Astrology, a divine science, from times immemorial, has been used to serve humanity.
"The Peculiarities of Planetary spheres are indicative of the products of previous (Karma) acts and from the knowledge of which we draw inferences regarding the future by the light of the Astrological Sciences."
This is a hint at the famous Karma Theory. We do Karma, through body, words and thoughts. The results of such past actions in the previous states of existence or births are enjoyed by us in this present birth in addition to what we may be able to do in this life. Planets, thus, appear to be simply indicators of our past actions and it is perfectly within our spheres of activity to know the evil or good results thus mapped in various charts (or chakras) and take suitable remedies to avert them or, otherwise, allow them to naturally operate upon us without the slightest attempt to intervene them.
The highest value of Astrology is in knowing what is in store for us and to seek and apply remedies those can alter the affects as per our need, if not totally then partially. This statement can be very well understood by those who have experienced tough times in life. No individual has ever been born who has never faced any sort of a failure or struggle. The subject Astrology, thus, has the weightage of being utilised by every individual.
There is a great misconception spread all over that Astrology supports Fatalism. In fact, it is the other way round. Revealing what's stored in our fate, Astrology helps in building patience by making up our mind to fight with the future problems (provided the future is revealed in such a manner). It supports that a ray of hope is always there for an optimistic person. And life can be best lived when you are optimistic.
In the words of Dr.B.V.Raman, who is considered as the father of Modern Astrology,-
"Hindu Astrology does not suggest man's subordination to something that is absolutely predestined. The planets by themselves do not bring about human destiny. They give an indication. Man has got a certain circumscribed scope in life but within that scope it is upto him to work out his best by recourse to remedial measures (self-effort).
A man's destiny is forged by his Karma, the effects of his actions in the past. There is a perpetual tug-of-war between free-will and destiny; and our actions at any moment are a resultant of these two forces. In the ordinary man, free-will is not very strong. His actions in life will, therefore, correspond, to a very large extent, to the forecast given by his horoscope. But, in the case of persons of great spiritual development, there will be some variation, even though the general pattern will remain the same as indicated by the horoscope. In this world of relativity, neither fate nor free-will could be supreme. It is some sort of a conditional liberty which man enjoys." [From the Address delivered at the Specific Conference organised by the Astrologers' Guild of America, at Hotel Astor, New York, on 11-10-1959]
Experience is the best teacher. Every intellectual can very well weigh how much, either fate or free-will rules in one's life. When it comes to Fate, the Rishis of great intellect discovered Astrology in which a horoscope is cast based on mathematics and drawn in a definite pattern (called as chart) relating 27 constellations, 12 Signs and 12 Houses of that pattern, through which a delineation is made of the individual's past Karmas. There is not just single such chart but almost 60 such charts which can throw light on every aspect of one's life but generally 7 are considered for a quick view (which is quite detailed though).
Fate is Fate and has no use, after the knowledge of which, free-will is not used. In other words it can be said that if a human has no idea of free-will then its better to keep away from Astrology. It is a weapon of an intellectual being and should be used accordingly. It is due to this reason that Astrology in Indian culture is considered to be a 'Vedanga', or a limb of Veda, that is, its given a sacred place here and acts as a tool for spiritual advancement, which is a must for any human being born on this Earth.
Giving a brief description on Vedas, Book titled "Jyotirvigyaan - ek Parichay" (The Science of Astrology - An Introduction) - by Brahmavarchas from Shantikunj, Haridwar, describes -
Vedas form a perennial source of spiritual knowledge in Indian Culture. From the four Vedas , following texts were developed -
Dhanur Veda (Vishwamitra) from Yajur Veda
Ayur Veda (Dhanvantari) from Riga Veda
Sthapatya Veda (Vishwakarma) from Atharva Veda
Gandharva Veda (Bharat Muni) from Saam Veda
Upanishad, Shruti, Smriti, Purana and Darshan.
Vedas are said to be "Apaurusheya" (coming direct from God). They are found to be compiled by various Rishis of high order during various times. Thus the time when they were written is not found, justifying the name "Apaurusheya".
There are 6 Upaanga or Limbs of Vedas - Shiksha, Kalpa, Nirukta, Vyaakaran, Chhanda and Jyotish (Astrology).
Jyotish is said to be the 2 eyes of Vedas.
Thus, Astrology in Indian culture is considered to be very important.
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