Astrological forecasts are often more misses than hits. Ruchira cautions us about taking predictions seriously. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Sixty years ago, my paternal aunt was about to be married. My grandma, dad, and uncles began looking for a suitable match for her. They zeroed in on a Delhi-based scientist working in a premier government-run institute. Before finalising, they decided to consult an astrologer as was the custom those days. They were frightened out of their lives when the astrologer informed them that the bride had strong chances of widowhood within a few years of matrimony.
… they decided to ignore the predictions and go ahead with the modalities. Fast forward to the present. My uncle, in his 90’s now, is reasonably fit and fine
Since the prospects were good, they decided to ignore the predictions and go ahead with the modalities. Fast forward to the present. My uncle, in his 90’s now, is reasonably fit and fine, while my aunt passed away five years ago!
When my dad was a teenager, my grandpa got his birth chart examined by a renowned astrologer, who predicted that ‘the boy’ would not live beyond 40. Giving lie to this, my father lived up to age 82! Many years later, yet another astrologer had predicted that my mom would precede my father in death. But the reverse happened. She lived for two more years after her spouse’s demise. Such instances are commonplace in the lives of ordinary folks like us. But they happen in the lives of noted public figures too.
During his boyhood days in Japan, astrologers had said Ikeda would only live to be 32. Well, he turned 93 this week!
Daisaku Ikeda heads the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), which propagates the globally popular Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. During his boyhood days in Japan, astrologers had said Ikeda would only live to be 32. Well, he turned 93 this week!
Astrology in its myriad forms has been a pastime as well as a vocation since the dawn of civilisation. Humans are perpetually curious to discover what the future has in store for them and to avoid dangers, disasters, calamities (if any) lurking on their path. It is basically a fear of the unknown that drives men and women to soothsayers, occultists, or astrologers. The most frequently asked questions (FAQs) revolve around longevity, matrimony, childbirth, and the like.
When Gautama Buddha was born astrologers had foretold, he would either be a king or a seer. Eventually, he became both
As we all know, prophecies about the births of world-famous seers and distinguished personalities were fulfilled. When Gautama Buddha was born astrologers had foretold, he would either be a king or a seer. Eventually, he became both: founder of faith as well as the ruler of millions of hearts. Likewise, the Holy Bible depicts Angel Gabriel telling Mary: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of his father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33).
Astrological predictions do not pertain to individuals alone but also to communities. For instance, the Mayan Calendar that originated in Central America around 3114 BC approx was used to predict events related to history, mythology, agricultural cycles, natural calamities, and future events around the globe. It had even predicted that the world would end on 21st December 2012. Thankfully that didn’t happen of course!
Nostradamus, the medieval French physician-turned-astrologer, made sensational prophecies about the world. Many of them came true.
We have all heard of Nostradamus, the medieval French physician-turned-astrologer, who made sensational prophecies about the world. Many of them came true. The list includes the invention of aeroplane, the rise of Adolf Hitler, the 9/11 disaster, et al. Would you believe a prediction regarding the spread of pestilence from the East has a chilly resemblance with Corona?
On a personal note, I have observed when predictions come true there is always a glitch or two. A decade ago, my colleague-turned-friend predicted a job change with better prospects. Ten days into the job, I suffered from a serious knee injury which laid me up for six weeks. Again, she prophesied a lucrative semi-government situation. I joined but three days later was grounded due to a cataract in both eyes – a major impediment in the audio-visual medium. I underwent surgery. By the time I prepared to return the post was already filled. A breach of agreement! One point that baffles me no end is how can the position of stars, planets, and planetary conjunctions so many light-years away determine and rule the fate, fortune, and entire lifespan of millions of human beings?
Since it is mortals, who make forecasts and predictions, the tiniest error could prove disastrous. I have no bones to pick with anyone. I would only suggest one must not lean too heavily on the role of celestial bodies in our lives.
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