Astrology: True or False

[OmSriShivaShakti]

If we believe that it is only God that knows the past, present, and the future, how can we believe that people can predict the future by looking towards the stars?

[TatTvamAsi]

If we believe that it is only God that knows the past, present, and the future, how can we believe that people can predict the future by looking towards the stars?

Your question presupposes an inherent separation between the creator (God) and its creation. This is a fallacious statement to begin with and hence any subsequent questions are also invalid.

To put it simply, the "people" who are able to divine different events in society or for a person are 1.) learned and experienced with jyotish and are able to to tap into the Akashic records or 2.) complete quacks who need to be beaten with a cane.

End of story.

[OmSriShivaShakti]

If people and God are not separate like you say, then people should be able to predict the future, right?

[TatTvamAsi]

If people and God are not separate like you say, then people should be able to predict the future, right?

You are right in your assumption that all should be able to predict and have other siddhis (powers) like the saints. However, we know that all incarnations are NOT equal. Meaning, although the "soul" or Atman is universal and is the same everywhere, not just in people, the incarnations are completely different! Otherwise, a human being and a dog would be the 'same'. Ultimately this is true as even science points to it; i.e. String Theory for example or even rudimentary atomic theory (that all objects are made up of atoms of different constitutions forming the 100+ elements and blah blah blah). We do know however that the level of self-awareness is keenly different in an animal and a human being; at least most humans!

And remember, time, or at least how we human beings bound to the indriyas (senses) cognize them, is very linear in pattern. Therefore, time, by definition, is an interval between two events. These two events are in separate planes or "shells" if you will; past, present, and future. If you have studied some QM (quantum mechanics) this would make some sense but if not I will still try to explain it. A particular event in the present has an infinite number of possible outcomes in the future. Our cognition or observation of that event makes it "collapse" into one particular event. However, when we don't observe it, it is potentially in EVERY possible outcome. Therefore, being able to predict a particular event, by astrologers for example, is rather difficult and is consequently somewhat vague. They point in the direction in which an event might occur or a circumstance might arise. No astrologer, at least ones who are somewhat honest, can predict the exact time you will sneeze in the next 10 days. It is rather futile to ask them such questions. That is why most people in society ask about the general outcome of main events in life; marriage, wealth, education, longevity etc.

I am not knowledgeable in Jyotish so perhaps I have taken too much liberty to compartmentalize astrology in one fell swoop so I apologize for that.

However, approaching this subject with the limited understanding of the world only in the realm of the 5-senses and looking at it through a skewed lens of western "mathematical logic" would obviously yield some dubious results.

Predicting events or outcomes in one's life also keenly depends on the Akashic records of which I am not familiar with. The fact is, you cannot look at events in your life with the "one life" perspective that 99.9% of people in the world do; the events in this life shape our path and latent tendencies for future lifetimes. That is why we must always SEE NO EVIL, DO NO EVIL, and SPEAK NO EVIL!

JAI HIND!

Namaskar.

[OmSriShivaShakti]

However, approaching this subject with the limited understanding of the world only in the realm of the 5-senses and looking at it through a skewed lens of western "mathematical logic" would obviously yield some dubious results.

Predicting events or outcomes in one's life also keenly depends on the Akashic records of which I am not familiar with. The fact is, you cannot look at events in your life with the "one life" perspective that 99.9% of people in the world do; the events in this life shape our path and latent tendencies for future lifetimes. That is why we must always SEE NO EVIL, DO NO EVIL, and SPEAK NO EVIL!

JAI HIND!

Namaskar.

Without using learning, reason and logical thinking along with the 5 senses, how else are we supposed to comprehend anything?

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~

Namast�

One could be asking ' what makes a competent jyotishi ?'

Here is one post that may contribute to the conversation:

http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1711

praṇām

[rkpande]

namaskar,

yes indeed, astrology can predict future. what i dont believe is the various methods which a astrologer priscribes to ward off the unwanted future, like wearing some stone. if one believes in karmic theory where karmic despensation is unavoidable then any stone will not alter the karmic retribution.

[OmSriShivaShakti]

True, many astrologers try to sell people amulets and talismans that are supposed to "ward-off evil" when in reality it is just blind belief. Such superstition should not be believed, especially in our modern times.

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~

Namasté

The true jyotiṣa is the one interested in anothers spiritual advancement and looks to help and support this effort. He/she is then the hitasujana¹.

praṇām

words
hitasujana - hita हित + sujana सुजन
hita हित in the masculine gender (puṃ-liṅga ) means a friend , a benefactor; yet if we go a bit wider it also means beneficial , advantageous , salutary , wholesome , suitable , agreeing with ; well-disposed , favourable , friendly , affectionate , kind ; sent , impelled , urged on , set in motion
sujana सुजन - a good or virtuous or kind or benevolent person

[Znanna]

"Future" is an implication of "now."

The best soothsayers are those who can acurately describe now - to most that would be a prediction of future, IMO.

Namaste,
ZN