Is astrology true OR a waste of time?
This question was originally asked as, "How do some people not realize that astrology is a complete waste of time?"
Mrs, Elango's response over it was as follows..
From the tone of your question, I guess you have following presumptions
- You have concluded astrology is not a useful tool.
- You have concluded that nobody in the world uses astrology as a corrective tool.
Of course, you have the freedom to criticize the misusers of this subject but at the sametime, any premature conclusion without subject knowledge is also ignorance and dangerous.
Why do some people still follow religious principle if there is a group that supports atheism?
Why do people take alternate medicines when allopathy has become popular all over the world?
The world will always have people with a different school of thought, it is important to understand the other school of thought to become a wise person.
All popular subjects come with a bunch of myths, and astrology is no exception. More than understanding what astrology is, it is equally important to know what astrology is not. Since many answers already covered what astrology is, let me talk about what astrology is not so that I think it will break some myths around you that would have caused you to raise this question in the first place.
I am reproducing the points which I have explained in one of my earlier blog post
Astrology is not a tool of escapism
Astrology is a wonderful tool to find good and bad times in life well in advance so that you can exercise more free will to face the challenges. Always take astrological guidance with the right spirit and take responsibility for your own life. Thinking someone else in the world can solve your problem is no more than ignorance. Even if someone does it, it may not be permanent.
Astrology is not magic, mantra or tantra
Many still believe that astrology is magic, mantra or tantra, and astrologers are superhumans, which is far from the truth. Though astrologers use intuition at times to arrive at the conclusion, the predictive techniques are rational and logical.
Astrology doesn’t support fatalism
Many fatalist astrologers may tell you that life is all about fate. On the other hand, many so-called positive thinkers spread the propaganda that there is no fate and life is full of free will. But nature is a mix of fate and free will. Gravity is fate, but all the inventions against gravity including, space shuttles, are developed because of human free will. Astrology simply indicates what is likely to happen according to the planetary set up at birth. One can augment or lessen the effect with will power.
Astrology is not just a predictive tool
Astrology is not just a predictive tool but rather it gives guidance to live a sensible life. If your horoscope shows some affliction to a particular bhava, then it is a clear indication that you need to work on those areas for betterment. Taking astrological guidance with the right spirit will help you take empowering decisions every day and lead a fulfilling life.
Astrology is not a curative tool
Astrology is not a curative tool to remove all disease and displeasure of life. It cures neither physical or mental illnesses. Some astrologers may practice as healers, but astrology is not medicine. Astrological guidance can help you know what possible illness you may have and when they might occur. Taking proper medical assistance during those times would reduce the damage.
Astrology is not a tool to defeat your enemies
Some astrologers may also practice tantric or black magic. But astrology as a subject has no connection with mantra or tantra. People many times assume that they can defeat enemies through black magic, mantra, and tantra, but one should understand that the negative energy that goes from you will come back to you. Hence, always use astrological guidance to achieve a positive impact in your life.
Astrology doesn’t focus on remedies (But on understanding your karmic history)
Many still believe that astrology and remedies are inseparable. Astrology doesn’t focus on remedies but some astrologers do. As mentioned earlier, the planetary set up in the horoscope is due to our own past karma. So, if we are the ones who created past karma, then it is evident that we can alter it through conscious actions. Remedies are just a way to remove psychological impediments.
Astrology is not a science
Many people are skeptical about astrology because it is not science. Yes, the predictive part of astrology is not a science and it can never be. Because it is not science, it doesn’t mean it is false. The science is ever changing. What is accepted by science today may not be accepted in the future.
There are two sections in astrology, first mapping the planetary positions with respect to time of birth, which is called horoscope, and secondly predicting life events based on planetary placements. The former is mathematics, while the latter is an art. Art is different from science, similar to how an artist will have his own perspective in his creation every astrologer may have a different perspective for the same horoscope. Hence predictive astrology can never be a science, but one of the highest forms of art.
Astrology is not a limiting tool
Astrology is not a limiting tool to achieve your dreams. Astrology is just a tool to find your inherent nature. It doesn’t stop you from growing further. I have seen so many people who grew to great heights in their careers, but feel frustrated, stressed and unhappy.
So it is not about achieving the goal, but all about finding a goal that is aligned with your core purpose. Any goal linked with passion will never fail, whatsoever. If you have a clear purpose, no one can stop you, including your past karma. When your passion is not indicated in your horoscope, it simply means that you need to create new karma with consciousness.
Source: From my book “Achieving success through astrological guidance”