Saturday 5 October 2013

Astrology: Science or Superstition?

Astrology science or superstition


Astrology existed since ancient times, but is it a science, or just pseudoscience?
Do you believe in astrology?  

Don't believe? I don't blame you. Perhaps your exposure to astrology is Sun Sign columns in your local newspaper. If the only doctors that I was familiar with diagnosed illness by measuring the size of a person's head, I would have a low opinion of medicine. But is it right to frame your opinion of something you have so little exposure to?

Actually, astrology is a superstition only till life is smooth sailing, on the contrary it’s definitely a force since we are all governed by the planets which manifest in all our achievements and otherwise.

It may be noted that in the 14th century a number of universities in Western Europe, among them Paris, Bologna and Florence, had chairs of astrology. In ancient times, great astrologers adorned the royal courts and the kings consulted them on all matters. We have instances where our sages have offered astounding predictions. And now with more awareness, astrology is regaining its significance. 

People use astrology in many different ways, from investing in the stock market, making business decisions, to analysing political situations and social movements. The applications of astrology are almost endless. There are people using astrology successfully in very concrete areas, such as investing and finance - that is certainly an area where you can pay dearly for making a mistake!

Astrology may not be completely called a science, as every time 2 x 2 does not come out as 4 and surely it is not a superstition because record has it that time and again it has proven its worth and changed the lives of people in a revolutionary way.

Cosmic forces are real. Our ability to sense them and to understand them is where the challenge lies. Now a days even doctors take the help of astrologers if their patient is not recovering from prolonged illness. Since the Moon can affect tides on Earth, this should be taken as scientific evidence that the positions of Planets have some influence on our existence. Even though space appears to hold great distances does not mean we are disconnected from it. If we are warned that we are prone to rash actions due to the influence of certain planets, then we can hold a check on our emotion and rash action and catastrophic results. If we know that position of a planet gives a favorable condition, then we can take advantage of it by proper action. 

Unfortunately, Astrology currently does not have the support and endorsement of universities and research journals, and there are very many tricky and difficult problems that one encounters in attempting to scientifically test astrological theories. But that does not mean it cannot be done. It has been done already to a small degree, and the development of good software tools and the dedication and interest of many talented people in the field of astrology is now giving a re-birth to astrology which is now proving to be one of the great technological wonders of the future.

In our Vedic scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharata etc., one can find innumerable references to astrology in various forms. References to rising sign, Sun, Moon, Shadow planets Rahu and Ketu, nakshatras etc. can be easily found.

Here is an excellent Bible passage that uncannily describes the astrological influences on humanity and the suggestion that the universe operates on a cosmic clock:

"There is a time for everything, 
and a season for every activity under heaven: 
a time to be born and a time to die, 
a time to plant and a time to uproot, 
a time to kill and a time to heal, 
a time to tear down and a time to build, 
a time to weep and a time to laugh, 
a time to mourn and a time to dance, 
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 
a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 
a time to search and a time to give up, 
a time to keep and a time to throw away, 
a time to tear and a time to mend, 
a time to be silent and a time to speak, 
time to love and a time to hate, 
a time for war and a time for peace.”

9 comments:

  1. since we don't really know what drives astrology and predictions..earth moon or sun, how they came into existence or how did we? what if it just a guiding principle, how much ever true not..guiding principle just devised to bring stability to man kind..a guiding principle to avoid chaos..?? there can be two schools of thought..either its all superstition...or its all true..! but if we'd know what god knows..then whats the whole point of uncertainty which he tells to live by? well no human mind can match to devise a software close to god's brain atleast !

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  2. "If we would know what God knows?" Astrology never claims to know what God knows.Think of it as a road-map which shows you the correct way and how you can achieve your target with lesser obstacles on the way. Astrology cannot stop the rain, but it will tell you, "Hey, it may rain tomorrow so do carry an umbrella alongwith" thus saving you from getting wet.

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  3. an escape route..if ur trying to say? the whole point is --> no matter you carry an umbrella or not..as u say right time for everything...if you're bound to get wet, then it wouldnt be minutes before u find ur umbrella torn into two..

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  4. And how do you know if you are bound to get wet? Perhaps you are bound to get saved from getting wet? And that's why who have been told to carry an umbrella. :) Why do we think negative and not make efforts expecting the positive to happen? Why do you study for exams if you think you will PASS if you are destined to pass and FAIL if you are destined to fail..:) We must understand that EVERYTHING in this world is not BOUND/DESTINED, there is something called FREE WILL, or KARMA of the present life that has a substantial role to play. Astrology never claims everything is fixed or destined, it is we who build our own destiny and astrology just helps you along the way so that you can UTILIZE the energy of the stars and carve a better future for yourself.

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  5. Nice and informative article looking forward for more

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  6. Luckshay- A friend, a philospher and a guide. Solutions/ guidance to all your queries by a very simple, effective and scientific astrology techniques :)

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  7. Excellent Topic To Start!!! Very Well Explained. Hope your blog to be the most successful ever and to learn & get benefited from your articles. Wish You all the luck Sir.

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  8. Thanks Amna, Gaurav and Varun for your compliments and wishes. :)

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  9. Hi lakshay...its really informative and quite interesting....

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