Vedic Astrology - The Science of Past, Present, and Future
Vedic astrology is not a matter of superstition but a sophisticated science described in the Vedas as jyotiḥ-śāstra, the science of the luminaries. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that just as medical science diagnoses the body, the astrological science diagnoses the course of one's life based on the arrangement of the stars and planets. Through this knowledge, a person’s past karma, present situation, and future destiny can be accurately calculated.
The Science of the Luminaries
Astrology is a branch of knowledge that connects the individual to the cosmos. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that the effulgence in the material world comes from the stars and planets, and their specific positions at the time of birth influence a person's psychology, duration of life, and fortune. Classic texts like the Bhṛgu-saṁhitā are famous for revealing the complete history of a soul's journey.
- Astrological calculations are called jyoti-sastra. Because the jyoti, or effulgence, in the material world comes from the different stars and planets, the science is called jyoti-sastra, the science of the luminaries.
- By the strength of this (astrological) knowledge, any human being can understand what he has done in his past life and how it affects his present life.
- There is a system of astrology which is called Bhrgu-samhita. That Bhrgu-samhita will speak of your past life, your present life and your next life.
- The foretellings of astrological science, such as the occurrence of solar or lunar eclipses, are wonderful calculations, and by this particular science a person can understand the future very clearly.
Social Application in Vedic Culture
In the Vedic social system, astrology played a crucial role in ensuring harmony. Before a marriage was sanctioned, parents would consult astrologers to calculate the compatibility of the boy and girl, known as yotaka. If the natures of the couple—classified as godly or demoniac—did not align, the marriage would not take place. Similarly, names were given to children based on astrological indications of their future character.
- According to Vedic civilization, therefore, before the marriage takes place an account is taken of both the boy's and girl's families. If according to astrological calculation the combination is perfect, then marriage takes place.
- Regardless of the affluence of the boy or the personal beauty of the girl, without this astrological compatibility (yotaka) the marriage would not take place.
- According to astrological calculation, a person is classified according to whether he belongs to the godly or demoniac quality. In that way the spouse was selected. A girl of godly quality should be handed over to a boy of godly quality.
- According to Vedic civilization, after the birth of the child, there was name-giving ceremony. So that was calculated astrologically, that what kind of name he should be given, because the name should carry some meaning of the activities of his life.
Witnessing the Divine
Even the Supreme Personality of Godhead, when descending to this world, follows the customs of Vedic culture. Great sages like Garga Muni and Nīlāmbara Cakravartī used their astrological mastery to recognize the symptoms of divinity in Lord Kṛṣṇa and Lord Caitanya. The positioning of the stars at their births confirmed their supreme status, proving that the science can identify even the Lord.
- By his astrological calculation, Garga Muni could understand that Krsna was the son of Devaki, which Nanda Maharaja did not know. Indirectly Garga Muni said that Krsna and Balarama were both sons of Vasudeva.
- When the time was mature for the appearance of the Lord, the constellations became very auspicious. The astrological influence of the constellation known as Rohini was also predominant because this constellation is considered very auspicious.
- On the strength of astrological calculations from the hora scriptures, Nilambara Cakravarti, the grandfather of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, had ascertained the auspicious moment when the Lord would appear.
The Devotee's Perspective
While astrology is a valid science, Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that a devotee should not become overly entangled in it. The primary goal of human life is to understand the Supreme Lord, not merely to predict the future. Since astrology cannot offer protection from the finality of death, the intelligent person prioritizes transcendental inquiries over astrological ones.
- You should not bother with all this nonsense. Astrology will not save you at the time of death.
- The ordinary man does not require to search out the guru to find out astrology: "Guruji, kindly tell me what will be the price next...?" Not that guru. Jijnasuh sreya uttamam.
Practical Limitations
Beyond the spiritual perspective, there are practical difficulties in applying astrology in the modern age. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while the science itself is perfect, expert practitioners are rare. Many modern astrologers lack the depth of knowledge possessed by the sages of the past, often making the calculations unreliable or commercially motivated.
- We believe in astrology; but because it is a difficult science, people do not understand it properly.
- 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.
Conclusion
Jyotiḥ-śāstra is a legitimate Vedic science that proves the interconnectedness of the universe and the law of karma. When applied correctly by expert brāhmaṇas, it serves as a guide for navigating material life and organizing society. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda ultimately points us beyond the stars. A devotee does not depend on astrological calculations but on the protection of the Supreme Lord, knowing that Kṛṣṇa's mercy is superior to any planetary influence.
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 Astrology. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.