Vedic Astrology: A Review
1. The
Interconnected Cosmos and Astrological Premises
Consider
these phenomena: snowfall in the Himalayas brings cold waves to Madhya Pradesh;
the full moon coincides with ocean tides. When soldiers march in step across a
bridge, it can start to tremble; if we shake one pendulum in a connected
series, neighboring ones begin to move – a principle known as 'resonance'.
We cannot
perceive the universe in its totality because we are an intrinsic part of it,
and a part cannot fully comprehend the whole. We are often forced to observe
the world in fragments. Just as we cannot see ourselves completely, we are
unable to behold the entirety of the universe. The universe, in essence, is a
singular, immeasurable entity; our attempts to count or measure it can
inadvertently diminish our appreciation of its vastness and superiority over
our current understanding.
An incident
in one part of the universe affects other parts. The magnitude of this effect
depends on the distance and the intensity of the incident. Our solar system is
like a family or a self-contained body, which itself is part of the larger
family or body of the universe. All components within the solar system affect
each other; thus, Earth is influenced by other planets. Each celestial body
possesses its own nature and exerts its impact accordingly.
The ancient
Sages studied celestial bodies moving on specific paths (e.g., within the
zodiac) and observed their effects on Earth. They made concerted efforts to
determine these effects based on angular positions and speeds.
A crucial
question arises: why are humans so particularly affected by these celestial
influences, and why do these effects differ among individuals?
It can be
posited that consciousness is more sensitive than inert material, and fluids
are more responsive than solids. The moon's gravitational force visibly affects
the ocean's tides but not, in the same overt way, solid mountains. Similarly,
the impact of a malevolent gaze or intention from one person might differ when
directed at a child, a teenager, an adult, a woman, a plant, or a stone. The
effect arguably depends on the sensitivity of the consciousness involved and
its level of development.
All
components of the world affect each other, though some effects may not be
directly visible. A wooden table in a house is slowly degraded by sunlight, but
we may not perceive this process directly because its rate of change is
extremely slow, potentially taking millennia to turn to ash.
The
mechanisms governing the human brain rely on or are influenced by subtle
neurochemical balances (akin to fluids, like hormones). At the moment of birth,
when an individual transitions from one environment to another and opens their
eyes to an unknown world, the planetary positions can significantly influence
this delicate system, which is highly sensitive to external stimuli. This birth
event is a most critical juncture in human life.
Indian Vedic
Rishis studied how constellations and planetary bodies, separately or jointly,
exert effects at particular angular positions on human beings, and from these
observations, they developed the principles of Astrology. There are many
subjects still to be researched in science; this does not mean that unverified
phenomena do not exist. The law of gravitation operated long before it was
formally discovered. Science is progressive and incomplete; many important
discoveries are yet to be made, and science has often had to revise its prior
conclusions.
We should
avoid all forms of superstition, including what might be termed
"scientific superstition"—the rigid adherence to current scientific
dogma as infallible. Many scientific beliefs and rules have been challenged and
subsequently proven wrong. Edwin Hubble's discovery disproved Einstein's theory
of a static universe. The initial understanding of light as purely particulate
was challenged by its wave nature, and contemporary research acknowledges its
dual wave-particle nature. The Double Slit experiment, in particular, reveals
the profound mystery at the heart of quantum mechanics. Pluto was once
considered a planet, then demoted, and now some scientists advocate for its
reinstatement as a planet. Quantum physics has even led to questions about the
classical theory of causality. These are just a few examples, and we can expect
more such revisions in the future.
I am not a
rigid supporter of any current assumption, because our understanding is not
perfect. All branches of knowledge are in constant progress, and there is
always the possibility of new discoveries. Therefore, we must remain
open-minded and avoid dogmatism in any form.
Science is a
powerful and honest method in its pursuit of understanding how the world works,
but it is a process of seeking truth, not a fixed body of absolute truth. When
science changes its opinion, it is not lying; it is evolving. I hope that it
will achieve greater certainty, sooner or later.
2. A
Critical Look at Contemporary Vedic Astrology
Many
intellectuals publicly refrain from astrology, yet some may engage in what
could be seen as hypocrisy. They often adopt an anti-astrology stance to appear
modern, yet they might seek astrological counsel when facing personal problems.
Conversely, some intellectuals genuinely oppose astrology, and I can understand
their perspective, having once been critical of it myself.
However much
individuals may appeal to logic and conscience, in managing their personal
lives, they often follow inherent tendencies and subconscious assumptions,
sometimes giving preference to weak arguments that favor their pre-existing
beliefs. This applies to both proponents and opponents of astrology.
The
systematic pursuit and organization of knowledge is often called science. Many
people hold a narrower definition, conflating 'systematic study' strictly with
the 'scientific method' (often meaning only empirical, repeatable
experimentation), thereby excluding many traditional branches of knowledge from
the domain of science. It is often claimed that the scientific method is the only
true method of acquiring knowledge and that knowledge obtained thus is uniquely
authentic. While insights or perceptions of 'factual events' might be attained
through other means (such as intuition, deep meditation, or other subtle
senses), their widespread acceptance as objectively authentic often requires
examination and validation, where possible, through aspects of the scientific
method.
It is
plausible that foundational astrological knowledge was also developed through
systematic observation and analysis, akin to early forms of the 'scientific
method'. Over its long history, however, many inaccuracies and unreasonable
assertions appear to have crept into its practice. The use of uncertain and
unscientific grounds for some astrological calculations is sufficient to keep
this knowledge outside the perimeter of 'science' as commonly defined today.
Resistance to standardizing rules, the interference of religious dogma, and
other such factors weaken this field of knowledge. Some of these points are
detailed here:
a) The
Disputed Computational Basis:
The main
pillar of Vedic astrological calculations is 'Ayanamsha' (precessional
correction), which remains a highly controversial subject. With numerous
Ayanamshas in use, each astrologer is often free to choose their own, akin to
using different scales of measurement. This is a fundamentally unscientific
approach. Astrologers may meticulously calculate planetary positions down to
minutes and seconds for divisional charts, yet this precision becomes illusory
if the foundational Ayanamsha differs, potentially leading to entirely
different horoscopes for the same individual, and consequently, divergent
interpretations and predictions. Many other such issues exist, including
varying definitions of 'Sunrise' and differing methodologies for divisional
charts.
b) Lack of
Normative Standards and Irresponsible Guidance:
There is
often a lack of standardized norms. For instance, there is only one Sachin
Tendulkar, yet multiple, differing horoscopes for him are reportedly in
circulation. Consider an instance where a highly experienced and even awarded
astrologer initially used a Scorpio ascendant for a public figure like Narendra
Modi, only to switch to a Libra ascendant based on new information. If the
predicted outcome (e.g., becoming Prime Minister) remained the same despite a
significant change in birth time (and thus ascendant and Dasa sequence), it
raises serious questions about the method's consistency and predictive power.
Other
prominent astrologers might rely on 'sixth sense,' media reports, or anecdotal
advice to 'rectify' or determine a birth time, rather than consistently
applying established astrological rules for chart rectification, even when the
individual's detailed life story is available for verification.
Satisfactory,
standardized rules for determining planetary strength and predicting results
are often lacking. Clear guidelines to definitively determine which planetary
configuration is stronger than another in a comparative sense are also
frequently absent. A systematic, comparative study of planets’ positions and
strengths is rarely seen. Consequently, interpretations can often seem
inconsistent or contradictory.
Leading
figures in the field are often not perceived to be seriously working towards
resolving these anomalies. Vedic astrology needs proponents of scientific
thinking and rigorous methodology, not well-meaning but ultimately detrimental
approaches, much like the proverbial 'monkey friend' whose attempt to ward off
a fly from the king's face with a sword proves harmful.
Every
astrologer can likely list their successful predictions, while often
overlooking or not discussing numerous incorrect ones, a classic example of
confirmation bias.
c) Lack of
Critical Study:
Criticism is
the intellectual mode of discussing a subject by examining its goals, merits,
and demerits. The task of criticism is to analyze a composition or theory
thoroughly and evaluate its form and quality. It is a broad concept involving
the analytical evaluation of a genre, writer, or tendency. Criticism, in this
context, does not mean mere fault-finding; a balanced critique should examine
both strengths and weaknesses.
A
significant drawback in contemporary Vedic astrology is the apparent lack of
space for constructive criticism. Critiques of theories or beliefs are often
taken as personal attacks. It is not unheard of for some astrologers to
pressure publications to remove articles or comments that challenge their
beliefs, displaying an intolerance to critical discourse.
d) The Need
to Separate Astrology from Dogmatic Religion:
To develop
astrology along more scientific or at least systematically verifiable lines, it
may be necessary to distinguish its practice from purely religious dogma.
Astrological remedies could, to some extent, be interpreted through a
psychological or symbolic lens. The 'worship' aspect often associated with
remedies is, in many ways, a psychological process.
The
philosophical stance of God or an absolute power pervading the cosmos and its
laws is one thing. However, attributing every phenomenon directly and
simplistically to divine intervention within astrological practice may not be
conducive to its systematic development. This linkage to religion can lead
people to expect miracles, and unfortunately, some astrologers may exploit
these naive sentiments for personal gain.
Similarly,
Vastu principles might be partly explainable through psychological factors and
principles of harmonious integration with the natural environment, rather than
solely through superstition or unverified claims.
The aim of
Vedic culture has always been enlightenment – knowing the Absolute. Whether in
lifestyle, knowledge development, or even entertainment like music, all
life-related fields were traditionally developed to aid in the process of
enlightenment. The dictum ‘सा विद्या या
विमुक्तये’ (True
knowledge is that which liberates) encapsulates the primary motive behind
developing any branch of knowledge within Vedic culture.
The Rishis'
motive in developing Vedic astrology was primarily to understand the cosmic
system and its influence on earthly creatures. This understanding reveals our
integrity with the cosmos, showing that we are not separate from the universe—a
realization that astrology, in its purest form, can potentially deepen. Just as
the existence and motion of other planets regulate Earth's behavior (e.g.,
tides), important aspects of human life are also influenced by the cosmos, as
we are an integral part of it. This perspective strengthens the philosophy of
Advaita: we are all interconnected, not separate. Astrology, at its best, could
help one realize this truth.
Secondly, it
may offer insights into an individual's subconscious tendencies, which can be
useful for making life decisions at crucial stages. Unfortunately, nowadays,
astrology is often relegated to being a mere tool for materialistic pursuits.
No human
being or system of knowledge is complete or absolute; perhaps only a concept of
the Divine is. No single person's understanding is final, beyond which we
cannot or should not think. We need to progress with new ideas and logical
thinking, remaining open to experimentation and rigorous inquiry.
Raghvendra Khare
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