makam Njattuvela, Sesame can be planted ( Maghathinte mukhathu ellu erinjal kutathinte mukhathu kaanaam )

Never plant anything during Pooyam Njattuvela ( Pooyathil nattal puzhuthu pokum ).
For planting all , Aswathi Njattuvela is good.
For mango trees, Bharani Njattuvela is best.

Thiruvathira Njattuvela is the most famous. It is known for vegetative propagation.
Rohini Njattuvela is good for trees.
Atham Njattuvela is good for bananas.

The Zodiac Software computes all these transits. We had given the formulae for generating the Panchanga and the Astro Calender.

Thiruvathira Njattuvela begins at 0943 AM today

Thiruvathira Njattuvela, the most famous of all Njattuvelas, begins today.

Amongst all solar transits, Thiruvathira is most favoured, as it gives equal proportion of rains and sunny days. The ancients used to preserve the water during this solar transit of 14 days. This water was used to prepare medicinal concoctions. It was believed that it was Ambrosia that rained during Thiruvathira.

The India Meteorological Dept says that Monsoon is 28% more than normal in the South and it is less than 8% in the North and East. Only after observation of the Monsoon in the East and North, will they declare it as a good monsoon.

The ancients believed that anything sown during this Sun's transit of Alpha Orionis ( Aridra ) will fructify.

There is an interesting story about this phase. The King gave pepper seeds to the East India Company. One of his ministers said " If we give them the seeds, they will stop buying from us ". To which the King replied " They can take away pepper seeds, but not Thiruvathira " !

I was woken up at 0100 AM today by the sound of lightning. It was raining heavily at that time.

In Malayalam, there are many sayings about this golden phase. " Thirumuthiyathe peythu nirayum Thiruvathira" ( It will be raining golden water all the time ) and " Kairviral vare odichu nattal mulakkum" ( Even the fingers cut and sown will fructify ).

This is the maximum rain yielding Njattuvela. The ancients believed that the rainwater of Thiruvathira can cure diseases and this water was used to make marunnu kanji or medicinal rice soup ! They believed that rains used to pour according to the raga " Thiru Thiru Thakritheya " !

Kerala farmers love this solar transit because rains will not be there all the time but with sunny interludes, in balanced proportion of 50:50. Unlike the devastating Makiryam and Pooyam Njattuvelas, which are characterised by fierce downpours.

We do not know what Physical Science says about these transits. But to Keralites, weather cycles are inextricably linked to the Sun's transits !

Jupiter moved to watery Pisces and rains are coming !

It rained for one hour at 0200 AM today. The earth is showing signs of becoming green.

Saturn in Virgo has created a drought like situation and Sun in Pisces and Sun in Aquarius have given some heat waves. Many have suffered due to sunstroke. Jupiter moved over to Pisces on May 2 and hence the change in climate. Venus, the watery planet, in his own house in Taurus also is a favourable indication.

Now that rains have started to come, we cannot afford to be complacent. Green Kerala is beautiful because of the rains, because the wells, the rivers, the lakes, the water tanks and the paddy fields act as Nature's rainwater harvesting centers. But, of late, increasing urbanisation and destruction of the natural habitat and holy groves created a drought like situation.

There was no water in the main river, Bharatpuzha.

There is scientific reason is revering Nature and her forests and holy groves. God is basically an Unknown, but His manifestation, the Relative Being, is Nature. The ancients saw Nature and her forests and her holy groves as divine. The Divine Immanent is the basic principle of Pantheism.

Holy groves are known as Kaavus. They are amidst trees. Large scale evangelisation has led to the destruction of the holy groves !

Even though the rains have started to come, we still caution the people against destroying paddy fields, water wells, water tanks and ponds, which act as natural rainwater harvesting centers. Please respect Water and Water Management. ( In Africa 550 million people do not have access to clean, drinking water ).

We are now happy that the rains have come. Now we will be able to sing with Goethe

The earth grew green and burst in flower to meet me !

Airy Saturn in earthly Virgo !

Saturn in Virgo has created a draught like situation, even in water rich Kerala. Green Kerala is beautiful because of the heavy rainfalls and looks gorgeous in June/July, when the Rain gods favour her.

It has not rained for the last two days. Rains are expected in the sidereal months of Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo.

Here are the rainfall cycles of Kerala

Edavam - The sidereal month of Taurus, when rains start to come. After 15 th May. When the Sun enters sidereal Taurus

Edava Pathi - The second half of Taurus, after 01 June. Rains are here to stay.

Makiryam Jnattuvela - After 7th May. This period is characterised by fierce rains. When the Sun enters the constellation of Mrigasira.

Thiruvathira Jnattuvela - After 22 May, when Sun enters the constellation of Aridra. Rains continous.

Punartham Jnattuvela - Fierce but intermittent rains. When the Sun enters the constellation of Punarvasu.

The Vedic seers gave prime importance to rains. This is indicated by their prayer

May there be plenty of rains and may the earth become fertile.

( Kale Varshe thu parjanya Prithvi Shasya Shalinee ).


Destruction of Kerala Ecology

Dogmatic Theology and their followers are ignorant of the Laws of Nature. They maintain that the Creator and the Created are totally different. It is the Creator who has become the Created and Nature is He in Manifestation.

Cattle like people , devoid of scientifc and philosophic knowledge, have destroyed the holy groves and paid scant respect to Nature. Their ignorance, bigotry and hatred have destroyed the vast treasures of our race. Mass deforestation has been resorted to by them. ( Another set of dogmatists are responsible for increasing labour charges, which had led to owners abandoning their paddy fields, whch are not now viable. The paddy fields have now become parched and have a desert, semi arid look) . Now they are reaping for their misdeeds as they face a water deficient land !

What the water rich land was

Kerala lies close to the equator, compared to other Indian provinces. A pleasant and equitable climate characterise this Nature blessed land. This is because of the state's proximity to the sea and the presence of the fort Western Ghats on the east. Kerala would have been an arid land, if not for the Western Ghats which prevent dry winds from entering the land. Kerala used to get copious rain ( almost 3000 mm ) in a year. Earlier the temperature used to range from 28 degrees to 32 degrees ( Now it is 42 degrees ) on the plains and 20 degrees in the highlands. The Highlands of Kerala, tourist attraction centers, enjoy a cool and invigorating climate the year-round.

Now the time is ripe for the South West Monsoon, which begins from the end of May or early June, with the advent of the South West Monsoon Winds. Torrential rain characterise this phase. Being the first state to be hit by the monsoon winds and lying on the windward side of the mighty Western Ghats, Kerala receives immense rains.

85% of the rains received in Kerala are due to the monsoons. Monsoon Tourism will take off from June onwards. The slopes of the Western Ghats are amongst the regions in India which receive great rains. The South West Monsoon in Kerala lasts till the end of September.

Mars moves over to Leo on 26th and rains will come

Mars, the fiery planet. in the watery sign of Cancer, afflicts the watery sign. He moves over to fiery Leo on 26th May. Rains are expected after this date.

Venus, the watery planet in Gemini and Jove in the watery sign of Pisces are both favourable indications.

Rains have been there in all parts of Kerala, but they are only short and not fierce. We are seeing regional rains. When it is raining in Guruvayur, there are no rains in Trichur Dist.

Now well water has a yellowish hue. Only after the rains will we get clear water. In our village well, after one hour of pumping, the water turned white. After the rains, we get water which is beautifully blue. Nature is wise, Nature is Almighty

I follow two philosophers this way
It was Nature, Nature - all I heard them say ( Goethe )

Climate Change, triggered by Global Warming, has diminished the rains. The unsustainable attitude of humans is taking a toll on the Environment. Gone are our water reservoirs. Last year the rains were less. Only 50% of what it used to be.

Let us respect the Laws of Divine Nature. More about Environment at United Nations Environment Programme

Rains grace Kerala !

Even though on a small scale, rains have graced Kerala. It started at about midnight yesterday.

When I woke up at six, rains had lashed Trichur. Then it rained for one hour more. Black clouds hover all around. The rainy season has begun.

The rainy season in Kerala starts from the half of Karthika Jnattuvela ( when the Sun transits the constellation of Karthika ) to Thrikketta Jnattuvela ( when the Sun traverses the constellation of Jyeshta ). Almost seven months.

From May 25, Rohini Jnattuvela ( when the Sun transits the constellation of Rohini) takes over, accelerating rains.

Let us hope that the drought like atmosphere and high heat ( 42 degrees in Kerala and 47 degrees in Nagpur ) has ended !

The Center has identified Kashmir, Kerala, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh as four top spots for Monsoon Tourism. Arabs and others in desert lands find Monsoon Tourism a high experience. It is fun to go in houseboats, with the background of the rains !

Rains to accelerate after Edava Pathi ( South West Monsoon )

After three days of dark clouds, lightning and rainfall, Kerala is back to normal.

Rains are expected to accelerate after Edava Pathi, which starts on May 29, when the Sun transits the 15th degree of Sidereal Taurus.

Jupiter in watery Pisces, Mars in Leo and Venus in Gemini should bring rains to Kerala.

Monsoons have been defined as sea breezes or wind systems. A wind system which reverses direction seasonally, blowing from the southwest for six months and from northeast for six months. Its extreme examples are in South Asia and Africa. Winds which influence climatic seasons, with concomitant rainfalls !

Annual temperature trends over sea and land are the causes of the monsoons. Monsoons normally blow from cold regions towards warmer regions. They blow from the sea towards land during summer and from land towards sea during winter.

Of all monsoons, the South West Monsoon is the largest. This Asian monsoon is the atmospheric response to the shift of the overhead Sun, from the Tropic of Capricorn in December to the Tropic of Cancer in June.

India lies exactly on the Tropic of Cancer, the apparent position of the Sun at the summer solstice. It is 23 degrees and 27 minutes ( which is the maximum declination of the Sun ) north of the Equator. India also lies on the equator. Pakistan lies north and is more drier than India. Pak does not get these monsoons.

Edava Pathi, the South West Monsoon

In June, Sun is almost at the Tropic of Cancer and northen part of the Indian subcontinent becomes very hot. During summer, the northern and central side of India and the Thar desert heat up considerably, causing a low pressure area over the central and northern Indian subcontinent. The Indian Ocean sends moisture laden winds, to restore the balance of Nature. These moisture rich winds move towards mighty Himalayas, creating wind blowing storm clouds towards the subcontinent. Himalayas block these winds from entering Central Asia, thus propelling them to rise. The clouds gain immense altitude, temperature drops sharply and thus precipitation occurs !

Thula Varsham, the North East Monsoon

In December, Sun is almost at the Tropic of Capricorn ( 23 degrees 27 minutes south of the Equator ) and the Indian Ocean becomes hot and the northern land mass of India becomes cool. Hence winds rush from the cold North to the South . The cold winds blow from the northen subcontinent, sweeping down on the Himalayas and the Indo- Gangetic plains, towards the comparitively hot Indian Ocean. This is known as the North East Monsoon or rather the Retreating Monsoon and this causes Thula Varsham, the rains caused by the Sun's ingress into sidereal Libra. These cold winds from the North pick up some moisture from the Bay of Bengal and rains hit Sri Lanka & India. Madras receives rains and 60% of the rains received by Tamil Nadu is from this monsoon.

The eastern parts of the Western Ghats do not get the SW Monsoon and hence places like Madras do not get its blessings. Madras gets the North East Monsoon in Oct-Nov, after Karkyadi ( when the Sun enters the first degree of Cancer ), when the Sun retreats South ( Dakshinayana ), when the northern side of the Indian subcontinent becomes cool and the cool winds precipitate the North East Monsoon.

Physiologists like Dr Walter Cannon ( The Wisdom of the Body ) talked about self regulating mechanisms or homeostatic control systems in the body physiologic. Arent these monsoons the homeostatic or self regulating control systems of Divine Nature ?

One is reminded of a verse from Longfellow

Nothing that is shall perish utterly
But shall revive again
As clouds restore through rain
The exhalations of the land and the sea !

BioDynamics and Astro Meteorology

Biodynamics is part of Anthroposophy, the system developed by Rudolf Steiner. According to this method of Organic Farming, all farms are individual organisms. BD emphasises balancing the interrelationship of plants, animals, soil etc with its holistic development as a self nourishing system, sans external inputs.

BD is practised in 50 countries worldwide today. BD developed as a result of 8 lectures given by the founder of Anthroposophy, R Steiner. Steiner prescribed nine different preparations to aid fertilisation. He believed that these preparations transferred celestial and terrestrial forces into the soil The first two are used for preparing fields and the other seven for making compost. Field preparations included buring cow dung into the soil.

Astronomic Planting Calender

The farmers of India use the Calender for planting seedlings. For instance, normally the planting of seeds is done on Vishu 8, when the Sun enters the 8th degree of sidereal Aries. The phases of the Moon and other celestial influences on soil and plant development are considered.

The Vedic Calender is sidereal and is based on the twelve months starting from Mesha ( Aries ) to Meena ( Pisces).The farmers of Kerala say that if you dont water the plants during the summer months of Capricorn, Aquarius & Pisces, you will get no agri product in Gemini and Cancer. Aries is chosen for planting because it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the rainy season in Kerala. As the Sun stops his Northern progress ( Uttarayana ) and starts his Southern progress ( Dakshinayana ), the cold winds from the Indian Ocean hit the Himalayas and orographically enhanced precipitation occurs. Actually the winds are south easterly, but because of the Coriolis Force, produced by the rotation of the earth, the winds become south westerly. The six months from Makara ( Capricorn ) are Uttarayana ( Sun's declination north ) and six months from Kataka ( Cancer ) is his Dakshinayana ( Sun's declination south ).

The word monsoon is derived from the Sanskrit "masam" and the Hindi "mausam". From the 15th of Edavam ( Taurus ), on May 29th, as the South West Moonsoon hits coastal Kerala first, Kerala gets plenty of rains and when rains subside in September, Thula Varsham or the North East Monsoon steps in with rains again and the farmers of Kerala do not have to water their plants till Dhanus ( Sagittarius ). Only during the five months, from Dhanus ( Sagittarius ) to Mesha ( Aries), the plants need water from sources other than the sky and the farmer can relax in the next seven months ! Blessed are Keralites as they are graced by the South West and the North East Monsoons !

The Indian Astro Calender

As the Sun entered the 15th degree of Taurus, Edava Pathi began in right earnest. When I woke up at 0230 AM, it was raining cats and dogs.

The rains must have continued for one hour. It was accompanied by lightning. Let us hope that Global Warming has not triggered Climate Change to that extent and we will be receiving some rains !

Unlike the Gregorian Calender, the Vedic Astro Calender gives the positions of the celestial bodies. For instance, today is Edavam 15th and we know that the Sun is in the 15th degree of Taurus. Today the Calender shows Thrikketta, which means that the Moon is in the constellation of Thrikketta and is in Scorpio. The Calender gives the Jnattuvelas and the Rohini Jnattuvela started on the 25th. So we are in Edava Pathi, in the midst of Rohini Jnattuvela. Rains will be sporadic but will accelerate as Makiryam, Thiruvathira, Punartham and Pooyam Jnattuvelas take over.

The Western Calender is based on the Tropical Zodiac ( from the First degree of Aries to the 360th degree of Pisces ) and we find that the Vernal Equinoctial Point recedes one degree every 72 years. ( This is the astro phenomenon of the Precession of the Equinoxes ) Hence in the Tropical Zodiac, the First Point of Aries moves ! The Vedic Calender is based on the Sidereal Zodiac and is counted from the First Degree of Beta Aries ( Aswini ) to the 360th degree of Zeta Piscium ( Revathi ).

As the First Point of Aries moves in the Tropical Zodiac, some adjustments should be done in the Western Calender. Pope Gregory modified the Julian Calender by 12 days and the present Calender came to be known after him - the Gregorian Calender. Seasons were changing and Western astronomers were worried. So Pope Gregory added 12 more days to the Julian Calender ! Like, today is Oct 2nd and tomorrow is Oct 14th !

The Vedic Calender, as it is based on the constellations of the fixed stars or rather the Sidereal Zodiac, is static and does not change. All Indian Astrology is Sidereal.

So we find that, to the man of Wisdom, the Gregorian Calender is of no use. The Vedic gives all astro information and is informative indeed !

More info about Astrology at eAstroVedica.

The Social Relevance of Vishu, the Planting Season of Kerala

We have said that Vishu 8 or the Sun's entry into the eighth degree of sidereal Aries, is the time for the farmers to sow.

Vishu or the solar ingress into Aries, is celebrated all over Kerala. This is the dawn of a new Agricultural Year, as it marks the end of the hot seasons of Kumbha ( Aquarius ) and Meena ( Pisces ). Temperature touching 43 degrees is disconcerting. Vishu is the heralder of the two monsoons, the South West and the North East.

The Vedic Calender is astro-meteorological and the farmers know when to sow and when to reap. So the best time to sow is in Medam or Mesha or Aries. Anything planted after this date will fructify, as the Edava Pathi or the South West Moon takes over in June and the Thula Varsham or the North East Monsoon takes over in Oct-Nov.

In traditional farming, plants and trees need watering on alternative days. Now both monsoons ensure that plants and trees will be watered by Nature !. Hence the green landscape engineering done by Nature makes Kerala beauteous !

When the Sun reaches its maximum declination at 23 degrees 27 mins South, at the Tropic of Capricorn, ( the end of Dakshinayana ), the Indian Ocean becomes hot & the northern places of the Indian subcontinent become cool. Then we find the phenomenon of cool winds condensing to form clouds, picking up moisture laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, sweeping down on the Himalayas and the Indo Gangetic plains and pouring over peninsular India. Kerala also gets these rains and hence the South West Monsoon which ends in September is replaced by the North East Monsoon and this rainy season or watering by Nature continues till Dhanus, the 15th of December ! Hence the tourists find Kerala enchanting, because of the green landscape architecture effectuated by Mother Nature !

India is an agrarian economy, dependent heavily on the monsoons. In 1895, the rains never came and India experienced drought and famine. The monsoons can also be destructive. Trees are uprooted, cables smashed, houses destroyed as a result of poor infrastructure. In 2008, our paddy fields were flooded due to heavy rains and the nearby inhabitants had to be evacuated. Despite its potential for destruction, monsoons are generally welcomed, as it liberate the natives from the blistering heat of Kumbha (Aquarius ) and Meena ( Pisces ).

Vishu marks the beginning of Vasanta Rithu, the first of the six seasons.

Farmers in Kerala say that

the seeds sown on Aswathi Jnattuvela ( the Sun's transit of the first 13 degrees of Aries )
and mango seeds sown on Bharani Jnattuvela ( the Suns's transit of the constellation of Bharani )

will fructify.

The best time for planting cocounut trees is on Patham Udayam, the Tenth Rising of the Sun, when Sun enters the tenth degree of Aries.

So Vishu is an agricultural festival, based on the Wisdom of the Heavens and not a religious festival !

The Jnattuvelas are the contribution of Kerala Astrology. Another contribution of K A is Gulika, the son of Saturn and Trisphuta, the Triune Longitude. Kerala Horary Astrology is supposed to be the best.

More info about Kerala at Kerala Heritages.

The Solar Transit of Lamda Orionis ( Makiryam Njattuvela ) Strikes Malabar Coast

Fierce rains lash Kerala. It is now raining heavily, here in Trichur. Rains started at 1130 AM and are now continuing at 0400 PM. (110610)

We had indicated in our columns that rains will accelerate after Makiryam, Thiruvathira, Punartham and Pooyam Njattuvelas . These four Njattuvelas are considered to be fierce, compared to other Njattuvelas. Markiryam Njattuvela started on the 8th of June.

Kerala receives almost 2500 mm rainfall from the South West Monsoon and almost 500 mm from the North East Monsoon.

Average monthly rainfall in Kerala in mm

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
14 16 36 110 252 653 687 404 252 270 158 45

The Ancient Seers prayed for rains, rains which will liberate us from the blistering heat, rains which will water our plants and trees, rains which will give us the much needed water.

May the rulers be just
May the world be happy
May there be plenty of rains
May the earth become fertile
May the good be fearless
May people become angerless !

Swasthi prajabhyam paripalayantham
Nyayena Margena Maheem Maheesa
Go brahmanebhya shubhamasthu nithyam
Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu
Kale Varshe thu parjanya
Prithvee sasya salinee
Lokoyam kshobha rahitha
Sajjana santhu nirbhaya



Now at 0730 PM on 120610, it is still raining. We have had 30 hours of incessant rain. The water levels in the reservoirs were abysmally low and Kerala Electricity Board was worried two days before. There was only water to generate 8 millions units. ( Kerala's power is 99% hydroelectric ). The discharge from the heavens was providential. Now this glorious rain must have boosted the water levels. Thank God, no power cuts !

We are still watching the climate. Just to see whether Global Warming has effected a change. We got only 1000 mm rainfall last year. This year we are bound to get more. The 825 km Malabar Coast, from Mumbai to Cape Comorin, gets maximum rainfall and will Global Warming affect this bounty adversely? Let us watch and see !

Nature Divine is homeostatic, Nature is liberal, giving us everything at the correct time. Does She not give us watery fruits like cucumber and water melons during the hot summer season? She knows what is best for us. Natural Philosophy ( Sankhya ) postulates that the main efficient cause is Nature ( pradhanam prakritim prahuh ). Goethe, Paracelsus, Companella, Kapila, Bruno etc were all natural philosophers.

Nature is the Main Cause
For the Causal Equation !
Purusha ( Self ) is He who enjoys
Dejection and Elation.

Karya Karana Karthruthve
Hetu Prakriti uchyathe
Purusha Sukha Dukhanam
Bhoktritvam Hetur uchyathe ( The Holy Geetha )

"To the philosopher, Nature and the Divine are one Being, acting by necessity and by inexorable Law " averred Spinoza.

What Alexander Pope said about Providence

(Who finds not Providence all good and wise
Alike in what it gives and what denies ?)

should be said about Nature.

Who finds not Nature all good and wise
Alike in what it gives and what denies?

And Wordsworth confirmed Her fidelity

"Nature never did betray the heart that loved Her."

GDP to be more than 9% this fiscal

What has the nation's GDP growth got to do with the monsoon ? Everything !

The India Meterological Dept is considering declaring the monsoon to be a " good monsoon ", in sharp contrast with the 2009 monsoon, which was more or less a failure.

A good monsoon means rising water levels in the reservoirs and dams. More power. It will raise farm output, control inflation ( particularly food inflation, which was 17.6% ) and spur economic growth.

60% of arable land is rain-fed. Hence monsoon showers are critical to soya bean, edible oil, sugarcane, rice etc. In India, the Monsoon is the real Finance Minister !

Because of the bad monsoon of 2009, Indian agri growth rose only .2%. On the other hand, this year's monsoon will trigger 2.5 % agri growth and 8.5 % GDP growth. If India has sufficient infrastructure, the GDP growth will be more than 10%. A 4% agri growth forecast, many feel, will be too ambitious. Also a double digit GDP growth forecast !

Astro Meteorology is right again. The South West Monsoon hit Kerala on May 19th, from Karthika Njattuvela ( Sun's transit of Eta Tauri ) onwards, slightly ahead of schedule. Sporadic rains characterised both Karthika and Rohini Njattuvelas ( Sun's transit of Alpha Tauri ). Rains accelerated after Makiryam Njattuvela ( Sun's transit of Lamda Orionis ). From 11th, 1130 AM onwards it has been raining incessantly. It is raining heavily now ( 13062010, 0300 PM ). There were non stop rains for 30 hours.

Tamil Nadu never used to get the South West Monsoon. But this time she got it ! There were rains in Bangalore and Surat.

As Thiruvathira Njattuvela ( Sun's transit of Alpha Orionis ) will take over from 22nd June onwards, we expect the IMD to declare this monsoon as an " excellent monsoon".

Farmers use Thiruvathira Njattuvela for planting seeds, particularly beans and pepper.

Timely onset of monsoon has raised hopes of better production. The sugar output will be around 18.5 million tonnes this year.

As the Summer Season can be destructive ( more than 100 people died due to sunstroke ) monsoons can also be destructive. Fishermen are warned not to venture into the sea. The sea has attacked some 50 houses in Chavakkad Beach. Seven fishing boats were devoured by the sea. Winds at 60 km per hour are lashing Kerala. Those who are living on the low lying areas of Kerala are warned. On the positive side, rivers are overflowing, paddy fields are overflowing and wells, ponds, and lakes are full of water.

Edava Pathi & Its Two Branches

As the Sun enters the 15th degree of Taurus or Edava Pathi, the Arabian Sea Branch of the South West Monsoon first lash the Western Ghats, the rainforests of India, normally around May 29. The Western Ghats of coastal Kerala becomes the first place to receive it. This branch moves northwards along the Western Ghats, with precipitation on the coastal areas. ( coastal Kerala, coastal Karnataka and coastal Maharashtra . Bombay, on coastal Maharashtra, receives it on June 10th ). As the winds do not cross the Western Ghats, the eastern areas of the Ghats do not receive this precipitation.

At around the same time, the Bay of Bengal Branch of the S W Monsoon, picks up moisture laden particles from the Bay of Bengal and moves towards North East India, flowing over the Bay of Bengal. Immense rain mark the entry of these winds at the Eastern Himalayas. Shillong, on the southern slopes of the mighty Himalayas, is one of the most moist places in India. The winds then turn west, travelling over the Indo Gangetic plains at a rate of 7/14 days per state, showering its benign precipitation all along its way.

In the heavens, Venus, the water planet, moved to watery Cancer on 09 June. Jupiter in watery Pisces also augurs well for rains. Last year, Jupiter was in the Saturnine ( hence airy ) sign of Capricorn, which never indicated rains !

The Solar Transit of Gemini

The solar month of Gemini ( Mithuna ) started on 15th June and will stretch upto 16th July. It is a month of 32 days. Gemini consists of two quarters of Lamda Orionis ( Makiryam ), four quarters of Alpha Orionis ( Thiruvathira ) and one quarter of Beta Geminorum (Punarvasu)

This month June came as a relief for those suffering from intense heat, particularly in the coastal areas of India. A drought like situation had prevailed due to Saturn in Virgo. This time the South West Monsoon will be strong and it will strengthen in the coming months. But then monsoons can be destructive also. Intense rains in Kerala may wreak havoc on the people living in low lying areas. The sea will be vicious and fishermen are warned not to go to sea. Bathing in rivers also is taboo. ( Some people have already lost their lives due to the rivers creating havoc ). Why did they foresake caution when the Sastras told them that these are the times of rainy Njattuvelas ?

Sasanthi ithi sasthram - meaning that Science is the friend, philosopher and guide of all humanity and is a beacon light to all. Those who know that now we are running the Solar transit of Lamda Orionis ( Makriyam Njattuvela ) will be careful and will avoid the sea, rivers, ponds, lakes etc. The destruction caused by the monsoons - the wise call it the Rain of Life and Death - can be terrible. But still monsoons are welcomed all over, as they can save man from the scorching heat and save us from drought !
Sasanath Thrayate iti shastram ( That which saves via instructions is called Science ). Hence all sciences, including Astro Meteorology, are indicative guides for all humankind.

So Kerala will get a lot of rains this year. Not only Kerala, but the entire Malabar Coast of 825 kms. Also there can be slight earthquakes. The North West places of India, Central India may be afflicted by crime and homicide.

The Solar Transit of Alpha Orionis ( Thiruvathira Njattuvela ) starts from 22nd June, 0943 AM. Thiruvathira will take over from where Makiryam left. There can be devastation in the paddy fields and some crops may be destroyed in Kerala. Jupiter will be in Uttarabhadra throughout. For those born in Rohini and Thiruvathira, this is not a good phase as health problems may afflict them. Also for those born in Makam and Pooram. Economic loss is indicated for those born in Uthram and Hasta. They should not speculate in June. They should turn to Meditation and prayer this month.
You can see Mercury on the North West Horizon, as Mercury rises 2 hours before Sunrise.

On 15th June, at 1021 AM, the Solar ingress into Gemini ( Mithuna ) took place. Jupiterian aspect on the Gemini Ascendant is auspicious. Also the Ascendant lord is in its own sign. Vicious attacks by the sea & landslides may occur in Kerala. The month of Mithuna will be favourable for Uthram borns. For those born in Pushya, Mithuna will not be so auspicious and they will have to face afflictions. They should fast on Sundays. Rohini borns will be afflicted mentally. For those born in Poorvashada, increase of enemies and economic loss indicated.

On June 26, the lunar eclipse will be at 0246 PM but will not be visible. It will last till 0732 PM. This time is auspicious for undertaking pilgrimages and for donating to the public. This eclipse will affect Pooradam, Thiruvathira and Punartham natives. Full Moon occurs on 25th, from 0414 PM to 26th 0501 PM. Those born in Ayilam, Thrikketa, Revathi, Makiryam, Aswathi, Makam, Moolam should pray and meditate during this phase.