Is Astrology relevant in modern era?

Astrology is more relevant in the present era simply because life has become more complicated. Avenues of avocation and means of earning livelihood have multiplied beyond imagination.
In the mad race of modern life, more and more people are adopting prayers, meditation and yog so as to face the trials and tribulations presented by the present life.
Our festivals are fixed according to longitudinal positions of planets. We consider these days as auspicious for any purpose. It is a known fact that Devuthani Ekadesi, Basant Panchmi and Akshya Tritiya are the most chosen days when marriages are performed. It is believed that marriages performed on these days last for ever successfully and happily.
A bad name has been brought to Astrology by quacks in the business. If secrets of Astrology could be obtained from knowledgeable pious persons it may help our generation sail through turbulent waters.
Lalit Shrivastava

Astrology is not a myth; it is a science which is well-known from China to Peru. Since time immemorial Astrology is believed by millions of peoples all over the world. It has survived for thousands of years and even today we firmly believe in it. Astrology has relevance in this modern era also. It is evident from our daily and weekly newspapers in which we have a column of `What the stars foretell’. People in our country are always very keen for knowing about their stars so they regularly read the column of “What the stars foretell”.
Astrology is a science in which we study the positions of stars and the movements of planets in the belief that they influence human affairs. There are mainly eight planets, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, Pluto; apart from these Sun and Moon also, all the above eight planets are moving and bringing different changes in our lives. Astrologers by their calculations tell us our future and with the help of Astrology we save ourselves from the harmful effects of stars.
As we know Astrology is a science so in calculations efficiency is a must. If calculations in Astrology will be accurate then the results will be correct and useful. Stars influence us in our routine life. We can avoid many natural disasters by the timely forecasts of Astrologers, we can save lives and property. Astrology is a boon for us subject to the condition it should be efficiently done.
S Zia Ul Hasan Naqvi

Astrology is study of movements and relative positions of celestial bodies having influence on humanity and the natural world. Millions of people throughout the world show fascination and have belief in astrology. Astrology is derived from astronomy. Genuine and learned Astrologers generally forecast the future of an individual and forthcoming calamities with exact time.
Astrology could prove very dangerous if in wrong hands as a man may foolishly believe on it to shape his life. Horoscope is also prepared, only when Astrologer see the exact positions of the signs of planets. The science which deals with Sun and other planets and time is referred as Jyotish shastra. Veda means the original knowledge and truth. Many reputed scientists, scholars, doctors, businessmen, politicians, firmly believe in astrology and always seek astrologers’ advice whenever they need it. So in fact, in this modern era most of the people believe in astrology; as such astrology is very relevant for the people in this modern era.
Astrology also plays an important role for marriage arrangements. Marriage astrology is very unique because every parent seeks astrologers’ advice for matching horoscopes and its compatibility before settling marriages.
Astrologers predicted about Mahatma Gandhi’s horoscope, that, he was gifted with gajakesari yoga and, the same was proved as he was well placed to generate a great national and patriotic fervour with the ideal of non-violence and indomitable power of truth, which gajakesari yoga does.
C Rajendran

Most scientists have rightly pointed out that stars and planets have no influence on human life. It is only money making business- poor people suffer the most and waste their hard earned money on it. Webster has defined it as a “so called science” it is not a science. In some countries it is banned and those who practice it are liable for legal action.
Now, 10th Planet has been discovered by scientists. Ass-trology is based on nine planets, therefore, the whole subject of astrology is absurd now -how can it be true or worth believing. Still, people have strong belief in astrology. Regular astrological columns in most newspapers and magazines must be discontinued, which I doubt, therefore it can be read as fun and entertainment!
Some years ago- as per press reports “Astrologer arrested for fatal prediction-The Burdwan police arrested an astrologer , on charges of making a prediction for a 20-year-old woman that led her to commit suicide a year ago. The astrologer had allegedly predicted that she would die of a disease in the gall bladder after she gets married. On her first death anniversary, woman’s relatives found her diary, where she had narrated everything. The arrest has been made …The offence fulfils the provisions of Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code.
Legally, one of the States’ consumer courts (Punjab) has rightly decided that if money is charged for astrological predictions and it proves to be false then compensation can be claimed for it from the astrologer. Further, all astrology and numerology is baseless. It is one’s belief that works. One may choose any number or any zodiac sign and believe and follow it religiously -one will find most predictions under that number or sign to be true for oneself! In fact, every person has some common problems in life like tension of work, family, money, friends, business, studies etc at some or other time in life. So one feels these generalise problems affecting them and when they have any one or more such problems and someone tells them astrologically they develop faith in astrology. And most persons are anxious to know their future so they read astrological columns or consult astrologers. Lo! Here lies the truth of astrology belief.
Let me state here thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi on astrology-Extract from a letter written to Mr. KM Munshi, dated March 12, 1934- “Sarojinidevi tells me that you have started visiting astrologers. Even if there be truth in their predictions, they ought to be shunned’. Astrology, in fact is ass-trology. Mr. Khushwant Singh rightly says that those who believe in astrology are “Maha Murkh” (biggest fools). Legally, one of the States’ consumer courts has rightly decided that if money is charged for astrological predictions and it proves to be false then compensation can be claimed for it from the astrologer.
Mahesh Kapasi

According to Varahamihira, Astrology is the eye of the Vedas; whoever divines his destiny through it will be in heaven; the secrets of Astrology should be divulged to pious, God-fearing and honest persons who shall not use it for evil purposes.
Carl G. Jung, a neo-Freudian Psychologist used Astrology for therapeutic purposes said that every moment of time has its own importance; therefore, knowledge of present planetary positions is paramount. This can be considered as a modern view on Astrology.
In olden times when Princes used to be in Gurukul they were instructed Astrology at the end of their course as it was considered the highest form of learning. In modern times Astrology has been put to various uses by employing shortcut methods and playing with the emotions of the subjects.
By tradition, Astrologers used to examine various charts (kundalis) delineating parts (amsas) of the natal chart going from Hora, Saptansh, Navamsh up to Sasthiamsh. According to Carl Young and Krishnamurthi, a chart erected for a particular moment becomes the cross-section of that person’s natal chart which is hundred per cent correct as the IST or standard time of any country, if the chart is considered there, there is no doubt about correctness of the time. Such a chart is a gist of the various amass charts which Astrologers of the yore use to examine.
Howevermuch a person says that he does not believe Astrology he may, for all you know, be consulting some Astrologer or the other when he launches a big project or he is in trouble. Happenings globally involving multitudes of human beings or institutions do have an astrological bearing. Longitudinal position of planets reveal the happenings only if they are read properly by competent persons. Destiny cannot be changed but Astrology can forewarn you to accept either good or bad courageously and patiently.
SN Patra

Astrology’s foundation is astronomy. Astronomy is the science of heavenly bodies- the planets, stars etc including earth. Apparently astrology is a calculation of the ominous and auspicious impact of the movements and journey of the divine constellation. In fact it is a combination of science and divinity. Obviously this is not everybody’s cup of tea. It is not a knowledge to be pursued by a man on the street.
Thorough and deep knowledge of the constellation, its scientific impact over all the living beings (human and others) in a particular time frame and the probable remedies to ward off any adversity is a prerequisite for anybody to practise this divine science.
Astronomy has always been there right from the advent of the world and religious and spiritual books speak in so many words a lot about its relevance. Thus what was relevant for the ancient world is relevant for the modern world too because the combination of divinity and science is a rare phenomenon which does not change with time excepting of course with some possible changes in the constellation. Astronomy the base of astrology is thus an eternal feature.
The problem with this mortal world is however the practising astrologers with either no knowledge at all or half-baked knowledge about the astronomical combination of divinity and science and their chief objective of getting quick rich like an ordinary sorcerer or a hypnotist befooling the gullible approaching them. The practising astrologers have made it an occupation rather than a service to the mankind forgetting that astrology is a divine science .Whenever and wherever divinity is commercialized the real power that it transmits or reveals is totally lost and it becomes a perishable commodity and its fate is pre-determined.Inspite of all these merits and demerits astrology doubtlessly has relevance in the modern era too!
Krishna Chander Mouli

Astrology is a very very old science based on calculations on movement of planets and sun. If studied properly one can predict past, present and future of any individual to 90 per cent accuracy. We had several astrologers who could predict about major incidents happened or going to happen in one’s life.
Mahabharata and Ramayana mentions about this science of everybody’s interest. Who would not like to know about what are in store in future? Even the scientists who wanted everything proved scientifically to believe would consult astrologer when it comes to important events in life like marriage of self or children. From pauper to kings (these days ministers and political leaders) would consult astrologers before they start anything on the name of people oriented welfare projects.
These people, including big industrialists, have renowned astrologers in their payroll. Astrology is still relevant in this modern age of scientists sending satellites to Moon and Mars to know more scientifically about these planets. In this scenario there are people who would be in two minds as to what to believe and what not. But one thing is clear, people should identify and keep away from the ill-educated astrologers who does more harm than good to the society.
Whether you like it or not, astrology and astrologers would be there, always.  Tail piece: There is an interesting story about why the astrologers can predict 100 per cent. Lord Karhikeya is believed to be God of astrology. When he was a child, being curious, Karthikeya went through the horoscope of his father, Lord Shiv. To his utter surprise he found that his father had to undergo a period of bad time in life.
The child informed father that he would have to undergo a bad period in life, lead life as a beggar for 12 years!  (Some say it is 12000 years). Infuriated, Lord Shiv cursed that in future the astrologer would never be able to predict 100 per cent. And that is why all the predictions of astrologers are not coming true.
Jyoti Rai

In this modern era, we have noticed that a lot of people have benefited by taking astrological advice regarding their health and have taken precautions when going through an adverse time, Astrological specialists leading to averting potentially fatal Heart attacks / Diet related disorders or getting health profiles done in cases related to Infertility so as to enjoy good health and family happiness in a greater measure after adhering to astrological advice.
As a profession there has a true relevance in the modern era considering medicine and astrology. The same features can be appropriately elaborated for application of astrological principles to horoscopes in order to justify a medical career or forecast it in the chart of a medical aspirant. The prayer incorporates a deep sentiment of humanism and virtue, stressing at the same time wisdom no less than knowledge, art no less the science, common sense no less than cleverness. It lays a deep faith in a benevolent Lord who is besought to deliver the implorer from numerous pitfalls mentioned herein. Considering this, the astrologically inclined would immediately look for a dominant role for the benign Jupiter in the charts of Medical men. While there is a desire to do good, there is also a hint that one could possess an inability to leave well alone or be capable of making the cure of a disease more grievous than its endurance.
These apparently negative abilities are essential to anyone who undertakes to understand and treat ailments. It is by mastering this knowledge of what hurts, and what does not, does the medical practitioner acquire the skill of relieving pain and disease. It is here that the role of an afflicted Moon, or an afflicted Fifth House or Fifth Lord assumes significance by providing the skill to poison even if with the aim to save. As in medicine, so in astrology one has to proceed from classical principles, without contempt for what is old and apply these in the modern context, in a balanced manner, after testing them in several charts, without too much zeal for what is new.
This process involves the acquisition of modern, scientific/technical knowledge under the influence of the technical planets, Mars, Saturn and Rahu. And this knowledge attained through the Fifth House of learning, has to be put to use through the Tenth House of Karma. The application and utility of this knowledge is for the patient. It is here that the Twelfth house concerned with hospitals and beds assume significance. In a nutshell, the general Astrological principle and Medical principle has relevance in modern era and modern people are benefited by both the Sciences.
Dr Visal A Khan

There are many things in heaven and earth than philosophy can dream of. Our life is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Man had been curious to lift up heavy veil of almighty time and to peep into future. Hence the art and science of astrology evolved with its many aspects like palmistry, physiognomy, Tarrot cards horoscopes, prognostications, crystal-ball grazing..
The apparent movements of the stars were long believed to influence human life. The pseudo science of astrology has historical relation with astronomy. The Babylonians believed that Divine Energy is manifested in the movements of sun and planets. Gradually the relative position of the planets, both in relation to each other and to the fixed stars became important, together with the idea of omens.
If a particular event occurred while the planets were in a particular position, the recurrence of that position heralded a recurrence of the same sort of event. Soon the planets became associated with almost every aspect of human life. They were bound up with the emotions, with parts of the body, so that astrology played a large part in the medicine. Not only the position of the planet to be considered, but also the particular sign of the zodiac it was occupying, and it was believed possible to foretell the destiny of an individual by calculating which star was in the ascendancy at the time of his birth.
Astrology is concerned with human destiny. If one believes, he can find out his lucky periods in life, foresee its pitfalls and be forearmed to forestall and bypass them. He can enjoy to see influences brought to bear upon his and dear one’s birth signs. One’s character is writ large on the palms. Its study equips one for everyday judgement of people.
A sibyl requires a strong E.S.P. The famous Frenchman Nostradamus, made rhymed prophesies and acquired great distinction by publishing them in `Genturies in 1555. His veiled predictions are still relevant to major events. John Calvin (1509-64) formulated the doctrine of predestiny that is akin to Hindu doctrine of karm. He taught that all good is divine grace and the elected are chosen by God before they are born, and that all others are doomed to sin unless they save themselves by serving God.
In July 1700, Francis Moore published `Vox Stellarum (Voice of the Stars) that foretold the events of 1701 in England. In our times, the famed American Crystal ball lady gazer, inter alia, accurately predicted the assassination of John F Kennedy. Linda Goodman characterized all zodiac signs for you to test.
Alas! Prophesy unto the wind..! Wise Francis bacon reasoned that dreams and predictions ought to serve but for wintertalk by the fireside! Like meteorological and market survey predictions, astrological also can’t be exact. Bible warns to be aware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Mathew 7:15). A true prophet says `for we know in part and we prophesy in part (Cor 13:9). But a prophet is not without honour, save in his own country (Mathew 13: 57). Because of people’s innate desire to see into the future, there are still astrologers about to exploit the innocents, through horrors of horoscopes.
Yet none can predict precisely. The law of probability is so lax. Who can, or ever did, predict the future of corruption, terrorism, warfare and economic inflation that plague humanity?
Who can predict the winners of this contest?
Therefore:
Trust no future however pleasant
Let the dead past bury its dead!
Act- act in the living present
Heart within and God’s o’erhead!
Better be up and doing than hoping for something to turn up!
Arun Sarje

Is the general budget people friendly?

The winners of the forum on:
Entertainment lightens heart. Do Indians have a good sense of humour are
First: Rakesh Shrivastava
Second: Visal A Khan
Third: Lalit Shrivastava.