The unpredictability of future has always driven mankind willy-nilly to the
soothsayers. But can the future be truly foretold? The question is highly debatable.
Fortune-tellers read the palm and the forehead, the stars and the planets, and
most essentially a person's heart and mind. Then they magniloquently state the
fate of the person and enlightens her, as they say, by attempting to focus the
cosmic light on an individual's true life path.
'Jyotish' - Dispeller of Darkness
The Indian 'science' of foretelling the future - which has become popular as
Vedic Astrology the world over, is called 'Jyotish Vidya' or the 'Science of
Light'. 'Jyotish', (jyot = light, ish = god) can also be defined as the 'Light
of God'. Sacred scriptures refer to Jyotish Vidya as the key to understanding
the soul's intention for incarnation. And the Vedic Astrologer or 'Jyotishi',
is considered the "dispeller of the darkness."
Parashar's Predictive Philosophy
The founder of Vedic Astrology Parashara, who was one of the first astrologers
to actually cast natal charts for individuals that reflected health, disease,
and longevity issues, lived around 1500 BC. It is fascinating that the science
this great sage fathered is still in action in the twenty-first century.
Is Astrology a Science?
Jyotishi
Asish Kumar Das, says: "Astrology is the mother of all sciences, in which the Earth has been considered as a unit
of the solar family and the effects of the other members of the solar family
on our planet and vice-versa. All these have been taken into account for analysis
and its pros and cons are used for the benefit of people. Astrology is not magic!
It's purely based on astronomy and mathematics. It is the most beautiful palace
of knowledge with the most puzzling entrance. The basic difference between the
work of an astrologer and that of a doctor or a lawyer is that an astrologer
should only narrate what he sees in a horoscope…" because everything
is pre-destined.
Is Destiny Predetermined?
Famous Jyotishi
Jagjit Uppal says:
"Astrology presupposes destiny. It is believed that at the time of birth
of an individual, his/her, life pattern is determined. It is an ancient belief
that all existence follows a pre-determined course, and man's life pattern can
be determined through the study of planetary configuration present in the universe
at the time of his birth. It is through deep meditation and intuitive sight
of seers, they discovered that there is an order in the universe and all heavenly
bodies, and life form on earth, as also the seasons and weather, follow a chartered
course. A further study and probe led to the philosophy of astrology."
Can Astrological Guidance Change Destiny?
Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma, another
well-known Vedic astrologer has the answer: "My reply is that at the right
time, the right code of conduct and the right method to perform a task always
aid success whether in a career, business, marriage or even life. I firmly believe
in the Indian tenets, which say that the actions of our past lives determine
the present and on the whole the events in our life are predetermined by the
combination of stellar positions at the time of our conception, birth and then
at the time of the happening. Can my astrological guidance change the course
of events? No, but the right remedy… can diminish the impact of a miss-happening
or bring in pleasure back into your life after a span of discord."
What About Karma and Free Will?
"It is believed that just like our voyage in life gets determined at our
birth, similarly, the very time we elect to do anything, will determine its
outcome. If life is pre-ordained then what role does 'free will' play. As long
as man is tied down to his 'karma', he has to follow his destiny," says
Uppal. "And as long as he is actively pursuing his objective, he will use
his free will and choice to determine his path. The outcome of his actions may
or may not be under his control, but it will always be his endeavor to do his
utmost to achieve his desired goal."
How Can Astrology Help?
Bejan
Daruwalla, India's most celebrated astrologer says: "Astrology is a mirror to life. It is also a guideline.
It is certainly not 100% correct. No discipline is. But it helps within limits,
just as psychology, economics, psychiatry does. Nothing is absolutely final
and completely certain. But the chances of predictions coming right are good.
Also, character analysis of Astrology often helps. Astrology is not a crutch.
It is to be used to heal one's self."
