The Role of the Astrologer - Ancient Science vs Modern Bluff
Astrology is described in the Vedic literatures as a science, not a superstition. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda draws a sharp distinction between the qualified astrologers of the past and the practitioners of the present day. While the ancient brāhmaṇas could perfectly foresee the future, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that for a devotee, the guidance of the scriptures is far superior to the calculations of the stars.
The Vedic Standard of Astrology
In the Vedic social system, the astrologer was an essential figure. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that expert brāhmaṇas known as jātaka-vipras would be present at the birth of a child to calculate the lagna (astrological moment). Their predictions were accurate and scientific, allowing them to foresee the qualities and destiny of the newborn, as seen in the case of Parīkṣit Mahārāja.
- Amongst the karma-kanda experts, the expert jataka-vipras were good astrologers who could tell all the future history of a born child simply by the astral calculations of the time (lagna).
- There is a need of such vipras (good astrologers who could tell all the future history of a born child simply by the astral calculations) in the social structure, and it is the duty of the state to maintain them comfortably.
- At the time of Maharaja Pariksit's birth, the expert astrologer-brahmanas foretold some of his qualities. Maharaja Pariksit developed all those qualities, being a great devotee of the Lord.
The Astrologer as a Spiritual Guide
The most significant mention of the astrologer in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings is found in the parable of Sarvajña. This all-knowing astrologer guided a poor man to his father's hidden treasure. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses this story to illustrate that a true authority—like the Vedas—guides one to the "eastern side" of devotional service, avoiding the troubles found in karma, jñāna, and yoga.
- The astrologer Sarvajna advised the poor man: The search should be conducted on the eastern side where there is actual light, which is called devotional service or Krsna consciousness.
- The astrologer Sarvajna advised the poor man: Don't dig on the southern side of your house to find the treasure, for if you do so you will be attacked by a poisonous wasp and will be baffled.
- Just as the words of the astrologer Sarvajna gave news of the poor man's treasure, the Vedic literatures advise one about Krsna consciousness when one is inquisitive to know why he is in a distressed material condition.
Garga Muni and the Supreme Personality
A prime example of a qualified astrologer is Garga Muni, the priest of the Yadu dynasty. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Garga Muni could understand everything about Kṛṣṇa's past and future simply by astrological calculation. However, even his immense learning was tested by the unlimited nature of the Lord's activities.
- Because Garga Muni was an astrologer, he knew what others did not know. Yet Krsna has so many names that even Garga Muni did not know them all. It is to be concluded that Krsna, according to His transcendental activities, has many names and many forms.
- Since Garga Muni was an astrologer, he could understand everything past and future, and thus he said, "I know everything about His activities and names, but others do not know. This child (Krsna) will be very pleasing to all the cowherd men and cows."
- When Krsna was born, the same principle was followed. Astrologer was called for, and there were good astrologers. And the great astrologer, a famous astrologer who came to see Krsna's birth affair, he was Garga Muni.
Modern Degradation and the Devotee's Stance
While acknowledging the science, Śrīla Prabhupāda is critical of modern practitioners, stating they often lack the knowledge of the past and future that ancient sages possessed. Consequently, he advises devotees to avoid consulting "so-called" astrologers. A devotee's life is controlled by Kṛṣṇa, not by the planets, and therefore they should not waste time worrying about material destiny.
- You should not listen to any of these so-called astrologers—strictly avoid. Don't even see them. What is the use of seeing them? Astrology is meant for the materialist, but a spiritualist does not care for the future.
- Through astrology one can know past, present and future. Modern Western astrologers have no knowledge of the past or future, nor can they perfectly say anything about the present.
- It is not good however unnecessarily risk my life, but I think the predictions given by so many astrologers are not very sound. I take your advice that as soon as there are series of minor tremors I must leave for your shelter.
Conclusion
The identity of the astrologer has shifted from a state-supported scientist in the Vedic age to a often unreliable fortune-teller in the modern era. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches us to look for the "astrologer" in the form of the bona fide spiritual master and the śāstra. Like Sarvajña, the guru guides us away from useless endeavors and points us toward the east, where the sun of Kṛṣṇa consciousness rises to dissipate all darkness.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Astrologer. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.