| Can
I become an Astrologer? |
| In the
ancient times, a strict code of conduct was demanded of those
who practised astrology. A guru would teach astrology only
to a deserving disciple who would adhere to such a code of
conduct. The guru-shishya (i.e. teacher-disciple) tradition
is already long over in India.
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With changing times,
it has become difficult to find an appropriate ‘guru’
and a deserving ‘shishya’ to pursue this sacred study
within the rules laid by the sages of yore. It is, however, quite
in order to be aware of this ancient code of conduct. Varahamihira,
the celebrated authority on astrology, prescribes the following
qualifications for an astrologer.In order to decipher what lies
concealed in the Vedas, a study of certain subjects is considered
a prerequisite. These subjects are called the 'Vedangas' or the
body organs of the Vedas. There are six such Vedangas. They are:
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a. Physical
features: According to the said author, the physical feature
reflects the inner nature of a man. The astrologer must be good
to look at, with all his body parts complete and healthy. He should
be of sound health, with sound hands, feet, nails, chin, teeth,
ears, forehead and head, and heaving a loud and impressive voice. |
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b. Moral
soundness: He should be truthful,
gentle, bereft of cravings and aversions clean of heart, not inclined
to be critical of the qualities of others, and devoid of base and
worldly distractions. |
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c. Behaviour
in an assembly: He should be clever,
able to express himself, bold in an assembly, not intimidated by
his fellow astrologers, dignified, and aware of the constraints
of social and historical circumstances. |
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d. Proficiency
in the subject of astrology: He should
be well read, and proficient in the three branches of astrology
known as the Ganita, the Samhita and the Hora. He must have studied
the five Siddhantas (or mathematical treatises). His mathematical
proficiency must include knowledge of the various divisions of time,
from the gross ones like the Yuga to the finer ones. He must also
possess knowledge of the various divisions, including the finest
ones, of the zodiac. |
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e. Proficiency
in various branches of astrology:
The astrologer is required to possess a knowledge of different aspects
of astrology which deal with propitiation of planets, rendering
the planets beneficial or hostile, conducting religious ceremonies,
and rituals which help neutralise the natural calamities. |
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f. Defence
of astrology: The astrology must
be able to answer queries, and also pose relevant questions where
appropriate, when necessary, he should be able to dazzle others
by his knowledge, only to increase the dignity of astrology. |
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g. More
about the qualities of an astrologer: The astrologer must
possess knowledge of solar, civil, nakshatric and lunar time measures;
of intercalary months; of the sixty Samvatsaras, the yugas, years,
months, days and Horas; of varying opinions on varying aspects of
mathematical astronomy; of various dispositions of planets, including
their exaltations, debilitations, fast and slow motions, there conjunctions
as well as planetary warfares; of latitudes and longitude of places
on the surface of the earth; of the movements of the Nakshatras;
of the rising and setting of signs, Charakhandas for different latitudes,
etc. He should be highly confidant and a clear expounder of the
Shastras. |
The sage Parashara advocates a similar code of conduct for astrologers,
stressing particularly on the necessity for technical, intellectual
and moral excellence; the capacity to weigh the pros and cons of
a situation, along with an ability to synthesise a coherent prediction
based on a sound knowledge of the principles, sometimes apparently
contradictory, of astrology.
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| More
on Vedic Astrology |
| Vedic
Astrology and Western Astrology |
| Who
should be an Astrologer? |
| Mythological
Facts behind Hindu Astrology |
| Vedic
concepts made true by Science |
| Astrology:
As old as Vedas |
|
| Related
Links |
| Gayatri
Mantra: Supreme Mantra Of Vedas |
| Tantra:
Success In Spiritual Worldly Affairs |
| Rudraksha:
Tear Of Shiva |
|
Spiritual
And Divine Nature Of Number |
| How
Lines Formed On Hand |
| Mythological
Facts Behind Hindu Astrology |
| Vastu
And Cosmic Energy |
