Can Astrology: Be a Science? [NP]

Can Astrology: Be a Science?

About the Book
Astrology was born as a cosmic and celestial observational concept. The invasion of irrelevances, superstitions and irrationalities have given it the concept of a vague myth; a mystical concept. This book reveals the flaws, exposes the malfunctioning and misuses by quacks and fakes. It proposes reforms in order to once again make Astrology a believable, consistent, near accurate and more importantly an acceptable science. It propounds tested and proven modules for practical Astrological usage.
The book is not only meant for practicing astrologers, but also the general public who are curious to know about other related subjects, vastu, palmistry and numerology.

Foreword

Bertrand Russell in his famous essay Mysticism and Logic talking of mysticism and science says: ‘but the greatest men who have been philosophers have felt the need both of science and of mysticism: the attempt to harmonize the two was what made their life ‘ This is true of astrology also, a branch of knowledge which is much misunderstood.
True to Indian schools of thought, I have always believed that we are a part of the all-pervading consciousness and we are governed by the laws of the nature which is beyond our logic and comprehension. Carl Jung rightly observes “Astrology represents the summation of all the psychological knowledge of antiquity.”

The ancient Vedanga Jyotisha was more astronomy and not predictive Phala Jyotisha. Jyotisha forms basis for Indian Astronomy. Only He, who knows the lore of time.

The knowledge in all great ancient civilizations was centered on the link between the self with the earth and with the influences deriving from the celestial bodies. As in India, the ancient cultures like the Chinese, Ethiopians, Sumerians, Greeks, Romans, Celts and Germans, had detailed systems of astrology, as all civilizations recognized the sacred nature of the universe.

Today, research is being conducted for linking the spiritual energy with our day to day actions. Thereby, linking the self and the consciousness encompassing the whole universe. I believe that is far larger than the life we are witnessing.

I always remember David Freeman’s famous quote – The more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know’. I am given to understand that in Tibetan system of healing, which believes that ‘man is a union of his ‘body’ and ‘consciousness, astrology does play a major part in treating patients.

Sri Velayudhan in his book ‘Can Astrology is a Science’ has researched into the aspect of science and astrology deeply and quotes extensively from eminent thinkers from ancient and modern times. Sri. Velayudhan subjects himself to questioning with logic of several astrological practices, which is still mystic to many of us. What is mystic has always haunted the human mind in its quest for answers.

The book is an introduction to astrology from the ancient times not only in India but also in other civilizations like Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, etc., covering medical astrology.

Sri. Velayudhan cautions against the predictive astrology adopted by the populist astrological practices, we see today. The author does not hesitate to criticize publication of daily astrology by the periodicals which he opines is based on wrong assumption of the timing of sunrise, Rahukala and Gulika kala.

While he compliments ancient Indian sages for the 27 classification of star groups, which is unique, he terms the star concept in predictive astrology as preposterous blunder. He also points out several unscientific applications in practice today.

His views on issues like Kalasarpa Yoga, various Dhoshas, Numerology and Vastu are noteworthy. He dedicates chapters 19 to 23 only to prove Astrology is indeed a science and painstakingly explains various aspects besides giving number of views in support of him.

I must commend the author for his bold view on the ‘fate’ or ‘karma’ which reads as follows:

The present which is determined by the past is fate and the future which is determined by the present is governed by the free will. In other words fate is not pre-ordained but a changeable destiny which is very much in the hands of the individual’.

In this context, it is also relevant to note King Veerasimha’s views (from this book) -the ripening of action done in the past lives may be remedied in the present life by appropriate rituals, Dana and dharma’ (good deeds).

Upanishads give us the well-known saying about the power of mind – ‘Mina Eva Manushyanam Karanam Bandha Mokshayoh’ it is the mind that is the cause for our attachments and also liberation of the individual. Hippocrates echoes this statement – ‘Men ought to know that from the brain and from the brain only arise our pleasures, joy, laughter and fests as well as our sorrows, pain, grief and tears’.

While on unethical practices of many practicing Astrologers, which is causing confusion and blind beliefs in the society, author quotes Lord Buddha, which I think is very relevant for all times to come – ‘Immoral activities of Holy men, encourages occultism and superstitions’. The author rightly observes that even the opponents of astrology say that their objection is not for the ‘product’ but for the ‘processes, I am sure that this book, dealing with a topical issue, will be useful to all the readers.

I hope that this book will usher debate on the process and make corrections which would work towards making astrological practice more scientific and also help in gradually overcoming blind beliefs and superstitions- slowly but steadily.