Sanatan Dharma, Hinduism as you may call it has always stressed on the one reality of enlightenment leading to emancipation from the cycle of birth; the bondage of worldly desires; and the world itself. If human destiny is to seek nirvana and only nirvana, as God incarnates themselves - Krishna and Buddha have put it and divya souls such as Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Pramhamsa have followed it; what is the purpose of Astrology for a person that doesn't aspire any worldly pleasure, but only longs for pure love and devotion to the almighty? Where does astrology come into play? We are talking about evolved souls, and not mere mortals as us - who are all too confused to embrace the path of universality.

It is well accepted in Sanatan Dharma, through the Geeta, Vedas, and classical scriptures that our body is just an outer gear to serve us in our time on this planet. Our body is not us. Our souls are us, and the soul is connected with every soul in this world, and ultimately to the one universal reality, Parabrahman. Knowing this, what is the premise of Astrology? Where does Astrology stand in this unchanging path of reality, and ever-changing vision of illusion? Is Astrology not the science of our destiny? If our destiny is as clear and as complex as evolution, nirvana, and liberation, what does Astrology have to withstand the depths if illusion? Is it to find the truth or is it just another illusion?

What is Astrology?

I understand the spiritual stories that can be told astrologically, but if human purpose is nothing but one; what does raja yogas help us attain? What do wealthy combinations do? What do power yogas do? All these raja yogas, wealth combinations, and yogas of influence only help us from a materialistic plane, doesn't it?

I request all of you, who have read, understood, digested, and practiced Astrology to post your delightful inputs in the role of Astrology, when destiny already knows its purpose.

Thank you.

Radhe

Respected Radhe ji,

Let me try attempting to answer for your meaningful questions with the help of google and other sites (but not all)... Also I would like to inform you that I have not read, understood, digested and practiced astrology since I am a small kid in the world... Elders please do correct me and my mistake(s).

What is Astrology?

Jyotiṣa (Devanagari: ज्योतिष, Sanskrit: jyotiṣa, from jyótis-, 'light, heavenly body', English: Jyotish, Jyotisha) is the Hindu system of astrology. Jyotisha is also known as Indian astrology, Hindu astrology, and Vedic astrology.

Jyotisha is the study of the planets, the stars, and the horizon. 'Jyoti' means 'light' that shines down from the heavens as the divine principle of life, and the suffix 'sh' means 'best, wisest'; therefore, the word 'Jyotisha' can be translated as 'the science of light', or 'the wisdom of the heavens'.

Each time a soul reincarnates, consciousness is brought into that lifetime. By observing the movements of the celestial bodies through time and space, the wisdom of the heavens can be applied to each incarnation to encourage the soul to develop to its fullest potential.

What is the purpose of Astrology?

Astrology is indicative, based on planetary positions and movements. Hence the predictions given are to be understood as trend of events and should not be taken in a deterministic sense. Hence one should not be a fatalist, but understand the predictions to imbibe confidence in oneself, so that we are equipped to face the future fairly and squarely.

In this context, it is worth knowing the following stanza from Phaladeepika –

   
Meaning: With the help of planetary movements, mortals can only give indications of what is to happen; who else other than BRAHMA can tell with certainty as to what will definitely happen.

This stanza gives the limitations of predictive Astrology. It is to be noted that two or more persons, do not react to a given set of situations in the same manner and that the same person also does not react to a similar situation in the same manner at different times. Hence free will of an individual plays a very important part and exerts considerable influence in our lives.  

In order to make Astrology work positively for our good, it may be necessary to take up remedial measures. We should also avoid negative traits in our lives like –unwanted talks; stealing; hurting others; covet others' wealth etc., We should  not make fun of others' lapses nor judge them from only our view point. It will be necessary to listen to the advice of elders, well wishers and seers. In order to lessen the burden of negative impact of accumulated karma of previous births, it is imperative that we should do pooja, japa, tapa, dhyana and dana as is necessary.

Krishna

Dear Krishna,
Very interesting compilation indeed.Why dont you also share the compilation on
the Role of Astrologer in this context?
AVAM

Dear Uncle,

Got a chance to compile the below from couple of legends view (with the help of google):

Compilation 1 :

The role of an astrologer is to practice astrology.  Basic model for the practice of astrology and what it entails.

Four to five common components may be found to be present in the practice of astrology, common to both Eastern and Western astrological traditions. The emphasis on each may vary from astrologer to astrologer, within and between varying astrological traditions, and historically over time. The five components are:

1) Prediction,
2) Retro-diction,
3) Description,
4) Advising and
5) Prescriptive Recommendations.

The last item, Prescriptive Recommendations, is a definite component of Vedic Astrology, and less common in modern Western astrology.

Prediction means forecasting the timing and nature of an event prior to the occurrence of that event.  Jyotisha/Vedic Astrology claims that only certain events and outcomes are predictable, not all events and outcomes.

Retro-diction means describing the timing and nature of an event after the occurrence of that event.  Many astrologers make retro-dictions in order to establish the accuracy of the horoscope or in some cases to fine-tune the birth time.   Retro-diction may be used as a therapeutic device which may provide a person with a sense of relief and trust in a greater order of things. Inversely, if not approached with sensitivity, accurate, yet unbridled retro-diction may feel invasive or may “stir up the pot” of a person's life unnecessarily. The skillful use of Retro-diction depends greatly upon the maturity, sensitivity, and experience of the astrologer.

Description may be defined as the enunciation of soft characteristics, such as personality traits, character traits, habitual emotional states, aptitudes and skills, inclinations, motivations, aspirations and desires, independent of the outcomes which may result from these. Character and personality profiles are common to both Western and Eastern astrology.

Advising may be defined as providing counsel and advice for modifying behaviors, attitudes, internal states and outcomes.

Prescriptive Recommendations means providing specific methods for redressing problems and facilitating transformation.  This is formally called Upaya, Karma Kanda, or “Remedial Measure” as roughly translated into English.

This is a common feature of Jyotisha/Vedic Astrology, while it may or may not be a part of Western systems of astrology. Astrological Advising involves a variety of suggestions, including do’s and don’ts pertaining to different areas of life, with respect to time. Prescriptive Recommendations, in the tradition of Jyotisha, involves recommending specific actions to be undertaken in order to redress an underlying obstruction in a person’s life as indicated by a problematic pattern in the horoscope. There is a vast array of remedial measures recommended by Vedic Astrologers including Prayer, Service, Giving of Alms, Meditation, Sacred Chanting, Pilgrimage, Wearing of Gemstones/Talismans, Architectural Modification, etc. Each of these is designated by a formal name, category and systematic method of "astrological prescription."  Many individuals attest to the life changing influences of such astrological prescriptions.   For Westerners this area is perhaps the most unfamiliar, yet we find some similar components in our own traditions.

Compilation 2 by Ronnie Gale Dryer :

It is quite usual to have a chart constructed by an astrologer when a child is born. During the time I studied with my second teacher, the practicing astrologer Deoki Nandan Shastri, I was present on many occasions when parents brought their children to his office for horoscope readings -- a common practice in India tantamount to a check-up at the pediatrician's in the West.

The horoscope is usually presented to the parents in multi-page booklet form and always includes the Rashi Chakr(a), the Moon Chart [Chandr(a) Lagn(a)], the Navamsa Chart and the planetary periods of Vimshottari Dasha (the inclusion of other Shodashavarga charts is optional).
These drawings and diagrams are accompanied by long, hand-written explanations of character traits, learning capabilities, parental descriptions, possible illness(es), the profession one is most suited for (though many times it is that of the father), the most suitable marriage partner, and a general summary as to how the child's life will proceed.

Also included are prognostications for auspicious and inauspicious periods, and times most conducive for education, marriage, children, residence, and/or travel. The information is then relayed orally and is then followed by a question-and-answer session when parents may ask anything they wish to about the destiny of their child. Until the child weds, it is very common for the astrologer to advise the parents about eating habits, behavior patterns, upbringing, education, or any phase affecting the formative years.

Since a great majority of Hindus have had their charts erected at birth, throughout their lies they usually consult the same astrologer who guides them medically and developmentally much like a general practitioner or family doctor.

The astrologer is almost always acquainted with the entire family whose horoscopes he has also constructed. Since he is usually knowledgeable in medicine and child psychology, he is also very often called upon by doctors and teachers to render a second opinion.

Medical astrology is a very important branch of Hindu astrology and practiced by astrologers in varying degrees. By assessing the planets in terms of their physical correspondences, the astrologer can easily see which part or parts of the body are weak and the periods during which they will be most problematic.

The astrologer may suggest that a gemstone or amulet be worn close to the affected part of the body in order to revive it. He may also recommend the use of various tinctures, medicinal and herbal remedies.

Though there are a wide variety of reasons why people pay an astrologer an office visit, his advice is most often sought when making major long-term decisions (i.e. change of residence, choosing a career, marriage, etc.) and short-term decisions (one's business, the signing of a document, the purchase of a car or house, etc.)

If the client so requests, the astrologer may even choose the precise moment when an event should take place based on the Nakshatr(a) [1/27th equal division of the zodiacal band] the Moon occupies and the nature of any transiting planets [and numerous other calculation results]. If the client requires short-term counsel or needs to chat, a visit is possible without an appointment.

Though his advice is based on precise mathematical calculations, his real ability to counsel is predicated on an unselfish concern for others, objective insight and experiential wisdom.

In addition to the astrologer's position in the community as general seer, confidante, and therapist, he is also the source of sacred knowledge. In ancient times the astrologer believed he had a direct line to the Gods, that his words had a divine source, that he was an intermediary who transmitted sacred teachings.

Although there are some religious gurus in India who teach meditative techniques and others who profess to have the ability to heal and power to bless, it is the astrologer who, like the priest or rabbi, provides non-judgmental and wise counsel.

His astrological sessions are, at times, "confessionals" furnishing comfort, hope and encouragement in bleaker moments. Unlike his Western counterpart, the Hindu astrologer serves the community and is available for advice whenever needed.

Modern young Hindus do not always visit an astrologer for accurate lifelong prediction as their parents did. Instead they seek him for unbiased advice, or simply to discuss their problems. If they leave less burdened, their visit was worthwhile.

Perhaps the astrologer's most significant duty towards his community is sanctioning marriages, still mostly pre-arranged by the parents and one of the most important decisions a woman and a man must make.

As is the case with many contemporary cultures and religions whose ancient traditions are still practiced, Hindu matrimony is not merely the marriage of two individuals but the union of two families. More often than not, it is part of a business merger or other profitable exchange in which each family, as a result of the wedding, gives something the other needs.

If a business transaction is not the criterion, the parents will seek out a prospective son or daughter-in-law from a family of appropriate caste [class] who will be a good provider for their children and grandchildren.

Because marriage is such an important decision to be made, te astrologer tells the family how he feels about a possible union in no uncertain terms. If he approves, his enthusiasm is boundless. If, however, he feels strongly that the marriage will bring disastrous results, he adamantly orders a rejection of the proposal. It also illustrates the power he wields over lives, a quality which, ironically, endears him to the Hindu community.

Although an astrologer's office will reflect his individuality, there are certain objects which remain constant. What I remember most about Pandit Shastri's office was that there were books in every corner of the room, not only about astrology but about healing rituals, medicine, child development and other related subjects.

As an example of his devotion, there was a miniature altar upon which stood a photo of his spiritual guru or patron God/Goddess, flowers and burning incense. Covering the walls were murals and photos of various Gods, Goddesses and astrological and Vedic sages, all of which tied to the study of astrology.

Most importantly, somewhere in most every astrologer's room or office, there is a photograph or reproduction of the elephant-God, Ganesh -- who guards the realm of secret knowledge, including astrology -- one of the highest forms of knowledge that the Gods and Goddesses are said to have bestowed upon Earth.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Compilation :3

The astrologer’s task is to assess how the archetypal meaning or ‘eternal pattern’ or map - has become modified and personalized for each individual. This careful analysis lies at the heart of the art and craft of psychological/counseling astrology, with its goal of promoting self awareness and psychic integration self awareness and self love since invariably, a few of our planets, or" sub-personalities", will have become distorted along the way, and functioning in a negative, defensive or self-destructive way, fallen into the unconscious (our blind spots) so that we are unaware of the power they hold over us.. The psychological astrologer attempts to identify which planets may have become distorted or degraded

At the core of each planet and sign lies it’s pure and "highest best use" archetypal quality, along with vital and creative elements of our being. We do have the potential to access the ‘gifts of the planetary gods’, however negative they may seem to us at first and work with them to create a more balanced self aware self & soul thus creating less suffering and empowerment.

Krishna

Dear Krishna,
Thank you for your compilation. I was wanting you to share your information if you have
on the ethical role of Astrologer in the present World, as also Ethical behaviour
of Astrologer which we tend to miss. I wish I could reproduce the wordings on
Ehical behaviour of Jyotishi from the great PVR Narasimha Rao's writings. He talks about
the positive and negative predictions....one should be positive when making predictions.
Negative predictions should should be made with with a restrained tone. Jyotishi may in general
caution the client about impending danger,suggest precautions,remedial measures but never
scare the Clients. Negative predictions made just for fame or sensational value brings unhappiness
to Jyotishi. Jyotishi should try to bring spiritual awareness in their clients and promote rightousness.
Jyothisha should never be a business. It should be a spiritual service.
Here is an extract from Vaughn Paul Manley from his article on 5 foundations of Jyotish.

Ethical Orientation
The jyotishi can experience inner light while doing spiritual practices but if his or her actions are not ethical then his or her clarity of mind suffers. Jyotish was brought forth by great sages for the welfare and benefit of humanity. When the jyotishi has the same attitude, and their primary motivation is to benefit and serve others, then he or she can be the most effective. The Dalai Lama says, "The key to ethical behavior is the concern for the welfare of others." Here's just one quote, among many others, that indicate that the original intention of Jyotish was for the welfare of others:

Maharishi Parashara said: O Brahmin! Now, after making obedience to Lord Shiva, I shall describe the Kala Chakra Dasha. Whatever was related by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati is being explained by me for the use of sages to be utilized for the welfare of the people.
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra ch46, v52-53

K.N. Rao emphasizes the need for an attitude of service when he says, "Fundamentally, true astrology begins only when one feels reasonably secure both inside and outside. Then only is one able to imbibe an attitude of service – which is the crucial key to unlocking the treasure of any Vidya (knowledge) such as astrology."
Astrology, like counseling, is a helping profession. Jyotish is also a powerful predictive system. A jyotishi's words can strongly influence others for better or for worse. Therefore, he or she needs to evaluate whether what they say and how they say it is ultimately helpful. Certainly, instilling fear in others through fatalistic statements is not helpful. In addition, promoting expensive remedial measures unnecessarily in order to benefit the jyotishi financially is unethical. Ultimately, how the jyotishi handles their relationships with clients is their own karmic responsibility.
"Always remember the four 'mahavakyas' (great axioms) of astrology - have faith; be diligent and practice patience; humbly learn from your mistakes, and live a life of service. Then the divine lotus of astrology will open in you." - K.N. Rao

I just wanted to share my humble views.

AVAM