Day – 8 of Garbottam year 2015-26 – wet Navaratri.

The 8^th day of Garbottam of 2015-2016 began after 5 PM on 5^th January 2016 and ended after 5 PM on 6^th January 2016.

The 195^th day effect in my place of observation will be on 16^th July 2016 extending after midnight till 3 AM in the next morning.

The corresponding fortnight will be from 26^th September to 10^th October 2016.

The 195^th day falls in the fortnight that corresponds to the 2nd day of Garbottam. This fortnight is between 5^th July and 19^th July when there will be 30% of the usual rainfall expected in that fortnight in my place of observation as per the Garbottam features on the 2^nd day.

So far the daily weather pattern for this period of July, based on 195^th day impact is keeping in line with the 2^nd day Garbottam.

If we recap the 195^th day impact, the 1^st day and the 2^nd day showed below average rainfall (around 30% of the season) for the corresponding fortnights.

The 2^nd day’s impact period was between 5^th July and 19^th July. This period was a little encouraging though the rainfall would be less than average.

In this period, only 9^th and 10^th of July 2016 (corresponding to 3^rd and 4^th days of Garbottam) indicated rainfall.

Thereafter 3 days would be dry (weak Garbottam on the next 3 days).

On 14^th July when Ashada Swati will be there, there is likely to be a weak drizzle. From then onwards till 16^th midnight some rainfall can be expected (7^th day of Garbottam).

The next day covering the day time of 16^th July and night time till 3 AM, corresponds to the 8^th day of Garbottam which will be discussed in this article. This day shows encouraging signs of Garbottam for 16^th July and also for the fortnight that starts before Mahalaya Amavasa or Navarathri.  

The observation of the 5 factors for day-8 are as follows:

(1) Wind:- Though the first part of the day (evening of 5^th January 2016) was still, breeze was felt in the morning of 6^th January. The gentle breeze continued for the rest of the day. The direction was North and North east. Anusham was the star transited by Moon when the breeze started. It must be windy at this star as a pre-indicator for good rains later and it was.

Result:- This is more than average factor for rainfall in the corresponding period as far as wind factor is concerned.

(2) Rain:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period. 

(3) Lightening:- Nil.

Result:-  Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(4) Thunder:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(5) Clouds:-  Clouds were abundant especially after 10 AM. Dark and white clouds were mixed across the sky. The horizon had huge clouds in blue colour. Aquatic shapes were largely missing, though garland like formations were seen. Fish like formations were sighted but they quickly got distorted.

 Result:- This factor is satisfactory.

3-some features:-

(1) Terrestrial :- Behaviour of birds and cows satisfactory. Since my area of observation is brimming with water bodies newly sighted after the recent rains, it was a delight to watch the lazy buffaloes plunging into the waters. Certainly the atmospherics is good if we go by the way animals and birds look relaxed and joyous.

(2) Atmospheric :- Of the 12 features noted in my blog on Garbottam, (1) gentle breeze was there throughout (2) clouds were pearl in colour and at times blue tinged. (3) Aquatic shaped clouds were less but clouds were huge and dense and everywhere (4) Wind direction was from the North and north east. (5) Even at noon Sun was hidden behind dark clouds. (6) The evening after 3 PM was cool and pleasant  (7) Sunset was pleasant.

(3) Planetary:- (1) Planets and stars appeared pale. It was surprising how the overcast sky became clear soon after sunset to give way for stars! By 10 PM the overhead stars (particularly Orion belt and its companions) were clearly visible though it looked that horizons were still occupied by clouds. (2) Except Jupiter all the other planets were in Southern declinations. Planets in northern declinations are desirable. (3) Sun was red in colour at the time of sun set.

Interpretation:-

The last quarter of the 8^th day seemed to have strong features of a good Garbottam. To quote Dr B.V. Raman on the chapter on Garbottam in Prasna Marga, “if the ‘pregnant’ clouds appear of the colour of silver or tamala leaf or of blue lotus or of collyrium, then the rain during the season will be profuse. If the pregnant clouds be exposed to the hot rays of the Sun or accompanied with gentle winds, then the rains that follows after 195 days will be excessive.”

This description fits with the sightings after noon on 6^th July (last quarter of the 8^th day).

This shows that there will be good rains on the 195^th day (16^th July 2016). Going by the principle of opposites, as the ‘pregnancy’ was noticed from noon to evening, rainfall will be from midnight to sunrise on 16^th – 17^th July. This 8^th day is a memorable one for Garbottam observation like the 3^rd day. To cross check with the corresponding days in July, I want to keep the memory of this day by posting here some photos of the sky.

(Click the pictures to enlarge)

Sun at 1-30 PM on 6^th January 2016.

Bluish dark clouds were moving towards the Sun.

The Sun and the clouds after a few minutes.

Sun peeping through the dark clouds after a few minutes.

The previous picture inverted – looks like an aquatic bird swimming in water!

Reddish Sun at sunset.

Looks like a perfect Garbottam with wind and clouds!

The corresponding fortnight between 26^th September and 10^th October 2016 is likely to see rainfall at night time in the last quarter of this fortnight in my place of observation. 

Navarathri Puja starts on 1^st October 2016. Normally it rains during this Puja in Chennai. The 8^th day Garbottam shows that rains will pick in my place of observation gradually after navarathri starts and would see good rains in the last 3 to 4 days of the Puja till Ayuda Puja on 10^th October which is the ending day of this fortnight that corresponds to the 8^th day of Garbottam.

As far as SW Monsoon is concerned, September 12^th September 2016 is one cut-off date as (1) Mercury- Venus closeness ended on that date and (2) the line of planets behind the Sun ended around that date. These two features are rainfall features that came to an end by 12^th September. So the peak of the season must be ended by that time.

However on 17^th and 18^th September 2016, another combination cropped up (Sun, Saturn and Mars in alternating signs) and we have to see how far this brief combination could influence rainfall of the SW season.

On 26^th September at the start of the fortnight corresponding to 8^th day Garbottam, planetary features in aid of SW Monsoon had become weak. It continues throughout the fortnight.

Though the planetary combinations do not support rainfall during Navaratri, the last quarter of the 8^th day Garbottam  in my place of observation shows that  Chennai and its suburbs are likely to receive Purattasi rains in the later part of Navarathri Puja.

Related articles:

Garbottam begins at 5 PM on 29th December 2015.

Day -1 of Garbottam and Arudra Pravesham.

Day - 2 of Garbottam, year 2015-16.

Day -3 of Garbottam year 2015-16

Day – 4 of Garbottam year 2015-16 is disappointing!

Day – 5 of Garbottam year 2015-16 - disappointing for Chennai but good for SW Monsoon.

Day – 6 of Garbottam year 2015-16, Swati day.

Day – 7 of Garbottam year 2015-16 is average.

Vegetarian diet was the spotlight of year 2015.

From

http://www.pcrm.org/nbBlog/fifteen-times-plant-based-diets-stole-the-spotlight-in-2015

Plant-based diets stole the spotlight in 2015 – US Physicians Committee

Plant-based diets stole the spotlight in 2015. Top advisors to the U.S. government voted for a vegan diet, a veggie burger was voted “best burger in the world,” and prominent figures from Miley Cyrus and Adele to the president of the American College of Cardiology sang the praises of plant-based diets.  

Here are 15 times that veggies took center stage in 2015:

1) When the World Health Organization Declared that Red and Processed Meats Cause Cancer: A large-scale international review published in Lancet Oncology in October concluded that red and processed meats are linked to cancer.

2) When a Veggie Burger Took the Top Prize: Where’s the beef? Not in the best burger in the world, according to GQ Magazine. In November, the magazine crowned New York City’s vegan Superiority Burger as best burger. The veggie burger’s win represents a shift in consumer preferences over the past year. More and more, people are pushing the beef off their plates. At the same time that McDonald’s closed more than 700 stores this year, demand has increased for plant-based fast-food and fast-casual restaurants, like New York’sBy Chloe and the West Coast’s Veggie Grill. Even a former McDonald’s CEO has left beef burgers behind: In November, Don Thompson joined the board of a veggie burger start-up company.

3) When Scott Jurek Crossed the Finish Line: In July 2015, ultramarathoner Scott Jurek became the fastest person to ever race through the 2,189-mile-long Appalachian Trail. Fueled entirely by a plant-based diet, he broke the world record by running about 50 miles per day for 46 straight days.

4) When the President of the American College of Cardiology Went Vegan: In July, Kim Williams, M.D., president of the American College of Cardiology, took the stage at the Physicians Committee’sInternational Conference on Nutrition in Medicine: Heart Disease to explain why he made the switch to a plant-based diet and why he recommends the same for his patients. The evidence that plant-based diets are best for heart health continued to mount in 2015. New studies show that vegetarian diets lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart attack, reverse angina, and lower the risk of heart disease in obese children.

5) When Beyoncé Was Crazy in Love with Veggies: Beyoncé’s music and fashion choices might create frequent media frenzies, but it was her menu making headlines earlier this year. In January, Queen Bey – inspired by how great she felt after her own 22-day vegan challenge – teamed up with Marco Borges and 22 Days Nutrition to launch a vegan meal delivery service. Also pushing plants into center stage in 2015? Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding, Jon Stewart, and Liam Hemsworth all raved about the many benefits of plant-based diets.

6) When Vegan Mayo Went Mainstream: In July, news broke that 7-Eleven made the switch to using vegan mayo in all prepared dishes.  It’s one of many reasons why following a plant-based diet became more convenient than ever in 2015. This year brought vegan meatballs to Ikea, veggie sliders to White Castle, and coconut milk to Starbucks. And due to popular demand, Ben & Jerry’s has been hard at work in 2015 creating a line of vegan ice cream, which will hit shelves next year.

7) When U.S. Government Advisors Voted for Plants: In February, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee released a scientific report acknowledging the power of plant-based diets to fight obesity and reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other common health problems. The report is being used to shape the upcoming 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which not only guides individual choices, but drives food and nutrition policy.

8) When Veggies Rocked the Lunch Line: In September, MUSE School CA became the nation’s first plant-powered K-12 school after debuting an all-vegan menu packed with bean-based chilis and fresh vegetable salads. Along with Meatless Mondays and vegetarian options, school gardens and nutrition education programs have all risen in popularity at schools in the U.S. These trends might explain why a study published in March found that fruit and vegetable intake is on the rise in schools.

9) When Vegetarian Diets Proved Best for Weight Loss: In January, a major meta-analysis conducted by the Physicians Committee and published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that adopting a vegetarian diet causes weight loss, even in the absence of exercise or calorie counting. Anotherstudy in July confirmed that compared to diets that contain meat, vegetarian and vegan diets are more effective for weight loss. Superstar singer Adele echoed the same sentiments, crediting her vegetarian diet for her recent weight loss.

10) When a Trucker Found the Road to Good Health: What’s the best way to fuel up? Bobby Andersen, a 45-year-old Mississippi truck driver, made the case for a plant-based diet this July, when his story became national news. After adopting a vegan diet, Andersen lost 65 pounds and dropped all of his medications – all while spending six days a week on the road.

11) When 340,000 Cancer Cases Could Have Been Prevented: The American Institute for Cancer Research states that a healthy diet and other lifestyle changes can prevent an estimated 340,000 cancer cases per year, and new research this year showed that plant-based diets may be protective against certain types of cancer. Vegan diets may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, be best for breast cancer survival, andprotect against colorectal cancer.

12) When Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminated the Protein Myth: In December, Arnold Schwarzenegger finally put the protein myth to rest, when he explained that vegetarian diets contain all the protein that bodybuilders and other athletes need. Throughout 2015, many athletes proved his point: Football player David Carter made headlines as the NFL’s “300-pound vegan,” Serena Williams continued to wow crowds with her tennis skills and became The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, and NBA star Ben Gordon felt “lighter and faster” after making the switch to a plant-based diet. Sports fans weren’t left out either in 2015. U.S. ballparks and stadiums are championing vegan options, while the “world’s first vegan football team” became the first UK football club to serve an entirely plant-based menu.

13) When the Cleveland Clinic Said Bye Bye to Big Macs: In September, the nation’s top hospital for heart health announced the termination of its contract with McDonald’s, becoming one of at least four hospitals to cut ties with the fast-food chain this year. It’s a sign that hospitals are prioritizing nutrition for patient health. In Connecticut, New Milford Hospital spent 2015 serving fresh salads filled with vegetables grown on the hospital’s rooftop, while Garth Davis, M.D., wrote out prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables at the “Farmacy” stand in the lobby at Houston’s Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center.

14) When a Journalist’s Vegan Meals Made Headlines: When prominent food journalist Mark Bittmanwrote his last regular column for the New York Times in September, many wondered about his next step. In November, he announced that he would be joining a vegan meal-kit delivery startup. Bittman made the move because he wanted to help save lives, noting that “helping people eat less junk and processed food and fewer animal products will improve their health.”

15) When Vegan Options Took Off at U.S. Airports: Seventy-one percent of restaurants at the busiest U.S. airports now offer at least one healthful plant-based option, according to the 2015 Airport Food Review. From Vegetarian mango stir-fry at Baltimore/Washington International Airport to roasted beet salads with arugula at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, it’s easier than ever for travelers to find healthful optionson the fly.

Vegetarianism saves your heart whereas meat kills your heart!

 Eating habits and other lifestyle factors play a large role in the risk of heart disease. But heart disease can usually be prevented and even reversed with a plant-based diet, says Physicians Committee of the USA (here).

A new research report confirms that heart disease can be dramatically improved—and even reversed—by a plant-based diet.

Researchers from this study counseled 198 patients with cardiovascular disease on a diet free of fish, meat, dairy, and added oils. Of the 89 percent of participants who followed the diet, 81 percent improved their symptoms and experienced fewer complications from heart disease.

In addition, those participants lost an average of 18.7 pounds, while 22 percent saw a complete reversal of their condition. This study employed a nutritional training program that eliminated both added oils and animal products.(here)

On the other hand, processed meats can double your risk of dying of heart failure, according to a new study published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation: Heart Failure.

Researchers followed the diets of 37,035 men for almost 12 years as part of the Cohort of Swedish Men study.

For each 50 gram serving of processed meat, about the size of a regular hot dog, heart failure risk increased by 8 percent, and the chances of dying from heart failure increased by 38 percent.

Read more about processed meat here.

Day – 7 of Garbottam year 2015-16 is average.

The 7^th day of Garbottam of 2015-2016 began after 5 PM on 4^th January 2016 and ended after 5 PM on 5^th January 2016.

The 195^th day effect in my place of observation will be after the midnight of 14^th July till 2 AM on 16^th July 2016.

The corresponding fortnight will be from 13^thSeptember to 26^th September 2016.

After 3 days of lacklustre features, Garbottam seems to have picked up on the 7^th day. Earlier the 3^rd day was a memorable one with fine, gentle winds and cloudiness for most part of the day thereby reducing the heat. Though the 7^th day is no match to the 3^rd day, the atmosphere was somewhat active throughout the day and even since sunset the previous day.

The 7^th day started with a pinkish sunset, though a reddish sunset is desirable.  There was long crocodile like cloud in swimming mode seen in pink at the time of sunset.

The morning also saw long streaks of clouds in pink. Right from morning the sky looked alive with bunches of clouds moving and gentle winds blowing. The winds blew almost throughout the day, keeping up with moon in Vishaka (Moon in Swati, Vishaka, Anusha and Jyeshta must see windy days).

Aquatic forms of clouds were rare in the day time, though I could spot a tortoise-like one around noon in the northern sky.

A swan shape was formed but it quickly got dissipated.

Keeping up with Garbottam rule, the winds were gently blowing from the north. The clouds were hiding the sun even at mid day and sunset. The sun’s rays were scorching the clouds with the result that clouds were glowing with halo at the edges and darkness at the body.

The clouds hiding the sun at 1-15 PM on 5^th January 2016 (7^th day of Garbottam).

There was even a garland like cloud seen around 1 -15 PM. It did a make delightful sight  to see the clouds spread all over the horizon and the run- away ones chasing the Sun in mid sky.

The basic Garbottam features with wind and clouds were there. However the missing reddishness in the sun at sunset and failure of formation of aquatic animals in the clouds do reduce the strength of Garbottam.

At the planetary level Mercury- Venus conjunction continues in Cancer (watery sign) with Venus 1 degree ahead of Mercury, on the corresponding 195^th day. This is a very good rainfall yoga.  Already the 2^nd day of Garbottam showed more than 30% rainfall expected of the period between 5^th July and 19^th July.

In this period occurs the 195^th day of 7^th day of Garbottam ( namely 14^th to 16^th July 2016). That fortnight is likely to be wet.

The observation of the 5 factors for day- 7 are as follows:

(1) Wind:- Gentle and at noon more than gentle winds were felt. The direction was mostly from North and East.

 Result:- This is a good factor for rainfall.

(2) Rain:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(3) Lightening:- Nil.

Result:-  Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(4) Thunder:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(5) Clouds:-  Clouds all around the horizon in blue tint. Bunches of clouds were moving across the sky and at times hiding the sun. Clouds mostly resembled the colour when rains pour down. Aquatic figures were formed very rarely.

Result:- Good feature for rainfall.

3-some features:-

(1) Terrestrial :- Behaviour of birds satisfactory.

(2) Atmospheric :- Of the 12 features noted in my blog onGarbottam, (1) Morning and evening twilight was pleasant. (2) Clouds had blue tint. (3) Smooth long clouds at sun set and sunrise and bulky clouds at day time. But the sun was not red at sunset as it was on the 1^st day of Garbottam.

(3) Planetary:- (1) Stars appeared  pale. (2) Except Jupiter all the other planets were in Southern declinations. Planets in northern declinations are desirable for good rainfall.

Interpretation:-

The 195^th day in my place of observation that is, 14^th midnight to 16^th night is likely to be wet, thought not very wet.

The corresponding fortnight between 13^th September and 26^th September is likely to see wet conditions in my place of observation.

In the same corresponding period (13^th September and 26^th September) the SW Monsoon would still be doing well in the places where it is due, as Venus – Jupiter conjunction is good rainfall yoga particularly as Venus is ahead of Jupiter.

That fortnight is going to see an interesting event. On 17^th September Sun will enter Virgo to join Venus and Jupiter. At that time Mars and Saturn will be in Scorpio (watery sign and an alternate sign to Sun’s position at that time). When Sun, Mars and Saturn are in alternate signs, heavy rains would occur when Moon transits at 150, 180 and 270 degrees from them.

This combination occurred at the time of heavy rainfall in Chennai last year between November 17^th to December 15^th , 2015. That is this combination lasted for nearly a month.

This combination occurred between 17^th May and 25^th May in 2010 when cyclone Laila struck. The short duration saw the powerful cyclone bringing more rains.

This combination again occurred between July 17^th and July 25^th in 2011 when SW Monsoon brought floods in Orissa, Assam, Bihar, UP and MP.

Again from September 18^th on wards in that year (2011) similar combination occurred that coincided with repeat floods in Orissa.

In the year 2012, the same combination appeared from July 18^th onwards when the SW Monsoon picked up after a hiatus.

In the year 2013, the same combination started on 18^th August but was devolved within 2 days with Mars moving to next sign. The IMD report says that a Land depression was present at that time (20^th and 23th August 2013) that extended from Orissa and West Bengal to Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and MP.

This year, in the corresponding period of 7^th day of Garbottam, this kind of alternating position of Sun, Mars and Saturn is going to be there on 17^th and 18^th of September only. How this is going to affect the weather must be seen. Moon will be at 150 and 180 degrees from these 3 planets at that time must mean that some heavy showers can be expected.

So far (in the past) this combination has come with some exceptional weather features associated with good rainfall.  

Again this combination is going to appear from November 16^th to December 15^th 2016. A month long combination similar to that which existed last year during Chennai floods. 2016 will establish how far this combination is valid in giving plentiful rainfall. 

Related articles:

Garbottam begins at 5 PM on 29th December 2015.

Day -1 of Garbottam and Arudra Pravesham.

Day - 2 of Garbottam, year 2015-16.

Day -3 of Garbottam year 2015-16

Day – 4 of Garbottam year 2015-16 is disappointing!

Day – 5 of Garbottam year 2015-16 - disappointing for Chennai but good for SW Monsoon.

Day – 6 of Garbottam 2015-16, Swati day.

Day – 6 of Garbottam year 2015-16, Swati day.

 The 6^th day of Garbottam of 2015-2016 began after 5 PM on 3^rd January 2016 and ended after 5 PM on 4^th January 2016.

The 195^th day effect in my place of observation will be from 10PM in the night of 13^th July to midnight of 14^th July 2016.

The corresponding fortnight will be from 30^th August to 13^th September 2016.

This year there occurs a peculiar correlation between this 6^th day and its impact day after 195 days. Both today and the impact day will have the Moon transiting Swati star.

Moon in Swati must be watched for weather conditions. Normally when Moon is passing through Swati and the subsequent three stars (Vishaka, Anusha and Jyeshta), it will be windy and there may even be dust storms. During Garbottam days, Moon passing these 4 days must be windy for good rainfall to occur in the rainy season.

From 4^th January to 8^th January 2016, Moon will be in these 4 stars. There must be good winds during these days (till 8^th January) to ensure good rainfall.

This year the 195^th impact day for the 6^th day of Garbottam also happens to have Moon in Swati. This occurs in Aani month or Ashada month in lunar calendar. The rule of windiness for Moon in Swati changes only for Ashada Swati. Let it be windy on all the Swati days in a year. But it must be companied by drizzle on Ashada Swati day!

If it rains on any Swati day, there will be deficit rainfall. But it must drizzle on Ashada Swati  (Swati in Aani month).  Ashada Swati is responsible for the formation of what is called Swati Mutthu (Swati pearl) which is rare and precious. On the day of Ashada Swati, the raindrop blown by wind and dust will be captured by oysters and becomes pearl. The 195^th impact day for 6^th day of Garbottam (3^rd to 4^th January 2016) is Ashada Swati. Therefore the Garbottam of this day must be conducive for drizzle accompanied by winds on the night of 13^th and on the 14^th of July 2016.

In the corresponding fortnight also, there occurs an important date for observation. The corresponding fortnight occurs in the month of AavaNi. When Moon is transiting Moola star in AavaNi the sky must be overcast such that the sun light must be obstructed strongly. This will be mentioned in the Panchangam as “AavaNi Moolam”. On AavaNi Moolam day, the day must be dark with dense clouds hiding the sun all through the day. This date is 11^th September 2016.

So these two days, 13-14^th July (Ashada Swati) and 11^th September (AavaNi Moolam) must be watched for these specific features for good rainfall later that date. 

The 6^th day of Garbottam trend is not all that encouraging for AavaNi Moolam though Ashada Swati may manifest to a lesser degree. The Swati day of 6^th day of Garbottam was not windy. The wind was gentle and rare. Only between 10 AM and 1 PM, some windiness was felt. At that time only, clouds were seen in the sky. Otherwise the clouds were thinly seen near the horizon and scorched by the sun.

Some clouds were looking like aquatic forms but they quickly dissipated. At sunset, the sky was mildly reddish and the sun was hiding behind the clouds at sunset. From the colour of the clouds, it appeared that sun was mildly reddish.

The observation of the 5 factors for day- 6 are as follows:

(1) Wind:- Mild breeze at twilights. Some winds from 10 AM to 1 PM. Otherwise still air only.

Result:- This is less than average factor for rainfall. Being a Swati day, winds must have been more stronger.

(2) Rain:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(3) Lightening:- Nil.

Result:-  Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(4) Thunder:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(5) Clouds:- Cloudless for most part. Some aquatic animal shaped clouds were sighted around noon. Thin clouds were there in the horizon. By evening twilight long streaks of clouds were seen in the direction of sunset.

3-some features:-

(1) Terrestrial :- Behaviour of birds was normal.

 .

(2) Atmospheric :- Of the 12 features noted in my blog on Garbottam, (1) only thin clouds, some of them looking like crocodiles were sighted around noon. (2) Clouds were scorched by bright sunlight. (3) very faint red glow at sunset. (4) very mild breeze at twilights.

(3) Planetary:- (1) Stars appeared as pale discs. (2) Except Jupiter all the other planets were in Southern declinations. Planets in northern declinations are desirable for good rainfall. (3) Moon had crossed Mars and was in Swati.   

Interpretation:-

(1) By the 195^th day impact, there will be less than average effect on Ashada Swati on 13^th night and 14^th July 2016. Few droplets of rain may be felt around midnight of 13^th July.

(2) The corresponding period between 30^th August and 13^th September is likely to be dry in my place of observation though it  may drizzle here and there.

(3) The corresponding fortnight from 30^th August and 13^th September 2016 has a rare combination of Venus, Mercury and Jupiter in Virgo, a common sign. On 30^th August Mercury turns retrograde and crosses Jupiter on 1^st September. Venus is ahead of them by 4 degrees only. Such a close conjunction between these three planets in Uttra Phalguni (lorded by Sun) and Mercury turning retro in its own sign and Sun in its own sign shows some play of heat, wind and rainfall.

At that time Mars will be in Jyeshta after having overtaken Saturn in transit. Mars in Jyehsta is not good for rains. Moreover Mars is associated with violent play of nature. We have to see how the very good rainfall indicators on the one hand and violent Mars on the other are going to interact. However the overall picture shows some good rainfall in the places where SW monsoon is due but also shows a change in the character of the rainfall.

Related articles:

Garbottam begins at 5 PM on 29th December 2015.

Day -1 of Garbottam and Arudra Pravesham.

Day - 2 of Garbottam, year 2015-16.

Day -3 of Garbottam year 2015-16

Day – 4 of Garbottam year 2015-16 is disappointing!

Day – 5 of Garbottam year 2015-16 - disappointing for Chennai but good for SW Monsoon.

Day – 5 of Garbottam year 2015-16 - disappointing for Chennai but good for SW Monsoon.

The 5^th day of Garbottam started a little after 5 PM on 2^nd January 2016 and ended after 5 PM on 3^rd January 2016.

The 195^th day effect in my place of observation will be on 12^th July 2016.

The corresponding fortnight is from 16th August to 30^th August 2016.

The 5^th day of Garbottam looked like a continuation of the 4^th day with very less symptoms of ‘pregnancy’ of clouds or rainfall. The air very still and day was quite hot. No clouds were seen anywhere in the sky right from the morning. The night also was cloudless as stars were clearly visible. Around noon there was hot breeze.

For a good Garbottam at least one feature must be there : there must be clouds, winds or some ‘activity’ in the atmosphere either as a drizzle or a rumbling thunder or a lightening or glossy clouds or a reddish sun rise or sunset. The only feature noticed was cool nights and no snowfall or mist.

For the month of Margazhi chillness must be there. It indicates normal rains next year. If snowfall or mists are noticed, the rainfall season will be deficient. Snowfall and mist are reserved for Thai month. On the 5^th day of Garbottam, one feature that was observed was cooler night. Let us see how far this helps in rainfall on 12^th July or in the 2^nd half of August.

Today’s Garbottam is important on one account as its corresponding fortnight falls in the early part of the month of Aavani when a phenomenon called “AavaNi muzhakkam” (ஆவணி முழக்கம்) must happen for good rainfall later. This is applicable to Tamilnadu. One can find this mentioned in Tamil Panchangam.  This happens on the 6^th day of AavaNi. The calendar date is 22^nd August 2016. On that day thunderbolts must be heard. Rainfall is not expected on this day, but the roar of thunderbolts must be heard. That roar is signified as Muzhakkam of AavaNi. It indicates good rainfall in the rest of the season.

Going by today’s (5^th day) Garbottam, rains are not expected in the 2^nd half of August (16^th to 30 August 2016). But it is enough thunderbolts are heard. The hot wind at noon and coolness at night are the features that were present on this day. It must be seen if they have an impact on thunder- cloud formation on that fortnight. The rationale of Garbottam is that it indicates opposites.  

The observation of the 5 factors for day- 5 are as follows:

(1) Wind:- Not gentle but hot winds around noon. The night time air was still.

Result:- This is not a good factor for rainfall.

(2) Rain:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(3) Lightening:- Nil.

Result:-  Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(4) Thunder:- Nil.

Result:- Does not indicate rains in the said period.

(5) Clouds:- Cloudless. Horizon looked dim as if clouds were there. But as day was coming to an end, it appeared that there were no clouds near the horizon.  

3-some features:-

(1) Terrestrial :- Behaviour of birds satisfactory but appeared restricted due to hot and dry conditions.

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(2) Atmospheric :- Of the 12 features noted in my blog onGarbottam, nothing could be made out. Clouds scorched by the sun are a feature of Garbottam. At times it appeared that clouds were vaporised by sunlight. Region around the horizon looked deceptive. The weather on the corresponding period would give some clarity on what this appearance was in reality.

(3) Planetary:- (1) Stars appeared  whitish and as faint discs. (2) Except Jupiter all the other planets were in Southern declinations. Planets in northern declinations are desirable for good rainfall. (3) Conjunction of Moon with Mars in Chitra star on this day can be termed as malefic.  

Interpretation:-

(1) The period between  16^th August and 30^th  August 2016 is going to be dry in my place of observation. Two factors (1) the hot air at day and coolness at night and (2) conjunction of Moon with malefic Mars in the windy sign are likely to cause strong winds and thunderbolts and rain clouds getting shattered by winds.

(2) The 195^th day, namely 12^th July 2016 is likely to be dry in my place of observation.

(3) But the SW Monsoon would be doing well as August 16^th 2016 marks a special combination of planets. On that day Sun enters Leo, 4 planets (Venus, Rahu, Mercury and Jupiter) will be within 30 degrees of the Sun. In fact all the planets will be behind the sun. This line-up even started as early as the 1^st week of July 2016. If all the planets are behind the Sun or in front of the Sun, and if this happens in the rainy season, there will be plentiful rains and floods caused by heavy rains.

SW Monsoon of 2010 started on 30^th June when all the planets came behind the Sun.

The monsoon season of 2011 also started with all planets in front of the Sun. 2011 was a year of floods.

In 2016, all planets are going to be behind the Sun right from the first week of July when an additional feature of good rains namely Budha- Shukra sameepyam is also going to happen.

A feature of the floods of 2011 (and also of Chennai Nov- Dec 2015) is that the ground was already saturated due to rains. The Budha – Shukra closeness for some time saturates the ground with good rains. When the additional feature of rain fall yoga (all planets behind or in front of the Sun) occurs, it triggers floods. In Chennai floods, it was yet another feature which I will discuss through 9^th to 13^th days of Garbottam.

One more important feature is the conjunction of Mercury or Venus with Rahu or Ketu. Mercury was conjunct with Ketu (opposite to Rahu) on 30^th June 2010 putting an end to the hiatus caused by cyclone Laila. SW Monsoon was revived on that day.

Earlier in that year (2010) conjunction of Venus and Ketu on 31^st May 2010 coincided with the start of SW Monsoon.

2011 was a year of floods during SW Monsoon season. When floods were ravaging Orissa and Bihar, Venus and Ketu were in conjunction.

For the current Garbottam- impact period, the close line up of planets behind the Sun from 16^th August 2016 coincides with the conjunction of Venus and Rahu in the fixed sign Leo. The line-up behind the Sun that started from July 7^th is going to last till September 12^th 2016. A repeat of 2010 and 2011 rains (and floods) can be expected in the regions where SW monsoon is due.

Any period of hiatus in the first half of August will be ended by 16^th August when Venus conjuncts with Rahu. (Because this conjunction indicates a trigger factor).

It must be seen whether the pattern of 2010 and 2011 is repeated in 2016 for the period between July and September 12^th.

Related articles:

Garbottam begins at 5 PM on 29th December 2015.

Day -1 of Garbottam and Arudra Pravesham.

Day - 2 of Garbottam, year 2015-16.

Day -3 of Garbottam year 2015-16

Day – 4 of Garbottam year 2015-16 is disappointing!