The Lamp of Prices

Section: Chapter on Omen-Collections original: "श्र·कां·" (śra. kāṃ.); likely an abbreviation for "Śraddhakaṇḍa" or a similar thematic section title
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When [the sun] sets, if there is a state of goodness, then agriculture will be successful. 25 In the dark fortnight original: "कृष्ण पक्ष" (kṛṣṇa pakṣa); the waning moon phase of the month of Ashvina approx. September–October, if Rahu original: "सौहिकेय" (sauhikeya); the lunar node responsible for eclipses [affects the moon], then clothing, clarified butter (ghee), and oil—all of these will be bound by high prices original: "महर्घता" (maharghatā); indicating inflation or scarcity. 26

On the first day original: "प्रतिपद्या" (pratipadya) of the month of Kartika approx. October–November, if at dawn there is no sound original: "कुहु" (kuhu); often referring to the cooing of a bird or the goddess of the New Moon or if the [auspicious] directions are not [clear], all the year's efforts will be fruitless. 27

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28 In the month of Margashira approx. November–December, on the fourteenth day or the New Moon, if the sky is seen to be covered [with clouds], then a time of plenty original: "सुभिक्षं" (subhikṣa); a good harvest with low food prices should be known to follow. 28 In the bright fortnight waxing moon of Margashira, if on the second day which falls on a Saturday, a southern wind blows, the people will suffer terrible hardship. 29

On the fifth day of the dark fortnight of Pausha approx. December–January, if there are clouds, then rainfall is to be expected, and agriculture will be prosperous. 30 Red textiles, food grains, coral, linseed, and ghee—likewise, gems will become high-priced during that time. 31 If there is thundering on the ninth or eleventh days of the first half of Pausha, it signifies high prices for grain.