Why Do We Turn to Astrologers?

“The aim of all the Vedas is to know Me,” says Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita (15.15).

At the heart of every human search for knowledge lies the deeper search for the Divine — whether we realise it or not.

The higher purpose of astrology isn’t simply to ease suffering or help avoid it (which is impossible anyway, in a world governed by the strict laws of karma — the principle of cause and effect).

Even a life filled with only good deeds can’t escape the six inevitable forms of suffering described in the Vedas:

Hunger

Cold Illness

Death Natural disasters

And the pain caused by other living beings.

In the Bhagavad Gita (7.16), Krishna lists four types of people who approach Him:

Those in distress

Those seeking wealth

The curious

Those yearning for truth.

In a similar way, people come to astrologers with these same motivations.

But an astrologer is not God — their deeper task is to gently point seekers towards the Divine.

What Should an Astrologer Be Like?

Nowadays, horoscopes are everywhere — in newspapers, magazines, online — but real astrology is always individual.

Each person has their own karma, unique fate and personal path that only they can walk.

A true astrologer can help a person understand this path, to see the causes behind their joys and struggles, and — most importantly — to accept their destiny as an expression of divine love.

In India, astrologers are held to a high standard and are expected to embody four key qualities:

1️⃣ Vedagya — knowledge of the Vedas

2️⃣ Ganitapatu — mathematical skill

3️⃣ Vrttavan — education and virtuous action

4️⃣ Satya-vacha — truthfulness.

 Vedagya: The Astrologer Must Know the Vedas

People come to astrologers for advice — but often, they unconsciously wish for someone to decide for them.

How can an astrologer guide responsibly without understanding karma, reincarnation and the eternal nature of the soul?

An astrologer who bases their advice on the eternal laws of the Vedas aligns with dharma — divine duty — and ensures their guidance carries spiritual blessings.

Ganitapatu: Mastery of Mathematics

Astrologers must be skilled in calculations.

Even today, when computers make horoscope calculation easier, the true astrologer still checks every chart by hand, because technology can fail or human error can slip in.

Mercury is the planet that governs astrologers — developing mathematical skill strengthens an astrologer’s connection to this planet, and grants them the clarity and intuition that no computer can replicate.

Vrttavan: Good Education and Upright Action

In India, astrology is an honoured profession, often taught from childhood within families and formal universities. For example, Banaras Hindu University offers a seven-year course in astrology.

But education is not just about technical knowledge.

You must first receive genuine spiritual guidance. Only then will your education truly prepare you to understand Jyotish.

Astrologers aren’t expected to be perfect — they too are subject to karma.

But they must sincerely strive for purity and integrity in all they do.

Satya-vacha: Truthfulness

An astrologer must be honest and free from selfish motives — never using their knowledge for personal gain or ego.

But what is truth?

Let say Western astrologer bluntly tell a young couple in love that their marriage would fail in three years.

They left heartbroken, but what he failed to understand is that even those three years together could have helped them resolve deep karmic lessons.

Truth is what brings spiritual growth and peace of mind — not simply stating a prediction, but offering guidance that nurtures the soul.

The Example of a Perfect Astrologer

The Mahabharata offers a story of an ideal astrologer:

Sahadeva, a Pandava prince and a brilliant astrologer, was asked by Duryodhana (his enemy) to calculate the most auspicious moment to start a war — even though that war would lead to Sahadeva’s own defeat and death.

Sahadeva did his duty with complete honesty and calculated the time — new moon — knowing it would favour Duryodhana.

But in the end, Krishna, the Supreme Lord, orchestrated events so that Duryodhana acted rashly and lost the war anyway.

This story shows that only Krishna — the Divine — truly controls destiny.

Who Knows the Future?

Astrologers can only suggest how events might unfold.

Only Absolute Truth knows exactly what will happen.

As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita (7.26):

“I alone know the past, present, and future of all beings.”

This is why wise astrologers seek to know God first — because, as Krishna declares:

“He who knows Me, knows all.”

Sharing this wisdom with you is a reminder that astrology is more than prediction — it’s a tool to help you understand life’s patterns, your unique path, and your connection to the greater cosmic story.