EARTH even in all its entirety, diversity and grandeur is still such a tiny speck in the abysmal universe. It might seem that earthlings are at the mercy of some higher power/influence, the order and ways of which are still incomprehensible. Does that justify our submission to planetary influences in deciding the course of our lives?
Beginning of a new end
It wouldn’t be insane to rule out the existence of such a brilliant myth as astrology. So there definitely is an explanation to the actuality of astrology and the whole idea of “reading the stars .” It came into existence in the fifth century, and now is more of a tradition. Indian astrology uses zodiac signs that are different from the Western one. In India, there is a deep-rooted far-flung belief in astrology and is commonly used in determining mortal approaches to extract the best out of everyday life. Astrology has a firm grip over people with regard to influences over education, career, and marriage.
In the 1960s, H.R. Sheshadri Iyer was able to generate a lot of interest among astrologers in the west with his concepts of ‘Yogi’ and ‘Avayogi’. V.K. Chaudhury, a Western Vedic astrologer and author from the ’90s established the Systems Approach for Interpreting horoscopes, to make the idea of “Jyotish” , the oldest system of astrology in India] simpler. In 2001, Indian scientists and politicians argued strongly over the proposition to use state money to finance research into astrology.
However, the term “Hermetic Maxim” is something one needs to familiarize himself/herself with when trying to trace the roots of astrology and its being. It means ‘As above, so below,” Whoa! Isn’t that a little too complex to help a make-believe world exist? Well, believe it or not, there are people on this planet who think that astrology is the way to go when you are helpless. It’s a simple three-part process: you predict your future, feel better or worse, go to sleep with a sense of satisfaction and say to yourself ‘ May God bless astrology – I know what’s gonna happen. I’m safe now.’ Some opine that it’s a life-saving drug. I say it’s poison. It’s misleading, merely a rough guide to the future, and is a hide-out for people who aren’t strong or determined enough to believe in themselves.
Holy mess
The sad bit about this whole idea of astrology is that it is being used as a pretty convenient way of earning money rather than being a weakly suggestive guide to the future. Astrologers trick you into believing something you know is not possible, and guess what – you believe it. Why? Because the ugliest friend of yours got hitched last night. The astrologer at first instructs him or her to wear certain kind of accessories or perform few rites to ward off the evil. And then very cleverly asks the client, now entirely at the mercy of this Godly astrologer, to wait till the results are out. While the ignorant one waits for the outcome, the astrologer manages a temporary job for the distressed one. There you go, superman saved his life. Isn’t that too good to be true? How I wish astrologers could manage my grades as well!
“Few big companies have tie-ups with renowned astrologers, that’s how these con men survive and allot temporary jobs to the jobless,” said Jyoti Batra, reishi analyst and Tarot card reader from Mumbai.
The other interesting fact remains that most online astrology sites come with a disclaimer. One such site is astrologyweekly.com and it reads: “Astrology Weekly does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content or advertisements contained in, resulting from, or linked to this website. It is hereby stated that you, the person accessing this website, acknowledge and agree that any reliance upon any of these materials shall be at your sole judgment and risk.”
The vicious circle of astrology
“People shouldn’t follow astrology blindly, it’s more of a business now – the authenticity has vanished,” says Mr. B. K. Ghosh, an astrologer from Kolkata.
What amuses me the most is when prestigious newspaper groups like the Times of India publish articles in favor of something as vague as astrology. On March 12, 2009, T.O.I carried a story that spoke about astrologers who predicted the ‘turbulent political atmosphere post-poll’. Isn’t it too simple a prophecy to be made? Even a kid would know. It’s almost an anarchic situation in India during the elections and so it’s easy for anyone to take a guess that an unhealthy situation would be created after every such happening. It’s not just here—it’s all over the world.
While I was thinking hard about the concept of reading the stars, horoscopes, zodiac signs, and how it has influenced people across the world, I stumbled upon this man at a coffee shop who was reading Linda Goodman’s sun signs. I immediately knew that he would help me understand better and so I went ahead with my set of questions: What has prompted you to believe in astrology? Why do you think it can save lives? Does it come with a guarantee?
“I have never had faith in astrology and always thought it only affects people psychologically,” said Mr. Upasak Das, an ex-employee of Gen pact. Four years back in June 2007 his parents had tried fixing his marriage but the astrologers told them that getting him married would be a tough task due to the not-so-conducive positioning of the stars. He was made to walk along the boundaries of his house six times after feeding a cow at five in the morning for three weeks without fail. Needless to say, all of that drove him crazy, but guess what? His marriage was fixed soon after.” Marriage here in India is considered to be an important step in one’s life and if one faces hiccups in the initial stages of an important institution like a marriage then you tend to get superstitious”, added Das during the short-lived conversation.
Is it all about moneymaking?
Today, astrology has grown from a hobby into a business and has deep-rooted itself in the human psyche across the world. From politicians to businessmen, everyone has a strong faith in astrology reading. And why? Well, it would be too easy to guess that they believe in something like this only because they are afraid of the unknown. Perhaps, they have achieved a lot in life and when they have come all the way, they have lost their confidence to keep it going. Hence the faith.
In India, movie stars consult astrologers and seek help from tarot card readers to gauge the success of their film even before the film is launched. Isn’t it absurd? How would anyone with the knowledge of a concept that is based on hot air predict the audience’s reaction? Such questions remain unanswered and go unnoticed while people continue believing in astrology.
It is just a medium of earning easy money. Some have and are willing to shell any amount just to fix their future.
“In the City of God there will be a great thunder, Two brothers are torn apart by Chaos, while the fortress endures, the great leader will succumb, The third big war will begin when the big city is burning”
– Nostradamus 1654
Now, one could say that Nostradamus predicted the World Trade Center attacks and so how is astrology invalid? But I say that there could be million other explanations for those two sentences.
By Prarthna Sarkar
Astrology, like religion, is probably something that rational reasoning and scientific inquiry will never be able to prove.
In addition to more generic worldview problems associated with Astrology, there are numerous special problems and contradictions which also come into play based on its own specific beliefs. On top of that, various internal contradictions also become problematic as various astrologers mingle elements of their own personal belief systems into their interpretations.
While literally millions of people read their horoscopes daily, it can be stated with absolute certainty that Astrology does not represent the truth about the nature of reality.
Hey,nice take on the exponentially booming business(i.e. astrology)…was quite interesting even fr me,a believer..:)but one has to agree that d Indian mentality or in a way,our deep-rooted faith in superstitions has catalysed the growth of Astrology as a business and the people involved have been successful in duping the 'believers' without fail..
@Dev: Hello, Thanks for dropping by. Following something blindly, without a proper scientific reasoning is superstition. We should always take astrology with a pinch of salt 🙂
Exactly. Knowledge of the future implies an ability to change it which in fact makes the initial belief obsolete. Astrology, in the past used to be logically concluded arguments just covered by that mystical layer of what we now call superstition. But in these days, it is more like pseudo-scientific hokum than just superstition. And that sucks.
It is a conscious and individual choice each one ,makes. I for instance, would NOT want to know my future even if there was actually a method of predicting it.It seems pointless. 'The best part of the book is in the pages you haven't read.'
Every astrologer says that the most important planet in one's horoscope is that Saturn (Shani) which stands for one's Karma. It rewards for one's good deeds and vice versa. The idea of predictive astrology is absurd to some extent if we believe in this basic principle, which is undisputed.
how does one prove that astrology depends on planetary positions? do we have science playing a significant role in astrology ?
In Western countries, it is called Vedic astrology, which refers to Indian Astrology or Hindu astrology.