Astrology in India
There are many different opinions of astrology around the world but in India, “one finds almost universal belief in it.” (Narlikar) India has one of, if not the most, complex astrology systems in the world that has made it difficult for people of the West to describe it. Indian astrologers, unlike Western astrologers, believe that astrology is a great tool for predicting every individual’s future. Furthermore, astrology in India is an old tradition that has not died, but flourished in that it has been accepted as an official area of study in Indian colleges. (Narkilar)
Astrology in India is a deeply rooted part of their belief system and their lives as it was in much of Europe, for a greater part of its existence. The concept of astrology began in the ancient Middle East, in Mesopotamia, 17th century B.C. The weather in Mesopotamia, at this time, was indicative of what the gods were feeling. The changing seasons brought similar weather patterns but if too much or too little rain fell the people believed it to be an astral omen. Astrology once served a practical purpose for the early civilization of the world. For people who did not know what stars were or how the sun and seasons changed, using these foreign, seemingly supernatural, celestial bodies to run the course of their lives was practical and essential. This early use of astrology in Mesopotamia spread throughout Europe and Asia as a viable way with which to predict the future and live ones life.
Yet while in Europe the idea of astrology began to be questioned as science took root, in many places, India included, astrology remained strong and influential. Astrology for the people of India actually has become a part of their religion. Astrology in India became quite complex once it was integrated with religion, and as aforementioned, is one of the most complicated versions of astrology on earth. According to the article by Narlikar "This is, of course, natural for a society over 6,000 years old whose elders have not only employed astrology, but embraced it." It takes years to master and be able to explain the complexities of Indian astrology, but with a 6,000 year history, complex is to be expected.
Astrology in India is a deeply rooted part of their belief system and their lives as it was in much of Europe, for a greater part of its existence. The concept of astrology began in the ancient Middle East, in Mesopotamia, 17th century B.C. The weather in Mesopotamia, at this time, was indicative of what the gods were feeling. The changing seasons brought similar weather patterns but if too much or too little rain fell the people believed it to be an astral omen. Astrology once served a practical purpose for the early civilization of the world. For people who did not know what stars were or how the sun and seasons changed, using these foreign, seemingly supernatural, celestial bodies to run the course of their lives was practical and essential. This early use of astrology in Mesopotamia spread throughout Europe and Asia as a viable way with which to predict the future and live ones life.
Yet while in Europe the idea of astrology began to be questioned as science took root, in many places, India included, astrology remained strong and influential. Astrology for the people of India actually has become a part of their religion. Astrology in India became quite complex once it was integrated with religion, and as aforementioned, is one of the most complicated versions of astrology on earth. According to the article by Narlikar "This is, of course, natural for a society over 6,000 years old whose elders have not only employed astrology, but embraced it." It takes years to master and be able to explain the complexities of Indian astrology, but with a 6,000 year history, complex is to be expected.
Indian horoscopes are quite different from the Western version. They are different in that their signs, houses and aspects are calculated differently. The interpretation of the horoscopes is different as well. The horoscopes that we are familiar with that focus on personality traits would be unacceptable in India because clients expect fortune-telling.
Even though the Indian method of astrology is different from ours, Indian astrologers, in 1984, introduced a revolutionary idea that has yet to fade. The online horoscope. (Narlikar) This had been going on in Europe for seventeen years and India finally caught wind of the idea. Yet this is not the main event that has caused astrology in India to take off as much as it has in recent years.
The momentous occasion occurred in February 2001. The University Grants Commission (UGC) decided to provide funds to the astrology departments at Indian universities. (Narkilar) This allowed for more students to take up Astrology as a major and more classes were offered to receive Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Astrology. The result of this is that there are many more people with the desire to study astrology and more professional astrologers in India. This allows for the field to spread even more rapidly. With more professionals to request horoscopes from the area of study blossoms.
However happy the public might have been about the creation of Astrology departments at universities, as many as 300 scientists were outraged. Yet, "the protests were without effect because, in Indian law, astrology is seen as a scientific discipline,". (Narlikar) Not to mention that not all of the scientists in India were angry. Just the fact that a few scientists were not bothered because they, "felt there was nothing wrong with funding something that most Indian people believe in," made the protests of other scientists seem less relevant.
Today in India “The belief in astrology among our masses is so deep that for every trivial decision in their personal lives—like whether to apply for a job or not—they readily rush to the astrologers with their horoscopes.” (Narlikar) People not only go for jobs but also for marriage advice. Including whom to marry, what day and even what time of day. However, if a particular day is favorable for getting married this results in, "a large number of weddings taking place, putting severe pressure on facilities like wedding halls and caterers". (Narlikar)
The momentous occasion occurred in February 2001. The University Grants Commission (UGC) decided to provide funds to the astrology departments at Indian universities. (Narkilar) This allowed for more students to take up Astrology as a major and more classes were offered to receive Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Astrology. The result of this is that there are many more people with the desire to study astrology and more professional astrologers in India. This allows for the field to spread even more rapidly. With more professionals to request horoscopes from the area of study blossoms.
However happy the public might have been about the creation of Astrology departments at universities, as many as 300 scientists were outraged. Yet, "the protests were without effect because, in Indian law, astrology is seen as a scientific discipline,". (Narlikar) Not to mention that not all of the scientists in India were angry. Just the fact that a few scientists were not bothered because they, "felt there was nothing wrong with funding something that most Indian people believe in," made the protests of other scientists seem less relevant.
Today in India “The belief in astrology among our masses is so deep that for every trivial decision in their personal lives—like whether to apply for a job or not—they readily rush to the astrologers with their horoscopes.” (Narlikar) People not only go for jobs but also for marriage advice. Including whom to marry, what day and even what time of day. However, if a particular day is favorable for getting married this results in, "a large number of weddings taking place, putting severe pressure on facilities like wedding halls and caterers". (Narlikar)