Eternal India Encyclopedia

Ancient Concepts, Sciences & Systems

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JYOTISHA (ASTROLOGY)

Those who know Astrology can only indicate in a way what will take place in future. Who else, expect, the Creator Brahma, can say with certainty what will definitely happen?

AT LEAST 5000 YEARS OLD In India, astrology always occupied a unique place and found il- lustrious supporters until perhaps the advent and consolidation of the British power when for a time scepticism and derision were the predominant features, characterising the intellectual equipment of the then educated Indians, who looked down upon astrology and allied subjects as fit for study only by unscientific minds. In fact, the downfall of astrology appeared irremediable. It was at this time that the late Prof. B. Suryanarain Rao (1856-1936) undertook the task of reviving the subject by diverting the thoughts of the Indian cultured public to the awareness of a unique class of phenomenon, the nexus between cosmic events and terrestrial phenomena. ASTROLOGY IN ANCIENT INDIAN SOCIAL LIFE In India we have evidence of astrological knowledge even in the great classics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Maharishi Parasara of the Mahabharata is deemed the father of Indian Astrology. Parasara Hora enunciates astrological prin- ciples on which are based all the extant literature on the subject. Jyotisha (astrology is an inadequate and loose equivalent of the term) is one of the six Vedangas. A mastery of the Vedangas was a prerequisite to the study of the Vedas themselves. As such Jyotisha can be dated, without doubt, alongside the Vedas. Vedanga Jyotisha which is both astrology and astronomy com- bined is at least 5000 years old. Reference to astronomical posi- tions in Valmiki Ramayana and the Mahabharata as portending certain specific results point to the fact that Jyotisha was already a well-developed discipline by then and was being followed by the best in the land. The coronation of Sri Rama was planned at an as- trologically propitious time. The birth-chart of Sri Rama is graphi- cally described by Sage Valmiki who extols the birth of the child as of one incomparable due to the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, the 5 grahas, being in exaltation with the Moon in Punar- vasu Nakshatra. Ominous planetary conjunctions during the period preceding the Mahabharata war are described in Veda Vyasa’s Mahabharata. These planetary conjunctions are interpreted as portending calami- tous ruin and destructive war. These references conclusively prove the antiquity of Jyotisha and also the wide respect it enjoyed in ancient Indian social life. In India, the practice of the astrologer being one of the impor- tant counsellors of the king can be traced to very distant times. During the period of the Cholas and other monarchs, the court astrologer was a very important personage. The king had to have five assemblies — one each, of people, priests, astrologers, physi- cians and ministers — to guide him in the administration. No expedition or war was begun without recourse to astrologi- cal guidance. Deposed kings bided their time to correspond with favourable planetary positions to set out on war to regain their lost kingdoms.

(According to Brihat Samhita : A king had no better guide than a good astrologer and hence, “A king who aspires for fame, victory, prosperity, enjoyment and spiritual progress ought to employ the best astrologer who is well- versed in the science”. An astrologer’s services were deemed invaluable and counsel from him could ensure victory against even formidable foes and armies. In fact, the role of the astrologer in running the state was powerful. Varahamihira (6th Century A.D.) who describes correctly lunar and solar eclipses at a time when Europe was debating if the earth was flat, has also written Brihat Jataka, a treatise on astrology. He and other mathematicians in ancient India were invariably adept at astrology too showing that it is as much a science as any other. It would be irrational to assume these brilliant astronomers-cum- mathematicians were being superstitious in dealing with astrology as has been projected by men who have failed to understand astrology. It is on record that Hindu astrologers at Alexander’s Court pre- dicted his death by poisoning in Babylon. Alexander avoided that city for a time but in the end, he entered it and died as foretold. Julius Ceasar consulted astrology in his battle disposition and was successful but could not pay heed to the warning of Calpurnia that he would die on the Ides of March. Napoleon, it is well known, was advised by the famous woman astrologer, Lenormand, who repeat- edly advised him not to march on Moscow but he disregarded her warning and met his fate. In medieval Europe, of course, astrology occupied an honoured place. Bacon, the father of modem scientific method ( The Advance- ment of Learning) was himself a competent astrologer. He saw no contradictions between science and astrology. He held that astrol- ogy should “rather be purged than rejected”. Even the great Newton, the formulator of the Laws of Motion, had a collection of astrological works in the library and when his friend and pupil Hailey protested to him about his regard for astrology, he replied; “I have studied these things and you have not”. WHAT IS ASTROLOGY? Grahas are manifestation of matter and they move in space. Their movements are regulated in time. Therefore astrology con- nects time, space and matter together and demonstrates the syn- chronistic as well as causality or deterministic principles. It is an art of life interpretation and provides us with a technique of self- improvement and perfection. One of the main uses of astrology is to confirm if a contemplated course of action is right for one; if not, it can point in another direction. Astrology, therefore, is about freedom and choice based on the indications of planetary positions.