Fraud of Astrology

Astrology, what does it mean - etymologically and conventionally. If we find a logical answer to this question, we will come to know whether Astrology is a science or not. Etymologically, Aster means a star, and so Astrology must mean ‘logia or description of stars’. Under this cover, Astrology is akin to Astronomy, with the difference that the first is description and the second is the nomenclature, thereby both meaning almost the same thing. Thus, Astrology proves to be a science.


But presently, Astrology is used for a different purpose - Effect of Stars on Human Life. And I take this meaning of Astrology for my discussion. Therefore, henceforth my discussion of the subject, shall be focused on conventional understanding of the word. Conventionally, Astrology means influence of stars on human-beings, what is known as ‘Jyotish’ is India. Under this definition, we will have further investigate whether this subject is fit to be treated as a science or not. For this, it is better to know first, what do we mean by the word ’science’. Science is a stream of definite knowledge of the subject of study. Here, ‘definite’ means logically-derivable and without any ambiguity. This reduces our original question to - whether Astrology is logically-derivable and unambiguous or not. Influence of stars on human-beings is based on mere hypotheses only without any substancial evidence, hence is not logically-derivable. This puts conventional understanding of Astrology out of realm of sciences. I will put forth other evidences also for Astrology’s ambiguity. First, Astrology is a subject having origin in India where an ancient scripture authored by Parashar is treated as the primary source of this knowledge. I have this scripture on my table now. Under Astrology, all humans are put into 12 classes with a representative zodiac sign for each class. These classes are called rashis in India. Unfortunately, for those having faith in Astrology, the original scripture mentions only 10 rashis in its original Vedic Sanskrit script , but its Hindi translation by a renowned Pandit, the number of rashis has been stated to be 12.


This raises doubt on the originality of Astrology and also on the intentions of Pandits practising and preaching Astrology. In India, community of Pandits practises Astrology as a profession. Second, the 12 zodiac signs are allocated on two different bases - Sun-based and Moon-based, raising a question which one is correct. Third, Is it possible that whole of humanity will have only 12 types of influences of stars on them, while every human-being is different from all others, facing different circumstantial difficulties. Fourth, Can any body on this Earth say that two persons born at the same time do have same fortune? If not, how to explain it through Astrological predictions. All these logical considerations make Astrology an ambiguous and controversial subject, and hence does not desrve to be a science.