Astrology: Science or Superstition (Part-1)

Astrology is the science that explores the effects of all-pervading natural laws on life using mathematical tools, and it is also the art of reading the unconscious.

By astrology here, I am referring to Vedic astrology, which is called Jyotisha.

Jyotisha has two roots: Jyoti means light, and Isha means God. Hence, the literal meaning of Jyotisha is 'God of Light.' Jyotish illuminates the path of life.

Astrology also has two roots: astro means stars, and logos means science. Therefore, astrology is the science of stars.

Vedic Astrology is called Vedanga.

There are six vedangas: Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarna, Nirukta, Chhanda, Jyotisha.

छन्द: पादौ तु वेदस्य हस्तौ कल्पोऽथ पठ्यते।

ज्योतिषामयनं चक्षुर्निरुक्तं श्रोत्रमुच्यते॥

शिक्षा घ्राणं तु वेदस्य मुखं व्याकरणं स्मृतम्।

तस्मात् साङ्गमधीत्यैव ब्रह्मलोके महीयते॥

ज्योतिषामयनं चक्षु: (Jyotisha is called the ‘ Eyes of Veda’.)

Now, let's discuss whether astrology is a superstition or if it is misunderstood due to a lack of knowledge and its status of going beyond the understanding of common strata.

Actually, our understanding of the universe, consciousness, and the subtle interconnections between them is limited. We often have the habit of rejecting things outright when we don’t understand them quickly. Astrology, however, reflects a deeper, intuitive understanding of the cosmos. Additionally, because astrology was always considered hidden knowledge, and the common human had little access to it, the ambiguity surrounding it creates confusion, which often leads to denial of astrology.

Let's explore the basis of Vedic astrology.

Vedic astrology is rooted in mathematical and astronomical sciences, but the flowers that bloom on its branches are much more than just maths and science.

There are three Skandhas (parts) of Vedic Astrology:

1. Siddhanta (Mathematics)

2. Samhita

3. Hora

Siddhanta includes observational astronomy and calculations for panchanga, horoscopes, and more.
Samhita is the collection of codes derived from in depth observations and their inferences.

Hora deals with the prediction aspect, assessing various data using mathematics (Siddhanta) and applying the codes (Samhita).

Astrologers (Jyotishis) are required to master mathematics and astronomy, as well as the rules of interpretation, the art of prediction, and spiritual practice. The great Vedic astrologer Varahamihira cautioned that 'an error in ganita (math) is equivalent to a crime'.

The importance of proficiency in mathematics is explained below.

त्रिस्कन्धं ज्योतिषं शास्त्रं चतुर्लक्षमुदाहृतम्।

गणितं जातकं विप्र संहितास्कन्धसंज्ञितम्॥ (नारदपुराण)

गणितेषु प्रवीणो य: शब्दशास्त्रे कृतश्रम:।

न्यायविद् बुद्धिमान् देशदिक्कालज्ञो जितेन्द्रिय:॥ (पाणिनी)

Essentiality of adeptness in mathematics for an astrologer proves that saying Astrology as superstitious is itself a superstition.

With the immense progress of science in outer space, it is futile to deny that Earth—and by extension, humans—are impacted by distant events in the cosmos. Therefore, there is no question about the influence of planets on life on Earth. Since human consciousness is the greatest, humans are more affected by these subtle changes.
Nothing in existence stands alone. Cosmic oneness is a real-time phenomenon. Every moment, celestial bodies emit an energy pattern. Astrology records these patterns in various symbols using mathematical and astronomical sciences, and an adept astrologer reveals them to you in terms of events, impacts, and timing.

Astrology is actually the collective discipline of physical, psychological, spiritual counselling, healing & guidance.

Astrological reading is the reading between the lines of symbols which are scientifically and mathematically coded using explicit and implicit laws of universe/existence.

Vedic astrology offers a rich, deeply spiritual, and cosmic perspective on the universe, and it’s more than just predicting future events.

The law of karma is not just about bearing the fruits of past actions, but also about sowing new seeds and then reaping the next crop.

Astrology is not fatalism; rather, it is the understanding of the blueprint of one's current life—what we call destiny—which empowers you to take steps to enhance your present life.

There is a beautiful saying: "Fools obey the planets, while the wise control them."

Rashmi Mimamsa