Astrology and Agriculture has one of the longest associations in the world right from the day when Man first understood and analyzed the influence of planets on the Earth and its elements including human beings. Man then started predicting how the weather and the monsoon in particular would affect the nation at large. Planets are in a constant process of forming aspects and phenomena among themselves and their influence can be seen relatively on the earth in the shape of seasons, weather, and rainfall. India is primarily an agricultural country and its economy is largely dependent on the monsoon. The sages were perhaps aware of this and they started predicting the onset of monsoons so that the people could take advantage of it. India it is still a practice that the seeds are sown according to the nakshatras or the placement of moon and the waxing of the moon. There is a method of casting a yearly chart of the world when new samvatasar  (Vikram year) in the month of Chaitra month begins. This month invariably comes around March – April. The chart cast at this time, the beginning of the New Year, denotes the position and strength of different planets; for instance the Lord of the year, minister of the year, financer of the year and rain lord of the year etc. This chart gives the indication of the type of events that will occur in the year socially, politically, the weather, drought, flood, epidemic, natural disasters etc.

 

In India the monsoon starts to set in around June when Sun enters into the constellation of Ardra. Every year a special chart is cast when Sun enters Ardra to know the exact position of the monsoon in that particular year. These two charts give a clear indication of the monsoon in the entire year. It is noted in America also where they have a farmer’s Almanac which is more than 200 years old and in this almanac you can find how the weather is going to affect the US.

 

Besides these techniques the planetary configuration in the sky gives a better picture of the weather and monsoon. It is evident by now that there is a deficient monsoon and 16 States have declared 185 districts as drought affected (August 14, 2009). To know the exact volume of monsoon we heavily depend on the planets and the signs which they occupy. There are four elements that are widely used in astrology and all the planets occupy these signs from time to time. These elements are Fire, Earth, Air and Water. If planets are affecting water, earth or air element then those years give an indication of a good monsoon.

 

 

 

  

Saturn has been playing a very important role in this year’s drought like situation. Saturn has been crossing over Leo which is basically a fiery sign and Saturn is most uncomfortable in this sign. Saturn is not considered a good planet for a healthy monsoon and when it crosses over Leo it is helpless and creates a negative situation for the masses in general. Jupiter is another planet who revives the hopes if placed in a good sign. Unfortunately Jupiter is transiting over Capricorn along with Rahu and badly afflicted also. Jupiter is not coming to the rescue as far as this year’s monsoon is concerned. The Sun is also transiting over Leo its own sign and doesn’t help as far as rain is concerned. Mars also plays an important role to know the precise volume of rainfall. Mars has entered Gemini and shall remain there till 13th October. Gemini is an airy sign and Mars is not very comfortable there, still being an airy sign we can expect some recovery of monsoon along with a cooling effect of breeze.

 

 We have read in the newspapers a few days back, could be a metrological report that the monsoon will recover end August – September up to 80%. However we feel that the recovery will be only up to 50%. Agricultural output would also be affected specially grain and pulses. A drought-like situation will prevail and the Government will need to take appropriate measures.