Challenges in Astrology Today: Issues with Astrologers and Followers

Astrology, long revered as a tool for understanding human nature and destiny, now faces significant challenges in the modern world. As its popularity grows, issues arise both within the community of astrologers and among those who seek their guidance. This article delves into the complexities of contemporary astrology, focusing on the limitations faced by practitioners, the evolving expectations of seekers, and the ethical considerations necessary to maintain the integrity of this ancient practice.

What is Astrology?

Astrology, as defined in ancient scriptures, is a profound science that transcends the ordinary perception of the five senses. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam:

“ज्योतिषामयनं साक्षाद् यत्तज्ज्ञानमतीन्द्रियम्। प्रणीतं भवता येन पुमान् वेद परावरम्।।”

“That which is beyond the perception of the five senses and is concealed in the past and future can also be known practically through Jyotisha. You have created that shastra.” — Maharshi Gargacharya

Astrology is more than just a predictive tool; it is a pathway to deeper knowledge, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with wisdom derived from the stars (ग्रह)

What is Destiny?

Destiny, as portrayed in the Ramayana, is a powerful force that governs the outcomes of our actions. Lord Rama, when explaining his exile to Lakshmana, emphasized the inevitability of destiny:

“कश्च दैवेन सौमित्रे योद्धमुत्सहते पुमान्। यस्य नु ग्रहणं किंचित् कर्मणेऽन्यन्न दृश्यते।।“

“Who can fight Destiny, O Saumitra (Lakshmana)? When the results of our own karmas in the shape of happiness or unhappiness manifest, we then become aware of Destiny.”

This illustrates how destiny is a force that shapes our lives, often beyond our control, but deeply intertwined with our karma.

The Essence of Astrology and Its Connection to Destiny & Karma

Astrology is deeply connected with the concepts of karma and destiny. The ancient scriptures offer profound insights into this relationship:

“अचोद्यमानानि यथा पुष्पाणि च फलानि च। स्वं कालं नातिवर्तन्ते तथा कर्म पुरा कृतम्।।”

“Just as fruits and flowers grow without any external encouragement, so too do karmas performed in past lives manifest their results within the bounds of Time.”

These verses underscore that karma is an inescapable force guiding the circumstances of our lives from the moment of conception. Astrology serves as a lens through which we can perceive these karmic patterns, offering insights into the destiny that unfolds as a result. In essence, astrology is nothing but a tool, much like a clock that tells the time, but instead, astrology reveals the workings of our karma and fate.

Yet, it’s crucial for both astrologers and seekers to remember that while astrology can provide guidance, it cannot offer definitive answers to every question of life. The invisible forces at play in our destinies, often understood only by those with deep spiritual insight, remind us of the limitations inherent in the practice.

Belief and Disbelief in Astrology

The Positive Side:

1. Pursuit of Knowledge: Those wavering between belief and disbelief often delve deeper into Hindu astrology, discovering a universal law governing events, which strengthens their faith and understanding.
2. Recalling Accurate Predictions: In times of doubt, recalling accurate astrological predictions can restore confidence and mental balance, reaffirming belief in astrology.
3. Seeking Reassurance in Scriptures: Sacred texts provide comfort during periods of uncertainty.

The Negative Side:

1. Turning to Escapism: When doubts about astrology and predestination intensify, some individuals may resort to drugs, alcohol, or other forms of escapism to avoid their fears, leading to greater inner conflict and hindering spiritual growth.
2. Dwelling on Failed Predictions: Instead of recalling accurate predictions, these individuals may obsess over instances where astrology seemed to fail them. This selective focus weakens their faith and fosters a cycle of skepticism and disappointment.
3. Heightened Body Consciousness: As disbelief increases, there may be a growing emphasis on physical and material concerns. This shift can diminish the spiritual wisdom they once possessed, resulting in a loss of deeper understanding and a preoccupation with superficial matters.

The Problems with Modern Astrologers

a. Low-Bred Astrologers:

• Lack of Intellectual Integrity: Many modern astrologers, particularly those without adequate training, often lack the intellectual honesty and expertise necessary for responsible practice. Rather than thoroughly analyzing the complexities of a chart, they tend to offer superficial answers, which can mislead their clients.
• Superficial Analysis:
  A prevalent issue among astrologers is the tendency to oversimplify the causes of a client’s struggles. For example, when a client faces challenges like difficulty finding a job, astrologers often hastily attribute it to a “weak planet” without considering the deeper karmic reasons. This approach ignores the truth that planets, or grahas, are not the source of problems but rather indicators of underlying karmic issues. Lacking this deeper insight, astrologers offer superficial remedies that do not address the root cause of the client’s difficulties.
• b. Commercialization and Ethical Concerns:
• Profit-Driven Practices:
  The rise of commercial astrology, both in the West and increasingly in India, has shifted the focus from genuine spiritual guidance to monetary gain. Many astrologers, with only basic knowledge, charge high fees for consultations, prioritizing profit over their clients’ well-being.
• Exploitative Relationships with Clients:
  In India, some astrologers recommend expensive remedies, such as gemstones, and collaborate with jewelers to earn commissions. This financially motivated practice erodes the ethical foundation of astrology, transforming it from a sacred duty into a mercenary pursuit.

c. Over-Reliance on Technology:

Mechanical Astrology:
The growing dependence on astrology software and apps has fostered a mechanical approach to the practice. While these tools can be useful, they often supplant the deep, intuitive understanding that arises from years of dedicated study and spiritual practice.

Loss of Spiritual Insight:
This reliance on technology can reduce astrology to a series of automated calculations, stripping away the personalized and spiritually insightful nature of the practice. The absence of personal engagement diminishes the depth and meaningfulness of astrological readings.

d. Lack of Accountability:

Absence of Regulation:
Astrology, unlike many other professions, lacks regulation and standardization, enabling unqualified or unethical astrologers to operate without facing consequences. This lack of oversight leads to widespread misinformation and exploitation within the field.

Client Disempowerment:
Clients who receive poor advice or misleading predictions have little recourse, often suffering emotional and financial harm. This lack of accountability not only endangers clients but also tarnishes the credibility of astrology, making it challenging for genuine astrologers to stand apart from frauds.

The Advantage of Accepting Predestination

a. The Positive Side:

Continued Duty with Acceptance:
Embracing predestination with wisdom enables individuals to carry out their duties with peace and balance. This approach is exemplified by figures like Yudhisthira from the Mahabharata, who accepted life’s challenges while remaining committed to his responsibilities. Accepting predestination doesn’t equate to surrendering to fate; rather, it involves understanding that some outcomes are beyond one’s control, while still diligently performing one’s karma.

Understanding the Role of Gunas:
By recognizing that inherent qualities (gunas) influence actions and outcomes, individuals can maintain detachment and serenity. This awareness helps navigate life’s fluctuations with equanimity, acknowledging that these qualities will naturally manifest according to one’s karmic path.

No human being can ever remain inactive, even after accepting predestination. The three Gunas — Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas — continually drive one into action. The notion that accepting predestination leads to inactivity was a misconception exploited by British imperialists against India, spreading widely.

As Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad Gita (3.5):

न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।
कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः॥

“Indeed, no one can ever remain inactive even for a moment. Everyone is helplessly driven to action by the Gunas born of nature.”

Inner Peace and Cheerfulness:
Those who accept predestination with a balanced mindset often find it easier to maintain inner peace and cheerfulness, even in the face of adversity. By embracing what cannot be changed, they avoid the inner turmoil that comes from resisting the inevitable, allowing them to focus on what is within their control — performing their duties with grace.

Reduced Dependence on Astrology:
A deep acceptance of predestination may lead some individuals to rely less on astrological guidance, viewing life’s events as part of a divine plan. For these individuals, astrology becomes a tool for understanding rather than a means to control or alter their fate, fostering a sense of contentment with whatever life brings.

b. The Negative Side:

Fear of Inaction:
For some, the belief that everything is preordained can lead to passivity or a fear of taking action. This fatalistic attitude might cause individuals to withdraw from life’s challenges, mistakenly thinking that their efforts are futile.

Misunderstanding the Role of Personal Effort:
Without a clear understanding of karma and predestination, there’s a risk that individuals may abandon personal effort, believing their actions have no impact on outcomes. This misconception can lead to stagnation and lack of progress, as they fail to grasp that while certain events are predestined, their responses and actions still significantly influence their experiences.

Loss of Inner Cheer and Motivation:
A negative view of predestination can drain a person’s inner cheer, leading to feelings of helplessness or depression. When individuals believe they have no control over their lives, they may lose the motivation to strive for improvement, resulting in chronic dissatisfaction and despair.

Increased Dependence on Astrological Counseling:
Those who struggle to reconcile their belief in predestination with their desire for control may become overly reliant on astrological counseling. They might constantly seek reassurance from astrologers, hoping to find a way to alter their fate, leading to an unhealthy dependence on external guidance.

We should always remember that we are humans. The more human we are, the better control we can have over our will, as described many times in the Bhagavad Gita. Even if life is completely predestined, it is a test of our consciousness. Animals don’t create karma; only a soul in a human body can create karma.

Rejection of Predestination

The rejection of predestination marks a significant shift from the belief in a fixed, unchangeable destiny. This choice can lead individuals toward either spiritual growth or deeper ignorance, depending on their approach.

a. When Wisdom Springs:

Seeking Answers with Curiosity:
When individuals reject the idea of predestination, they often begin to question the unexpected events in their lives. Instead of accepting fate, they seek to understand the underlying reasons for these occurrences. This curiosity can lead to a pursuit of holistic knowledge and the discovery of deeper spiritual truths.

Intelligent Pursuit of Spiritual Remedies:
Rejecting predestination doesn’t mean dismissing spirituality. Instead, those who approach life’s challenges with wisdom often seek spiritual remedies with discernment, aiming to address the root causes of their problems rather than just treating the symptoms.

Mastery of Self-Analysis Through Detachment:
By rejecting the notion of a fixed destiny, individuals may develop the ability to analyze themselves objectively through detachment. This practice allows them to assess their actions and decisions with clarity, leading to personal growth and better navigation of life’s challenges.

A Sublime Life:
As these individuals continue on their path, their lives often take on a sense of sublimity. They begin to see life’s events as opportunities for growth and transformation, rather than as predetermined outcomes. This perspective fosters a life of spiritual depth, where each challenge is viewed as a step toward greater self-realization.

b. When Ignorance Thickens:

Blame and Vengefulness:
When the rejection of predestination is rooted in ignorance, it can lead to destructive behaviors. Individuals may start to blame others for their misfortunes, seeking scapegoats instead of taking responsibility for their own actions. This mindset breeds resentment and a desire for revenge, complicating their lives further.

Irrational and Neurotic Behavior:
Ignorance-driven rejection of predestination can manifest as irrational and neurotic behavior. Without the framework of predestination to understand life’s challenges, these individuals may react impulsively or erratically, often making decisions based on fear, anger, or confusion.

Clinging to Irrationality:
As their ignorance deepens, individuals may cling stubbornly to irrational beliefs or behaviors. This stubbornness prevents them from seeing the reality of their situation, trapping them in a cycle of negativity and self-destruction, and rejecting any guidance that could lead them out.

Inviting Doom:
Ultimately, the rejection of predestination, when rooted in ignorance, can lead individuals toward inevitable ruin. By refusing to acknowledge the broader forces at play in their lives and resisting the lessons that life offers, they invite further hardship and suffering, often sealing their own fate in the process.

Life is neither entirely predetermined nor completely random; it is a complex interplay of both. Perhaps only Brahma has the ability to fully discern the boundaries between destiny and free will. Even within the realm of randomness, our actions and experiences are influenced by our samskaras (deep-seated impressions). It’s akin to a cow tied to a rope — it can move, but only within the limits that the rope allows.

Challenges Faced by Seekers of Astrology

a. Misguided Expectations:
Many seekers approach astrology expecting quick fixes or definitive answers to their problems. When astrology doesn’t deliver the exact outcomes they desire, they often feel disappointed or disillusioned. A common issue arises when seekers misunderstand the limitations of astrological guidance. An intelligent individual understands that astrologers can make mistakes, whether due to incorrect birth times or errors in judgment. Recognizing these limitations allows them to take astrological predictions with caution, avoiding the trap of taking any prediction too seriously.

b. Over-Dependence on Astrological Guidance:
Some seekers become overly reliant on astrologers, consulting them for every minor decision in their lives. This dependence can lead to a loss of personal agency, where individuals stop taking responsibility for their actions and blame external factors for their circumstances. However, those who wisely use astrological guidance selectively understand that it is a tool, not an absolute determinant of their lives. They plan intelligently, considering astrological advice but not becoming solely dependent on it, thus maintaining control over their decisions while still benefiting from astrological insights.

c. Vulnerability to Exploitation:
Seekers going through difficult times are often more susceptible to exploitation by unethical astrologers. They may be persuaded to spend large amounts of money on remedies or consultations that offer little real value. A person who doesn’t understand the limitations of an astrologer may take a negative prediction as a final verdict on their fate, leading to unnecessary gloom and inaction. This can occur when they see the prediction as inevitable rather than as one possible outcome influenced by various factors.

d. Misinterpretation of Predictions:
When faced with challenging predictions, some seekers may lapse into inaction or make half-hearted attempts to change their situation. This often happens when they do not realize that the astrologer might be working with incorrect data or may have made an error in judgment. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that people act according to the influence of the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas). Conversely, a wise seeker understands that astrological predictions are subject to human error. They continue to take proactive steps in their life, knowing that the future is shaped not just by the stars but also by their own actions and decisions.

Astrologer Dealing with Different Types of Seekers

Astrologers encounter a diverse range of clients, each with their own expectations, reactions, and levels of understanding regarding astrological guidance.

1. The Tolerant Seeker:
Balanced Perspective: Tolerant seekers approach astrology with a sense of balance and understanding. Even when faced with unexpected outcomes or predictions that don’t align with their expectations, they maintain faith in the process and the astrologer’s wisdom. They recognize that astrology, like any interpretative science, has its limitations and that occasional errors may occur. Instead of reacting with frustration, they use these moments as opportunities for reflection and learning.
Example: A client receives a prediction about significant career advancement, which materializes. Later, when other predictions don’t unfold as expected, the client remains understanding, attributing the discrepancy to possible misjudgment rather than rejecting astrology outright. This tolerance reflects a mature approach to astrology, valuing broader insights over specific outcomes.

2. The Intolerant Seeker:
Lack of Patience: Intolerant seekers often have little patience for the nuances of astrological interpretation. When predictions do not unfold as expected, they may react with anger or disappointment, blaming the astrologer for the perceived failure. This type of client is more likely to fixate on discrepancies rather than the overall guidance provided.
Example: An astrologer predicts setbacks during a specific period, and when these setbacks occur, the client reacts negatively, losing temper and trust in the astrologer. Despite the accuracy of the prediction, the seeker’s intolerance prevents them from appreciating the guidance.

3. The Wise Seeker:
Deep Understanding: Wise seekers internalize the lessons of astrology and spiritual teachings. They understand that life’s challenges and blessings are part of a larger karmic plan. These individuals accept difficult situations as opportunities for growth, guided by the teachings of sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita. For them, astrology serves as a tool for understanding their karmic path rather than dictating their fate.
Example: A seeker facing significant life challenges is advised to accept these events as part of their prarabdha (destined karma). Instead of seeking constant astrological advice, the seeker embraces this wisdom, continuing to perform their duties with dedication. Over time, they find that astrology no longer holds the same significance, as they have found deeper spiritual guidance in the Gita’s teachings.

4. The Seeker with Amorous Expectations:
Romantic Fixation: This type of seeker often focuses on predictions related to love and relationships. They may misinterpret or selectively hear what they want from the astrologer’s advice, leading to disappointment when reality does not match their desires.
Example: A man seeking predictions about a romantic interest may be told that he will meet someone who attracts him. When a specific person he pursues rejects him, he becomes disheartened, not realizing that the prediction was not about that particular individual. This illustrates the common challenge of romantic expectations in astrology consultations.

A New Problem Among Modern Astrologers: Avoiding Difficult Truths

In the evolving landscape of astrology, a troubling trend has surfaced: the reluctance of astrologers to deliver difficult or negative predictions. This avoidance may stem from a fear of attracting bad karma or from a desire to spare their clients emotional distress. However, the consequence is the same — vital truths are being withheld.

This trend raises serious ethical concerns. It is akin to a pathologist who, out of fear of delivering a negative diagnosis, chooses to falsify a patient’s results. Just as such an act would be a severe ethical violation in medicine, it is equally problematic in astrology. An astrologer’s responsibility is to provide an accurate reflection of the horoscope, enabling the seeker to address and remedy any issues. Just as a correct medical diagnosis allows for appropriate treatment, an honest astrological reading is crucial for guiding individuals through challenges and toward growth.

Case Study: The Importance of Honest Astrology

A native who had consulted multiple astrologers reached out to me, frustrated and disheartened. Despite seeking guidance from many, none had been able to truthfully address or even identify the root cause of her issues. Whether these astrologers were intentionally withholding information, lacked the necessary expertise, or were simply charlatans, the result was the same: the native was left without the answers she desperately needed.

She messaged me, detailing her problems, and I decided to take a deeper look into her horoscope. Unlike the others, I was able to pinpoint the problem almost immediately. Upon analyzing her chart further, I noticed a deep-rooted issue that had gone unnoticed by the previous astrologers. I made specific predictions, which she confirmed to be accurate. This led to a more comprehensive reading where I guided her on how to address the underlying karmic issues reflected in her horoscope.

This case highlights a critical shortcoming in modern astrology: many astrologers fail to delve deeply into the horoscopes they read. Instead of identifying and addressing the karmic causes of a person’s struggles, they often blame the planets themselves, which are merely indicators of past karma, not the root cause.

In the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, one of the foundational texts of Vedic astrology, there are entire chapters dedicated to the concept of curses and their influence on a person’s life. A good traditional astrologer, equipped with both sound spiritual knowledge and a deep understanding of Jyotisha, can discern these influences and guide the native accordingly. Unfortunately, many modern astrologers lack this depth of knowledge, and the seekers themselves are often not spiritually attuned enough to recognize the importance of these insights.

Losing Touch with Spiritual Roots

This issue is further exacerbated by the gradual erosion of spiritual practices among the general populace. Take, for example, Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, who traveled to India to perform rituals for his deceased son — rituals rooted in the ancient wisdom of addressing ancestral karma (pitra dosha). Ironically, while a foreign celebrity recognizes the significance of these practices, many modern Indians, whose ancestors developed them, are neglecting their spiritual roots. This neglect is contributing to an increase in unresolved ancestral karma, which is a major source of the problems many people face today.

In Conclusion
Astrologers must strive to provide honest and thorough guidance, delving deeply into the horoscopes they analyse and addressing the karmic causes of the issues they uncover. By doing so, they not only fulfill their ethical responsibilities but also help their clients navigate life with greater clarity and purpose. Additionally, both astrologers and seekers should reconnect with the spiritual practices handed down through generations, recognising their importance in resolving karmic issues and leading a more harmonious life.