Dear Uncle,

Namaste.

Thanks for the beautiful and excellent compilation of views. This gives an apt role what an astrologer should play. And also useful to all (new learner, learning and learned person as well).

Yes. Jyotish consists of appropriate remedies to almost all the problems of an individual and an astrologer responsibility is to provide the suitable remedies depends upon the exact situation.

In addition to the above, I think the astrologers should play a vital role in / for the society including not projecting them as more non commercial / not for commercial as well.

Radheji,

Noticing that not many learned astrologers have posted their views and the few postings have probably skirted your main question, I am posting my view with a caveat that I am just a learner.

You have asked as to what use is astrology to a person who is set out on a spiritual journey.

Setting out on a journey merely represents the intention of the person. Will he/she reach the destination? What obstacles is he/she to prepare for? Whose help he has to take (enable them to redeem their karmic debt)? Whom should he help (redeem one's own karmic debts)?

Astrology, I believe can give some insight into this. It is like setting out on a journey with a compass and map as against doing without. The second one may actually end up reaching the destination faster than the first, if fate so ordains! But before setting out on a journey f you are confronted with the options, your logic/intellect will tempt you to opt to go with a map and compass.

CRS

Sage Parasara the Great, while travelling in a boat  looked up the sky and saw that the constellations at that time was favouring the conception of a divine baby.He requested Satyawati, the fisherwoman who was rowing the boat  for sexual union.Sage vyasa was born as Krishnadwaipayana.He divided the Vedas..and gave us the eternal knowledge.
Great souls use Astrology for the world...the most divine causes emerge out of their wisdom.
When a temple is constructed, muhurtha was looked into so that the Deva chaitanya in all its satwa guna gets installed in the temple bringing prosperity and mental peace to the people. During coronation of the King, the muhurat is looked for the longevity of the rule with kshema for the praja...a wedding taking place at auspicious muhurat for a couple with well matched horoscope ensures a kshemapoorvak  life for the couple thru the path of dharma.
Even the time of physical union is  so calculated  that a 'satsanthana'..who can uphold the virtues of the family...a God-conscious child, is born.Thus astrology is for the upholding of satya and dharma..
As  the sasthras say, purusharthas consist of dharma, artha, kama and moksha..all the four are important.moksha is the final limb of emancipation..one has to go thru all the 4 stages.