By SRI SUDHINDRA

The argument that astrology is not science began in 1600 AD — it has only intensified with the advent of “scientific thinking.” But, remember astrology co-existed along with science from the dawn of civilisation. If it hadn’t, we would not have seen great astronomers, scientists, doctors, psychologists, engineers, and farmers, bonding with Nature.

Your village rain-man predicts rains before the scientific weather forecast emerges from the Met Office. The weather report, in India, as we all know, has often failed — not so much the natural “rain-in-hand” man in your community!

Scientific Limitations

Thinking from a purely scientific perceptive has been proved wrong often. Tell me why science has not found an answer to global warming, or change in the climate conditions? Our drinking water is polluted, our seas have been dumped with radio-active elements by developed countries. Ask why a human mind or nervous system becomes restive if the Moon has a weak reflection on him/her?  No one has any definitive scientific answers to this natural biological event.

Photo Courtesy: www.rising-dragon.co.uk

Astrology is based on the impact the planets of our solar system have on us, and not the stars. Ironically, astrology is often ignored due to science’s limitation, or lack of knowledge. Nothing else. When Shakespeare made the comment of the “Stars influencing our lives,” he too was, perhaps, mistaken.

When the astronomer Edmond Halley asked Sir Isaac Newton — patron priest of physics — how he could possibly believe in astrology, Newton answered, “Because I have studied matter, Sir. You haven’t.” There lies the crux of the matter.

It is the “geometries” of planets that somehow affects us. This “somehow” may, of course, lead a critic to raise his/her hand in disgust, but before pursuing the matter [put your hand down!] please do note the geometrical relationships of the planets as shown in A Book Of Coincidence and/or demonstrated over and over again in the Harmony Of The Spheres.

When someone can explain the scientifically inexplicable geometrical correlation among planets — and, not dismiss it as some quirk of nature — then they can challenge the theory of astrology’s geometrical influence. Well, if they do the prerequisite, they will inadvertently find the means of verifying the truth and validity of astrology. It’s a Catch-22 for the sceptics and a “win-win” situation for astrologers! Such is the fate of truth. Sigh]. — Courtesy: www.halexandria.org

Astrology As Science

In modern times, astrology has not been regarded as a credible science. In the past, just like chemistry, astrophysics or physics, astrology was a credible science. Galileo and Copernicus were known astronomers, and practicing astrologers. Claudius Ptolemy, an astronomer about whom little is known, was one of the leading intellectuals of his day. He was also a practicing astrologer; his studies and appreciation of astrology made astrology a popular subject in academic circles.

Astrology gained credibility as a science, and also as an art, when Ptolemy ensured that its practice was not a hindrance to learning. He established Tetrabiblos [Greek, for four books], which became the ultimate reference tool for students of astrology. Arabic scholars used Tetrabiblos extensively; later, European scholars also began using Tetrabiblos. The four books were translated into Latin too.

It may not be right to say that astrologers are not knowledgeable, and they play with our psyche — just because they do not have a totally scientific approach in predicting anything about personal, social, political, or even some calamity of a country as well as others. Also, some people who take undue advantage of astrology should be condemned. Just think of this: that astrologers use mathematical calculations to give an opinion, or prediction, does not mean that mathematics is not science! When the Earth itself is created mathematically, using physics, chemistry etc., — the influence of planetary energies, which we call “Universal Energy,” as you’d agree, holds our Earth on its axis. Otherwise, it would have gone out of the orbit. Since Earth is created imperfectly, you and I also are imperfect — and, so also is science!

There are eight planets holding the Earth; other planets too are held by the universal energies on their orbit. But, let’s first look at Earth’s Universal Energy. If Universal Energy wasn’t holding the Earth on its axis, then it would go out of orbit. Hence, the planetary influence on Earth cannot be ruled out, up-front.

Learning Curve

Our solar system offers us a great learning experience — if one is really close to Nature rather than being loaded with all our preconceived notions and scientific rationale. Human beings, at present, are moving away from Nature than ever before without realising the harm it can cause to Earth — as the living planet. We are today witness to scanty rainfall; we are disadvantaged in predicting the arrival of South-West monsoon at the right time, or defining increased soil erosion in the coastal areas. We are building more harbours for docking ships. It is estimated that 131 small harbours will be built on the Indian coast in the near future. Now, where has science gone?

No one knows who sanctioned these harbours amid scientific thought! If the atom bomb is a scientific marvel and can be used for destruction of the human race — Hiroshima and Nagasaki are instances in point — then why do we need this kind of science for? We have reactors providing alternate power, or so-called electricity for our race. These reactors can build hydrogen, atomic bombs, nuclear warheads etc., Do we really need these on our paradise? When we have solar energy, a great natural, alternate source of energy, which is also safe, why is it not utilised appropriately?

Challenge Unchallenged

Astrology existed along with spirituality and philosophy in India. Sri Adi Sankaracarya, Sri Madhvacarya, Sri Ramanujacarya, and Sri Vidyaranya, were enlightened gurus — so were also modern saints like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramana Maharishi. They guided the common man to a better understanding of their lives, and also to lead a good, peaceful life.

They created and practiced mantras as well as japas — does this mean they did not have a scientific approach to whatever they did on Earth, or their mantras and japas have no scientific effect on humans? Sri Raghavendra Swami, for one, predicted and also performed miracles during his lifetime. Do you think miracles never happened — or, do you say that no one should believe in them, because these instances are just bunkum?

There are Rationalists and scientific forums today that challenge astrologers, spiritual masters, and godmen to predict accurately and perform miracles in front of an audience — with a whopping price money of INR 20,00,000 — but, the most interesting part is, all astrologers, spiritual masters, and godmen, have failed to deliver. Why? Because it’s hard to find anyone with the stature of Sri Adi Sankaracarya, or Sri Madhvacarya, in this present age. We argue, we fail, and, then, who wins? Nobody.

Well, arguments will never end on the science, or no science, of astrology, and vice versa.  Perhaps, Shakespeare understood the dilemma admirably, when he wrote in Hamlet, “There are more things on Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy.”

Science, like astrology, has been a great adventure of our modern age. But, isn’t it disappointing that it has also stopped short of its goal?