By Kavita A Chhibber
The history of astrology is as old as history itself, to say the least…Astrology has lived through the ages in numerous countries and cities such as Babylon, Persia, Egypt, Greece, China, Chalden, and Rome… who can forget Nostradamus, the famous French astrologer whose predictions still make waves today?
As we glance up at the night sky, we see the distant glow emitted from neighboring planets and far away stars. The light from these heavenly bodies can take millions of years to reach our eyes. As such, the universe allows us a glimpse into the past. As these bodies move over time, the future also reveals itself. The planetary and stellar formations at the time of our birth can thereby contain information about our history as well as our future.
Astrology is the key to all knowledge that connects man and nature. It establishes the fact that nothing in life happens by accident. It can thus give us powerful insight into our potential for success and failure in all walks of life.
Astrologers often draw the same kind of attention that movie stars do when they walk into a room. I cannot even begin to count the number of palms that are thrust before me the moment word gets around that I am an astrologer. There are skeptical looks from those profess to be non-believers and anticipatory ones from the believers. After studying astrology for many years and making thousands of charts and predictions, I can say with great conviction that astrology is indeed a science, and, when used correctly, a very accurate tool to guide human affairs.
The history of astrology is as old as history itself, to say the least. According to ancient Indian tradition, the father of Indian astrology was the learned sage Garga. He told his students that Lord Brahma himself had handed down the science to him when the universe was created. The pioneers of astrology in India were the maharishis of great repute. Joining Garga were Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Aryabhatta, and Maharishi Parashar. Each made a special study of astrology and established the rules through which accurate predictions about personal matters, diseases, weather forecasts, and world affairs could be made. The maharishis were men of highly developed psychic abilities who examined celestial phenomena and their effects by divya dristhi or divine sight.
Astrology is neither a physical nor a metaphysical science. It is based on astronomy and mathematics, and the analysis of a chart has to be done with a precision that combines mathematical calculations to ensure the accuracy of the data.
Astrology’s intention is not to be fatalistic or to foster a blind belief in destiny. Instead, astrology simply gives one the rules to face that which adrishta or unseen and lays down the guidelines by which one can develop one’s willpower to counteract evil indications and augment favorable influences.
Astrology has lived through the ages in numerous countries and cities such as Babylon, Persia, Egypt, Greece, China, Chalden, and Rome. According to historical records, Hindu astrologers in Alexander’s court predicted that Alexander would be poisoned and killed in Babylon. Alexander avoided the city for some time but then met his death as predicted when he ventured there. Julius Caesar successfully consulted astrologers about his battles but disregarded a soothsayer’s warning that he would be assassinated on the Ides of March. Napoleon was advised by the famous woman astrologer Lenormand not to march to Moscow, but he did and paid the price. Finally, who can forget Nostradamus, the famous French astrologer whose predictions still make waves today?
Astrology is the key to all knowledge that connects man and nature. It establishes the fact that nothing in life happens by accident. Through the centuries, astrology has had a close connection with medicine. In fact, an ayurvedic doctor in ancient India was required to be an astrologer as well.
Today, there is growing interest in astrology. The Wall Street Journal recently revealed that many top executives take corporate decisions after consulting astrologers. Several famous men of the modern era believe in astrology. Isaac Newton was an accomplished astrologer, as was Lord Bacon, the father of modern scientific method (The Advancement of Learning). Carl Jung was a great believer, and Ptolemy, Hypocrites, Galileo, Pythagoras, Copernicus, and Aristotle have also contributed to this science.