In the world people have progressed so much compared to the ancient times , but a belief which reigns supreme today as it did then is Astrology.
Scientists like Sir Isaac Newton discovered how bodies in space influence each other on account of gravitation. Astrologers claim that similarly they influence human behavior and other incidents as well. However, These claims are not substantiated by scientific research.
Astrology is practiced in both East and the West. The present day western astrologers do not try to predict any specific events and instead give vague generalizations on general trends and developments. This protects them from scientific investigation as no verifiable event is given that could be proved. Hindu astrologers however, predict both events and trends unlike their western counterparts.
In the Islamic world astrology was rejected around 1000-1100 AD owing to the development of the scientific method and the work of various astronomers and scientists. They made a clear cut division between astronomy and astrology which helped to render astrology obsolete for Muslims.
Studies have repeatedly failed to demonstrate statistically significant relationships between astrological predictions and operationally defined outcomes. Tests on astrology-based predictions conclude that their mean accuracy is no greater than what is expected by chance.
Astrologers have not presented consistent explanations for the underlying astrological beliefs. Researchers in their turn have found a causal and purely correlative, relationships between astrological observations and events.
The Hindu system of Astrology is based on the premise that the position of planets is dependant on the past karma of the human beings and gives complete picture of the life of the person concerned. It also believes that the horoscope of the person tells us whether the bad influences can be warded off or reduced. It believes in strengthening the weak planets to augment their full effects and to reduce the extent of miseries.
Indian astrology recognizes 9 planets known as navagraha. They are
1. Sun. 2. Moon 3. Mars 4. Mercury 5. Venus 6. Jupiter
7. Saturn 8. Rahu 9. Ketu
There are no planets called Rahu and Ketu and they are totally imaginary. Astrology also omits the planets Uranus and Neptune.
Despite not providing any proof for its existence, the belief in Astrology is ingrained in our social consciousness and it is consulted for all important events. Very few Hindu marriages take place without consulting and matching the horoscopes of the groom and bride concerned. Surprisingly even the most educated Indians hold this belief and never dare to challenge the tradition that is coming down since generations.
No concept can be rejected for the reason that it has been handed down over generations. At the same time unless we check what we are doing is correct vis a vis the collective awareness of the civilization or else we would push ourselves into a cocoon and atrophy.
From my side I take an oath not to practice this meaningless tradition when my child’s marriage takes place.
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