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.”