Saturn’s Column
(From Volume II)
Objections to Astrology
arold Washington Public Library’s astrology rack [6th floor, BF series] is one of my favorite places in the city of Chicago. Not only do the astrology books hold my interest but I find the books against astrology equally exciting. One such book which I found particularly interesting is entitled
“Objections to Astrology” [1975, Impact Series, Prometheus Books] by Bart J Bok. The book contains signatures of 192 leading scientists including 19 Nobel Prize winners who unequivocally disavow astrology. Reading this book was a real treat.
One of the very first things I was taught in jyotish [astrology] is to understand the three principles of Sthana, Kala and Patra [place, time and individual background] when dealing with any issue in jyotish [astrology].
Many astrologers reading a book containing scientific arguments against astrology might become very angry or disappointed. Such a reaction demonstrates a biased attachment to astrology proving that astrologers, like practitioners of any profession on this planet, are human beings. However, the best astrologers have their practice grounded in the three primary principles [place, time and individual background]. This gives them the ability to analyze the problem with clarity because they can get into the shoes of the other person and see things from that person’s perspective.
Below is an excerpt from “Objections to Astrology” discussing one of the key arguments the scientific community poses against astrology.
Now, let me mention that the astrological community should understand and appreciate the fact that these arguments are coming from the scientific community. Thus, any response to this gravity argument must be in language that the scientists can understand. In communication between two such diverse groups as astrologers and scientists, it makes sense that if the astrologers want to respond to the scientists’ arguments, it is up to the astrologers to address the scientific principles involved.
The question of “how” planets influence us is an extremely relevant and scientifically well-founded question.
According to the “Theory of Universal Gravitation” formulated by Sir Issac Newton in 1687, all objects are
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attracted toward other objects, due to a force called gravitation. This includes everything from subatomic particles to massive stars and planets. The formula given for the gravitational force between two objects is F = GMm/R² where F is the force between the two objects, M is the mass of one object, m is mass of the other object, R is the distance between the centers of the two objects and G is an universal constant.
The scientists argue that such a force between Earth and other planets is too miniscule to affect people and things on earth. Mentioned below are some issues regarding the arguments posed by the scientific community.
1) Neither the astrological community nor any known astrological text has laid claim to the fact that the gravitational forces between the planets govern human life.
2) The quality of the gravitational forces between Mars and Earth and Jupiter and Earth (according to accepted norms of physics) is the same, irrespective of the planets involved. However, in astrology these planets and the energies associated with them are given completely diverse domains. Therefore, how can the force or forces be gravity?
3) To make a bold statement, the scientific community has ignored a few scientific facts. The Universe doesn’t collapse on itself due to the presence of dark matter [and dark energy], a principle which is still not completely understood by scientists. Dark matter plays a very significant role in the theory of gravitational forces.
4) It is not entirely true that physical planetary forces have no effect at all on life on Earth.
On the last point let me elaborate a little. In all astrological texts, Jupiter is has the status of a King or God. In Vedic Astrology, Jupiter is called “Dev Guru”, the Guru of the Devas and is considered a natural benefic planet.
In the example below, modern science reinforces the astrological belief regarding Jupiter’s status as a benefic planet without causing any contradiction.
This image above, taken on January 4 and 5, 2001, by the ion and neutral mass spectrometer instrument on the Cassini spacecraft, makes the huge magnetosphere surrounding Jupiter visible in a way no instrument on any previous spacecraft has been able to do.
Jupiter's magnetosphere is very special. It is the biggest thing in the entire solar system. Not only is it big enough to hold all of Jupiter's moons, but the sun itself could fit inside. It goes all the way to Saturn.
More importantly, we humans owe our existence to Jupiter and its magnetosphere. The gravitational force combined with its magnetosphere deflects the inflicting meteors towards the Earth [from Saturn’s belts] and the harmful radiations to the Earth. No wonder, this failed star [Jupiter] is physically like a God standing there and protecting Earth and its life forms.
The point is how did the scientists “assume” that the principles of astrology are based on planetary
“forces”? Could it be because an astrologer uses a chart based on planetary positions to interpret a person’s destiny? In that case, any scientist uses a watch to see time. Would a scientist deduce that the hands of the clock govern the principles of time? Probably not.
To elaborate, in 1998, I was troubled a lot by a question pertaining to astrology as we know it today.
What if in a few thousand years from now, something happened to the planet Mercury and it just blasted into pieces?
In 2002, I watched a Hollywood movie called “Total Recall” and another question sprang up in my mind. What would a horoscope of a Martian [or even a human born on Mars] look like?
I encourage my students to ask such questions. Such questions are not stupid, and if properly analyzed, would shake the very foundation of jyotish as we know it today.
If something happens to the physical planet Mercury one day and it is shattered into pieces in space, all humans will not cease to communicate. People on Earth will not suffer from memory losses nor cease to learn new things. Borders and Barnes & Noble for sure will not stop selling books.
All things indicated by Mercury in classical astrology will not undergo any change. The question then is
“why” so? The answer is extremely simple. If the second hand in my wrist watch breaks, time is not affected at all.
We should not be surprised at all by this reasoning. After all, we use latitude and longitude to denote any place on Earth based on “imaginary” lines. All systems of astrology that use the lunar nodes utilize
“imaginary” points in space. Similarly, if the planet Mercury no longer existed, an “imaginary”
Mercury could still be plotted and charts with Mercury could still be drawn.
The point I am making is that it isn’t the physical planet Mercury that is influences us; it is the predominant presence of “Mercurial” elements in us that influences us. The physical planet merely plays the role of a hand of a 9-hand astrological clock [7 planets from Sun to Saturn and 2 nodes].
I will not answer the question as to how the element of Mercury is measured in us [humans] in this article but will surely do so in subsequent articles in the e-zine series.
Now, if someone is born on Mars, what would be their horoscope and how could you predict from it?
For sure, the planet Mars would not be shown in their horoscopes, the factors of Sthana, Kala and Patra [place, time and individual background] would change completely, and a blue-green planet called
“Earth” would be seen in the horoscopes of Martians.
Tabulated below are some “objections” raised in the book “Objections to Astrology” and my responses to them.
Objection Response
No considerable gravitational force on humans The 9-hand clock theory, no astrologer or astrology book mentions gravitational forces as an influencing factor. However, some factors are evident and they do physically influence life on Earth like Jupiter’s presence, Lunar tides, Sun spots and comets.
Zodiacs move and the position of the stars change with respect to Earth
Precession of the equinoxes in relation to the sidereal zodiac was explained centuries ago. The factor called “Ayanamsa” exists to account for this movement.
Twin Birth Challenge, Statistical Astrology results etc.
One chart isn’t enough to know everything about someone. Divisional charts need to be cast to determine ascertain differences in the lives of individuals. Sthana Kala Patra [Place, Time and Individual background] can never be forgotten as principle factors in astrology.
Much more explanation is necessary on this topic and this issue will be dealt with subsequent issues.