Astrology: Should it run your life?

Politicians consult the stars before toppling governments or holding elections. Parents turn to astrology to ensure their children will be happily married.

But is astrology a science and can it be trusted? Should people rely on soothsayers to run their lives or use more rational methods?

Does astrology and superstition in general hold South Asia back in terms of cultural development?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your reaction

Astrology is not a science but pure psychology. Why should we be slaves to a piece of paper? I personally believe this kind of superstition should be eradicated from society.
Nadun, UK

We should study this more before coming to any conclusions

Raj K, India

Astrology has been brought down in the eyes of the masses by a lot of frauds who use it to fool the public. Astrology is a science it merely assumes that a person's life is influenced by the stars and planets and their relative positions. The astrologers are able to speak about your past as well as your future. There are places in India where you could just give your date/time and place of birth and they would give you all your details including what your name means. We should study this more before coming to any conclusions.
Raj K, India

What is the definition of better life? One can be materially better off and be happy. One can be spiritually better off and be happy. One can be morally better off and also be happy. But philosophically, material happiness is the most superfluous one and it is not leading anywhere but to the doom of the world. Because of the greed we are destroying the planet the mother earth. Where will it take us? We will only be cursed by our own posterity. All the other richness provides meaning to the ultimate purpose of life. Very few can understand this and pursue it because of the greed for material comfort and wealth. Astrology provides this kind of richness in people's lives. It teaches one to respect and worship the elements of nature like wind, soil, earth, water and minerals. Materialists don't worship them. They destroy it to gain material wealth. Basically we, humans, are too short-sighted.
Mandhoj Tamang, Canada

Astrology is just a disease that incapacitates the mind

Sanjay Havanur, India/USA

What a question! Is cancer good for India? Is AIDS good for India? Is corruption good for India? Or for any other country in the world? Some diseases cripple the body, some others debilitate the society. Astrology is just a disease that incapacitates the mind. It can be cured by that rare medicine called common sense.
Sanjay Havanur, India/USA

Human beings still have a long way to go. We don't even understand how our body functions. We don't even have medicines for cancer or AIDS. So who is capable of defining the science behind it?
John B., USA

One astrologer predicted that I might die this year, I am doing my first skydive next month. I will let you know how right he was:-)
Ashish Sharma, USA/India

Astrology is the applied science of how astronomical knowledge should be used for human benefit. Those putting down astrology should know that Indian astrologers do work with charts that determine the fertility cycles of women when determining auspicious moments for marriages. As opposed to perception, astrologers do have a very scientific basis only if one takes the time to look deeper. Astrologers help farmers sow by determining the proper dates based on their knowledge of seasons. Such advice may be superseded these days by contemporary meteorologists, but to put down the whole field of astrology as bunkum is uncalled for, particularly as village astrologers still serve those who have no access to radio or television. There is a very tangible benefit from astrology.
Srinivas Bangarbale, USA

If it provides solace and hope to simple-minded folks, what's wrong with it?

Amar Sinha, India

Is astrology really harmful? If it provides solace and hope to simple-minded folks, what's wrong with it? India achieved a pride of place in science and economic prosperity in the ancient world when this superstition was present. It is not astrology that led to India's woes. It is a millennia of torture at the hands of barbarian invaders that led India to it's present state. And look around India. Hordes of gun-toting murderers spreading terror all over the world. Far better for the world if they regressed in to a harmless superstition like astrology and gave up their crusades of terror.
Amar Sinha, India

One of the reasons that India is behind despite lots of world class technologist and scientist in today's world because of the influence of this fake science of Astrology.
Arun Roy, UK

I hold a PhD in Atomic Physics and am working in Electronic Instrumentation. I was brought up by Christian mother. So I never believed in Astrology. But a friend of mine, a very good astrologer, predicted my 15-year life from 1986 and it happened. As a science graduate, I couldn't give any scientific explanations. Also in astrology the Sun is treated as a God and rotates the earth in a vehicle having seven horses of different colours (white light has 7 colours)! Make up your minds.
Dr B Srigengan, UK

I don't know what kind of people would use astrology to dictate their lifestyle. They have to be very dumb to believe that stars can plot a course for someone's life.
Sam, USA

Astrology is a highly sophisticated science. The only reason it does not work is because the astrologer has to have a lot of will power, but most don't.
Shankar, USA

Let us not start labelling astrology as science!

Sudhir, India/US

Astronomy, not astrology, is a science. The latter, like religion, is purely a matter of faith. Societies that rely on astrology are invariably poor, ignorant, and illiterate. What does that say about the power of astrology? Let those who want to practice astrology or religion do so as a matter of free choice. But let us not start labelling astrology as science!
Sudhir, India/US

I think astronomy is the science and it is affecting our lives because of magnetic fields which are transmitted through planets and stars. If we study and understand astronomy we can solve our live's problems, we can even predict our future from astronomy.
Vikram Dhruva, USA

I can't believe that the BBC would actually give space for something like this to be debated!! Long live obscurantism!
Sriram, Indian

There is no charm in life if you know its future in advance. Astrology is prohibited in Islam and one should never try to know one's future.
Ebadathullah Shariff, India

It is a scientific fact that full moon causes tide and makes mental patients more hyper. The effect of other planets on humans cannot be questioned.
S.Sharma, Canada

Astrology is bad for South Asians. The practice has been carried out in this region for centuries and has contributed to the miseries of the people here. The psychological effects of one knowing his/ her future, especially if it's a bad one, has not been studied. People who believe in astrology take their fate for granted and never work on bettering their lives. This has contributed to a stagnant lifestyle with no outlook for a better one.
Andrew Thill, USA

Astrology is as much of a science as psychology

Tridiv Borah, Germany/ India

Astrology is as much of a science as psychology. It is definitely better than the 'pseudo psychology' being widely practised in the Western world
Tridiv Borah, Germany/ India

Astrology follows the theory that everything in the universe follows a specific cycle. By determining the position of celestial bodies to the position they were in at the time of the person's birth, astrologers aim to determine the phase in the cycle that a person is currently going through. It is a simple application of the scientific method to a theory. This theory, like all theories, cannot be proved nor disproved. Indeed, it is more scientific than saying, "I don't believe in astrology because my religion/ belief dictates that it cannot be true".
Gowrie, Canada

Astrology is not for religion; it's a scientific theory. The magnetic fields, that get created by the planets' position when you are born, can make a lot of difference to the nature of every living thing.
Emil, UK

Why does an astrologer always make a prediction rather than mentioning any past incident? A proper astrologer must be able to relay some of the past incidents of one's life. After all, that should be easier since it is based on science! However, I do believe in astrology to some extent (especially when a gem stone is recommended on that basis).
Ashraf Shaheen, UK

Astrology is one among thousands of superstitions practised in India and other parts of the world. When it fails in its prediction, the proponents of this culture safely escape by blaming the astrologer. Though every religion has its share of superstition around, astrology was created and propagated by the 'priestly class' in India as part of Hinduism. Even by simple logic, if astrology can guide the future, Indians should have benefited more than any other society in the world as India has the highest number of astrologers guiding them.
N. Tamilarasu, India/ USA

Who would pass up a chance to see into their future?

Ferzana, UK

I'm sure most people treat astrology as a form of entertainment. After all, who would pass up a chance to see into their future? It's akin to palmistry - but you wouldn't necessarily act on what you were told. You have to be very foolish to let it run your life though - only you should be able to do that - not astrologers or any other type of religious cleric.
Ferzana, UK

Astrology is an additional tool to help make correct decisions. However, in the end common sense and wisdom will help us make the right choices.
G. Chandramohan, USA

It is well known that the CIA used psychics to spy on the USSR and somehow they are not regarded as being unscientific. Astrology on the other hand is an integral part of Indian culture and has nothing to do with superstition. Besides, India still has some of the best scientific institutions in Asia and produces scientists like CV Raman, Boss and Khurana.
Sid Raina, USA/ India

Astrology is an integral part of Hinduism

Viswanath VR, Texas, USA

Astrology is an integral part of Hinduism. Given the correct time and date of birth, an astrologer can correctly predict future events. Belief is waning nowadays mainly because many astrologers do not correctly interpret the configuration of the stars. I would ask non-believers not to base their decision on the incorrect predictions of an astrologer.
Viswanath VR, Texas, USA

Astrology is for those people who have nothing to do in their life except cling to their fate and irrational thoughts. Neil Armstrong was not given any astrological prediction that he would be the first person to step on the moon.
Vivek Sharma, Canada

Astrology is a fraud, according to the late famous astrophysicist Carl Sagan. I agree with him.
Srinath HS, USA

It boils down to the people who use it, and their ability to make the proper judgement

Ramachandran, USA

Like anything else in life, common sense judgements in the use of astrology can be good thing. The effect of planetary movements on life on earth have validity, even as scientific theories go. Astrology focuses on these effects and provides pointers that one can use. However, fanatic adherence to astrology, like anything else in life, can be bad. It boils down to the people who use it, and their ability to make the proper judgement using their own intellect, their common sense, as to how they use it in their lives that is important.
Ramachandran, USA

It's going to be the life time blunder if anyone still believes in astrology rather than believing in themselves. Make your own decision!!!
Faheem Moor, Germany

No doubt, a synonym for 'astrology' would be 'foolishness'. All Hindus know it. But the affection towards a culture that is thousands of years old is making them blind. The don't want to leave their culture even though it is wrong. Even though it gives false statements, my beloved country people somehow want to justify them.
M. Malik, Bangalore, India

Astrology is part of the Hindu way of life in India

Piyush, USA

Astrology is part of the Hindu way of life in India. As it has been pointed out Hinduism is a way of life and not a religion. It has been part of the Hindu culture to ensure that the stars are in an auspicious position during important events in one's life. However one must not take an astrologer's word as final. How strong an astrologer's predictions figure in one's life is a personal choice. If people are insecure and would like to base their actions on astrologer's words so be it. However, this is unlikely given the current breed of poor astrologers. Fighting this is fighting a vital part of the Hindu culture. It's almost like asking the British people so stop having their afternoon tea. Anyway, what is the "cultural development" the British speak of. Their culture is being eroded, and hopefully India will not end up in the same sorry state as the culture in the US or Britain.
Piyush, USA

How come position of stars, moon and sun determine the luck of persons or predict what is going to happen? Superstitions and will to acquire wealth through shortcuts have made people in this scarcely rich country believe in things other than god and submit to fancy reasons and hypes.
Syed Ali, India

I would say that it is because of your bias you name only South Asia. In Silicon Valley which is supposed to have only highly rational and scientific people a lot of people started approaching psychic readers when dot-com bubble burst. Palmists or psychic readers are the major attraction of some company parties. I heard from a friend that a CFO of a dot-com company used to pray to God every day so their stock price go up. I think people will turn to such things when they have a sense of insecurity. It is not limited to South Asia.
shyam, USA/India

I never believed astrology until I was 34 or so. During those years I had heard occasional comments about major events to happen in my life. I used to make fun of those astrologers but later in my life when something (marriage) went wrong and somehow I started getting free predictions from people practising Indian, tropical, Chinese, Hebrew, etc... kind of astrology. All of them had pretty much 75-90% in common but still I didn't want to believe in astrology. Being a successful engineer, I wanted to be analytical and scientific, so for more than two years I started comparing major (current and upcoming) events with the predictions. I found out that predictions can be accurate within 90%, if the time of birth is accurate and it is the right astrologer.
Dilip, USA

There is more science in Hindu religion than in any encyclopaedia on the subject

Aditya Dubey, India

There is more science in Hindu religion than in any encyclopaedia on the subject. Astrology is based on physics and mathematics, the two most logical disciplines. It is not plain superstitious belief when astrologers are consulted before beginning anything new. It is very, very logical to assume that people are affected by the sun, the moon and the stars in the same manner as are these heavenly bodies themselves and also the plants and the animals. There is ample evidence on the subject derived from studies conducted by scientists from all over the world during phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses. As we all know by now, these are the main sources of energy on our planet. Not difficult to understand and believe then that any change in position of these heavenly bodies should bring about a corresponding change on our planet.
Aditya Dubey, India

Our religion does not allow us to believe on anything except the God. So I believe that God knows the future better than anyone and anything else!
Javed Khan, Pakistan

If the believers can extract an instant happiness and contentment with astrology so be it. After all everybody is looking for a little happiness and contentment.
Mandhoj Tamang, Canada

Astrology is a fanciful and romantic subject. As long as it doesn't clash with the welfare of human beings, its acceptable. But beyond a limit, it loses its dimension. Imagine categorising 4 billion people in a few zodiacs and then expecting them to behave in a similar manner.
Tarun B, India

I strongly object to the unwarranted comments made by Tanveer Khan on Hinduism and ignoring Islam totally. By his letter, it appears that Islam is all progressive, all rational and all sane a religion whereas Hinduism is not even a religion but an amalgamation of superstitions. Nothing is good or bad, only the thinking that makes it so.
Vivek M, USA/India

That is all it is, a light to guide you when darkness surrounds you

Name Here

I think astrology is indeed a science. I don't say that we should become totally dependent on astrology but please keep your minds open. Use it with caution and logic. After all the first principle of astrology is that "Planets incline they do not compel". Use it as a guideline that helps you to make decisions when logic fails. Astrology is actually called Jyotish, meaning light. That is all it is, a light to guide you when darkness surrounds you. Just as you don't use flash lights when it is day time, don't use astrology for everything, but use it as a flashlight in darkness.
Jignesh Shah, India

Astrology is both science and belief. In brief it gives prediction and decision-making capabilities but in toady's fast life it's losing importance and trust.
Ravi Sharma, NY,USA

Astrology is indeed widely practised in South Asia, and for many centuries now. So why is South Asia so rife with poverty? Whether considered a religion or a science, astrology has failed to protect its adherents from the most basic problems of human existence.
Doug Pruner, USA

Technically the belief in god is stupid and unscientific - but we still do that and let it run many aspects of our lives. So what if astrology is unscientific?
Sidharth Bhatia

It provides a glimpse of hope in hopelessness.
Narinder Dogra, USA

Astrology and other brain-dead superstitions are indeed holding India culturally very back. I am appalled to see how even the so-called educated professional Indians are so superstitious. Hinduism is the main cause of this messy situation. However, the solution is not conversion to other religions (that has not at all helped) but the abandonment of all religions.
Meenan Vishnu, USA

Its the tendency of human beings to define a science as a superstition unless it is proven

Ashish, USA

Its the tendency of human beings to define a science as a superstition unless it is proven, astrology is one of them. It's a pure science and 80% of those who practice it don't know anything about it, and this gives the misconception of it being a superstition. In fact there is also an ego associated of not believing somebody else if is not theoretically proven.
Ashish, USA

If it was OK for Nancy Reagan and US President Ronald Reagan to consult astrologers, why pick on South Asian politicians and make it a topic of discussion? Why should Indians criticise their politicians, culture and religion on BBC?
S Viraj, USA

Astrology is a science. Use of this science to fool people or to benefit them is in the hands of those who practice it. If it is possible to explain by astrology then its use is completely justifiable.
Kaustubh, India

Astrology and the other so-called occult sciences are not unique to South Asia. Look at any grocery store or Internet outlet. But the difference is the avidity with which it is practised in South Asia. Is it good? If so how did the British take over the subcontinent with so much ease, and run it with a bare 25000 people for two centuries? The hold of such superstitions is loosening, and hopefully will wane away.
Ramakrishnan, US

The contributions of the oldest civilisation whose birthplace is "India" is innumerable and astrology is one of them

Aruna, India/USA

For people who term "astrology" as a superstition, what do you think of the Western "civilised" people? Why is number 13 considered "unlucky" by the West? How many people who described "astrology" as a superstition have read the Hindu Scriptures? The purpose of "Vedic Astrology" or "Science of Light" is not to just tell us what our destiny is via the stars. It does not leave us helpless before fate but shows how we can use the planetary energies operative in our lives in the best possible way. It also has a practical side, Yoga. If the modern astrologer cannot exactly predict your life, then blame the astrologer, not the civilisation which is the cradle of human race. The contributions of the oldest civilisation whose birthplace is "India" is innumerable and astrology is one of them!
Aruna, India/USA

Is it really a South Asian issue? I don't think so. Astrologers are not much sought after in Pakistan. An ordinary Mullah has more say in Pakistan than an astrologer.
Ahmad R. Shahid, Pakistan

Astrology is intuitive science which has been spoiled by the fake astrologers who, in order to make money, exploit the people of Asia. Go to an astrologer who does not take any money from you.
Rajesh, India/USA

I don't know whether astrology is real or not. But most of the astrologers are fake

Arunmozhivarman , India

I really don't know whether astrology is real or not. But most of the astrologers are fake and they do it because it gets them more money than any other profession with so little knowledge and effort. When I was young at least 9 out of 10 astrologers predicted I would never cross even High School. Guess what? I went on to get top rank in state and went to one of the top ten engineering colleges in India. Then again some astrologer predicted that I won't live after 21. Today I am 26 and haven't visited the doctor's in the last 12 years. Well...all along I never believed these astrologers.
Arunmozhivarman , India

Astrology has been a tradition of South Asia for more than 10,000 years, and there are times it's completely proven. But there are times its wrong. It all depends on the one who says it. It's not the Asians who believe in astrology, even many Westerners believe in it as well as the Asians. I have seen more psychic reading ads in USA than any other country! All we need in the South Asian countries especially in India, is to stop the corruption and if every government servant works genuinely it will be the best country to live on this earth.
Krishna, USA/ INDIA

Astrology helps to make a decision

Vinod Dawda, UK

Astrology helps to make a decision. The variable of the issues are so many that it is not possible to make a decision about many things with any certainty. Economics forecasting is similar! How many times they can predict far ahead with any accuracy? What is rational today can be quite irrational tomorrow!
Vinod Dawda, UK

Superstitions in South Asia, particularly in India, is part of the culture and religion. Hinduism is basically a culture rather than a religion. Because of this deep relationship between religion and culture, people are not able to change their behaviour. It covertly would be a fight against religion as well as culture. People with such culture/religion that goes back more than thousands of years are not going to change their behaviour in few years or couple of decades.
Tanveer Kan, USA

My advice is that people should ... do what they think is right based on common sense and wisdom

Dimuthu, America

Being from South Asia, I know the impact of astrologers on everyday lives. I know so many friends whose lives have been turned upside-down by astrologers who wouldn't approve of their chosen marriage partners. My advice is that people should not run their lives based only on astrologers' advice but do what they think is right based on common sense and wisdom. As the Lord Buddha once said on this topic "Its all in the stars".
Dimuthu, America

If the changes in stars can affect the earth why can't it affect people. Before science knew Mars was red Tamil astrology knew it as a red planet. Tamils call it Sevaai (Red Mouth).
Shan Thayaparan, Canada

It is about time that people in South Asia shake the burdens that astrology, superstition and its ilk lay on their back and get on with living life to its potential

Ashok, Denmark

It is about time that people in South Asia shake the burdens that astrology, superstition and its ilk lay on their back and get on with living life to its potential. Astrology and its consequences have shackled the Indian mind for too long. Proponents have their vested interests in propagating these practices disguising its creed as some form of 'science'. Small wonder that most people are fatalistic, waiting for things pre-determined to happen rather than being responsible for themselves. It has cost us dearly in the past and it is time give this 'science' a fitting burial. The priestly class in India uses this abominable practice to practice a different form of apartheid i.e., only a certain set of people can preside over weddings, conduct worship etc. These are the same people who declare certain times to be 'good' and others to be 'inauspicious'. They have not been challenged to back their beliefs which are fostered on other people as well. Just take a look around and notice that every other nation that does not follow such practices ensures a better quality of life for its people.
Ashok, Denmark

People need hope to cling on to their lives

Srinivasan Ramaswamy, USA

Science has accepted that the Sun, Moon and Planets of our solar system have some influence in our life and this is the basis of astrology. As any science waxes and wanes without a proper torchbearer to carry it forward, astrology too has gone from true seers to money-minded people and lost its value. But it still has its preservers in India and other parts of the world and cannot be termed a pseudo science. People, whether politicians or ordinary villagers, need hope to cling on to their lives and while some find it within themselves, some have to search outside which leads them to astrologers to give them some assurance that bright days are ahead. So even present day astrology cannot be termed a menace to society.
Srinivasan Ramaswamy, USA

I wonder why these folks believe in astrology?
1. They don't trust themselves.
2. Laziness
3. Religion is also a factor.
Fenton Alphonse, Canada/ Sri-Lanka

Politicians in South Asia consult the stars only to send an impression to the voters that they hold traditional values. It is only meant to mislead and enhance their selfish ulterior motives. Parents only do it to because they feel they are in a position to reverse any upcoming calamity in their child's life. It only adds more psychological pain to some and satisfaction to others. People in South Asia should not rely on soothsayers to run their lives.
Guru Shenoy, USA

Yes astrology is a valid science. It is something that has been trusted for thousands of years and it has proven its effectiveness many times before.
Vikas, India/ USA

Astrology is an integral part of life to many Hindus and meaningless to others. Hindu rishis realised early on the significance of the stars and their implications.
Geet Pillay, USA