Vedic Astrology: A scientific exploration into the philosophy of Hinduism

Part 1 of 3: An introduction to vedic astrology

The relationship between Hinduism and elements within it that are intertwined with spirituality, astrology and the supernatural makes it a complex religion. It encapsulates itself within its mystical concepts that have become so complex that they even elude some of its staunchest followers.

During times when the seemly random forces of nature had a more than significant bearing on the lives of individuals within society, the role of religion was somewhat clearer. Lacking control or even the understanding behind the forces of nature and the mechanics behind these forces that dictated their lives, people believed in a concept; a vague appreciation of a larger entity that is constantly providing the forces that moves all that is on the earth. As ones lives depended on these forces, it was only natural that then people believed and worshiped these forces. These supernatural forces were believed to have originated from a high power that is God. But an increasingly secular education system adopted by the west that is dominated by science has undermined the influence of religion and is now threatening the integrity of belief systems that has once been at the core of society for thousands of years.

The relationship between science and Hinduism is of a stormy nature. Scientific theories and advancements have dominated most parts of the modern world over the last few centuries, even more so in the last few decades. Society is no longer merely willing to accept, but instead demand scientific explanations and proof to what previously remained beyond the understanding of the human intellect. It would not be far fetched to suggest that we now stand at crossroad between science and religion, and the latter appears to be a less likely appealing path for future generations.

Vedic astrology is one such example of an ancient belief that is being interrogated by modern society that I intend to explore with this essay. For thousands of years, the influence of constellation of stars and the planetary positions have been central to many Hindu societies, and is an important pivot around which crucial life decisions are made amongst Hindus. In fact, some factions of Hindus believe that the fate of an individual is preordained and set in mould; horoscopy thus explains the path that is set ahead of the individual. Others however challenge the notion of a predetermined fate and use Vedic astrology to predict the course of an individual’s life and offer hope and remedies to change the course of fate. The use of astrology in these circumstances are viewed by some as a gift of knowledge from god to alter fate; but for some, it challenges fate and believes the mastery of astrology grants us the ability to choose and carve our own fate.

In a quick glance at horoscopy and astrology, it is almost inconceivable to an educated and academic society on how the planetary positions and their relationship to the constellation of stars millions of light years away could possibly have any bearing on an individual’s life. To even begin to fathom how our respective actions and decisions, is predetermined or even altered by revolving planets and giant gaseous masses makes a mockery of our free will, and in fact our very existence. Surely the course of an individuals life and the consequences of the choices and decisions one make depends more on the environment the individual is in. Surely genetics, societal influences, the environment in which a child is raised in and the immeasurable variables that revolve the transition of an adolescent to adulthood are amongst the obvious factors that directly affect ones lives; not positions of the sun, moon, planets or the stars. If so, what proof or shred of evidence is there to demonstrate this unlikely link between astrology and our lives?

However, I would not hastily dismiss this unlikeliest of connections.

Firstly, allow me to dispel some common myths around Vedic astrology. Indian horoscopy which is so often used interchangeably with the term Vedic astrology implies that it draws its reference from the Vedas. . A consistent theme within the corpus of many Hindu literature imply the importance of astrology and one would repeatedly find reference to a higher source of power originating from beyond the realms of our planet in texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads and even the Mahabharata. However, despite the fact that Vedas themselves although on numerous occasions draws reference and acknowledges the importance of planetary positions, they do not directly prescribe nor state the laws and rules of astrology in any great detail.

So although the Vedas acknowledge the importance of astrology, it was actually ancient vedic texts such as the ‘Vasistha Samhita’ and the ‘Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra’ that explored and prescribed astrology; as ascribed to Sage Vasistha and Sage Parashara respectively. Sage Vasistha, one of the Sapta Rihsis (seven sages) is considered one of the mind born sons of the Lord Bhrama who brought down to earth divine knowledge, and Sage Parashara is his grandson, born of Shakti Muni. Sage Parashara is in turn father to the great Sage Vyasa, the scribe credited to the Vedas, the author of the Mahabharata and grandfather to the Pandavas. The teachings of these revered figures are central to corpus of the vedic literature and hence Hindu religion and vedic astrology.

The ‘Vasistha Samhita’ and ‘Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra’ are often considered to be the bibles of Vedic astrology and within these ancient texts, the rules of astrology are described with great attention to detail, explaining how ones horoscope is determined and how it subsequently affects his or her nature, character, constitution, fortune and even health. It even advises on how to prepare for significant life events such as marriages, approaching war, migrating and other events, as it argues on how the arrangement of the constellations and the positions of the planets channel their positive or negative energies subsequently affecting the outcome these events.

For example for an individual to perform a particular action successfully, it requires a balance of constitution, strength of character and resolve, and finally a fine execution of the action itself. Nevertheless, even if all above were meticulous performed, it does not necessarily guarantee the successfulness of the action itself. For vedic astrology argues that beyond what the individual is capable of controlling in this realm, there remains a superior force that influences the successfulness of his actions. Whilst recognising the importance factors that an individual need to control to increase the chances of obtaining success through his action, the channelling of energy forces from the arrangement of the constellations and planets will affect the chances of success of failure of a particular action performed.